Yes, friends, the time is upon us again: more protests from people who can't vote. I love it how people who have no rights as citizens of this country complain (loudly) that they are not treated fairly. It's like someone breaking into your house bitching because you call the police.
Here's a few choice pieces on the marches:
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070501/D8ORNH2G0.html
I love this quote from the article:
"Thomas Rodriguez, of Aurora, stood in Union Park wearing a shirt that said: 'We are hard workers. We're not criminals.'
The 38-year-old has had no legal status since he came to the United States from Mexico in 1989 and is an employee at a Japanese restaurant in Chicago."
He has no legal status in this country but he has the audacity to say, "We're not criminals." Not only do they complain about rights they don't possess they also want to change the language to mean whatever they'd like it to mean. What is this, Lewis Carroll?
And of course there's this in the article:
"In Los Angeles, marches were set to include demands for a legalization program, a stop to the raids and an anti-Iraq war message."
Anti-Iraq war message? What the hell does that have to do with immigration? Does anyone else here smell the stink of leftist rhetoric?
Another article from Reuters (http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyid=2007-05-01T181800Z_01_N30474830_RTRUKOC_0_US-USA-IMMIGRATION.xml&src=rss&rpc=22) shows yet again the attempt to abuse language. In describing them the writer calls them "undocumented immigrants". It's as if they merely forgot to fill out their paperwork. What is wrong with calling them what they are--illegal aliens? These people could give a few lessons to Stalin.
Let's not pretend there are no problems with immigration. I wish we could have a real debate and not just a shouting match. Kids and hippies like this who refuse to see the whole picture are not helping one bit (as a matter of fact a good case can be made that they are making people resentful of them). When schools are overflooded, medical centers closed down because they can't handle the traffic from illegal aliens with no insurance, illegal alien gang members infiltrate our streets, and car accidents are fled from because of illegal aliens afraid of the police then there is a problem with our current immigration. Bush's plan might not be the best one, maybe others have better options, but we can't sit by and allow things to stay as they are. For people to march on the streets and demand rights granted to U.S. citizens when these same people do not even come here through the legal process is ludicrous.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Immigration Still A Problem
Click on the above title for a good read on some of the issues concerning immigration. Anyone who tries to tell you (be they for open borders or against them) that immigration (illegal or otherwise) is not a problem or is a problem with a simple solution is either stupid or too preoccupied with their ideology. Note how the author points out that this is not simply an issue whose partisans are defined by race or ethnicity. I wish the radical Latino movements were half as intelligent in being able to discuss the issue.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Tio Taco's Words of Wisdom
This morning I went out on my usual smoking break at work. Three of my co-workers joined me outside of the office building and we stood around and talked while I polluted their lungs. After talking for awhile I noticed something: each one of us was born in a different country. I was born in the United States, one guy is from Armenia, one guy is from Peru, and one guy is from Indonesia. All four of us moved here to L.A. to find work and make a decent living. And we've all been here at least 6 years or longer.
So I wonder--where else but in the United States? Of course people move to other countries but it doesn't seem to be as easy in some places. Besides, who wants to go to France where if you're not a white French-person you'll probably be placed in some ghetto? Or who wants to go to China or Cuba where they'll torture you for having the wrong opinions?
With all the recent protests about our immigration policies one might very well get the impression that this is a racist, oppressive society. While I don't deny that racism exists in the U.S. it is absurd to claim that it is as much of a problem as some would like us to believe. I grew up believing that the U.S. was a nation able to absorb many diverse opinions and peoples without breaking. I was taught that the ideals this nation was founded on did not always mirror our current situation, but many of us still strive for those ideals and we have come a long way. And while some people, on both the left and the right, would like to take away our liberties, I think we can still live in a great, multi-cultural society with a diversity of opinions and lifestyles.
I get so weary with having to hear the typical rhetoric from the idiots on the left or the nutjobs from the right. But I must always remind myself that most of those people are on the fringes of their respective ideologies and only represent a very vocal minority. Most people I meet are somewhere in the middle. And most of us don't have a big problem with different people or different opinions--we all just want to live secure, worthwhile, fulfilling lives. And when I see or meet people from other countries who come here to live here, most of them know that what I am saying is true--else, why leave your country of origin to come here?
