US Census Shows More Than Half of California's Children Are Hispanic

The recent federal census has revealed some fascinating data about California and its 37-million-strong population. One compelling fact from the census, according to a story in today's Washington Post, is that more than half of the Golden State's children are Hispanic.

In the coming years, it is likely that Hispanics will be California's largest segment of the state's population. That trend will only be magnified as today's children become tomorrow's adults. As William Frey, a demographer affiliated with the liberal Brookings Institution, noted, "Hispanics are the future of California."

The United States is entirely unaccustomed to the notion of having a Quebec-style state within the political union. California politicians may view partnerships with Mexico and Central American countries essential to pursue. In a decentralized American nation, Sacramento may enter into trade and travel agreements with its neighbors. If this sounds far-fetched, the current Arizona state government essentially went solo -- outside the federal legal umbrella -- during its recent anti-immigration legal waltz. While many right-wingers are in love with state's rights, one wonders what their stance would be when a Hispanic-led California legislature and governor become cozy with their linguistic and cultural neighbors. Their children will find out, won't they?

The two photos show Barack Obama and George W. Bush with Hispanic children.