La Alianza de los Hispanics
The Monthly Newsletter of the Hispanic Alliance

La Alianza de Los Hispanics is a non-profit organization that attempts to improve the quality of life all Hispanics in Silver County.

November 2002

TIME TO TAKE ACTION!    TIME TO STAND UP!

For those of you who did not attend the public hearing on November 5^th, the State Public Health Department informed us that many residents in our community have well water contaminated with lead.  Because only a small percentage of homes have been tested, it is likely that more households have been consuming impure water.  William Burroughs, the director of the SPHD, urges us to discontinue the use of our wells and instead buy bottled water with our own dollar!  In the past, the SPHD has been reluctant to attribute any health problems in our community to potential contamination stemming from the old mine operations on Silver Cliff.  Now they have found data that proves that we have been ingesting lead and cyanide, the likely cause of our sickness.  This is the time that we can make the greatest impact to show that we of the Hispanic Alliance refuse to be taken advantage of!

As Hispanics, we have been victims of discrimination from the Anglo leaders of this community.  As low-income residents, we have felt the inequalities by our wealthier neighbors.  As blue-collar workers, we have been scorned by our fellow citizens with higher educations.  No longer will we take this abuse.

We propose that on Monday, November 18^th, all members of the Hispanic community of Silver County gather in protest in front of the SPHD building in downtown Vermillion.  We have every right to live in a healthy environment, and we will not accept anything less!  Unless we take the opportunity to stand up for our rights, we will continue to live in subordination.

To prepare for our protest, we ask that we all meet at the home of Jose Rodriguez, 130 North Cliff Rd. on Saturday, November 16^th at 2pm.  At this meeting, we will share our opinions on the matter and organize so that we can have the greatest effect on the SPHD.  We hope to have your support!

Reminder

We ask for volunteers on Saturday, December 7^th at Hunger Busters, Silver Cliff’s cafeteria for the homeless.  Please contact Manuela Morano (555-2122) if you can give your time.