Hi all. It's been a while. Lots of back problems, as we've gone through a weird Spring, aggravating my arthritis, and my last epidural only lasted about seven weeks. Got in for my 14th procedure yesterday. So, I'm back, and ready to pontificate of some new subjects...
I read, in the newspaper, that the government is now worried about a growing number of "home grown" terrorists, U.S. Muslims who go back to the "old country," to take up arms against the nation who helped raise their families from the squalor of some Third-World country. Unfortunately, it seems, we are raising a First-Generation children who have decided to bite the hand that, in essence, feeds them. When Arizona first passed it's now-imfamous immigration law, Hispanic students, shouting "Mexico," were all over the newspapers, and news shows. I'm an intellegent man, but I find this almost incomprehensible.
Let me state, again, as I always seem to have to, I totally get cultural diversity, I cherish the ability to celebrate one's heritage, and protected the right to do so, over a 20-year Navy career. I'm pretty well traveled, having set foot on every continent except Austrailia and Antarctica. I hope, one day, to visit Austrailia, but will pass on touching them all. Everywhere I've gone, I've tried to honor the ideal of "Ambassador of Good Will," honoring the laws of the host nations, and trying to make friends among the local population. I can tell you some great stories of encounters with folks from many countries, but suffice to say, I've seen and learned a lot.
I abhor any semblance of racism, whether intentional, or not. I was once told, "We're all pink inside," and while that came as a lusty response to a racist question, it struck a nerve. Racism is ignorance, pure and simple. As the character Atticus Finch, in Harper Lee's classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, "You never know a person until you consider things from his point of view -- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." Once you get past the surface, we really are all pink inside.
Getting back to my original ramble, I have read the Arizona Immigration Law, and find absolutely no conflict. The Arizona law is merely the authorization to enforce existing law. It is against the law to fail to properly identify, or misidentify oneself when requested to do so by law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties. Period. I see a potential for abuse in the Arizona Law, but believe that such cases will be resolved fairly in court.
It was the reaction of U.S.-born Hispanics that throws me. I live in a community founded by Mexican immigrants, and know many people who have immigrated from Mexico, both legally and illegally. I've taught their children in public schools. Most of the parents I've met, treasure being in the United States, having gotten an opportunity work towards their own goals, and be able to support their families, in a manner unthinkable in Mexico. Get beyond the tourist route in Mexico, and life is pretty hard. I remember "Cardboard City," a collection of shanties on the riverbed between Tijuana and San Diego, it was awful, but marginally better than what people live in outside of the major Mexican cities. My conundrum: I fully support every legal means to immigrate to the U.S., but do not feel responsible for those who cannot, or will not go through the process. Twelve million people, at last estimate, many taking advantage of the variety of social programs available, taking tax dollars from people who rightfully, legally deserve it, and straining our economy. OK, this is why I call it a "ramble".
The kids, though, I don't get at all. I know that many visit family in Mexico, and just can't believe they don't see what I've seen. To be proud of one's heritage is one thing, to protest against a perception of injustice is another, but to damage property is a criminal act, aimed at a system that tries to help them live in relative comfort. "Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!" and it's oppressive system, mixed with a government run by corrupt officials, is not such a great place to be.
Perhaps it's the "gang-thing," that attracts them. Perhaps, when shown video of illegal border crossings, they see the Coyotes as some kind of underground heroes, rather than the greedy, violent criminals they really are. Or is it the drug smuggling? Either way, I can't understand their devotion to a nation whose citizens are willing to commit crimes, and pay enormous fees to do so, in order to get out and have a chance to succeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment