Honoring César E. Chávez

Today we honor César Chávez Day on the NDN Blog with a picture of the poster hanging in our office. To learn how you can continue his legacy, visit his foundation's website. Si Se Puede.

Update: Senate Majority Leader Reid put out a great statement both honoring César Chávez and explaining why César Chávez Day isn't a National holiday:

"César Chávez came from humble beginnings and lived to become an American icon for his tireless efforts to help bring our country closer to its ideals of freedom and equality of opportunity. Mr. Chávez saw the exploitation of farm workers who harvest our land and put food on our tables, and led a courageous fight to right many of the wrongs they suffered. In his struggle for social and economic justice, César Chávez became a symbol of dignity and perseverance for all workers, whether on the fields, in the factories, or behind the counter.

"Unfortunately, Senate Republicans continue to dishonor the true legacy of César Chávez. For the second year in a row, they have decided to block a resolution to celebrate his vision and achievements. This is outrageous and disrespects the legacy of this inspirational leader. By blocking the Employee Free Choice Act, continue pushing for punitive anti immigrant legislation, blocking comprehensive immigration reform, and standing in the way of a responsible end to the war in Iraq, Republicans are dishonoring the legacy of Chávez by opposing the very principles he spent his entire life defending.

"Yet for all his remarkable achievements, the fight for equality and justice is still a work in progress. That is why Democrats continue working to further César Chávez's vision. We are fighting for economic policies that make health care, education and energy more affordable, while creating good-paying jobs here at home. We are also working to help the millions of Americans who are struggling to keep their homes amid a foreclosure crisis that affects us all. As we work to level the playing field for all working families to achieve the American Dream, Democrats remain committed to enacting tough, fair and practical immigration reform.

"In order to advance these ideals, it is important for the American people to be involved every step of the way and participate in our electoral process. That is why we can never forget César Chávez's inspiring words: ‘If you are outraged at conditions, then you cannot possibly be happy until you do everything in your power to change them.'"