By: Crystal Berger
The 2012 Presidential Election has several key issues at its core; however, no issue prevails in debates and talkers nationwide like the state of the U.S. economy. Many Americans are dealing with economic disparity that has their communities perplexed on how to survive in such tough economic times. The Latino/Hispanic population appears to have been hit at a disproportionate rate.
Startling statistics regarding increasing rates of poverty and economic disparity in the Latino/Hispanic communities sparked FOX News Radio to spend “A Few Minutes With” the Libre Initiative’s Daniel Garza. The conversation began with a dialogue about the recent controversy concerning the city of East Haven, Connecticut. When Mayor Joseph Maturo, was asked to address issues of racial biases within his city’s police department towards Latinos and Hispanics, he stated he would address those concerns by, “going home and having tacos for dinner”. Statements like these made by governmental officials and public leaders, have prompted Daniel and his supporters to band together to work to dispel racial stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance amongst all Americans.
The son of Mexican migrant workers turned successful entrepreneurs, Garza, has earned a reputation for advocating on behalf of the Hispanic Community for sound public policy. And there is a need: currently, Hispanic/Latino Americans open businesses at three times the national rate; yet, one out of four Latino/Hispanic Americans live below the Federal Poverty Level. This prompted the question that most people may ask Mr. Garza; and that question is simple … why? Garza sees economic dependence on government as one of the primary sources of economic disparity in the Latino community. He believes governmental over-regulation creates a systemic dependence on the government that results in Latino/Hispanic households turning to government to provide for their families’ daily financial needs. In Garza’s words, “excessive reach of State hampers job creation and private sector growth”.
But Garza is not just all talk and no action; he takes a more proactive approach by affording members of his community a platform to not only talk about the issues but to get involved in providing solutions. Believing that the current economy calls for the community to play an essential role in bringing about solutions, Daniel Garza serves as the Executive Director of The Libre Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the economic freedom and prosperity of Latino/Hispanic Americans by promoting free enterprise, self-reliance and limited government. He advocates for the implementation of governmental policies that provide incentives for risk taking, entrepreneurship and free enterprise. Keeping the dream of his grandparents of “moving North to improve their station in life” close to his heart, this former high school dropout turned reporter, presidential appointee and community advocate personifies the opportunities that still exist in America today. Explore his journey with me, as you listen to A Few Moments With … Daniel Garza, provided by FOX News Radio.
Listen to the full interview here: www.afewmomentswith.com