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Hispanic Heritage Month Starts 9-15

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It is not fair or even possible to compare the contributions of different cultures to American Society and say one has added “as much as any other”. The contributions of Hispanic culture like those of all other culture groups are immense, distinct and fundamental to American society. Trying to quantify or rank the value of different cultures oversimplifies the complex and interwoven history of the United States. However, in celebration of “Hispanic Heritage Month” it is fitting to point out a few of the major contributions the Hispanic Culture has brought to America. Hispanic culture has a deep and pervasive influence that predates the founding of the United States. A specific culture has been the Mexicans and all those associated with Mesoamerica. (i.e.)

  • The massive economic output: In 2023 it was 4.1 trillion dollars making it the world’s fifth largest economy.
  • Driving Growth: Between 2010 and 2023 Latins were responsible for over half of the nation’s population growth and nearly 60% of the labor force growth.
  • Filling critical roles: Hispanic workers play a vital role in industries like agriculture construction and hospitality.
  • High Rate of entrepreneurship: Latinos start business at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group in the US.

Arts, cuisine and entertainment

  • Culinary tradition: Hispanic cuisine, including Puerto Rican. and Latin American dishes like tacos and tamales has become an integral part of America food culture.
  • Popular Music: Hispanic influence is evident throughout American Music, from salsa and mariachi to the global popularity of reggaeton.
  • Diverse artistic expression: Influential Hispanic and Latino figures have made significant contributions to American literature, film and visual arts.

Social & Political Activism

  • Advocacy for Equality: Hispanic civil rights organizations, such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (Lulac) have long fought for equality and representation. The largest currently is Unidos US.
  • Political Representation: Hispanic leaders are often important political offices at all levels, advocating for policies that reflect their communities’ interests.
  • Community Building: Hispanics are often active in community organizations, religious institutions and social services, which strengthens local communities.

The Challenge of Comparision

  • Avoiding Oversimplification: American identity is a continually evolving tapestry woven from countless influences and reducing any cultures impact to a simple metric or comparison is unfair.
  • A “Nation of Immigrants”: The United States was built and continuously is reshaped by waves of diverse immigrant groups, all of whom have contributed to its success in unique ways.
  • A Complex Process: The cultural exchange between different groups is not a simple transaction. It involves the integration of unique perspectives and traditions into a broader American Society, creating a richer, more diverse whole.

Having written what most folks would consider “a given” let’s be clear, there is a sense that many Americans are wanting to minimize the growth of any one culture. The problem may stem from one culture believing they are the pentacle of “Real Patriots”, and all other cultures are not. This is not the platform to suggest the Hispanic Heritage population are the “Real Patriots” but may be to suggest that Hispanics have the strongest influence on the way folks should behave, live, worship and manage America. In a democracy, the increasing Hispanic population will play a larger role in shaping national policies and influencing elections.  That may be why we need to be sure everyone in the country is legal, registered to vote, is paying their fair share of the cost to operate our nation’s safety and our environment.

Latinos are changing America; Latino Culture has greatly enriched North American culture. Hispanic influence is on the rise; it is profound, transcendent, and permanent. It comes from the fastest growing, largest majority group in the US. Taking characteristics of one culture and integrating it into another, regardless of whether it’s the dominant or recessive culture, it is called “Acculturation”. There are many reasons why three out of four US residents believe Latinos have had a major influence on American Culture. The prayer is that Latinos have contributed more positive influences than negative. It appears they have.

HPLA Charities is a bilingual English/ Spanish speaking organization made up of volunteers and no paid staff. Our mission is to help all those low-income families in Kansas we cover who own their homes and are just not able to keep up with all that owning a home requires. The organization focuses on ensuring their clients have the basic “must have” physiological resources. Stopping a leaky toilet at times is all that is necessary to help pay for the cost of food. Lately help with healthy food purchases and utility support has become a higher priority that home repair, so the charity deviates from its core mission. Emergency needs of any kind require our attention. We need you to help us do more for our neighbors and the needy. Better yet do more directly if you are able. Please consider an ongoing or one time donation for HPLA Charites. We make it easy and safe to contribute. Please follow this link. www.hplacharities.org/donate

HPLA Charities aka Habitaciones Para Latinos Association does not condone violence, and we hope you understand that the division we are undergoing is created by man and not GOD. This is a very difficult time, and hate can easily fester. Don’t let it, please.

Robert L. Flores Chairman

Are you excited about being ruled by a dictator?

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Sure, why not? Or Hell No!

