A Dangerous Man (Cruz Bustamante: Traitor?)

adamyoshida.com ^ | September 4, 2003 | Adam Yoshida

[DiamondDon1]

Traitor...easy call (0.000023 seconds computer time)

Now a question for the audience, which map is actually Aztlan?

How can we give them the land without a decent Map???

DD

[skeeter]

Thanks Adam.

Given the current conditions - hundreds of thousands of anonymous illegals flooding in with a mindset that seems to increasingly embrace the idea that the southwest belongs to them exclusively (see Zogby's poll earlier this year), the potential for voter fraud, and an apparent racist poised to lead the largest state in the union, Bustamonte's candidacy constitutes a threat we ought to all be concerned about.

History repeats itself, and history shows these kinds of trends should NOT be disregarded. Ignoring it may soon no longer be an option.

[daviddennis]

First, Bustamante has never said he was going to do it, nor that he was interested in doing it. The only evidence we have is that he belonged to a radical student organization. He probably joined to figure out a way to study enough to graduate, which, if you didn't remember, was not a notable success.

To be a Nazi, you need to have the temprament to be a nazi. I don't see that as Cruz' role in life.

Unfortunately, that has to be balanced by my gut instinct about the man, which is that he's likely to be easily controlled by people who DO have an evil agenda.

The reality is that there are reasons enough to oppose him vigourously without even bringing up MEChA, which is a painfully divisive issue within the mainstream. I would not be comfortable with him as governor simply because he's a bit dull, easily manipulated and has a plan that consists entirely of special interest giveaways.

End of story, no?

D

[daviddennis]

First, Bustamante has never said he was going to do it, nor that he was interested in doing it. The only evidence we have is that he belonged to a radical student organization. He probably joined to figure out a way to study enough to graduate, which, if you didn't remember, was not a notable success.

To be a Nazi, you need to have the temprament to be a nazi. I don't see that as Cruz' role in life.

Unfortunately, that has to be balanced by my gut instinct about the man, which is that he's likely to be easily controlled by people who DO have an evil agenda.

The reality is that there are reasons enough to oppose him vigourously without even bringing up MEChA, which is a painfully divisive issue within the mainstream. I would not be comfortable with him as governor simply because he's a bit dull, easily manipulated and has a plan that consists entirely of special interest giveaways.

End of story, no?

D

[Lizavetta]

From the Cerritos College chapter....:

We, as Mechistas, see the process of Chicanismo as evolutionary. We recognize that no one is born politically Chicana or Chicano. Chicanismo results from a decision based on political consciousness for our Raza, to dedicate oneself to building a Chicana/Chicano Nation. Chicanismo is a concept that integrates self-awareness with cultural identity, a necessary step in developing political consciousness. Therefore, the term Chicano is grounded in a philosophy, not a nationality. Chicanismo does not exclude anyone, rather it includes those who acknowledge and work towards the betterment of La Raza. Chicanismo involves a personal decision to reject assimilation and work towards the preservation of our cultural heritage

[Lizavetta]

From the Cerritos College chapter....:

We, as Mechistas, see the process of Chicanismo as evolutionary. We recognize that no one is born politically Chicana or Chicano. Chicanismo results from a decision based on political consciousness for our Raza, to dedicate oneself to building a Chicana/Chicano Nation. Chicanismo is a concept that integrates self-awareness with cultural identity, a necessary step in developing political consciousness. Therefore, the term Chicano is grounded in a philosophy, not a nationality. Chicanismo does not exclude anyone, rather it includes those who acknowledge and work towards the betterment of La Raza. Chicanismo involves a personal decision to reject assimilation and work towards the preservation of our cultural heritage

[Rabid Dog]

Well, I have no compunction about looking at the MECHa issue - he has/is embracing it and it certainly comes off as having a racist idealology. As you and I discussed before, best that he praises them for the educational opportunities that they provide but he should also make it very clear that he does not support their out-dated philosophy (if it is indeed outdated).