It is great to live in an international city like L.A. There are many problems with this town but a lack of diversity is not one of them. And it's my personal opinion that so many people come here and stay here not just because of the money to be made or the relatively lax immigration laws, but because the U.S. has a lot to offer in the way of security, being able to live a worthwhile and fulfilling life, and not having to live in fear and oppression.
So I wonder--where else but in the United States? Of course people move to other countries but it doesn't seem to be as easy in some places. Besides, who wants to go to France where if you're not a white French-person you'll probably be placed in some ghetto? Or who wants to go to China or Cuba where they'll torture you for having the wrong opinions?
With all the recent protests about our immigration policies one might very well get the impression that this is a racist, oppressive society. While I don't deny that racism exists in the U.S. it is absurd to claim that it is as much of a problem as some would like us to believe. I grew up believing that the U.S. was a nation able to absorb many diverse opinions and peoples without breaking. I was taught that the ideals this nation was founded on did not always mirror our current situation, but many of us still strive for those ideals and we have come a long way. And while some people, on both the left and the right, would like to take away our liberties, I think we can still live in a great, multi-cultural society with a diversity of opinions and lifestyles.
I get so weary with having to hear the typical rhetoric from the idiots on the left or the nutjobs from the right. But I must always remind myself that most of those people are on the fringes of their respective ideologies and only represent a very vocal minority. Most people I meet are somewhere in the middle. And most of us don't have a big problem with different people or different opinions--we all just want to live secure, worthwhile, fulfilling lives. And when I see or meet people from other countries who come here to live here, most of them know that what I am saying is true--else, why leave your country of origin to come here?
It is great to live in an international city like L.A. There are many problems with this town but a lack of diversity is not one of them. And it's my personal opinion that so many people come here and stay here not just because of the money to be made or the relatively lax immigration laws, but because the U.S. has a lot to offer in the way of security, being able to live a worthwhile and fulfilling life, and not having to live in fear and oppression.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
My Impressions of Yesterday's March/Protest
Yesterday I had jury duty. Consequently, I was in the midst of all the people marching in downtown L.A. Most of the people marching seemed very enthusiastic and happy to be involved in what they were doing. When I got home everyone was marching about 1/2 block away from my apartment building. So I went to the street and observed everyone in their white shirts and signs and I thought they looked very festive and happy. There was a long line of people chanting and dancing and yelling out slogans. I even passed a house where some guy was playing flute to a Karaoke machine.
One of the problems I saw was the way the debate seems to be framed: racially. I think it is an error on the part of these people marching to make it seem as if this is a racial problem. I don't think it is but even if I did I wouldn't frame the debate that way. This is an immigration problem--not a racial one. Everyone seems to be saying that this is about Latinos or Hispanics but this is about immigration, regardless of who is coming here. On the side of the people marching they would do well if they got some extra support from illegal immigrants from other parts of the globe. On the other side they would do well to stress that we don't want illegal immigrants from any country.
Also, some of the signs I read stated that they wanted amnesty for all immigrants. Does this mean that they are in support of completely open borders regardless of the consequences? Should we as a nation allow anyone to enter who wants to enter? Does anyone care about the economic repercussions that this entails? Does anyone care about our national sovereignty?
I think many people are becoming resentful of the fact that illegal immigrants are asking for rights. Which rights do they speak of? As far as I know, the Constitution grants rights to American citizens, not people here illegally. When people are here because they abused the system many Americans feel that the laws which we have assented to are being trampled upon and that we are being exploited and insulted by people who don't care about our American system of government.
I think it is a hindrance when the "racist" accusation is flung so casually. Intelligent debate about the real issues goes out the window when such silly stereotypes are cast about. It is time for these marchers/protesters to actually have some intelligent conversation and to truly get into the political discussion. Marches demanding amnesty for everyone are not going to solve anything. We must demand of them an actual, comprehensive solution that will be fair to everyone including those who do not agree with them. One of the hallmarks of our democracy is a willingness to compromise for the betterment of our society as a whole. Extreme conservatives who just want to deport everyone and extreme people on the other side who just want all rights granted to everyone have to learn to meet in the middle.
