Inaction is Simply Not Acceptable

Dear Jerry:

Last night, Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), delivered some powerful words to the audience of the 2010 NCLR Capital Awards.  I want to share a bit of her thoughts with you here.  Discussing the gridlock and inaction in Washington that frustrates us all, she said:

"Inaction is simply not acceptable.  Not for our community.  Not for our country.  'No' is not an option, not when so many of our people survive at the margins of our economic system.  If the economy is hurting, our communities are hurting even more.  If health care is inaccessible, it evades our people more.  If the housing market is in crisis, you can bet our community is on the cutting edge of foreclosure…
   

The failure to act means real people get hurt.  That is the cost of inaction.  That is what we pay for the politics of gridlock and obstruction.  That is what we pay for the politics of no.



And yes, that goes for immigration.  I'm often asked, How can we keep pressing for comprehensive immigration reform in such a divisive political climate?  How can we push when so many things on our country's agenda are left undone?



My answer is:  How can we not?"

Today, nearly 350 Latino leaders from 30 states are gathering in Washington as part of the 2010 NCLR National Latino Advocacy Days to visit their congressional representatives and call for the action we have all been waiting for. 


Just because you aren't in Washington doesn't mean you can't participate!



In fact, right about now, those community leaders participating in the event are watching a new video that Janet Murguía released today reminding President Obama of the promise he made to the Latino community at the 2008 NCLR Annual Conference.  Watch along with us via YouTube by clicking on the link below:

I'm sure you will find the video as inspiring as I did, and if you do, please take a moment to tell your senators how much we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year!  The House has already introduced a bill to address immigration reform and now it's the Senate's turn.


NCLR and nearly 350 Latino leaders will be meeting with our congressional representatives in person tomorrow.  You can add your voice to the effort too!  Show them our power by flooding them with phone calls to accompany our visits.



Call 1-800-351-4319 and tell your senators to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year!  Just call this number and we'll walk you through the process.



After you call, please encourage your friends to do the same!



Thanks for speaking your mind along with NCLR and all the Latino leaders in Washington this week.



Sincerely,



Ellie Klerlein

Associate Director, National Campaigns