12/01
By Gerson Borrero
After what you just heard about the importance of taking part in the Census, aunque usted no lo crea, there are well-intentioned folks in our community who believe and have argued that we should not answer the Census.
Latinos are always passionate about what we think.
The variety of opinions in just one household can run through a familia with the speed of an express train traveling from Manhattan to Albany. So, why should the 2010 Census be any different?
My concern is that in this conteo de cabezas, if all of us are not counted then we lose a piece of the dolares and therefore, the much-needed services in our communities.
You know how important it is for us here in New York, and I dare say, en el resto del pais to get our fair share of the scarce benefits that are left in these tough economic times.
Not to mention the political muscle that we can flex if we are certified as proven majorities in additional congressional districts.
Getting an accurate count of how many of us there are could help us achieve, through elected representation, the robust voice that quite frankly, has thus far excluded us from our much-deserved seats at decision-making tables.
The numbers are also so important for Latino businesses – including commercial enterprises – and organizaciones whose work in our barrios is crucial
We can split hairs on the alleged disadvantages of the Census, but I can assure you that if you are counted, SI cuentas and if not then we risk losing more of what we have achieved thus far.
Dejate contar, so that we can have more of a say about all the issues we face.
That’s The Way I See It.
Let us know what you think:
