Who Would Object to Honoring César Chávez? (Rep. Joe Baca)
April 5th, 2008
Rep. Baca is chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
It was not long ago that laborers were being overworked and underpaid while
spending long days picking fruits and vegetables. They did so in an
environment that was dangerous to their health, with no voice to help them.
There was no voice to call for basic human rights, basic labor protections, and
civil rights.
César Chávez would become that voice for them.
That is why I introduced H. Res. 76, a Congressional resolution calling on the President to create a national holiday honoring his life, and urging public schools to teach about his life and contributions.
Several Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) along with
Congressional Black Caucus Members and other Representatives went to the House floor to celebrate his life.
Members were joined by community leaders, such as the César Chávez National Holiday organization, LULAC, and the AFL-CIO, at a press conference supporting my resolion.
Across the country, the week is also being marked with celebrations in 65
cities in over 30 states, including statewide holidays in 10 states. Yet, not one House Republican has seen fit to sign onto this important
legislation.
The creation of a national holiday will not only honor a great man but also
educate Americans about César Chávez, helping ensure that his legacy
continues to inspire others to work for the fair and just treatment of all
people. César Chávez’s struggles for civil rights, labor rights and the
environment led to victories that continue to impact people throughout our
nation.
He was a beacon of light for many Latinos in the community. His legacy will live on in our hearts and in our dreams for a brighter tomorrow.
His tireless work on behalf of not just migrant farm workers, but also the
working class, the poor, and the Latino community — all of this have meant
change for all Americans. His work was an impetus for today’s attention to
food safety and health, and the organic food movement. His work ensured that workers in the U.S. were fairly treated. And that the food we ate was humanely harvested, and safe.
César organized the farm workers to stand together and, in one clear voice,
say, “From this day, we demand to be treated like men. We are to be respected as human beings. We are not slaves, and we are not animals, and we are not alone.”
This nation is grateful for his efforts to improve civil rights and working
conditions for all Americans. Like Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi,
Chávez promoted non-violence as a means to change, including social and
economic justice.
César Chávez is an inspiration to all who strive for the American dream.
That is why many Members of Congress and the CHC have worked to honor César
Chávez through various pieces of legislation, such as H.R. 706, introduced by Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-Calif.), to name a post office in San Diego for him.
Some Republican Senators seem to feel that the life and work of César Chávez is not worth honoring. They stand in opposition to the fact that Chávez’s work has impacted Americans of all walks of life and backgrounds.
Senate Republican have sent that message not once, but twice, when last week they blocked a unanimous consent agreement put forward by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, for consideration of S. Res. 138, a resolution honoring the life and work of César Chávez. The resolution introduced by Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), brought forth on what would have been Chávez’s 81st birthday, was blocked last year as well.
As such, we are left wondering, why any Senate Republican would block a
resolution honoring his work? And, why have no House Republicans seen fit to honor his life with the national holiday he merits?
In the words of César Chávez, “¡Sí, Se Puede!”
Permalink | Comment on this story (5 posted)
By
