The Debate Debacle

What happened last night...

I was invited to participate in the Bruin Democrats vs. Bruin Republicans quarterly debate. Although I'm not a member of either group, the Democrats asked me to debate in favor of the D.R.E.A.M . Act, along with two of their members, Flavia de la Fuente and Curtis Whatley.

After Flavia delivered our opening statement, the Bruin Republicans proceeded to make fools out of themselves. Ignoring any notion of meaningful intellectual discourse, they took a soft pro-D.R.E.A.M. Act stance and then went on to do what pleases them the most, which is to mock the plights of historically marginalized communities. They do this on a rotating basis among Blacks, Muslims, and Chicanos. It happened again last night.

Their opening speaker pretended to be a member of "MEChA" who had been invited by the BRs because they were unable to debate against the meritorious D.R.E.A.M. Act. He went to claim, in a mocking tone, that Chicanos ("and Chicanas") do not need legalization because they are already rightful owners of the land, that the border wall should be built around the southwestern United States to prevent further "white-man immigration", and other lousy generalizations that have exemplified the Republican Party's fixation with MEChA and other progressive cultural organizations over the years.

Later on the debate, they blamed Democrats over the D.R.E.A.M. Act's failure and went on to tell the crowd, partially composed of some of the hardest working student immigrant advocates with whom I have had the pleasure to work, that they should mobilize and organize, rather than simply complain afterwards. Their ignorance over the issue they claim to support was quickly exposed, as they had no knowledge of the historical background of the legislation, and of how their party's leaders had consistently prevented the DREAM Act from becoming law, just like they did with AgJobs, CIR, or any other bill for legalization.

Now, if I had the ability to see beyond human basic needs, or if I could reduce their lives to the level of products and commodities, I may be better able to understand their stances in all the issues debated prior to the D.R.E.A.M. Act. But I can't understand them, and in a way, they seem to be unable to understand the hypocrisy of their party. There was no response given to the accusation that their party stays in power by playing on people's fears. Blame immigrants. Blame "gays". Blame the poor. Blame minorities. Even if you know the legislation makes sense, do not enact it if it benefits those who you can use to advance your corporate agenda.

I don't know what else their student group does. I only hear about them every once in a while, often because of their incendiary programming. And I'm not here to talk to them, because what they do does not need my validation, or deserve my recognition.

I want to talk to all the members of MEChA, IDEAS, Dreams to be Heard, Conciencia, LASA, SURGE, Espiritu, etc. All those of you who in different ways put their efforts day in and day out for something greater than themselves and to empower the Latino community. Also, to those in the crowd from VSU and APC who were there to support, and to the Bruin Democrats for giving us the opportunity to touch on one of the issues that students of color in this country are still affected by. I know it gets tough sometimes, but even in the worse times, there's hope and an opportunity to teach others about what our families and communities do, and what they need.

Thanks to all those that came out last night, and la lucha sigue.