That HispanicLatinos are unlike any other group in the history of the country is hard to dispute.  No other group lives so close – and in many cases within – its original culture. Whether HispanicLatinos understand the potential power of their presence is not clear even though the old reality – that their root culture never disappears – is poised to gain traction in ways never envisioned by the nation’s founders.

In their Constitution, the founders asserted the right of individuals to freedom of personal expression and self-determination in the pursuit of their personal happiness.  The success of HispanicLatinos developing a new, productive way forward – in a way thought of as possibly “un-American” by some – would be testament to the ingenious creators of the country.  They understood that the personal freedoms enshrined and protected in their extraordinary document would allow its citizens always to work on America’s behalf and vouchsafe her future.

Free to grow in number and express their political future, HispanicLatinos find themselves at the center of the moment that could well determine America’s future.  It is a destiny that they might not have sought but one which they cannot now avoid.  To enjoy the freedom to undertake so grand a mission is an opportunity HispanicLatinos cannot afford to slough off.

It seems improbable that the modern, hard-working HispanicLatino population, growing in number and seeing and sensing the country adrift, would allow itself to float unconsciously along as it continues to expand.  If HispanicLatinos take the decision to forge their own, new lives and become a new and productive people, they will strengthen and nurture the American Experiment.

Supporters of Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s demanded that his political managers let him be himself.  “Let Reagan be Reagan,” they shouted.   Likewise,   HispanicLatinos must be HispanicLatinos in whatever form they decide.  But whatever it is that they become – either because they allow themselves to float or take assertive action – the future will be different.

HispanicLatinos could decide not to act and in that scenario not ever be more than they are now as a people.  Their only option should be to become that which they never became – for whatever reasons – in the previous chapter of the American story, and they can do so now empowered as they are by their new demography.

In being so much unlike many others that preceded them, HispanicLatinos can nevertheless become part of the same story of nation-builders.

Feel free to forward these blogs adapted from previous writings, with additional thoughts published invariably in between.