Tag Archives: gop

The GOP Race for Immigration Agent

Posted on February 4, 2022 | 1 comment

I’m sure we’ve all noticed the political ads for Texas Attorney General. Particularly the two brown-skinned people trying to prove they can be as bigoted as the white supremacists in the race. Eva Guzman’s ridiculous, gesticulating, anti-migrant ad is an affront to brown folks. Never have I seen such an awful display of self-hate and political opportunism to get a few votes from racists. Oh, but her family is “legal.”

What’s sadder is that none of the local Latino Dems or Latino group leaders have spoken up against her crap. Some are actually rooting for her is my guess. Like my mom would say, “Comen del mismo plato.” When you eat off the same plate as bad people, they will expect you to be bad, too. Or, at least, just turn away and ignore it.

Then there’s Little Brown Bush who actually has the support of the bigoted Border Patrol club. The same club that serves as the BP’s mouthpiece whenever they need to blame someone else for their abusive behavior against migrants, or when their agents accidentally fall into a culvert. Bush’s ad is toned down as he makes it about cartels and drives a four-wheeler at Trump’s border wall. He does the smart thing and lets the BP dudes (in uniform) do the anti-immigrant talk. Are they getting overtime for this?

If ignoring (and supporting) the bigots amongst us is how we get “representation” then I’m out.

As Ross Ramsey at the Trib tells us,

A Texas attorney general is a civil lawyer, mostly concerned with regulatory, tax and administrative law. But to listen to the candidates, you’d think the state’s top lawyer was some kind of cop.

Sure, they’ll file lawsuits against Biden border policies, but they only prove how bigoted Texas is. Republicans who whine about migrants certainly don’t protect us from anything, especially photo ops at the border.

1 Comment

Posted in Elections, History, Media, Republinuttiness, Sensible Immigration Reform

Tagged , , ,

Abbott and GOP Hypocrisy Knows No Bounds

Posted on June 5, 2020 | Comments Off on Abbott and GOP Hypocrisy Knows No Bounds

The Maddog got mad at Trump and said a word or two. Abbott got mad at racist party chairs and wants them to resign. Suddenly, they get the hero worship as if words change anything.

James Mattis was at the forefront of pushing Trump’s military border deployment in support of the “remain in mexico” policy. When Mattis finally left, he went back to the board of directors of General Dynamics which has made billions of dollars off of the warehousing of children and mothers put into baby and family jails. Not to mention the whole war-complex. Where was the outrage, then?

Abbott and his ilk should enjoy the fruits of the labor put in by these racist party chairs. Thus far, party chairs in at least three counties have put out statements or memes that are pretty racist. That doesn’t shock me because that is what got them elected to their positions. And Abbott and his friends are in office because of these bigots.

Call it the KKK, the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition, the Tea Party, MAGA, throughout GOP history, things have not changed and the GOP and everyone elected by them have prospered and enriched themselves because of them. Now, it’s a problem?

Here’s how I see it.

Too many people are attempting to find victory in a Republican Party that has forever shown its hate for color. Whether it’s racist comments, the defense of killer cops, domestic and foreign policy unfriendly to brown and black people, little brown kids in cages, or defending at its core a racist capitalist system from which they benefit, this is the GOP. The problem is that words don’t change anything. Firing a racist in a volunteer position doesn’t do anything to change racist systems.

As I’ve always said, Democrats need to stop wasting time trying to save the republican party for the sole reason that they want someone with whom to fight. Kinder, less racist systems are still racist systems. Let them destroy themselves. Besides, Democrats still have work to do, too.

Comments Off on Abbott and GOP Hypocrisy Knows No Bounds

Posted in 2020, Republinuttiness

Tagged , , , ,

A Few GOPers Weep Over Trump’s Racism

Posted on July 17, 2019 | 1 comment

I was asked what I thought of a few Republicans who suddenly saw the racism of the Trump/GOP administration.

They didn’t say anything when the GOP was keeping children and families uninsured.

They didn’t say anything when the GOP railroaded thru some tax cuts for the rich against poor and working families.

They didn’t say anything when the GOP and Betsy DeVos cut education funding and did away with civil rights for many students.

They didn’t even say anything when Trump and his ilk were putting children and families in filthy warehouses and cages, thus enriching private jail companies.

They didn’t see the racism in Republican policies all this time. Hell, they benefited from these policies in one way or another, politically or financially.

But “Go back to your country” was really below the belt?

Spare me!

These GOPers are either hoping for forgiveness from their God, or hoping for re-election as they see well-funded opponents in their midst.

And the retired Latina judge who suddenly found God in all of this? She should go back to her country club.

