Monday, June 23, 2014

The Dallas Morning News' Mercedes Olivera pens column on the child refugee crisis

I had the honor of being quoted by Mercedes Olivera in her column for The Dallas Morning News on June 21. The column, "Surge in immigrant kids challenges both parties," explored how politicians are responding to the refugee crisis. Sadly, while many Democrats see the obvious humanitarian crisis, Republicans are playing demagogue to the anti-immigrant crowd. I'm glad that as a member of the Cafe con Leche Republicans, we are working to change the tone in our party.

To read Mercedes' column, click right here to visit DallasNews.com.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Responding to the child refugee crisis on our border

As a member of the Cafe con Leche Republicans, a GOP group dedicated to making the party more welcoming and accessible to Hispanics, I had the chance to join our group president, Bob Quasisus, in speaking out about the refugee crisis along our border.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued a directive to expand resources at the border to enhance security in response to the large number of children coming here from violent countries ripped apart by the drug trade. This includes Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. However, Gov. Perry missed a prime opportunity to address the child refugee issue directly, and show we have concern and compassion for these children.

Our moral obligation to help these refugee children is not limited to any political party. Giving them an opportunity for a better life in America is part of our immigration law, and being a true patriot includes helping those tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

You can read the statement, including the thoughts of myself and CCLR President Bob Quasisus, by clicking right here.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Old Oak Cliff Conservation League releases 'Architecture at Risk' list

The Old Oak Cliff Conservation League has released their annual list of "Architecture at Risk," including some notable and historic structures that they hope to save. The OOCCL has been directly responsible for saving a number of our neighborhood's beautiful buildings and homes, and saving some of our local heritage. Here is the list for 2014, and you can find out more info about the League at OOCCL.org.

1. Oak Cliff Pump Station at Oak Farms Dairy c.1913
2. Lancaster Avenue Commercial National Register Historic District c.1910-1944
3. 635 N. Zang - Mayor George Sergeant's Home c.1910
4. 1045 N. Zang Blvd. - Zang's Storefront c.1914
5. 500 N. Ewing - J.G. Davis c.1910
6. 211 E. Colorado - Oak Cliff Floral c.1938
7. 1207 N. Zang Blvd. - Polar Bear c.1932
8. N. Bishop Ave. and the Miller-Stemmons National Register Historic District c.1910 - 1930's
9. Kovandovitch Concrete House - 523 Eads c.1914
10. McKinney Lamar Viaduct / Continental Viaduct c.1931

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Remembering "the least of these" on Father's Day

On this Father's Day, we should be dedicated to following the example of not only our earthly fathers, but our Heavenly Father as well. Sadly, I see some forsaking that example within my own party. That includes Pastor Stephen Broden, whom I supported when he ran for Congress. In some misguided attempt to pander to some political activists, he is demonizing the Central American refugee children arriving at our border, stating yesterday on Facebook that "illegal children are bum rushing our border," as if they are shoppers at a Black Friday sale. He states that we should "push back in Jesus' name."

Worse yet, his supporters are using his post to find some Biblical justification for this statement, saying things that are un-Christian, anti-Republican, and inhuman. If you are unaware of the situation in El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras (where these children are from), I suggest you get to know Ralph Isenberg, a local activist who works with these people on a daily basis and knows the situation. Helping these children and their families, and giving them safe harbor in our country, will not be easy or inexpensive, but it is a solemn duty our country and our God requires of us. Anything less is a sin. Patriotism and righteousness requires sacrifice.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

My interview with filmmaker Fanny Veliz

I recently had the opportunity to interview Fanny Veliz, an actress and filmmaker whose first feature-length film, Homebound, is screening around the country. We discussed true independent filmmaking and the current state of Latinos in Hollywood. You can click right here to read my interview with Fanny for Cinelinx.com, and you can click right here to read my Cinelinx review of her film Homebound (which is quite good actually).

You can see Homebound in your town using Tugg, a service which will arrange screenings at local theaters when a certain number of tickets have been pre-sold. You can check out the official Homebound page on Tugg right here, and set up a screening near you!