The ancient, famous tortilla: Aztec invented, in one single item: food, container, napkin (and, if left to harden, frisbie?). What is more “Valley” (as in Rio Grande Valley of Texas) than the tortilla? What (plus mole poblano inside, or melted cheese outside, etc.) can serve better to bring us together, on either side of the Rio Grande River?
Well, perhaps threats to those who make and serve tortillas? Those who might, thinking they are “doing the right thing,” or perhaps, just cutting down a competitor, make a “call” on a local, thriving business, a part of the Valley’s culture and economy. Nothing seems normal: jobs are cut, essential services are impaired, all over the nation. Everyone is on edge. Some seem satisfied with “the way things are going” -- tensions in Europe, drastic slicing of employment at home -- while many others despair.
One group recently met to discuss the state of civil rights, civil liberties, and the effects on rights implicit in damage to economic policies (cuts to Medicaid or possible cuts to Medicare and/or Social Security). I joined them (full disclosure: I am Parliamentarian). We discuss which school student will get a small grant from our group. Or we might simply consider places to hold a bar-b-que, to make money for the Council. This time was different. Times are different, quite serious, in fact, facing sinister forces, state and national decisions that affect our cultural and economic lives. The group is LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens). The time is NOW!
What seems to be on many minds: the pressures, recently from ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and, more recently, an astounding national policy, the Pentagon sending to the border 3,000 active-duty troops (Associated Press, 1 Mar 25). They will be Stryker Brigade forces, joining the 4,200 troops already here, plus the Texas Governor’s 5,000 National Guard personnel! The Stryker Brigade is composed of armored, wheeled personnel carriers. Many cheer; not as many, but a substantial number doubt the wisdom, efficacy, and ethics of such a massive display of might. It is with this context on the minds of LULAC members, the following response occurred:
LULAC Council 291, Weslaco. Texas, meeting March 1, 2025, unanimously voted for the following propositions:
1) We support local businesses, such as Suehay Tortilleria (McAllen, Los Fresnos and other locations). We urge all concerned citizens of the Rio Grande Valley to purchase their fine product, delicious and nutritious yellow corn tortillas (also, of course, white, flour tortillas, even barbacoa).
2) We detest the possibility that rival firms, jealous of their success, may have maliciously “reported” the company for alleged “harboring.” We urge immigration court to judge fairly, with the facts and with the best interest of the community of the whole Rio Grande Valley in mind.
3) Furthermore, we caution fellow residents to be wary of the threat of Stryker Brigade military forces, due to arrive soon along the border, further intimidating merchants and customers, frightening them from their normal, peaceful business transactions.
Let’s hope good food—and love—win out over tanks and military force. Viva/felicidades (congratulations), brave men and women of LULAC!
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by writer Dr. Gary Joe Mounce, a professor emeritus (political science) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He can be reached by email via: gjmounce@gmail.com.
