Separatism in Latino Politics

I am deeply concerned about the perceived politics of separatism within the Latino community (“A Power Fight That’s Weakening Us,” by Antonio Rodriguez, Commentary, June 10). For the record, I supported my former staff member, Gloria Molina, in 1982 for the state Assembly seat I held and vacated to run for the state Senate. Ten years and many hard-fought campaigns later, we again have created a pathway for Latina and Latino representation in the Legislature. We all hope this will provide us an opportunity to work together for a common agenda at a time when our growing numbers demand our unified attention.

The call for unity is an important one--one I commenced on election night in 1991 when I went to Gloria Molina’s campaign headquarters to congratulate her and begin a unified agenda. I reiterated this desire for a common agenda in a discussion with Supervisor Molina prior to a September, 1991, meeting in Los Angeles with Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari. I again made important overtures when I declined to run for Congress and, at a meeting with Rep. Edward Roybal, supported his daughter, Assemblywoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, for that congressional seat. Immediately following the riots, I held a press conference with Councilman Mike Hernandez to highlight the concerns of the immigrant community.

Earlier this month, a historic dinner was held in Sacramento in which members of the present legislative Latino Caucus and all the Latino Democratic nominees met and broke bread in the spirit of unity.

Yes, there are differences. We are not a monolithic community. As Latinos, we have had many qualified candidates running for office in 1992 and we should be very proud of those who were elected and the tremendous grass-roots support all the candidates received.

Let me also add that the perception of separatism is fueled in part by the media. We simply cannot allow the media to continue marginalizing our role in times of crisis, as they did during the riots, when our press conferences, public statements and actions were missed by just about everyone save the Spanish press.

ART TORRES

State Senator, D-Los Angeles