politics / commentary ::.
GOP Could Gain In More Ways Than One With HCCW |
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This past week the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) held its 26th Annual convention in Milwaukee and issued a resolve that it supported Judge John G. Roberts for the position of Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The USHCC is led by Michael L. Barrera, former National Ombudsman for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), appointed to the position by President George W. Bush in 2001. And coincidentally during these past few of years, Republicans have been very successfully attracting Latino voters while also making inroads into Milwaukee's Latino community, via the networks of the HCCW, with key members positioning themselves in various political positions aimed at increasing GOP political prowess within the Latino community. Using HCCW networks, members have even been able to establish organizations such as the Hispanic Heritage Council (HHC) and Hispanic Professional of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM). Now, members have written me and have stated that the group has members who are left of the political center and I've been told that the HPGM maintains an even political balance. But, having yet to be asked to give a presentation to the organization, I'll reserve my opinion. Regardless, this past week's–come and gone–USHCC event was GREAT for the Hispanics Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW), a pro-Republican Party outfit led by Maria Monreal-Cameron it's CEO and Perfecto Rivera, Chairman of the Board of Directors and staunch Republican Party backer. After analyzing things from afar, I have come to the realization that the HCCW is on the verge of greatness! Unfortunately, it will come at the expense of the Democratic Party. Allow me to explain myself. During the convention not only was one of HCCW's most trusted colleagues George Franco elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the USHCC, but a great opportunity was realized. HCCW leaders were introduced to, and spent time getting to know, Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, the 35th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, when he appeared to speak to the delegates of the USHCC. Seems to me the HCCW will be going along for a very interesting ride with George Franco's–USHCC assured–access to Secretary Gutierrez this coming year. With Gutierrez's support, HCCW business members gain access to new markets around the world and might even begin having thoughts of going international and making market contacts in Latin America. What a great new source of revenue to tap into with the ability to create new markets overseas under the auspices of a Republican-appointed commerce secretary, networking with the CEO of the USHCC (former George Bush appointee) and even having one of your own (George Franco) heading the country's, obviously pro-Republican, première Hispanic business networking agency! With these new business ventures opening up, one has to wonder which businesses are going to benefit the most from these new opportunities. Are most of them going to be businesses friendly to the GOP? I would say yes! Sounds to me like Scott Walker and the GOP in Wisconsin will be having even closer ties to the HCCW. But of course, this is all speculation, I mean, HCCW is nonpartisan, right? Well, I wouldn’t bet on it. • Miranda is a national award winning columnist, Latino community activist and Editor-in-Chief of the Milwaukee Spanish Journal. Email at: rmiranda@wi.rr.com >>More articles by Robert Miranda |