A standing ovation greeted New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson before he addressed an overflow crowd of students at Rancho High School this morning. His talk was geared to topics close to their hearts as he introduced many of them for the first time to Barack Obama's priorities for education and the economy.
Richardson highlighted Obama's strong support for the Dream Act, which provides a route to citizenship for young people who attend college or serve in the armed forces. He also discussed Obama's plan to provide $4,000 in tuition aid in return for 100 hours of community service. Speaking directly to issues facing the Latino community, he emphasized the urgent need to increase high school graduation rates among Hispanics and outlined Obama's policy proposals to achieve this goal, including increased teacher pay, preschool education, and improving No Child Left Behind.
Local Assemblymen Mo Denis and Ruben Kihuen also spoke to the high schoolers. Kihuen asked for a show of hands to see how many of them had volunteered for the Obama campaign. A sprinkling of hands rose up. He reminded them that none of Obama's educational priorities would come to pass unless he is elected, and urged them to volunteer, noting that there were only three weeks left in the campaign. "Take a few hours and phone bank, or talk to your neighbors and get out the vote," he said.
Many students attended the talk out of curiosity, wanting to learn more about the Senator they've been hearing so much about. But for seniors like Brenda and Daisy, economic concerns loomed large. They're worried about paying for college.
"Last year I met Bill Richardson and I just wanted to hear more about his point of view [regarding Obama]," said Brenda, who will vote for the first time this November. "I'm going to college next year and I want to know about scholarships and financial aid." She appreciated Obama's proposal for tuition assistance.
Daisy echoed Brenda's comments. "My whole family supports Obama. I'm going to college and I need financial aid. He's going to help. My grandma's 65 and she just became a citizen. She's voting for Obama. She thinks what he's doing for the United States and for our people is great."
Rudolf was the only student to mention the Iraq War. Speaking quietly, he said, "Two years ago I got to see Barack Obama. Most of my family is voting for Obama. Personally, I can't vote because I'm only 17, but I would have voted for Obama too, because my brother was in the marines." Rudolf supports Obama's stance on the war. "I don't think Iraq is a legitimate war. They said we went there to get weapons of mass destruction. They didn't find any. Now it's Iran. I really don't think that's right." Rudolf's brother was shot while in Iraq and has lost the use of his left arm. "If it was a just war," said Rudolf, "I wouldn't mind that he got shot, but I kinda feel it in my heart."
After the auditorium had emptied, members of the Hispanic Club had their picture taken with the Governor. Joseph, a politically active 15 year old, beamed with satisfaction. A deputy field director for Ruben Kihuen's Assembly for Change, Joseph volunteered for Hillary Clinton as well before becoming an Obama supporter. He is already a pro at talking to the press. "We have to get out the youth, kids that can't vote. Hey, I'm a student--I'm only 15 years old--and I'm knocking on doors and telling people you need to vote for Barack Obama because we believe in him. It's time for you to take care of us [the younger generation] so we can help you [in the future]. They need to put somebody in office that we believe in."
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