We join the rest of the nation in expressing shock and profound sadness over the murder of six people among 20 who were shot Saturday, Jan. 8 in Tucson, Ariz., including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. As Congresswoman Giffords fights for her life, we are praying and, as President Obama said, "rooting for her." The motivations of the accused shooter are still unclear, but it cannot be overlooked that this despicable affront to democracy occurred in a state overrun with racial hatred and vitriol, mostly directed at Latinos and immigrants.
Gabrielle Giffords opposed last year’s infamous racial profiling law enacted in Arizona. We can only hope that the events of Saturday convince all who contribute to and even profit from the ugly state of civil discourse to do some much-needed soul searching. Secondly, we must determine how to advance the needs of immigrants and Latinos in a nonviolent program.
Arturo S. Rodriguez, President
United Farm Workers of America