Say Anything Blog

"Why would you fly the flag of the country you had to escape by jumping the border? If you don’t want to be sent back to Mexico, why brandish that country’s flag?"

Rob,

Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that they were not leaving their country behind by crossing the obrder illegally, so much as bringing it here with them.

Unlike real refugees, such as those from communist eastern Europe (see Rick Moran’s breath-taking paen to his wife’s immigrant family at http://rightwingnuthouse.com  titled "A Slap In The Face." or the so-called "boat people" from southeast Asia, or those who managed to escape Hitler’s hell in the 1930’s and 1940’s, the Mexican immigrants of today appear to be interested in all the America has to offer, but blithely unconcerned with the notion of becoming American.

It’s a distinction that will ultimately have tragic consequences for us all, and that Muslim riots that are playing out in Europe and Great Britain are but a taste of what we can expect here in the years to come.

We are NOT the world… nor should we be. 

The Principle should have been fired. That flag pole was paid for with American tax dollars not Mexican tax dollars. He should have said to the kids "you are Americans of Mexican dissent", and if they weren’t he should have called the migra onhad them removed from the school.

Let them walk out, they are just hurrying along the horrid drop out rate that the hispanic world already has. They can join PAPA and all of their other relatives in the fields. I know just a bit angry eh.

I tell you what bat, they start doing that shit in my neighborhood, I am kicking some ass, but you are right this could become bad very fast.

I proudly wear my pin with the Irish and American flags on my blazer.  What’s the diff?

If you are an american citizen and it is your clothing nothing. If you are an illegal alien looking to take away from tax paying americans, everything. 

Just one question.  If everyone who has made a negative remark about these protests that are going on nationwide would stop and look at the food you eat, then you would appreciate the work that many, "illegal" immigrants do.  These jobs are unlike the ones in offices or inside where it’s fresh, they consist of a scorching sun, thirsty, backache, and any other hardship imaginable.  These INDIVIDUALS, NOT illegal aliens as many have mentioned, do the job that YOU  would not do.

Not true they chose the path they are on. Whether they are illegal aliens or not. And before you go cooking my food for me, why don’t you look at our emergency rooms and see how many illegals get free (to them) medical care on my nickel.

Nobody is saying that these people should not be citizens, everybody is saying that they need to do it just like the rest of us. By following the laws, that we all abide by or by doing what my grand mother did whenshe came here, "BECOME AN AMERICAN".

How dare you presume what I would and would not do to feed my family, my path was paved with work, I just chose mine not to involve fruit picking, I did however dig a shit load of ditches.

I’m sure you don’t think about how you’re going to feed your family everyday.  On another note, it’s a no brainer that they do want to follow the law.  They first need a law to follow.  All the "Laws" supposidly helping them are being shoved under the rug.  I applaud your hard work, no one is saying that you didn’t work hard to get where you are; that’s they same thing they are trying to do...work hard to get where they believe they deserve to be at, just like anyone else.  Your grandmother did the best she could to get you where you are today.  Now, if you work hard, my respect to you, but you have to admit, that your comments and perspective is one that of an ignorant person. Maybe you should look at the broader picture rather looking at that damn nickel that’s paying for someone’s life. 

Just a thought, I didn’t mean that I was going to cook you anything.  Your comment suggests that you are not on the same level as many other individuals are.  YOU, my friend are at the bottom, where you can only see through one lense.  I suggest you open your eyes and shut your mouth when you try to put any fruit, vegetable, wine, whatever, and think about the hard work farmworkers do on your behalf.  And who claims all that taxes that get take out of their checks?  In the long run, you, my friend, benefit from it, they don’t.

I think the principle was doing the right thing...he was just supporting the MEXICANS...me am 100% MEXICAN...born in MEXICO and am so proud of it.. so kiss my ass if u dont like what i said!!!!

Wow Elida I would like topoint out really quick that your post had next to ne direction to it and to label ignorance in the fashion you did is well IGNORANT.

I do  not care where the nickel goes as long as benefits America, now I know this is a tough one for you but, I do not feel one bit of shame over my stance of taking care of America and Americans first.

Now rather than force your and the illegals monetary issues on me and the otjher tax paying Americans, take these poor souls into your home and care for them crap take one in with out the help of a tax dollar and you will have my undying respect in the interim, you keep on clicking your heels remember there is no place like home.

I will continue to tap my heels...better yet, I am a Mexica-AMERICAN too.  I am at home and my home only.  Too bad you cannot see the difference there is between you and me as we are both Americans and U.S. Citizens.  You have to admit that these individuals contribute greatly to the American society as a whole and you have to be blind to not see that.  This conversation is long due, and well, my American friend, I leave you with just one thought...thank you for reassuring my efforts to continue to be a voice for a community that is not heard in many respects and because of many of everyone’s comments, I know I am doing the right thing!

