VivirLatino

Cuellar "clarifies" himself

19:17 H | Topics: Blogs - Immigration - Politics - Texas

The blogs were afire last week with the news that Representative Henry Cuellar (D.-Texas) was supporting giving the Minutemen $100 million dollars in federal money to "protect our borders".

Blue Latinos and MoveOn.org quickly launched into attack mode. From Blue Latinos:

We can change this dreadful situation right now -- simply by creating legal means for migrant workers to participate in our economy. Let us not deceive ourselves anymore. And let us not allow any politician -- whether Latino or not -- to deceive us further. Building walls and giving away badges to untrained, gun-toting vigilantes is not the way. There is a better way to reform our disgraceful immigration system.

Grassroots organizing and an online petition managed to force a statement out of Cuellar's office.

"I have always been, and remain, firmly opposed to the Minutemen and any other acts by vigilantes. Their focus is not on making our borders safer, but on victimizing innocent Hispanic immigrants. My hometown of Laredo, Texas borders a literal war zone where grenades, automatic gunfire, assasinations and kidnappings occur daily. Neither I, nor my constituents fear those that come to our great country to reach for the American Dream. We do fear those who come here to traffic guns, violence, drugs and fear. We do not need militia or walls, but it is imperative that we review and reform our efforts along the border to better protect the families who live along the border. I appreciate bluelatinos.org for drawing attention to this dangerous group and I truly appreciate the opportunity to clarify my position."

The tone: apologetic. Question: anyone out there actually believe any of this BS? I'm from Texas, where men are men and many a Latino politician is a sell-out, so I sure don't.

Great coverage over at DailyKos

Fabulous "softer side" campaign photo courtesy of henrycuellar.com. Look at him with the brown kid! He's one of us!

Via / LatinoPundit

Related

• Katie Couric Tries to Boost Sagging Ratings on the Backs of Immigrant Women (Tuesday, Apr 08 2008)
• In the Voice of Immigrant Women : They Wanted to Take Away My Baby (Tuesday, Mar 25 2008)