Letter Writers Lauds Raymond's "Courageous" Battle Against DeLay Redistricting Plan

The Laredo Morning Times Letter to the Editor | 05-13-03 | Benavides, Isidro "Sid"

[Theodore R.]

On the proposed redistricting plan being churned out by the Republican power machine in Austin, it appears to be picking up speed thanks to Chairman Crabb and his Redistricting Committee . . .

A plan, which we know well, will not only polarize both parties but also create friction between the economic classes in Laredo and Webb County, not to mention the rest of the border region, as well.

Representative {Richard} Raymond appears to be fighting a courageous battle in his attempt to fend them off, but having said that, I must also admit that one of our own, {Democrat} Senator Judith} Zaffirini sits in the shadows and sidelines (as usual). . . mute. How neat.

It appears that Democrats and poor folk are being sold down the river, the contaminated Rio Grande River, nonetheless by not only Republicans but also by center-right Democrats. Politics sometimes creates strange bed partners.

All of the Hispanic politicians in Austin who are not throwing their weight around in the political arena on this issue, should be ashamed of themselves.

True, they are outnumbered, but heck, go down fighting. I almost forgot. I will be teaching Spanish 101 in Austin this summer in case our monolingual chairman (Crabb) and other members of that committee (Redistricting) are interested. That way, Chairman Crabb can stay in his comfortable air-conditioned Capitol chambers in Austin and think up more of those racial remarks his little old neurons can make up.

Texas is also known as the "Friendly State," but the chairman would most likely not be welcomed in South Texas, where the lingo we call "Spanish" is spoken. Monolingual bigots, included. Well, as we way here, hasta la vista.

Isidro H. "Sid" Benavides, SMSgt. USAF (Ret.)

[Theodore R.]

Mr. Benavides wrote this letter before the 53 Texas Democrat House members went into hiding in Ardmore,OK, to prevent a legislative quorum. Democrat Governor Brad Henry of OK has said he will do nothing to assist the Texas state police in returning these errant lawmakers to Austin.

Benavides' remarks about Chairman Crabb stemmed from a remark that there was no need to hold redistricting hearings in South Texas because neither Crabb nor the committee members (with an exception or two) could understand Spanish!

[Theodore R.]

No, Mr. Benavides meant Anglos who have never learned the rudiments of Spanish while living in Texas.

[Theodore R.]

The headline should be "Letter Writer Lauds . . . " There is only one letter writer in the post.

[Theodore R.]

Well, Nathaniel, I am not sure if Mr. Benavides meets the state "qualifications" to "teach" Spanish. I think he was being facetious about that. I don't think too many lawmakers will take him up on attending his Spanish class. Probably this gentleman truly believes in the "democratic process," and to him that means Hispanic voting power first and foremost.