A few years ago I took a summer class at St. Edward’s University that helped shine a light on many minority issues we face today. My professor had lived through many tough days and showed videos of injustices throughout our country. It was made clear that there are still a lot of prejudgments made of people and how racism still exist today, despite what our congressman would say.
That class was unforgettable. We had lively discussions and we were in awe, as our professor would share his life stories. Well, it saddened me today to find out that this unforgettable professor, Raul Salinas, has passed away.
Since that class I had gone to his Resistencia bookstore on South 1st Street to see Raul and learn more. In that store I learned about the daily lives of day workers and the tough lives they live. Illegal or not I learned that many of them are good, hard working people that just want a better life for their family. As a father of two I understand this now more than ever.
I regret that I was not able to tell Raul about my candidacy for United States Congress but one thing is for sure, his life impacted mine and I am a better person for this. Raul, thank you and I’ll make sure I don’t forget your teachings as I walk my first steps into the United States Capitol as District 31’s new Congressman.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Believing in Change
Last week I was welcomed by the Texas Democratic party as the nominee for the representative for Congress in District 31. The following day, over two hundred and thirty thousand democrats turned out to vote in the Iowa caucuses, catapulting Barack Obama, the youthful Senator from Illinois, into a sweeping first victory. A small state, with a population of less than three million people, sent a message not only to their fellow Democrats but to the entire nation that they are ready for change.
Champions of change exist throughout history as some of the world's greatest success stories. This does not always mean that they were the most popular choice initially. Without great adversity, there would be no great triumphs. People look at District 31 as a historically conservative district, where a Republican candidate is more likely to win. But as we saw in Iowa last week, Democrats and Independents are turning out in record numbers to prove that the 2008 election is going to be taken back by the people. In November, District 31 has the opportunity to send the same message as the Iowans did last week. This starts with every person in the community creating a message of hope and change with their neighbors. On Friday, over 100 people attended the Williamson County Democratic Party kickoff event, where I had the chance to speak to members of Williamson County about my platform and the improved standard of living that I pledge to create for the citizens of District 31.
The results in Iowa last week are more than just statistics and percentages. Iowa showed us that in 2008, the status quo in Washington, D.C. has the ability to change for the better. I ask for your support in this election so we can unite America and rise above partisanship together. Be a part of the message that Iowa started: we are ready for change.
Champions of change exist throughout history as some of the world's greatest success stories. This does not always mean that they were the most popular choice initially. Without great adversity, there would be no great triumphs. People look at District 31 as a historically conservative district, where a Republican candidate is more likely to win. But as we saw in Iowa last week, Democrats and Independents are turning out in record numbers to prove that the 2008 election is going to be taken back by the people. In November, District 31 has the opportunity to send the same message as the Iowans did last week. This starts with every person in the community creating a message of hope and change with their neighbors. On Friday, over 100 people attended the Williamson County Democratic Party kickoff event, where I had the chance to speak to members of Williamson County about my platform and the improved standard of living that I pledge to create for the citizens of District 31.
The results in Iowa last week are more than just statistics and percentages. Iowa showed us that in 2008, the status quo in Washington, D.C. has the ability to change for the better. I ask for your support in this election so we can unite America and rise above partisanship together. Be a part of the message that Iowa started: we are ready for change.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Personal Message from District 31 Congressional Candidate Brian P. Ruiz
I would like to take a moment to relay some of the things that will be happening in the coming weeks with my congressional campaign. First and foremost I have to say that after a small lull in activity I have taken on three talented, young staffers that have brought about a new energy and point of view. Through their tremendous effort they have helped propel us into many exciting events that will be taking place in the days and weeks to come. My staffers have helped through their support and organization to reenergize the campaign and begin helping to make our efforts in District 31 much more visible.
There are so many issues that I feel need to be addressed but I would like to concentrate on what I feel are key issues, the ones that affect all of us not simply a minority of the population. It is my job as your representative to be the voice of the majority and to speak up on your behalf regarding the things that we as a District not only want but need to have happen. This is not a job for one person, it is our responsibility to begin bringing about the changes that need to happen, I intend to be your voice, and I believe that together we can.
A major catalyst for change, in my opinion, is reigning in the current practice of fiscal irresponsibility that is affecting everyone. Spend today borrow from tomorrow is a practice that I will not support, this does nothing but further damage the already unstable economy and will only work to harm the generations to come. I do not intend to allow our children to suffer due to the current irresponsibility to be blamed directly on the misguided decisions of today. It is my intention to work with Congress to implement a much more pragmatic form of spending, for example the Pay As You Go philosophy. Through the implementation of this philosophy I want to show the people that our economy can once again be a promising one, one that will allow for long term positive affects for not only our generation but for the young people who will soon stand in our shoes.
This coming Tuesday I will make my run for the Congressional Seat in District 31 official by announcing my candidacy at a press conference to be held at the Texas Democratic Party Headquarters. The announcement will take place at 11:30 AM December 11th at 505 W. 12th Street Austin, TX. I look forward to seeing many supportive faces there to kick off my “Together We Can” Campaign.
There are so many issues that I feel need to be addressed but I would like to concentrate on what I feel are key issues, the ones that affect all of us not simply a minority of the population. It is my job as your representative to be the voice of the majority and to speak up on your behalf regarding the things that we as a District not only want but need to have happen. This is not a job for one person, it is our responsibility to begin bringing about the changes that need to happen, I intend to be your voice, and I believe that together we can.
