The latest Loretta Sanchez holiday card has certainly struck a nerve with some of the readers of LatinoPoliticsBlog. When the country as a whole, and especially the Latino community, is confronting record job losses, foreclosures, high health insurance and prescription costs, etc., it becomes more difficult to “cruise” into the New Year whether you ride a motorcycle, drive a car, take public transportation or even hoof it. If the readers of this blog were earning $169K per year, then we would probably be smiling and cruisin’ too.
One of my readers, Dr. Yolanda, has already contacted Congresswoman Sanchez’s office expressing how she felt when she received this “gender-degrading, narcissistic holiday greeting.” And she has already received a response, but in the spirit of good governing, I would like to suggest to other readers that they contact Loretta Sanchez’s office as well to express their feelings about the card. I know that I would rather Loretta Sanchez tell the community what she’s doing to assist those in need over the holidays instead of smiling all the way to the bank with Gretzky at the expense of the taxpayer. You can contact Congresswoman Sanchez here.
Dr. Yolanda has already taken a further step and has contacted the California Senators Boxer and Feinstein about their Congressional colleague. Say what you must about Senators Boxer and Feinstein, but those women are more known for their advocacy than for their holiday cards. I thought that I would share with you this activist’s approach to raising awareness of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez’s approach to interacting with her constituents during these tough times:
“There is one wound that can only be healed by a congressional representative change. My House of Representative Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is the representative I am referring too. Her continued missteps, misbehavior, shenanigans and ineffectiveness as our congressional representative warrants it. Without a doubt her most recent callous behavior that is gender-embarrassing, ignorant and inappropriate again documents her lack of sensitivity, understanding, and intelligence about our economic crisis and other critical issues we face in this country and her district, particularly Garden Grove and Santa Ana cities. The latest behavior I refer to is her Christmas card sent to the constituents including me. She and her fat cat are spread across a motorcycle grinningly affirming that she is “Cruisin’ into 2009.” Is she kidding? I am outraged and disgusted. The card only proves why her voting record in Congress is dismal. Anyone so out of touch with the suffering or her constituents and this country couldn’t know how to vote in our behalf.
In response to that ridiculous card, fifty (50) of my colleagues and I sent individual letters to her expressing our embarrassment as women and outrage as voters for her continued inappropriate behavior. We also suggested she take a walking tour through her district and stop cruising through it on the Harley. Regardless, we are
committed to making sure this is her last representative term.
Thank you for listening and your tireless work on my behalf.
Respectfully,
Dr. Yolanda”
This is how governing is supposed to work. Citizens express opinions, beliefs, and then take that into action with letter writing and voting. So if you aren’t cruisin’ into the new year, it’s time to get active and let our representatives know what it is like to be living without the fancy federal benefits and $169K per year salary.
23 responses so far ↓
1 Anna // Dec 18, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I can’t believe that anybody would bother Feinstein and Boxer with such nonsense. If this so called Dr. Yolanda is unhappy with her representative then she should vote her out on election day.
2 webmaster // Dec 18, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Anna,
Why not bother Feinstein and Boxer? They lead the California delegation on Capitol Hill. Could you imagine Boxer or Feinstein riding spread eagle on a motorcycle cruisn’ into the new year up and down highway 1?
I applaud Dr. Yolanda for speaking out. She will most definitely work to vote Sanchez out on election day two years from now.
If people never “bothered,” nothing would ever be accomplished.
