September is Hispanic Heritage Month

We are a nation of immigrants, and a country that prides itself in our diversity. At times our great nation tends to forget that.

The United States has the 5th-most Spanish speakers in the world, with a population of 22.4 million who speak the language. Only Mexico and Colombia have a larger Hispanic population than the United States. Hispanic-owned business generated $222 billion in 2002. There is no denying that the Hispanic-American population is a vital, legitimate part of our nation's well-being.

Various prominent organizations are spearheading drives to increase awareness of Hispanic-Americans, such as the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Sandia National Laboratories, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and communities across the United States. You don't have to learn how to speak Spanish, but go out and learn something today about Hispanic-Americans that you didn't know yesterday.

The United States has a long way to go before tolerance abounds. If we are ever to achieve the true American Dream, we will get there on the road paved by social equity and tolerance. All it takes is a little bit of learning, understanding, and a good amount of heart.