you know, whenever ken is asked how long his ancestors have been in this country, he says about 400 years. so his roots go way back. just like i know many of yours do. and that's what today is all about. diversity has always been america's strength. we are richer because of the men and women and children who have come to our shores and joined our union. and we are better off because of the ideas that they have brought and the difference that they've made and the impact they've had on our lives. and nowhere is that more true than with the latino community. right now there are 54 million americans of latino descent. one-sixth of our population. our neighbors, our co-workers, our family, our friends. you've helped us build our cities, grow our economy, defend our country, and today for the