FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Nordstrum

Chris.nordstrum@nmlegis.gov

(415) 601-1992

September 13, 2019

New Mexico State Senator Linda Lopez Issues Statement on Trump Visit to New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, New Mexico State Senator Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s planned visit to New Mexico on September 16:

16 de septiembre is supposed to be a day for celebration. It was on this day in 1810 that Father Miguel Hidalgo took to the pulpit in the small town of Dolores, Mexico, and declared his intention to take up arms against the Spanish government. His speech became known as El Grito de Dolores or the “Cry of Dolores,” and sparked what led to Mexico’s eventual freedom from Spanish rule. What is now New Mexico was, of course, a part of Mexico at that time, which means that that history is our history. We should be honoring this day with our brothers and sisters in Mexico and acknowledging the many ties that bind us.

It should come as no surprise that the tone-deaf and thoughtless occupant of the White House has chosen this day to step foot in our state. Turning what should be a day of celebration into one of his hate-filled rallies that foments division and denigration rather than the unity we so desperately need.

This is a man who has referred to Mexicans as criminals and rapists. Does he not recognize that these words hit me in the gut as a personal attack against me, my family, and my people? People who have contributed so much to this country? A man who thinks it is OK to separate families and put children in cages indefinitely. Who brags about building walls that will only rip our border communities apart. A man who considers it a big win when the Supreme Court rules in his favor to turn away refugees from Central and South America seeking shelter from persecution.

The cruel-spirited rhetoric we heard on the campaign trail starting back in 2015 has only intensified. We know the record. He’s demeaned women and mocked the disabled. His administration takes giant steps backward in our fight to support the rights of LGBTQI Americans.

And people of color seem to be a favorite target. From slighting Native American culture, to proposing an all-out ban on Muslims entering the country, to decrying the immigrants coming from “shithole” countries, to calling Baltimore a “rodent infested mess” where “no human being would want to live,” to the continuous onslaught of insults hurled at our sisters and brothers in Mexico, the tweeter-in-chief is brazen in displaying his disgust for people of color. It’s all out there in the open for everyone to see. And it’s become an open invitation for others, encouraging hatred and excusing behaviors that should be shameful to every American, let alone the Commander In Chief.

Mr. President, I am here to tell you that New Mexico is better. New Mexico is stronger. New Mexico is united. New Mexicans are staunchly proud of our multicultural heritage, history, and languages – as supported by our state constitution – and we celebrate them daily, despite all the division you work so hard to sow. I do not welcome you here. And I take it as a personal affront that you have chosen this day to bring your brand of bigoted, racist hatred to our state.

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