politics

UNITY

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As of this writing it has become apparent to me that the Citizens of the United States prefer Democracy over Fascism

The fight against fascism relies heavily on the attitude of the people, starting with hope, respect, and unity. As has been highlighted on this website many times, the Latino Community plays a significant role and is incredibly diverse in many ways. One of the biggest challenges for Latino Americans lies in political differences. However, recent discussions suggest that having freedom and democracy are becoming top priorities. There is still much work to do, as those in power seem to lean toward establishing an authoritarian regime rather than supporting a democratic or constitutional system. To preserve freedom and honor our remarkable history, the Latino Community must stand united. We are for democracy.

Hope

Hope is a powerful weapon against fascism, serving as both a shield and a rallying cry in the face of fear and oppression. While fascism thrives on division, despair, and apathy, hope inspires unity, action, and resilience. It fuels our belief in a better future, reminding us that change is possible when we come together with determination and courage. Hope empowers us to envision a society built on equality, justice, and freedom, motivating us to take meaningful steps to protect these values. By cultivating hope in our communities, we counteract the darkness of fascism with light, proving that love, solidarity, and persistence can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Respect

Respect is a formidable weapon against fascism, countering its foundation of hatred and dehumanization with dignity and inclusivity. Fascism seeks to divide and conquer by pitting communities against one another, but respect bridges those divides, fostering empathy and understanding. When we listen to each other, honor diverse perspectives, and uphold the inherent worth of every individual, we dismantle the narratives that fuel authoritarian ideologies. Respect strengthens our resolve to protect the rights of all, reminding us that democracy thrives when we treat each other as equals. By leading with respect, we create a society where collaboration and compassion overpower fear and division, rendering fascism powerless in the face of unity.

Unity

Unity is one of the most powerful weapons against fascism, as it dismantles the divide-and-conquer tactics that authoritarian regimes rely on to maintain power. Fascism thrives on sowing division, exploiting differences, and isolating communities, but unity creates an unbreakable bond that transcends those divides. When people from all walks of life stand together, recognizing that an attack on one group is an attack on all, they form a collective force too strong to ignore. Unity amplifies our voices, strengthens our movements, and ensures that no one fights alone. It reminds us that our shared commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy is far greater than the fear and hate that fascism seeks to spread. Together, we can build a future where unity prevails, ensuring that democracy is not just defended but strengthened.

The Call now is to Unite all Latino Organizations into one Huge Voice

Assuming there are 1,000 Latino-owned organizations dedicated to educating, advancing, or supporting Hispanic culture, it’s worth considering that many individuals within these cultures may not wish to be associated with or connected to their ancestral homeland. Instead, they may prefer to identify simply as Americans. I completely agree that we are Americans, and for some, the family tree may hold little significance. That’s perfectly fine; however, the discrimination prevalent in our country today often categorizes individuals into sects or cultures, whether they like it or not. This has led to stereotypical judgments based on names and appearances. If your skin is brown, yellow, red, or black, you may become a target for discrimination. (Aside: I sincerely apologize for using basic colors to describe culture.) I hope these words are understood as coming from a place of good intentions, inspired by the command to “love thy neighbor as thyself.)” But the message is clear; white nationalist has the ear of the current leaders, and they are moving to expel us legally or illegally. Trying to disguise yourself or call yourself one of them will not matter until you are allowed due process. That is gone.

Who will “Stand Up” and bring us all together? Who will “Stand Up” and bring as many of us as possible together? A new movement must be born. A leader for that movement must be born and a fight for continued freedom in this country must never end. I looked up the word “Cumbre” which translates to “summit” or ‘peak” and refers to the highest point of a mountain, but it can also mean a high-level meeting of leaders or, figuratively, the highest point of success of a career. For us it can be “La Cumbre de Latinos” or a high-level meeting of Hispanic Leaders. Whatever the name, title or acronym you what to use to create a gathering of like minds it must start now. If one man can convince a large group of citizens to hold back support for the poor, he can easily become a dictator especially if lethal weapons, from the opposition, come into play and law enforcement will not go against his orders.

