TX Hispanic Republican County Chairman Accused of Anti-Immigrant Statements

The Laredo Morning Times | 10-30,31-2002 | Theodore R.

[Theodore R.]

In a "Letter to the Editor," October 30, Webb County Republican Chairman Javier Mendoza was accused by a former classmate of making anti-immigrant statements in a college government class that he took in 1998. Leslie Smith, no address given, in an email to the Laredo Morning Times, said that Smith had called Mexican immigrants "stupid and dirty."

Mendoza replied to Smith's allegation in an October 31 "Letter to the Editor." Mendoza said: "It is sad that Smith has no standards and will attack my integrity. I have no clue where this person got the idea that I would call immigrants and people of Mexico stupid and dirty. Smith has completely mistaken me for someone else. Smith does not care for the truth.

"I will continue to educate my Hispanic community about the values that we as Hispanics share with the Republican Party.

"The Democrats have taken us for granted, and it is time for real change.

Young Mendoza was elected party chair in the March porimary. He defeating a more seasoned party veteran.

[Theodore R.]

Correction: Smith said that Mendoza had made the anti-immigrant statement.

[meenie]

The problem arises when the article does not determine the difference between ALL or SOME. The one phrase could very well be true, the other would probably not be apprpriate for the entire group.