May 1. ‘Day without Latinos’ protest
Bob Morris @ Apr 1st 2006 06:15 - Category: Immigrant rights
US Hispanic groups, buoyed by massive weekend protests against a proposed immigration crackdown, are planning a major boycott of American life dubbed a â€Âday without Latinos,†leaders said on Tuesday.
Organisers of the planned May 1 “A day without Latinos or a day without immigrants” boycott will ask immigrants to put down tools, leave their places of work and classrooms, shut their business and take to the streets en masse to protest a bill that would criminalise illegal immigration.
Nativo Lopez, president of the Mexican American Political Association, one of the organisers of a massive protest in Los Angeles that saw at least 500,000 protest on Saturday, said the protest would send a stern message to Washington.
“We are looking forward to a major action in all large US cities where immigrants make up a significant proportion of the workforce,” he told AFP.
“We are asking people not to go to school, or work, or shopping and instead to go out and protest against the racist and inhumane measures in this bill.”
Planning meetings will be held in several cities over the next few weeks with the official announcement to be made in D.C. soon.
“Amnesty and Full Legalization” is the demand from the March 25 Coalition, organizers of last Saturday’s historic march in L.A.
I’ll be blogging much more about this in the coming days.
229 Comments »
Pachuco on 01 Apr 2006 at 1:11 pm #
The port truckers will be demonstrating and marching in Wilmington near the L.A. Harbor on May Day - 2006.
I suggest that we join efforts with the port trucker L.A. Harbor demonstration since that will involve actually shutting down the Los Angeles Harbor.
The “marches and speeches and then go home” model of demonstrating is good but actually shutting down the Los Angles Harbor is a whole other dimension - it is a dimension that many cannot even conceptualize since it has been so long ago in American history that those tactics have been used.
The port truckers are virtually 100% Chicano and/or Latino and are a high percentage immigrants as well. Of course, they are also all workers. Will the middle class and “liberal” groups support the port truckers as they attempt to hold a General Strike and close the Los Angeles Harbor.
Bob on 01 Apr 2006 at 3:29 pm #
A “Day Without Latinos” would have to include a port shutdown too. Let’s do it.
There will be a meeting April 8 in L.A. to plan For May 1., a port shutdown would be a perfect target.
Lorena on 05 Apr 2006 at 7:19 am #
Please have someone in the New Orleans area contact me
so we can get together and organize a local “day with-
out Latinos”. I am angered that the attitude that
immigrants are worth less than zero but I live in the
area affected by Hurricane Katrina and our hardworking
latinos are the ones rebuilding our city.
Futhermore, I am outraged about the Immigration raids
being held in my neighborhood. Just a couple of weeks
back my son and I were walking to a parade route to
enjoy Mardi Gras and we were stopped by ICE officials
who were standing at the corner and nabbing everyone
they could. As a very angry immigrant (who was lucky
enough to naturalize) I stood at the corner and argued
with them.
This country has forgotten that it was built on
the sweat and tears of immigrants.
Bob on 05 Apr 2006 at 10:15 am #
Sharp thinking there. The West Texas oil fields would cease operating as would California agriculture, were there no Latinos.
Chicana on 06 Apr 2006 at 9:34 am #
Good one!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who do you expect to assist you at the stores on that day? Are you or the people who think like you, going to do all the jobs that Latinos are doing now, that currently provide service to you. and are you a native. As i recall this country was formed by Immigrants.
Bob on 06 Apr 2006 at 10:49 am #
You’re missing the point. The boycott/work stoppage is being called by the March 25 Coalition, the group that organized the massive immigrant rights march in LA on March 25.
If enough people strike, then it will demonstrate how important Latinos are, how much work they do, and how much political power they have.
(my first ancestor got here in about 1640 from England)
Bob on 06 Apr 2006 at 11:49 am #
Think Rosa Parks.
norma on 06 Apr 2006 at 1:11 pm #
I wish people would stop using “Mexican” as a race and recognize it as a culture and nationality, because that’s what it is. It’s not just Mexicans who are against this, by the way. I, a U.S. citizen with patrents from Ecuador (who are both naturalized, luckily), am widely opposed to this bill. I don’t think strengthening our borders will do a thing because there will always be a way to get into this country. What I think the government should do is figure out some kind of solution as to why the hell people want to leave their countries in the first place. The real problem is in the other countries and what they’re doing that’s making their citizens want to come here so desperately.
We haven’t tried that yet, you know? Maybe it’ll make a change. The borders have been strengthened over and over again and immigration has just doubled. Pointless.
And yeah, I’ll be boycotting everything on May 1st. I hope all other Latinos do as well.
Bob on 06 Apr 2006 at 3:29 pm #
It’s racial as well as economic. And there’s plenty of prejudice towards Latinos today.
Some blacks did try to get the Montgomery bus boycott to slow down, oh gee, just do it for one day, a lasting boycott is ‘too extreme’ they said.
Luckily, the ‘radicals’ won that argument, and that’s what launched the civil rights movement.
Neocons are scapegoating Latinos in hopes of getting out the racist vote in November, just like they did in 2004 with gay marriage. Find someone to attack, a new menace, that’ll get your extremist fringe out to vote.
This time it blew up in their faces. It may blow up their party.
USgal on 06 Apr 2006 at 7:51 pm #
Rosa Parks was a citizen. She had the right to protest - illegals do not.
And it’s not our responsibilty to figure out what is
wrong with every country and fix it. If the mexicans are so great - they should
fix their own damn country.
Tenoch on 06 Apr 2006 at 8:54 pm #
Well all I can say is the the word “Mexican or Mexicano” was derived from a group of Native Americans who lived in Tenochtilan or present day Mexico City. These people were called Mexica pronounced Meshica or also known as the Aztecs. Archiologist have found signs that the Mexica culture existed in what is well known as states in America, likie hmmmmmm California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. So you are going to tell us that we dont belong in this country when we were here in the first place. Come on! We have proof that our ancester were here before Jesus Christ had even existed. I am not racist at all but i think anyone that is of European decent is the alien in my eyes. Please dont ask us to leave because its never going to happen. if you dont like the fact we are here then go back to Europe please and do all the Native American Tribes of the north the cousins of the Mexica tribes a huge favor! Every one hates to remember the genocide that happened when Europeans arrived here!
Bob on 06 Apr 2006 at 9:04 pm #
Lots of people at the march, as well as those involved in the upcoming boycotts and demos, are not undocumented.
Rebecca on 07 Apr 2006 at 12:55 pm #
I was 100% behind the latinos and immigration, that is until the first
protest showing predominatly Mexican flags. If you want to live
in the US, then the show US Colors. US citizens are subject to
significant regulation when they choose to immigrate to Mexico, so why
are the Mexicans so against the US when we want immigration
control that is far less restrictive that the Mexican rules.
LegalStatus on 07 Apr 2006 at 1:09 pm #
To the Texan,
RE: Race Issue
It’s not that we believe it’s all about the Mexicans but rather that we know we are a larger segment that is more recognizable.
For instance, take an immigrant from Poland, Ireland, England, Germany and Mexico and judge based solely on looks which one is illegal?
There are exceptions to the rule but most likely the Mexican will be questioned first.
There are other races that will experience this as well but the numbers are smaller. You are correct the Bill is not about race or racism but the consequences could be.
Fifth Generation U.S. Citizen
maria on 07 Apr 2006 at 1:13 pm #
I think that this march on May 1st, 2006 is going to open the eyes of American
people to show them how much Latin immigrants mean to this country. I think that
without Latin immigrants working in this country the U.S. would be shit
without them. The government should either give residency to immigrants or give
an amnesty like back in the 80’s. Especially to illegal immigrant students who graduate from high school and college and can’t get a job because they don’t have citizenship. So
everyone for this don’t go to work or anything on May 1st, 2006 to see what
Americans do without us.
Bob on 07 Apr 2006 at 1:15 pm #
I was at the March 25 march. The vast majority of flags were American.
Pablo on 08 Apr 2006 at 3:43 am #
I do agree with you people. I live in oregon, and been started handing out papers for this in my high school. I am 16 years old and would like to help. These are my parents were talking about. My Family!
I went table to table during lunch. Talking to latins, african americans, handed a paper to them with this. They all have heard about it before, and said they were going to stay home, not drive, not go to work, and not purchase anything. My parents aren’t going to work that day. Lets see what happens then. U.S needs these people, even if they don’t admit it. Why do you think president bush, wanted a temporary work program because that dude needs these people. But he would be using them if he had temporary work visas. That’s why we ask for a fair plan for these people. Even thought they are undocumented, some of these people have been here for more than 15 years!
A Day Without Latinos Will Be A Great Day. My cousin also handed papers out in her middle school.
A lot of students are doing the same in there schools, getting together and making these papers. They communicate by email,text, phone, IM’s so many ways. That this is sure to have schools loose money.
And for big stores like walk-mart, they surely will get involved after they see no one is shopping at their store and there loosing money. Same with all other companies.
I’d like to get involved in this although I’m only 16. I’m a smart guy, I’ve been staying close to the news, also have been reading some articles on the web.
Email: xhollabak@yahoo.com
Chris on 08 Apr 2006 at 5:31 am #
Hey tell the truth…this MAY 1 strike is about political power. The Latino community can’t or won’t tell the difference between illegal and legal immigration. The rule of law is weak in their countries…and very left of center and corrupt governments are the problems..Well let me ask you what would Mexico or any country do if people from another country went there and took over from a political standpoint. Everyone knows…it would not be tolerated. So the organizers come and take advantage of the USA’s open system. And don’t say people come here just for work..the USA is far superior a place to live …for working people than any other country ..and I have lived in 15 countries. What is the real problem? I think that it is many Latino’s come to the USA and don’t adapt but bring and create Latin America here…with all it’s beauty and culture but also with the problems of those countries…The May 1 strike may backfire…guests don’t demand political rights…and that really shows what the organizers are after.
SUAVECITA on 08 Apr 2006 at 5:58 pm #
MAYBE THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL UNEMPLOYED AMERICANS. ON
MAY I SHOW UP AT THE BUSINESSES AND JOB SITES, THE WORK WILL
NEED TO GET DONE AND WHO BETTER TO DO IT THEN AMERICANS.
tHEY SAY DON’T WANT THE JOBS. LETS SHOW THEM. i’M TIRED OF HEARING
THAT AMERICA WAS BUILT BY IMMIGRANTS AND THAT WE DON’T
WANT THIS JOBS.
