Mayor Julián Castro article in the NY Times (San Antonio: high school, land)

[txmusicgal]

This is a great article on Mayor Julián Castro. A little long but very interesting.

The Post-Hispanic Hispanic Politician - NYTimes.com

[LovingSAT]

Thanks for posting!

[JuneOf48]

Great article. San Antonio as the future face of America. I love it.

I'm surprised that no one has commented yet on the mayor's mother's statement about the Alamo:

“They used to take us there when we were schoolchildren,” she told me. “They told us how glorious that battle was. When I grew up I learned that the ‘heroes’ of the Alamo were a bunch of drunks and crooks and slaveholding imperialists who conquered land that didn’t belong to them. But as a little girl I got the message — we were losers. I can truly say that I hate that place and everything it stands for.”

I believe that's on page 2 . . . .

[xsa210tx]

I was going to post this article on here yesterday when I saw it.

What really caught my attention was the gentleman who said that he could be a front runner candidate as the first Latino president of the USA. That was very flattering and also he was one of a handful of mayors to meet with the president months ago.

I voted for Castro in 2004/2005 against Hardberger and was dissapointed he lost and then I voted for Castro in the last election (2008) for which he won.

So it all came full circle for Castro and, in hindsight, I don't feel any animosity towards Hardberger winning in 2004/2005. Hardberger did a great job as mayor; now Castro has taken the reins.

[majormadmax]

Originally Posted by JuneOf48

Great article. San Antonio as the future face of America. I love it.

I'm surprised that no one has commented yet on the mayor's mother's statement about the Alamo:

“They used to take us there when we were schoolchildren,” she told me. “They told us how glorious that battle was. When I grew up I learned that the ‘heroes’ of the Alamo were a bunch of drunks and crooks and slaveholding imperialists who conquered land that didn’t belong to them. But as a little girl I got the message — we were losers. I can truly say that I hate that place and everything it stands for.”

I believe that's on page 2 . . . .

Because if anyone does, this thread will quickly disintegrate!

Maybe it's best that her comments go undiscussed...

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by JuneOf48

I'm surprised that no one has commented yet on the mayor's mother's statement about the Alamo:

There's no point on talking about what "X person's mom said"
Would be pretty crappy if we were held accountable for what our mother or father have said.

Interesting definition of "chicano" that that journalist has:
ROSIE CASTRO proudly calls herself a “Chicana,” a term that connotes political activism and ethnic pride, but she says her son is different. “I don’t think Julián would call himself a Chicano,” she told me. “A Latino maybe.”

The definition of chicano that I've always heard, is a mexican-american that doesn't speak Spanish.

[xsa210tx]

Originally Posted by Dopo

The definition of chicano that I've always heard, is a mexican-american that doesn't speak Spanish.

Um, no. It's not about the language one speaks.

It's more about their life and culture and having an immense pride in being a Mexican-American.

[Mom2Feebs]

Originally Posted by Dopo

There's no point on talking about what "X person's mom said"
Would be pretty crappy if we were held accountable for what our mother or father have said.

If it's part of the article, it's relevant--and furthermore, it is relevant to Castro as to his upbringing. I think her comments are disgusting, personally.

Castro as the first Latino President? Hmmm. I remember people saying the same thing about that crook Cisneros. Can we see what he does in a full term as mayor first? Moderator cut: off topic

[xsa210tx]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

If it's part of the article, it's relevant--and furthermore, it is relevant to Castro as to his upbringing. I think her comments are disgusting, personally.

Castro as the first Latino President? Hmmm. I remember people saying the same thing about that crook Cisneros. Can we see what he does in a full term as mayor first? Moderator cut: off topic

I do agree that Castro needs to complete his first term as mayor. He's still relatively new at his job and he would definitely need to prove himself over the long run (or any candidate for that matter) to even be a presdential candidate.

Moderator cut: orphaned

[majormadmax]

I have to admit I have more respect for Castro since reading this article than I did beforehand. It's not like I had anything against him, I just didn't know much about the man. Unfortunately, in this day and age most politicians are perceived as being crooked by default; he seems to be honestly wanting to serve his all of his constituents, and I hope that remains the case throughout his career in public service.

As for his mother's comments, she has a right to say what she feels and it appears he is trying to remain neutral about it all. I just wonder what her reaction would be if the same was said about the Mexicans involved? I am sure it would cause claims of bigotry and racism, much like that demonstrated against the high school students in California who wore American flag shirts on Cinco de Mayo (which commemorates a battle between Mexican and French forces, so I don't even know what any of it has to do with the US!). I am sure she’s not the only one to feel that way, but the bottom line is that the Texans won the battle (and their independence) and history is written by the victors.

Regardless, her comments have nothing to do with his performance; he should be judged on the latter and nothing else!

Speaking of which, does anyone know if the signs were ever erected?

Cheers! M2