26 April 2012

President Rev. John Jenkins
400 Main Building
Notre Dame, IN 46556

Subject:  Pro-Catholic and Pro-Latino Youth Senators in the Indiana 2012 Race

Dear President Rev. John Jenkins of Notre Dame:

I recently visited the University of Notre Dame on March 20, 2012, in light of our Tequila Party rally we held to “Rock the Latino Vote in support of the DREAM Act” at Indiana University of South Bend.  (The Tequila Party is a Latina counter-movement to Tea Party extremism).  Students from Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana University, Goshen and St. Mary’s attended our successful event, and it brought revitalization to our DREAM Act youth.  We registered and motivated eligible voters to be a voice for the voiceless undocumented and to keep the memory of Joaquin Luna alive.  Our Indiana Tequila Party leader, Jose Alvarez, is a student of Holy Cross and has aspirations of attending Notre Dame University.

As I toured your University, one photograph in particular touched me the most – and it was the photo of the former President of Notre Dame via Father Ted

This is the picture that was presented to Pres. Obama from Notre Dame during his commencement speech. It is a picture of Father Ted Hesburgh and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hesburgh.  To my amazement I later discovered this was the picture that was presented to Pres. Obama from Notre Dame during his commencement speech.

I am certain you are aware of the ill treatment of immigrants in our nation, and I appreciate the pro immigrant stances the Catholic Church has taken to this regard.  The anti-immigrant sentiment reached a fevered pitch when the Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed the harsh anti-immigrant SB1070 into law, and the muscle of this unneighborly legislative act came from the ousted and former Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS Church or, colloquially, the Mormon Church).

I am a mere Mexican-American immigration activist living in the State of Arizona where there is a stronghold of Mormonism.   I knew I could do only one thing as I felt utterly powerless and helpless when I saw Republican leaders support this restrictionist law, so   I wrote an open letter to Mormon Prophet Thomas S. Monson.  I paralleled the Mormon Missouri extinction order to Arizona’s SB 1070 anti-immigrant and self-deportation law.  Just as Mormon families were driven out of the state of Missouri in early American history via mass exodus, I witnessed Arizona mass exodus and families being driven out, too.

Sacred Heart with Crucifix in Catholic Church

While I do not see the beautiful crucifixes that typically adorn Catholic Churches at Mormon Churches or Temples, I did see what some might call the “power of the cross” come into play when Mormon leadership in Salt Lake City, Utah, brought forth the principles of the Mayflower Compact via the Utah Compact (with help from Catholic leaders).  The Mormon Church and members of the LDS church boldly stepped up to the plate and their leaders took a compassionate stance on immigrants in the State of Arizona – and now we are hoping members of the Catholic Church will step up to the plate in the State of Indiana, too.  It is an emergency to have your help.

We have a common enemy via the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).  FAIR is an anti-immigration ‘movement,’ that began by one man, John Tanton. Tanton was the organizer and President of the Northern Michigan Planned Parenthood Association between 1965-1971, and in 1975 he wrote The Case for Passive Eugenics where his letters and memos are a public collection at the Bentley Historical Library.   Tanton has clear connections to Pioneer Fund and Numbers USA where  Pioneer Fund’s eugenic ideas (selective breeding of humans)  supported a variety of institutions that legitimize race “science”.  According to the Wall Street Journal, Jason Riley states that by Dr. Tanton’s own reckoning, FAIR has received more than $1.5 million from the Pioneer Fund, a white-supremacist outfit devoted to racial purity through eugenics. And if anything disturbs the good doctor more than those Latin American hordes crossing the Rio Grande, it’s the likelihood that most of them are Catholic, or so he once told a Reuters reporter.

We believe the John Tanton network has done a damaging job in national, state and local politics.  Our Latino Catholic members cannot support politicians who have ties to John Tanton and his racist organizations —  which is why Latino pro immigrant activists cannot support Mitt Romney for President when he chose to receive advise from Kris Kobach (legal arm of FAIR) for his own political expediency.

We pray for your help in the Indiana Senate open primary election race. We are aware that Hispanics account for more than 70 percent of the growth in the US Catholic population since 1960, and all our eyes will be in Indiana come May.