3 jammer // Dec 18, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Personally I think Her card is relatively safe and nothing to get all fired up about, not when there are so many other more pressing issues to get worked up about. For an old fart like myself I find her cards cute, somewhat sexy and funny. I wouldn’t make an issue of how much $$$$ she spent on sending them out. I got cards from Buck Mckeon and John Campbell both republicans and one not even in my district( I am a registered Democrat and would rather poke my eye out with a sharp stick before I voted for a repuglican). I don’t see anyone asking or investigating how much they spent on their x-mas mailings. Why is that? And sure they could all put some of that money into sending some deserving person to an exclusive school , or many more deserving persons to a not so exclusive school. Rep. Loretta while you have it flaunt it, and let your constituents decide if you belong where you are
4 Michaelr // Dec 18, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Maybe your definition of a Congressional Representative is a lot different than ours Jammer. I for one don’t like a public servant flaunting and abusing their fiscal privileges, advertising their soap opera life, and ignoring the business of government on Capitol Hill. All this is too telenovela, too Third World, too guttural. The processes of government, the responsibilities of constituents, and the distribution of power should not be placed in the hands of this idiotic and inept individual. The voters in the 47th Congressional California district deserve better, even though they might not have the cerebral capacity to even know it. I will honor Doctor Yolanda’s formal complaint, and send my letter to Senators Feinstein and Boxer.
5 jammer // Dec 18, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Michaelr, we send men and women to represent us in congress, not saints. Men and women come with blemishes as not one is perfect. To imply that because they have blemishes makes them third world or guttural is implying that third world folks are lacking in whatever those of us who live in inlighteneed societies have. Seems to me some pretty good folks came from third world , guttural existences. Mahatmas Ghandi, Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Benito Juarez , Nelson Mandela to name a few. To also imply that the voters of Rep. Sanchez are cerebrally incapacitated is painting everyone with a bile filled brush. Either they like her and find her work acceptable, or she is one smart cookie who just manages to get herself re-elected. I cast no stones at either. When was the last time you voted for a saint?
6 Anna // Dec 18, 2008 at 3:47 pm
You guys are nuts.
7 Red Baron // Dec 18, 2008 at 3:54 pm
As usual, Anna is too biased and too emotional to think clearly. I’m sure Dr. Y did vote against Loretta, but voting isn’t the only right we have. Dr. Y is now exercising her (additional) right to criticize a public official. Her appeal to our Senators is a good and lawful tactic. Obviously, they can’t remove Loretta, but they can pressure and counsel her and refuse to support Loretta’s fundraising and reelection efforts (to list a few options).
As for Jammer, who ever said anything about demanding sainthood from our reps? Is it asking too much to ask for a congresswoman who cares about people, respects the law, honors marriage and family, and conducts herself with reasonable adult dignity in public? Loretta is no saint and neither am I, but she has earned a reputation for being immoral, lazy, drunk, frivolous, superficial and unethical. We are certainly allowed, and have a civic duty to bring her misconduct and derelictions to public attention. I’m sure you agree with that.
8 Red Baron // Dec 18, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Apparently Anna believes we have only one right–to vote once every two years. The rest of the time, we are to be quiet and say nothing critical about our congressmen and women. Apparently Anna can’t keep her cool in the presence of contrary opinions. Those who express opinions she diagrees with are “crazy.” Nice. If you can’t offer facts or reasoned argument, Anna, why don’t you just go joy riding with Loretta? I doubt she’d give you the time of day, unless you offered a big donation or some other advantage to her.
9 jammer // Dec 18, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Hey Red, I would venture to bet that I have probably had more contact withRep. Loretta then most of the people who call her immoral, lazy.drunk frivolous, superficial and unethical, and I have never seen any of that when visiting her office or being in her presence at official functions. I just think it is hard to draw all that infrence from a funny, staged christmas card. I just had a conversation with someone from her district who raved about the improvements Rep. Loretta is responsible for in her district. If she is as bad as you claim, why does she keep getting re-elected????What I see in this whole debate is alot of people tying their own values to a stupid card. Relax, take a deep breath and put down those rocks. Loretta Sanchez is no where in the league with Ted Stephens, Jefferson from Louisiana, or Villars or the sexual predtors in the congress.