Benefits of being ruled by a dictator:

  • Swift Decision making and implementation of policy:
    • Dictatorships bypass the need for extensive debate and votes, allowing the leader to make decisions and implement policies rapidly, potentially benefiting crises or situations demanding urgent attention.
  • Political Stability and reduced gridlock:
    • Dictatorships may offer greater policy stability by reducing the chances of pollical infighting and frequent changes in leadership that can be common in democracies. This theoretically could facilitate long-term planning and attract foreign investment.
  • Unified National direction and agenda:
    • With power centralized in the hands of a single leader or a small group dictatorship can pursue a unified and coherent national agenda. There are fewer bureaucratic hurdles and less political opposition to implementing policies, which can lead to significant achievements in areas like infrastructure development, military strength, and national projects.
  • Efficiency in Governance
    • Dictatorship can be more efficient in terms of governance. The lack of a need for extensive debate and legislative procedures allows for faster implementation of polices. This efficiency can be beneficial in economic planning and development as seen in some rapidly developing nations.
  • Enhanced National Security (potentially)
    • Dictatorships often prioritize national security and maintain a strong centralized control over the military and security forces. This tight grip can effectively deter internal and external threats, as the regime can swiftly mobilize resources and implement measures to protect the nation.
  • Rapid Implementation of Reforms
    • In a dictatorship the leader can introduce and implement significant reforms without delays commonly associated with democratic processes. This ability allows for the rapid transformation of various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
  • Reduced bureaucratic Red Tape
    • Dictatorships can minimize bureaucratic red tape and streamline the administrative process. The concentration of power allows for the bypassing of cumbersome bureaucratic procedures that often hinder progress in democratic systems. This efficiency can facilitate quicker project approvals, reduced administrative costs and more straightforward policy implementation.

Note: These potential benefits are theoretical and can come with significant downsides. History demonstrates that dictatorship frequently led to:

  • Abuse of power and corruption
    • A significant drawback of dictatorships is the potential for abuse of power. With unchecked authority, dictators can engage in corrupt practices, suppress dissent, and violate human rights. The absence of accountability mechanisms often leads to the exploitation of power for personal gain and the suppression of freedoms.
  • Lack of political freedom and human right violations
    • Dictatorships inherently limit political freedom and participation. Citizens often have little to no role in the political process, and opposition parties are usually banned or heavily restricted. This lack of political plurality stifles innovation and prevents the representation of diverse interests within society.
  • Suppression of Dissent
    • In a bid to maintain control, dictatorships frequently suppress dissent and opposition. This suppression can take various forms, including censorship, imprisonment of political opponents, and even extrajudicial killings. Such practices create an atmosphere of fear and inhibit free expression and democratic engagement.
  • Economic Mismanagement
    • While some dictatorships have achieved economic success, many suffer from economic mismanagement. The concentration of power can lead to inefficient economic policies, cronyism, and the neglect of important economic sectors. The lack of transparency and accountability further exacerbates these issues, leading to economic stagnation or decline.
  • Social unrest and potential for revolution
    • The authoritarian nature of dictatorships often leads to social unrest and revolt. The suppression of freedoms and the absence of legitimate channels for expressing grievances can cause pent-up frustrations, eventually erupting into protests, uprisings, or even revolutions. This instability can negate any perceived benefits of the regime.
  • Human Rights Violations
    • Dictatorships are frequently associated with severe human rights violations. The lack of checks and balances allows dictators to implement draconian measures against perceived threats, often targeting minority groups, activists, and ordinary citizens. These violations can lead to international condemnation and isolation, further exacerbating the regime’s weaknesses.
  • Limited innovation and creativity
    • Dictatorships often create an environment of fear and conformity, where dissenting voices and unconventional ideas are suppressed. This stifling atmosphere can hinder innovation and creativity, as individuals are less likely to take risks or propose new ideas that might challenge the status quo. The lack of open debate and intellectual freedom can lead to stagnation in scientific, technological, and cultural development.

      Dictatorship, as a form of governance, presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. While the centralized power structure can result in several benefits, it also leads to many drawbacks such as social unrest, economic mismanagement and human rights violations. Therefore, while dictatorships can achieve certain short-term gains, their long-term sustainability and ethical implications are questionable.

While a theoretical case can be made for certain efficiencies in a dictatorship the historical evidence and the numerous documented drawbacks strongly indicate that such a system would be detrimental to individual freedoms, human rights, and long-term societal well-being in the United States, given its established democratic framework and constitutional principles. Sadly, the framework is collapsing. The evidence that the United States is being ruled by a dictatorial form of government is based on recent factors that are the blueprint or definition of being ruled by a dictator.

