Thoughts on Immigration from a Teacher's Husband

[MosMom]

You post a racially charged email then proceed to post a racist comment of your own and you are shocked at the response you get? Tell me, if your blog comments weren't racist....what were they? Just hateful?

 

[LoraJ]

Oh my goodness.

Saying Illegal Immigrant, isnt defining a race.

Your an illegal immigrant whether you come illegally from Canada, Mexico, or swim over here from France.

Race wasnt mentioned in the article once.

You (and those who agree with this email) are assuming that anyone who is in an english as a second language and on an assistance program is an illegal immigrant. It's a blanket statement.

 

[greenyskp]

You (and those who agree with this email) are assuming that anyone who is in an english as a second language and on an assistance program is an illegal immigrant. It's a blanket statement.

No. Instead of looking at the issue as an overview. You're picking apart the letter.

Something I didnt do. I posted it, saying "I like the message"

Like i said. Im just not as nit-picky as some. I didnt get racist out of this letter at all.

Your using words from a letter to make a blanket-statement about me. That i'm racist.

 

[Crankyshank]

Our nation has a lot more faults which can not easily be tossed onto the backs of the illegals or any one race in particular. Gas prices are not soaring because of illegal immigration. The air is not filthy and soiled because of illegal immigration. Health care is not soaring due to their influx either. Today, the front page of the times noted how Brits have better overall health & healthcare, and incur a third of the cost we do (nationwide). The UK incorporates a NHC system, where even immigrants (legal & illegal) and homeless are entitled/covered. These issues are infinite, and none are the result of illegal immigration.

It's plain and simple racism and persecution to point the finger at one race, and blame them for such problems as the OP's article reflects. It's not all about cheaper tomatoes, etc. Okies picked grapes in this country for YEARS in the fields of Arvin (Grapes of Wrath), and most were undoubtedly white. They were persecuted and treated like trash, as were Irish, Italian, Chinese and many other ethnic groups in the early years of our country's expansion. Now, it's the Hispanic's turn. Instead of running and hiding, they are simply using the system devised and available to everyone. They are "voicing their opinion" to which they are entitled (under Democratic law).

First of all the illegal immigration problem *HAS* affected the health care system in the US. Look up the increase in antibiotic resistant TB cases, the increase in leprosy, whooping cough, malaria, polio, and the introduction of Chagas - a disease never before found in the US. You can't honestly say people from 3rd world countries coming here without health certifications had their children immunized or themselves for that matter when they can't afford to feed them!
http://www.jpands.org/vol10no1/cosman.pdf

and I don't see anyone on these boards pointing their finger and blaming one race. I see those pro illegal immigration doing it for them actually and those anti illegal immigration again and again correcting them and pointing out several examples of illegal immigration affecting their area and hispanics NOT being the primary ethnicity of illegals in their area.

 

[greenyskp]

You post a racially charged email then proceed to post a racist comment of your own and you are shocked at the response you get? Tell me, if your blog comments weren't racist....what were they? Just hateful?

It was a sarcastic satire of something a friend had posted. I tried to explain that. Those of you who have nothing better to do with your time, continue to waste your time calling me a racist.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

No. Instead of looking at the issue as an overview. You're picking apart the letter.

Something I didnt do. I posted it, saying "I like the message"

Like i said. Im just not as nit-picky as some. I didnt get racist out of this letter at all.

Your using words from a letter to make a blanket-statement about me. That i'm racist.

Of course YOU wouldn't get anything racist out of the OP. That's because you are racist. Ahh yes the sarcastic satire explanation is once again trotted out.

Blah blah I know I am wasting my time, blah blah.

 

[va32h]

Racism really shouldn't play a part, because there are illegals of just about every race and nationality here in the US.

Absolutely true. But when someone says they are only "against illegals", but then goes on to complain about having to hear the Spanish language spoken anywhere in America, or how they hate seeing "them" shopping for groceries with their government money, or wasting their free breakfast.......it ceases to be just about immigration, IMO.

