Tejano Democrats Resolution at Texas Democratic Party Convention in Dallas, Texas

RESOLUTION

Resolution in support of the Humanitarian Release of Ramsey Muñiz

WHEREAS, Ramiro “Ramsey” Muñiz, a great civil rights leader of the Chicano Movimiento, who advocated for freedom and equality for all Mexican Americans and Latinos throughout America; and

Whereas, Ramsey Muñiz   represented the best and the brightest advocates for the poor and underrepresented Latinos in Texas and became a Texas gubernatorial candidate in 1972 and 1974; and

WHEREAS, Through his work as a community volunteer, Ramsey Muñiz brought significant social, educational, political and economic advancements for Mexican Americans, Hispanics, Latinos and other Americans throughout Texas, the Southwest, and nation; and

WHEREAS, Ramsey Muniz’s advocacy increased his vulnerability to prosecution that ultimately resulted in his imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment for a such a worthy man, and 

Whereas, Ramsey Muniz has now spent 21 years of his life unjustly  imprisoned, far from his family and friends , where he has suffered greatly and continues to suffer to this day; and

WHEREAS, Ramsey Muñiz, is 72 years of age and poses no threat to his community. On the contrary his release would benefit the Latino Community; and

WHEREAS, the State Tejano Democrats acknowledge Ramsey Muniz’s civil rights works on behalf of Latinos and recognizes that Presidential compassion is merited in this case.

Therefore Be It Resolved, that State Tejano Democrats supports the efforts of the National Committee to Free Ramsey Muñiz and requests that President Barack Obama grant Ramsey Muñiz an immediate Commutation of Sentence - Freedom for Ramsey Muñiz.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that State Tejano Democrats Urge President Obama for a Commutation of Sentence for Ramiro “Ramsey” Muniz by writing letters addressed to Deborah Leff, Pardon Attorney, 145 N. Street N.E. Room SE.508, Washington, D.C. 20530 and petition the Office of the Pardon Attorney for Commutation of Sentence for Ramiro Muniz 40288-115 and ask Ms. Leff to submit his application to President Barack Obama.

               

Submitted by:    Samuel Cortez, SD 9 Delegate, and State Tejano Democrats

                               Secretary Gracie Cortez, Dallas, August 2015

Texas Tejano Democrats Ramsey Muniz Resolution Passed January 25, 2014

A Resolution in Support of Commutation of Sentence for Ramsey Muñiz

WHEREAS Ramsey Muñiz had the courage to run for Governor of Texas in 1972 and 1974, winning 214,118 votes; and

WHEREAS Ramsey Muñiz has made contributions of timeless significance to the cause of advancing civil rights for all; and

WHEREAS Ramsey Muñiz has kept faith in the Tejano community all his life; and

WHEREAS President Barack Obama has the power to free Ramsey Muniz, as in South Africa President F.W. De Klerk used that power to free Nelson Mandela; and

WHEREAS Ramsey Muñiz is 71 years old, is eligible for and deserves clemency

BE IT RESOLVED that the State Tejano Democrats support the commutation of sentence for Ramsey Muniz and his immediate release from incarceration.

Resolution Approved

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Othon Medina

Chairman State Tejano Democrats

Mexican American Democrats Letter of Support

January 27, 2014

Mrs. Irma Muñiz

National Committee to Free Ramsey Muñiz

PMB 216 5403 Everhart Road

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Dear Mrs. Muñiz:

On behalf of the Mexican American Democrats of Texas (MAD of Texas), I respectfully submit this letter support you and the National Committee to Free Ramsey Muñiz’ tireless work on behalf of Mr. Muñiz’ release.  Our statewide organization has twenty-two chapters across the state of Texas.  MAD of Texas met at the annual convention in Austin, Texas on September 28, 2013 and passed a resolution in support of Mr. Muñiz’ “Commutation of Sentence and Compassionate Release”.  The MAD of Texas Resolution states the following:

