"'No" is not an option," President says...President Obama welcomed hundreds of guests to a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rose Garden on Thursday evening --"even though it's only tres de Mayo, we just like to get the fiesta started early around here." The Margaritas were flowing, and the buffet menu was a modern take on traditional delights, including Grilled Yellowtail Snapper Tacos, Vegetarian Sopes, and Coconut Tres Lechés Cake. Clad in a dark suit, the President touted his Administration's achievements for Latinos, and hailed the US-Mexico relationship. He pledged to at last make comprehensive immigration reform a reality, as he did at the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in 2011 and 2010. (Above: The President during his remarks)
"'No' is not an option," President Obama said. "I want to sign the DREAM Act into law. I've got the pens all ready."
The measure passed the House last year, and died in the Senate, which President Obama noted and credited to the GOP.
"It is long past the time that we unleash the promise of all our young people and make the DREAM Act a reality."
The issue is more pressi
ng than ever before, thanks to the large Latino voting bloc in states that are crucial to tipping the electoral college for the 2012 race, including Florida and Arizona. The Obama campaign is aggressively wooing voters with Latinos for Obama. Latinos, the President said, are "driving America forward.""Right now, there are more than 50 million Americans of Latino descent--one-sixth of our population," President Obama pointed out. "You’re our neighbors, our co-workers, our family, our friends. You’re starting businesses. You’re teaching in classrooms. You’re defending this country.
Guests included Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhán and his wife Veronica, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as well as Latino and Hispanic leaders from across the US. Georgetown University's Ballet Folklórico entertained the guests, dancing in brightly colored traditional garb.
Friday marks the 150th anniversary of the 1862 battle that Cinco de Mayo commemorates, when a Mexican army demolished a French force that was twice its size. As he re-told the story of the battle, the President pointed out that the US had lent its support to expel the French from Mexico, leading to the two countries forever sharing "the ties of history and familia and values and commerce and culture."
"Today, we are more united than ever--in friendship and in common purpose," President Obama said.
"As we mark Cinco de Mayo, on both sides of the border, we pay tribute to our shared heritage and our future partnership."
The President worked the ropeline after his remarks, greeting guests and posing for photos as the Margaritas continued to flow.
2012 Cinco de Mayo Menu
Platos FrÃos/Cold Plates
Tuna Ceviche
Sushi Grade Tuna with Tamari-Lime Marinade
Shrimp Cocktail Tequila
Poached Gulf Shrimp
with Avocado-Cascabel Pepper Relish
and Chile Flavored Rice Crispies
Ensalada de SandÃa
Compressed Watermelon, Queso Fresco and Mountain Mint
Platos Calientes/Hot Plates
Cordero Al Mole de Tamarindo
Espresso-rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops
with Tamarind Mole
Cayo de Hacha al Pipián
Seared Scallops
with Pumpkin Seed Oil
Vegetarian Sopes
Wild Mushroom, Chihuahua Cheese,
Roasted Poblanos and Crema
Taqueria
Tacos de Carnitas
Slow-Braised Pork
with Tomatillo Sauce
Tacos de Pescado
Grilled Yellowtail Snapper
with Cilantro Slaw
Hojuelas/Chip Station
Homemade Corn and Plantain Chips
Guacamole en Molcajete
Pico de Gallo
Dessert
Coconut Tres Lechés Cake
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Vanilla Orange Arroz con Leché
The tables set up for guests in the Rose Garden were round and covered with bright silk cloths, and surrounded by ladderback chairs. Floral centerpieces of yellow, red and white blooms were in vases wrapped with the colors of the Mexican flag. (Above: A guest takes a photo of companions)The transcript of the President's remarks.
*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; others by pool
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