Hispanic DWIs rooted in immigrants' culture

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Lifestyle, isolation figure in driving drunk

When Eliseo Hernandez came to the United States 30 years ago, he thought he drove better after a few beers. Driving drunk had been normal back in Mexico, he said. But Hernandez, 54, learned of its perils firsthand. He quit the practice after falling asleep at the wheel and hitting a tree 18 years ago.

Then, last year, a young Hispanic man who authorities say was drunk nearly killed Hernandez's only son, Diego, in a crash on a rural Johnston County road. Eliseo Hernandez's daughter, who was nine months pregnant, lost her unborn child in the accident.

Hernandez has spent the past year following Diego through four hospitals and 14 brain surgeries. Diego only recently began to smile again and might never walk.

Hernandez said he hopes his painful journey will teach his friends and family a lesson. Car accidents are the top killer of Hispanics in North Carolina, and the disproportionate number of alcohol-related arrests and wrecks are an embarrassment to a minority already beleaguered by hard feelings over illegal immigration.

"It makes the Mexicans look bad, very bad," Hernandez said. "The American people say 'Oh, it's just another Hispanic, the same as the others.' "

In 2005, there were 37 alcohol-related crashes caused by Hispanic drivers for every 10,000 Hispanics in the state, according to the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. That is more than three times the rate of alcohol-related crashes among non-Hispanics.

Hispanic leaders are struggling to stem a problem that they say is rooted in the waves of young men who leave the calming influences of church and family to labor alone in a new country.

"It's difficult because you're trying to compete with the loneliness," said Tony Asion, public safety director for El Pueblo, an Hispanic advocacy group. "Then, as some learn, more come, and we start again."

the rest of the story

[Hornet 2]

Straight from the horse's mouth! Does Geraldo want to argue with this guy? and tell him he's wrong?

Think not

[Alex+R 0]

hehehe crime rates (even violent crime rates) were high among Irish and Jewish immigrants when they came here. Cultural differences I guess.

It's a good thing we've got all the Irish and Jews back in their countries or in jail now. I feel safer.

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

hehehe crime rates (even violent crime rates) were high among Irish and Jewish immigrants when they came here. Cultural differences I guess.

It's a good thing we've got all the Irish and Jews back in their countries or in jail now. I feel safer.

DARN STRAIGHT SISTER!

Daniel

:energetic:

[mawilson 2,133]

Hispanic DWIs rooted in immigrants' culture

I would have used the word "steeped"

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

hehehe crime rates (even violent crime rates) were high among Irish and Jewish immigrants when they came here. Cultural differences I guess.

It's a good thing we've got all the Irish and Jews back in their countries or in jail now. I feel safer.

There are many more illegal Hispanic immigrants than there were illegal Jewish or Irish immigrants. Lets compare apples to apples at least.

[Alex+R 0]

hehehe crime rates (even violent crime rates) were high among Irish and Jewish immigrants when they came here. Cultural differences I guess.

It's a good thing we've got all the Irish and Jews back in their countries or in jail now. I feel safer.

There are many more illegal Hispanic immigrants than there were illegal Jewish or Irish immigrants. Lets compare apples to apples at least.

Hm, I guess I was comparing poor people from other countries who wanted a better life to poor people from other countries who want a better life. Totally not the same.

American-born folks at the time said pretty much exactly the same things you guy spout about Latin American immigrants. It's just funny because it's so incredibly similar to how almost every group of poor immigrant has been viewed upon arriving here, and it's almost as if you aren't even aware of it.

[Alex+R 0]

PS Many Jews were not illegal immigrants (although actually some were) but many of them were illegal emigrants. Still law-breakers.

[isleta521 5]

And of course the Irish never had a drinking problem like those Mexicans do

[almaty 19]

hehehe crime rates (even violent crime rates) were high among Irish and Jewish immigrants when they came here. Cultural differences I guess.

It's a good thing we've got all the Irish and Jews back in their countries or in jail now. I feel safer.

There are many more illegal Hispanic immigrants than there were illegal Jewish or Irish immigrants. Lets compare apples to apples at least.

everyone who came ehre during their time was legal.there was no immigration laws on the book then

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

And of course the Irish never had a drinking problem like those Mexicans do

them Irish are happy folks.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

So why is the rate 3 times higher for Hispanics than everyone else? Can anyone answer by not blaming the Jews or Irish?

[almaty 19]

i never blame the Jews..by culture and religion have the lowest rate of etoh rate..next to mormoms...

the irish i do not know..i was just throwing something out for discussion

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

i never blame the Jews..by culture and religion have the lowest rate of etoh rate..next to mormoms...

the irish i do not know..i was just throwing something out for discussion

The Jews are the chosen people. I try not to bash them.

Edited April 6, 2007 by LuckyStrike

[almaty 19]

i never blame the Jews..by culture and religion have the lowest rate of etoh rate..next to mormoms...

the irish i do not know..i was just throwing something out for discussion

The Jews are the chosen people. I try not to bash them.

well, when i hanging out with my muslim posse will bash them plenty....

just joking, i do not have any issue with any race..i judge per the person