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The article examines the continuing war against poverty of the U.S. It looks into several moves of the country's presidents to fight poverty such as the anti-poverty agency of President Richard Nixon and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 of President William Clinton. It also presents statistics of Cubans and Hispanics that are living below the poverty line.

The article discusses the important events and news that happened in the U.S. Latino community in 2013, noting its integration into the American way of life but describing the year to be far from being good enough. Topics include the role of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NACCP), the issue of immigration that Latinos faced in the past year, and the apparent lack of Latino political leadership in Washington, DC.

The author criticizes the campaign "Catch an Illegal Immigrant" organized by the leader of Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT), Lorenzo García, at the University of Texas (UT). He stresses the lack of sensitivity of the campaign which primarily aims to start a dialogue regarding the issue on illegal immigrants but resulted in a controversial debate with Latino leaders. Comments from Garcí regarding the issue are als895*2o presented.

The article discusses the trend in which Mexican females began singing mariachi songs. Topics covered include the mariachi legend, association of mariachi songs with male singers and the songs' interpretation by women. Also mentioned the formation of all-female mariachi groups, the purpose for singing mariachi music and dominance of men in mariachi groups.

The article features Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires to immigrant Italian parents. Pope Francis, coming from a Jesuit order, has largely been a priest of the people, more pragmatic and more charitable than dogmatic. In an interview, Pope Francis said his vision of the church is a community of people, priests and bishops who are at the service of the poor, the old and the young crushed by unemployment.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience as a journalist at "The Dallas Morning News" newspaper covering the happenings of November 22, 1963 when U.S. President John Kennedy was assassinated by sniper Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas.

The article discusses the political prospects of San Antonio, Texas mayor Julian Castro. While Republicans have Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz as Latino aspirants for higher public office, the Democrats have Castro as candidate for the vice-presidential position. Castro is said to have the rare ability to charm voters despite relatively few public achievements. He was the keynote speaker at the 2012 Democratic Convention, a role taken previously by U.S. President Barack Obama.

The author compares the journalism of the age of newsprint publications with digital-age publishing. As a journalist from the old rewrite era, he prefers the daily news which had time to ferment, was more sober and more reliable unlike today's journalism which runs 24-hours a day. He criticizes the fact that anyone with a website can become a journalism entity and use whatever ethics and bias into their radical, free-flowing style, noting that Internet journalism has rapidly gained ground.

The author comments on the debate regarding the use of incorrect terms for ethnicity, specifically for South Americans. The use of the term white Hispanic for a person involved in a court trial in Florida is noted, with the media being too insensitive in its description. The term La Raza refers to the Mexican-American movement in the 1950s that fought for civil rights and equal opportunity. It is stated that the U.S. Census Bureau defines Hispanicity as an ethnic category and not a racial one.

The article focuses on Ted Cruz, a Hispanic senator from Texas. It suggests that Cruz signaled his ambition to run for president when he visited Iowa, which is said to be an early barometer of voter sentiments, and when he showed up at a Republican conservative wing conference in Denver, Colorado. It also mentions the desire of Cruz to defeat or revamp the restructuring of the Obamacare and immigration reform programs.

The article discusses the controversies regarding the trial of wannabe cop George Zimmerman in the killing of African-American Trayvon Martin. The trial ended in his acquittal. The African-American community and its supporters believe that justice has failed the victim. They have conducted public demonstrations led by Reverend Al Sharpton.

The author comments on immigration efforts under the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. He notes that during Obama's first term, more than 1.5 million illegal aliens have been deported, which is more than any previous administration. He observes that majority of illegal aliens in the U.S. are Latinos. He highlights the opposition of the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly Republican House Speaker John Boehner, to the Senate immigration bill in 2013.

The article discusses the 2011 estimate of the U.S. Department of State that there were 5.2 million Americans living abroad. It observes that the number is growing and onerous U.S. tax liabilities is a principal reason for leaving the country. The article also suggests that the U.S. dollar still goes a long way in many countries to afford Americans, especially retired seniors, a new life almost luxurious with maids, gardeners, good health services and other accoutrements of upscale living.

The author describes U.S. President Barack Obama's sixth trip to Latin America, which took him to Mexico and Central America, as a non-event. He reports that Obama and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto agree that illegal immigration to the U.S. flowing from Mexico is the big issue. The author also observes that Obama received a hero's welcome in Costa Rica since it was a rare occasion for a U.S. president to visit the tiny Central American nation.

The article focuses on the importance of small communities and their cultural impact in the U.S. The author emphasizes the importance of spending time in small communities to gain appreciation of their diversity and character. He shares his experience attending the local American Legion Post 517 fundraiser in Quinlan, Texas. Details of the events during the fundraiser, including games catfish and crawfish fry and chicken drop, as well shadow dancing, are included.

The author comments on the plan to reduce the number of test-based graduation requirements and standardized testing in Texas high schools. Supporters of the plan have claimed that mandated tests create unnecessary barriers to graduation. The author asserts that the traditional approach to testing challenges students' development, just the way it was with him when he was in high school. He states that lessening the number of tests will dumb down education, particularly among minorities.