1 Comment

Posted in Cultura, Sensible Immigration Reform

Tagged ,

The Myth That Is a Kinder, Gentler Rick Perry

Posted on July 6, 2015 | Comments Off on The Myth That Is a Kinder, Gentler Rick Perry

ef6ca-shrp2Much is being made by the media  about Rick Perry’s supposed move to be the kinder, gentler Republican in the race for the GOP  nomination for President. Perry’s announcement that he was “offended” by Donald Trump’s anti-Mexican remarks need to be met with a certain reality:  Perry’s policies prove he is worse than Trump. Perry’s record speaks for itself:

  • The DPS Border Surge in response to children escaping violence and poverty from Central America. (Failures all around)
  • Cutting $4 billion from K-12 and $1 billion from higher education.
  • Anti-Woman policies to close women’s health facilities.
  • Attempts to keep Texans uninsured–would not support Medicaid expansion.
  • And a whole lot more. We know what Rick Perry is all about–destroying Texas.

That’s the problem with the whole Donald Trump BS that has overtaken political news. While Trump will open his big mouth, there are candidates for the GOP nomination with a right-wing record who will now try to play nice offering worthless platitudes. What’s next? Public eating of Mexican food?

Anyway, at this point, it would seem that Rick Perry has as much of a chance for the nomination as Donald Trump (despite Trump’s rise in the polls). What we are seeing because of Trump are the true colors of some in the GOP, and the lengths to which some will go to gain political points; even by attempting to play nice despite the policies they promote. Ultimately, it’s policies that matter and we need to pay attention to the policies (and pronouncements) of every candidate.

Comments Off on The Myth That Is a Kinder, Gentler Rick Perry

Posted in Elections, U.S. Capitol

Tagged , , , ,

Tuesday: Julian Castro vs All Anti-Latino Republicans

Posted on April 14, 2014 | Comments Off on Tuesday: Julian Castro vs All Anti-Latino Republicans

The Mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro, will be debating Dan Patrick on the issue of immigration on Tuesday, 4/15. Really, the good Mayor will be debating the entire Anti-Latino, anti-immigrant Republican Party since Dan Patrick represents the most divisive segment of Texas politics.

Frankly, I am of the opinion that this shouldn’t even be called a debate. Dan Patrick has never offered an ounce of fact in any immigration-related comment he has given. Instead, Dan Patrick has portrayed immigrants and Latinos as disease-carrying criminals who are invading Texas, which his base just loves to repeat. I expect some good facts from Mayor Castro, so, at least his side of the debate will be educative.

Mike Thomas with the SA Business Journal provides the details.

What began as a challenge over immigration policy posed on Twitter will culminate in a one-hour forum where the two politicians will discuss their views on immigration and border security at the Univision San Antonio studios. The discussion will be moderated by Evan Smith, editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune, and will be streamed live on Univision41.com and TexasTribune.org beginning at 6 p.m.

I’ll be checking it out, for sure.

Comments Off on Tuesday: Julian Castro vs All Anti-Latino Republicans

Posted in Cultura, DC Promo, Republinuttiness, Sensible Immigration Reform

Tagged , , ,

GOPtinos 2.0?

Posted on October 10, 2013 | Comments Off on GOPtinos 2.0?

Looks like they’re at it again. The Republicans are courting Latinos by hiring Latinos and then sending a press release about it.

Quick! Point me to the nearest polling location! I’ve been convinced that the GOP likes us!

It seems the Republicans are still lying to themselves. Still far from supporting a path to citizenship, which over 80% of Latinos support, their efforts on immigration reform have stalled to the point of indifference. They have convinced themselves that immigration is not a top issue for Latinos, although thousands showed up in Washington, DC to demand Congress wake up and pass some sort of reform a couple of days ago. The right-wing “Caller” rag called them “illegals.” But that’s not the entire Latino message for the GOP.

Here in Texas, Greg Abbott is already attacking Wendy Davis on driver’s licenses for immigrants, and is on record supporting racial profiling as a means of state-sanctioned immigration enforcement. Right-winger for state comptroller Glenn Hegar just started a poll asking his supporters if the comptroller should do a study about the “impact of illegal immigration.” The title alone tells us what his intent really is. Even Carol Strayhorn used the term, “undocumented” in her report. Mostly, Hegar is also on record as saying he supports voter ID because “illegals” vote illegally in record numbers–a downright lie.

And I’ll also mention that voter suppression through voter photo ID and gerrymandering sent Latinos a clear message:  No representation for you!

What do I usually tell Latinos who may be buying into GOPtino outreach window dressing?

It’s the policies, ¡pende**s!

And Latinos are on record as being overwhelmingly in support of more progressive policy stances on jobs and the economy, health care, immigration reform, and education. Any other issues, particularly the cultural ones the GOP seems to stick to, are far from priorities for Latinos. Just read any poll by Latino Decisions or the Pew Hispanic Institute.