Everyone who speaks Spanish or receives WIC or other gov't aid isn't an illegal immigrant. And I don't think a person legal status is something you can spot just by looking at them.

When suggestions are made like "round 'em up and send 'em all back to Mexico" - well clearly that person is assuming "they" are all from Mexico. And I don't even know what to say about the suggestion that Border Patrol should "shoot to kill"

All these examples came from this board, and some from this thread. You don't have to go looking for racism when examples of it are so cheerfully and proudly displayed.

There are plenty of racist people in this country who are more than happy to jump on the "anti-immigration" bandwagon, because it gives them a place to freely spout their rhetoric, but allows them to hide behind the curtain of "it's just about immigration" if they are confronted.

 

[greenyskp]

Of course YOU wouldn't get anything racist out of the OP. That's because you are racist. Ahh yes the sarcastic satire explanation is once again trotted out.

Blah blah I know I am wasting my time, blah blah.

I just wish you'd actually get to know me before calling me that. The only place I've ever been called that is on these boards.

And dont say its because my friends and family are racist as well. One of my best friends is african american. I work very closely with many hispanics. I never ever think of their race.

You cant accuse me of saying blanket-statements that are racist. When you are using blanket statements of mine, to determine if I am a racist.

 

[cardaway]

Absolutely true. But when someone says they are only "against illegals", but then goes on to complain about having to hear the Spanish language spoken anywhere in America, or how they hate seeing "them" shopping for groceries with their government money, or wasting their free breakfast.......it ceases to be just about immigration, IMO.

Yes, it's stops being about immagration... becaause it starts becoming aobut the other problems. The money spent in having to publish or record anything in a language other than English or the way the welfare system is completely screwed up and easy to take advantage of.

 

[CheshireVal]

Absolutely true. But when someone says they are only "against illegals", but then goes on to complain about having to hear the Spanish language spoken anywhere in America, or how they hate seeing "them" shopping for groceries with their government money, or wasting their free breakfast.......it ceases to be just about immigration, IMO.

Everyone who speaks Spanish or receives WIC or other gov't aid isn't an illegal immigrant. And I don't think a person legal status is something you can spot just by looking at them.

When suggestions are made like "round 'em up and send 'em all back to Mexico" - well clearly that person is assuming "they" are all from Mexico. And I don't even know what to say about the suggestion that Border Patrol should "shoot to kill"

All these examples came from this board, and some from this thread. You don't have to go looking for racism when examples of it are so cheerfully and proudly displayed.

There are plenty of racist people in this country who are more than happy to jump on the "anti-immigration" bandwagon, because it gives them a place to freely spout their rhetoric, but allows them to hide behind the curtain of "it's just about immigration" if they are confronted.

But so much of that is perpetuated by what is shown on the news. Who are the ones protesting right now? Mostly Mexicans. Who are the ones speaking out? Leaders in the Hispanic community. What has the focus been on? The fact that Mexico's government encourages its citizens to come here illegally.

We all know that there are other illegals in this country besides Mexicans, but we aren't really being told those stories as much. So now illegal immigration is somewhat synonymous with Mexicans in the public mindset. I'm not saying that's right, but that's the way it is. So... you can't really say someone is a racist just because they mention "Mexico" in a conversation about illegal immigrants, because that's what everyone's talking about anyway.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I just wish you'd actually get to know me before calling me that. The only place I've ever been called that is on these boards.

And dont say its because my friends and family are racist as well. One of my best friends is african american. I work very closely with many hispanics. I never ever think of their race.

You cant accuse me of saying blanket-statements that are racist. When you are using blanket statements of mine, to determine if I am a racist.

You know when you say I have such and such friends and I work with such and such people, it only makes you sound more racist. Who cares what nationality/race your friends and coworkers are?