One of the problems I saw was the way the debate seems to be framed: racially. I think it is an error on the part of these people marching to make it seem as if this is a racial problem. I don't think it is but even if I did I wouldn't frame the debate that way. This is an immigration problem--not a racial one. Everyone seems to be saying that this is about Latinos or Hispanics but this is about immigration, regardless of who is coming here. On the side of the people marching they would do well if they got some extra support from illegal immigrants from other parts of the globe. On the other side they would do well to stress that we don't want illegal immigrants from any country.
Also, some of the signs I read stated that they wanted amnesty for all immigrants. Does this mean that they are in support of completely open borders regardless of the consequences? Should we as a nation allow anyone to enter who wants to enter? Does anyone care about the economic repercussions that this entails? Does anyone care about our national sovereignty?
I think many people are becoming resentful of the fact that illegal immigrants are asking for rights. Which rights do they speak of? As far as I know, the Constitution grants rights to American citizens, not people here illegally. When people are here because they abused the system many Americans feel that the laws which we have assented to are being trampled upon and that we are being exploited and insulted by people who don't care about our American system of government.
I think it is a hindrance when the "racist" accusation is flung so casually. Intelligent debate about the real issues goes out the window when such silly stereotypes are cast about. It is time for these marchers/protesters to actually have some intelligent conversation and to truly get into the political discussion. Marches demanding amnesty for everyone are not going to solve anything. We must demand of them an actual, comprehensive solution that will be fair to everyone including those who do not agree with them. One of the hallmarks of our democracy is a willingness to compromise for the betterment of our society as a whole. Extreme conservatives who just want to deport everyone and extreme people on the other side who just want all rights granted to everyone have to learn to meet in the middle.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Yet Another "Racist" Accusation With Nothing to Back it Up
I was looking through the website Political Wire and was amused to find this entry: http://www.politicalwire.us/index.php/political/a-look-at-racist-propaganda-bloggers/.
They cite 3 websites/blogs which they claim are racist. So I perused them and couldn't find anything fitting that description. So my challenge to you, fair reader, is this: go through the blogs they mention and try to find something racist then quote that and bring it back to me. I would like to see what it is that I'm missing.
They cite 3 websites/blogs which they claim are racist. So I perused them and couldn't find anything fitting that description. So my challenge to you, fair reader, is this: go through the blogs they mention and try to find something racist then quote that and bring it back to me. I would like to see what it is that I'm missing.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Review of "Heart of Aztlan"
I just finished reading Heart of Aztlan by Rudolfo Anaya. It sucks. But before you think I have some kind of bias let me tell you why.
I've read two other books by Rudolfo Anaya: Bless Me, Ultima and Alburquerque. I read the first one because I'd always heard it was good so I checked it out. And I read the other for a paper I did in college. I thought they were both good. Bless Me, Ultima, especially, has a very dreamy, poetic feel to it. It is a basic "boy grows up" novel told from a Chicano perspective. On the other hand, Alburquerque is more contemporary in setting and tone. It is a pretty straightforward novel with a protagonist who is a writer in Albuquerque, NM.
Both those novels have something to recommend them. So I have nothing against Rudolfo Anaya. But Heart of Aztlan has some big problems. I found myself constantly wishing it would end.
Quick plot summary: the story is about a Hispanic family who move from the rural areas into the barrio in Albuquerque. The time is the 1950s or early 60s. The main character is a young boy learning how to live life on the streets in the barrios and his dad is also a major character who becomes emasculated, so to speak, by his new environment.
First problem: the characters engage in dialogue which is unrealistic. If Anaya had written a masque or an epic he might've been able to get away with the really cheesy, stiff language some of his characters speak. It seems to me, the author had a socio-political agenda in writing this novel. Consequently, he makes the characters oftentimes speak set-pieces, not realistic dialogue. It's fine to have any kind of agenda you'd like but a novel or short story require verisimilitude. This is one of the major flaws in the novel.
