01/23/2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that English First executive director Jim Boulet died of cancer last week.For the last decade, Jim headed English First. That position allowed Jim to work both with patriotic immigration reformers along with “Assimilationist” amnesty supporters. Unlike some English advocates, Jim was a firm supporter of immigration control, and was able to use his organization to push the issue whenever possible. The last few amnesty bills, for example had provisions that undermined Official English, so English First opposed them on those grounds. Boulet also led fights against the EEOC, Puerto Rican Statehood, and Hispandering.
I can think of more than a couple of occasions where I went to an utterly asinine conservative conference where Jim served both as the photographer as well as one of the few people I with whom I could have a sane conversation.
Jim was always willing to lend a helping hand. When I brought candidates to D.C. to meet with the movement, he would eagerly set up meetings with key leaders who wouldn’t give me the time of day.
Two years ago, I spoke at an English First press conference against Mel Martinez as the Chairman of the RNC. The American Cause is organizing a similar press conference to coincide with the upcoming RNC election, and I called Jim on his cell phone two weeks ago asking for advice. After about 10 seconds the call broke up. I left a few messages over the next week, and wondered why he hadn’t called back. I found the tragic explanation this morning when I saw Kathryn Jean Lopez make a note about his service at National Review Online.
May he rest in peace.
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