Statement from the farm workers’ movement on terrorist attack against the United States
The following statement was issued Wednesday (Sept. 12) by United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez and National Farm Workers Service Center Inc. President Paul Chavez–Cesar Chavez’s successor and son, respectively–from the farm workers’ Keene, Calif. headquarters near Bakersfield.
We in the farm workers movement join all of America in expressing outrage and shock over the brutal attacks by terrorists on Tuesday, Sept. 11 in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Out of respect for the victims and their families, we have canceled planned events, including 16th of September (Mexican Independence Day) celebrations in California’s Central Valley and Salinas Valley; Phoenix, Ariz.; Washington state; San Antonio, Tx.; and the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. We have also canceled grand opening ceremonies for new United Farm Workers offices in San Antonio and Alamo, Tx.
Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out for the dead and injured, and their families. All of us want those who have perpetrated these dastardly acts–as well as those who have aided in their efforts–to be brought to justice.
Yet this is also a time for our country’s political leaders to exercise wisdom and courage to take the right course of action as America responds to these national tragedies.
Neither our government nor our people can surrender to hysteria directed against Arab- or Muslim Americans or any immigrant group. We cannot blame or indict an entire people because of the senseless acts of a small villainous band.
Finally despite the indignation all of us feel, the movement founded by Cesar Chavez should do no less than heed his counsel to embrace patience and respect for others even in the face of grievous provocation. "We must understand that the highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline," Cesar once said.
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