“MAD joins the growing list of organizations and individuals that support efforts by the National Committee to Free Ramiro "Ramsey" Muñiz in seeking his immediate freedom.  Furthermore, MAD requests he be released under the auspices of President Obama’s Compassionate Release Program.  Muñiz, who advocated for civil and human rights has been imprisoned for over twenty years.  Prior to his imprisonment, Muniz was a distinguished football star and scholar, having been awarded a full scholarship to Baylor University where he served as an officer of the Fellowship Christian Athletes. Ramsey Muñiz received a Bachelor of Arts & Science Degree in Political Science, and Juris Doctorate Degree from Baylor School of Law. He was a successful attorney who later became the first Mexican American to run for Governor of Texas.”

Sincerely,

Steve Salazar

Steve Salazar

State Chair

MAD of Texas

Roberto R. Alonzo

Roberto R. Alonzo

National Spokesperson

MAD of Texas

Mexican American Democrats of Texas     400 S. Zang Blvd., Suite 810, Dallas, Texas 75208

Ramsey Muniz Sacrificed His Freedom, Personal Interests, Family, and Happiness

Dear President Obama:

We ask God, Jesus Christ, La Virgen de Guadalupe and the holy spirits in heaven to pray that the Castro family will continue to benefit from the efforts and historical contributions made by Ramsey Muñiz for Mexican Americans, Chicanos, Hispanics, Latinos, and others whose lives were changed for the best.

Through the Raza Unida Party he and others advocated freedom and justice for all. As a Texas candidate for governor, Ramsey Muñiz awakened others about the contributions of Mexican Americans and others who had been excluded by a political process that included the Democrat and Republican parties. He later suffered for bringing this to light and for bringing about a positive change that he predicted forty years ago.

The historical contributions of Ramsey Muñiz cannot be denied yet silence remains, and he continues to suffer (over 21 years) from unjust incarceration. This is known by many leading Hispanic Democrats who have done little to seek justice in his case. The Honorable Lloyd Doggett, The Honorable Gonzalo Barrientos, and The Honorable Gene Green are among other supporters, who have provided assistance, and we are grateful for the leadership qualities that they have demonstrated.

Eventually truth will come to light. The Democratic Party will learn that Hispanic votes will not automatically be given, and the Republican Party will learn that injustice still exists.

The family and supporters of Ramsey Muñiz expect the truth to be revealed. It is only right, knowing that for the sake of truth Muñiz sacrificed his freedom, personal interests, family, and happiness.

National Committee to Free Ramsey Muñiz

4833 Saratoga Blvd. #336

Corpus Christi, TX 78413

imuniz1310@earthlink.net

www.freeramsey.com

www.freeramsey.blogspot.com

www.supportramsey.blogspot.com

Sample Letter for Supporters to Send Their Congressman and Ask Them to Write Letter of Support for Ramiro "Ramsey" Muniz

The Honorable ____________________

United States Congressman

             Re: Application for Compassionate Release for Ramiro R. Muñiz, 40288-115

Dear Congressman:

I am writing to express my support for Ramiro R. Muñiz, who is in the process of submitting an application through the Presidential Compassionate Release Program. The compassionate release that he seeks is based on his age and current physical condition. On December 13, 2013, he will turn 71.

 

Mr. Muñiz suffers from chronic degenerative joint disease which has severely impacted his ability to walk. He uses a wheelchair the majority of the time. Medical documentation reflects that Muñiz also suffers from chronic edema and microcytic/hypochromic anemia.

 

Family members and supporters of Ramiro R. Muñiz respectfully ask that you send a letter of support to President Barack Obama. A sample letter is enclosed for your convenience. Please deliver your correspondence to administrative assistants in Washington, D.C. and send a copy of your letter of support to Dick DeGuerin, Attorney at Law, who is representing Ramiro Muñiz in this matter. His address is:

 

Mr. Dick DeGuerin

Attorney at Law
1018 Preston – 7^th Floor
Houston, TX  77002

 

Thank you for your attention to this matter that is urgent to many of us who believe in freedom, justice, and love. We ask that you help us free Ramsey Muñiz.