10 Michaelr // Dec 18, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Politicians will never be Saints, but if you’re going to tax me, and take 30% of my gross income I expect results that further promote progressive legislation. You may be charmed and titillated by Loretta Sanchez, and maybe that’s why you pay taxes. But that’s not why I pay taxes. I want someone who is accountable to their constituents. This is a war to level the opportunity scale and create equal access for all of us. I don’t see Loretta Sanchez creating opportunities for her constituents. I see Loretta Sanchez stealing the pennies, nickels, and dollars of her constituents, and flaunting that theft.
11 LA Latino // Dec 18, 2008 at 4:31 pm
There’s is no doubt that times are tough – heck, two people in my household had been laid off! – however, I think you should give Loretta a break. C’mon a bit of humor has never killed anyone…
12 Red Baron // Dec 18, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Jammer, I don’t wish to be hostile. You have seen a tiny sample of her conduct and are sadly ignorant of her true nature and conduct. She has managed your perceptions and those of a majority of voters. I did not mention the card, and do not base my evaluation on her card, though I think it is sad that she feels compelled to use her holiday card to make crass and dirty jokes (2006) and portray violation of the helmet law (this year). Since you claim to know her peronally, ask her about her illicit affair with her married military escort, Jack Einwechter. Ask her if she initiated and pursued the affair during official overseas travel, knowing that she was aiding and abetting his criminal adultery under military law. Ask if he quit the service and abandoned his family with her encouragement to be her lover. Ask her if this behavior honors her office, complies with congressional standards of conduct, respects marriage, protects military families, demonstrates appropriate concern fo Jack’s children, or improves her credibility as a Pentagon watchdog. Ask her. If she denies that she and Jack have been carrying on this illicit affair and hiding it for the last five years, then she is also a liar. If she lies to your face, she is not your friend and has no respect for you. Just ask her. Don’t take my word for it. Oh, and ask her if she has ever received any gifts from Jack, becaue she doesn’t list them on her public financial diclosures–that’s exactly what Ted Stevens was tried and convicted for. Sorry to burst your bubble. Sometimes the truth hurts.
13 Red Baron // Dec 18, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Oh, and purely as a matter of logic, Jammer, I must point out that Jefferson and Stevens were both re-elected by their trusting constituents far more times than Loretta has been. Sorry–just a major logical flaw in your argument that had to be noted.
14 Anna // Dec 18, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Re: “Her appeal to our Senators is a good and lawful tactic.”
Over a Christmas card? I’m sorry if you can’t see how NUTS this is.
15 Red Baron // Dec 18, 2008 at 6:43 pm
It’s not about the card (which makes no mention of Christmas, by the way) or the trees she killed to make it. Dr Y says right up front why Loretta has to go: “Her continued missteps, misbehavior, shenanigans and ineffectiveness as our congressional representative warrants it.” You, Anna, can’t see the forest for the trees.
16 jammer // Dec 19, 2008 at 9:37 am
Red and Michaelr, Relax guys. If she is your representative you have a reason to be pissed. If not, then its her constituents who apparently are not. Her “affair” is none of my business. Why is it yours? I grew up in a home where we were taught to be polite and asking someone about an affair is impolite if it doesn’t concern me. I was also taught that whom we fell in love with was uncontrolled magic. I would give her the benefit of the doubt and leave it at she and Jack fell in love. You guys see it as lust. Oh well. Que lastima que no tienen mas mejor que hacer. Ya basta esto, no vale la pena.
17 Michaelr // Dec 19, 2008 at 10:13 am
I don’t care about affairs. And don’t lump me in with the Red Baron, her pain is very personal regarding LOretta. However, I am livid about theft…especially public theft.
18 jammer // Dec 19, 2008 at 11:35 am
Loretta has been charged with stealing?
