Guest Column
Latinos must support New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for U.S. President
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By Joe
Olvera -
- Latinos must support New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for U.S. President
- By Joe Olvera
I love the fact that Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, is running for President of the United States. I love the fact that he supported U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and gave him the benefit of his doubt. The best thing about his support is that he admitted to the nation that the reason he hadn’t called for Gonzalez’ resignation is because Gonzalez is Hispanic – as is Richardson.
How can you not appreciate a courageous man like that – someone who is not afraid to stand by his convictions and by his fellow-Chicanos. Well, Richardson doesn’t say he’s a Chicano, he says he’s Hispanic. To me, however, he is and will remain a Chicano who was born in California, moved to Mexico before he could even open his eyes, grew up in Mexico, then moved to the East Coast to attend school. His father was a powerful Anglo banker who moved in Mexico’s power circles. His mother is a Mexican who still lives in Mexico City. Between his dad and his mom, Richardson learned to move in different circles, to admire and appreciate all people, not just Mexicans and not just Anglos; not just poor and not just rich. That, I believe, is Richardson’s mantra, and I like it and I follow it.
To me, Richardson’s ability to work with all types of people, including Republicans, is what motivates me to support and vote for him in 2008. Of course, he must win the Democratic Party’s nomination first, but, you know, he is headed in that direction. Richardson is so superior from every other candidate from either party that I’m surprised more people are not jumping on his bandwagon. But, they’re coming around. In fact, when he first announced his intent to run he was at one percent in the national polls. Now, however, his star is rising and he is at more than ten percent today. A steady climb that only promises to continue its upward ascent because he is the type of person this country needs.
One of his television ads says it all. Filmed as if he was undergoing an interview for a job, the interviewer denotes Richardson’s accomplishments. Something like: “Let’s see, you were a congressman for 14 years, you served as Secretary of Energy under Bill Clinton, you were the Ambassador to the United Nations under Clinton and you were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times.” Richardson only nods. “Now, the interviewer asks: “What makes you think you’re qualified to be President?”
Now, if only Richardson had done a double take when the guy asks why he thinks he’s qualified to be President, it would’ve been funnier. But, he makes his point. What other candidate matches his experience, his knowledge, his intelligence, his ability to get along with people from all walks of life, and his ability to cross the aisle from left to right? He confers with politicians from either party to accomplish his goals, he talks to dictators, he negotiates for the release of POWs, he is tough, but gentle, strong, yet tender. In short, no other candidate lives up to the promise he brings to the table.
The best part, for me, however, is his pride in being Hispanic. When he officially entered the presidential race in Los Angeles, he made sure that everyone knew that he is Hispanic…er…Chicano….er…Latino. Oh, well, you get the drift. He is part of two powerful worlds – Anglo and Chicano. Yet, he’s aware that Chicanos are the country’s fastest-growing population group and he wants us to know that he’s one of us.
He’s not afraid to proclaim his allegiance to his upbringing. He’s not ashamed of his background and of the fact that he is Chicano. On the contrary, his pride shows through. He said in a story by the AP: “One of my potential problems is that one of my potential bases – Hispanics – don’t know that I’m Hispanic, so I’m trying to change that. It’s just rudimentary politics. When my name recognition among Hispanics is below 10 percent, I’ve got to accentuate it, because it’s a potential base for me.”
Yes, indeed, it’s all politics, but good politics. So, there’s the challenge for Hispanics. When I hear about how other Chicanos, and many of them are activists, are not supporting Richardson but are, instead, vying for one of the other candidates, it blows my mind. Even Hispanics or Chicanos or Latinos who should know better, pretend that Richardson isn’t even in the race. But, he is, you know. So, where’s the support?
Here’s another quote from Richardson which I hope convinces Hispanics that he’s the best man for the job: “With pride, I hope to be the first Latino President of the United States.” And, get this he said it in Spanish, to a national television audience, in Los Angeles. A presidential candidate who’s not afraid to speak Spanish? Who’s not afraid of the English Only forces? Who’s not afraid of anything, or anyone? Orale pues, Latinos – let’s propel one of our own to office. Let’s show this nation how great a people Hispanics can be. It’s just a matter of time, folks. Let’s let it happen now. No more excuses.
- Sin Fin
- Joe Olvera ©, 2007 – Contact at: jolvera@aliviane.org
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