It has been a month since Texas’ 15 Congressional District elected a new representative to serve as their voice in Washington, D.C. Not only did CD-15 elect a new representative, it elected its first Republican and female representative, Monica De la Cruz.
The race garnered my attention as I am a graduate of political science and policies affect me directly.
I could not help but notice how national Democrats and the media were quick to affiliate Rep.-elect De la Cruz with far-right representatives currently serving in Congress, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Despite that, the question I propose is, how can we affiliate the representative-elect with far-right representatives if she has not taken the oath of office or passed a single piece of legislation yet?
Yes, the policies and issues she campaigned on are controversial and extreme to some, but we the people of CD-15 need to give her a chance. It should be in the best interest of Rep.-elect De La Cruz to represent her constituency to the best of her ability shaped by legislation passed.
If we are unsatisfied with her performance, we the people simply vote her out.
However, I do not think that will be the case with De la Cruz. She is here to stay and represent CD-15 in the years to come. According to the Texas Tribune, De la Cruz stated on election night, “Whether you voted Republican or Democrat, I am your voice in D.C. and I make a commitment to the community here in South Texas that I want to work with both parties for a better way forward for America.”
I believe she will pave the way for a better America but for a better South Texas forward. Have you ever heard of the saying, “Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves of being worthy?” I apply that saying with rep-elect De la Cruz.
We must stop divisive partisan politics and give De la Cruz a chance. Giving De la Cruz a chance would allow her to solve long-standing problems in CD-15, fight for citizens at the federal level, and act in the best interests of her constituency by passing legislation. Rather than affiliating and categorizing De la Cruz with far-right members of Congress, we should be interested in what real-world solutions and change she can bring to our district. The least we can do is give her a chance.
Justin Serna
McAllen
Advocating
for refugees
Thanks for mentioning asylum and respect for human rights. From Mexico and Central America we see a growing number of folks coming to America because the U.S. government, U.S. military, U.S. corporations and U.S. bankers have wrecked their home economies. The asylum seekers are looking to make a better living to feed their families.
I am reminded of the Nicaraguan farm worker who fed better food to his employer’s dogs than he could afford for his family. I think of our military training death squads to murder union organizers and family farmers in Central America. I nod at Vice President Kamala Harris, the multi-millionaire sent to Honduras to tell starving workers not to come here.
Who are these people running our government? Where are the politicians standing up for the poor?
Who will work for international wage equality so that Central American and Mexican workers can make a family-supporting wage at home? Who will demand the whole story about why there are so many refugees from U.S.-forced poverty?
Please, if you can afford it, make a small donation to LUPE this Christmas. They tell the truth.
Tom Laney
Mercedes
