[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9045]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           PLEDGE FOR RESPECT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2011

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) 
has called on Congress to oppose irresponsible and inflammatory 
rhetoric toward Latinos, and instead to focus on fording solutions to 
the nation's most pressing concerns that work for all Americans. Today, 
I join with them in opposing irresponsible rhetoric and supporting the 
importance of civil discourse in the political process, especially on 
issues related to race and ethnicity.
  The current national immigration narrative misrepresents the Latino 
community. Some use the community as a scapegoat, and some blatantly 
encourage xenophobia for political gain. Like all Americans, Latinos 
care about and are deeply affected by the complex issues facing our 
nation: serious economic challenges, a flawed immigration system in 
need of reform, an unnecessarily complex tax code that often hurts the 
middle class, and an aging infrastructure that endangers the literal 
ties between us. Those who slander, dehumanize or disrespect any 
community in particular are refusing to solve problems in a thoughtful, 
constructive way.
  If we as a country join hands, move forward and choose to be 
respectful of Latino--and all racial and ethnic communities--we can 
solve our problems together. Every day, Latinos make substantial 
contributions to the economic, civic, and cultural life of Oregon and 
this country. I encourage my colleagues to seek out and consider the 
Latino perspective on today's issues, and to find areas of common 
ground based on our shared values and interests. I encourage them to 
meet with NCLR and other Latino businesses, non-profits and community 
groups in their area. Hearing the Latino perspective benefits all 
Americans. I consider it an honor to represent the Latino families, 
students, workers and constituents of the 3rd congressional district in 
Oregon.

                          ____________________