A dictatorship is a form of authoritarian government, characterized by a single leader or group of leaders where there is little or no tolerance for political pluralism, independent programs, or media,” this is the definition of Dictatorship according to Merriam Webster, the most widely used online dictionary in America.

According to Robert Reich, an American economist and a political analyst who served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton as well as Barack Obama, these are the 10 steps how a democracy can turn into a dictatorship.

  1. First, destroy every trace of the Trade Unions so that people do not have the opportunity to demand higher wages and are unable to organize politically
  2. Break any hope students have for a better future (tip: burden them so much with student debt and make it so difficult for them to find well-paying jobs that it doesn’t occur to them to oppose it).
  3. Undermine public education to prevent people from thinking critically.
  4. Make deals with rich businessmen and other millionaires so that they support you and in return promise and reduce taxes. (It increases the tax burden on the poor and regulates the legal framework so that the rich do not risk their profits.)
  5. Make most people economically insecure, frustrated, angry, and hopeless.
  6. Convince people that their problems come from ‘others’ – foreigners, immigrants, racial or ethnic or religious minorities, intellectuals.
  7. Make people think cynically against democracy
  8. Convince them that they need a savior, someone strong who alone will fix everything.
  9. Publish propaganda filled with lies
  10. Win the election to get the power.

As we move into this phase of our history the burden to help the lower classes is going to fall on the churches, individuals and charities.

Most charities will hire staff to manage the overwhelming applications for help and as a 501c3 those charities donors get tax exemptions. If charities could get a part of those exemptions, and if the staff to manage those charities won’t take most of the donations, then there can be sufficient help for the poor. However, history suggest that overhead takes up so much of the donations that funds to help the poor, money runs out very quickly. Secondly, donations are being used as investments for charities to buy and sell at a profit such things as old houses and empty plots. New homes are built which improves the area but does not profit the poor.

HPLA Charities has never had a paid staff, and no donations go to pay for anything that does not benefit the clients we serve. We are an all-volunteers organization that works at street level and has no ulterior motive to build wealth. Please help us by donating at www.hplacharities.org/donate

Charites Are in Greater Demand

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With Cuts to Federal Programs Americans are Being Hurt and need help

This was a recent article published by Dr. Robert Riech and INEQUALITY MEDIA Civic Action

Social Security is one of the smartest, most effective, and most popular programs in American history. For nearly a century, through economic ups and downs, it has never missed a payment, always delivering benefits on time to every eligible American. We can be proud of how reliable and beneficial this system is.

Before Social Security was created in 1935, nearly half of our nation’s seniors lived in poverty. Today, that number is down to 10.3 percent. In 2021 alone, Social Security lifted more than 18 million older Americans out of poverty. Despite this remarkable success, far too many seniors and people with disabilities still struggle to get by, while Republicans in Congress push for deep l cuts to Social Security benefits. House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle reports that the Republican Study Committee’s released 2025 budget would “make Republican plans to gut Social Security a reality.” Forcing Americans to work longer for less, they would “cut Social Security benefits for 257 million people, or 3 in 4 Americans.” This is the same proposed Republican budget that ends Medicare as we know it, attacks the Affordable Care Act, and slashes food assistance for children. And it offers all this destruction in order to pander to the ultra-rich with $4.5 trillion dollars in tax cuts.

Nearly 40% of seniors rely on Social Security for more than half of their income, nearly half of Americans 55 and older have zero retirement savings, and the average Social Security benefit is only $1,688 a month. The program has a $2.85 trillion surplus and can pay full benefits until 2035. Yet, some Republicans in Congress still claim Social Security is going broke. It’s not going broke, but we can do better. Instead of cutting Social Security benefits just to line the pockets of billionaires, let’s find ways to increase benefits to all Americans and improve its solvency now, and beyond 2035. We can make Social Security stronger, not weaker>. This is the effect of legislation sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Val Hoyle: the Social Security Expansion Act of 2025.

Now, the richest man on earth, Elon Musk, is working on a hostile takeover of Social Security, threatening $500 billion in cuts to Social Security and Medicare. If this bill had been passed when first introduced just four years ago, Musk would have paid $2.9 billion more in taxes, Social Security would have been solvent for 75 years, benefits would have increased by $2,400, and 93% of Americans wouldn’t have paid a penny more in taxes.

