An Interview with Cesar Chavez - May 17, 1968
By Gordonskene Monday May 04, 2009 6:00pm
(Meeting with Robert F. Kennedy, 1968 - Chavez on day 25 of Hunger Strike)
We often think the situation with Migrant workers is something that's happen in the past few years. It's been going on for decades. One of the great voices in the labor movement and champion of migrant workers rights was Cesar Chavez. His endless campaign of organizing for better working conditions and a fair wage for long hours was a lifelong struggle for him, which was often met by overwhelming resistance. But in the end, progress had been made - not perfect, but a solid foundation. His is certainly a legacy that has lived on, long past his death in 1993.
Here is an interview, part of the Educational Television Networks nightly news program Newsfront, hosted by Mitchell Kraus on May 17, 1968. Chavez is joined by Junior Senator Harrison A.Williams (D-New Jersey) and Chairman of the Senate Sub-committee on Migratory Labor.
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Chávez and the UFW went so far as to report undocumented immigrants who served as strikebreaking replacement workers, as well as those who refused to unionize, to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
When Chavez died on April 23, 1993 the NAFTA agreement was signed into law in the U.S. on December 8, 1993, by President Bill Clinton and went into effect on January 1, 1994.
at least recognized their humanity. I am not saying this of you at all, but I have to point that out because there are people who try to abuse these facts to pad their immigrant-abusing/hating/whatever agenda. Especially wingnuts in the Delano area.
the manner in which illegal immigrants we're exploited by business and the private sector in this country since NAFTA opened the flood gates completed negated everything Chavez was trying to accomplish for this Country.
it's the fault of NAFTA and those who exploited them, which is why I was pointing that out, just to be on the safe side, ya know?
he knew that illegals would be treated as less than human
and he also knew that everything he fought for would be for naught
its sad that his movement has been taken over by people who dont understand this
it was wilson who pushed for open border and guest worker policies
now why would a repug want a stream of illegals flooding into california?
because he knew that it would crush the labor movement
when will you guys get it? its all about the corporatists making sure that no laborer gets ahead
and i participated in the great grape boycott
That in my Democratic Primary race against Jane "AIPAC Co-Conspirator" Harman, in the 36th Congressional District in Southern California, I was endorsed by The Farm Workers Union in 1992 (along with Dr. Helen Caldicott, Americans for Democratic Action and Sarah McClendon).
Even though Jane Harman had never lived in Southern California, and strictly moved there as a CARPET BAGGER...., and had multi-millions to finance her own campaign, I came in third out of seven with basically no major financing against her in the primary election.
Considering where things are now with her, I am proud that I was labeled "A liberal with no apologies..." by The Los Angeles Times.
Thank you Farm Workers Union for your endorsement. I still have my lapel pin that I wear to this day, very proudly.
there was no crime, therefore no conspiracy...therefore, harmon is guilty of nothing, except playing up to lobbyists
and if that is a crime...then throw the whole rotten bunch on capitol hill in prison
sorry that i took your post off topic...just wanted to clear up the record
You must have had an actually interesting life... and that is pretty awesome!
some may think that migrant workers is a recent phenomenon but many of us especially on the west coast know differently. most of the agriculture/farms in california are dominated by undocumented workers. in my opinion, these people that mostly come from mexico are often taken advantage of. low wages has been going on for years. something recent that has been in some media is heavy routine/consistent exposure to pesticides/fertilizers. for years and til this day many of the workers will NOT say much but health care professionals are starting to notice. personally, i am against illegal workers it's NOT about race but space. i feel corporations/businesses take advantage of these people but also this demographic undercuts wages of american workers. there is a cost shift to provide public services from health care,schools and prisons. overall i feel wallStreet/government will NOT change anything regarding this issue.
i suggest you read and listen to the speeches and writings of chavez
he wasnt working for undocumented workers...he was fighting for american citizens who were not being allowed to organize
he fought against guest worker and open border policies...knowing full well that they would be used to destroy his movement
I'm from Delano (and still live there). My Grandfather and his brother were among the farmworkers that signed up with the union back in 1965.
If you visit homes around here, you will often see artwork of Cesar, RFK, and JFK, all of whom are still beloved here.
I also have the pride of carriage to be able to say that as a teenage drama nerd, I had the distinction of being able to act on the very stage RFK was sitting on when he pwned the Kern County sherriff over his violation of our farmworkers' civil rights and right to assembly.
RFK told the Sheriff he should go read the Constitution during the break in the town hall meeting?
The man had stones. Politicians nowadays are spayed and neutered by the constant need for campaign cash.
... didn't they?
The auditorium of the high school I attended was where that hearing took place.
And I agree with you, he did have stones for sure! It's sad we don't have someone of that caliber in our government right now.
Sad to listen to this knowing he would be killed just a few weeks later because of his support for Israel (yeah, right....)
I miss Bobby Kennedy. The whole world does.
he was waaaaay before my time. But could any of you imagine where we would be today if RFK had had the presidency and actually finish a term?
...for all these wonderful historical sound files you've been putting up in recent weeks!
Heh. At the exact same time as that interview, my mother was in labor in IL, giving birth to me. :-)
What Would Bobby Do?
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