Valor: The American Odyssey of Roy Dominguez

Preface

xi In Spanish the word valor means not only courage but also values and worth. Summers, when my Texas relatives arrived in Indiana to pick crops, I’d sometimes go with them into the fields. Looking back, the experience seems spiritual, almost sacred, connecting me with my roots and teaching me to appreciate not only the hardships and sacrifices of those who came before me but also their love, devotion, and practical wisdom. One day my maternal grandfather turned to me and predicted that his way of life was ending and that in the future young people would need a good education in order to provide for their families. It was a lesson I never forgot. During more than half his working life, he was in constant pain and experienced asthmatic difficulties while doing manual labor, but he always gave an honest day’s work. His valor was an inspiration to me. Inselectingatitleforthisautobiography,Isoughttoconveyaquality of spirit that paid tribute to the sacrifices of my forebears and that might provideamoralcompassforthosemovedbymylifestory.InSpanishthe word valor is usually said with pride and emphasis, but I do not mean it in an egotistical sense. Rather I wish to honor those such as my parents whose strong heart and generous spirit made possible my own odyssey from Texas to Gary, Indiana. On Friday, April 24, 2009, I spoke at Valparaiso University’s Multicultural Center at the invitation of the minority law students. I had received a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from that institution’s law school, so the day was full of memories for me. I told the students a little about myself and how fortunate and honored I was to be an alumnus of our law Preface xii Preface school. Recently the center had been defaced with racial epithets and vandalized by arsonists. The theme of my speech was, “Don’t let racially insensitivepeoplemakeyoufearfulofpursuingyourdream.”Earlierthat day, I had met with lawyers representing labor organizations around the state, exploring their reaction to a possible bid on my part to pursue a candidacy for governor of Indiana in 2012. I was pleased by their encouragement since unions are major supporters of the Democratic Party in terms of day-to-day support and campaign financial contributions. So, driving back from Indianapolis on I-65 on the day of the speech, I was feeling tired but enthusiastic. I made mention to the students of the sacrifices others had made on behalf of civil rights for women and minorities and the heroes who foughtduringtwoworldwars.Imentionedthehardtimesmillionsfaced during the Great Depression and explained my parents’ struggles on behalf of their children. I told them about my ambitions to become a state trooper, a law school graduate, attorney, and sheriff. At each turn there were those who doubted I’d ever reach my goal. Then I said I was going to let them in on a little secret–that my next hope and dream was to be governoroftheStateofIndiana.Suddenlytheaudienceofthreehundred students broke out in applause, which was very humbling and inspiring. Itsohappenedthata Post-Tribune contributingcolumnist,JimWolf, was present, as well as Mike Puente from National Public Radio. I told them afterward that I was not ready to announce my candidacy but was traveling around the state listening to others and exploring the possibility . Nonetheless, the story appeared on page one of the Post-Tribune and on National Public Radio and was picked up by the AP wire service. I startedgettingtelephonecallsande-mailsfromalloverthestateencouraging me to run for governor. It was amazing and encouraging. When talking to the Valparaiso law students, I thought about those persons who had given me guidance along the way–my family first and foremost, and then other mentors such as Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, First District Congressman Adam Benjamin Jr., Indiana University Northwest counselor Elsa Rivera, Lake County chief of police Gary Martin, longtime adviser John Key, teachers, professors, and many others . I can never repay them, but I can continue to give hope to others as they would want me to do. Preface xiii I was inspired to write this book by my family, past and present, and for those yet to be born, as well as to those who gave their lives for our country either in the military or as public servants so that we may enjoy the fruits of American liberty. The United States has been and will be the beacon of light for the world. We should never forget those patriots who fought to...