As always, I’ll tell Democrats and Democratic candidates–stay strong and progressive on these issues; defend against right-wing attacks; and don’t give in.

Comments Off on GOPtinos 2.0?

Posted in 2013 Categories, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Local Politica, Republinuttiness, Sensible Immigration Reform, U.S. Capitol

Tagged , , , , ,

The Notion That The GOP Needs to Embrace People

Posted on July 29, 2013 | Comments Off on The Notion That The GOP Needs to Embrace People

An article in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal (by Enrique Rangel) caught my eye this weekend. It talked about the need for the Republican party to embrace minorities, and featured in the article was a complaining (again) Aaron Pena.

The article takes us back to Texas Monthly’s cover photo featuring Wendy Davis and the Castro brothers, which earned the Castros the insult of “wetback” from a bigot, to which Mayor Castro responded. Apparently, so did Aaron Pena.

So, Peña spoke up as loudly as he could.

“As conservatives grounded in principles of decency and respect for all people, it is our responsibility to openly denounce these sorts of demeaning statements,” he wrote in a letter to the editor published in the San Antonio Express-News.

“Our state is changing in many ways, demographically and otherwise,” Peña added. “If we are to move forward cohesively and productively as the great state we are, we must put these ugly vestiges of our past behind us.”

Given Republican attacks on women and the state budget, I’m haven’t seen the “decency and respect,” but as the immigration debate moves forward, it seems the vitriol is getting worse, thanks to Republican Steve King of Iowa and his “canteloupe” comments about DREAMers. Needless to say, it is even upsetting Republicans like Pena.

Over the years, King has also compared immigrants to dogs and proposed an electrified fence along the border with Mexico.

Back in Texas, Dallas tea party leader Ken Emanuelson said recently Republicans don’t want blacks to vote because they overwhelmingly support Democrats.

“Our party doesn’t need those people and we should denounce them as strongly as we can when they make or post those ugly comments,” Peña said.

Even another Republican Latino had something to say.

“The problem is that those at the top, the leaders, don’t know how to deal with these people (the bigots),” said former Rep. Raul Torres of Corpus Christi.

“They have failed us miserably, hoping the problem will go away.” Torres said of GOP leaders who say little or nothing when a racist remark triggers a public uproar.

Hell, although not racist in nature, but more “chicken-shittedness,” I had my issues with the Democrats who listened to a consultant who told them back in 2005 that the immigration issue would just go away and not to engage Republicans on it. That said, not much has changed, other than some cosmetic engagement and, now, a complete giveaway of the store (border militarization) during the negotiation over immigration reform to appease the Republicans–which has failed.

Bottom line, it will take a lot more than simply “being nice” to turn Latinos “red,” in vote and not in anger. Republican stances on education (K-12 and College), Obamacare, and jobs/economy are not very well liked by Latinos according to the latest Latino Decisions polling.

Much like it is said that Latinos are not monolithic (although Obama’s 71% in 2012 says much), they are also not a one-issue group of people, unless Republicans go negative on immigration (which then turns into anti-Latino rhetoric).

I had a relatively short conversation with a Republican Latina who attended the Gus Garcia Day celebration this weekend who tells me she is going to file to take on John Cornyn for U.S. Senate because of his stances on immigration. Other than telling her she faces a lonely road in the GOTea primary, since Latinos stay away from that primary a lot more often than from the Dem primary, it was difficult not to smirk. “Bless her heart,” I thought, but I reminded her of the fact that Latinos are not a one-issue people, and Republican primary voters are certainly not what you would call pro-Latino or pro-immigrant, given the kind  of stuff they come up with at their conventions.

Nonetheless, a run by her may be what it takes to convince Republicans to let go of the new-Jim Crow attitude they are portraying with their immigration stances, voter ID, etc. But she would still be a Latina Republican left to defend and convince Latinos on draconian budget cuts and everything else the GOP is trying to dismantle.

In other words, the name-calling is just one part of the reason Republicans aren’t earning the Latino vote.

 

 

Comments Off on The Notion That The GOP Needs to Embrace People

Posted in 2013 Categories, Education - K12, Elections, Health Care, Higher Education, Republinuttiness, Sensible Immigration Reform

Tagged , , ,

Little Doubt Remains That GOP Is Killing Immigration Reform

Posted on June 13, 2013 | Comments Off on Little Doubt Remains That GOP Is Killing Immigration Reform

Whether it is Cornyn’s “poison pill,” or what might be Marco Rubio’s half-a-poison pill which will enact virtually unreachable triggers before green cards are even given, little doubt is left that Republicans are doing everything they can to kill immigration reform.

