Father Tamayo's Journal: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Father Tamayo's Journal DAY THREE Father Tamayo Goes to Washington After catching the red-eye from San Francisco to Washington DC, we had just a few precious hours to rest a little and get ready for two packed days on Capitol Hill. Father Tamayo and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington DC. In the surreal world of the congressional office buildings, with their underground tunnels, bells ringing for floor votes, lobbyists and Hill staffers everywhere, and quick meals from basement cafeterias, we met with about a dozen members of Congress and their staff who are undecided on CAFTA. Father Tamayo laid out the case of why this CAFTA would be a step in the wrong direction for Honduras and the other countries in the region, stressing that there had been no consultation of civil society during the negotiations and emphasizing that CAFTA would largely just benefit the business elites in his country. One of the most amazing aspects of Father Tamayo during the whole trip was his preference to not know many of the details of his itinerary beforehand. He preferred to learn about the next event right as we were walking in to it so that he could stay sharp and speak from his heart. Watching him in action was inspiring. He addressed each crowd and individual incredibly well and was able to almost intuitively phrase his arguments in a way that was appropriate for that particular audience. Father Tamayo is approached members of the CHC after his address. A unified group of environmental organizations joined Father Tamayo and the Sierra Club for the meetings, including National Wildlife Federation (who supported NAFTA over a decade ago, but who are opposed to CAFTA) and Friends of the Earth. The highlight of Father Tamayo's visit to Capitol Hill was when he addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) at a luncheon in the Capitol. Fifteen hispanic members of Congress came to hear him talk about his work and his opposition to CAFTA. The CHC recently came out with a statement in opposition to CAFTA, and several of the members of the Caucus have been incredible leaders in the fight against CAFTA. The Sierra Club applauds the Caucus' leadership and vision. Thursday night we kicked back a little at a leisurely dinner. We were all exhausted, but Father Tamayo was still going strong, even with a 4:45 am departure to catch his flight the next morning! He had been in the spotlight for more than a week, sticking to an incredibly demanding schedule with events ranging from large masses and potluck brunches to grillings by reporters and members of Congress, and he was still as gracious as ever, laughing and telling stories about his work. Father Tamayo and Ricardo Huerta met with Congresswoman Hilda Solis. Ms. Solis has been one of the champions in the fight against CAFTA. Photos: Top left, courtesy Goldman Environmental Prize. All others, Susan Ellsworth, Sierra Club Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club