Local couple encourages protest against Arizona's immigration law with $10,000 song contest

by Brian New / KENS 5

Posted on June 8, 2010 at 5:41 PM

Tired of what he said is the inexcusable silence of San Antonio leaders, local advocate Paul Ruiz is putting up $10,000 of his own money for those willing to speak-put against Arizona’s new immigration law.

Ruiz and his wife, Margaret Ruiz, called on local artists Tuesday to write and produce an original song protesting Arizona’s law. The San Antonio couple will be awarding $10,000 to the best songs.

Ruiz said he’s been bothered by the silence in San Antonio on this issue.

“Why such silence in San Antonio?" he said. “We had less than 500 show-up in Milam Park (for a protest) in a city of more than a half of a million Chicanos. Explain that to me."

Ruiz said, with the exception of Police Chief William McManus and Mayor Julian Castro, few local leaders have spoken-out publicly against the law.

"We found it incomprehensible that the council hasn't spoken out,” he said. “We found the business community not speaking out. We found the priests and the minister not speaking out."

Ruiz made the announcement about the singing competition Tuesday at the Guadalupe Theater with more than a dozen local and international performing artists on hand, including Tejano star Little Joe.

For more information on the contest contact Ruiz at margaret-ruiz@sbcglobal.net.