Jen Rubin, Juan Proaño, and Carlos Eduardo Espina discuss ICE terrorizing immigrant communities, the need for civic education, & the crucial value of Democrats reaching wider, more diverse platforms
I could not agree more that the vast majority of those living in the US need civics education now more than ever. It is unbelievable that so few people know how government works at the federal, state and/or local level, and that so few people know what their rights are.
I agree with Carlos; the spirit of the people is diminishing. I'm Mexican American, and I feel anger quite frequently due to ICE. They are extremely violent; it's time to put a stop to these actions.
Carlos' message to the Democratic Party is spot on. Getting out there and speaking to the people works. People feel connected when a representative running for office is in their town. Make it happen!
I agree Juan that there are those who now regret voting for Trump. This frustrates me as listening to how Trump in his campaigning described immigrants as criminals, people eating cats and dogs, look at his conduct in his first presidency and finally Jan 6th. I am still angry about that. Also I am sorry I can’t remember the poll but read yesterday that Trump still polls strongly with Latino voters. I need to find that article
Jen, thank you so much for this Friday's afternoon discussion. I have heard Juan Proano speak eloquently during previous Contrarian live videos, and really appreciate his input and the work he is doing. I knew nothing about Carlos Eduardo Espina until today. I do not speak Spanish and am glad that he is reaching out to the larger Contrarian community via Substack as he is both articulate and focused on what needs to be done to wake up the Latino community to what this administration is really doing and the democratic party to what it needs to do; i.e., get out there and convince people in person. Mr. Espina, I look forward to your future Substack posts.
I apologize. Didn't realize that my question was insulting. They joined the 🍊 Gang, after being " against" him originally. And ICE is predominantly targeting Hispanics, Latinos? I have to be careful not to assume that every plaid wearing, pickup truck driving white, is a Trumpladite. Chill. We're on the same side.
Carole, I'm Latina, and I've been asking about Rubio-where has he been in this fight? His parents are Cuban immigrants, and he seems to be on board with the violence toward Latinos. It is painful to watch him sit there with the Trump administration and listen to the garbage they're all spouting. Here is the exchange between Castro and Rubio about immigration.
& may I add, a bright note for the future when listening to the sharp analysis of Juan and Carlos Eduardo, who've clearly been working in the trenches of their communities (I confess that doom-scrolling has been my sole political engagement since November)
It was once articulated in the context of "stop and frisk" actions taken by the police that only "a hunch" was needed to stop and frisk suspected carriers of firearms. It seems that Trump's thugs, posing as professional law enforcement agents in the now discredited and ridiculed ICE organization, have adopted this standard to lock up and ship off to some jungle infested country whomever they have a gut feeling that they might be an illegal alien.
Years hence when posterity looks back upon all of this to judge who was most responsible for enabling this barbaric conduct, my guess is that it will be those Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court who have willingly distorted the U.S. Constitution and our democratic values to promote their own fanatical right-wing ideologies. They will each be condemned forever as the primary perpetrators who allowed this madness to happen.
Illuminating conversation- and inspiring. Completely agree that education is key, but best realized in community. Community-building (based on relationships and trust) takes time. Thank you three for making time to share these life-giving conversations!
Great point about Civics education, Carlos! True for the non-Latino audience, too!
I could not agree more that the vast majority of those living in the US need civics education now more than ever. It is unbelievable that so few people know how government works at the federal, state and/or local level, and that so few people know what their rights are.
Really interesting conversation, Jen! Thanks for bringing on these two guests.
I agree with Carlos; the spirit of the people is diminishing. I'm Mexican American, and I feel anger quite frequently due to ICE. They are extremely violent; it's time to put a stop to these actions.
Carlos' message to the Democratic Party is spot on. Getting out there and speaking to the people works. People feel connected when a representative running for office is in their town. Make it happen!
I agree Juan that there are those who now regret voting for Trump. This frustrates me as listening to how Trump in his campaigning described immigrants as criminals, people eating cats and dogs, look at his conduct in his first presidency and finally Jan 6th. I am still angry about that. Also I am sorry I can’t remember the poll but read yesterday that Trump still polls strongly with Latino voters. I need to find that article
Thank you for these "new to me voices and faces" with so much knowledge and authentic reporting.
Jen, thank you so much for this Friday's afternoon discussion. I have heard Juan Proano speak eloquently during previous Contrarian live videos, and really appreciate his input and the work he is doing. I knew nothing about Carlos Eduardo Espina until today. I do not speak Spanish and am glad that he is reaching out to the larger Contrarian community via Substack as he is both articulate and focused on what needs to be done to wake up the Latino community to what this administration is really doing and the democratic party to what it needs to do; i.e., get out there and convince people in person. Mr. Espina, I look forward to your future Substack posts.
How do Latinos feel about Rubio and DeSantis?
Latinos are not a monolith. That's like asking what white people think about Trump.
I apologize. Didn't realize that my question was insulting. They joined the 🍊 Gang, after being " against" him originally. And ICE is predominantly targeting Hispanics, Latinos? I have to be careful not to assume that every plaid wearing, pickup truck driving white, is a Trumpladite. Chill. We're on the same side.
Probably quite betrayed in the case of Rubio. DeSantis hasn’t changed…
Carole, I'm Latina, and I've been asking about Rubio-where has he been in this fight? His parents are Cuban immigrants, and he seems to be on board with the violence toward Latinos. It is painful to watch him sit there with the Trump administration and listen to the garbage they're all spouting. Here is the exchange between Castro and Rubio about immigration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eknIM-9yEDc
Thank you for your info.
Hello from Nova Scotia!
Hello from Cushing, Oklahoma
That was one of the best interviews I've heard in some time- key insights and new voices. Thank you!!
& may I add, a bright note for the future when listening to the sharp analysis of Juan and Carlos Eduardo, who've clearly been working in the trenches of their communities (I confess that doom-scrolling has been my sole political engagement since November)
greetings / saludos ....... mexico city.
Mexico
It was once articulated in the context of "stop and frisk" actions taken by the police that only "a hunch" was needed to stop and frisk suspected carriers of firearms. It seems that Trump's thugs, posing as professional law enforcement agents in the now discredited and ridiculed ICE organization, have adopted this standard to lock up and ship off to some jungle infested country whomever they have a gut feeling that they might be an illegal alien.
Years hence when posterity looks back upon all of this to judge who was most responsible for enabling this barbaric conduct, my guess is that it will be those Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court who have willingly distorted the U.S. Constitution and our democratic values to promote their own fanatical right-wing ideologies. They will each be condemned forever as the primary perpetrators who allowed this madness to happen.
And the Legislature. They rolled over immediately.
We are a one-legged stool just 6 months in, except for the lower courts. They are hanging tough!
I totally agree with you. Where ARE our checks and balances?
Illuminating conversation- and inspiring. Completely agree that education is key, but best realized in community. Community-building (based on relationships and trust) takes time. Thank you three for making time to share these life-giving conversations!
All of you are so great. Thank you so much for your very intelligent thoughts and words.
Jen, I'm so happy to get to know these two guys. Thanks for having them on.