Fernando Valenzuela was the person from whom I learned two critical lessons about life and politics: Representation matters but not as much as results.
Thank you so very much for your reflections on Fernando Valenzuela. I too remember what Fernando meant to us the Mexican American Angelenos. Thankful for your eloquent tribute of a Mexican icon. Horale!
What a wonderful memorial. Really resonates with an "immigrant kid" (not Mexican, but can relate to it so much). Also found this fantastic little documentary narrated by Gustavo Arellano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dcvx9i-ahg&t=0s. Had me in tears.
This is such a beautiful piece and I am so grateful that you shared your personal experience in order to teach us the lessons you've learned. I always love how you place events in the broader sweep of history.
Something has been on my mind ever since the Conexion event where you were interviewed by another great man, Ray Suarez. I think I heard you say that you graduated high school by one tenth of a point. By that one decimal point, because you lived in California, which offers free college education, you were able to get your academic act together, earn college degrees, and maybe help change the course of history.
I was struck by how slim the margin of error was, how lucky you were to live in California, and how much farther ahead our country would be if more states made it possible for everyone to contribute fully their talents. And I refer not only to the financial advantage of free college eduction but fewer systemic barriers to non WASPs.
I'm sure your talent is so great that you would have found other ways to succeed, but how many are there who are not at the absolute pinnacle of talent, and even many who are but were less lucky, and who consequently have dramatically different lives and whose contributions we lose due to discrimination and systemic barriers.
I think about just this every day Linda. I’m so grateful. I made it by the slimmest of margins and because my state made a commitment to people like me. It’s why I fight like hell for the least among us everyday. Thank you for your kind message
I also appreciate that you are standing up for Latinos and other disadvantaged Americans are with real data and clear insight. Nearly everyone who opposes Trump, from Progressives to Never Trumpers like Tom Nichols (whom I admire in every other way), is criticizing Latinos, African-Americans, undecided voters, and rural people who support or consider voting for Trump as "low information voters," "siloed," or not infrequently, "how can they be so stupid?". Currently, many bemoan that the "vibes" have become disconnected from the strong economy. You've explained how Latinos are particularly affected by the remaining unfavorable elements of the economy (inflation of food prices, housing prices, etc.), and that while most Latinos actually prefer Democratic Party policy, they rightly see that Democrats have failed to deliver on their promises. Thus, even though Harris has boldly addressed policy weaknesses, these voters are justifiably skeptical that she will deliver.
The only other person I can think of right off who brings this respect for people is Sarah Longwell, who has devoted so much time listening deeply to undecided voters in her focus groups and explains why they feel the way they do.
Not to pick on Tom, a fine person, but he believes he knows working class people because he grew up in Chickopee. However, he's been shielded from some of the harsh realities for decades, and that can cloud one's perceptions. This is true of so many analysts and commentators. Somehow you've retained a more objective perspective. I often wonder how you've been able to do that?
Pure poetry in your prose here, Mike. Wonderful description of those times and your personal history, tying in to Valenzuela’s arrival on the scene.
My 8 year old grandson is in the midwest; somehow decided the Dodgers are his team. Looking forward to sharing your recollections with him tomorrow. Tonight he gets to stay up late watching the game!
Thank you so very much for your reflections on Fernando Valenzuela. I too remember what Fernando meant to us the Mexican American Angelenos. Thankful for your eloquent tribute of a Mexican icon. Horale!
What a wonderful memorial. Really resonates with an "immigrant kid" (not Mexican, but can relate to it so much). Also found this fantastic little documentary narrated by Gustavo Arellano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dcvx9i-ahg&t=0s. Had me in tears.
Keep your eyes on this substack for more Gustavo Arellano coming soon!
This is such a beautiful piece and I am so grateful that you shared your personal experience in order to teach us the lessons you've learned. I always love how you place events in the broader sweep of history.
Something has been on my mind ever since the Conexion event where you were interviewed by another great man, Ray Suarez. I think I heard you say that you graduated high school by one tenth of a point. By that one decimal point, because you lived in California, which offers free college education, you were able to get your academic act together, earn college degrees, and maybe help change the course of history.
I was struck by how slim the margin of error was, how lucky you were to live in California, and how much farther ahead our country would be if more states made it possible for everyone to contribute fully their talents. And I refer not only to the financial advantage of free college eduction but fewer systemic barriers to non WASPs.
I'm sure your talent is so great that you would have found other ways to succeed, but how many are there who are not at the absolute pinnacle of talent, and even many who are but were less lucky, and who consequently have dramatically different lives and whose contributions we lose due to discrimination and systemic barriers.
I think about just this every day Linda. I’m so grateful. I made it by the slimmest of margins and because my state made a commitment to people like me. It’s why I fight like hell for the least among us everyday. Thank you for your kind message
I also appreciate that you are standing up for Latinos and other disadvantaged Americans are with real data and clear insight. Nearly everyone who opposes Trump, from Progressives to Never Trumpers like Tom Nichols (whom I admire in every other way), is criticizing Latinos, African-Americans, undecided voters, and rural people who support or consider voting for Trump as "low information voters," "siloed," or not infrequently, "how can they be so stupid?". Currently, many bemoan that the "vibes" have become disconnected from the strong economy. You've explained how Latinos are particularly affected by the remaining unfavorable elements of the economy (inflation of food prices, housing prices, etc.), and that while most Latinos actually prefer Democratic Party policy, they rightly see that Democrats have failed to deliver on their promises. Thus, even though Harris has boldly addressed policy weaknesses, these voters are justifiably skeptical that she will deliver.
The only other person I can think of right off who brings this respect for people is Sarah Longwell, who has devoted so much time listening deeply to undecided voters in her focus groups and explains why they feel the way they do.
Not to pick on Tom, a fine person, but he believes he knows working class people because he grew up in Chickopee. However, he's been shielded from some of the harsh realities for decades, and that can cloud one's perceptions. This is true of so many analysts and commentators. Somehow you've retained a more objective perspective. I often wonder how you've been able to do that?
Pure poetry in your prose here, Mike. Wonderful description of those times and your personal history, tying in to Valenzuela’s arrival on the scene.
My 8 year old grandson is in the midwest; somehow decided the Dodgers are his team. Looking forward to sharing your recollections with him tomorrow. Tonight he gets to stay up late watching the game!
Ok, a grand slam might not be the perfect tribute to a Hall of Fame pitcher. But it easily fireworks!
I loved this. Thank you. ❤️
Rooting for the Dodgers tonight!
Sounds like we were on the same journey!