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‘Opportunity Today for Prosperity Tomorrow’: First Hispanic-American to Give Keynote at DNC Discusses Community Responsibility

Sep. 4, 2012 11:08pm
Opportunity Today for Prosperity Tomorrow: Julian Castro, First Hispanic American Delivers Keynote Speech at DNC

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 02: San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro stands on stage during preparations for the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 2, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC that will start on September 4 and run through September 7, will nominate U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate.Credit: Getty Images

As Democrats seek to reaffirm a position as the singular platform for diversity, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro became the first Hispanic-American to deliver a keynote speech at a Democratic National Convention. Speculation had abounded that Castro’s speech Tuesday evening would mark a break-out moment for the young mayor, who, like his mother before him, was political activist in her own right. And some spectators would likely agree, given the Texan’s affable, outgoing nature.

After an introduction by his brother, congressional candidate, Joaquin Castro, on the first evening of the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Julian Castro opened by saying how proud he is to be an American “shaped by 9-11″ and “connected by the digital revolution.” He spoke about his family roots and humble beginnings, with a grandmother who worked “as a maid, cook and babysitter,” in order to give his mother a better life. Castro lauded his grandmother’s resolve to learn English and carve out better opportunities for her daughter than she had had herself.

“Ours is a nation like no other where great journeys can be made in a single generation,” he exclaimed to hearty cheers.

“The path is always ‘forward.’”

In an election season hyper-focused on minority outreach, Castro embodies the quintessential American dream. He and his twin brother, both second generation Mexican-Americans, were raised by a single mother — an orphan herself —  who believed that she could ensure her sons went from the public schools of the barrio, straight to the Ivy League and beyond with hard work and dedication. In other words, the crux of Castro’s story is not so different (if at all) from that which the Republican platform celebrates: A drive to succeed and diligence is the surest key to independence and realizing one’s dreams.

The difference lies in the overriding message of Castro’s remarks, which essentially said that the opportunities America grants each of us, are meant to be used to ensure “prosperity” for the collective, tomorrow. 

Castro took time to focus on his grandmother and mother’s generations, stating that they each saw “beyond” their own horizons and circumstances. Their opportunity today, according to the San Antonio native, would lead to “prosperity tomorrow.”  He added that their respective sacrifices opened the door for their children to create a middle class.

“With hard work everyone should get their and stay there… and go beyond.”

The young mayor did cede that while the dream to r”aise a family in a place where hard work is rewarded” may be “universal” but that America makes those dreams “a reality.”

Joking that Texas is still the one place in the country where people still have bootstraps, Castro used the allegory to explain that there are some times when one cannot pull themselves up by their bootstraps alone. He added that investing in education will ensure that everyone has an equal chance at success, and said that he and his brother merely had different opportunities than their grade-school peers, not greater intelligence or drive.

He focused on “investing in young minds” today “to be competitive in the global economy tomorrow” and poked fun at Romney for encouraging Americans to start their own business on borrowed money.

While Castro ceded that Romney is a “good guy,” he said the GOP nominee just “does not know how good he has had it.”

“What we don’t accept is that some folks won’t even get a chance and Mitt Romney and the GOP are perfectly comfortable with that America.”

The crowd’s energy was palpable as Castro claimed that Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney seek to slash funding for education, transportation and Medicare — all moves he says would “dismantle the middle class.”

“When it comes to respecting women’s rights,” the San Antonio native began, “Mitt Romney says ‘no’.” The crowd chanted in unison to a litany of other issues Romney is supposedly against that was recited by Castro.

Romney and Ryan “don’t understand that freedom is opportunity.”

After praising the president for taking action when “Detroit was in trouble,” Castro also gave Obama credit for expanding Pell Grants and his work with the DREAM Act.

Making the case that we are better off now than we were four years ago, Castro kept up the theme that America is “making progress” under the Obama administration. He told the audience that this election means a choice “between middle class paying more so millionaires pay less, or a place where everyone pays their fair share” so the deficit can be reduced.

He then repeated the tale his grandmother, who sought to give her daughter a better life than the one she had had, just as his mother worked to give her sons a better life than she had. Again, the theme was ironic given that it mirrors the common Republican Party narrative celebrating parental sacrifice so that one’s children can have a better life.

Castro closed his speech by announcing that Americans have a “responsibility” to do their respective part, as “one community” to ensure “opportunity for all of our children.”

With each generation going further than the last, the San Antonio mayor chanted “opportunity now for shared prosperity tomorrow.”

