Speech #910287675

Concern for inadequate educational achievement in the community resulted in largescale demonstrations beginning 2/2 years ago. The lack of reasonable political representation has concerned community leaders for more than a generation. and increasingly concerns the ordinary citizen today. High unemployment. poor housing. low health service standards. inadequate transportation facilities. bureaucratic welfare administration. erratic immigration proceduresall have created increasing discontent in the community. And slowly the Vietnam war. with its high MexicanAmerican casualty rates. but low MexicanAmerican representation on draft boards and in officer ranks of the services. has resulted in changing attitudes among both youths and adults who were previously noted for their willing and proud acceptance of their military responsibility. Talented and sensitive professionals such as Ruben Salazar sought to increase public awareness of these problems. as a necessary step in their solution.