Give Mexican-Americans seat at democracy’s table

Since becoming a state in 1850, California has consistently suffered political contradictions toward Mexicans. In the Valley of the Hearts Delight, their labor was exploited to feed the country, enriching the coffers of farmers while being redlined out of neighborhoods, many forced to live in the community known as “Sal Si Puedes.”

Mexicans were blamed for the Great Depression, leading to “Operation Wetback” where Immigration took MexicanAmerican citizens from their homes, shipping them to Mexico. During WWII, Mexicans sustained the U.S. war effort while still being deprived of democracy.

Today, as 39% of California’s population, we’re still sustaining the fifth largest economy in the world and bearing the heaviest price as a result: 48% of COVID-19 deaths, 57% of the infections as of Dec. 15. It’s time we had representation consistent with our contributions and sacrifice. Instead of cooking and serving the food on it, we deserve a seat at the table of democracy.

— Paul Soto, San Jose