Bullock Texas State History Museum
Guerra Will Be Missed
RECEIVED Mon., Sept. 29, 2003
Dear editors:
We were dismayed to hear of the sudden and untimely demise of the Center for Mexican American Studies' publications arm under the direction of the consistently capable, loyal, and dedicated Victor Guerra ["Closing the Books," Sept. 12]. His departure means that CMAS Books will no longer be represented on the national level with national impact: an unfortunate myopic action for the University of Texas' longstanding history in Chicano publications. We are sure many nationally known authors will be disappointed.
Victor's tenure in the publication field presented more credentials than necessary to steer the reins of one of Professor Emeritus Don Americo Paredes' dreams: a place for Chicano authors to be recognized and published. Don Americo is no doubt bowing his head in dismay at this action. We are sorry his dream has been demolished.
Budget considerations are always at the heart of a cold cutback rationale, and the bottom line always constitutes grounds for absorption. We are disheartened that fiscal priorities have overridden long-term vision and prudent investment.
We are disappointed in the CMAS leadership who has demonstrated a non-negotiable confrontational management style, with no opportunity for participatory input. How sad to think that fiefdoms could be built on the dreams of their mentors.
The only consolation to Victor and Chicano readers throughout America is the form of a "dicho" or saying regularly used by a Oaxacan curandera and Zapotecan leader: "Todo cae por su proprio peso." Translation: Everything succumbs to its own weight. Perhaps the wisdom of justice will eventually prevail.
We were dismayed to hear of the sudden and untimely demise of the Center for Mexican American Studies' publications arm under the direction of the consistently capable, loyal, and dedicated Victor Guerra ["Closing the Books," Sept. 12]. His departure means that CMAS Books will no longer be represented on the national level with national impact: an unfortunate myopic action for the University of Texas' longstanding history in Chicano publications. We are sure many nationally known authors will be disappointed.
Victor's tenure in the publication field presented more credentials than necessary to steer the reins of one of Professor Emeritus Don Americo Paredes' dreams: a place for Chicano authors to be recognized and published. Don Americo is no doubt bowing his head in dismay at this action. We are sorry his dream has been demolished.
Budget considerations are always at the heart of a cold cutback rationale, and the bottom line always constitutes grounds for absorption. We are disheartened that fiscal priorities have overridden long-term vision and prudent investment.
We are disappointed in the CMAS leadership who has demonstrated a non-negotiable confrontational management style, with no opportunity for participatory input. How sad to think that fiefdoms could be built on the dreams of their mentors.
The only consolation to Victor and Chicano readers throughout America is the form of a "dicho" or saying regularly used by a Oaxacan curandera and Zapotecan leader: "Todo cae por su proprio peso." Translation: Everything succumbs to its own weight. Perhaps the wisdom of justice will eventually prevail.
Mary Margaret Navar and Rose Reyes
