April 9, 1999
This week Governor Grey Davis asked the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for a 30 day delay to decide whether or not he will pick-up where ex-governor Pete Wilson left off by pursuing legal action in overturning the courts rejection of Prop. 187.
The question is, why? Why does Gov. Davis need thirty more days when he campaigned on the promise not to deal in wedge issues such as Proposition 187? Does his promise to the Hispanic community mean so little that he would even consider to continue down this road of Mexican bashing, scapegoating and alienation?
While working diligently on education reform, since his election, Gov. Davis has acted swiftly and decisively on that promise. Yet, despite the urging of the top Latino and Democratic leaders to drop the state's appeal, Davis has dragged his feet on Prop. 187 and is unprepared to deal with the issue.
Prop. 187 is a divisive, hateful proposition that failed to holdup in the court system.
Working with the court system is one of the few levers of power available to the Hispanic community, it was designed by the founding fathers to protect the rights of minorities through a checks and balance system. The proposition was challenged and was ruled unconstitutional.
With his promise of not pursuing wedge issues and with the support of the courts Gov. Davis should do the right thing! Ironically the 30-day extension would end on Cinco de Mayo, a day celebrating Mexico's defeat of the vastly superior French army.
The supporters of Prop. 187 want to continue the legal fight all the way to the Supreme Court, but without the support of the State, emotionally and financially, the ruling would stand.
Let us hope that Gov. Davis has the courage and conviction to stand by his promise and bring to an end an ugly chapter of ex-governor Wilson's legacy and drop the State's appeal to this Mexican bashing issue.
Return to Frontpage