Also, I had a problem with the cheesy "mythological" passages. Throughout the novel Anaya refers to an ersatz, Aztec-like mythology which is supposed to give some of the characters spiritual depth. For one thing, I think it would've made more sense to have them inspired by Catholic dogma and ritual. Considering the time, place, and culture it would make more sense to have people in the barrio seeking spiritual answers in the church, or even curandera-like superstitions, if you're going to write a realistic novel. But also, I just find that whole "Aztlan" mythology/ideology espoused by many in the Chicano movement very silly. But that could just be my own personal taste.
I felt like Anaya was trying to get some political/social/cultural ideas across in this novel. I say, write an essay. It is hard to incorporate political ideas in a work of fiction without immediately sounding foolish. But there are good writers out there who have done it: George Orwell (of course!), Jonathan Swift, etc. Anaya doesn't seem to be the kind of writer who can successfully incorporate political ideas into his fiction. He is trying too hard to make us think about political issues and not trying hard enough to get us involved in his story.
Now I think I'll have to go back and read the other two books of his I've read to see if I was in error in thinking them any good.
I've read two other books by Rudolfo Anaya: Bless Me, Ultima and Alburquerque. I read the first one because I'd always heard it was good so I checked it out. And I read the other for a paper I did in college. I thought they were both good. Bless Me, Ultima, especially, has a very dreamy, poetic feel to it. It is a basic "boy grows up" novel told from a Chicano perspective. On the other hand, Alburquerque is more contemporary in setting and tone. It is a pretty straightforward novel with a protagonist who is a writer in Albuquerque, NM.
Both those novels have something to recommend them. So I have nothing against Rudolfo Anaya. But Heart of Aztlan has some big problems. I found myself constantly wishing it would end.
Quick plot summary: the story is about a Hispanic family who move from the rural areas into the barrio in Albuquerque. The time is the 1950s or early 60s. The main character is a young boy learning how to live life on the streets in the barrios and his dad is also a major character who becomes emasculated, so to speak, by his new environment.
First problem: the characters engage in dialogue which is unrealistic. If Anaya had written a masque or an epic he might've been able to get away with the really cheesy, stiff language some of his characters speak. It seems to me, the author had a socio-political agenda in writing this novel. Consequently, he makes the characters oftentimes speak set-pieces, not realistic dialogue. It's fine to have any kind of agenda you'd like but a novel or short story require verisimilitude. This is one of the major flaws in the novel.
Also, I had a problem with the cheesy "mythological" passages. Throughout the novel Anaya refers to an ersatz, Aztec-like mythology which is supposed to give some of the characters spiritual depth. For one thing, I think it would've made more sense to have them inspired by Catholic dogma and ritual. Considering the time, place, and culture it would make more sense to have people in the barrio seeking spiritual answers in the church, or even curandera-like superstitions, if you're going to write a realistic novel. But also, I just find that whole "Aztlan" mythology/ideology espoused by many in the Chicano movement very silly. But that could just be my own personal taste.
I felt like Anaya was trying to get some political/social/cultural ideas across in this novel. I say, write an essay. It is hard to incorporate political ideas in a work of fiction without immediately sounding foolish. But there are good writers out there who have done it: George Orwell (of course!), Jonathan Swift, etc. Anaya doesn't seem to be the kind of writer who can successfully incorporate political ideas into his fiction. He is trying too hard to make us think about political issues and not trying hard enough to get us involved in his story.
Now I think I'll have to go back and read the other two books of his I've read to see if I was in error in thinking them any good.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Mexico: Land of Hypocrisy
Check out Mexico's immigration policy: http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/index.jsp?section=papers&code=06-D_18
Also, here's a fun little article by Larry Elder: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49620
I'm sick of hearing people castigate the United States as if we were the most corrupt, racist, horrible society in earth's history. It's about time other countries start looking towards their own problems and trying to solve them before they send them to us.
Also, here's a fun little article by Larry Elder: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49620
I'm sick of hearing people castigate the United States as if we were the most corrupt, racist, horrible society in earth's history. It's about time other countries start looking towards their own problems and trying to solve them before they send them to us.
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