As school starts this week, I found it very appropriate to print Domingo Casañas essay on hugging within our Hispanic culture. As Mr. Casañas states, I too have admired that one of the most beautiful traditions within our family is that greeting are extended to everyone, be they male or female, old or young by reaching out and hugging them. It is a shame that many of our young people are losing that tradition simply because in today’s world of hurry up and go, email and MTV one never sees this type of expression. As a result many of our kids sometime feel embarrassed to give their loved ones hugs and kisses in front of people and especially their friends.

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Casañas that we must make an extra effort to encourage our kids to hug not only their parents but all their relatives, friends and maybe even their teachers. Perhaps if we work to promote the hugging tradition more among everyone, our kids will start to realize the importance of keeping this part of our culture alive and healthy. Think about it and next time you drop off your kids at schools, give them hug.

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Las Fiestas are fast approaching and we hope that the powers that be will begin give us more information of the upcoming event and all the activities that are being planned. We know that the Fiestas will be a success and be an enjoyable event for all the families in Lubbock and w at El Eitor hope to be a part of the event by providing the publicity necessary to let all the people of West Texas about the remarkable event in Lubbock.

And talking about Las Fiestas, I’m sure that we can expect the normal participation of Local politicos at the event. I will probably not be uncommon to see Tom Martin and Mr. Martin waving and kissing babies and trying to convince Hispanic voters that they are the best person of the Mayor’s job here in Lubbock. Wouldn’t it be better for them to think of the voters - especially those on this side of town - who are more concerned about the raising trash and sewer fees, the dilapidated parks and the lack of City servicies than the property tax.

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Write to Bidal at

eledtor@sbcglobal.net