A recent article in the New York Times profiled a “potential Obama ally” as one of Obama’s biggest critics on the issue of comprehensive immigration reform. DC readers know that Congressman Luis Gutierrez is probably my favorite member of Congress because of his outspokenness on most issues, but in particular, immigration. The Puerto Rican-born Chicagoan has done a more effective job of defending those targeted by Republicans and taken for granted by Democrats than any other elected official in the U.S.
So, when I started seeing little criticisms from pro-DREAM Act groups through a couple of Facebook threads, I decided to read the entire article to see what was up. In fact, Gutierrez stated one line he tells the President which he also stated during a speech here in Houston.
“This is the moment for him to act,” Mr. Gutierrez said. “And if we stumble, if somehow we fail, let’s fail together. Let’s fail fighting!”
I completely agree with this statement. We began this debate with a demand for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and that demand should continue–not matter the outcome. From a political sense, the fight, the battle is just as important.
Meanwhile, various groups who wholly work with th DREAM Act cause were more critical of the line, since they have dropped the CIR battle in favor of what the bigger “maybe.” As in MAYBE we can pass the DREAM Act by itself. One Austin activist stated:
Rep. Gutierrez: “Let’s fail together”. hmm. NO. let’s NOT!!! DREAM Act stand alone needs to pass. Stop holding our DREAMs hostage!!!
Another group stated:
University Leadership Initiative Can we make an EDUCATED decision? DREAM Act now. stand alone… and no, we will not fail together. Rep. Gutierrez, empower dream act youth. Give us a chance at our dreams.
The Chron writes today that the DREAM Act is now at the forefront of the immigration battle–at least in the field, but what about where it counts…in Congress?
Believe me, I wouldn’t mind, but there are political realities in this whole mix. (1) It is obvious that the Democrats do not want to separate DREAM Act from the entire CIR bill because it may ease the rest of the bill into the supportive hands of a few Republicans. (2) It is obvious that the political will and leadership from Democrats is not there. (3) And it is obvious that the Tea Party and right-wing groups have influenced the Republicans into voting against ANY type of legalization program.
My friend Cesar Espinosa said it best.
“They’re both immigration reform policies and they’re both very explosive, so we’re not sure if Congress will take either of them on,” Espinosa said. “They’re afraid to touch any kind of immigration reform with a 10-foot pole.”
So, I take exception to any misguided criticism of Congressman Gutierrez. When it comes to matters that happen where it counts, he has been the leader and the voice of the cause. He’s been arrested, he’s been criticized by the bigots in the opposing political party and their Tea Party and Supremacist associates; he has earned his leadership status.
With the artificial June deadline as to when a CIR or DREAM bill could enter into debate for 2010 passage looming large, there will be questions as to where pro-Migrant groups should focus. Frankly, I have not formed an opinion as of yet, as much depends on the Democrats (especially in Texas) defense of those under attack–this has been weak at best.
How Democratic candidates react to the right-wing vitriol will be one fact that could affect Latino participation. While the “insiders” will talk about apathy, I will talk about the reasons for the indifference toward voting.
And to the DREAM Act and CIR crowd, believe it or not, the political side of things will soon become as important as the organizing around CIR. The organizing must continue, and this time, on two fronts–the cause and the political races.
