As a first generation Cuban-American from Miami I never really thought about our "struggle." I guess the reason why I've been rather blind to other's prejudices towards me or those like me is simply beacuse when I look at history and see the struggle of African Americans or later on the struggle of Jewish-Americans and the hell they endured, it make me think I have'nt had it that bad.

Unfortunately, in Miami while I was growing up in the 80's and early 90's Blacks and Cubans didn't exactly get along all too great. I was lucky to always have been kinda sports guy, so it gave me the opportunity to interact with different races other than my own.

I had the honor of serving in the Army for 4 years in the late 90's and that really taught me that the only color that matters is GREEN! Thats right my friend, because we all wear green, or at least used to.

My best friend on Active Duty was an African-American guy from Cleaveland, OH. To this day Ivory Joe and I have remained great friends ans still communicate almost weekly. And I dont mention that to sound like the millions of ignorant people who claim that "they have at least 1 black friend." I can't stand hearing that. I have friends and co-workers who are black, white, asian, native american and Hispanic like me.

I guess this is why I support Barack Obama so Passionately! He represents the good in America and if I may quote the great Tom Hanks when he said " Barack represents the America I've been waiting for."

So, as far as a struggle for me a Cuban -American in this country I'm not sure, but I'm convinced as long as I get further education I can get further way from the grip of "the man."