The article focuses on the remarks by Representative Don Young about bygone agricultural days referred to farmworkers as "wetbacks." Young described his younger days in California wherein he says that they used to have 50 to 60 wetbacks to pick tomatoes. Republican House Speaker John Boehner issued statements condemning the comments made by Young and noted that Young should offer an immediate apology.

The author discusses the legacy of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. He explores the accomplishments of Chávez's 14-year reign particularly the country's transformation into a socialist welfare state. He comments on how Chávez has respected and idolized Venezuelan hero Simón Bolívar. He also elaborates on how Chávez's used the country's money from petroleum energy to pursue his ambition of having a fair society.

The author reflects on the political debate in the U.S. government surrounding possible solutions to the fiscal problem as of April 2013. He argues that the segment of the U.S. presidency seems to be above the austerity measures being undertaken. A calculation of the costs per hour of flying the president's plane Air Force One is presented. The author shares the other extravagant expenses of U.S. president Barack Obama and his family.

The author offers his views on picking a new Catholic pope as Pope Benedict XVI resigns as head of the Catholic Church. He cites the number of cardinals who can vote for the papacy and the number of Catholics per region all over the world. His views on the difficulties and stress inherent with the pope's job and on the performance of Pope Benedict XVI are presented. He notes that among candidates who could succeed Pope Benedict XVI, Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri is the most prominent.

The author expresses his doubts on the proposed U.S. immigration reforms. He says that although there are many factors that may finally lead to the resolution of a long-time problem where much has been promised and little had been delivered, there are still many issues involved that seem to be irreconcilable. An issue he brings up was mentioned by Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas who said that it is unfair to the millions of legal immigrants who waited years to come to the U.S. legally.

In the article, the author discusses the economic and political developments in Venezuela. He claims that the high standard of living in the country has declined as its economy shrunk due to bad politics, generous policies and dubious leadership. He cites that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is battling cancer and could already be on his deathbed.

The author views that the U.S. Republican party has not been supportive of Latinos. He commends the administration of former U.S. President Richard Nixon for his legacy of hiring the most Latinos and praises President Barack Obama's administration for giving Latinos the appearance of inclusion. He suggests Republicans to create an action plan and make their politics attractive and to improve their image among Latinos. He names probable potential Latinos who can become major political players.

The article focuses on the issue of immigration of Latinos to the U.S. The author states that as of January 21, 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama is not giving much intention to resolve immigration issues especially for Latino youth, the so-called dreamers. It notes that the history of U.S. immigration goes all the way back to the turn of the 20th century after Mexico's defeat against the U.S.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of returning to his hometown on the Texas-Mexico border for the first time after the family property was sold.

The article presents the author's reflection on being a Latin American. He states that he grew up in the period where Latinos disguise their ancestry to be accepted in the community. He cites that the trend is the opposite because Latinos are being celebrated in the U.S. due to their large numbers and political influence. He adds that Latinos are projected to be among the dominant groups as early as 2050.

The author offers his insight on the chances of U.S. President Barack Obama to be the 45th president of the U.S. He thinks Obama's campaign slogan "Forward" promises better days ahead just as he did in his first term. Also discussed are the social and economic issues carried by Obama during his 1st term.

The article focuses on the appeal of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) of the U.S. for church leaders to re-examine the role of the nun in the Catholic religion and propose reforms that concern their role. The LCWR is challenging the policy on male-only priesthood, the church teaching on same-sex relations and the church code of hierarchy to allow nuns to participate in the review of church statues. The statement of the Vatican on the matters is also discussed.

The article reflects the author's views on the sacrifices of American youth soldiers in Afghanistan war. It discusses U.S. world mission of spreading liberty and democracy. It highlights the number of U.S troops in Afghanistan and the expense incurred on war. The nebulous policies of U.S. towards Afghan war and sacrifice of Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory Buckleyare, killed in "green on blue" attack by Afghanistan police officer are also discussed.

The article discusses attack politics as modern-day strategy in politics, called demagoguery in the past, particularly during the campaign for the 2012 U.S. presidential elections. According to the author, attack politics is used not only to promote the virtues of the candidate but also as a means to expose inappropriate events related to the opponent. The author explains that in 2012 election campaign, focus was on the candidacy and past business practices of Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

The article discusses Mexican politics, with focus on the 2012 presidential elections which ushered the political comeback of the once invincible Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). It highlights the victory of neophyte Enrique Peña Nieto, former governor of the state of Mexico, which ended the twelve-year rule of the National Action Party (PAN) that came to power in 2000. Also discussed are aspects of Mexico's political tradition and Nieto's presidential campaign promises.

The article features Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona, who is subjected to a civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, that accuses him and his department of racial profiling and civil rights abuses, as they disregarded the Constitution and ignored sound police practices. He is also being sued by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and that their litigators are seeking a cease-and-desist order.

The article observes that the U.S. is well within four months of the 2012 presidential election and that Latino leaders are in a quandary on which way the Latino vote will go. It comments that U.S. President Barack Obama failed to achieve immigration reform in his first term while the Republicans rightly share the blame by their obstructive legal maneuverings. It also suggests that the Obama campaign has a formidable organization on Latino issues.

