We should not answer hate with more hate.  This is hard.  Really hard.  And for me as well.  So much hate is directed against our immigrant community.  It is everywhere, really.  TV, radio, blogs, Facebook...everywhere.

We should not answer hate with more hate.  This is hard.  Really hard.  And for me as well.  So much hate is directed against our immigrant community.  It is everywhere, really.  TV, radio, blogs, Facebook...everywhere.

Then there are the hate crimes.  The National Council of La Raza has recorded a steady 25% increase in hate-crimes against Latinos since 2004.  FBI statistics suggest a 40% rise in anti-Latino hate crimes between 2003 and 2007. The number of hate groups in America has been rising, too, climbing more than 50% since 2000, mainly by exploiting the issue of undocumented non-white immigration.

Now this hate has bubbled up to the national stage.  We've heard small-time local politicians, such as one in Suffolk County, New York, say that if he saw an influx of Latino day laborers in his town, “we'll be out with baseball bats.”  But now our President himself has been called a liar in front of a joint session of Congress and on national television.  Why?  Because the individual hated the thought of undocumented people receiving health-care benefits.  He hated so much that he disrespected the President of the United States.

But we can not answer with more hate.  I'm not suggesting a spineless, milquetoast response.  I'm suggesting that the best way to respond is through concerted, civil action.  Get involved.  Urge our leaders to punish the haters.  Support your congressmen and senators that fight for justice for all, regardless of race or nationality.  Or...perhaps run for office yourself!