Bob on 09 Apr 2006 at 1:59 pm #
“Americans open the door”? The Sensenbrenner Bill mandates building a 700 mile long 12 foot high wall at the border. Does that sound like an open door?
Plus it’s the predatory economic policies of the US that oftens forces people in those countries to leave looking for a way to feed their kids.
The right of dissent and protest is guaranteed to everyone in the Constitution. Sounds like you just want it to apply to Whites.
James Zitko on 09 Apr 2006 at 2:50 pm #
It is about time ALL immigrants protested.
Why does the government continue to make new laws, when they can’t enforce or support the existing ones.
My wife and I will be joined by our 7 children, 5 spouses and 15 grandchildren supporting the May 1st celebrations.
Yes: we are UNITED STATES Citizens: that have heritage from; Europe, Mexico and England. (We have ancestors that came over on the Mayflower)
Support the celebration!!!!!
God Bless America
chucha Gonzalez on 09 Apr 2006 at 7:02 pm #
I think its a good pero is it 4 all the Latinos in the USA?Cous I’m @-Washinton
alex on 09 Apr 2006 at 7:44 pm #
BABYICE:
I have dual citizenship. Yes, I can wave both flags
if I want to. It’s my choice. Lesson #2, America did
not open any door to Mexico—-go read some history
books. Lesson #3, go back to elem school and learn
how to write proper English before posting with
grammatical errors.
retropunk on 09 Apr 2006 at 8:36 pm #
FOR THOSE WHO ARE AGAINST THIS:
don’t you realize that this isn’t just for spanish people there’s also european, middle eastern, african and asian people that would benefit from all of this.
so why are you concentrating on criticizing the mexicans?
besides mexico as well as central and south america belongs to AMERICA :THE CONTINENT …. IT’S NOT A COUNTRY!!!!
THE “UNITED STATES” IS A COUNTRY… ANOTHER PART OF AMERICA.. SO IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE WE WERE BORN BECAUSE WE ARE ALL AMERICAN.
in the end we are all human beings and no one but mankind has set borders to a certain land and called it a country.then who is to say that we can’t destroy those borders? who the hell does bush think he is?
who are we to decide who belongs where?
we are NOT GOD. we did not create earth to say who lives where and who should be kept out!
the immigrants are not thieves or criminals.
and for those of you that are soooo “american”
think about if you would really do the downgrading jobs that the immigrants do.
they are basically doing the dirty work THAT YOU WON’T DO beacuse you think yourself so SUPERIOR.
and think about your ancestors THEY ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS!!!!!!! if you have any doubts about this CHECK YOUR DAMN HISTORY BOOKS!!!!
OR YOUR FAMILY TREES…..I BET YOU ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT FROM HERE.
so it comes to this ….. WE belong here, THE TRUE AMERICANS! those of us whose ancestors belong to this continent!
not those people from european descent!!!(or any other continent that is not america) that have forgotten where they came from, JUST BECAUSE THEIR ANCESTORS GO BACK TO THEIR GREAT GRANDPARENTS.
AND PLEASE DON’T DO TO OTHERS or WISH FOR OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULDN’T WANT FOR YOURSELF.
THINK ABOUT THAT!
Esteban Prado on 10 Apr 2006 at 8:23 am #
I hope that this will be done in nashville too. Nashville is the heart of those
racist people. this is where the kkk was started
Concerned on 10 Apr 2006 at 7:55 pm #
The world was inhabited by immigrants. In the early days of man kind many groups
and tribes of people relocated to search for environments and climates that
were better for their survival. Does that mean that modern day countries can not
protect there borders because at some point in the past their ancestors came
from another land?
Also, I think that they need a different way of protesting. I mean the
unfortunate stereo type of latinos is that they are lazy and don’t work. So,
in protest, they are going to not work for a day and enjoy a three day weekend?
Seems like a strange choice to me.
Bottom line is that a country has a right to protect its borders. This isn’t just
a piece of unclaimed land free for who ever wins king of the hill. It is a
country. If they want to join this country then there are methods (which I
agree need improvement) but if they are just interested in ignoring the laws
of the country. Then… they are foriegn invaders. Which is it. DO they want to
join the USA. or defeat it.
USBORN MEXIICAN HEART on 10 Apr 2006 at 10:19 pm #
IM SORRY I DONT WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN BUT LATINOS ARE NOT LAZY WE ARE ONE OF THE HARDEST
WORKING PEOPLE AND IF WE WANT TO TAKE A THREE DAY WEEKEND WELL ITS ABOUT TIME
Chris on 11 Apr 2006 at 12:31 am #
Well, myself and all those I know who own or manage businesses, will be firing every person who ’skips out’ on work that day. The significance of the protest is too transparent. These fools are even being exploited on their ‘big protest day’. Um, FYI May 1st is known as MAY-DAY, the biggest marxist/stalinist/maoist/communist holiday ever. It is there Fourth of july, memorial day, labor day, Christmas, and St. patricks day all rolled into one. The groups actually organizing this event, are the american communist party (International-ANSWER, WWP). They are exploiting stupid mexicans to bring numbers for their big day. This is not a mistake, if you REALLY want to piss off americans, march against us on may first. Yeah, good work, you will get a backlash like none other (don’t worry, i can do fine without a nacho supreme on may 1st or any other day). After a 50 year cold war to keep Communism out of our borders, you folks are going to bring it back? Remember, Americans are a tough lot. We have kicked your butts many times over, even when severely outnumbered. Read up on it. Most of you dropped out of High school, so look it up now. What is May-Day, and what does it signify, then decide if you want to march in the name of that movement.
As far as a boycott, well, one day would be a bit disruptive. Sudden change always is. How about a 6 month long boycott???? Do it! This would REALLY prove something. American wages would go up, standard of living would go up, crime would decrease, and those jobs that ‘nobody wanted to do (ie:nobody wanted to do for slaves pay but happily did when labor laws helped americans) would suddenly have attractive salaries again. Did you know, that just 10 years ago, a construction WORKER could buy a home, a nice car, and support an entire family on his paycheck? no more. Those $25 per hour wages are now $8 per hour. Americans will work construction, they just need to get paid for it. Illegal immigration drives down wages. Plain and simple. We are equal, we are all poor and in misery, is the protesters goal. A bit like mexico I guess. Bring everyone else down to the gutter, so you can feel better about yourself.
BIG questions here. So, all the white people (european) should go back to Europe. Well, you folks are spaniards along with your rainforest bloodline. So, you will be coming with us. The only ones who can stay in America are american native descendants. Hmm, Aztecs died off LONG time ago. Mexicans have little if any relation to them. The indians are gone. Mexicans are no more native to this land than a german sausage maker, or a chinese cook. You are new-world mutts, just like us.
You are not ancient indians. You do not even know the tongue, you speak spanish, from SPAIN - EUROPE. You are mexicans, not some legendary aboriginal culture. Our nations even came to be in the same time period. We had very similar land, similar resources (except we have far less oil). What happened, why is america the most advanced, fruitful nation on the planet, and mexico is a 3rd world slum? We started the same, had the same opportunities and resources? Why did mexico fail so badly as the United States rose so quickly?
Mexicans failed to build a nation,. they built a slum. Now, they want to hijack our infrastructure and claim it. Sorry, not going to happen.
There are so many immature comments in this thread, it’s difficult to even count them. Once again, nobody has a problem with immigrants. My parents are both immigrants, but they did it legally. We have, in this country, things called laws, we try to follow them to build a safe, just society. This is what enables the opportunities that we enjoy. We have protections under the law. If mexicans can break the law, and expect to be rewarded for it, our country falls to pieces. I don’t even blame the illegals for coming here for work. I blame the companies that hire and exploit them. I don’t want to criminalize the illegals, i want to criminalize, heavily fine, and shut down the companies who hire them. Shut down the exploitation jobs, and they will not come. Maybe then these same people might protest their OWN government for its failings, rather than protest ours for not fixing theirs. It is their mess that was built with their own hands, don’t spoil ours.
Once again, if you want to truly prove a point, don’t do a DAY without illegal mexicans, do 6 months, or 1 year. A realistic barometer. I can guarantee the economy will flourish like never seen before in the US. No unemployment, and jobs that pay fair wages. Imagine that! Maybe the protests CAN have a positive effect, as long as they keep them up long enough.
Bob on 11 Apr 2006 at 7:52 am #
ANSWER helped organize March 25 in LA but was not a lead organizer. No one in ANSWER is in WW (go read the relevant Wikipedia articles to learn), and so what if they were.
Indians are hardly gone. Ditto for Aztecs and their languages, which are still spoken.
While the companies who hire the undocumented certainly need to be prosecuted, if all the undocumented were sent back, major industries everywhere would stop. California agriculture, West Texas oil fields, chicken and meat processing in the south and midwest - just to name a few.
And that’s just the lower end jobs.
carla on 11 Apr 2006 at 9:01 am #
I am a mexican and i dont agree with the bill beacause we are all illegal even americans ,you know why ?
BECAUSE WHO ASKED NATIVE AMERICANS IF THEY COULD STAY IN THEIR LAND. Columbus didnot discover us !!!
we also mexicans owned half of us>we sold it beacause americans was were going inside mexico illegally for
the gold rush**** LOOK IT UP IN A HISTORY BOOK
Rafael on 11 Apr 2006 at 10:27 am #
well I think the american culture is made by mexicans and latinos like others people the don’t have papers because everybody know the usa would be anything if the mexicans the dont do any work for this country this country is made by us we culture they exis in this cuontry and l;ike most fo the people in this country they are getting married with people they are americans and i think the goverment they not see `the people who love this country even they are mexican love this country because they born in here thets in my opinion
Tame The MONSTER :: Bringing the Kingdom, One Issue At A Time... on 11 Apr 2006 at 11:36 am #
[...] Toward the end, at least 6-7 different people asked us if we planned to join in the “Day Without Immigrants” boycott on May 1. Personally, I doubt that many white people will participate, so I hope that our churches will call for a day of prayer and fasting, also to be observed May 1. I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Christian solidarity with oppressed people requires our active and faith-full involvement when “they” organize and struggle against the powers of our time. [...]