And I happen to agree with your other points, in addition to his taking millions of dollars in what are probably illegal donations from the Indian Tribes.

This guy does not have a very strong moral compass.

[Rabid Dog]

Check out this article. Pretty out there isn't it?

[Tempest]

The sad thing about this article is that if Bustamante manages to take office we'll have noone to blame but ourselves.

We know who he is and we know what he wants. And as long as he has the money of the Indian gaming commision, the influence of the left wing media outlets and the votes of faithful far left Democrats we may very well still lose this yet.

[daviddennis]

Watch out for the millions from the tribes - Tom McClintock is trying to do the same thing.

I think most politicians without money or easy publicity would do similar things, so that doesn't disturb me all that much. But you might want to concentrate on him not playing by the rules. He's trying to play fast and loose with political donation law, as the LA Weekly article says.

I'd be willing to give him a pass on this one if I otherwise agreed with him.

D

[Rabid Dog]

Tom actually renounced the idea of talking millions from the tribes last night during the debate. Called it "shady" or dubiously legal or something like that.

I think the whole tribe thing is a good focus point - he is very exposed.

[daviddennis]

In my opinion, the contribution limits set for this election are much too low. Generating awareness levels in this state is expensive, especially when you don't have much time to do it.

That being said, the LA Weekly article is pretty clear in showing Bustamante as playing fast and loose with the rules. He may feel he doesn't have a lot of choice at this point, since he needs to improve the public's knowledge of his existance.

As long as Tom's out of danger, I'd say we are right in playing that one up, and reminding people this is the same type of thing his big bro' Gray Davis does. It makes them look more like twins, and therefore hurts Cruz among the majority of voters who support the recall.

D

[spirit_free]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, however I think in view of all that has gone on in this state just over the last few years we would be wise not to underestimate anyone from the left.

I believe my husband and I are at the stage in life that you are also. We are somewhat financially comfortable after years of hard work and some good luck but I don't believe that allows us to stop thinking of the future of our children and even our parents should this state be run into the ground. I see people leaving in droves because they can no longer afford to live here, mostly retirees. Just in the last few months my sister and husband left for Arizona, and a couple who are dear friends left for Texas. Both states are by far less expensive.

We all know the hatred the left has for Prop 13. If that were somehow repealed my parents and my mother-in-law would not be able to afford to live in the homes they have had for years. Do I think Davis, Bustamante or the politicians on the Left care about that? No, I do not.

So please I understand what you are saying about being too vocal in our opposition but we cannot become complacent. That, I believe, would be very dangerous when we have others we should be considering. This whole issue is much bigger than just ourselves.

[daviddennis]

Oh dear me! I'm the last person who would argue for complacency!

Examine these two claims that I've seen here on the site:

(1) Bustamante was a member of MEChA, and they want to return California to the Mexicans. Evil!

(2) Bustamante is a captive of the Hispanic lobby and will do his darndest to resume bilingual education, a proven failure.

The first claim sounds so extreme and absurd that it might turn people away from our cause, which is to make sure Bustamante is not elected. There are also some fair-sounding rebuttals against it - Bustamante joined it only to get an education, he wasn't in it long, etc.

The second claim is true on the face of it, and is enough to prevent any right-thinking person from voting for the guy.

I would argue that it's a lot easier to accomplish our goal - turning people against Bustamante - by emphasizing alternative two instead of one. This is the correct course even if alternative one is true!

Does that make sense?

D

[spirit_free]

Yes, I do see your point and you are correct. However, I believe that the current state law makers have awaken a 'sleeping giant' here and it would behove us to incorporate those people. These are people (democrats) who are just now beginning to see the leftist for what and who they are. I believe we need to accentuate that for them and we need to bring to light more than just bilingual education. There is some big and serious stuff going on here ... it's just that simple. We would be crazy not to take advantage of what is currently going on. We can do that in a delicate and intelligent way I think.