OPED from MI Apogeo - Why I support John McCain

In the past years, we have seen Latinos become the largest minority in the United States. Our earning power has risen, and role as leaders has increased. Today, Latinos political power is the focus of much debate. Who will the Latino voters choose?

John McCain has had a deep and special relationship with the Hispanic community for years. For over than twenty years, John McCain has always represented the interest of the Latino voters in his home state of Arizona. As Senator of a border state and one with a large number of Latinos, McCain knows the importance of Latino issues and of America’s important relationship with Mexico. The Latinos voters of Arizona have returned McCain’s loyalty by overwhelming supporting him in his Senate races and in the presidential primaries.
While other candidates were attacking Latinos in the primaries, John McCain never did. McCain knew that Latinos and immigrants are the strength of this nation, not the problem. McCain knew this even when he was attacked by both parties for standing up for immigration reform. Some attacked him, some didn’t even take a stand. McCain’s courage almost destroyed his presidential hopes. Yet, McCain never faltered, he never backed down, because he knew it was the right thing to do, not just for Latinos, but for America.
McCain understands that America is not the cause of the world’s problems, America is the solution. Yet, America can only remain strong if there is a strong Latin America. This is why McCain supports a free trade agreement with Columbia. This is why McCain traveled to Latin America and not Europe during the campaign. McCain understands that the fortunes of America are tied to the fortunes of Latin America.
McCain’s history with the Latino community is more than just politics. McCain relationship with our community is personal. One of McCain’s best friends and roommate at Annapolis was Frank Gamboa. It was by befriending Mr. Gamboa that McCain learned that Latinos are not asking to be pandered to, we merely want to be treated as equals, as Americans.
It is well known that McCain displayed his sacrifice by refusing to leave the Hanoi Hilton before longer held POWs were released. What is not well known was that Lieutenant Commander Everett Alvarez Jr. was one of the POWs which McCain believed deserved to be released first.
McCain has a long and distinguished history of working with Latino organizations. In fact the majority of board on the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce endorsed John McCain for President. In these tough economic times, McCain understands that taxing small business will negatively affect not only Latino business but the American economy as a whole.
On November 4th, the Latino community has a chance to vote for a man who has stood by them, a man who has had a long and special relationship with the Latino community. It is this relationship that will make John McCain our next President.