Truth on 11 Apr 2006 at 12:11 pm #
First and foremost to all my Hispanics out there, keep fighting and, don’t let anyone stop us from reaching our goal.
Secondly here is a quote that we shall never forget, especially when times get bad look to this quote “No nation in Latin America is weak, because each forms a part of a family of 200 million brothers, who suffer the same miseries, who harbor the same sentiments, who have the same enemy, who dream about the same better future, and who count upon the solidarity of all honest men and women throughout the world.” It was said by a great human being by the name of Che Guevara.
What everybody tends to forget is that this issue doesn’t have to do with any law, jobs, or money. It’s about People looking to better themselves, and creating a better life for their children. Its been done since the beginning of time.
What angers me the most is how (not all whites) but how these backwoods, redneck hillbillies spit out facts that aren’t true. They say we live off welfare. When the truth is 38.8% of people on welfare are whites. Which is huge compared to the 15% Hispanics take. They say that
We take the governments money that they pay more taxes
Cause of us. When the truth is one illegal “alien”
Receives $80,000 less in a lifetime of government money
Than a U.S Citizen.
All these people can do is try to intimidate us with false facts.
I say let them laugh, let them counter protest. Let them think
That we are not serious. We will not win this fight any time soon.
I believe it will take a couple years, But it will be
worth it. This fight will be won by our children and our
Children’s children. It won’t be won in the streets protesting,
It won’t be won in a picket line, but in Congress in the
Senate. Our Children see our struggle and see the fight,
And already our taking up our cause. So we must encourage our kids
To become aware, and active. Soon when our children become
Senators congressman, Governors then will our fight end.
My name is Truth i’m 23 yrs old, my parents were illegal
Immigrants. I have 2 masters, and I am an advisor to the governor
Of my state and promise to continue to fight this fight.
Andrea on 11 Apr 2006 at 12:38 pm #
Honestly, I’ve been reading what all of you have said and I think that regardless of the side of the argument, the fact that this issue is finally being discussed in this country is a sign of progress.
The reality is that 12 million people that live in this country cannot be forced to leave, nor can they be kept in the dark. I think the best way to reach a common agreement is to educate the public on the situation that is at hand. Let’s not get hung up on details like someone is carrying a mexican flag to a protest instead of an american one. The point is that they are there because they want to be part of this country. They are there to make this country the money making machine that it is now. All they are asking is for understanding, compassion, respect and a way to become citizens of this great nation. The least people can do is listen to what they have to say, educate themselves on the issues and try to reach an agreement that will satisfy both parties.
kate on 11 Apr 2006 at 12:40 pm #
So much hatred and anger in so many of us… to what end does that serve? We all bleed red. We all eventually leave this world. What’s the point of bickering about who belongs where??? I agree with retropunk. Those who would rather keep others out have selfish hearts. There’s plenty of room and jobs for everyone. People who complain about the lack of work to be found are lazy and expect things to be handed to them. Those who were fortunate to be born in the U.S. should count their blessings and embrace the culture and experiences that comes along with living in such a proverbial “melting pot†of a country. The more negative resistance we cause, the less positive the consequence. Crime, poverty and corruption are, unfortunately, present in nearly every culture or government state. The greatest catalysts for these atrocities are fear, miscommunication and greed. We as humans all have a choice: to accept things as they are and see the world with blinders on, or to have an open heart and mind to all that we experience and be willing to grow and change. In the end, no one has the right to tell anyone else where they can and cannot go. With enough motivation, anyone can do anything. I myself would rather live optimistically with a positive set of ideals than to settle for defeatist, common cynicism. Live for more than you believe it’s worth- never give up. Don’t resort to pessimism or violence as a means to any end. WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY.
Politics in the Zeros»Blog Archive » May 1 boycott on 11 Apr 2006 at 1:01 pm #
[...] Our post on April 1, May 1. ‘Day without Latinos’ protest now has over 40 comments, one of the highest number of comments for any post here. New comments are added every day. Join in! [...]
Truth on 11 Apr 2006 at 1:10 pm #
Kate has the best point. We need more people like her
with her heart and compassion and sense of realness. Kate God bless you
madibe on 11 Apr 2006 at 3:58 pm #
I think Kate and Truth have their heads up in the clouds somewhere. I’m not trying to be mean to them, but they need to be more realistic in there views. This country is run by laws, and some of those laws pertain to how many can move here and how many can’t. Is it fair to the millions of people who wait,(sometimes for years) to get in to this country legally, watch millions of others come in illegally? I’m a firm believer that any one who want’s to move here, should, legally. But we as a country are being overwhelmed with too many people and too few resources. The illegals come here to work, great. But what happens when they need medical assistants? Do they have insurance? No! Who pays for there medical needs? We do! When a person is not in the system, and they use the system, something has to give. The poor in this country get even less when we have so many millions of undocumented or illegals that use up what little resources that we have. If you come here legally and misfortune occurs to you, then you have the help. I’m not saying that all illegals are lazy and are on assistance. I know from experience that many that I have seen and met work there butts off. I guess I’m getting tired of seeing people come here, get there money and send it back to whatever country they came from. So many don’t want to assimilate into this country; if they did they would try harder to learn the language. So many don’t realize that in order to succeed in this country, they need to assimilate, to become a part of the whole, and right now the ‘whole’ speaks English! They can have their jobs, they can send their money home, but until they learn English, they won’t succeed very well.
vlady on 11 Apr 2006 at 5:24 pm #
People are always going to find ways to get here…always…this isn’t about racism.. This is about helping out our friggin country as a whole! We are over populated, and we’re continueing to grow! The Guest worker program is a good idea because its gonna help regulate who comes here and who doesn’t…if we don’t strengthen our borgers, who knows, terrorists are coming tht way as well…there’s ways to get here properly! I’m an AMERICAn with a MEXICAN heritage and I have to say… There’s always tht small group tht completely FUCKS it up for all of us! The majority of the people tht cross over here come for an opportunity…but there’s that smalle group tht comes and breaks every fucking law they can think of! We should better our borders, and help mexico keep their people there!
Saul on 11 Apr 2006 at 5:35 pm #
…Ok this “Day without latinos” sounds good to me and i’ve read everything people have been posting here and it is all true….someone said that americans will go to the businesses and ask for the jobs….yet my brother who is against mexicans coming into the United Sates started complaning about work and it was his 2 day..not even a week in his job and he started to whine about it….Another question I had towards the 700 mile wall they want to build along the border..who will build that 700 mile wall ? Mexicans? Because I don’t think white people will build the wall because I don’t think they have what it takes (im not racist)
This being… I will start passing out papers and sending txt msgs to people from my school and other schools through out the city being that its a Border City…We have at least 70% mexicans.
Tmskes on 11 Apr 2006 at 8:59 pm #
Good for the proud AMERICAN-LATINOS and others
in this country…protesting is your AMERICAN
right. You pay taxes…and you should be able
to stay…you are all assets to this country…
and if you all weren’t here alot of things would
not get DONE…whites aren’t going to do it…
we(blacks)have already done it…we’ve put in our
400+(and counting)..I hope you all continue to
protest and God bless you all.
Currants » May 1st, 2006 on 11 Apr 2006 at 9:25 pm #
[...]  http://polizeros.com/2006/04/01/may-1-day-without-latinos/ [...]
Produce Logic on 12 Apr 2006 at 1:49 am #
TO ALL MY LATINO BROTHERS AND SISTERS OUT THERE–
Hear all these inflammatory, pseudo-intellectual, racist remarks against you?? This is a good sign, not a bad one. You got ‘em running, and their scared. Let’s all KEEP UP the protests, marches and boycotts. Keep the pressure on them. The dominant culture is simply growing impatient and insecure since they can no longer smuggly assume their place of cultural/psychological dominance in the U.S.. Simply put, the U.S. is no longer mirroring THEIR image, and that’s really what’s at the bottom of all the displaced discontent here.
Listen, we’re ALL illegal. Why? It’s called ‘Produce Logic’:
Since illegal hands harvested and processed all our fruits and vegetables,
those were then illegally sold to market outlets;
which were then illegally purchased at grocery stores;
which were then illegally eaten by you and me,
which is then a criminal act!
In strictly legal terms, that’s called ‘aiding and abetting.’ We are all, thus, in some way or another, accomplices to this crime of illegal immigration since our consumer-based practices directly implicate us as PARTICIPANTS–willingly or not! A nation of laws, you say? Say what?? If you REALLY, REALLY feel so passionately about stopping illegal immigration, or of being so lawful, simply stop eating fruits and vegetables. But, while you’re at it, stop eating meat as well, because most meat processing plants are staffed by illegal hands. And also stop eating out at restaurants (kitchen staff is usually undocumented). And if you get hungry, don’t open that canned food! (canneries are notorious for staffing undocumented workers). In fact, stop wearing your clothes as well (usually made in sweat shops staffed by illegals). In fact, STOP TALKING your bullshit and just eat your words now, because that about sums up your hypocritical, hyper-patriotic, self-righteous, narrow-minded rhetoric, doesn’t it?
Melanie on 12 Apr 2006 at 11:06 am #
WOW!!! This is pretty cool, free speech and all. I’d like to say that I am not “Spanish” I am Mexican so please don’t confuse the both. I speek Spanish because (for those who don’t follow History) the Spanish came many, many years ago and raped my country. No I am a natural born US citizen, but somewhere down the line my blood comes from Mexico, and damned proud too. I will be there on May 1st with bells on. This isn’t a racial matter, this is a political one. We will stand together and let the country, and our “leaders” know how we feel. Now as far as some eariler comments, give me a white guy that will step up on a metal roof in the 100+ degree weather of the Texas Hill Country and I’ll give the man a job. I haven’t met one yet, oh and I pay $15+ an hour for that labor. I don’t care where you come from, I just care that you work. And to Tex: who the hell are you. I am Texan native born and will remain ’til I die. I know what these immigrants go through. I’ve seen it first hand. I was called all those ignorant names in school, you know the ones? “Wet back, border jumper, beaner etc….” I have this to say I’m here and you can bet your sweet ass I’ll stand up for my fellow immigrants anyday. I love this country and the fact that this country has given me the chance to stand.
MorningDew on 12 Apr 2006 at 12:05 pm #
I am so proud of being who I am, and I am sure everyone who has commented on this issue is too. All of you speak your own truth, the truth from your own world, the truth from your own background.