  

                                                            Very truly yours,

 

 

Sample Letter From a Congressman to President Barack Obama to Support the Compassionate Release of Ramiro "Ramsey" Muniz

October 21, 2013

 

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

 

            Re: Application for Compassionate Release for Ramiro R. Muñiz, 40288-115

 

Dear President Obama:

I am writing to express my support for Ramiro R. Muñiz, who is in the process of submitting an application through the Compassionate Release Program. The compassionate release that he seeks is based on his age and current physical condition. On December 13, 2013, he will turn 71.

 

Mr. Muñiz suffers from chronic degenerative joint disease which has severely impacted his ability to walk and function at a correctional facility. He uses a wheelchair the majority of the time. Medical documentation reflects that Muñiz also suffers from chronic edema and microcytic/hypochromic anemia.

 

Family members and supporters of Ramiro R. Muñiz have contacted me because they seek your compassionate consideration of his application. I support their efforts for the compassionate release of Ramiro R. Muñiz.

 

                                                            Very truly yours,

  

                                                            United States Congressman

                                                           

 

 

Demand Justice and Freedom for Ramsey Muñiz

Friends --
Please forward it to all contacts, organizations, and media. Write to President Barack Obama and ask him to grant a Commutation of Sentence for Ramiro “Ramsey” Muñiz and free him from 20 years of unjust imprisonment. See the mailing address below. For additional details, go to www.supportramsey.blogspot.com and www.freeramsey.com.

 

                                                                August 5, 2013

 

Irma L. Muñiz
National Committee to Free Ramsey Muñiz
PMB 216 5403 Everhart Road
Corpus Christi, TX  78411
 

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
c/o Office of the Pardon Attorney
1425 New York Avenue, N.W. Suite 11000
Washington, D.C. 20530

           Re: Defense of Human Rights for Ramiro “Ramsey” Muñiz

 Dear President Barack Obama:

 After your tour of Maison Des Esclaves you stated “…We have to remain vigilant when it comes to the defense of people’s human rights -- because I’m a firm believer that humanity is fundamentally good, but it’s only good when good people stand up for what’s right. “ (Remarks by President Obama After Tour of Maison Des Esclaves, 2013, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/27/remarks-president-obama-after-tour-maison-des-esclaves). We agree with your position on human rights.

The National Committee to Free Ramsey Muñiz seeks human rights for Ramiro “Ramsey” Muñiz, an American citizen who has been unjustly imprisoned for nearly twenty years. He was a distinguished football star and scholar. He was awarded a full scholarship to Baylor University where he served as an officer of the Fellowship Christian Athletes.  Ramsey Muñiz received a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree in Political Science, and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Baylor School of Law. He was a successful attorney who later became one of the first Mexican Americans/Hispanics to run for Governor of Texas.

In his 1994 conviction, Ramsey Muñiz was pursued without cause, tried by an all white jury, and sentenced to life without parole. Information that would have exonerated him was withheld, which was in violation of his constitutional, civil, and human rights. For these reasons, we continue to demand justice and freedom.

We have corresponded with you about the case of Ramsey Muñiz. His life was unlawfully and unjustly taken, and he has suffered greatly for many years of his life. Family members and supporters have suffered throughout years of separation, and they stand by him today.

 

When you speak of human rights, we ask, “What about the case of Ramsey Muñiz?” Human rights are intended for people of all colors, and this includes Hispanics, Latinos and
Mexican-American citizens in the United States.

 

Ramsey Muñiz has been wrongfully incarcerated for many years. National Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the United States seek his immediate release. As a president who believes in defending human rights, we ask for your support in helping to obtain his freedom. To learn more about Ramsey Muñiz, go to www.freeramsey.com.

 

                                                            Very truly yours,

                                  Irma Muñiz