Readers Write: Republicans can win Hispanic vote; divorcing my bank
GOP can win Hispanic vote
The Dec. 5 article "A tug of war for Latino vote" is correct in stating that the Republican Party has an opportunity to attract more Hispanic voters in the next election. But this opportunity is not dependent upon the GOP abandoning its pro-enforcement policies.
Contrary to some statements contained in the article, many Hispanic voters support efforts to enforce America's immigration laws. Last November, in Florida, New Mexico, and Nevada – all of which have growing Hispanic populations – Republican Latino candidates won statewide races while calling for robust border security and full enforcement of our immigration laws.
Exit polls from the last election showed that 38 percent of Hispanic voters cast ballots for House Republican candidates.
This is more than in 2006 and 2008, when President Bush was spearheading the effort to pass a bill that would legalize illegal immigrants. Voters also elected five pro-enforcement Hispanic Republicans to the House of Representatives.
It's clear the GOP has a bright future with Hispanic voters. To continue to attract Hispanic voters in increasing numbers, Republicans should not abandon their pro-enforcement position.
Instead, we should continue to emphasize our shared conservative values of economic growth, improved education, strong national security, and respect for the rule of law.
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
Washington
Divorcing my bank
Ben Von Klemperer's commentary, "My story of divorcing ... my bank" (Nov. 28), is a tale I can relate to.
Back in 1987 I met this wonderful bank. We were introduced through the American Society of Civil Engineers. She had a marvelous credit-card arrangement, and as the years passed our relationship blossomed with the addition of several CDs.
Then, in 2006, I got a notice that my friendly bank had been seduced by someone who wanted to become the bank of all of America. Only later did I discover that my infant CDs were sent somewhere in New Hampshire even though I was living in California.
Not only that, but my visitation rights were sharply curtailed since my local branch was on an entirely separate computer system from the one where my CDs were located and the computers were not allowed to talk to each other.
Now that the CDs have grown up and matured, the divorce papers have been finalized, and I have found a much more compatible banking partner.
M. Scott MacCalden Jr.
Adel, Ore.