19 Red Baron // Dec 19, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Jammer, I guess you don’t read very well. I explained that Loretta’s adultery with Jack violates the law. It is not a merely private offense against a family. It was a crime under the military code and has done serious damage to her credibility as a member of the Armed Services committee. She often boasts (see her book, for example) that she is the senior woman on Armed Services and a champion for military spouses and families. That has become a joke in the Pentagon. She destroyed a military family when it suited her selfish needs. In other words, her adultery has had very public consequences. It also quite clearly violates House Ethics rules to lead a soldier into criminal conduct during official travel. You, obviously, have never served, so you don’t get it. This isn’t a “private” issue. Tell your nonsense about “uncontrolled magic” to Jack”s kids. Tell them to relax. Tell the generals to stop laughing at her behind her back. It is an outrageous embarrassment to the Congress that one of its members deliberately abused her office to satisfy her sex needs. She is a terrible example to our young people. I guess you just refuse to admit that because she you like her politics. A majority of her constituents voted for her not knowing about her offenses, because the Register and other worthless media refuse to report on her misconduct. Finally, just because a majority votes for her, doen’t mean we can’t dissent and tell the truth about her. I agree with Michaelr, but I am highlighting a different aspect of her derelictions.
20 Michaelr // Dec 19, 2008 at 1:07 pm
And I sympathize with you Red Baron, because those personal issues of LOretta reveal the extremely low content of her character, which I have been able to personally observe on numerous occasions. But my issue with her is mainly about public theft, which so many people, especially in her Congressional district seem to be ignorant about. These Christmas cards LOretta sends out to everyone in Southern California cost $130K. That is what she expensed for last years Christmas cards. So I imagine this year’s cards cost a little bit more. Her supporters and staff claim these cards are financed by campaign funds, which they rationalize and paint as her personal funds. Who sends money to LOretta? OpenSecrets.org reveals the list is mostly single donors and local unions, since LOretta is extremely ineffective in getting legislation past committee, large lobbying entities, PACs, Corporate American, and multinational corporations don’t fiscally support her. So all those middle class people and unions are giving money to this individual, who spends over $130K a year sending out Christmas cards, amongst other spending irregularities listed on OpenSecrets.org, not common to other Congressional representatives, including her sister Linda Sanchez. We have yet to find an Congressional Representative who expenses their Xmas cards to this extreme fiscal amount. Based on this alone, LOretta’s balance sheets probably will reveal fiscal behavior that amounts to more public theft.
21 jammer // Dec 19, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Red, your response makes my point. You are drawing alot of infrences from a silly card. First, I read very well. You have to to get through graduate school. Second, I was a member of the US Army and served 3 years in the Viet Nam era. Adultery is no longer considered a crime under the military codes of justice. They would lose half the military if it was. It’s not my role to tell Jacks kids anything, it’s up to Jack. I don’t care. Thirdly, I don’t particularly like Loretta nor her politics. I never said I did. Where did you read that? What I have consistently said is it’s a silly card. Why is it worth getting all worked up about? I would bet that at this moment there are a number of Members of Congress adulterying and worse. What are you going to do to stop it? Is it going to get you worked up as this silly card? No vale la pena…, Get it?
22 Red Baron // Dec 19, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Jammer, I actually have several advanced degrees. What does that have to do with anything? Adultery is still a crime under Article 134 of the UCMJ. Obviously, you are ignorant of the code. If you served, thank you. I never based my criticism on the card, and the card is not Yolanda’s main point either. I don’t care about the card. It is her CRIMES that bother me. You said it all–”I don’t care.” OK, fine. We got it–you don’t care. So, why you are bothering us with your misinformed opinions?
23 DfD // Dec 20, 2008 at 10:02 am
Webmaster,
If you’re referring to job losses and foreclosures of latinos to include Illegal Aliens, nobody feels one bit sorry for them. If your only referring to American citizens, then I feel sympathy. However, it’s clever how you guys are sneaky, not seperating the two. Illegal Aliens have absolutely no right to be here and should be deported, and their jobs that were taken from Americans and given to them, should be restored to the Americans at a decent wage.
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