 

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Comments (73)

1 2
  • DianaGL
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:43am

    We came to this country to GET AWAY from angry Chicanos like this guy! We came here to be AMERICANs because we admired and loved the American Way, the American Dream, the American largess. We are “invited guests” in this country and are ever and eternally grateful that we ever got the opportunity to be here and enjoy her vast freedoms. This country is SO FREE, that it allows an ungrateful BASTARD Chicano to accuse it!!!! In Mexico, his mother, his brother and himself would be picking fruit in the field wearing a loin cloth! What is he talking about opportunity? His mother’s so-called “career” was wielded under the noses of Republican administrations, that created unprecedented economic growth and opportunity to millions of immigrants.

    After watching 2016, Obama’s America, I can see that being a bastard really does affect men in a special way, it gives them a deep insecurity and a need to “prove” who they are. Tell me if you don’t see the same type of insecure anger in this guy? Why is he so angry? Why isn’t he happy and grateful to GOD for the accomplishments he was able to achieve? I don’t get it.

    Report this comment

    DianaGL  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:51am

      Just like daddy devil, they tried hard to steal our platform: the American Dream, hard work, family, country, values — even God.

      Nah, wolves have big ears, so demagoguery abounded: amnesty for the “dreamers;” everyone can succeed if given the opportunity; Republicans who come from rich families are out of touch with the middle class, but wealthy liberals are like Barack, who stays up till the break of dawn thinking of ways to help the poor…

      Time to hit the OFF button.

      You gotta hand it to that Castro guy, though. At least he leveled with the American people about not having the merits to be where he is today. He admits he rode the AA bandwagon to Stanford and then on up to Harvard. He acknowledges he wasn’t more intelligent than his high school peers. He did inherit his mother’s drive, except it’s the Barack kind of drive. Castro’s mom is a “revolutionary nationalist,” i.e., a rabid commie activist. So was his dad, who split when Castro was eight. Interestingly (through no fault of their own), both Obama and Castro were conceived out of wedlock. Those two have eerily parallel backgrounds. Make no mistake, this guy — not Hillary – will be the commie nominee in 2016. So we have the Mexican Cartel or the MB to look FORWARD to, courtesy of the Dimrats.

      Willy, boy, you’re a useful idiot.

      Report this comment

      kryptonite  
    • iblvingd
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 2:30am

      Why can’t we describe him as the Mayor of San Antonio who is of mexican descent?? Instead of making him sound like he is still a mexican that lives in San Antonio with priviledge. Your either an American or your not. Enough of the political correct crap!

      Report this comment

      iblvingd  
    • JesterJay
      Posted on September 6, 2012 at 3:03am

      How can this guy say that he’s for America when he was rasied on La Raza beliefes. Sorry Mexico this is now the south west United States and you can not have it back. If you think that you can do it start with Texas.

      Report this comment

      JesterJay  
  • JohnLarson
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:20am

    Julian Castro crushed it. Good job.

    And he didn’t wait 15 minutes like Christie’s keynote to mention who they’re nominating, he did it in 2 minutes.

    Report this comment

    JohnLarson  
  • JesterJay
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:15am

    This guy used his twin brother to stand in for him in a parade in San Antonio. Would anyone else feel wierd about a president with twin brother.

    Report this comment

    JesterJay  
  • RaydocX
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:14am

    So whooolian cawstro remembers his grandma evoking God, but his party doesn’t…
    I appreciate the work ethic and family first attitude characteristic of Hispanics… I don’t need melodramatically over accented names as intro to a perfect diction speech… That’s pandering, and if its a GOP candidate it’s called racist.

    Report this comment

    RaydocX  
  • DYNA
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:52am

    Many of these liberals have something in common. Their fathers abandoned them. Now they want to take over our lives and be a daddy to their followers by using are money. They can’t manage their own lives.

    Report this comment

    DYNA  
  • chinsaw
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:39am

    So Castro was an Anchor Baby. His Grandma and mother were here illegally. Now I understand the blind following of high percentage of the mexican population.

    Report this comment

    chinsaw  
    • RossPoldark
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:19am

      Castros mother, and he are both racists. His speech was digusting at the DNC, because anyone who invokes God’s name, and has hate toward other races than their so called ‘La Raza, or Chicanos.’ is blaspheming God’s name. They have no right to call themselves Christian. Why can’t Dems get beyond skin color or race. Do they honestly thing when they stand before God that race will be a factor to get one into heaven!!? We will all be judged by how we treat ALL the human race, and if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. You cannot be a Christian and be a Dem. Seems to me Dems better take plenty of UV tanning lotion for where they will all be going. Castro and his mother are nothing but bitter racists as are the rest of Odumas cronies. I am American of hispanic ancestory 2nd generation in the US born and raised, and I have a right to say that. I am proud to be American, and Republican, and I want a president that will do what is best for all American Human beings, and not what a president can do for self interest groups of people.

