The Monitor View

Being Prepared: Benefits of scouting extend beyond camping

The Boy Scouts of America turns 100 this week, amid suggestions that the group might no longer be relevant in these modern times. The 5,000 or so Scouts in the Rio Grande Valley and the dedicated adult leaders, counselors and parents who work with... Full story

Fighting the ‘silent epidemic’

Efforts to help reduce dropout problem should include all parts of society

Unemployment in the Rio Grande Valley has always been higher than the national average, making competition for jobs — especially good-paying jobs — especially fierce. New businesses will receive hundreds of applications for a handful of... Full story

Time For Listening

Obama must reassess unpopular programs

Give President Barack Obama credit: he’s cool under pressure; at least he appears to be. Many say Obama is at a crossroads, as his standing in public opinion polls continues to slide and many of the programs he promised to promote during his... Full story

We are how we vote

Do indicted, embattled local officials truly reflect their constituents?

In the first three weeks of this year, an Elsa municipal judge has been indicted on seven counts of bribery, and workers at a Hidalgo County court at law’s office have been hit with similar charges. Cameron County’s district attorney... Full story

Donors Beware

Those aiding Haiti: Watch out for fraud

Wyclef Jean appeared sincere as he defended himself against questions about whether or not he had used his charity, Yéle Haiti, for personal benefit. Jean is from Haiti. “Have we made mistakes before? Yes,” the Grammy-winning... Full story

Take it serious

Officials’ confidence on Mexico violence should not lead to complacency

Carlos Rodriguez

Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño apparently isn’t losing any sleep over the violence that’s paralyzing a nation mere yards from his own turf. Let’s hope he’s not just enjoying pipe dreams. While Treviño... Full story

Ayala arrest a sign of Mexican instability

Carlos Rodriguez

Ayala arrest a sign of Mexican instability One of Ramon Ayala’s biggest hits refers to being on the wrong side of the gate. The music star now finds himself on the wrong side of a door, presumably under watch by Mexican officials. Ayala, the... Full story

Wrong approach

Latest immigration bill adds red tape and offers little in the way of reform.

Carlos Rodriguez

Congress’ latest effort to reform our nation’s immigration laws has begun. It won’t. U.S. Reps. Solomon Ortiz of Corpus Christi, Ruben Hinojosa of Mercedes and Henry Cuellar of Laredo, all Democrats, on Tuesday joined more than 80... Full story

Study reveals interesting data about U.S. Hispanic youth

A new study of Hispanic youth in the United States offers interesting data about one of the country’s fastest-growing groups. For political and social leaders, it has valuable information about their attitudes and risks for the future. It also... Full story

Season of giving

Valley residents can help improve the lives of those less fortunate this holiday.

Carlos Rodriguez

The glitter, lights and heavy spending belie the humble origins of the Christmas season. After all, the story begins with the birth of Christ in a stable, which a kind innkeeper offered to his parents when there was no other place for them to spend... Full story

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