UPDATE: LeMieux has said he will favor immigration enforcement first. See related story here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-martinez-farewell-091009,0,3015672.story

FYI, here's a story (in Spanish) on the post's author that El Sentinel reporter Alsy Acevedo wrote last year. - - - Leticia Díaz, Cuba Con una amplia sonrisa dice orgullosa "soy una soccer mom". En la cancha de fútbol, apoyaba a su hijo desde las gradas a la vez que estudiaba para la reválida de Derecho. "Como muchas otras mujeres, uno de mis mayores retos fue el coordinar mi carrera y a la vez atender una familia", admite Leticia Díaz, decana de la Escuela de Derecho de Barry University. Pero la carrera de derecho es su segunda profesión. Díaz, quien nació en Cuba y vive en Estados Unidos desde los tres años, tiene un doctorado en química orgánica. Mientras completaba el doctorado el departamento legal de la farmacéutica donde hacía su investigación la motivó a que siguiera la carrera de derecho. "Ellos me decían que había entonces una gran necesidad de más abogados con un doctorado en las ramas de química y ciencias", recuerda. Cuando llegó a Orlando en el 1994 no había farmacéuticas y comenzó a dar clases de derecho ambiental en Barry University. Y se enamoró de la cátedra. "En el salón de clases uno puede realmente hacer la diferencia en el tipo de abogados que estás preparando y que van a servir a la comunidad", explica. En enero del 2007, Díaz se convirtió en la primera cubanoamericana en ser nombrada decana de una escuela de leyes acreditada en EE.UU. El secreto de su éxito, confiesa, ha sido la disciplina que desde niña le inculcó su mamá y que a su vez le ha inculcado a sus hijos que ya están en la universidad. Se describe como una persona organizada, que se prepara no para cumplir expectativas, sino para excederlas. "Creo que las mujeres hispanas o de otra minoría tienen el doble reto de probar que son tan capaces como los hombres, y que son tan capaces como aquéllos otros que no son hispanos", reflexiona Díaz. Una de sus metas es aumentar el número de estudiantes de minorías que quieren ser abogados. Vicky Llevada, directora del Concilio Nacional Cubanoamericano de la Florida Central, comenta que se reunirá con Díaz para ver cómo la universidad y la organización pueden hacer proyectos en conjunto. "Ella se acercó a nosotros y por supuesto yo sé que ella es una de las mujeres que están haciendo cambios en nuestra comunidad", relata Llevada. "Las mujeres profesionales de aquí de Orlando nos estamos destacando por el tremendo trabajo que hacemos, por ser muy dedicadas y porque miramos al futuro".

Gov. Crist, announced his replacement for Sen. Mel Martinez's seat. Here's a link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-crist-picks-sentator-replacement-martinez-0828,0,2314825.story

Gov. Crist, announced his replacement for Sen. Mel Martinez's seat. Here's a link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-crist-picks-sentator-replacement-martinez-0828,0,2314825.story

The following is a press release sent out by the Republican National Hispanic Assembly: - - - RNHA National Chairman Alci Maldonado Appoints Members to Committees Lakeland, Florida - Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) National Chairman Alci Maldonado appointed several members to committees today. Communications Director Michelle Dean said, "Chairman Maldonado believes in reaching out to the diverse membership of the RNHA. Our membership provides a unique perspective and the Chairman looks forward to working with each group. More appointments will be forthcoming." Americans of Faith Committee J.R. Sanchez (Florida) Finance Committee Reinaldo Lopez, Co-Chairman (Wisconsin) David Rivera, Co-Chairman (Florida) Duffy Acevedo, Co-Chairman (Connecticut) Tomas Jimenez (Florida) More committee members to be announced General Counsel Robert Bunn, Esq. (Florida) Communications Michelle Dean, Director (Florida) Policy Advisory Committee Genaro Pedroarias, Chairman (Virginia) Active and Retired Military Committee Reggie Gonzalez, Co-Chairman (Texas) John Eves, Co-Chairman (Arkansas) RNHA Ambassador to RNC and to State Republican Parties Carole Jean Jordan (Florida) ###

