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This letter from the former Mayor of Denver, Wellington E. Webb [click here to see a photo of this clown with Bubba], an African-American who proclaimed via Executive Order that Denver would be a santuary city for illegal aliens , appears in La Voz Nueva, a bilingual newspaper, this week of 8-17-05. Since La Voz is hard to find on the web, I have keyed the letter. -- TG - Denver
Webb urges unity among minorities
Dear Editor:
First was the Great Depression, which created the political environment for FDR and the Near Deal and the formation of a progressive/minority/Southern coalition that held together for two decades.
Second were the Civil Rights movement and the Great Society that expanded the notion of economic justice to include social justice as well.
Third was the so-called Reagan Revolution. At its best, this movement found expression in a profound respect for the marketplace and recognition that the free market system is essential to economic prosperity and individual liberty. At its worst, it represented callousness towards those who lie in the shadows of life -- the impoverished, chronically ill and disabled.
Now, exactly 25 years after the last political movement of generational significance we face another historic crossroads. It is a widespread uncertainty borne from war, terrorism, social transformation, rapid advances in technology, accelerated demographic changes and the globalization of the economy.
In order to face these difficult times I suggest a new consensus and coordination among four of the most respected and influential organizations in our nation. These organizations share a passion and commitment for education, social issues, economic opportunity and immigration.
They are the National Urban League under the charismatic leadership of President and CEO Marc Morial; the National Council of La Raza [The Race] with their talented and inspirational President Janet Murguia; the NAACP under the outstanding management of President and CEO Bruce S. Gordon; and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund [MALDEF].
These groups working together have already made a difference electing such leaders as myself to three terms as mayor; my predecessor Mayor Federico Pena, to two terms; former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley and recently elected L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Demographic projections tell us that "we", the communities of color, are going to be the new majority in this nation soon enough.
We must reconcile our differences on policy, overcome concerns about turf and keep our eye on the prize. Then we must take our show on the road together.
There should be four regional summits in Philadelphia, Memphis or Atlanta, Albuquerque and Los Angeles; each one focusing on a major public policy issue.
All across this nation, we shall speak to America, to the powerless and powerful alike. We shall speak with many voices but with a unified message.
Wellington E. Webb
Denver, COEditor's note: Webb is a former Denver Mayor () and former President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
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