Roland Gutierrez: “it is obvious why the Republicans drafted this bill. Republicans learned in 1996 that there is a price to pay for…”

“it is obvious why the Republicans drafted this bill. Republicans learned in 1996 that there is a price to pay for practicing the politics of prejudice. Latino voters grew tired of hearing Republicans' red-hot rhetoric and coldhearted legislation targeting our communities, so in response Latinos voted for tolerance, opportunity and equality. In other words, Latinos voted for Democrats. What is the Republican reaction? To change course to end their anti- Latino anti-immigrant behavior? No. Now they want to create unnecessary fear within the Hispanic community and create unwarranted fear of the Hispanic community in the eyes of our fellow Americans. I am not in the business of giving advice to Newt Gingrich, but let me say this: Latino voters are American voters. When we vote, we remember who stood with us and who stood against us. And we are not alone; Americans of diverse backgrounds are united. They detest discrimination, are sick of scapegoating and are fed up with finger- pointing. The Republicans will go on record today not simply as opponents of Latinos but as opponents of the principles that should make each of us proud to be an American. Well, I'll tell you what kind of name Gingrich is--it's an American name. Every bit as American--in fact--as Garcia. Or Morales. Or Jimenez. Each one an American. Each deserving the right to vote. Each deserving of respect.…”