Rio Grande Valley

An Obama Presidency was greeted with great enthusiasm by Europeans and other foreigners during his campaign but now many world leaders are wondering about his intents toward world trade. The Democratic initiative, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009(H.R. 1), mandates the use of American steel and iron in infrastructure projects with few exceptions. The United States is currently ranked 3 rd in world steel production behind China and Japan. China produces more than twice as much steel as the United States. India, China, and South Korea have the fastest growing sectors. Throughout the world some protectionist measures have been started by countries ... Read Full Story

Spanish colonists originally settled the Rio Grande Valley in the 1700’s. The RGV as we know it today has vastly changed, while still retaining much of its Spanish heritage. The RGV has been known as one of the least financially sound areas of the United States. However, over the past 10+ years due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) southern Texas has begun to flourish. Bordering the Gulf Coast, South Padre Island is one of the top 10 vacation destinations for spring break. South Padre Island is known for their annual Polar Bear Dip, Golf Classic, bustling night life, and even one ... Read Full Story

Like most Hispanic kids in the early 70s I was most familiar with Texas as seen through the the eyes of the Valley. We knew that to the north was a different world where our culture was thought of as foreign by some. Most everyone who left the Valley for college usually chose the Catholic universities of San Antonio or the University of Texas in Austin. Although many in the Valley at that time had family histories of serving in the military, usually as an enlisted, it was very rare for anyone to attend Texas A&M University. McAllen High School had an experimental advanced ... Read Full Story

You would think that a Hispanic Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas with a military record would be a cinch to gain wide Hispanic support in Texas right? The bizarre situation of Rick Noriega shows the disconnect that is present between the National Democratic Party and local Hispanic democrats and other lessons. The southern most region of Texas called the Rio Grande Valley has the highest percentage of Hispanics at 90% of any region in the United States yet early in this year, many Hispanic mayors and state officials endorsed incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn instead of Rick Noriega even after Senator Cornyn ... Read Full Story

By Dr. Tony Magana The Obama administration and the leadership in Congress sees taxing small business owners as the solution to the nation’s financial woes but in doing so will they not only be breaking a promise but also create more job loss?   On March 16, 2009 Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and President Obama addressed the nation about small business. The Secretary called small business “ the anchor of the economy which will lead us to recovery”. At the time the administration promised to give middle America a tax cut and direct the government in such a manner as to maximize the potential ... Read Full Story