Viva Boostie!: The story of Texas Congressman Albert G. Bustamante's battle against poverty, discrimination, false accusations, and an unjust legal system.
From childhood into young adulthood, Albert G. Bustamante worked as a migrant laborer in the fields of South Texas doing "stoop labor" during the day, sometimes sleeping on dirt floors at night. He was the oldest of 11 children. Through hard work and perseverance, he became a County Commissioner, County Judge, and a U.S. Congressman. Unfortunately, he encountered the wrath of the FBI when he supported 310 Hispanic FBI agents in suing the FBI for job discrimination, and in retribution was accused and convicted of bribery and sent to prison for almost three years. Part I of this book tells the story of Bustamante's early life and political career up to the time of the trial. It gives an account of how one man determined to improve his life through military service, education, and pursuit of a dream. There are some wonderful stories about political campaigns and personalities in San Antonio and South Texas and on the national level in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Part II gives actual testimony from the trial and reveals the unjust rules of federal prosecution that benefit the prosecution and doom the defense to failure. In addition, there is a chapter in which Rep. Bustamante tells about his years in prison and the treatment he received there. Despite the seriousness of some of Boostie's life events, there is also some humor expressed in some of his stories as he tells about his political experiences. Now in his elder years, he gives thanks for his family, friends, and the community and says that he concentrates on this part of his life, not the bad times. This is an incredible story of one man's battle against poverty, discrimination, false accusations, and an unjust legal system. Through it all, he still has supporters who say, "Viva Boostie "
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.