As newspaper publishers we carry a special role in our American society. We are often referred to as the Fourth Estate, the arm of our society that works as an equal player with the three government estates, the Congress, the Courts and the White House.

The shared responsibility of keeping citizens informed of civic planning and government programs is not always fully appreciated by our government. In the case of effective communications with our Hispanic community and our Spanish reading citizens, the outreach is woefully inadequate, if it exists at all.

Here are a few examples: when was the last time you saw information in this paper on HIV prevention and diagnosis other than that given freely by us in the form of a story? When was the last time you saw basic information on how to finance a college education for your children, other than that given freely by this publication in the form of a story? When was the last time you saw information on how to deal with alcohol and drug abuse and the locations for assistance, other than that given freely by us in the form of a story? When was the last time you saw information about starting your own business, other than that given freely by this publication in the form of a story?

We are asking our government to “Do It Right” when reaching out to its Hispanic residents and taxpayers. Our Hispanic community pays for and deserves the same regular access to information all other citizens receive. This newspaper cannot do it alone, but we can help, and do.

We are asking President Bush, our Senators and House Members to review Federal policy and funding priorities to keep us all equally well informed. We are asking our leaders to make effective communications outreach to its citizens a priority. When it comes to Spanish culture and communications, we are offering to help “Do It Right.” It’s time for our Federal government to accept our offer and “Do It Right” in reaching America’s Hispanic tax payers.