Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

  1. #1
    Senior Member Brian503a's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    California or ground zero of the invasion
    Posts
    16,029

    Failure to solve illegal immigration will push tensions to..

    www.zwire.com

    07/29/2005
    Failure to solve illegal immigration will push tensions to breaking point
    By: Jim Fredricks

    Last week, we published a collection of stories on the remarkable growth of the Hispanic population in Texas and Montgomery County, a demographic shift that has been developing for decades and now has become significant enough to remake the community in a number of ways.

    Even though our package of stories didn't delve too deeply into some of the knottiest issues, instead offering a portrait and overview of the Hispanic community, our coverage generated questions and concerns - especially as it concerns the illegal immigration that is fueling much of this dramatic growth.

    As we push the issue to the forefront, our coverage is bringing the passions surrounding this issue to the forefront as well.
    I saw that clearly as I reviewed the letters to the editor and online comments that began flowing in as a response to our pieces. I can see a fight brewing - one that could turn ugly.

    "I work every day, I work hard and I still don't make a lot of money, then I go to Wal-mart to buy what I need to survive, and in front of me is a Mexican woman with three or four kids, with vouchers buying school clothes and a Lone Star Card buying three hundred dollars in groceries, and they go outside and get into a 2005 SUV. What is wrong with this picture?" wrote one reader.

    Another reader complained about the changes in culture - like the time she went to a school celebration of Cinco de Mayor that was conducted entirely in Spanish.

    "I got up and left at that point. No one at the school understood why I was upset and I didn't understand why our school was celebrating a Mexican holiday when they should be celebrating and teaching the children about Texas Independence."

    Meanwhile, there were voices from the Hispanic community as well. One reader responded to someone's characterization of Hispanic drivers with some strong words of their own:

    "In case none of you knew Texas was actually a part of Mexico at one time. So all the Anglos here in Texas are actually on "original Mexican soil". Yes Mexico lost the war but why would the Anglos fight over territory that wasn't even theirs to begin with? These immigrants are here for a reason. They work hard and they take care of their families. Which is more than I can say for some other people living here in Montgomery County."

    Can you feel the tension growing?
    In fact, if the problem of illegal immigration continues without any effective solution, we can expect those tensions to grow - and possibly become inflamed. Already, one Montgomery County man plans to bring some of the tactics of the much-publicized "Minutemen" here - you'll be able to read more about that in Sunday's Courier. What kinds of reactions will that prompt in the community?

    It's for this reason we're dedicating a series of stories to the growth of Hispanics in Montgomery County, and the problems - and opportunities - that growth creates.

    Tomorrow, Reporter Nancy Flake will tackle the issue of illegal immigration. The numbers are huge - the 2000 Census reported there were roughly 7 million illegal immigrants in the United States, and more arrive every day. The Center for Immigration studies reports Census Bureau estimates that roughly 500,000 new illegal immigrants come to this country each year.

    It's clear that unless the federal government develops an effective solution to the problem of illegal immigration, both those who oppose it, and those who defend it, will become increasingly frustrated and polarized.
    We hope our coverage inspires a desire to push for better solutions, both at the federal level, and locally. Also, we hope it will break down stereotypes on both sides, and encourage our community to deal with the issues instead of demonizing the other side. Already, there are community leaders who have been attempting to do build that kind of understanding and communication- the city of Conroe's committee that tackled the issue of day laborers is one example.

    Marcos Valdez, a successful local Hispanic businessman who was part of that effort, understands that illegal immigration must be stopped.
    But he also hopes simply for a better understanding of the motivations he says are behind much of the immigration.

    "They just want to live in America, because America is a great place to live," he said, mentioning the example of a female cousin who came over illegally - and whose son is now a citizen who served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marines.

    "Everybody just wants to live. If you're a hard worker, you can make good money, and most come with a pretty good work ethic.
    "There are many success stories like that."

    Unless we can solve illegal immigration, however, those stories are likely to be drowned out as the debate over the issue grows more intense.
    Support our FIGHT AGAINST illegal immigration & Amnesty by joining our E-mail Alerts at http://eepurl.com/cktGTn

  2. #2
    Senior Member Scubayons's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Cincinnati
    Posts
    3,210
    Look at H.CON.RES 50 DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2005

    I am still trying to find out what our government signed with Mexico, to give our Social Security away to them.
    http://www.alipac.us/
    You can not be loyal to two nations, without being unfaithful to one. Scubayons 02/07/06

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •