Dan Ramos on Stonewall Democrats, homosexuality by gharman
Daniel Graney, president of the Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus, has been doing a great job keeping us posted on the Dan Ramos situation. If you’ll remember, Ramos is the chairman of the Bexar County Democratic Party who recently compared gay Democrats to “termites” and the “fuckin’ Nazi Party.” Just today, the San Antonio Current posted some audio from the interview in which Ramos’ originally made his anti-gay comments — in response to Ramos’ allegations that the newspaper misrepresented what he said. Also, after the jump are several statements condemning Ramos forwarded by Graney over the last few days, including from state representatives, a Congressman, the San Antonio mayor and the Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats.

Lisa Thomas, president, Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats:
Dear Fellow Stonewallers and other dedicated Democrats:
Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats joins Stonewall Affiliates across Texas in calling for the resignation of Dan Ramos as the Bexar County Democratic Party Chair.
Chair Ramos has compared LGBT Democrats to “termites”.  He has assumed that the Stonewall Democratic membership is completely “Anglo” and therefore must be the “Nazi Party”. In addition, he attached the African-American community by implying that they assume privileged status just because they are “black”.
Finally, the Chair has not performed the duties of his office.  He has refused to follow the Bexar County and Texas Democratic Party Rules.  He has failed to call or attend meetings required by the local Rules, failed to recognize properly established local committees and officers, refused to elect Precinct Chairs in the manner required by the Rules and the Texas Election Code, and failed to assist Democratic candidates seeking office.
Mr. Ramos has also failed at representing and adhering to the 2010 Texas Democratic Party Platform that contains the statement – “We believe in and support the repeal of discriminatory laws and policies against members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.”

Our members condemn Dan Ramos and his hate language towards LGBT, black and white Texans in the interview with the San Antonio Current.  Our members believe in tolerance, acceptance and civility in our quest for equality in this nation.
Lisa Thomas
President
Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats
Texas Democratic Party Vice Chair Lenora Sorola-Pohlman:
Our Party is proud of our diversity. We appreciate and applaud the individuals and constituencies that share our values and participate in our efforts.  Chairman Ramos’ recent comments display an abhorrent lack of respect for both fellow Democrats and our Party’s values.  As long as he remains in his current position Chairman Ramos will be a divisive force in a Party he once sought to unify.  He has, through his own choice, made himself the problem and it is incumbent on him to become part of the solution.  I support and join Chair Richie’s call for his immediate resignation.
State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio:
Dear Mr. Ramos:
I am dismayed by the news of bigoted and inflammatory remarks that you’ve made regarding gays and lesbians, African-Americans and other groups in recent weeks.
Your remarks are offensive and do not reflect the values of the Democratic Party.
I encourage you to resign immediately.
Mike Villarreal
State Representative
Texas House District 123
State Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio:
Dear Mr. Ramos:
The derogatory comments you made in regards to the gay and lesbian community are a disgrace to the principles of inclusion within the Democratic party. I join others in the Bexar County Delegation in asking for your resignation.
Sincerely,
Joaquin Castro
State Representative
San Antonio – 125
Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, D-San Antonio:
Bigotry and discrimination in any form is unacceptable and have no place in the Democratic Party. Recent statements by Dan Ramos must be condemned and such sentiments are neither shared nor represent the beliefs of the local Democratic Party. Mr. Ramos has proven that he cannot effectively represent our values as Chairman. The decision to resign is Mr. Ramos’ to make but which I believe is the right thing to do. The great work and sacrifice of many Democrats to achieve a more just and fair society must not be undone by the demeaning and destructive words of one person.
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro:
Mr. Ramos:
Recently I learned about the derogatory comments you made regarding gays and lesbians and various groups of Americans. Your comments were offensive and inconsistent with the values of the Democratic Party and our nation.
Your refusal to fully apologize for your remarks convinces me you should not lead the Bexar County Democratic Party. I hope you will resign immediately.
Julian Castro
Mayor