 

[greenyskp]

Absolutely true. But when someone says they are only "against illegals", but then goes on to complain about having to hear the Spanish language spoken anywhere in America, or how they hate seeing "them" shopping for groceries with their government money, or wasting their free breakfast.......it ceases to be just about immigration, IMO.

Everyone who speaks Spanish or receives WIC or other gov't aid isn't an illegal immigrant. And I don't think a person legal status is something you can spot just by looking at them.

When suggestions are made like "round 'em up and send 'em all back to Mexico" - well clearly that person is assuming "they" are all from Mexico. And I don't even know what to say about the suggestion that Border Patrol should "shoot to kill"

All these examples came from this board, and some from this thread. You don't have to go looking for racism when examples of it are so cheerfully and proudly displayed.

There are plenty of racist people in this country who are more than happy to jump on the "anti-immigration" bandwagon, because it gives them a place to freely spout their rhetoric, but allows them to hide behind the curtain of "it's just about immigration" if they are confronted.

Its very sad to me, that so many people on these boards make such harsh judgements on people, based only on what they post.

I realize that is the only way someone can 'get to know' their fellow board member...

There are definitly racist people out there. I have some very strong opinions on some big issues. But im not racist. Again, in BRADENTON, FL the biggest majority of illegal immigrants is hispanic. This is my perception, due to the area that I am in. If you live in a north state, or out west, or in new england. Your percetion could be very very different.

And yes, as far as WIC goes, many people abuse it. But in all my years working at Publix, i rarely saw a white or african american family pull out a WAD of money to pay for their cigarettes and beer with. While Wic and Food stamps were used for the food. Yes white people and african americans do the same thing.

Not to mention, I could openly communicate with the white families and african american familes on wic or food stamps, if they grabbed something that wasnt on their WIC list. But most hispanics? It was next to impossible to explain that you have to get regular Kix. Instead of Fruity kix for wic. Thats aggravating. And thats what I mean about the language barrier. Its just as aggravating when someone who only speaks french comes through the line and has a problem as well. but thats a much much rarer scenerio.

Maybe Im old fashioned and patriotic, but I still get teary eyed when I hear the national anthem sung correctly. I bowl in tournements all over the state, and I cant imagine having to hear it sung in spanish, as well as english. It would just take away the magic for me.

To me its just common sense that not EVERY person in an ethnicity acts the same way. Its crazy to me for people to point that out, because I just assume... duh... everyone knows that everyone doesnt think the same. Its common sense.

 

[va32h]

One of my best friends is african american. I work very closely with many hispanics. I never ever think of their race.

Except when you trot them out as proof of your open-mindedness, apparently.

Seriously, "I'm not prejudiced, I have a black friend" is one of the oldest cliches out there.

 

[Honu]

There are plenty of racist people in this country who are more than happy to jump on the "anti-immigration" bandwagon, because it gives them a place to freely spout their rhetoric, but allows them to hide behind the curtain of "it's just about immigration" if they are confronted.

Sad, but true. I really don't run into many people in my own community that share the feelings of the OP and many on the DIS. It's really disheartening to see the lack of compassion and tolerance in our country.

 

[greenyskp]

You know when you say I have such and such friends and I work with such and such people, it only makes you sound more racist. Who cares what nationality/race your friends and coworkers are?

It seems you care. You're picking apart every other aspect of my life.

it seems it doesnt matter what I post. You'll find a way to tell me how racist it is.

 

[va32h]

Its very sad to me, that so many people on these boards make such harsh judgements on people, based only on what they post.

I realize that is the only way someone can 'get to know' their fellow board member...

There are definitly racist people out there. I have some very strong opinions on some big issues. But im not racist. Again, in BRADENTON, FL the biggest majority of illegal immigrants is hispanic. This is my perception, due to the area that I am in. If you live in a north state, or out west, or in new england. Your percetion could be very very different.

And yes, as far as WIC goes, many people abuse it. But in all my years working at Publix, i rarely saw a white or african american family pull out a WAD of money to pay for their cigarettes and beer with. While Wic and Food stamps were used for the food. Yes white people and african americans do the same thing.

