Racism in America

[Heracles 417]

The real tragedy is not racism anymore, its that anyyone speaking up about something is automatically labeled a racist.

[Susita 175]

the only reaosn to love peru is the pisco sour, and the chileans will tell you it was invented by them, anyway. damned mines in peru are too high for anyone other than alto plano to work at comfortably. friend of mine died of heart failure on one of the sites at 12,000 ft. but then, another friend died from a heart condition in central china at 400 ft elevation. medical care sux in both places.

It is true, Peru has a lot of problems politically and socially... but I hardly believe there's nothing to love about Peru. It is true, it is very hard to get used to the altitude especially if you are going up into the Andes mountains. Luckily, my husband is from the coast.

DEDixon ~ my reasons aren't bogus. I've spent a lot of time in Peru and to be honest, I had a difficult decision to make in deciding whether to live there or here. Ultimately, with two small children (now 3) I felt our education system and health care system was far better and made the decision in the best interest of my kids. My husband is happy here and we're confident we made the right decision and hopefully in a few years he will apply for naturalization.

[chri'stina 190]

The thing that I don't like about discussing these types of topics on VJ these days is that so many people seem either obviously left wing or right wing, and the two often just want to belittle or diss the other side. I haven't written much on VJ about this topic because I don't really feel like being labeled anything that I might not be. I am not outraged by this bill, and to say that will automatically mean something to some people like I am either racist or who knows what. When I know that I am not. My husband pretty much feels the same as sachinky, being also brown, and also from India. Maybe it's a similar world view with coming from the same country, which might just be overlooked since they aren't latino so they might not count somehow. My husband already feels extra scrutinized when we come back through the POE after our trips to India. He has never been detained or questioned however. He has been mistaken for latino several times here in Florida, by other latinos. Like I already said, sachinky's view is very similar to his. He doesn't see this as just a racial law but a law about illegal immigration. Do they or do I have all the answers? No. AJ posted earlier about some of the wording in the law being changed that made it seem "better" for some. I just don't know. I am not even against amnesty for certain cases, I don't like the idea of families being separated, neither does my husband. But at the same time, we don't think this law is purely racist. I think the cops in that area know what illegal activity and behavior looks like and maybe couldn't do much about it in the past. I know being outraged about things that appear racist or are racist is not a bad thing, it's good for people to have a voice and express themselves. But I would not like to be labeled as anything for not being outraged over this.

[Susita 175]

I honestly don't understand where you pulled this "kill" sentiment from. We all know most people are blowing smoke when they actually say "we should shoot them all on site" BUT you have to be honest, if we did, it sure would cut down on illegal immigration!

A VJ member made a disturbing comment and that's where I got it from. Blowing smoke or not, I don't think it's funny to make comments like that when it has to do with people's lives. And honestly, when some people say it they mean it.

Shooting all our criminals would clear out the jails but should we do it?

[Susita 175]

The thing that I don't like about discussing these types of topics on VJ these days is that so many people seem either obviously left wing or right wing, and the two often just want to belittle or diss the other side. I haven't written much on VJ about this topic because I don't really feel like being labeled anything that I might not be. I am not outraged by this bill, and to say that will automatically mean something to some people like I am either racist or who knows what. When I know that I am not. My husband pretty much feels the same as sachinky, being also brown, and also from India. Maybe it's a similar world view with coming from the same country, which might just be overlooked since they aren't latino so they might not count somehow. My husband already feels extra scrutinized when we come back through the POE after our trips to India. He has never been detained or questioned however. He has been mistaken for latino several times here in Florida, by other latinos. Like I already said, sachinky's view is very similar to his. He doesn't see this as just a racial law but a law about illegal immigration. Do they or do I have all the answers? No. AJ posted earlier about some of the wording in the law being changed that made it seem "better" for some. I just don't know. I am not even against amnesty for certain cases, I don't like the idea of families being separated, neither does my husband. But at the same time, we don't think this law is purely racist. I think the cops in that area know what illegal activity and behavior looks like and maybe couldn't do much about it in the past. I know being outraged about things that appear racist or are racist is not a bad thing, it's good for people to have a voice and express themselves. But I would not like to be labeled as anything for not being outraged over this.