Statement below from advocacy group The National Immigration Forum: - - Washington, DC - On Monday, President Obama stated at a North American summit with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, that he expects legislators to have a draft immigration bill in Congress by year's end and laid out a timeline for what should be expected from the Administration and Congress. Also this week, Congress confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, a non-partisan, non-profit pro-immigrant advocacy organization in Washington. The President pledged to move forward on immigration reform during his campaign and has reiterated his promise time and again. The President and key leaders in Congress recognize there are current political challenges, but they are clear that immigration reform is on the immediate agenda. We plan to hold the President and Congress accountable. Every day that Congress puts off tackling the crisis of the broken immigration system will make the problems that we face today even worse. America has suffered for too long the devastating consequences of a system that separates families, increases racial profiling, and tolerates human rights violations in detention centers. The urgency is building for Washington to act now to solve our immigration problems. Failure to act will eventually bring political troubles for both Parties. If the enforcement record of DHS and Secretary Napolitano is the only work product of the Administration, Latino and immigrant voters who were motivated by the promise of solutions will be disillusioned. So will other American voters who were promised solutions. We welcome the confirmation of Director Mayorkas and look forward to him making much-needed improvements to the important work that USCIS performs. At USCIS, there are many areas where improvements have been made in the past several months, such as reducing immigration backlogs, and having a leader such as Mayorkas will allow those improvements to continue. He will be a valuable addition to the Administration's team to press for comprehensive immigration reform. Washington needs to stop stalling and move forward on immigration reform. Immigration reform is an opportunity to show voters that the Administration and Congress can face difficult problems and solve them in a way that works for the nation. We will hold Congress and the Administration accountable to meeting this challenge. # # #

The following is a press release from advocacy group America's Voice, concerning Obama's statement on immigration reform: - - Washington, DC –President Obama reiterated his commitment to moving immigration reform forward yesterday during comments made at the North American Summit held in Guadalajara, Mexico. The President’s comments point to the pressing need for Secretary Napolitano to move aggressively as the President’s point person and for Congress to step up and start the legislative debate. According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, “while some are interpreting the President’s comments as a step back on immigration reform, we view them as a confirmation of his commitment to get comprehensive immigration reform legislation enacted in the coming months. In fact, this is the most specific he has been with regard to when the bill will be ready and when the floor debates will take place.” Sharry cautioned, however, that, “past experience shows that delays can derail the best of intentions. President Bush waited too long to embrace comprehensive immigration reform as a legislative priority and it cost the cause dearly. If legislation is to be enacted in early 2010, the President’s point person, DHS Secretary Napolitano, should move more aggressively to tee up legislation this fall and the judiciary committees in both the House and Senate should begin consideration of legislative proposals before the end of the year. This will honor the commitment the President has made to move on reform this year, and make it much more likely that the floor debates in both chambers will take place in early 2010.” Added Sharry, “the American public is hungry for leaders to step up and reform of our broken immigration system. They want illegal immigration stopped, immigrants here to be legal, a fair process that encourages immigrants to work towards citizenship, and a system where everyone plays fair and pays their fair share.”

Attorney General Bill McCollum's comments on Mel Martinez's resignation: - - Attorney General and Republican candidate for Governor Bill McCollum today issued the following statement regarding the resignation of U.S. Senator Mel Martinez: "Mel Martinez has worked hard for the people of Florida and the ideals that make our nation great. I have no doubt Senator Martinez will continue to lend his expertise and his passion to the challenges we face here in Florida, and I look forward to working with him in that regard." ###

Below is reaction from Republican Party of Florida: - - - Tallahassee- Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released to following statement commending U.S. Senator Mel Martinez for his years of service to the Republican Party: ““Throughout his tenure in public service, Senator Martinez has been a great friend to all Floridians and a steward to Republican values and principles. As U.S. Senator and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, he has worked diligently to better the quality of life for families and businesses not only in the State of Florida but across the nation. “Now more than ever, it is important for our party to remain focused on winning the upcoming elections, and maintaining Republican leadership in the United States Senate, the Governor’s Mansion and critical Cabinet positions. Senator Martinez is a true servant of the people and I would like to thank him for his continued and unwavering support of the Republican Party.” Mel Martinez is a United States Senator from Florida, a Republican, a Cuban American, and the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Born in Cuba, he arrived in the U.S. at age 15. Mel earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University, and went on to practice law for 25 years. Today, Senator Martinez serves in the U.S. Senate and sits on the Armed Services committee, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee, and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee. He also serves as the ranking member of the Senate's Special Committee on Aging and the Seapower Subcommittee.

See below, statement from immigrant-advocacy group America's Voice: - - Washington, DC – Today, Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) will announce that he will not return to the U.S. Senate after the August recess. The following is a statement from America’s Voice on this developing story: “Senator Mel Martinez has been a strong supporter of common–sense, practical and fair solutions to fixing our broken immigration system. He played a pivotal role in moving comprehensive immigration reform forward during the 2006 and 2007 debates in the Senate. His story is the story of America: Martinez came to this nation as an immigrant from Cuba. This nation opened its doors to him and he made the most of it. His immigrant experience helped shape his compassionate approach to immigration reform. “The Senator has been a voice of reason within his party, recently saying on NBC’s Meet the Press that ‘the very divisive rhetoric of the immigration debate set a very bad tone for our brand as Republicans...there were voices within our party, frankly, which if they continue with that kind of rhetoric, anti-Hispanic rhetoric, that so much of it was heard, we're going to be relegated to minority status.’ “His voice and his perspective will be missed. We hope whoever replaces him will have the same reasoned approach to immigration reform. “We expect that whoever Governor Charlie Christ (R-FL) appoints to see out the term will be someone who understands the complexities of our broken immigration system and is willing to stand up for his constituents in a way that is good for their communities, their families and their country.”