Not to mention, I could openly communicate with the white families and african american familes on wic or food stamps, if they grabbed something that wasnt on their WIC list. But most hispanics? It was next to impossible to explain that you have to get regular Kix. Instead of Fruity kix for wic. Thats aggravating. And thats what I mean about the language barrier. Its just as aggravating when someone who only speaks french comes through the line and has a problem as well. but thats a much much rarer scenerio.

Maybe Im old fashioned and patriotic, but I still get teary eyed when I hear the national anthem sung correctly. I bowl in tournements all over the state, and I cant imagine having to hear it sung in spanish, as well as english. It would just take away the magic for me.

If our borders were closed today, and all illegal immigrants sent back to their home countries tomorrow, you would still have people in this country speaking Spanish on Saturday.

I don't know what that claptrap about the National Anthem is supposed to mean, except perhaps to imply that people who aren't opposed to the speaking of Spanish are somehow unpatriotic. I tear up at the National Anthem too, so there.

I live in DALLAS, TEXAS, and guess what - we have lots of Hispanics here, too. I can't tell, just by looking, which ones are citizens and which ones are not. Please share with me the secret sign.

 

[Bob Slydell]

No. Instead of looking at the issue as an overview. You're picking apart the letter.

Something I didnt do. I posted it, saying "I like the message"

No, I see a lot of people (many of which are also against illegal immigration) saying that because of the inflammatory, inaccurate and highly stereotypical copy and pasted e-mail you started off the thread with destroys all credibility you might have on the thread. Because they don't like the tone of the letter, you automatically dismissed them by saying they're just picking apart the letter.

 

[greenyskp]

If our borders were closed today, and all illegal immigrants sent back to their home countries tomorrow, you would still have people in this country speaking Spanish on Saturday.

I don't know what that claptrap about the National Anthem is supposed to mean, except perhaps to imply that people who aren't opposed to the speaking of Spanish are somehow unpatriotic. I tear up at the National Anthem too, so there.

I live in DALLAS, TEXAS, and guess what - we have lots of Hispanics here, too. I can't tell, just by looking, which ones are citizens and which ones are not. Please share with me the secret sign.

Illegal or Legal, I have said in the past (on these boards) that if you live in America you should learn english, as a second language. Plenty of Euorpeans do it. *most*Hispanics who have immigrated dont seem to want to, or even want to try to.

There was something on CNN where they interviewed people from the rally's. And those that could speak some english, ALL mentioned that it wasnt fair that the national anthem wasnt sung in both english and spanish at sporting events etc. That goes back to people are arent here legally, demanding a say in any happenings in our country.

I dont know how to determine if someone is illegal or not. I could ask them. Unless they dont speak english.

 

[cardaway]

And yes, as far as WIC goes, many people abuse it. But in all my years working at Publix, i rarely saw a white or african american family pull out a WAD of money to pay for their cigarettes and beer with. While Wic and Food stamps were used for the food. Yes white people and african americans do the same thing.

Not to mention, I could openly communicate with the white families and african american familes on wic or food stamps, if they grabbed something that wasnt on their WIC list. But most hispanics? It was next to impossible to explain that you have to get regular Kix. Instead of Fruity kix for wic. Thats aggravating. And thats what I mean about the language barrier. Its just as aggravating when someone who only speaks french comes through the line and has a problem as well. but thats a much much rarer scenerio.

You just keeping digging deeper.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Maybe Im old fashioned and patriotic, but I still get teary eyed when I hear the national anthem sung correctly. I bowl in tournements all over the state, and I cant imagine having to hear it sung in spanish, as well as english. It would just take away the magic for me.

Holy crap...where did you hear that this version of the Star Spangled Banner was going to become a part of our whole culture? When is it going to get trotted out at ball games and such? This is BIG news to me, greenyskp.