The 2012 presidential elections are fast approaching, and now more than ever, it’s time for the Hispanic community to stand up and be counted. As with any form of democratic process, the importance of being heard is paramount, and while it may seem that a single voice is just a drop in the ocean, without this voice – your voice – the odds begin to stack in favor of those who do choose to speak out.

The policies of both major parties need to be dissected, as they differ substantially depending on the issue that each policy focuses on. For the Hispanic community, the big issues can be broken down into several major lines of policy. These are immigration, education, and employment.

The question of immigration is most important, particularly when the policies of both major parties diverge so drastically. GOP candidate Newt Gingrich has recently come under fire from his own party for suggesting a ‘humane’ approach to the question of illegal immigrants, as opposed to the standard policy of expulsion for all illegals. This policy option runs contrary to the grain of traditionally conservative party elements, and already there is talk of doors opening for alternative candidates to step into the breach left by Gingrich’s ‘soft’ approach to this issue.

The Democrats have made their position clear on the issue of immigration by strongly opposing GOP hopeful candidate Mitt Romney’s ‘draconian’ agenda to expel all non-documented immigrants without exception, though this has been regarded by some sections of the media as a Democrat grab for the Hispanic vote.

The major parties also have varied views on their education policies. As for spending, the Republicans, if they control both the legislature and the gubernatorial chairs, will elect to divert funds into poorer areas, without actually increasing spending, whereas the Democrats are in favor of increasing funding to both poorer and wealthier schools. Republican policies on this issue tend to be the most conservative, but also the most egalitarian, and in these times of economic crisis, conservative sensibilities seem to make some sense, whereas wild promises of spending may seem attractive to the average American, but spending sprees always need to be paid for, and the way this is ultimately achieved is by raising taxes – an issue which almost all Americans would agree is not a sensible idea.

Employment policies are also the subject of intense debate by both the Democrats and the Republicans. The Republicans “Jobs Through Growth Act” and the Democrats “American Jobs Act” differ substantially. The Los Angeles Times, in an article dated October 11, 2011 has put forward the view that the Democrat’s American Jobs Act would ‘raise economic demand and boost employment’ whereas the Republican’s Jobs Through Growth Act would do little more than ‘protect corporate profits’. It seems that a Democrat plan to provide 35 billion dollars to states and municipalities to retain schoolteachers, fire fighters and police officers was doomed to failure, as it relied on a half a percent tax to be funded by those with an annual income of over 1 million dollars.

The Hispanic community is vital to the outcome of the next presidential election, and it is their duties to remain informed and, most importantly, vote. Don’t let ignorance or apathy take hold in your community. Spread the word. Register to vote and have your say for the good of your community and your country.

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