As folks start feeling the pain at grassroots level charitable organizations will try to pick up the slack. HPLA Charities has tried to provide support for home repair for the poor but is now being asked to provide basic needs like help with utilities and food. We are trying not to turn anyone down, but we are a drop in the biggest lake without your financial support. We can become a cup of water or more. The basis of this post is twofold. The entire Latino Community must unite, and we must help feed our own. HPLA has not provided help for just Hispanics, but we do focus on them. Whatever your culture, though, we will try to help.

www.hplacharities.org/donate or habitacionesparalatinos.org/donate

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

Where are you?

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The macro view of what is happing in the world is so vast and difficult to see that taking just one view is not good. I can’t understand the global view which includes Russia vs Ukraine or Israel vs Iran/Palestine but locally our politics are also so diverse that to choose sides is suicide. I am prolife and there is no debate for me. To drill down and decide what that means is very diverse. While I support prolife, I am of the mind that it is a decision that should be made by a prospective mother and her doctor, in the case of abortion. The decision of yes verses no is not mine to make. It should always be between mother, doctor and GOD. There are so many issues to consider and saving baby verses mom or viceversa should not be made by the general public. This is just one issue that requires lots of thought but should not be politicized. Where are you?

The political umbrella covers a country’s behaver but should be held sacred. Within the law, things all things sacred are between you and GOD. While I might plan to abort an unwanted pregnancy that is a personal decision between me and God alone. Not for you to know about unless I am asking you for money to pay for my decision. If you have no skin in the game, then go about your business. However, if I need financial support to carry out my decision than you defiantly have a say. But that is to say ” I will help, or no I will not” end of story. If you want to yell out and say, “this is happening”, and I don’t agree than that’s called your freedom of speech and I am OK with that. If you have not loss any financial resources than it is just an internal moral or religious belief you want to voice. That is your right. But not for you to decide what I do. When life begins and when no life exist is measured by opinion. To pull the plug on a brain-dead elder is up to family not you. It may be mercy killing but still murder. No difference with an unborn child but not your call. Where are you?

We are currently seeing the poorest of the poor yelling for help. There are thousands and sadly they do not know what they don’t know. Help is out there but they must understand where that help is. The basic map for survival is reliance on yourself. Secondly is communication. Let folks know you are willing to do anything necessary to survive but need help. Offering sexual pleasure can be a means of revenue and although immoral, illegal and despicable it has become necessary for some. The point here is to look at what is necessary to survive and how desperate one is to survive. What would you do to keep a family from eating out of a dumpster? What would you do to help a young woman who got pregnant out of blind love, lust or ignorance and got no help from the man? As a caring individual you would do all you can to help without jeopardizing your own better welfare. I strongly believe that there are millions who would do whatever is necessary to help. We do it by collectively by establishing laws we demand our politicians to help establish and for the government to manage. i.e. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid & SNAP. Has the cost to provide these services gotten totally out of control? Defiantly! Has corruption taken away from folks desperate for help, yes. There is so much oversight necessary to ensure help is funneled to those applying for help that the vetting process has gotten too lengthy and life has been lost in the process. So, until as a nation we establish rules to help everyone needing help and a vetting system that catches corruption it will fall on individuals like you, who care, to pick up the slack. I won’t get into the millions of Americans who just don’t care. There are millions and our elected officials are among them. The Bible suggests that the poor will always be among you. That may be but should not be in the United States, not even in North America.

For those of you who follow my post you know that HPLA Charities was established to help those overlooked by many of us. It is disappointing to see that number growing while billions of dollars go to test a rocket. In March of 2016 our volunteers were plentiful and resources readily available. While the strength of the economy has had its ups and downs things are relatively stable. The downside is folks have been turned off and gotten an attitude that is sad to see in America. They just don’t care. There may be ligament reasons to have this attitude. I don’t see it. The mission of HPLA has not changed and the work to help the poor is increasing. We will not stop trying to help nor will we stop asking for you to contribute. We don’t pay staff, period. Every dollar you give goes to help folks in need. It is infuriating to see national organizations turn folks down because a project fund has been exhausted and yet payrolls for leaders are never exhausted. It is a shame that buckets full of funds in other areas are not transferred so all funds are exhausted equally. HPLA helps ensure those calling us are not begging for food and water, but many times it is that bad. Too many times. Our volunteers have taken out of their own pockets many times, such that they are themselves are in need. It appears those that need the most give the most proportionately. If you have one dollar left over at the end of every month and especially at the end of every year you are wealthier than many. If you have hundreds left over and saving accounts and investment funds your rich. All I ask of you is five or ten dollars every month. Every dollar received monthly is matched. You first and the needy second. Where are you?

http://www.hplachaities.org/donate

Discrimination: We are all guilty

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Discrimination in America 2025

There has never been a time in American History where discrimination was absent.

