A Lesson in Americanism, From Jose to Patricio, Muchas Gracias : Culture: Buchanan’s sneering use of ‘Jose’ to put down immigrants insults quite a fewof his fellow countrymen.

Whoa! Did I hear somebody take my name in vain again? Pat Buchanan, in front of Dios y todos, said, “Jose, we ain’t gonna let you in again!”

Buchanan has consistently, and with disrespect, used the name Jose as a catchword for all Mexicanos.

Well! Senor Booshanan, as my father-in-law calls you, I want to clarify a few things.

Numero uno, as we say en espanol: Aqui estamos y no nos vamos (we’re here and we ain’t leaving).

Numero dos, when you address me or any of my tocayos (people named like me), use our middle and last names also, unless you really do intend to make a racist insult.

Numero tres, some of our finest citizens who have greatly influenced this country have been named Jose.

Primero, Jose Ferrer (1912-1992). A Puerto Rico native and Princeton graduate, Jose received a multitude of acting and directing awards, including the 1950 Oscar for best actor in his role as Cyrano de Bergerac. In 1985, fellow actor President Reagan bestowed upon him the National Medal of Arts. Not only that, Pat, but Jose was an honorary Irish American as the husband of singer Rosemary Clooney.

Segundo, Jose Limon (1908-1972). He was 7 when his familia came to the U.S. from Culiacan, Mexico. A passionate painter, musician and designer as a young man in L.A., Jose evolved into a master dancer and choreographer, working with Martha Graham and other greats. Like so many other Joses, Limon served in World War II and then resumed his illustrious career. The State Department made him an emissary of art, sending him to Europe, the Americas, the Near and the Far East. He performed for both Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. No Republicans, Pat, but, hey, Jose could dance!

Tercero, Jose Feliciano. Can he see? No! But can he play! He can light your fire not only with the guitarra but also with the banjo, bass, mandolin, bongos, harmonica, timbales, kazoo, piano and harpsichord, all self-taught, muchas gracias! He has gold records, Grammy awards and other honors. He also has a beautiful version of the national anthem that Pat wouldn’t like. But I’m sure Pat can a hum a few bars of Jose’s all-American Christmas classic, “Feliz Navidad.”

Cuarto is Jose Greco, one of the greatest flamenco dancers of modern times. Born in Italy in 1918, he grew up in Seville--and Brooklyn. He founded his own dance company and has performed in every medium, winning honors around the world.

Quinto, Jose Canseco. The Cuban-born baseball legend got a slow start; an honors student in high school in Florida, he didn’t make the school team until his senior year, and he was in the 15th round of the draft when he was picked by the Oakland A’s in 1982. Less known about this star athlete is his tireless and selfless work for disadvantaged children.

The litany of American Joses could go on and on: author Jose Antonio Villareal; anthropology professor Jose Cuellar, alias rock musician Dr. Loco; artist Jose Montoya, the late poet Jose Montalvo, to name very few.

On a poignant, patriotic last note: Four servicemen named Jose have earned the Medal of Honor--Jose Lopez, San Antonio, Texas; Jose Francisco Jimenez, Mexico City; Jose P. Martinez, Taos, N.M., and Jose F. Valdez, Gobernadora, N.M. Too numerous to name are the Joses who died in service to their country so that Pat Buchanan could exercise his freedom of speech.

Pat Buchanan says he is Irish American, but apparently he doesn’t know the long, proud history of the Irish in Latin America, or that the Irish are often called the Mexicans of Europe because of cultural similarities. There was even a San Patricio battalion of Irish who fought against the U.S. in the Mexican-American War.

Pat Buchanan is an anomaly, not your typical Irish American. He would never take in Jose and Maria for the night, even if it was Christmas Eve.