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Mar 19, 2011

Cherny calls on Pearce to apologize for offensive letter

Andrei Cherny, Arizona Democratic Party chairman, sent the following letter on Friday to Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce:

March 18, 2011

Senate President Russell Pearce

Arizona State Senate

1700 West Washington

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Dear Senate President Pearce:

I’m writing today not just on behalf of Arizona Democrats, but on behalf of all upstanding, decent Arizonans who are outraged by what is happening in our state Legislature.

During Thursday’s debate, a letter was read aloud by Sen. Lori Klein which was addressed to you and which she has said you asked her to read.  The letter was filled with ugly rhetoric including the assertion that most young Hispanic youth “hate America” and want to be "gang members.”  It not only insulted the work ethic of thousands of Hispanic students and their families across our great state but tore at the common dreams and aspirations that make us all Americans.

The fact is that most Hispanic Arizonans, like most Arizonans, work hard, pay their taxes and are good citizens.  In fact, a high percentage of Hispanic youth go on to serve our country in uniform and, in some cases, die for our country.  I call on you today to repudiate these hateful words and apologize for your part in bringing this type of divisive rhetoric to the floor of the Arizona State Senate.

The letter you had read mentioned the pledge of allegiance.  That pledge contains the promise of America.  I hope you'll stand with all who love America and share the faith that, whatever our political differences, we are indeed "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Sincerely,

Andrei Cherny
 Chair, Arizona Democratic Party