In this article the author focuses on the financial brink faced by the traditional print journalism, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, due to digital revolution that has transformed the dissemination of news events from the golden age of journalism. The author further states that the member of the Times-Picayune decided to print three times a week due to increased cost and declining circulation.

The article discusses U.S. President Barack Obama's evolving stand on the issue of same-sex marriage. While he stated in 2008 that he was not in favor of gay marriage, he outed himself on same-sex marriage in the latest presidential election in November 2012, bringing out as an ally Jesus Christ and His golden rule. It cites the general premise that the older generation is against same-sex marriage while the younger Latinos and the acculturated support it or are not bothered by it.

An essay on the Mexican food is presented. It refers to the northern food of Coahuila, Sonora, and Baja California. It also discusses several eateries around the world offering Mexican food and its variants. It is commented that the Chinese prefer Mexican dishes adulterated to suit their taste. It is stated that the food is considered more nutritious than American fast food diet.

The article discusses the influence of first ladies on how the presidents rule the nation. It cites that Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, advocated for the downtrodden and people's rights. Peruvian President Ollanta Humala says while his wife Nadine Heredia de Humala helps him in the construction of a party, he is in charge when it comes to the affairs of state.

The author comments on the shooting of 17-year-old African American Trayvon Martin by a half-Latino neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Florida. It discusses the racial overtones in the incident with Blacks accusing Zimmerman of racial killing. The author disputes the perception that Blacks and Latinos get along well, citing studies from the Pew Research Center and Paula McClain of Duke University. He says that to impute racial motives to the Martin killing is misleading.

The author reflects on the role of Mormon faith in the ability of U.S. businessman and politician Mitt Romney to win as president and whether Hispanic Americans will vote him. He believes that his religion is relevant to his campaign even if it is not mentioned in presidential debates because it shapes his character. In his view, Romney's inability to addresses issues facing Latinos will not make him win their votes. Another hindrance cited is his support to Arizona's tough immigration law.

The article discusses the results of a survey conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center on Hispanic American leaders in the U.S. Topics covered include the achievements of Spanish news anchor Jorge Ramos, his excellence in journalism and efforts to succeed. Also mentioned are the success of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, interest in addressing public issues and prejudice against immigrants.

The author comments on the re-election of U.S. President Barack Obama in 2012. He argues that Obama will most likely win since he is playing the immigration reform issue to his advantage. The author disputes though that immigration is principal issue of the Latino constituency. He says that Republicans have not been able to capitalize on exclusive issues that will attract the Latino constituency to the party.

The author discusses issues relating to obesity particularly among the Latino youth. He acknowledges increasing risk for health problems in overweight Latino children which may be attributed to poor eating choices and sedentary lifestyle. He also relates statement issued by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) during the 2011 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month regarding prevalence of obesity and tendency of overweight children to develop diabetes.

The author shares his views on the Mexican language. He declares his love for the Spanish language with its elegance, expressiveness and simplicity and the challenges of expression it offers. He admits being piqued by an article in "New York Times" that claimed Mexicans are indulging more and more in local idioms that are close to being or are profane. He believes Mexicans do not have an exclusive franchise on this rap as Argentines, Venezuelans, Peruvians and Chileans can be just as bad.

The article profiles U.S. Domestic Policy Council director Cecilia Muñoz. It acknowledges how her appointment by U.S. President Barack Obama is regarded as the highest presidential advisor post for a member of the Latino minority. Brief details about her career path are offered, noting her commitment to articulate Latino issues particularly with regard to immigration and well-being. Her involvement in the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is also explored.

The author compares politics to aphrodisiac. He discussed a number of political controversies and issues including former U.S. President Bill Clinton's affair with a young White House staffer, the presidential ambition of Ten Kennedy which ended after an all-night bacchanal with his Boiler Room girls, and the reputation of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy as a notorious womanizer.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of attending a mini high school reunion.

The article examines the role of political strategist or political operatives in the U.S. The author stresses that they are people who claim to know the art of politics and are undoubtedly better sourced and attuned to national affairs and the issues than most others. He describes the role of political bandits and the "dirty tricks" squads. He also cites the two highly regarded operatives, namely Democrats' James Carville, and Republican Karl Rove.

The author comments on immigration reform under the Obama administration as of November 2011. He says that the issue is not in the priority agenda of the president. He argues President Barack Obama would need the support of Latinos to maintain a Democratic majority in Congress to push the issue in the legislative agenda. He alleges that most of the incumbents in Congress may prefer to avoid the issue because of the midterm elections in 2012.

The article discusses the economic and social states of Greece. Topics covered include their preference for food, history of the discovery of Greece and population in the area. Also mentioned are the influence of Latin Americans on Greece, financial problems of Greeks and criticisms raised against Greeks.

The author shares his views on the Latino identity. He thinks that whatever is the ceremonial significance of the "Matachines" dance, it gives them a semblance of identity as to who they were and where they came from. He cites the opinion of one Carlos Quiroz who disagreed with the use of Hispanic as an ethnic category as it is not a race or a culture but an invention of people who wanted to erase the identity of indigenous communities in America. He concludes that they are Native Americans.