History shows us that there has always been groups of people that are more powerful than others. Do we get to choose what group we’ll be born in?
Not unless you walk in that person’s shoes and climb onto their skin, and see what they’ve seen, and live what they’ve lived can you make a fair judgment of their situation.
I am lucky to have seen both sides. I was born in the U.S. from illegal immigrants, was raced in Mexico since an infant, and then moved to the U.S. as an adult. I married a white American and have lived in the U.S. for 13 years.
I consider myself very fortunate to have both cultures in my life. I have taught my children the best of both cultures and they are very proud of being Mexican-American.
Growing up 40 miles south of the border, I clearly understand why people cross the border illegally:
U.S. citizens have a black and white picture of what the term legal and illegal is. People in Mexico, due to the way their government is ran, and other cultural factors have a different view of the law. If what they do seems beneficial to their family, and is not against their morals, then is legal. Crossing the border without documentation is not a criminal act in their view.
Most people that cross the border are fleeing from a country that can’t offer them financial freedom. They’ve heard from friends and relatives that have come to the U.S. that their future here has hope. That is what most of them come here for, because they want hope for themselves and their families.
I’m all for amnesty for illegal immigrants, but only for those who deserve to be here: People that work hard to make an honest living, and people that do not have a felony on their criminal record. Drug dealers, thieves, rapists, and murderers should not be granted amnesty.
Me and my family love this country and the many freedoms we enjoy. I wish everyone who deserves to be here could enjoy the same things regardless of their national origin.
MorningDew on 12 Apr 2006 at 12:14 pm #
Oh.. And I’ll be out there supporting this cause!
Richard Estes on 12 Apr 2006 at 2:14 pm #
[This country is run by laws, and some of those laws pertain to how many can move here and how many can’t. Is it fair to the millions of people who wait,(sometimes for years) to get in to this country legally, watch millions of others come in illegally?]
Oh, really?
We have a President who publicly states that he can ignore provisions o f laws passed by Congress whenever he decides to do so, he is illegally wiretapping foreign, and probably domestic phone calls, he is detaining people indefinitely and torturing them, and bombing and killing Iraqis whenver he wants, and plans to launch another pre-emptive war against Iran, and there are still people who believe that this country is run by laws?
It’s an old story, for rich, privileged whites, there is one rule, and that rule is, we can do whatever we want, whenever we want, and that includes enacting and enforcing laws against people whose labor we need, but don’t personally like or want to empower. If it is too difficlut to get a law passed, they just do it anyway (remember Bush, Blair and their inability to get a UN resolution authorizing the war against Iraq?)
Meanwhile, if you are on the receiving end, say, you are black in 1906, and a group of vigilantes comes with a rope, there is no law, except the noose hanging from a tree, or, if you are an American citizen of Mexican descent in Los Angeles in 1930, there are no laws, they just force you onto a train, and ship you back to Mexico against your will, or, if you are Japanese American in 1942, they send you to internment camps, while someone back home buys your property for pennies on the dollar, and then relies upon “the law” to claim that it was an arms length sale
or, in you are Vietnamese in the 1960s and 1970s, the President starts a war, and then kills millions of you, and then, later, in the 1980s, the President authorizes a covert war in Central America, and creates a paramilitary groups that kill, rape and pillage throughout El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua
if there is one thing that we can safely say about the US, it is most assuredly not a country run by law, instead, it is a country ruled by power and privilege, which invariably take on an ugly, racial and class dimension
undocumented Americans work hard, pay taxes, and even serve in the US military, sometimes sacrificing their lives, and their lawbreaking suggests to me that we need to change the law, so that they can be respected for what they do
meanwhile, maybe we ought to instead focus our concern about the law upon those in the White House who break it habitually, and kill tens of thousands in the process, while destroying our civil liberties as well
USgal on 12 Apr 2006 at 3:48 pm #
I don’t need to march. I send faxes and emails to my senators and remind them
who really pays the bills around here. Viva la Gringo!
Clay on 12 Apr 2006 at 6:03 pm #
What makes the 20+ million illegal immigrants here any more deserving of a chance at the American Dream than the 320+ million starving in India, 60+ million starving in Africa? All of us in this country are immigrants. Almost all of us came here legally and respectfully waiting our turn. I still have many relatives in living in dire conditions waiting to legally immigrate. Amnesty is the most racist proposal out there - it serves only to reward a group almost entirely composed of hispanics. Hispanics do not have the monopoly on suffering in this world. Remember that.
aze on 12 Apr 2006 at 6:26 pm #
Mexican-American is not what would describe my situation. I am an 100% Mexican, 22 year old woman living in the United States. My home, to be precise is in Laredo, TX. I’ve lived here ever since I was 8 years old. On May 1st, I will be able to finally demonstrate just a little of my frustration over what the government, USCIS, or INS, has put me through. I have been trying to file for residence for about four years now. I have spent money, time, and effort in doing so, and have yet to see any expected results, but will not give up that easily. Today I am working with an ‘employment authorization’ card, given to me about a year ago. I have had to renew this card over three times now, while I await for my ever-so wanted residency. I have two jobs, obviously pay my taxes, and of course AM part of this country’s economy. I just thought I should ask people like these assholes TEX or CHRIS, if they really think I shouldn’t be allowed to become a resident of this country? In any case.. FORGET YOU! Mexican people living in the United States understand this is no free ride, we are here to work, make a better living for ourselves and our families. There is NO wrong doing in that. Americans should not look down on us because of the jobs we have.. they should remember that we help them back. By supporting the white trailer trash bums that don’t want to work, and of course giving the heroin-addict, homeless veteran at the corner a $1, we pay our debts. Social Security, Food Stamps, Disability checks all come from our checks.. all of OUR checks, that means yours and BOTH of mine, CHRIS. Hard working Mexican people should have as many opportunities in this country as American citizens do. This bill wouldn’t only rape our human rights, but it would also jeoperdize our families future. We did not ask to be Mexican, but we can sure as hell walk proud with our heads up because of it. To my Mexican people.. you and I know all of this is worthwhile.. we get to enjoy the sweetness of our everyday fight, when we get home and see our family. Look into your daughters eyes, your mothers, your brothers to get the courage you need to stand with us on May 1st. We have to be ready, because comments like TEX’s are just the beginning. Nosotros sabemos lo que valemos y no devemos dejarnos atropeyar.
Melanie on 12 Apr 2006 at 7:16 pm #
Wow, I would love to be just as beligerant as some of you out there, but like they say where I’m from, “Mejor que hay un pendejo que dos.” As far as Tex’s asinine comments, the issue here isn’t evolution. It’s political. Ignorance is not a virtue, honey, no matter what
you’ve been told. Y para mi raza. Vamos a ser que miran todos que sin nos otros no se pueden hacer nada. Si se puede! I love you all!! Yes, even you TEX!!
Danny on 12 Apr 2006 at 9:06 pm #
Leave mexicans alone. Carry on about your business and let everyone get their’s done.
And as for Aze’s comment.. right on the money!! For you Chris… go watch some
cartoons or something instead of posting comments with no grounds.
Mariana on 12 Apr 2006 at 9:21 pm #
I live in the Quad Cities. In Illinois. Not that many people know of this. I want to help spread the word.
Pleas help me someway. any way u can.
Greg on 12 Apr 2006 at 9:23 pm #
I was born in Seattle, WA. I’m white, I’ve lived and worked here all my life. I’ve flipped burgers, picked apples, worked in a crab cannery, drove a farm truck, worked as a steel worker, wood worker, carpenter and machinist. I’ve retired and spend my days in chronic pain from arthritis. I’ve lived in my car or a camping trailer for years. Now I havew a small home. I’ve done my time as a voluteer firefighter, an EMT and served in the military. I don’t know who all these lazy white people are, I haven’t met many. If you are here to work, there is plenty of it, and I’m glad you’re here to help. If you are here to sell drugs, start a war or live off the government, who needs you?
Dan on 13 Apr 2006 at 4:59 am #
What do you think shutting down the LA port will accomplish aside from showing Americans that the illegals don’t care if they disrupt American society? If you ask me that’s just one more reason to get rid of illegals.
Liza Chaplin on 13 Apr 2006 at 6:34 am #
Lazy American’s? Who do you all think built this country? It was a wooded untamed land in the 1600’s. The independence came in 1776. In 230 years this nation has been built by hard working American’s. How long have you all sat in Mexico and not built it to an economic power and yet you say you have built this country. I believe you may have all been eating loco weed if you are deluded enough to believe that. Fact is……..it is offensive to hard working American’s to see you all wave Mexican flags in the streets claiming this is your country because you slipped across the border illegally. It is offensive to see militant Mexican’s claim California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, etc. as Atzlan. Where do you get the nerve. Do you think any natural born American will welcome you with those attitudes? Do American’s hate you? Not hardly, what we despise is the ARROGANCE of an indigent people that we feed we food stamps, provide medical care for at our expense in health departments and emergency rooms, educate at our expense in schools, provide food stamps for at our expense…….while you all cry MEXICO. This is NOT Mexico and never will be. Hard earned American taxpayers dollars are providing all this subsistance to and for you and you insult us with your chants and flying a foreign flag on our soil. You have been here for years and no one has insulted you. American’s built this country just fine without your help and if you continue to insult…we will continue to build it without your help.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 6:39 am #
I live in TX and a day without latinos means that the rest of the employees working that day will speak ENGLISH the language of America. I dont have issues with latinos. But illegals come here and do not assimilate into our culture. They dont learn the language and they take their money back to Mexico. That money staying here, being spent in US stores would offset the cost of lettuce prices without their cheap labor.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 6:53 am #
Greg,
What about the people here (legally and natural born) that already do that. I know my welfare office is full, and last I heard, you need to have a social security number to get any kind of public welfare. I do believe that you’re right about one thing. There is plenty of work, the problem, there’s no one that wants to do it. I don’t believe that any race is lazier than the other, I think that we as Americans are spoiled, but that’s neither here nor there.
Bob on 13 Apr 2006 at 7:56 am #
Say what, strikers shut down factories and ports all the time, why would a port strike now be any different? Striking is quite legal.
Something many of you are missing. The immigrant rights movement is supported by many who are citizens or who are here legally. Thet includes the truckers at the port of L.A.
txredneck. If Latinos don’t assimilate, why does Texas have such a strong cultural influence from them? Ditto for California.