Senator Richard (Dick) Lugar supported our Latino youth via the DREAM Act when we were desperate, down and out.  Lugar embraced the epitome of Christian Compassionate views toward our children, but he is facing an opponent via Candidate Richard Mourdock who has clear ties to a racist organization via ALIPAC.  We are familiar with ALIPAC since they endorsed nativist J.D. Hayworth over Senator John McCain because John McCain “once” believed in immigration reform here in Arizona.  Members of ALIPAC were allowed to use disparaging remarks such as beaner, wetback and pepper belly that  appeared on their site directed at Hispanics.

Is there any way you can communicate to your circle of influence the need to support politicians who have compassionate views towards our youth like Senator Lugar?   I understand the University of Notre Dame cannot take a position on political races, but we are hoping you will communicate to your friends that Senator Lugar is a compassionate man who has had mercy on my people and our youth.  This is an emergency.  Lugar must be rewarded not punished for his compassionate views.

I pray the Catholic and compassionate voters in your state of Indiana will remember the stance of Catholic leadership and the Pope’s views with regard to the treatment of immigrants and our neighbors.  We hope you know about the aches and suffering we feel in our hearts due to these extreme hate laws.  Time is of the essence, and I hope a miracle takes place in the State of Indiana in much the same way we witnessed them in Arizona and in Utah.  We are hoping for a miracle, because that is all we have to hold on to, and I hope you take measures that will cause another one to happen.

Thank you for your time – particularly when our deadline is May 8, 2012, with regard to the Indiana Open Primaries.

Con cariño,

DeeDee Garcia Blase
Co-President, National Tequila Party Movement

Shirl Mora James,
Lead Co-President, National Tequila Party Movement
Civil Rights and Immigration Lawyer

Above) Jose Alvarez, Indiana Tequila Party Leader in the Basilica Sacred Heart at Notre Dame University on 20 March 2012.

Mitt Romney will go down in American history as being irrational on immigration reform policies.  I will never forget when the Romney camp appointed Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio Monday as honorary chair of the campaign in the state of Arizona, according to  FOXNews.com.

It’s unfortunate to see this 2012 Presidential Candidate be up to his old tricks again on the immigration issue.  Mitt Romney was so bad in 2007 that he moved Senator John McCain (who worked with Kennedy on an Immigration Reform Bill) further to the right and against immigration friendly views.  Romney lost in 2008 against Senator John McCain, and he will continue to lose because it appears he hasn’t learned from his mistakes.  Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has pulled no punches over illegal immigration, even charging that Rick Perry created an inducement.

What I don’t understand is how both Russell Pearce (lost special elections to Jerry Lewis) and Mitt Romney will not adhere to principles of the Utah Compact.  Both of these politicians are people that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) community and if they would only act more like Jon Huntsman things would be a much healthier environment.  For the record, Jon Huntsman supports the Federal DREAM Act and gets major Latino points to that regard.   Romney, on the other hand, is a familiar old foe and charlatan who continues to take a “populist” approach in demonizing immigrants since 2007 when he ran against John McCain.

Here are similar parallels between Mitt Romney and Russell Pearce:

• Mitt Romney made Sheriff Joe Arpaio his state chair when he ran against Senator John McCain in 2007 and forced McCain farther to the right on his anti-immigration views.
• FactCheck: Yes, his ads DID accuse McCain of “amnesty”. (Jan 2008)
• Enforce the law against 12 million illegals here now. (Jun 2007)
• McCain’s plan gives special pathway to those here illegally. (May 2007)
• Keep rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
• The 12 million illegal immigrants can’t stay forever. (Jan 2006)
• Illegal immigrants shouldn’t get tuition break in schools. (Nov 2007)
• Unfair to allow all illegal immigrants to stay. (Jan 2006)
• Tuition breaks encourage illegal immigration. (Nov 2005)
• Vetoed in-state tuition; turn off the magnet. (Sep 2011)
• Of course a border fence; of course no free tuition. (Sep 2011)
• Build 2,600-mile fence with enough guards to secure it. (Sep 2011)
• Turn off the magnet that attracts immigrants. (Sep 2011)
• Deport illegal immigrants in 90 days under the ideal setting. (Jan 2008)
• AdWatch: Huckabee ok’ed tuition & scholarships for illegals. (Dec 2007)
• FactCheck: Took hard-line on illegals (Dec 2007)
• Avoid chain migration; disallow families from one citizen. (Dec 2007)
• FactCheck: Illegals employed at his home, but by contractor. (Nov 2007)
• AdWatch: No driver’s license & in-state tuition for illegals. (Nov 2007)

Mormon members like Daryl Williams are a big reason why one of their own (Russell Pearce) was ousted from one of the most powerful Senate seat positions in the State of Arizona.  It took courage from the likes of Mr. Williams to give a trial-like presentation that won over several hearts and minds of Mormon leaders due to the FIRESIDE ON IMMIGRATION that sparked a fire towards human compassion.

