July 23, 1999
Respeto in the lexicon of nuestra Raza is a value that is deeply held. It defines a parameter of our people, our culture, of who we are. When Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa disrespects us, by his actions, it is a double edge sword he cuts with. In trampling upon a deeply held value of our people, he tramples upon himself. He cannot walk away from who he is.
He ignored or has forgotten the words of Amiel (Enrique Federico, 1821-1888), Who said: "El respeto es la primera condición para saber vivir." (Respect is the first condition in knowing how to live). Villaraigosa choose to ignore the valiant words of Benito Juarez (1806-1872) when he said "Entre los individuos como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz." (Between individuals as between nations Respect for their rights will guarantee the peace)... Villaraigosa violated a principle, a defining character of our Gente.
¿Qué pasó? What happened, you might ask to upset La Prensa San Diego Editors? Our people have waited a long time to get representation in State Government. We worked, registered to vote, and voted just so we could get individuals in office whose life experiences, culture, and historicity was in tune with the large Mexican American community and its needs. Unfortunately, electing your own people doesn't necessarily mean that they will be any different than what we have been faced with since 1848.
The issue: At 2:00 PM on Friday, July 16, 1999, Speaker Villaraigosa came to San Diego and appointed Greg Akili a non- Mexican American, to a "key" staff position in his offices. Evidently, the Speaker couldn't find a "qualified" Chicano, Latino, Mexican American in the County of San Diego. Evidently, he didn't feel it was necessary to seek out the local people and discuss his needs or requirements, evidently, he didn't think it was important to touch base on this appointment nor did he appear to care what the ramifications of hiring a Black over a Chicano. He appeared not to care to talk about his appointee's background, history, or qualifications.
Nor did Villaraigosa think it was important to notify the Mexican community of San Diego, all 650,000 of them of his coming to town and the purpose of why he was coming. This newspaper didn't get notified until 7:30 PM on Thursday July 15, 1999 (after our offices had been closed and the paper put to bed for Fridays distribution).
Mil gracias for your total lack of RESPETO, Sr. Speaker, and total lack of support for our Gente. We still have to see the benefits from supporting you and your fellow Hispanic Assemblymen and Senators and throwing our votes to the Democratic party.
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