Maybe you should go to a bar, have a Dos Equus and a taco, listen to some norteno, and think about it.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 8:09 am #
Bob,
I have lived here my whole life. Most of my friends are latino and legal. Most of them are of the same mindset as me. Illegal is just that, Illegal. I love the Mexican culture. Dated a few latino ladies who were legal. Go to church with legal latinos. Work with legal latinos. My boss is a latino. The CEO of our company is a latino and legal US citizen. All of them great people. I have thought about it. Work here and do it legally. Get the papers then cross the border. Dont cross illegally with your pregnant wife or girlfriend and have your anchor babies… I understand the people of Mexico wanting to come here and make better money here at what we call slave wages because your country that you proudly wave your Mexican of is a shithole and corrupt. Its not my fault. Its also not a reason to break our laws….. Fix your own country before trying to change ours.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 9:04 am #
txredneck,
Why would Mexico fix its own country if that’s what the US does so well….IRAQ…. Now you yourself said that they don’t have a high school education. Well the number of “educated†from our side look pretty damn good, yet our voter turnout is so low. So if we’re educated and don’t vote, what does that say about Mexico. Oh and FYI I will fly what ever flag I choose, at my discretion. Yeah I think it’s called my God given right. You make some valid points. I think that those that work here should put back into our economy what they take, taxes and all, and incase you missed it txredneck, that’s what this is all about. Making them legal, and giving them the means in which they can file taxes, work, and support their selves legally. There was a march here in Austin on Monday and there was a man with his daughter. She was wearing the standard “Si se puede†shirt and on the back it said “My daddy’s an Irish immigrant.†Brought a tear to my eye!! There are more than Latinos to consider here. Our wonderful country was founded on the premise that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 9:16 am #
Mariana,
Knowledge is power. Spread the word; tell all your friends and family. You can take part in this too. If you tell one person, they will tell two, and so on. We need to all do our parts. I have printed up some 600+ flyers that I will pass out around my town (predominantly white) and in the town where my children attend school. (also predominantly white and racist) So, I’m very exited.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 9:18 am #
Melanie
Im all for immigration. But the illegals here now and crossing sneaking today, tomorrow are asking to change the law for them since they broke teh law and are already here. There are countless people in Asia, Africa, Irland, etc… waiting for their papers who didnt cheat and sneak across the border here. They will haev to wait. There is a legal process and the illegals latino or other that needs to be followed. I cant just rob people and say I deserve it because I work for cheap because Im uneducated. I know many immigrants to this country. I work in the high tech industry and we employ hundreds of immigrants. They followed the laws and got the dream. They are an asset to the company. They didnt sneak over here and march. Anyone who is not a fellon can become a citizen here. Illegals just dont want to go through the wait.
Davey Crockett on 13 Apr 2006 at 9:28 am #
Mexican Free Day! Wow, sounds great! Please consider extending it to Mexican Free Week, Month and Year ASAP! In fact, all of you could just walk back across the border the same way you came in!
Liza Chaplin on 13 Apr 2006 at 10:30 am #
>>>>>>I understand the people of Mexico wanting to come here and make better money here at what we call slave wages because your country that you proudly wave your Mexican of is a shithole and corrupt. Its not my fault. Its also not a reason to break our laws….. Fix your own country before trying to changeours.
Arkie on 13 Apr 2006 at 10:33 am #
The “Day without Latinos†is going to be great, get them the all in a few select spots and start loading the trucks for the border. Do not worry, there are plenty of willing hands to take on your burdens here, I know that in the construction industry there are plenty of citizens that have lost there jobs because of their wages being undercut by cheap illegal labour.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 12:27 pm #
txredneck,
1984 huh? Well what do you think is happening here? Wire taps and all. What’s next the great witch hunts of Salem? But that’s another topic. If we let go of our culture, and heritage what remains? I’m a citizen, and I love this country. I know where my loyalties lie; I also know the difference between right and wrong. I don’t think that this should be a bilingual country, but I reserve the right to speak which ever of the 6 languages I know. Who said anything about changing the “national” language anyway? My children know where their roots lie and their damn proud too. Don’t most “White/Irish” people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Why, it’s not an “American†holiday. I mean there isn’t a whole lot that’s native to the US. Most holidays are brought over here from other places, and then cherished by the masses? I mean do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? My heritage doesn’t come from those that fought in the British/American war, yet every year I pop fireworks on the 4th of July. Now I do this because I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. There is nothing wrong with being multicultural, aren’t we already, or is it that we’re trying to deviate from the “rich, white, lawyer/businessman†persona that scares the crap out of the powers that be? Can you not see that if we get “rid†of all the illegals it would have a profound effect on our country? Or can you, as most, bury your head in the sand and believe that it will all be fine? Lamm should re-read 1984 because if I’m not mistaken he just participated in what Orwell calls doublethink, not to mention doublespeak. Furthermore, democracy has been long gone, and I’m not too sure if it ever existed what with special interest groups and all. Not all that glitters is gold, and not all that’s said, written, sung etc. is believable, but that’s what makes this country grand: We have the right to express what we think, as long as you know who you’re expressing it to!!! Do you honestly think that it’s that easy? You just fill out some papers and boom! you have a legal way to get here. It takes money, and without that you’ll never get hree. It takes obscene amounts of money to get here in a “sneaky” manor too! That’s why their here.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 12:33 pm #
Liza Chaplin,
WHAT!!!
Tex,
You’re something else, and that wasn’t a compliment.
Arkie,
Send me one of those hardworking people please. I can’t seem to find anyone that wants to work over here. I’m in Austin Texas. Hell I’ll tell you what have them meet me in Oak Hill at the Gatti Town and I’ll not only provide them with a job, I can also provide them with a place to rent. At just $25 a week, I think that’s fair, oh yeah and all bills paid. I’ll be waiting. Oh by the way I own a roofing company, so I hope they have some kind of experience.
Liza Chaplin on 13 Apr 2006 at 1:05 pm #
Produce Logic,
Have you lost your mind?? This is what you said……..”TO ALL MY LATINO BROTHERS AND SISTERS OUT THERE–
Hear all these inflammatory, pseudo-intellectual, racist remarks against you?? This is a good sign, not a bad one. You got ‘em running, and their scared. Let’s all KEEP UP the protests, marches and boycotts. Keep the pressure on them. The dominant culture is simply growing impatient and insecure since they can no longer smuggly assume their place of cultural/psychological dominance in the U.S.. Simply put, the U.S. is no longer mirroring THEIR image, and that’s really what’s at the bottom of all the displaced discontent here.”
Liza Chaplin on 13 Apr 2006 at 1:08 pm #
No, you are not mirroring our image. WE don’t go to a guest country and tell them to get out. We don’t wave flags from other countries here. We don’t go to other countries and tell them it is our country and for them to leave. What in fact all that arrogance and ignorance is doing is making American’s ANGRY as badgers.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 1:10 pm #
Melanie,
1984… Its here and I know it. I will not argue with you about our current gov and its illegal wiretaps etc.. I will tell you im not happy with the current gov situation… We can agree on that.
Im not asking the latinos to give up their culture. Im asking them to learn english. I mean this is America and our national language is english. Speak spanish to other spanish speaking people and speak english to me and other non-spanish speaking americans. I told you im from TX and enjoy the latino culture. I even respect some of it.
Im not asking you to stop celebrating your culture either. I have been to San Antonio riverwalk on many latino holidays and enjoyed myself.
You are going to see this your way, that your people deserve the right to break our laws.
Im going to see it my way, that you cannot break our laws. Its not about if the President can so can we. One wrong does not justify another. That is foolish thinking on your part.
I understand that working hard for minimum wage here is a giant step up for illegals from Mexico. Its a better life for them.
Im not wanting to take that away if they follow procedure and get documented and tracked. Your people like americans are not ALL angels. (Rape, Murder, Stealing, Drugs etc…) We need security and knowing who is here and tracking guest workers is needed.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 1:24 pm #
txredneck,
That’s what this is all about. Granting AMNESTY so that your idea is possible. I think you misunderstood what I was saying(or I didn’t make my thoughts clear). I don’t think it should continue, I think that the ones that are here should remain. I don’t think that it should be permitted to continue. There are ways of going about things, laws etc., but I’m talking about the here and now. You posted a speech given by Lamm, that said to destroy America make it bicultural. That’s what I was taking about, it’s already multicultural. Don’t you think for a minute that the people here that speak Spanish want to learn English. Try to learn Spanish with no one to teach you, it’s not easy. I guess that’s why their money goes to a program that costs obscene amounts of money, so that they can learn English. Have you ever heard of Engles sin barreras? Are you sure it’s a lack of want to learn English, or a lack of resources? Besides I know plenty of Americans that after years of public school, still can’t speak English.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 1:37 pm #
No misunderstanding. Im Against amnesty. I realize you cant deport 12 million plus people. Im for a true guest worker program without amnesty. I feel like many that they need to wait in line like the rest of the world that is waiting through the process. Not cut in line and get special deal because they broke our law and made it here. That is a slap in the face to others waiting for papers. I do agree the immigration process should be make easier and maybe cost less, but let the people who have been waiting and filed first in first. You have to understand that…
They can still work here, get social services and pay taxes. And as long as they decide to fill out papers for citizenship and wait they can have it. But that is just for the ones here. Like I said ealier today as I write this and tomorrow thousands maybe even hunders of thousands will sneak over here illigally hoping they can get amnesty cheating the others who have waited out of their papers.
And I believe that a guest worked program without amnesty is the best compromise you will get from grass roots americans like myself. But I feel that the politicians will crater and give amnesty anyway.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 1:47 pm #
Melanie
We need a way to stop the continued flow of illegal workers into the US. I think 12 million plus workers here already is enough. Im for the wall on the border with electronic surveilence along with stiff fines for companies who hire illegals. We MUST stop the flow.
Please dont take this as racist. I do not advocate killing all brown people who dont speak english. As far as you saying they want to learn english, living in Texas my whole life I can tell you I have tried to speak many time to a latino only to be told no speaka englas… Then I hear them later speaking english to someone else. That shit pisses me off.
Mr Bonk on 13 Apr 2006 at 5:00 pm #
Its pretty amazing people cannot seperate the diffrence between legal and illegal
immigrants .
