James E. Garcia is a Phoenix-based journalist, playwright and communications consultant. He writes commentary for AZMirror.com. He also is the editor and publisher of VanguardiaArizona.com, which covers Latino news statewide. As a journalist, he has worked as a reporter, columnist, editor and foreign correspondent. He was the first Latino Affairs correspondent for KJZZ, and the first Latino editor of major progressive news weekly in the U.S., The San Antonio Current. James teaches writing, ethnic studies, theater and Latino politics at ASU. He is the producing artistic director of New Carpa Theater Co. and the author of more than 30 plays. Email Garcia at jegcolumn@gmail.com.