Steve Lopez: He's got a problem with taco trucks?

Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez of Los Angeles can’t let go of it. Still stinging from reaction to his outlandish travel and spending while in office (French wineries, Louis Vuitton gifts, exclusive hotels), he told a Spanish-language TV station he is being criticized, at least in part, because of his ancestry.

   “Because of the fact I am Mexican,” he said, “they think I have to sleep under a cactus and eat from taco stands.”

   As someone whose mouth dropped open when I dug through Nunez’s expense records, I’m not so sure about that. And I’d like to stick up for people who eat at taco stands. Especially those who can’t dip into campaign donations for dinner parties at the outrageously expensive Water Grill or Pacific Dining Car, as Nunez does.   

Read Steve Lopez's recent columns.

Comments

[calaveras]

But he probably thinks that just because he is Mexican other Mexicans will vote for him. Keep the taco stands and get rid of Nunez

[Sue Kamm]

Excuse me? Since when has :outlandish spending and travel" become a racial issue?

As Nero Wolfe would say: "Pfui."

[Steve Wimer]

Fabian just does not get it. How do these clowns get elected?

[Veronique]

LOL, Sue!

Then Nero would send Archie out on an errand and head up the roof to re-pot orchids.

Veronique

[Jason]

This is why i don't vote for him.

[Bob]

Fabu Fabian - you tell em. Me thinks the lady doth protest too much

[Whitall]

Stunning that the Former California State Assembly Speaker declares himself "Mexican" not an American of Mexican ancestry. If immigrants don't want to assimilate and adopt their new country, then it's clear they are only here to earn money and mooch off of our Government largess and not help us all continue to build a better society for all.

Then he goes on to reinforce negative stereotyping about Mexicans, turning a basic economic and moral issue into a racial one. Mr. Nunez, you are clearly a talented guy, but you have insecurities about your heritage and have the outlook of a victim.

To those who voted for Mr. Nunez, get an education.