I do not care where you come from or what color you are but come legally
I am tired of being labeled a bigot just because i think people should obey the
law , and jump in front of many other deserving people to get in this country
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 5:08 pm #
txredneck,
Please don’t take this wrong, but maybe they didn’t want to talk to you. This is not sarcastic at all just truthful. People call my house to sell me this that and the other, and boy does that Spanish come in handy, and when they call my house and talk to me in Spanish, the English I spoke growing up pays off too. You see kinda like when they call your house, and by some miricle you’re not there, it pays off. I can understand why it would piss you off, but not every English speaking person makes me happy either. Now I just feel like I’m nit picking. I do apologize, but like you said. You will see it your way and I, mine. It’s been nice having someone very intelligent to debate with vs. the other sad-ass “blog-ers.” And for this, I thank you.
Charles Gaynor on 13 Apr 2006 at 5:53 pm #
I’ve read many of these posts and don’t get it - many of them seem to be saying that Americans don’t want immigrants here and we’re trying to get them to leave.
That’s propoganda and incorrect.
Our problem (my problem) is with people here illegally.
who are they and what are they doing?
I also want a safe and secure nation. I want my ports and borders secure. That’s it.
Secure my borders and find illegal people here and why they are here.
It’s embarassing that so many Mexicans are so proud to have escaped from a country that doesn’t want them there. The Mexican Government has published ways to sneak into America. Why is that? Is that an admittance that they can’t feed or educate their citizens and prefer them to leave rather than provide for it’s own people?
Is that an admittance that they want only to serve those that have and get rid of those that don’t?
How can anyone be proud of a country that doesn’t want them? That shows pictures every day of thousands doing everything they can to escape?
This is a nation those illegals are proud of?
The why oh why don’t they stay in Mexico and protest there?
Make demands there?
Show their patriotism - there?
No - immigrants are welcome.
Law abiding immigrants, that is, from anywhere in the world. From EVERYWHERE in the world!
Want to make a statement and shut down my nation to force me to agree to give someone citizenship?
It’ll never happen.
Ever.
Show me that kind of determination in the country you escaped from. protest there, make that government responsive to the needs of its citizens there - then apply for citizenship here. That’s the kind of people I want emigrating here, those who can think clearly and are willing to stand up for their beliefs in their homeland, not break laws and expect the same reception as the others I described.
txredneck on 13 Apr 2006 at 5:54 pm #
Melanie
No offense taken.
I would love to see the people of Mexico stand up and unite to fix some of the issues there. I feel sorry that a country with such abundant resources is a third world country because of its corrupt government.
Bob on 13 Apr 2006 at 6:31 pm #
People don’t want to leave their home countries. However, often they are forced to. The neoliberal economic policies of the U.S. that deliberately bankrupt poorer nations are a prime reason why this happens.
Read up on how the WTO and World Bank force loans upon desperate countries, mandating privatization and “reforms.” Then the greedheads swoop in, rape the country, then leave for someplace else where the labor is even cheaper and more exploitable. That they leave the local economies in ruins is of no concern to them.
US government is plenty corrupt too, or have you never heard of Jack Abramoff, just one extreme example of how our own system is awash in kickbacks, bribes, and corruption.
Melanie on 13 Apr 2006 at 7:05 pm #
AMEN Bob!!
sofia on 13 Apr 2006 at 11:50 pm #
I would like to said I love spanish peopple
sofia on 13 Apr 2006 at 11:53 pm #
Please do somethign about alaskan inmigrantes if do u helped me I will be work in this matter
meztoa on 14 Apr 2006 at 6:24 am #
If Illegal immigrants are granted amnisty, then i wish them good luck continuing to do the “jobs that
Americans won’t do”.
I for one would love to see the look on the face of that new American when he sees
at the aprox. 40% of his paycheck left over after actually paying taxes and social security.
Then figures out that he/she no longer qualifies for free health care, and must contribute even more
to a HMO plan to receive any medical benefits.
So I say good luck to you
I hope you get what you want.
Uncle Sam is Waiting my Friends!!
son of immigrants on 14 Apr 2006 at 8:42 am #
What we have is an economic reality - extreme poverty, lack of opportunity in one country, and a need for workers in the other - which is not recognized in our
political or legal reality.
As a result, people are forced to do things that break the existing laws in order to live a decent life. Rather than further criminalizing these people, it’s time
that we recognize the problem and take steps to address and correct it.
Economic and political action to bring attention to an economic and
political problem makes sense. If successful, it should serve as a wake
up call that these immigrants are an integral part of our society and
need to be treated as such. Then maybe we can get around to actually
taking steps to address the issue.
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 8:44 am #
I have worked construction before when I wan younger. I remember the guy I worked for who was a roofer could not win any bids. You want to know why, its not that he didnt have any american workers (like me), it was because he could not underbid the guys with illegal workers while he paid his legal workers a fair wage. The jobs the illegals do are not offered to legal people because they wont work at the pay the illegals will. And when the illegals become eligible to work here and pay taxes they wont work for those same wages either. Then the companies just wont hire the newly created eligible workers and will seek illegal workers again.
Bob on 14 Apr 2006 at 9:01 am #
Same thing happens here in LA with building contractors. They pick up cheap labor at Home Depot.
The laws aren’t enforced on employers. It’s hypocritical and exploitative.
When I worked the West Texas oil fields in the mid 70’s, most of the roustabout work was done by Mexicans. No one asked much or cared if their ID was legit or not.
However, lots of undocumented workers hold white collar jobs, it’s a mistake to say they only do manual labor.
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 9:29 am #
So its not an issue of having workers to do the jobs no american workers will do. I cant compete against a guy willing to work for for 30 a day. The law does not allow me to do so if I wanted to. I have to worry about the IRS.
1. Fine the companies who hire them and make the fines stick.
2. Put up a wall and monitor it.
3. Create a guest worker program without amnesty.
4. Create a national sales tax so everyone pays the tax even illegals who dont get caught. Then employers wont have to match the tax and more incentive will be there to hire legal workers.
5. If an baby is born here from non US citizens the baby is not a citizen. NO more anchor babies.
I welcome all imigrants from all over the world who come here by going through the natralization process. Im actually going to lunch with my coworker and friend from Korea who is now a citizen. He got a work visa and became a legal US citizen.
cricket207 on 14 Apr 2006 at 9:45 am #
I’m tired of employees coming in with changed social
security numbers and names. Then SS wants verification,
cuz it doesn’t match their files. But nothing is done
about it. Now we have noticed the signatures don’t match.
And how about how both spouses claim 8 deductions each—
How about the female claims they are not
married to get medicaid for themselves and their
children. How about the use of ER as the drs. office.
How about the groups that aid them in learning how to
get around the system.
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 10:53 am #
It should be, A Day Without Illegal Immigrants.
No one has a problem with the legal immigrants.
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 11:06 am #
The comments above were from another forum.. Sorry didnt mean to post them here. I cannot edit it either. I only meant to post the last part.
“In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man’s becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile…We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.â€Â
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Bob on 14 Apr 2006 at 11:15 am #
Irish and Italian immigrants around the 1900’s suffered serious dicrimination, signs in NYC used to say “No Irish allowed.” And lots of them sent money back home too.
Are you actually saying there’s no racism against Latinos?
Arkie on 14 Apr 2006 at 11:33 am #
Yes you can deport 12 million people, it will not be easy but it is do do able. Remember, we have a LAND border with Mexico, and as most of the illegals came through Mexico just send them back there. Let them take care of the latin brothers and sisters.
Bob on 14 Apr 2006 at 12:28 pm #
Good idea! Then all the crops in California will rot, the meat processing industry will grind to a halt, oil field maintenance will slow down…
And that’s not even considering all the undocumented who have white collar jobs.
ZoneMom on 14 Apr 2006 at 12:34 pm #
What is wrong with my fellow Americans??? I’m sitting here reading these posts about ‘anchor babies” … anyone born on American soil … is an American. Do all of you that oppose immigration reform honestly believe that you miraculously appeared in the U.S.?
This country was started on the hopes and the dreams of immigrants from all walks of life, have you forgotten that? And why is it that we can live with Mexicans … but we don’t want them to have rights? It’s okay if they’re here, it’s okay if they work but God forbid the day that these people can really live like human beings. God forbid the day they have any rights! God forbid the day they can legally drive!
I support immigration reform and I believe that Mexicans have earned the right to freedom in our country. It’s a win-win situation all the way. Mexicans are here now because everyone sat on their fat duffs, knowing about the border problems since day one and now everyone just wants to sit on their fat duffs and complain … I’ll be marching on May 1st and showing my support as an American. My government will know that I support reform because it’s fair and it’s right.
So, for all of you that believe your day will be better on May 1st, you’ll be able to shop without looking at ‘illegal immigrants’ … you guys go ahead and spend money at retail stores that aren’t even owned by Americans, sit at home and watch your t.v., sit back and type away on message boards. Go ahead, stay out of it and accept my gratitude, thanks!!
Your lack of involvement is part of what has led to the problems today.
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 5:01 pm #
Zonemom,
Nothing wrong with this fellow American. Anchor babies are a loophole that the illegals use to get here and bypass the legal system and get free healthcare and social services. It cost about $10K to have that baby at legal citizen taxpayers expense. All that for people with a total disregard for our laws. They did not earn the use of those services and yet we pay. What is wrong with my fellow Americans that stand up for 12 million law breakers. A country where my son cant wear a shirt with the american flag so he doesnt make a Latino kid angry.. That is total BS. But the Latino kid can wear his flag and throw it in my son face and call him a racist biggot.
http://www.send-a-brick.com
sir_quetzalcoatl on 14 Apr 2006 at 5:42 pm #
well any way you all can go out usa and leave it to the americans .. yep
the real ones no those who come from europe .. native americans.. you steal
from them that is a crime not those new imigrants
Ill be there on 14 Apr 2006 at 6:00 pm #
How nice..a country who spend years in talks to bring down the
Berlin Wall in the name of “Democracy” and now they want to build a
wall in their own backyard? GMFB!!!
How about a wall between Canada and USA? or is that this government is so naive that they think illegal imigrants only come throught Mexico?
Lets support ALL imigrants on May 1st!
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 6:50 pm #
I will support all LEGAL imigrant all year long not just one day.