      Report this comment

      RossPoldark  
    • BS61
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:39am

      @rosspoldark Good for you – I saw the Castro is a radical LaRaza supporter over at Breitbart. Why should we be surprised at this point?!

      Report this comment

      BS61  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:18am

    The only middle class that i see being threatened by Romney are the ‘non-working government employees’ (welfare recipients)
    OH NO!!! they just might have to learn how to work.

    Report this comment

    Stoic one  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:11am

    I listened to his platitudes on NPR…All of these wants for opportunity and needs for those less fortunate.

    That is just fine…. my question is HOW DO YOU PROPOSE TO PAY FOR THIS????????????

    There IS NOT enough money…so you have to figure out what to do without…..just like us home owners..

    Got it DNC?

    Report this comment

    Stoic one  
  • cassandra
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:09am

    yea America is soooo bad thats how a man by the name of Julian Castro can go to college and become mayor of San Antonio who thinks we should speak spanish and english with a mother that was with La Raza and anti-white org.

    Report this comment

    cassandra  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:07am

    After he’s done with his speech, he can get back to installing sheet rock with the whole family at the job site. Mamasita making some nasty chilli using a propane camping stove, the kids running around in the piles of lumber debris ( and doing #2 in a box of 24″ x 50′ Alcoa aluminum trim coil delivered for the siding crew), and he’ll be installing sheet rock. All the while that Mexican Polka music is blasting out of the radio

    Report this comment

    teddrunk  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on September 7, 2012 at 12:51pm

      @teddrunk

      After reading your comment, can any Republican ask with a straight face why they don’t have wider support among minorities? *eyeroll*

      Report this comment

      VanceUppercut  
  • cassandra
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:01am

    if you really want to know who Julian Castro is go to Breitbart.com this man is a radial communist a perfect spoksman for yht DNC

    Report this comment

    cassandra  
    • trinklefinder
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:38am

      his mom was a involved with la raz unida…big deal! not sarcasm!

      Report this comment

      trinklefinder  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:40am

      TRINKLEFINDER

      How would you ‘feel’ if the teacher of your children turned out to be a pedophile? Or a ‘gay’ activist?

      his friends & family are FOR the overthrow of the USA and the murder of gringos if necessary….does THAT sound familiar?

      Report this comment

      Stoic one  
  • vorpal
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:01am

    was he wearing a condom?

    Report this comment

    vorpal  
  • theprofessor1031
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:57pm

    This man and his brother are EXTREMELY dangerous. We need to shine the light on these two cockroaches before they can climb the political ladder any further, especially his brother since he’s running for congress.

    http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/09/04/Julian-Castro-A-Radical-Revealed

    Report this comment

    theprofessor1031  
    • trinklefinder
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:49am

      laura ingraham used to talk extensively about la raza…unfortunately 97.1 talk in saint louis dumped her for the ever faux angry dana loesh. im ok with dana’s radio show, but really, i can take only so many hours of an angry chick. at least laura had a bit of humor in her show. dana is just another hannity..if not worse since shes stolen michael savages schtick ( she used to fill in for him). dana already cut ties with the stl tea party who gave her clout….besides jamie allman who found her and used her as a sidekick on his own, far superior, radio show in stl. jus sayin.

      Report this comment

      trinklefinder  
  • Inkbottle
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:45pm

    Castro has a responsibility to tell the truth, that Democrats are teaching hispanics to be irresponsible. Those folks that don’t “get a chance” are sitting on their rears collecting food stamps, welfare checks, free tv’s, phones and so on. Tell them to get off their hind quarters, learn the language, learn the history and get working! Then again, with a name like Castro….

    Report this comment

    Inkbottle  
  • Tankertony
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:42pm

    This guy would give big bear hugs to his buddies Che, Marx, and Castro, his uncle. (funny)

    Of course, only when the cameras weren’t rolling. Wouldn’t want to make it too obvious.

    Report this comment

    Tankertony  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:40pm

    I’d of been more impressed if he wanted his people to stop sounding like morons and actually learn English like every other group has done.

    Report this comment

    teddrunk  
  • RLTW
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:39pm

    Amazing, a little personal responsibility could put the whole abortion issue to bed, but it seems that’s not the real issue with these degenerates. All they want is a war on woman ware one does not exist, but convincing the masses of the lie is somehow made real.

    Report this comment

    RLTW  
  • curmudgeon60
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:36pm

    THIS is the man that tried to pass off his twin brother as himself in a community parade!!! The whole DEM convention is Nausea Ad Hok! (forgive my Latin–it’s been a long time!)

