Dallas Hispanic leader's comments on Obama lead to look at old ethnic tensions

[ariesgem]

Some say local Hispanic leader's Obama remarks have generational basis

By DIANNE SOLÍS / The Dallas Morning News


A Dallas Hispanic leader's comments about Barack Obama are causing re-examination of old tensions between blacks and Latinos in a city whose demographic DNA has changed dramatically in 20 years.

Adelfa Callejo, 84, a lawyer and civil rights activist who supports Hillary Rodham Clinton, sparked controversy with remarks she made in an interview that aired Wednesday night on KTVT (Channel 11). "Obama simply has a problem that he happens to be black," she said.

>>>>>>>>>>>>

Mrs. Callejo called such feelings "unfortunate because blacks have a tragic history in the U.S." Mexican-Americans have had a history of lynchings and other abuses as well, and blacks should learn the history of Latinos in Texas, she said.

She acknowledged that some of the political tensions could be generational.

Indeed, said many Latinos.

Rene Martinez, 61, a local leader with the League of United Latin American Citizens, was swung into the Obama camp when his 24-year-old son told him to make up his mind between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama.

"My peers are going with Clinton," he said. "I have to go with the future."

Mr. Martinez, who works for DISD, said tensions within the district over school locations and resources are a thing of the past.

Some younger Hispanics expressed shock at Mrs. Callejo's remarks.

"This whole black and brown divide ... is one of the most exaggerated arguments in the country today," said Manuel Rendon, 19, who introduced Mr. Obama at last week's rally at Reunion Arena, which drew about 18,000 people.

"In terms of the civil rights movement, we know that even though they were different, they were very equal and our struggles have been very much the same."

Synbad Ontiveros, 37, who works at hip-hop station KBFB-FM (97.9), said older Latino leaders are out of touch with the community. He is still undecided about whom to support for president. But Mrs. Callejo's remarks "just blew me away," he said.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In El Paso on Wednesday, comedian George Lopez made light of the tensions between Latinos and blacks in a campaign appearance for Mr. Obama.

Surveying the crowd in a city that is 81 percent Latino, the 46-year-old Mr. Lopez drew laughter and applause when he took this swipe: "For all the people who say Latinos won't vote for African-Americans, I'm looking out in the crowd and 80 percent of us are darker than him, including me. Throw that out the window."

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/local/stories/022908dnmetblackbrown.1c16256.html

[BeyondGeography]

1. That remark is bad news for Clinton

it only mobilizes the people who disagree with Callejo, and there are many.

[ariesgem]

3. My thoughts exactly. n/t

[AtomicKitten]

2. It is truly tragic to have two minority groups at odds like this.

I am fairly confident it is an old school way of looking at things and that the younger generation will move beyond this.

[FrenchieCat]

4. What Obama being blamed for playing the race card on this.....

again.

Just in case someone in his staff wrote it down. :eyes:

[Cha]

5. Go Lopez!

"In El Paso on Wednesday, comedian George Lopez made light of the tensions between Latinos and blacks in a campaign appearance for Mr. Obama.

Surveying the crowd in a city that is 81 percent Latino, the 46-year-old Mr. Lopez drew laughter and applause when he took this swipe: "For all the people who say Latinos won't vote for African-Americans, I'm looking out in the crowd and 80 percent of us are darker than him, including me. Throw that out the window."

That's too bad about the older Hispanic lawyer who can't quite comprende that this isn't about Black versus Brown or about Race versus Race but bringing all people together.

[Tarheel_Dem]

6. Off to the Greatest with you.........k&r

[grantcart]

7. This will motivate younger hispanics who were on the fence to vote Obama