Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez was a labor organizer for farm workers who morphed into a civil rights leader for Chicanos.  He died in 1993.  As a union leader and civil rights activist, he was held in high esteem among Democrats.  Unsurprisingly, over the last 33 years, many streets, parks, schools, and libraries have been named in his honor.  His birthday, March 31st, is a holiday in California, Denver (CO), and Texas.  Now, more than 30 years after his death, it has suddenly been revealed that he sexually abused young women and girls.  One of his prime allies during his life - Dolores Huerta - has stated that she was raped by him 60 years ago.

No sooner has this been announced than marches and holidays in his honor are canceled and talk runs to changing the names of streets, parks, schools, etc.  The speed at which he went from hero to monster is breathtaking.  It is as if everyone knew all along and, now that it is out in the open, honors must be stripped.  There is no one on the other side arguing on his behalf.  Well, he has been dead for 30 years.  Why now?  Dolores is 96 years old and never thought to say anything in the last 33 years?

One reason why Chavez's fall from grace is unopposed is because it is the left that is tearing him down.  He was never a hero to Republicans or the right.  The Democrats are tearing down one of their heroes and the Republicans will just shrug.  Again, why now?

Cesar Chavez was adamantly opposed to illegal immigration.  Illegal immigrants were a thorn in the side of his labor efforts.  Farms were only too eager to hire low-wage illegals rather than unionized Americans.  In those days, it was possible to be anti-immigration and a Democrat.  That combination is no longer valid.  Chavez held views that are antithetical to the modern Democratic Party and some on the right have brought up Chavez to argue against illegal immigration.  That is surely vexing.

Next year will be Cesar Chavez's 100th birthday.  Would it be a day to denounce illegal immigration?  Better to take that birthday off the calendar than risk having a famous Hispanic Democrat as a symbol for the opposition.  Yes, it was time to cancel Chavez.