Sonia Sotomayor Candidate for big seat

we would like to congratulate one of our own, Ms. Sonia Sotomayor, as a candidate for the Justice position. Today President Barrack Obama nominated the Puerto Riquena Lateena from New York for the seat in the Supreme Court. The humbled Sotomayor gave thanks and also did what very few people do these days, accept Lateenos, she praised her mother for the sacrifices that her mother made for Sonia and her brother. I am proud to hear that Lateenos will claim another first in the United States, bringing us closer to one day holding the highest job, commander in Chief. We love Sonia and wish her the best in her nomination which Im certain will go through, today is a great day for all of us. Tomorrow I believe it will be you. God bless

Memorial Day

This weekend we proudly hang our stars and stripes for Memorial Day, a day set aside for all our gente who have fought and died for freedom. Their service and ultimate sacrifice for this Country have allowed us another day of what most Americans take for granted. We were blessed to have such great warriors to answer the call when this Nation needed them most, and to boldly step forward without question or hesitation and bared arms against those who threatened our very existence. For those who have put their lives on the line and those who have given their lives so that we can be just that much more safer, there is no amount of gratitude that we can come close to giving you, so I hope just saying Thank You and that we love you will due. Our Lateeno gente have fought in every major American conflict since the Revolutionary War, and if we take the time to look at the list of great heroes that have been awarded the Medal of Honor you will find names like Baca, Fernandez, Garcia, Hernandez, Lopez, and Vargas just to name a few. We as a people can hold our heads up high and know that we positively influenced America and honorably defended it. Today we honor those who have fallen, may you all rest in peace, con mucho amor..

The Battle of Las Piedras

Today Uruguay celebrates the battle that changed the direction towards eventual Independence, for its people. On May 18th 1811 Gen. Jose Gervasio Artigas led Uruguayan forces and revolutionary supporters from Buenos Aires against Spain at San Isidro Labrador de Las Piedras. It was an important battle for Uruguay because it marked the beginning of the absolute Independence, which took place just 14 years later against Brazil. It is truly amazing how such a small battle meant so much for Uruguays future, but it was. So we like to recognize and share in our gentes celebration in Uruguay, may God bless you another hundred years of Independence.

Independence Day for Paraguay

May 14th and 15th 1811, Paraguay fought and won their Independence from Spain. Tensions between Spaniard rule and Paraguayan locals started building long before that early May uprising, starting with the Comunero Revolt, in which the viceroy of Lima reinstated a Pro-Jesuit Governor whom the people had removed earlier from the position of Governor. The Portenos (Buenos Aires people)played a major role in the Independence of Paraguay, by them ousting the Spanish rule in their own Native Buenos Aires, they helped spark the beginning. Once the Portenos were successful in removing Spain from their homeland they immediately took steps to take control of Paraguay. The Portenos made the attempt at control by placing one of the most hated Spokesman for Buenos Aires, Jose Espinola y Pena. Soon after, Pena would return to Buenos Aires norrowly missing being exiled. The Portenos then sent troops to take control of Asuncion but to no avail, they were beaten by the Paraguayan troops. The final straw was when the Asuncion cabildo requested Portuguese military support against Gen. Manuel Belgrano's troops, an uprise immediately took place and soon after Spanish rule was overthrown. So we celebrate the Independence with our gente in Paraguay and pray for many more years to come. Con mucho amor, God bless.

Feliz Dia de Las Madres

We would like to wish all the beautiful Mother's a Happy Mother's Day. We all know that Mother's are the backbone of the Lateeno family, they nurture us as children (and in most cases still do) they support us in everything we do and gently let us know when we make those not so great choices. Our Mother's love us unconditionally and make sure that we know it, without their loving hearts in our lives Im sure life would seem just that much more uncomforting. There is no better way to show our gratitude for these hardworking dedicated women then to celebrate their life long efforts on Mother's day. We should cherish them as much as they cherish us, so with that un besito para mi mama and yours too, enjoy these blessed days with yours' and lets make sure we give thanks for the time we've shared with her. May God bless us another year with our Mother's.