Jason, we are reporting that Sotomayor is the first Latina (not "Latin") or Hispanic nominated to the Supreme Court. Cardozo, as you said, was of Portuguese ancestry. Portuguese is a Romance language, derived from Latin, but Portugal is neither part of Latin America nor a Hispanic country. So there's no confusion here: Hispanics or Latinos, as per census classification, are people who either are from or can trace their lineage to Latin America and Spain -- in her case, Puerto Rico.

To Residente and others: In order to see your latest posts, you need to reload the page whenever you return. Your comment is right there, as you left it, but you'll never see it if you are going back to the old version of the page...

Juan Valenzuela, could you show us what are you basing the claim on that Puerto Ricans have a higher crime rate than any other group? Where are the statistics to back that up? Tim makes the same claim that crime has been going up: Actually, as far as I can remember there were some reports showing crime had gone down in some large cities like New York where many Puerto Ricans live. At the same time, how can you establish any relation between one community's growth and crime, given that all of the U.S. population has been growing?

We have been getting hateful comments on this post, so let me remind all that this is a moderated forum and those messages that use slurs and/or are just offensive provocations will not be approved. We will approve controversial comments, as long as they remain decent and are related to (or add to) the discussion on the post's subject. That goes for both those who think this demographic trend is bad or good news.

This related message came from the White House: - - Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address The White House July 4, 2009 Hello and Happy Fourth of July, everybody. This weekend is a time to get together with family and friends, kick back, and enjoy a little time off. And I hope that⿿s exactly what all of you do. But I also want to take a moment today to reflect on what I believe is the meaning of this distinctly American holiday. Today, we are called to remember not only the day our country was born ⿿ we are also called to remember the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known ⿿ a government of, by, and for the people. That unyielding spirit is what defines us as Americans. It is what led generations of pioneers to blaze a westward trail. It is what led my grandparents⿿ generation to persevere in the face of a Depression and triumph in the face of tyranny. It is what led generations of American workers to build an industrial economy unrivalled around the world. It is what has always led us, as a people, not to wilt or cower at a difficult moment, but to face down any trial and rise to any challenge, understanding that each of us has a hand in writing America⿿s destiny. That is the spirit we are called to show once more. We are facing an array of challenges on a scale unseen in our time. We are waging two wars. We are battling a deep recession. And our economy ⿿ and our nation itself ⿿ are endangered by festering problems we have kicked down the road for far too long: spiraling health care costs; inadequate schools; and a dependence on foreign oil. Meeting these extraordinary challenges will require an extraordinary effort on the part of every American. And that is an effort we cannot defer any longer. Now is the time to lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity. Now is the time to revamp our education system, demand more from teachers, parents, and students alike, and build schools that prepare every child in America to outcompete any worker in the world. Now is the time to reform an unsustainable health care system that is imposing crushing costs on families, businesses, large and small, and state and federal budgets. We need to protect what works, fix what⿿s broken, and bring down costs for all Americans. No more talk. No more delay. Health care reform must happen this year. And now is the time to meet our energy challenge ⿿ one of the greatest challenges we have ever confronted as a people or as a planet. For the sake of our economy and our children, we must build on the historic bill passed by the House of Representatives, and make clean energy the profitable kind of energy so that we can end our dependence on foreign oil and reclaim America⿿s future. These are some of the challenges that our generation has been called to meet. And yet, there are those who would have us try what has already failed; who would defend the status quo. They argue that our health care system is fine the way it is and that a clean energy economy can wait. They say we are trying to do too much, that we are moving too quickly, and that we all ought to just take a deep breath and scale back our goals. These naysayers have short memories. They forget that we, as a people, did not get here by standing pat in a time of change. We did not get here by doing what was easy. That is not how a cluster of 13 colonies became the United States of America. We are not a people who fear the future. We are a people who make it. And on this July 4th, we need to summon that spirit once more. We need to summon the same spirit that inhabited Independence Hall two hundred and thirty-three years ago today. That is how this generation of Americans will make its mark on history. That is how we will make the most of this extraordinary moment. And that is how we will write the next chapter in the great American story. Thank you, and Happy Fourth of July. ###