From Google AI: “Discrimination in the United States has deep roots, stemming from the institution of slavery, the subjugation of indigenous peoples, and the systemic oppression of various racial, ethnic and religious groups.” Google suggest in its Historical Context these basic categories:

  • Slavery and its aftermath Discrimination: was a defining feature of early American history, and its legacy continues to impact the nation.
  • Jim Crow Laws Discrimination: Following the civil war the Jim Crow Laws of the south enforced segregation and discrimination against African Americans in various aspects of life including housing, education, employment, and public spaces.
  • Immigrant Discrimination: The United States has always been a nation of immigrants and seemingly also always a nation suffused with a fear or hatred of those same immigrants
  • Women’s Rights Discrimination: The unfair or unequal treatment of individual’s based on their sex or gender. This can manifest in various forms, including pay gaps, lack of representation in leadership and violence against women.
  • LGBTQ+ Discrimination: These individual are described as different and outside the definition of male or female and as a result face the same types of discrimination as women or immigrants etc.
  • Disability Discrimination: It is the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on their disability which can manifest in various forms, including being employed, have access to services, education, or social participation.
  • TBD Discrimination: Who or what is the next group that will be the target of discrimination? My guess is Medicaid recipients.

I am using historical information from the internet that no doubt approaches these issues from a relatively unbiased perspective. From that point of view the message is presented without any desire to sway or dispel any mindset or belief, but instead to provide facts for the reader to decipher. For the sake of argument and as the devil’s advocate, I believe that the reasons given to the public about any discrimination is diluted for political correctness. Instead the reasons should be exposed for the horrific attitude and mindset where discrimination actually originates. There are mindsets that suggest “it is my way or the highway.” At its core I believe it begins with self-centered individuals that expect to always win and to be in relationships with only winners. Any failure by a member of the group will have them pushed away. Generally these folks will be ostracized from the leadership and thus the strategic plans of the group. (i.e. “Being Outed”).

People of like minds can come from any culture or any other group, but birds of a feather stick together thus other factors enter into this natural selection. Blood is stronger than water, but this is not always a surefire sign you will be accepted in a group. So called heroes of history suggests that, unlike Butch Cassidy, Etta Place and the Sundance Kid, they have recruited hundreds or even thousands of like-minded ideological followers. Many made up of many different cultures.

We are currently in global state of flux where folks are not sure who to trust, who to believe or who to join up with. The rules of entry discriminate in many ways, but one central theme seems to stand out in America, that is, a US born white skinned individual has the best chance to be accepted by and encouraged to join the right wing. All other cultures are suckers that can be used.

To be clear the right wing currently controlling the governments progress of the US tends to be one working hard to suppress human rights including and not limited to free speech. Secondly it is trying to suppress the growth of non-whites. It has used Latinos as the “whipping boy” to validate its message. The hype is that all illegal immigrants are a danger to our citizens and is dismantling the freedom we currently enjoy. Secondly it is bringing with them an ideology that encourages drug use. Nothing is ever mentioned that supply is based on demand and that the right wing thrives on exploiting the free market and will invest heavily into it. Drug cartels are not successful without a well-financed US based cartel to partner with it. Adding and abating while wearing a halo. How un-Christian is that?   

So discrimination is alive and well on planet earth. Currently it’s against the illegal immigrates of Latin based countries not the Irish to trying to survive the potato famine. Not the Cubans running from Castro, not countries in Africa or the middle east. And who pays he highest price? Women and children are particularly vulnerable during these journeys. We can close our borders and limit the ingress but desperate times call for desperate measures. Life has become expendable and humanity disrespected. It is not a society that cares about anyone, but only of one self. Survival of the fittest is well and good but not reserved for just a few.

The world must discriminate against any society that would want for only their group of like-minded members to survive. That is unless it is a society that includes all individual who have a beating heart and lungs. Cold blooded species are a conversation for another time.

I am trying to perpetuate the species by helping them have basic survival resources. Read about my mission please, 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