ustxtxb_obs_1987_04_03_50_00005-00000_000.pdf

Page 12

by

cronr.arwfirretg-mmeaveotevsivu-N’IreW9CITSWWVOIN `46111″IkvA”seVot vile” $4611 4 Whole Earth Provision Company I Nature Discovery Gifts amaze, inform, delight Choose from our business or family gifts of lasting value, for all ages, price ranges and any occasion. Call or stop by and let us make suggestions. i t 2410 San Antonio St. 4006 South Lamar Blvd. 8868 Research Blvd. E I 3 aave4Ltdcreelf.s um.4.04:,14scii9v-44.ti.loaeowtAhuoashrftsizi:AmezAtatausemitizachpam,Y forces of darkness always have greater access to money than do even the trial lawyers. If they should wake up and start contributing in the amounts they’re able, progressive causes will go the way of progressive judges down and out. Ultimately, history and philosophy both warn us not to resort to facile phrasing or power politics in choosing our course. Instead, we should choose the judicial selection method that best comports with progressive philosophy whatever that is. Brett Campbell Austin Testimonial When I first met Geoff Rips, I received the impression that he knew exactly what we were trying to do in prison reform. My impression was borne out by his reporting and editing of prison reform issues over the next few years. Geoff not only made a significant contribution to The Texas Observer, but also to the prison reform movement. Charles Sullivan Executive Director, CURE Washington, D.C. Non-Voting Residents I very much enjoyed Mary Lenz’s article on the emerging Hispanic vote in the February 20 Observer. This article covered the reasons for low voter registration and voter turnout in the Hispanic community in a positive light. However, one very important consideration was omitted non-citizenship among legal resident alien Hispanics in Texas. According to the 1980 Census, almost 300,000 Hispanic legal residents had not obtained U.S. citizenship. This accounts for 17 percent of the Hispanic voting age population in Texas. If voter registration and voter turnout rates are revised to account for these ineligible adults, the Hispanic voter registration rate for the 1984 elections increases from 45.2 percent to 52 percent; the voting rate increases from 32.7 percent to 38 percent. Yet, most political analyses of the Hispanic community fail to take this factor into account. Non-citizenship is an issue of concern to many in the Hispanic community. Legal residents cannot vote, cannot serve on juries and cannot work for the federal government or the defense industries. In many cases, these individuals have resided in the U.S. for many more than the five years needed to apply for citizenship. Information, however, on the naturalization process is lacking. For example, when the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials hotline in Texas last May, over 20,000 callers tried to get information and assistance in less than a month. Thus, if the Latino vote is to be increased, emphasis must also be given to encouraging U.S. citizenship in the immigrant community and to providing the assistance needed by the immigrants. Harty Pachon Director, NALEO Washington, D.C. WHAT DID THE PRESIDENT KNOW AND WHEN DID HE FORGET IT? GEE, I MISS PRESIDENT CARTER HONEST OPEN CARING WIN THIS ONE FOR THE GOOFER SMOKERS: THEY ARE A DYING BREED A DEBT INCURRED IS A TAX DEFERRED THANKS RON WEAR IT ON YOUR BUMPER We probably have the one you want; ask for it. We’ll send it. GIVE IT TO A CONSERVATIVE FRIEND MAGNET IT ON THE FRIG Box 686 Hurst. TX 76053 Information for Historians, Researchers, Nostalgia Buffs, & Observer Fans Bound Volumes: The 1984 bound issues of The Texas Observer are now ready. In maroon, washable binding, the price is $30. Also available at $30 each are volumes for the years 1963 through 1983. Cumulative Index: The clothbound cumulative edition of The Texas Observer Index covering the years 1954-1970 may be obtained for $20. The 1971-1981 cumulative edition is Back Issues: Issues dated January 10, 1963, to the present are available at $2 each. Earlier issues are out of stock, but photocopies of articles from issues dated December 13, 1954 through December 27, 1962 will be provided at $2 per article. Microfilm: The complete backfile dividual years may be ordered separately. To order, or to obtain additional information regarding the 35mm microfilm editions, please write to Univ. Microfilms Intl., 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106. to the Observer Business Office. Prices include sales tax and postage. The Texas Observer 600 West 28th Austin, Texas 78705 THE TEXAS OBSERVER 5