Members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  endorsed The Utah Compact, a set of principles supporting a healthy discussion on immigration. The Utah Compact received broad support from Catholic Church and the business community.  We used the Utah Compact as a tool to remind the Mormons of Mesa what the Church stance was on immigration, and this was a strong reason on how and why Mormons kicked out one of their own (Russell Pearce) and promoted a more compassionate politician in the City of Mesa where the 7th operating Temple is located and where for many years, the Mesa Arizona Temple was known as the “Lamanite Temple,” as it was the destination of annual temple excursions for Hispanic and Native American members of the Church, especially the Mexican Saints.  We attribute the Special Elections and win of Jerry Lewis after the recall of Recall of Russell Pearce to a broad bipartisan support (with no help from the Tea Party Republicans).

The Tequila Party is a non-partisan effort that promotes pro immigrant friendly politicians, a strong Latino get out the vote effort, and serves as a Latina counter movement to the Tea Party.   The National Tequila Party will now take the reigns of the National COMPACT WITH AMERICA Program since  this will have to be the work of a broad coalition from diverse backgrounds that includes Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Libertarians.  The DREAM Act vote of December 2010 is indicative and is proof that not just one party can pull off legal immigration reform because we need party leaders from both sides to step up to the plate. Since Somos Republicans is partisan, the National Tequila Party (which is non-partisan) must pick up the reigns to bring all political backgrounds into the fold in working to solve the broken immigration system while providing political covering for all politicians who are willing to help solve issue.

Solving the broken immigration system must have the support from both the Democrats as well as the Republicans.

With the full help and commitment of Daryl Williams (key ally to the National Tequila Party Movement), we will continue to change the tide on immigration

Daryl Williams holding a FIRESIDE ON IMMIGRATION with DeeDee Garcia Blase held in Mesa, Arizona

since the downfall of Russell Pearce when Jerry Lewis won the Special Elections.  A moderate Republican beat an extremist Republican here in the State of Arizona and I am blamed for playing the “Mormon Card.”  Nothing could be further from the truth because it was Utah and Mormon leadership that has pioneered our nation in the right direction and all I did was help to inform the Mormons and Conservatives in Mesa, Arizona to this regard with the help of Daryl.

Below is a video of Daryl Williams who is fully committed to us  change the immigration tide in the lessons we learned in Arizona with regard the RecallRussell Pearce and Jerry Lewis elections.  We will use Arizona as a model for what the TEQUILA PARTY will do with the course of our nation.  Immigrants make America great.  The arc of justice will continue to bend on the side of the weak, the poor and the defenseless.

We are working on and/or supporting Compacts for the States of Florida, Texas, Colorado, California, Arizona and more.  We encourage American citizens to roll up their sleeves and introduce compacts in the states not mentioned above.  To find out which of the other states we are working on, please email info@nationaltequilapartymovement.com and we would be more than happy to guide you with key coalition building ideas.  The State of Utah set a fine example of how the topic of immigration should be discussed.

COMPACT WITH AMERICA

A DECLARATION OF FIVE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE AMERICA’S IMMIGRATION DISCUSSION

FEDERAL SOLUTIONS Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries—not individual states and other countries. We urge congress, and others, to lead efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect our national borders. We urge state leaders to adopt reasonable policies addressing immigrants in America.

LAW ENFORCEMENT We respect the rule of law and support law enforcement’s professional judgment and discretion. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code.

FAMILIES Strong families are the foundation of successful communities. We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families. We champion policies that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all American children.

ECONOMY America is best served by a free-market philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers. America’s immigration policies must reaffirm our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.

A FREE SOCIETY Immigrants are integrated into communities across America. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants will say more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors. America should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.

We are working on and/or supporting Compacts for the States of Florida, Texas, Colorado, California, Kansas, Arizona and more.  We encourage American citizens to roll up their sleeves and introduce compacts in the states not mentioned above.  To find out which of the other states we are working on, please email info@nationaltequilapartymovement.com and we would be more than happy to guide you with key coalition building ideas.  The State of Utah set a fine example of how the topic of immigration should be discussed.

