It was illegal immigrant's day. We didn't see much of anything in Northern California (North of SF). A march down a street in part of town everyone tries to avoid for fear of gangs so no one really watched. I disagree with pulling children out of school. It angers me to use children to financially punish the school system that is drained from the illegal immigrant children who need assistance. I think it is the ultimate FU to a system that allows their children to grow up and have a better life.
Before I see illegal immigrants get amnesty, I think those that have been doing it legally, waiting and waiting (did I say waiting?) should be first. When I worked at Continental Savings I saw first hand the heart break of mothers separated for years from their children while they come here legally, wait and follow the rules of the "system".
One woman who worked next to me did not see her children for more than five years. She was saving every penny, working to become a citizen and bring her family in from the Philippines. I wished every day I could help her. So many of us shared our lunches, gave her money on the holidays - anything we could think of to help her speed up the process. She was a wonderful person. I understand the "system" still works very slow. I would like to help people like her FIRST.
She was a hero to me and made me feel lucky to have been born here. I think we should help the LEGAL immigrant who is waiting and waiting.
I couldn't get Brian the special services for which he qualifies (at his old school) because the district was over-strapped with English-as-a-second-language issues. Brian loved the kids there, but I transferred him to the school district (where I live) to get the help he needs. I have an issue with the fact I was forced to pull him from a school in the neighborhood where his Grandma watched him, where he was with a group of wonderful kids, and loved by all. Only to transfer him into this 'yuppified" school on this side of town, where kids are spoiled and detached. I was forced to do this so I could get him the services he needs to make him a success in school. I should have been able to do this at the other school. English as a second language is a problem, and unfair to other immigrants who come here from Asia, India and the Pacific Islands.
Ialso don't agree that illegals do jobs that "others" won't do ... "others" tend to hold employers accountable for paying a living wage and do not allow abuse because of fear. Employers exploit the illegal immigrants. We see it here in Northern California where the grape pickers are barely paid a living wage, but the winery owner lives beyond opulent. What...?... if they pay workers a living wage they can't buy another 20 thoroughbreds and that 894th pair of shoes...?...
And if we allow illegal behavior of one kind, is it not then fair to excuse the marijuana grower who supplies the medical pot...?... the kid who is caught speeding for the first time...?...DUI's that hit just the .08 mark...?... someone who shop lifts groceries to feed their family...?...the single mother who leaves her children home alone at night to go work a second job to support them...?...the worker who takes postits, staples and supplies home from the office...?... the grocery shopper who samples fruit without paying for it...?...the mother who carries her crying infant on her lap in the passenger seat, instead of putting the baby in the car seat (but she is only going three blocks...)...? the college kids who create fake ids to go dancing in the clubs...?...the under sixteen who buy cigarettes...?...the parents who allow children wine with dinner...?...the couple that writes 'hot checks' just before payday to survive...?...
Hmmmmmm
If you have a DUI in the US and try to enter Canada, according to Canada’s Criminal Code, the offender is deemed an “inadmissible” person, in violation of Section 19 (2) (a.1) of the Immigration Act of Canada. In other words, the DUI offender has committed a crime considered an indictable offense in Canada, and, because of that, banned. I don't seem to notice a lot of people marching on Canada, waving wine glasses. Come to think of it, Canadians don't seem to have a large desire to come live in the US. Why is that? Is it because the Canadian government works in such a way that people love living and working in Canada..?... and if this is part of the key with our closest neighbors then why aren't we putting more pressure on the Mexican government with regard to this issue?
Everyone seems to have a strong opinion on this subject.
Funny how we aren't boycotting Cinco De Mayo...
Until next time-
C
