Latin American Idol

There was a flurry of activity here in Miami when the formation of the long-overdue Latin American version of American Idol was announced. Gloria Estefan immediately snagged the spot of the reigning female has-been/nice girl as did other Miami Beach resident Ricky Martin as the super-butch /macho-bitch.

Only I stood out as the natural balance between all worlds: A white New Englander with enough Latino "in" me to make me a contender for the title, Infanta of Spain. A representative of Compassionate Conservativism, Fascism With a Face, and a vibrant supporter of the tickle-down theory of economics. The Voice of Reason with an Opinion on Everything. A background--some would say "history"--of straddling every idea to come my way. An every day practitioner of Noblesse Oblige and selfless concern for the Little Guy, especially the cute ones.

Yes, putting myself in a position to influence the future of aspiring Latino youth, the handwriting is on the wall and I can not easily brush aside the call to duty. I've been practicing, too, listening to every recording ever made by Menudo, Charo, and Xavier Cugat. Yes, when the new Latino wannabe Idol steps in front of me, he will know the gloved-hand of fairness is caressing his future and I will not want anything for this. It just comes naturally.