"Peppers," there is no military route to legalization for immigrants. A Social Security number is required to be able to join the military, and immigrants in the country illegally lack that. One of the provisions of the DREAM Act would permit legalization for those who came to the country as minors and join the military. Officers in the military forces have actually expressed support for that bill -- which happens to be the same that would offer legalization to people like Lara, because another provision would offer the same to those who are enrolled in school/college and have good grades and an overall good record in this country. Here's a link to a story, from another paper, that explained the military aspect of it: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/06/16/immigration_bill_offers_a_military_path_to_us_dream/ We have written about this subject before, but some of those stories are no longer posted online. There is opposition to the bill, however, from some who say it is a form of amnesty for lawbreakers.

"Poor English," you are mistaken. Illegal immigrants can't join the military. The DREAM Act would give that option to those seeking legalization, but it has been defeated three times in Congress and is still pending.

This related press release comes from the advocacy group America's Voice: - - Washington, DC – Today, President Obama spoke at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. The following is a statement from Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice: “President Obama’s remarks today at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast show, once again, that he has a sophisticated understanding of how the elements of comprehensive immigration reform work together to solve this problem. He gets that being both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws is necessary to create a legal immigration regime that works. While the President promised to enact reform during his presidency, he did not specify a timeline. This will no doubt fuel skeptics. They will say he will be unable or unwilling to move comprehensive immigration reform this year, despite his repeated promises to do so. Next week, the President will meet with Congressional leaders on this important issue. We expect a real plan for action to emerge from that meeting. On June 25th, the President and leaders of both parties in both chambers of Congress must chart a course forward on comprehensive reform legislation this year.”

Here's a transcript of a Father's Day proclamation by President Barack Obama: - - FATHER'S DAY, 2009 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The journey of fatherhood provides unique and lasting joys. Cradling a baby in his arms, a father experiences the miracle of life and an unbreakable bond. Fathers imagine a world of possibilities awaiting their children and contemplate the privilege of helping them reach that expanse of opportunity. As kids grow and mature, they look to their dad for a special kind of love and support. Providing these necessities can bring great happiness. Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities. Fathers have an obligation to help rear the children they bring into the world. Children deserve this care, and families need each father's active participation. Fathers must help teach right from wrong and instill in their kids the values that sustain them for a lifetime. As they encounter new and challenging experiences, children need guidance and counsel. Fathers need to talk with their kids to help them through difficult times. Parents must also help their children make the right choices by serving as strong role models. Honest and hard-working fathers are an irreplaceable influence upon their children. Communities must do more to counsel fathers. Family and friends, and faith-based and community organizations, can speak directly with men about the sacrifices and rewards of having a child. These groups can support men as they take on the great challenges of child-rearing. Through honest and open dialogue, more men can choose to become model parents and know the wonders of fatherhood. On Father's Day, we pay tribute to the loving and caring fathers who are strengthening their families and country. We also honor those surrogate fathers who raise, mentor, or care for someone else's child. Thousands of young children benefit from the influence of great men, and we salute their willingness to give and continue giving. We also express special gratitude to fathers who serve in the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they and their families make every day. All of these individuals are making great contributions, and children across the country are better off for their care. more (OVER) 2 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 21, 2009, as Father's Day. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day. I urge all Americans to express their love, respect, and admiration to their fathers, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA

Loved it. RIP Froggee.

Mr. X, the man exists, because I spoke to him, but I think I made it clear in how I wrote this that I am not sure if he is giving his correct identity. Here's how I introduced him: "The man, who identified himself as Henry González and said he lives in Orlando." I believe it's a pseudonym, but this is a very common name and there are tons of Henry Gonzalezes in the Orlando area.

A reader sends this link today. "Ochita" is not the only Spirit mascot defined along ethnic lines: http://www.spiritair.com/WhosWho.aspx

Lake County sent this info on their upcoming hurricane preparedness events: - - • Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Square Mall, 10401 Us Highway 441 • Third Annual Four Corners Hurricane Expo on Saturday, June 13, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community of Faith, located at 9120 Student Drive, Davenport

DemNoMore -- I have looked at Cardozo's bio and I find no reference to Cuba or any connection to the island. He is basically described as a Portuguese Jew, so as I said before, that is not a Hispanic heritage. If you have some more specific information, why don't you show us where you are getting this from?

DemNoMore -- you must be referring to Supreme Justice Benjamin Cardozo, a Sephardic Jew of Portuguese heritage. The Portuguese are not Hispanics or Latinos. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Sotomayor would become the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice if she is nominated and confirmed.