The LIBRE?Initiative?is self-described as follows:
“Founded in 2011, the LIBRE iniative is a 501(c)4 non-partisan, non-profit grassroots organization that advances the principles and values of economic freedom to empower the U.S. Hispanic community so it can thrive and contribute to a more prosperous America.”
These days, it seems that minority groups need to band together and be represented in order for their voices to be heard. Therefore, this group would seem to be great on the surface. However, if there was any one clue that The LIBRE Initiative isn’t all that it seems, it would be Fox News’ seal of approval.
Taking a closer look at materials available on their website and around the Internet, the facade of support starts to fall apart. The group’s policies and stances indicate they’re nothing more than a Republican attempt to get Hispanics to fight against their own interests. Here are some of the highlights:
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They support voter ID laws.?
These laws place restrictions on the voting process with the explicit intent to make it more difficult for minority voters, that includes Hispanics, to get to the polls and let their voices be heard. Last October,?Rachel Campos-Duffy, a LIBRE Initiative representative, appeared on Fox News to claim that these ID laws were important to America.
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They oppose the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The ACA (Obamacare) has caused a sharp decrease in medically uninsured Hispanics, yet the group staunchly opposes this so-called “increased government power over the patient-doctor relationship” to the detriment of its target demographic.
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They receive?substantial?funding from the Koch Brothers.
The?LIBRE?Initiative openly states that they have received funding from the Koch Brothers, and their leadership fully supports their political ideologies. Let that one sink in for a moment.
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They perpetuate the fictional war on Christianity.
Under the guise of religious freedom, the Initiative claims that religious freedom is “under attack in America.” Rather than focus on issues that actually matter, they call upon religious (read: Christian) leaders to lobby politicians to get their way, actively eschewing?actual religious freedom in favor of theocratic politicking.
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They oppose a minimum wage increase.
Despite evidence to the contrary, The LIBRE?Initiative clearly states their belief that paying workers a living wage is more damaging than it is helpful, even going so far as to call a living wage for workers a “gimmick.”
So Republicans are trying to reach out to Hispanic voters by trying to make them screw?themselves over now. I urge everyone out there to think about the groups you support. Just think, if Fox News likes them, chances are they’re bad news.