A major catalyst for change, in my opinion, is reigning in the current practice of fiscal irresponsibility that is affecting everyone. Spend today borrow from tomorrow is a practice that I will not support, this does nothing but further damage the already unstable economy and will only work to harm the generations to come. I do not intend to allow our children to suffer due to the current irresponsibility to be blamed directly on the misguided decisions of today. It is my intention to work with Congress to implement a much more pragmatic form of spending, for example the Pay As You Go philosophy. Through the implementation of this philosophy I want to show the people that our economy can once again be a promising one, one that will allow for long term positive affects for not only our generation but for the young people who will soon stand in our shoes.
This coming Tuesday I will make my run for the Congressional Seat in District 31 official by announcing my candidacy at a press conference to be held at the Texas Democratic Party Headquarters. The announcement will take place at 11:30 AM December 11th at 505 W. 12th Street Austin, TX. I look forward to seeing many supportive faces there to kick off my “Together We Can” Campaign.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The 199 Pledge
As a committed husband and a dedicated father, I understand the daily struggles of family life. Consequently, there are three issues which keep me awake at night: education, healthcare, and retirement. I worry about the affordability, rising costs and being able to send my two young kids to college; I get a panicked feeling when someone in my family needs medical care; and I don't see how I'm going to be able to retire with dignity.
When I gaze upon our political leaders, I can’t help but have an uncertainty where their true allegiances lie. Typically, a potential candidate may have a law degree, wealthy friends, endorsements and numerous connections to help raise a lot of money to make them ‘viable’.
This mindset needs to change; the politics in Washington, D.C., and inside the Beltway as well as our native Texas needs to change. There are too many influences (lobbyist and special interest groups) that sway candidates away from truly representing families and individuals. Today, I look at my family, finances and I know I could never monetarily afford to support a candidate to these lengths.
Therefore, I have decided to dedicate the Ruiz for Congress Campaign to the hard working families and individuals who feel they are not whole-heartedly represented in the political process and the U.S. Congress with the 199 Pledge. With a pledge of $199 between now and October 2008 ($16.50/mo.), you can help my campaign become a ‘viable’ political machine as well.
I’ll not accept a dime from PAC’s (Political Action Committees) or special interest groups. My allegiance will be clear and concise --- I’m representing you!
This is why the Ruiz for Congress Campaign is dedicated and committed to bringing uncompromising representation to District 31 as your Congressional Representative with the 199 Pledge.
Outside influences weld too much power on our political leaders. This is my and your chance to make a difference in District 31. I need your support and will not take it for granted. As a Christian, I consider your donations as a blessing because you will be giving your hard-earned money to an unknown. But, I promise you that I won’t just be a voice crying out in the wilderness. I will be a loud voice standing up and representing the hard-working constituents in District 31.
When I gaze upon our political leaders, I can’t help but have an uncertainty where their true allegiances lie. Typically, a potential candidate may have a law degree, wealthy friends, endorsements and numerous connections to help raise a lot of money to make them ‘viable’.
This mindset needs to change; the politics in Washington, D.C., and inside the Beltway as well as our native Texas needs to change. There are too many influences (lobbyist and special interest groups) that sway candidates away from truly representing families and individuals. Today, I look at my family, finances and I know I could never monetarily afford to support a candidate to these lengths.
Therefore, I have decided to dedicate the Ruiz for Congress Campaign to the hard working families and individuals who feel they are not whole-heartedly represented in the political process and the U.S. Congress with the 199 Pledge. With a pledge of $199 between now and October 2008 ($16.50/mo.), you can help my campaign become a ‘viable’ political machine as well.
I’ll not accept a dime from PAC’s (Political Action Committees) or special interest groups. My allegiance will be clear and concise --- I’m representing you!
This is why the Ruiz for Congress Campaign is dedicated and committed to bringing uncompromising representation to District 31 as your Congressional Representative with the 199 Pledge.
Outside influences weld too much power on our political leaders. This is my and your chance to make a difference in District 31. I need your support and will not take it for granted. As a Christian, I consider your donations as a blessing because you will be giving your hard-earned money to an unknown. But, I promise you that I won’t just be a voice crying out in the wilderness. I will be a loud voice standing up and representing the hard-working constituents in District 31.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Why I'm Running
Think about the average American's daily expenses: health care, childcare, student loans, high interest credit cards, high gasoline prices. The list goes on and on. We are told by our president that by helping citizens of other countries realize their dreams, we are promoting peace and security here at home. However, our own country's lower and middle classes are currently not able to dream without taking a huge risk. Many Americans spend their time worrying that they may get sick and incur costly medical expenses or fall behind on credit card bills and ruin their credit. All of this is accumulating into a lifestyle that leaves little room for taking risks and dwindling chances for reaching the American Dream.
I confront the same concerns every day. I have chosen to take a huge risk because the middle class no longer has a voice in Congress. Many representatives in Congress do not relate to or understand the struggles that the middle class endures in their day-to-day lives. As a father of two, I now see this world starting to head in the wrong direction. This is why I have decided to declare my candidacy for United States Congress in District 31. I believe it is time for Congress to relinquish one of their seats for a true representative in District 31 and help get our nation back on track.
I confront the same concerns every day. I have chosen to take a huge risk because the middle class no longer has a voice in Congress. Many representatives in Congress do not relate to or understand the struggles that the middle class endures in their day-to-day lives. As a father of two, I now see this world starting to head in the wrong direction. This is why I have decided to declare my candidacy for United States Congress in District 31. I believe it is time for Congress to relinquish one of their seats for a true representative in District 31 and help get our nation back on track.
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