No you are an American of mexican dissent as I and my ancestors are Americans of Italian decent.

I see any criminal as a cancer on our society regardless of heritage or skin color. You see them based on skin color especially if it is the same or close to yours, that makes you a racist.

I will continue to support my country while you will continue to claim that racism is ok as long as it is your form racism.

I am not your friend! 

What?  You are a little weird.  As you can see, I was being sarcastic.  How can you even insinuate that I’m racist?  I’m definitely not racist, I’m just a realist who is trying to stand up for what she believes.  It’s okay if you don’t understand my perspective, I’m just happy that you’ve taken the time to read it. Thanks!

Hey Elida great job arguing your way through here, but I am afraid that most of what you write will be of no use because many are not well informed of the real situation, stats or even of the arduous immigration process that disillusions many, process which can take up to 13 years or more. Maybe people should do their homework and look up the stats on a government website such as the census bureau.

 To begin I will state that I am Mexican American born and raised in the U.S. of immigrants parents. Starting at the beginning, I agree that the principle should not have raised the Mexican flag without prior authorization but we must also remember that this constitution was built upon the right to voice our opinions. If the majority of the school is of Hispanic decent and there wasn’t a problem with any of the staff members or the student body then I see no problem. And although the flag pole was paid by American tax dollars remember that along the way to those American banks there is also the work of immigrants, not just Mexican but Honduran, Haitian and even Asian just to name of few. And here is the kicker, the great majority of them entered legally, most just overstayed their visas.

By the way I hope that none of our children have to pay for the mistakes that we make or will make, because that is what is being implied when it is suggested that “la migra” be called on them. I pray to God that none will be left abandoned and parentless because their parents were carried away or had to leave them behind in search of a better job.

And as for the drop out rate among Hispanics, it is high due mainly to the lack of understanding by the government for their bilingual Mexican, American born citizens. The schools are not suited for people as diverse as us.

As for immigrants getting free medical attention, I agree the argument is part right, but it was not stated that they are also the ones who pay the highest for medical attention because they do not have health insurance, so their paying with cash actually costs them double or triple what an insurance carrier would be charged. They, my friends, as well as those of you that don’t have health insurance, pay more than those that do.

For most of us citizenship is not the first option. We do not seek to become citizens. We seek to be legal permanent residents. That is what immigration offices offer us first. Our wish is to continue doing what we are doing but to be here legally. So before arguing about giving us citizenship be advised that the real argument is about giving us legal permanent resident status.

America and Americans do come first to us who are born and raised here, but Americans are not in the need of help. We are already in the best country. We as human beings are now obliged to help others that are not as fortunate as us.

Angie nice to see at least some form of rational. But I have a few things to say.

What makes your people more diverse than my people that migrated here legally, adjusted to the schools system that spoke only english when they got here. I was talking to my dad about this, this weekend and he said something that I thought was very valid.

The difference between today and when his mother fled Europe was there wasn’t any choice. They assimilated to our society becasue if they didn’t they and their families faced the potential of not eating. However, they kept their cultures and history’s in tact while becoming part of their new country and also became some of the most patriotic americans.

I made the racist statement to Elida because even through her supposed sarcasm her statements almost always get back to the color of the peoples skin. Yours did not and I applaud you for that.

With that in mind ask yourself this. Those children that may become homeless, who’s fault is that? I say their parents. If they followed the proper procedures as my grandmother did their children would be fine.

What makes todays immigrants regardless of their nationality any different than my grandparents who again migrated legally.

Why should thirteen years, five years or twenty years to become a citizen make any difference if you want something you work towards it.

I have a friend that is originally from Hungary, he first became a Canadian citizen, then came here. He constantly told me how much of a pain in the ass it was to become an American citizen, he told me this in my living room he was here legally while he worked it out.

You see we can decry all of the injustices they are everywhere, but what chaps my ass and others is that the laws that we have are not being upheld for some reason by our elected leaders. Laws we expect and you should expect to be enforced. For them not to do it is viewed by myself as a form of reverse American discrimination.

Oh one last thing, nobody said that the principle could not express his view. He can express it by putting a sticker on HIS car, HIS house, shit anything that he owns.......The school is not his to express his views with, it belongs to the people. I am sure tat least one student had an issue with the flag going up if for no other reason than to say F the man.  

Angie,

Great way of stating things!  What I like is that both perspectives are presented.  I agree with you that there is a process that is asked for as not all immigrants are seeking citizenship in this country and instead, seek permission to continue to work legally.

On another note, I also agree we must also do our homework. There are many assumptions made about what laws are actually being favored and which ones are not.  There are also those laws that seem in favor of what we’re fighting for, but are simply a cover-up (guest worker program).  What we all need to do is make justice for everyone, not just those who are directly affected, but also those who are indirectly affected such as the people who are already have legal status in the U.S.