If Latinos didnt break the laws by the millions the US would not need to build a wall. Your right it is sad what we have to do to secure our borders to stop the flow of illegals.
http://www.send-a-brick.com
txredneck on 14 Apr 2006 at 6:58 pm #
If history is any guide, it will hurt the US. Look at the ‘86 Amnesty. It forgave the 2.7 million illegals (that’s right, up to that point, there were only 2.7 million) in the US, and sent the signal to the world that if you break American immigration laws, you’ll be rewarded for it. Net result: Illegals are coming here in droves, secure in the knowledge that if they get here, sooner or later we’ll forgive them for it. Prior to 1986: 2.7 illegals total. Post ‘86: Over 11 million in 20 years. It completely undermines our ability to control our borders, and spits in the face of everybody that tries to get here legally.
http://www.send-a-brick.com
US BORN MEXICAN HEART on 14 Apr 2006 at 8:53 pm #
FOUND THIS ONLINE
The 4,000 mile long U.S. / Canadian border has been described as the longest undefended border in the world.
Relations with the government of Canada remain cordial. Canadian citizens can cross into the U.S. at will, traveling and vacationing without an official visa. Even living and working in the U.S. poses little problem for the Canadian citizen; visa requirements are very lenient for our “harmless” brothers and sisters to the north.
Anyone familiar with Canadian immigration policy will tell you that Canada is an immigrant haven and one especially desirable for those seeking some form of asylum. Permanent resident status in Canada is easy to obtain even for individuals from countries strongly suspected of supporting organized terrorism
AND THESE RED BLOODED AMERICANS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE US AND MEXICO BORDER
ALL MY FAMILY CAME HERE IS FOR A BETER LIFE
WHILE THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE SOUTH OF THE BORDER OTHER COUNTRIES ARE COMING IN FROM THE NORTH AND ITS
NOT THE HISPANIC COUNTRIES
US BORN MEXICAN HEART on 14 Apr 2006 at 9:12 pm #
!!!!! ALL MY LATINOS BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!!!!!
LETS NOT WORK ON MAY FIRST. IF YOUR ARE OF HIPANIC DESENT LETS NOT FORGET OUR ROOTS. BLACK PEOPLE ALWAYS HAD TO FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS AND LOOK HOW FAR THEY HAVE GONE. NOW ITS OUR TURN TO FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS. FOR THE MEXICANOS THAT ARE HERE LEAGALLY NOW DONT FORGET YOUR STRUGLE TO GET THERE. ITS TIME THAT WE START CARING FOR OUR PEOPLE. NO LATINO WILL BE LEFT BEHIND LET THEM CALL US WHAT THEY WANT BUT WE KNOW WHO WE ARE. AND WHERE WE COME FROM.
LETS MAKE OUR ANCESTORS PROUD LETS MAKE CHAVES PROUD. SO WAVE YOUR COUNTRIES FLAG ALONG WITH THE US FLAG BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO STAY.
QUE !!!! VIVA MEXICO!!!! Y TODOS LOS LATINOS
ZoneMom on 15 Apr 2006 at 12:59 am #
I came back to see how the posting is coming along over here and I’m thrilled to see some support for immigration reform!
Oh, another comment about “anchor babies”:
If anyone can tell me just how a Mexican woman, in the U.S. illegally can get medicaid to pay for the birth of her baby … please do tell because I know three women that could greatly benefit from that program! Sure beats the hell out of paying for crack addicts to give birth to children that will be addicted at birth and worse, die. Not to mention the prostitutes around the country walking around with HIV, delivering babies that have little chance of survival. How ironic is that?
Furthermore, you tell me why a Mexican woman, in the U.S. illegally with her husband that works 60 hours a week, a man that has state and federal taxes deducted from his paycheck every week just like American men … shouldn’t be entitled to medicaid benefits if their income meets the criteria?
Those of you that oppose the movement may as well get used to it because when it comes down to it … Mexicans are a HUGE part of America and without them, our countries economy would bust wide open like a fresh mortar on the 4th of July. Congress will do the right thing, reform will happen and finally, Mexicans will get the rights they deserve.
For every Mexican in this country (an estimated 12 million), there’s at least one American behind each of them, how can more than 24 million people be wrong?
Ill be there on 15 Apr 2006 at 3:13 pm #
The fact that Mexicans leads the statistics of illegal imigrants doesn’t mean they are the only illegal imigrants in this country! you guys talk and talk about the Mexicans but how about the the rest? I mean what’s good for the goose is good for the gander they say..
so lets not lose sight of the main problem which is ILLEGAL IMIGRANTS REGARLESS OF THE COUNTRY THEY COME FROM!
STOP THE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MEXICANS!
Ill be there on 15 Apr 2006 at 5:03 pm #
Oh please I saw a group of whites burning Mexicans flags on TV just because they were against the march.. now thats beyond discrimination thats very disrespectful!
Bob on 16 Apr 2006 at 7:06 pm #
Your posts, and others, were removed because they were deliberately nasty, borderline racist, and bring nothing.
You want comments, start your own blog.
(ERES) GOD OF WAR on 17 Apr 2006 at 2:43 pm #
THIS LAND IS MY LAND
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND
THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR YOU AND ME
STOP THE HATE! STOP THE HATE!
LOVE YOUR NIEGHBOR!
whatever guy on 17 Apr 2006 at 3:47 pm #
I guess if you guys want your cause to do well, thats cool. I think its great that you people have repect for your “roots” and whatnot. What iI think anyway, is that there are many other people that are trying so hard to become a legal immigrant, and spending lots of money doing so. Then i look at the latinos, mexicans, hispanic, etc. whatever you prefer comming into american by the truckload. The fact is that, its not fair to people, and its not fair that you blame us for saying this because of racial prejudice………thats just looking at the situation from one side..and i have looked at the situation from your point of view as well, and it does seem like people will notice, and that our country does thrive onn hard working people such as yourselves. but then there are the lazy ones, who don’t try as hard as alot of people, and skid by in life by using your argument as if it was their own….and that is not right in MY EYES….. anyway, have your protest and see how angry you will make the government, but it is very seldom protests get their way….and i heavily doubt that you people will get your way….please do not play the race card on me…i have heard it all before, so don’t even try
yours truly,
annoyed texan
chica on 17 Apr 2006 at 3:55 pm #
What the heck Txredneck? WHATS YOUR PROMBLEM YOU MAKE NO SENSE AT ALL. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT AN ILLEGAL HAS TO GO THROUGH. IF AMERICA REALLY WANTED TO GET RID OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT A LONG TIME AGO. BUT THEY DIDN’T. NOW THEY ARE JUST COMPLAINING. yOU SAID THA YOU AREN’T ASKING FOR MUCH JUST TO GIVE UP OUR CULTURE??? WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? OUR CULTURE IS WHAT FORMS THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. STOP HATING AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR LIKE (ERES) SAID.
chica on 17 Apr 2006 at 4:41 pm #
I agree with “i’ll be there” about the flag i saw that
too. Burning a THE MEXICON FLAG ON T.V. THATS LIKE
SPITTING IN MYFACE AND SAYING ITS OK. Although we dont
agree with every thing the government WE DON’T GO
AROUND BURNING AMERICAN FLAGS.
Esteban Prado on 18 Apr 2006 at 8:06 am #
I want to what cities will be holding protest in the south. As one of the most
racist parts of the country, it would show that us Latinos are not afraid to let
everyone know what we demand.
Keely on 18 Apr 2006 at 9:11 am #
Hey I really want to participate
in this. I want to spread the word to everyone! Can
someone let me know where I would go or tell people to
go in Las Vegas. My e-mail is justamir4thesun@aol.com.
Bob on 18 Apr 2006 at 9:18 am #
For those who are asking about May 1 actions in their area, check these websites.
No HR4337
http://www.nohr4437.org/
Immigrant Solidarity
http://www.immigrantsolidarity.org/
ELIZA on 18 Apr 2006 at 12:03 pm #
LATINOS WILL MAKE HISTORY ON MAY 1ST. WE ARE THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE!! AND WE
WILL FINALLY SHOW ALL AMERICANS THE POWER WE HAVE IN THE NATION! YOU WILL SEE!!!
AFTER MAY 1ST, THEY WILL BE REMINDED THAT WE’RE NOT JUST WORKING MACHINES, WE’RE
HUMAN BEINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maria on 18 Apr 2006 at 2:07 pm #
Well, go and don’t work on May 1st, just to prove right the stereotype of the lazy latino…
I don’t know about the rest of Latin America, but in Costa Rica an e-mail asking to the rest of Latin America to boicot US products on May 1st, by not shopping for any US brands (including fast food!) is circulating a lot… A way to support the May 1st “no latino day”
Any comments? I really think nothing good can come up of that kind of manifestation, only proves immigrants can be dangerous.
Politics in the Zeros»Blog Archive » May 1 buzz on 18 Apr 2006 at 8:55 pm #
[...] From comments here on the May 1 boycott - I am in charge of importing ocean containers,and the buzz around the ports of Los Angeles, CA is great. All of the Mexican truckers and port employees are not showing up. [...]
BETTINA on 19 Apr 2006 at 2:54 pm #
IM LATINA FUCK THOSE PEOPLE THAT R HATERS FUCK THE LAW MY PEOPLE CAME 2 WORK NOT 2 BOMB THE U.S.
Holly on 19 Apr 2006 at 7:39 pm #
We have many hispanic employees and we value them. They produce a lot of hard work and many have been very loyal employee’s. I understand both sides of this but the fact remains that we need each other. We need our works and we depend on them - as they depend on us. I will respect them if they show up or don’t show up.
Ill be there on 20 Apr 2006 at 11:17 am #
Too little, too late to start “enforcing” the law now.. You cant deport over
20 million of illegal imigrants overnight! Much less if the companies who
employed them are not willing to pay LEGAL WAGES TO LEGAL PPL!
Is not the illegal imigrants the problem, its the companies who hire them
and the government who doesnt do nothing to stop it! Of course is not convenient for the government either.. the IRS can’t lose to continue charging interest from all those unclamined “tax refunds”…over $200 millions!
san francisco on 20 Apr 2006 at 4:44 pm #
I’m getting tired of reading about this issue because it’s not just a
“latin thing” it’s a worldwide thing (because people come to the US from all
over the world). Why is it that the latin people think that this is all about
them and that the rest of the world should feel sorry? I just don’t get it.
Do you have any idea whatsoever how the Mexican Government treats illegals. For
Example: You being a US citizen (no matter what the color of your skin is),
decides to relocate to Mexico and you only speak english. You, being an illegal
would not get the same rights or privileges as the Mexican citizens; you would
take low priority. AND, don’t you think that since you now live in Mexico you
now have to read, write, and speak spanish.
Also, the majority of those that to work and earn a honest living to work hard.
Since apparently May 1st is “A day without latinos”, May 2nd can be “a day without
italians, May 3rd can be “a day without puerto ricans”, May 4th can be “a day
without french”, May 5th can be “a day without hawaiians, May 6th can be “a day
with japanese”, etc., etc., etc.
mek on 20 Apr 2006 at 6:53 pm #
So you know how everyone keeps saying that the immigrants do the jobs that Americans dont want to do - and for that they want the privelege of becoming American…….. well, if they become Americans ……… will they still be willing to do those jobs??????
Marta on 20 Apr 2006 at 9:02 pm #
Very silly. I’m a LEGAL immigrant. I did things the way they must be done and I find it very unfair that those people who have sneaked into the country illegally will get their residence and their citizenship offered on a silver tray. It’s not fair for those of us who have done things the right way!!!! I oppose that stupid protest and those of you who are legally in the US should too!!!.
Lisa on 21 Apr 2006 at 7:26 am #
“Thank you Marta” (said Tex) … for what? Immigration laws change all the time and in the past ten years or so (since 96) it’s increasingly harder to do things the right way, especially for someone with limited funds. The requirements are just a bunch of red tape!
Anyway, Mexicans in my area are questioning the May 1st action saying that they don’t want to punish their employers or keep their children out of school. They are looking at other ways to make an impact. In a way I see what they mean because if they don’t go to work on May 1st … who’s their absence truly hurting?
Their employer because many work for small companies, companies that have been good to them and companies that will lose a day of profit if they strike. All children need to go to school too, we shouldn’t allow them to get mixed up in the chaos we have right now … let them get their education.
In the meantime … 21 of our Mexican neighbors were taken on Wednesday as a part of the crackdown on a huge pallet maker. This pallet maker had a site in my town as well as another one just about 20 miles away, I’m not sure how many were taken from that company.
My husband is going through the motions of immigration currently but least I forget he did enter illegally some 11 years ago. Even though my husband has his applications in, our kids are worried beyond belief and so am I. My Mom says it’s horrible to live in fear but I’m not afraid … just worried.
I’m worried because Americans are so divided when it comes to Mexicans and immigration, so divided that I don’t see us being able to come together to work out an alternative … that is scary.
I will continue to pray for our country and that the issues at hand will be handled in a humanitary manner … also that American’s will remember our ancestors that came from so m any places with a dream in their hearts to live a better life. God bless everyone!
Isabel on 21 Apr 2006 at 12:37 pm #
I came to this country when I was 13yrs old, luckily with a visotors visa, my parents decide d to stay and make a better life for my 3 younger brothers and me. As a kid we didn’t have a choice, I definetly know it was for the best. I graduated high school, had very good grades and was offered different scholarship, but I couldn’t take them because of my legal status. It was really hard, my life is here, family, friends and I couldn’t just leave all of the sudden to my own country, because this was all I ever really knew. My Life is here, after 16 years in this country, I can proudly say, I became an American Citizen by all the laws. But I have been as American in my heart, seem I have been saying that Appleague Alligeance to this Beatiful Flag. I know there are many kids that graduate High School every year in the same situation as me. They could become doctor, lawyers, etc. But they are stuck with nowhere to go.
It’s sad to hear all this about Hispanics and Mexicans, When I don’t know who gave them the importants to label us as Mexicans mainly and by the way the Hispanic was a name the anglo gave us. We are not Mexicans or hispanics, first of all its LATINOS! and second its not just about Latinos, its about IMMIGRANT OF ALL, they all need to take a stand with us LATINOS and march with us, side by side. Make a Stand Too!!!
I still agree with taking care of our borders, so defenetly not just anybody will walk in, and at the same time avoid more deaths, every single country in the world deals with illegal alien. An amnesty will definetly help both sides. But doesn’t need to cover everyone either, a person who has been living in this country for 7-10 yrs has already set roots here and there is no way there are going to leave, so dream on for the ones that don’t like that Idea. Never is going to happen. This protest marches mainly is letting the people in goverment know that Immigrant want to do it right, stablish a status with this goverment. And if they do, then most likely you more chances of coming across a legal immigrant with documents that don’t take less pay for a job and that do have a drivers license.
Most immigrant still pay taxes to Irs, because they don’t get paid cash, at the end of the year they don’t get a refund of what they have paid. Why do you think IRS doesn’t cares do help Immigration. Gosh, well they are cashing in pretty good to me. That should be able to cover those rediculouses claims of our tax payers money going to provide health care for illegals. No, but I guess with don’t mind paying the medical bills for insurgents(Homeless people).
Latinos are not the ones complaining about saying under God, because whatever religion they are, most of them believe in God. And neither are we the ones complaning about the american flag being raise. And most of all we weren’t the ones who brought the Twin Towers down.
Its extremly ridiculously when people say, oh I have nothing against Latinos! but actually you do, because you just look at our features and skin color. If we were Europeans would you be able to tell us apart.
For Mexicans the war back in who knows when over the land on the west of the US. Was over many years ago, too bad whatever happen then, happen then. Its 2006. Native American Indian don’t go around whinning around what happen back in their days. Different times, different people. I believe we all came to this country to have better life. Make the best of it. Accomplish the American Dream, because we are in America. Love and respected as we respect our own. Im not saying forget yours, not at all. Always be Proud.
But we definetly didn’t want or could be in our countries for whatever reason, then don’t try to make this country be that one you left. If we are here is because we want to be Americans. We are as part of this country as anyone else.
Isabel on 21 Apr 2006 at 12:57 pm #
I might Ad, I do stand for the March on May 1th. Will see if we are not needed. Even thought I’m citizen. I do know the importants of making a stand for this. Too bad for the ingnorant the just open their mouth to talk and say stupidities. Like my stepfather use to say before you talk connect your tongue to your brain so you will make sense! Don’t just talk hate and waste your brain. Learn what this law is all about, inform yourself, about the cons and pros that this would bring to the US. and not just because you don’t like our skin color, their is majority of immigrant that contribute to the growth of this country and a minority that do give us a bad name. But what can we do?
And if you still don’t like us, well then too bad. You have two choices, live with it or why not, got back to your own ancestors country. HOw do you like that!
Immigrants are here to Stay!!!
Isabel on 21 Apr 2006 at 1:14 pm #
Hey Tex,
Really you should consider what I said above.
Connect to tongue to your brain, you might make sense!
Yes most Caucasiun households in america don’t have 5 kids, they have 6 or what will you call those mormons who came up with the idea of 6 wifes!
Oh that thing of 15 people contributing to make a business, yeah, actually that its called family union. Not scrue thy neighbor. Well, I’m not crazy about the Mexican president myself either. But a Latino President sounds great! And you might want to start to immigration process, cause they do take a while. Thanks that would be one less ingnorant in this country.
Bob on 21 Apr 2006 at 1:28 pm #
Ok everyone, tone it down a bit. No personal attacks… Thx.
Isabel on 21 Apr 2006 at 2:04 pm #
I don’t mean to offend, that’s not my type. My husband is caucasiun and I’m Costa Rican, I love my culture and definetely love the U.S. In all cultures we have our good sides and bad.
Definetly a wall on the border, it’s a waste of our tax money, but they do need to come up with more security. I understand that there should be a better way of dealing with this problem. But like I said above, the ones that already set roots, aren’t going anywhere, might us well stablish status. Maybe a punishment on extra fees and depending on the years they being here, I don’t think 5 yrs is enough 7-10 like it use to be while back sounds more resonable. It is unfair for the ones that have done it right from the beginnig. But life is not always fair. What can we do. I think this demostration should definetly be as peaceful as possible. And don’t wave your countries flag, is you want stablish status then proudly and respectfull wave the American, The real flag of immigrants. Because this is were we want to live. If people burn our flags here, then to bad they are ingnorant, there is no need to lower ourselves. We are making history like there ancestor did it back in the day, not all of them came here legally. Have we forgotten history.
In this movement we are not costa Latinos, european or asians. We are all Immigrants that become one. Like we say in spanish ” La Union hace la Fuerza” The Union makes the Force.
As individuals we won’t succede, but together we can be more than strong enough. If not this May 1th a day without, not mexican, but Immigrants, would be of such concern for everyone.
I think everyone need to respect everyone and stop saying mexicans. We are not all mexicans, there is many different nationalities to mention.
jay messina (brasilian) on 21 Apr 2006 at 3:31 pm #
Yes, we need to show then our force , we make te economie grows here.then, we are or not a part of this country.I love America and i think they ( governos) canot
turn their back for that. My company and my 80 employees will be at the streets on may 1st.They can`t separate families.
MJ on 22 Apr 2006 at 5:25 am #
Please, wave the flag of the land where you want to be.
Wave the one that represents the freedom and prosperity that brought you there.
If you are escaping a GOVERNMENT that offeres no oppertunity, why wave it’s flag?
Bring the beauty of the culture, but leave the flag of the government that you’d rather escape.
US BORN MEXICAN HEART on 22 Apr 2006 at 4:29 pm #
IF I WAVE MY MEXICAN FLAG IM NOT DOING IT FOR ITS GOVERNMENT. IM DOING IT BECAUSE THAT IS
PART OF MY CULTURE PART OF MY HERIATGE. THATS WHY I WAVE MY FLAG AND THE US FLAG.SO I WONT FORGAT WHRERE
MY FAMILY CAME FROM.
illegalconfussed on 22 Apr 2006 at 7:00 pm #
MJ: first is not “a goverment flag” ,that way different than a “nation flag”, im proud of being born inMEXICO. But i love this country, being raised on the border give us the chance to adopt both cultures ,i use the be the all californian loo boy..yes im here ilegally but im here not cause i really need it ,im here on my own choice and right to be wherever i want to be,true indeed ,if i get caught i have to come back to mexico,trust me aint taking nobodys jobs,lots of my friends (all whites) are way to lazy to do it ,even when they are well payed.face it american people is l