There is grumbling among some Democrats that they’re in this bind because Rubio — a key Gang member — made border security an issue by saying it needed to be tightened in order to get 60 Senate votes. Then, the Florida Republican embraced the Cornyn plan when it was announced last week. And on Sean Hannity’s radio show Wednesday, Rubio described it as “an excellent place to start in terms of having that conversation.”

Frankly, I think Reid should call for the vote and put the entire Senate on notice. But then this happened.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) wanted to put the Cornyn plan up for a vote Wednesday hoping to kill it quickly and show undecided Republicans that it’s going nowhere. But Reid held back at the GOP’s request, according to two Senate Democratic leadership aides. A Cornyn spokesman said that wasn’t the case.

So much dissonance, and little action.

Meanwhile, more GOPers are signing up with Cornyn’s amendment, including some “moderates” who seem to be thinking more about re-election than getting the job done (Kirk, R-Illinois). The more time wasted, the more chances this bill will be worsened, or ultimately, killed.

The Senate and the rest of Congress, still, are not paying attention to the people.

But at this point, in states represented by key advocates of immigration reform, both the Gang of Eight proposal and a pathway to citizenship earn robust support, as described.

In Florida, where GOP Sen. Marco Rubio has been one of the staunchest supporters of reform legislation, 72 percent of voters said they support the legislation (including 45 percent who strongly support it) and 71 percent backed the pathway to citizenship.

In South Carolina, home to reform-boosting Republican Lindsey Graham, those numbers were only a bit lower: 62 percent who support the Gang of Eight bill and 60 percent who backed the pathway to citizenship.

And in Texas, the rapidly changing but still-conservative state with two senators who have resisted reform – Ted Cruz and John Cornyn – 67 percent said they could support the reform bill as described, with 72 percent backing a pathway to citizenship.

The average support for the “Gang of Eight” legislation was just under 68 percent, according to the pollsters.

Let’s just call the damn question, or else, this blogger will start campaigning against any bill that includes, or that looks like, Cornyn’s poison pill.

As Schumer told Cornyn while he berated his amendment, “go back to the drawing boards.”

UPDATE:  And now Ted Poe and his buddies are copycatting Cornyn.

Indeed, the SMART Act is nearly identical to Cornyn’s RESULTS amendment, which would require the Department of Homeland Security to achieve full operational control of the country’s Southwest border with a 90 percent apprehension rate of undocumented migrants and enforce a biometric entry/exit system that prevents visa overstays.

And, get this, Congress gets a say, in what 90% actually means.

Comments Off on Little Doubt Remains That GOP Is Killing Immigration Reform

Posted in 2013 Categories, Sensible Immigration Reform

Tagged , , , ,

Quote of the Week: Senator John McCain

Posted on May 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Quote of the Week: Senator John McCain

While Marco Rubio of the Gang of Ocho is telling us the House will want double fencing and other costly measures before supporting “reform,” Senator John McCain provides a dose of political reality on why Republicans must support immigration reform.

“We will not be able to compete for the Hispanic voter until this is done,” McCain said at an immigration forum hosted by the University of Southern California. (Politico)

Comments Off on Quote of the Week: Senator John McCain

Posted in 2013 Categories, Republinuttiness, Sensible Immigration Reform

Tagged , , ,

What if GOP Candidates Wear Sombreros?

Posted on March 18, 2013 | Comments Off on What if GOP Candidates Wear Sombreros?

In what seems like a second effort in three months to attract Latinos to their political party (since their kinder, gentler immigration rhetoric of early 2013 seems to have flopped), the Republicans are now putting dollar signs behind what will be a $10 million marketing program. The problem:  If Republican policies on immigration, jobs/economy, health care, education, and a host of other issues do not change, then what exactly are they selling to Latinos?

A kinder-gentler message introducing bad policies is not the answer; if anything, it’s worse than the “the Democrats didn’t do it in the first term!” line Romney, Inc. was selling in 2012. The GOPers didn’t support anything having to do with any type of reform, whether it was the DREAM Act or President Obama’s DACA.

Our friends at POCHO.com hit the clavo on the cabeza with a great parody of these new efforts.

GOP to spend $10 million further alienating minorities (Highlights)

With Operation Wetback 2016, the committee hopes putting a fresh face on the same old racism will help them net more Hispanic voters.

and

“We’re using the tag #GOPLovesBeaners2016 on Twitter to reach out to our Hispanic friends online because we realized that when a lot of them are waiting for work at Lowes or in between cleaning rooms, they’re online,” Priebus said.

Hey, GOP! Policies matter! Years of hateful rhetoric and targeted policies have left a political sinkhole that will only be filled when the GOP supports, rather than lambastes, good policies.

Now, to whom shall I send the bill? (They did say $10 million, right?)

Comments Off on What if GOP Candidates Wear Sombreros?

Posted in 2013 Categories, Republinuttiness

Tagged , , ,