So, the question is, will there be some sort of compromise where none of these drastic and ridiculous cuts will be implemented or will they be approved and go into effect very quickly. As has been published by National News Media and social media the real possibility exists for chainsaws to be used to cut all of Government established and approved budgets. As taxpayers we should be able to persuade the politicians to use a microscope and a scalpel to save money that is supposedly being wasted. I think we need to start by blowing up our representative’s phone lines, email address and physical addresses with the message “Stop the Presses”. Trust me, that is the minimum action that you and I need to start taking. In my last post I asked to call a spade a spade. Today, Politicians are pawns moved around by puppet masters called mega donors. It is very difficult to follow their own agenda, as a politician, unless they have a majority of constituents that have the same exact agenda as them. (There are some politicians in whose districts I will never go to).

But representatives are driven by their supporters. Unfortunately, we now have a few puppets master’s that can mandate all branches of government to do as they want not what is really needed by or for our country. It is sad that being gaslighted as citizens and kept from being able to see the future agenda of these few, has created a monster. Our representatives are being blackmailed so they won’t even do what their constituents demands for them to do. And they can’t be recalled so they have to resign or for the sake of their constituents or put on the gloves and fight the blackmail. We have to help them and let them know we control the vote not the mega donors. I have used this phrase many times and it is vital to understand the significance of it and how to work to amend the message. “Folks don’t know what they don’t know they don’t know”. Did you know that there is a little town called Gas City? For a few of you this information may be common knowledge, but I would guess that most of you reading this post did not know that the little town called Gas existed. What may be interesting to learn is how few of you care that you “didn’t know what you did not know” about Gas City. There in lays the big problem. What are somethings everyone on earth should know that that they don’t know. Where is Gas City is, should be low on list of things to know. But on the flip side what should every person on earth know? You can start your own list and send me your top ten via https://habitacionesparalatinos.org/contact-us/. Some proof that GOD exist maybe the number one question on a majority of your minds, but I would dare say there are folks who know nothing about GOD’s. The need for survival is not only common knowledge, but how to best do that is the biggest need to teach, learn or to make people aware of.

To sustain one’s health and nurture your body? For me that carries forward for people closest and dearest to me. Natural life sustaining resources are food and water. In whatever form that comes to you is vital. It cannot contain ingredients that will kill you, neither immediately nor even over the course of time. (Death is inevitable but should not be accelerated). The next resource needed after we have food, and water comes protection from the elements. That comes in the need of shelter and having the resources to keep the body warm or cool. We must add companionship, but that is another story for another time. Today the US population is concerned with having fresh water, nutritious food and basic shelter. (heat, warm and protection from the elements). Drought, water contamination, infested produce, bird flu, floods and forest fires is forces threating our survival. Money may be the root of all evil, but it is the primary source of survival in that it takes money to buy the basic needs to survive today. Even the survivalist need money to buy a compass.

HPLA Charities is asking you for donations. Thankfully most of us have the resources to buy whatever we need to survive. However outrageous the cost of goods is rising we can make it. But look around and see those around you who obviously can’t make it. Watch closely as Mom shops for the cheapest price in every category of the grocery store, milk, eggs, vegetables etc. See that at the checkout even the child does not get a piece of gum or a treat. It is heart breaking to see this suffering and the number of these folks are increasing. The world baits us with carrots on the end of the stick called tobacco, alcohol, tattoos and sex. The most intelligent of Americans succumb to the carrots dangled by the world no matter how poor. One line I use to explain my clients is “some people are hurting through no fault of their own” and you must walk in their shoes and live in their world in order to understand and appreciate their needs. I have seen where just a little help can bring folks out of their rut and back to the ability to sustaining their families and themselves. Fixing a leaky toilet can reduce the cost of water enough to buy a gallon or two of milk per month. New HVAC filters, a storm door, insulation around windows and doors. Most important is smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors which helps with utility billing and the safety everyone needs. In the last 6 months the call for utility help, interim food between paydays along with handrails, wheelchair ramps and yard waste removal has been mission. Winter temperatures and the demands are the worst. A busted water line feeding water to a mobile home had frozen solid, but was fixed in promptly in February. You and your significant others must come first but know there are human beings out here as bad off as the stray dog or cat just wanting a warm place and some food and drink.