COMPACT WITH AMERICA

A DECLARATION OF FIVE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE AMERICA’S IMMIGRATION DISCUSSION

FEDERAL SOLUTIONS Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries—not individual states and other countries. We urge congress, and others, to lead efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect our national borders. We urge state leaders to adopt reasonable policies addressing immigrants in America.

LAW ENFORCEMENT We respect the rule of law and support law enforcement’s professional judgment and discretion. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code.

FAMILIES Strong families are the foundation of successful communities. We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families. We champion policies that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all American children.

ECONOMY America is best served by a free-market philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers. America’s immigration policies must reaffirm our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.

A FREE SOCIETY Immigrants are integrated into communities across America. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants will say more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors. America should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.

The National Tequila Party Movement has sponsors with numerous State legislators in key swing states that will implement  Compacts across the country that will help to guide our nation toward a healthy discussion with regard to the broken immigration system.  Daryl is instrumental in helping me with the ARIZONA COMPACT, and the “COMPACT WITH AMERICA” campaign.

Daryl Williams played an instrumental role in educating members of the LDS Church with regard to recent immigration positions the Mormons supported via the UTAH COMPACT.  The City of Mesa has a high population of Mormons and Republicans or Independents who swing Conservatively, and we knew it would take strong and bold Mormon leadership to help oust one of their own fellow church attendees, Russell Pearce.   Russell Pearce was hurting the image of the LDS Community and the Republican Party.   Jerry Lewis has more moderate and Capitalism stances with regard to the immigration issue than those held by extremists.

Here is Daryl’s FIRESIDE ON IMMIGRATION VIDEO:

Here is an article from Deseret News which is a newspaper heavily read by members of the LDS Church.

Utah Compact helped turn anti-immigration tide in Arizona

Utah Compact helped turn anti-immigration tide in Arizona

Deseret News - ‎2 hours ago‎

SALT LAKE CITY — The outcome of Tuesday’s historic recall election in Arizona should help embolden conservative Republicans who champion pragmatic solutions to the nation’s immigration problems, says Utah Attorney …

LATINO JOINT STATEMENT ON IMMIGRATION COURSE OF THIS NATION

Phoenix, AZ –  We are happy with the recall Russell Pearce and special elections results last night when Jerry Lewis won in a historic special election that will change the course of this nation.   SOMOS REPUBLICANS and the NATIONAL TEQUILA PARTY MOVEMENT played a very big role as we worked with Conservatives and the Mormon  Community in Mesa, Arizona.  Foundress, DeeDee Garcia Blase, was the first person to initiate the recall of Sen. Russell Pearce and was instrumental in holding the FIRESIDE ON IMMIGRATION / ARIZONA COMPACT discussions with a prominent Republican in the State of Arizona — Daryl Williams.  A targeted effort and concentration was focused within the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) community and Conservatives as we worked vehemently to inform the people of Mesa of the UTAH COMPACT, and this was vital since Mesa (Legislative District 18) consists of a large Mormon population and conservatives.  Blase eventually dropped the recall and told her supporters to support Chad Snow’s efforts with regard to Citizens for Better Arizona.  She preserved some of her energy to put her support behind the candidate who would be able to beat Russell Pearce once the recall Russell Pearce was certified.

Without Daryl and the FIRESIDE ON IMMIGRATION discussions, we are afraid that the Mormons may not have heard the news fast enough with regard to the position of the LDS community when Salt Lake City, Utah,  put their support behind an immigrant-friendly compact. Last night’s win consisted of the LDS community, Conservatives, Libertarians, Independents and Democrats uniting and ousting one of the most anti-immigrant, anti-Latino politicians in American history.

Blase has learned the power of the unity message, and longs for the Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill days where both leaders were able to break partisan gridlock on tough issues.  Blase believes that Latino Republican support is dwindling and waning, and will work with a broader coalition of Independents, Democrats and Republicans on a national front via the National Tequila Party Movement as she works to break partisan gridlock on the broken immigration issue.  Blase understands the importance of uniting on a complex issue and believes the power is with “We the People.”

