1. This year has been filled with challenges and frustration. Unemployment
continues to be extremely high, the economy is still shaky, California’s finan-
cial situation is increasingly getting worse and the U.S. Congress has not
taken action to benefit the majority of Americans.
However, even with so much hardship, This Christmas Season forces us to re-
flect and recognize that behind a grim outlook, there is often human effort,
generosity and a spirit of sacrifice for others. We are thankful for that and
more:
♦ Activists, politicians and national organizations that advocate for Latinos,
which help the community face discriminatory state laws such as Alabama’s.
♦ The states of the union that have approved their own DREAM Act and en-
acted laws protecting immigrants.
♦ The populist movement that, despite its disorganization and lack of focus,
has called national attention to the disparities created by the economic poli-
cies of the past few decades.
♦ Parents, teachers and administrators of the Los Angeles Unified School Dis-
trict, who demonstrate their commitment to student achievement through
action.
♦ Those who work to improve the quality of life in their communities and
help provide better opportunities in life for young people.
Legal residents who become U.S. citizens so they can vote and make them-
selves heard in the political arena.
♦ Volunteer professionals who donate their services and time to care for the
neediest.
♦ Small business owners who take on risks to build their American dream day
by day and generate jobs.
♦ Immigrants, whose presence brings energy and vitality to the U.S. work-
force.
Putting together a list like this is always unfair, because it cannot possibly in-
clude everyone who deserves to be on it. What is important is recognizing
that in this society, one way or another, we all need each other—that we are
always thankful for a helping hand, timely advice and unselfish acts when we
need them most.
To all of them and our Members UNITEHERE LOCAL 11, we give thanks.