    Report this comment

    curmudgeon60  
  • closedgonefishing
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:34pm

    All i know isthat Mrs Obama is a woman of honesty and integraty…….When she stood on the stage and sead that being president doesnt change you it showes people who YOU REALY ARE……Michelle is one of us!

    Report this comment

    closedgonefishing  
    • curmudgeon60
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:28am

      First of all, why are you CLOSED and Gone Fishing? Are You now on the American Dole?? What do you mean by “ONE of US”? Are You Hispanic, on the wrong Web Site? Communist? Illegal? Or Simply an Uninformed Hispanic?! Learn to Read, Write and Spell!! She is NOT “One of ME”!! GOD save us all from uninformed People Like you!!

      Report this comment

      curmudgeon60  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:36am

      What do you mean by that? She is well spoken and reads a teleprompter well; you however do not have your spellchecker on. That or you are speaking a language other than ENGLISH!

      Report this comment

      Stoic one  
  • matamoros
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:32pm

    I too am a proud hispanic that grew up poor, and worked as a migrant child in the fields of Texas and Arkansas. I too was able to make something of myself, if not for the pure dumb luck of being born in this great nation. Very common story for many Americans from all walks of life. Now this fool and his ilk, want to destroy the very thing that allowed us all to prosper. O’dumba$$ is the same way. “Let me destroy the very nation that allowed me to obtain the most powerful station on earth.”

    We’re infested with marxist all around us. They’re coming out of the wood work, and they don’t bother too hide any more when you shine the light on them. They have grown very bold. And they are very adept at influencing the masses, and keeping them in line with political correctness and agitprop.

    There is a catalyst brewing that’s going to blow here soon. Ain’t no vote gonna set things straight. They are too many, and we’re too far gone. Darkness is coming folks; you best be prepared.

    Report this comment

    matamoros  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:41pm

      @MATAMOROS

      I found this on posted on Facebook earlier .. I went back to find it for you … I have heard this from Cubans in Florida .. they are VERY afraid ….

      Lolly Gonzalez “Same thing happened in Cuba. God disappeared from our land and this administration is a comeback of my worst nightmare when I was a little girl.”

      Report this comment

      CatB  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:28pm

    The theme seems to be that government should provide opportunity. If those damn rich Republicans would only pay our way (I mean pay their fair share)!

    Report this comment

    mcsledge  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:21pm

    What jumped out at me was when he said “Obama wants to help the middle class STAY THERE.” Not move up. Just STAY in the middle class. The Republicans don’t want people to STAY in the middle class! The Republicans want everyone to become RICH!

    Report this comment

    Tigress1  
  • My Two Cents
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:20pm

    Half of the people in this country don’t contribute a dime and this blowhard wants to preach about paying our fair share? Go pound sand Mr. Mayor.

    Report this comment

    My Two Cents  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:43pm

      Yes .. the ones who are not paying are the ones with the DEMANDS of others … enough!

      Report this comment

      CatB  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:52pm

      They pay plenty of local and state taxes.
      It’s the Romneys not paying federal taxes that should concern you. hell-OOOO

      Report this comment

      DOra Glasberg  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:04am

      OH DORA .. you small small troll .. you know NOTHING …. Mitt Romney has given away more than most people pay in a lifetime … along with paying taxes and donating his time (which I know libs do not do) to many people.. … something your type know nothing about .. conservatives give more to the poor than you liberals who expect the government to take care of you.

      Report this comment

      CatB  
    • randy
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:02am

      It’s obvious Dora the Explorer doesn’t pay any taxes.
      I doubt she even has a job.
      A quick google search shows she must spend about 12 hours a day on liberal activists sites…..

      Report this comment

      randy  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:12am

      Dora, Dorita, the paid troll,

      I want to ask you something: Why, exactly, are you using a picture of Marilyn Monroe as your avatar?….you, as an average lib chick, sure are not as beautiful as she was. Besides, do you know that she was all for the free enterprise?? I think you better should use a photo of Margaret Sanger as your avatar….

      Report this comment

      GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:18pm

    He’s not Asian? Man, I’m sure glad I don’t care what ethnicity people are. Sadly, the content of Mr. Castro’s character seems to be severely deficient, though.

    Report this comment

    MODEL82A1  
  • CatB
    Posted on September 4, 2012 at 11:12pm

    Is it just me? Everytime I hear “forward” … all that comes to mind is OVER CLIFF!

    All this “shared” “one community” sounds like “it takes a village” .. I PREFER A FAMILY!

    and if anyone is/has dismattled the middle class it is Obama and his REGIME!

    Report this comment

    CatB  
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