Help us find and help those folks. Let us know if you know or suspect someone who is hurting. Donate for their benefit not for ours. HPLA takes no donation money to maintain our existence as a non-profit or to perpetuate any of our board or staff. All work is done by volunteers, and your donations are used to buy supplies or to benefit the clients in need directly. Safe donations are done best given through our website which is managed by PayPal at www.hplacharities.org/donate

As a Latino and Veteran, it is vital to find and help our active military as well as veterans that need help so we can help. It is vital to find those Latinos that are fearing they will be separated from their families by mistake. More importantly is to find shut-Ins that “Don’t Know What They Don’t know” that help is available a phone call away. Please help us find those we miss.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Robert Flores Chairman HPLA Charities aka Habitaciones Para Latinos Assocation 913-269-4450

Serving Wyandotte and Sedgwick Counties of Kansas

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The following is an application to Venmo for a grant which prompted the question, why not share publicly and see if other interested charitable funds might appreciate the story and help also.

Venmo question:

We’d love to hear about your business, your background, and how you made it to where you are today.

HPLA Charities was born as Habitaciones Para Latinos Association with the mission to help low-income homeowners with home repairs. After owning a successful handyman business for 10 years Chairman Robert Flores realized most folks that called on him where not able to pay for the emergency repairs, he was called on to fix. After doing as much at no cost for the homeowner he decided that maybe others would join in and volunteer to provide the labor for free and he would provide all the materials and the tools.

Intime folks decided that they could not do the labor, but could donate to defer cost of materials and supplies. So, Robert provided all the labor he could himself. Others, that were able, helped with labor too. In conversations with homeowners that needed major repair they were referred to larger non-profits or public organizations dedicated to helping the elderly and the poor.  There was never immediate help and with every case lots of paperwork. One organization required a $100.00 deposit to even process the application for help. Since 2016 after the loss of his daughter Robert decided to dedicate all the time, he could, to help folks at no cost or without question in the name of daughter Donni. It was easy to see who was in real need and those that were trying to steal some free help. 90% of any profits made from the Handyman business went to the charity. In 2023 Robert had helped hundreds, but his age caused the need for a series of heart procedures that ended with a Trans Aortic Valve Replacement and ended his ability to work physically. Since then, Robert has continued to recruit volunteers to keep helping and, in some cases, has had to pay professionals to do the work required to help.

What does the future look like for your business, and how can Venmo help you achieve your goals?*

The situation explained in the previous question has taxed the charities physical and monetary resources and has created pain for Robert to sustain his personal donations. With the health issues and age creeping in Robert decided to move from the Kansas City Metro to the Wichita, Kansas Metro where some friends and family are closer and where he began his marriage and his first military assignment at McConnell AFB, Kansas. His goal is to perpetuate the services that HPLA Charites has provided in Kansas City and begin the same mission in Wichita. Now a 100% disabled veteran and with excellent care by the Veterans Administration Robert is ready and able to lead and to perpetuate his mission by networking with local leaders for added support and to expand the mission of Habitaciones Para Latinos Association in Wichita, Kansas.

What does the future look like for your business, and how can Venmo help you achieve your goals?*

An annual grant for any amount would be used to acquire a part-time or full-time employee specially to seek out those in need of the charities mission and expand the word-of-mouth advertising which seems to provide the greatest impact in finding folks in need. A vehicle is available to be donated as is all the tools necessary to complete most any home repair task. The employee would have access to the vehicle plus all resources and a place to work. The future looks bright for HPLA and a grant would light an even brighter  path or two.

If applicable, tell us how being a member of a historically underrepresented community (Black, Women, Latinx, etc.) may have shaped your entrepreneurial experience.

Robert has personally experienced men and women, boys and girls being bullied and ignored by others. He has physically interceded in a fist fight and in acts of bulling.  Sometimes being hurt him-self as a consequence.

Raised in the “Barrio” with eight siblings and seeing how working hard and getting an education brought his family to a position of integrity producing professors, firefighters, artist, homemakers, certified auto-mechanic, business professionals and military leaders. This suggest he knows the path to lead those in need out of poverty. The fight against decimation, bullying and arrogance is always going to be present. Growing up Latino, Robert saw the special treatment of white kids by predominately white teachers. It  was so evident in “Roberts Day”. Today no one can dispute that it happened or that  it still continues. Robert got a leg up as a young man. As one of few Latinos in his vocation he was mentored by many white men and women and his talents rewarded and kept in demand. He is a good person and it’s evident.  Having lost his Dad and starting to work at age 11 he still is grateful to  one Leroy Corzine (RIP) that taught him the trade of meat cutting by age 12.

HPLA provides the boost necessary to anyone they can find who needs it. Join them, please.

www.hplacharities.org/donate