Wow, that's kind of mean. I don't believe Mr. Alvarez ever mentioned his clients name, so there would have been no violation of ethics. And if I ever needed an attorney I would more than likely go to Mr. Alvarez. Look at how much he has had to risk in order to provide his client the best representation. It is unfortunate if the WMHC actually acted in the manner they did. But I personally can not wish Mr.Alvarez any ill-will because he has taken a great step in uncovering what many of us had already believed: latinos discriminating against latinos. What would we have our hispanic society do when we find out about the ill practices of a hispanic business/organization? Should we just turn a blind eye since maybe they are helping other hispanics(like their own family members) or should we refuse to accept those practices. This certainly sounds like a big personal conflict. And it should have remained out of the public eye and kept privately, except that the WMHC is a public organization and thus it became everyone's business.
Anna
As a current member of the Hipspanic Chamber, I believe they have more than proved their dedication to the Hispanic Community. I am almost ashamed of having the same name as Robert (Alvarez) as he has shown his true dispicable colors. I will never even consider using his law firm in fear that he will spread my business throughout Grand Rapids. His is a disgrace to him own community.
Robert S
This has been blown out of proportion. The Chamber was not involved in what Roberto Alvarez stated. The Hispanic Chamber works with everyone, legal or illegal. They don't even ask about immigration status. PROOF? Someone made a comment. A personnal comment not to do anything with the chamber. Mr. Alzarez used El Vocero to promote his own business by casting the first stone at the Chamber. It is a pity that El Vocero is caught in the middle of this for no reason.AND I appluad El Vocero for being the only hispanic paper that would take the risk of the fall out of such a letter. Editorials are what they are, but when a former Hispanic Chamber member requests that the chamber fire someone for protecting their family? No business should surrender to the whims of a client or customer. and What kind of lawyer puts his clients personal business in the press to further his own agenda? Not one I would do business with.I thought there were confidentiality policies for lawyers just as there are for doctors.
Congratulations! I applaud you El Vocero for taking a stance against those who wish to silence free speech. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 'no tiene verguenza' if it tried to make any threats against your business. Mr. Alvarez had every right to publish his editorial and even more so, he HAS PROOF of the chamber's ill practices. The chamber probably assumed they would be able to hide behind the hispanic community after their bad practices were discovered.
Anon
People, People, don't kill the messanger. Mr. Abreu did what he should do, print the letter to the editor. How would you like if you sent a letter and it was ignored? If you have an issue, call Mr. Alvarez, call Mr. Almonte or Ms. Rincones. I don't recall seeing any comments from Mr. Abreu or anyone from El Vocero for that matter.
JF
I agree, the Vocero was simply printing an editorial piece from a citizen. I also agree with the 2nd comment "Do not cast a shadow towards the WMHCC, they are there to help all Hispanic businesses, legal or illegal." Does that mean ALL hispanic businesses? If a hispanic business is a member of WMHCC and is paying their dues like any other, why would they not be entitled to absolutely full representation from the chamber, regardless of legal status? I believe in the same article by the attorney Ms.Rincones was asked if there was an action she could think of that would warrant the dismissal of the employee, and she could not think of anything. . . ? So what does that mean? There is probably ALOT more going on behind closed doors that we are aware of. But as long as the same people remain in their same positions, I guess things will continue as is
Anon
Well it seems the problem is very obvious, they got a bunch of family members working together. I'm sure that Mr. Almonte is also somehow related to the other employees. So everyone is just covering up for everyone else. Family loyalty is one thing, but KEEP it out of business.
Marcos
I think only those people involved at the chamber really know whether the employee should have received any form of disciplinary action. But it makes me think, what if it was one of my friends/relatives that was told that due to their legal status they would not receive any assistance. It appears that the employee is a relative of one of the businesses involved, and that may have very well created the whole problem. The employee was trying to help their relative and in the mist of all this discriminated against the other business when he/she raised the issue of legal status.
Juan
Nota: Estos son comentarios de nuestros lectores recibidos en nuestra página web elvocerous.com
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