FilVets outraged at Sen. Cruz 21-hour "Bataan" speech



By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau



September 27, 2013



LOS ANGELES–While many say that Texas senator Ted Cruz’s filibuster action did little in his efforts to defund Obama care, it has caused an uproar in the Filipino Community.



In an effort to defund the Affordable Care Act, texas senator Ted Cruz went on a 21 hour long speech comparing Obama care to things such as Star Wars and Dr. Seuss. 



While critics, pundits, and other lawmakers didn’t take the speech seriouslly, Filipinos were angered by his closing remarks which he compared his 21 hour speech to the Bataan Death March; 


“I don’t want to miss the time to do something imperative that I do which is to thank the men and women who have endured this Bataan Death March,” said Cruz as he wrapped up his speech. 



“Cruz did not even lift a finger for the veterans so he has no right to compare the Bataan death march to his petty filibuster,” said Arturo Garcia of Justice for Filipino American Veterans. 



“Rather than use the Bataan Death March as an allusion to his speech to defund Obamacare, Ted Cruz should meet with — and apologize to — Filipino veterans for his despicable, disingenuous Bataan Death March allusion. He should be seeking justice for Filipino veterans not cheap political tricks for himself,”
said Christine Pelosi,Chair, California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus through a statement.



The Migrant Heritage Commission also echoed Pelosi’s remarks. Jovi Alejandrino, a widow of a veteran who passed away before the bill granting lump sum payments to Veterans was approved, feels it is an insult to Filipinos by a lawmaker who has not supported any of the Fil Vets initiatives. 



With a few FilVet bills going through congress, some veterans advocates believe Cruz can begin to apologize by supporting the measures.




History books say as many as 16 thousand Philippine and US forced died on the 60 mile march characterized by the physical abuse, while Cruz’ speech lasted ONLY 21 hours and 19 minutes on the senate floor in front of cameras.



“You can never compare the heroism and the bravery of both the Filipino and American soldiers to his hysterical filibuster in the senate that’s very uncalled for,” added Garcia. 



Cruz has yet to address the specific comments made in his speech, but says he’s not done trying to block the funding for Obama care. 


For more information, you may contact Steve Angeles at steve_angeles@abs-cbn.com