No one thinks you're racist A lot of the people who support this bill and other action to stop illegal immigration aren't racist at all. They just want to solve the problem.

For me, I think my main problem with this is the fact that to solve a problem (illegal immigration) they cause another. Many say that there will be no racial profiling, but I don't see how there won't be.

My husband doesn't really see a problem for him, he's not a citizen though. He's required to have his greencard on him at all times anyway. He is in agreement with me about the kids though. Why should they have to be questioned and asked for their paperwork? As another poster said, carrying ID is not a law for citizens. It's depressing, because I hear things like this, and just when I thought things were getting better in this country it seems as if they are getting worse.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

This bill ... fixes nothing.

Bingo!

[_Simpson_ 250]

Bingo!

assuming makes a as5 out of you and me.

Edited May 4, 2010 by _Simpson_

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

assuming makes a as5 out of you and me.

What are you assuming?

[_Simpson_ 250]

What are you assuming?

Nothing but assuming this bill fixes nothing could make a as5 out of you. Give them racist cops a chance ok.

Edited May 4, 2010 by _Simpson_

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Nothing but assuming this bill fixes nothing could make a as5 out of you. Give them racist cops a chance ok.

The fact that the bill fixes nothing is not an assumption. You don't cure a disease by treating the symptoms.

[chri'stina 190]

Because of the protest about this law I think they are going to have to be extra careful. They are being watched now. If they mess it up, I am sure there will be an even louder protest and something else will be done to change the law. I don't feel so definite that your children would be questioned for documentation just because they have latino in them. The same way I don't feel like my husband would be stopped just because he is brown. In an area familiar with illegal activity, they may know the signs that hint to illegal presence not just skin color. I could be wrong.

[Heracles 417]

Sigh indeed. You are confusing separate points.

1. Illegal aliens are an issue and has nothing to do with nationality.

2. You guys assume Hispanics will be victimized by the new law, which I implied why should the 88% continue to suffer just so the 12% that are Hispanic are not inconvenienced.

3. Why should 41% of legal the United States immigration be hogged and dominated by one region?

I stand corrected. I mixed up the legal with illegal.

Using the DHS data:

40.9% of Legal PR in 2009 were from Latin America

40.7% Naturalized in 2009 were from Latin America

85.9% of illegal aliens as of 2009 are from Latin America.

Nonimmigrant Admissions (I-94 Only) by Region and Country of Citizenship: Fiscal Years 2000 to 2009 (XLS, 52 KB)

Persons Obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status by Region and Country of Birth: Fiscal Years 2000 to 2009 (XLS, 47 KB)

[_Simpson_ 250]

The fact that the bill fixes nothing is not an assumption. You don't cure a disease by treating the symptoms.

I have my doubts about how effective this bill will be but to assume thats it not going to work with out even giving it a shot or assume that it will lead to racial profiling on a grand scale is ridiculous.

Edited May 4, 2010 by _Simpson_

[Heracles 417]

The fact that the bill fixes nothing is not an assumption. You don't cure a disease by treating the symptoms.

Actually you do. A one size fits all approach does not work with complex issues. As such, it needs to be tackled on various fronts, not just employment. Otherwise, you tell me how a government agency like ICE alone can screen the 25 million firms in America, let alone employees?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Actually you do. A one size fits all approach does not work with complex issues. As such, it needs to be tackled on various fronts, not just employment. Otherwise, you tell me how a government agency like ICE alone can screen the 25 million firms in America, let alone employees?

Various fronts? The war on illegal immigration? Will be as meaningful and promise as much success as the other ongoing wars - namely the war on terrorism and the war on drugs. Both of the latter are treating symptoms rather than the disease. And both are losing battles one for about a decade now and the other for several decades. Would be worthwhile to learn a lesson once history offers it.