A Sigh of relief

I'm not sure if others have taken the news as positive but we certainly have and its been due. The stress test for the Banks has finally been completed and their resistance to the economical downturn is within reach. That means that balance is near and with balance there is stability once again. I am extremely hopeful for all of us and believe that the eventual forward motion is near. There has been allot of good that has come out of this recession, much needed change has filtered out all of the hidden agendas and illegal habits that were functioning below the radar. None of us wanted a recession but because of the "business as usual" ideals our economical structure took a beating until the system failed. What is even more amazing then the restabilizing of the economy is the amount of new businesses that are started because of the downturn. And since there is such a large majority of Lateenos I can only imagine how many of us took advantage of this recession. The amount of entrepreneurs that see an opportunity in some of the toughest times is extremely high. I expect to see our Lateeno gente following in these same foot steps, with new fresh ideas and dreams that are slowly coming to life. I've mentioned before that 2009 is our year, this is the perfect time to go further then we ever thought possible. I am glad for today and its great news, I am glad for tomorrow because we can now see light at the end of the tunnel, and I am excited for the future because I want to see all the new Lateeno run businesses that have come alive. I am an optimist and believe that there is more for us if we choose to reach for it, the economy has offered up this opportunity and we have the option to grab hold of it and allow it to take us to a different level. This is the year of beginning filled with so much hope and potential, I hope to see todo mi gente benefit from these times. Take a chance and reach. God bless.

"Cinco de Mayo" weekend

Well we hope all of our Mexicano gente are enjoying the weekend celebrations that are going on throughout the United States and abroad. Its a great time to relax and celebrate the the 147 year old victory over the French. On May 5th 1862 The French Army and their foreign Legion, which before this date hadn't been beaten in over 50 years, marched to Mexico City with Cavalry and Infantry that numbered over 8000. The outnumbered Mexican Army with machetes and older model weapons and the lay of the land, literally destroyed the French, enough so that Napoleon III could not even supply Confederate rebels involved in the U.S. Civil War, thus allowing time for the United States to build a stronger Army and ultimately ending the American Civil War. The defeat of the French at Puebla, Mexico was a great victory, and a changing point in history for the United States. So celebrate the victory and enjoy yourselves, con mucho amor, God bless.

"El Dia de Los Ninos"

April 30th is one of the most important "Lateeno" holidays of the year. As parents, relatives and friends we have this day to recognize the importance of every child and their futures. Thats not to say that we dont already do so, but by dedicating a specific date to honor them we reinforce that message of love and importance. Being involved in our children's lives we do everything we can to help build their self confidence and feel capable of achieving their dreams. As we all get ready to share in this wonderful day lets help our children understand how invaluable they are to not just us but the rest of the world as well. Everyday let them know and feel that they are our most treasured gifts, and that we truly believe in them. April 30th is not just another holiday it is the day that we celebrate our childrens futures and the hopes that we have for them. Be the best positive influence we can and dont let one day go by without telling them we love them and are proud of them. All children are blessings, its up to us to let them know how much. Con mucho amor para todos, God bless.

The Flu in Mexico

We would like to give our condolences to those that have lost their lives recently to the Swine Flu virus. The latest count is 149 victims in Mexico and we are hoping that the remainder of our gente with symptoms will be treated and able to survive this virus. More recently there was an earthquake in Guerrero, Mexico which so far hasnt reported any casualties. Lets all keep our gente in Mexico and those in the United States, in our prayers as they get through these troubled times. According to the CDC it is very possible for more of those who have contracted the Swine Flu to survive it by acting upon any symptoms before they get out of hand. Lets all stay positive and hopeful for a quick recovery for everyone. Con mucho amor para todo mi gente, God bless.

Happy Earth Day 2009

Obama at the Summit

I believe that President Obama is definitely on the right track with rebuilding the communication with our South and Central Americas. The Summit address is a reflection of the new Administrations message of change, by letting our Lateeno countries know that the Bush Administrations thinking and policies are not those of President Obamas, we can move forward in repairing our friendships. President Obama is making tough decisions but I know he is doing what he feels is right, Cuba has been a challenging issue for the United States and recently Venezuela but through willingness to overcome past issues a new day can dawn and hopefully a fresh start. In tough economical times like these we all need to do our best for the overall, if the Americas can work together along with the rest of the world we can work through anything and build a stronger future. I am an optimist and want more then anything a better world for all, hopefully through these talks the President will be able to build stronger relations with those that see the U.S. as a threat. Im praying for a common ground and an open door to build on, tomorrow is uncertain but if we work together the likelihood of success is higher. God bless this Administration and those that are willing to work together. Con mucho amor.

Happy Easter

Saludas a todo mi gente, all the Lateenos and Lateenas throughout the North, South and Central Americas. We are wishing everyone a loving blessed Easter sunday, con mucho amor a todos may God bless you.