This is one of the best PJM articles (much more articulate than Ruben Navarette Junior) I’ve read recently. Much more important than listening to Rush Limbaugh, attracting “moderate” voters or integrating within online social networks for the GOP is to attract minority voters.
Some might argue that the left distorts the republican party as some “white man only” club, that the GOP is perfectly fine with a more diverse makeup in the party. This is true, but perception matters. GOP has much to gain if they show genuine excitement over Vietnames republicans winning in conservative pockets of the country. California Republicans (as far as I know) did next to nothing while mormons and some Latinos businesses were harassed for donating to prop 8, and made virtually no noise when it passed. Missed opporutnities.
The immigration compromise proposed by the author is perfectly serviceable, and will soften the GOP’s image in the eyes of minorities. Most illegal immigrants don’t belong to “la raza” and other assortment of activists who think we should accept everyone. Reasonable ones will admit that their own motherland will kick out illegals without a second thought. Help law abiding illegals become citizens. They should be entitled to some fundamental services, although not extrvagant welfares. Kick out all criminals.
And yes, why not drop the patronization and gimmicks? If you like some of our ethnic food and show some genuine interest in our culture, that’s enough. No mariachi bands or uttering a self serving phrase in another language(often butchered, cough cough Gray Davis). Next time you host Latinos, serve them some unagi rolls. CA republicans should reveal how their state government just raised taxes, soon to hit downtown LA, westminster, Koreatown, and other locations dominated by minority businesses. And they’ll have pay for Obama’s plans too.
you don’t have to win minorites outtright. Just imagaine what even 40% latino votes will do for you in some swing states.