The defeat of Russell Pearce means the tide is turning back towards the United States maintaining its reputation as that Shining City on a Hill.  The nation is now set to reverse the evil deeds of anti-immigrant crusaders via John Tanton, Kris Kobach, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, NumbersUSA, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR, and so forth.   We believe it is going to be reversed since we have sponsors for the Florida Compact via Rep. Luis Garcia, the Kansas Compact via Rep. Louis Ruiz, the Arizona Compact via Rep. Steve Gallardo, and so many other states we are working with to restore a healthy discussion on the tough issue of immigration.

The momentum and the arc of justice will bend on the side of immigration in a way that will benefit the United States American economy and immigrants will preserve our nation and take care of our elderly.  Legal immigration reform will bring out those who live in the shadows of society.

Goodness prevailed last night when Republican Candidate Jerry Lewis beat Pearce.    We hope the Republican Party learns from stellar leaders such as Jerry Lewis and Daryl Williams of Arizona.  The inaction of the Republican Party leadership and influential GOPers to step in and moderate against the extreme anti-Latino rhetoric on this tough issue has driven Latinos away from the GOP and into the Independent Party.  We must see Republicans denounce the anti-immigrant positions taken by the likes of Congressman Lamar Smith, Steve King, Senator Chuck Grassley, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Senator Marco Rubio, Senate Candidate Richard Mourdock, 2012 Presidential Candidates Herman Cain and Mitt Romney and all other Tea Party extremists.

As Latino Republican support dwindles, a new direction via The National Tequila Party movement will set the nation in a positive course that will unite people from across the political spectrum to tackle the tough issue of immigration.  We know and understand how the business community relies on this labor and how immigrants have built entire communities.  The Tequila Party will eventually be recognized for being the “American Party” that wants to reduce the partisan gridlock and move Americans to a place of UNITY and strength.

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About the National Tequila Party Movement

The National Tequila Party Movement is the Latin Counter-movement to the TEA PARTY.  It consists of a national tour of concerts, events, dinners and rallies that will encourage a massive Latino Get Out The Vote.  This movement is a non-partisan movement.  We don’t care how people vote, we just want them to get on the early ballot system, become consistent primary and general election voters.

Jerry Lewis is slightly ahead of the polls against State Senator Russell Pearce.  I have met and spoken to Jerry Lewis and believe he gives a positive image to the Republican Party as well as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). This is evident because Pearce would not entertain a FIRESIDE ON IMMIGRATION and ARIZONA COMPACT DISCUSSION (Arizona Compact is modeled after the Utah Compact) that would have helped rectify his position that contradicts the LDS Church and it would have helped to redeem himself.  He chose not to clarify the double-minded message he gives on the broken immigration system.

I received a note from a campaign helper of Jerry Lewis on what he needs to solidify a win in the upcoming November 8, 2011 Special Elections against Corrupt Russell Pearce.  Remember that Pearce has financial scandals with regard to the Fiesta Bowl contributions and he has not answered those questions the public wants to know.

From Jerry Lewis:

Friends,

Participating in our democracy is a great thing.  One of the simplest (and most important) ways we participate is by voting.  I’m sending this message to remind and encourage all my friends and supporters in Arizona Legislative District 18 to vote in this Tuesday’s upcoming recall election.

Many have asked what else they can do.  That response shows me not just the strength of our message, but how engaged and willing the citizens of Mesa are to participate in our democratic process.

So here are 3 things I’d like to encourage my friends and supporters to do between now and Tuesday:

1. Vote.  If you received your early ballot but didn’t mail it in, fill it in, and bring it to your local polling location on Tuesday.  If you didn’t sign up for early voting, please vote on Tuesday.  If you have questions about where your polling location please see this link.

https://voter.azsos.gov/VoterView/PollingPlaceSearch.do

2. Encourage your friends and neighbors in LD 18 to vote.  This election is important not just for the citizens of LD 18 and Mesa, but for the state of Arizona.  Use the next few days to educate and encourage your neighbors, family and friends to study the issues and vote. www.jerrylewisforsenate.com

3. Spread the word.  Social networks can be fantastic tools.  Reach out to your friends on FB by posting reminders to vote and encouraging them to study the issues, vote this Tuesday, and spread the word.

Here are some easy ways you can help this grassroots effort to elect fresh leadership in Mesa.

1. Repost this message on your FB page or send it as a message to your Mesa Area list.

2. Add your own message.

3. Encourage all your friends living in LD 18 to vote and all your friends in AZ and Mesa to spread the word.

Let us take our message viral and win on Tuesday.

Thank you,

 

Jerry Lewis

www.jerrylewisforsenate.com