As far as Richard, oh geeze, the reason for all my sarcasm is because of his nature of speaking.  I am truly swayed by all his comments, but only in a way where assurance is made that I am doing the right thing.  By the way, Richard, if you read closely, or maybe if you get the idea out of you that  I am just after you and all American people, you can read my comment again.  I never implied our differences of skin color and by no way am saying that it has anything to do with my statements.  What I was referring to was that we are completely different by perspective.  But I guess you read what you want.

Angie, yes, thanks for bringing in some thorough insite into this long-run forum.  Unfortunately, I get so upset at such comments that sarcasm just flows naturally, but you took the words right out of my mouth!

Great job!

Elida

Ok I will say this for you Elida you are correct and both of us are wrong. Angie’s post was good because it looks at both sides of the issue in an even handed way.

I fail to see what you do not get about the point that these people are criminals and are stealing from all Americans but I will leeave that for later.

Hey I asked this before but let me be a little more direct with it.

SO how many of these hard workers are you housing and feeding this week?

I am feeding a million of them! 

Should we feel bad for these poor and unfortunate people? I just love how they try to justify there actions with sob stories, there is a legal process to get here. I believe anyone giving aid to these illegals should be hung for treason.

There is a reason why Mexico is so poor, this is because these people arent hard workers, a good portion of them even pretend that they are indian for there own advantages.

I am tired of hearing this crap about willing to do the jobs we wouldnt do, I believe in workfare not wellfare, so all those low lifes on wellfare can now do those mexican jobs.

As I posted in here someplace, the railroads still got built without the chinese, after America saw the threat of them, they got rid of them.

I’ve seen some footage of these Mexican demonstrations, they got some nerve to come here illegally and wave there flag in our face, some mexican announcers made it very clear what there here for, trouble.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO 

*Un aplauso*  You have stated something very clear.  Obcourse there are laws that must be abided..without them our world would be crazy!  On the other hand, you have the full right to express your opinions...therefore I can express mine.  By the way, Mexicans aren’t the only ones who are waiving their flags.  As if you didn’t know, there are many other nationalities who are in representation of the immigrant population. 

What does treason have anything to do with it. The U.S. is composed of many mixtures and nationalities for anyone to say that it is disloyal to aid these individuals.  They are people like you and me, they have feelings and yes, those stories you mentioned are real, real enough where you don’t event believe them, but let me tell you what, this isn’t going to end on this note.  It isn’t going to end with the stories or people being hung for treason; it’s going to end with justice because like you and I, we are both U.S. Citizens and we deserve justice for everyone, even those who do seek a better life in this country.

 Ofcourse we remember the Alamo...for that reason, well, Mexico isn’t still the Western portion of the U.S.  If it wasn’t for that, we would be back in our own country!

Thanks!

Nobody has ever advocated that it is only mexicans. They are the majority and they were the majority of the people waving flags.

Take a deep breath here because your brain may need all of the oxygen it can get for this.

The waving of any flag from another nation while demanding rights from this one is not only contradictory, but an act of war. In order for it to be treasonous they would have to be citizens which they refuse to do. This is exactly why I think most people are pissed they want all of the advantages of citizenship with out becoming citizens.

You do not need to be a citizen to have the basic rights that we should have as individuals.  I understand that they should not have a say in voting rights, but as far as making sure they are being paid what they deserve and having the same necessities everyone should have, then I can infer that they need those rights as human beings. 

It’s not hard to grasp that from someone.  I’ve heard that from many people, it’s not a surprise.  One thing I would love to see is someone with that way of thinking can atleast think twice about the subject and not merely blow it off as if it didn’t affect them.

Well Richard I see your point about your grandmother having to flee to seek food. In this I believe that you can understand then where we as immigrants are coming from. This is the same case for a lot of immigrants that are coming to the United States today. The one thing that the government has failed to mention when it talks about illegal immigration is that most of the people who are here illegally are the working poor. They don’t have an option of getting residence or even a visa because they don’t have money in banks, not in five years, or ten or thirteen. Those that are here legally are those that have money or those that were able to obtain legal residence in the last amnesty about 20 years ago or married a citizen or have a close family member that is here legally and could petition them. If there is no one to petition a person and they are poor, then they are screwed. USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) does not provide an adequate legal venue for the poor to come to the United States and work. The worker programs that are in effect have a very limited number of permit given out per year and those immigrants that do come through this method are exposed to abuse, because they can only come for a limited amount of time and are only allowed to work with the boss that brought them to the United States. If they leave that job they are exposed to deportation. These that come to work in this way don’t have a legal venue to obtain permanent residence.

Oh and I am choosing to ignore the comments of other people that are clearly ignorant on all the facts! It is a waist of time to even argue with them. These few lines should be acknowledgment enough of what I think of their post.

I couldn’t agree more that they system is partially at fault and in need of serious reform.