Comments on: Election 2012: George Lopez v. Sheriff Joe Arpaio Missed Opportunity

By: Viviana

Viviana — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:55:58 +0000

It’s so urgent, particularly now because of our demographic explosion. Numbers mean nothing if a community doesn’t have muscle–or in this case voting!–to back them up.

By: Viviana

Viviana — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:40:25 +0000

This comment has made my day because it brings up a very important point. There is a rich tradition of political participation and civic engagement in Latin America. I remember when I lived in Mexico, people flocking to the polls for the 2000 election. If Latinos in the U.S. who are eligible aren’t registering and casting ballots, it’s not because of where they’re from. I’m trying to get to the bottom of why our community is lagging when it comes to voter registration.

By: Viviana

Viviana — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:23:39 +0000

Good point. In other countries like Mexico, voting is on a Sunday, when most people are off and don’t have this as an excuse. Other countries make voting mandatory!

By: Viviana

Viviana — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:22:41 +0000

I think George Lopez is a good guy and he’s used his celebrity to be involved with issues and the community. But he could have finished his f-bomb “tirade” (which makes for good television), announcing a big voter registration drive and setting up tables at all his shows. I’m sure NCLR, Voto Latino, Ya es hora could use the help.

By: Viviana

Viviana — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 22:56:32 +0000

I think you’re on to something Uchi. People don’t think their vote counts. Where does this feeling come from? I’m wondering if it has too do with all the money/interests in politics where regular people feel “small” in comparison to the heft of lobbyists.

By: Uchi

Uchi — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:02:07 +0000

Thanks Viviana!

I haven’t watched the George Lopez tirade either.

I totally agree that we need to encourage Latinos to get out and vote !
I believe that most people do not vote, becasue they somehow got this idea that their vote does not count. However, their votes can make a huge difference !

By: Pamela P.

Pamela P. — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:27:17 +0000

I had not heard of Lopez’s rant; I’m going to have to look for it. Your post is timely and so on the mark. Wouldn’t it be great if a George Lopez would take it to the next level and spearhead a Latino voter registration campaign? Thank you for raising the issue, and I agree that registering to vote–and being civically engaged–should be a priority for everyone in our community.

By: Eva Smith

Eva Smith — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 11:04:35 +0000

I haven’t seen George’s tirade. Inorder to get more people to vote we need to educate them and make polling places available.