OPINION & EDITORIAL
Every human deserves humanity
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Also by Kyle Szarzynski:
- Dane's sister could bring benefit (February 20, 2008)
- Reps, Dems snuggle with each other, status quo (February 13, 2008)
- Animal torture: Another shameful UW insitution (February 6, 2008)
- Edwards lesser of three evils (January 21, 2008)
- The 'Gravy Train' unfairly railed on (December 11, 2007)
Related Stories:
- Legal migration deserves reform (January 30, 2008)
- Bill O'Reilly hits new lows in Geraldo beef (April 11, 2007)
- Humanity must prevail in Gaza (January 30, 2008)
- MEChA promotes separation (October 11, 2002)
- There will be blood... donations (February 13, 2008)
by Kyle Szarzynski
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Xenophobia, like all bigotries, requires either an inability or refusal to recognize the humanity of the targeted cohort. Otherwise, our inherent altruism would get in the way, making it impossible to feel prejudice toward an entire group of people. A diatribe against the scourge of illegal immigration would probably have to be written by one of a certain race and class, and to advocate deportation would need many layers of human callousness.
Such a diatribe — so unsympathetic toward the plight of a poor, oppressed group — would look something like Sam Clegg’s in last week’s Herald (“Keep on turning in illegal immigrants,” Feb. 21).
In the piece, Mr. Clegg admits it is “unrealistic to assume we can magically whisk away the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently residing in this country.” Since we can’t just get rid of them all (if only we could!), we should instead focus on those who find their way to the Dane County prison system. Deporting those who commit a crime of some sort, according to Mr. Clegg, is economical, constitutional and, most importantly, a fulfillment of the law.
Perhaps. But he forgets to reflect on the humanitarian implications — a consideration that Mr. Clegg’s worldview apparently doesn’t hold in much esteem. Deporting people who receive a DUI citation, try to organize a union illegally or steal an extra can of beans to feed the kids can only be described as quite monstrous. Most people commit crimes not because they’re innately bad, but because they’re poor — this is especially true of a group of people who are notoriously forced into the kind of employment the rest of America would just as soon forget about.
Knowing that crime is the unwanted child of poverty and oppression is obvious to anyone who cares to look beneath the surface of things, and most people who are aware of that fact tend to view perpetrators of petty theft or drug offenses in a more sympathetic light. But punishing the most disenfranchised because they can’t play by all the rules is precisely what Mr. Clegg can’t wait to do.
People like Mr. Clegg have this idea that undocumented workers have less of a right to be here than the rest of us. The Puritans, after all, went through all the right paperwork before acquiring citizenship.
And who does Mr. Clegg think he is? An accident of birth is a pathetic justification for arguing that he or I have more of a right to be in the United States than anyone else, and I find it despicable that anyone would lecture to the most vulnerable in our society that there are certain stipulations attached to staying here. It’s as if Mr. Clegg is telling a poor Mexican worker, “You can continue to clean the shit off our toilets, but only if you keep quiet and don’t make trouble.”
Perhaps Mr. Clegg would think twice about advocating a lower status for undocumented immigrants if he would have given a thought to why so many of them are forced to come here in the first place. The effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement are estimated to have bankrupted 1.5 million Mexican corn farmers and lowered wages down to 1937 levels. American-owned “maquiladora” sweatshops have created unbearable living conditions by our standards, with people living in polluted shantytowns on wages that rarely pay for anything more than basic subsistence. Under such an economic situation, is it any wonder that so many impoverished Mexicans are willing to risk everything to come to the United States? I, for one, applaud their courage.
The so-called problem of immigrant crime is a farce anyway, one with a long history in this country. Today’s Mexican criminal is yesterday’s Italian Mafioso, Jewish gangster or Irish pickpocket — all are stereotypes that apply to only a small minority within the group. While Mr. Clegg never explicitly states that such a problem exists, the very topic of his article gives credence to the Bill O’Reilly notion that immigrants are a crime-ridden bunch — an insinuation about as untrue as it is offensive.
But beyond that, basic human decency should be reason enough to treat the undocumented as equals. The proposed witch hunt in our county jails will tear apart families and hurl people back into the unlivable periphery of impoverished Mexico. Deportation is ostentatiously cruel, and it is for this reason apolitical human rights groups and religious organizations — including Mr. Clegg’s own Catholic Church — from across the country are actively protecting those who are targeted.
Active struggle is the only way to overcome the current wave of xenophobia; more marches, protests and strikes are needed to force open the gate of equality that is currently closed to those who don’t have the necessary papers. But for now, I commend all those who aid and abet resistance to immoral deportation orders.
Kyle Szarzynski (kszarzynski@badgerherald.com) is a junior majoring in Spanish and history.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 1:25am):
You know, you fit the "I'm so intellectually superior liberal" role at this school so very well. I really like you.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 1:52am):
i don't understand why you don't actually have independent articles anymore, just attack your colleagues.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 6:57am):
Illegal is illegal. I'm all in favor of increasing legal immigration, but we've got to stop the flow of illegal immigration across the border.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 7:49am):
Im tired of all the bigots, too, Kyle, with their bogeyman reasoning as righteous. I am predictiing a minimum of 24 replies to this today with 85% of them coming attacking you for not being as "good American" as they are. Stick it to 'em, guy.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 8:13am):
"People like Mr. Clegg have this idea that undocumented workers have less of a right to be here than the rest of us."
It's called following the law, Kyle. They are not "undocumented", they are illegals. Breaking into the U.S. is a crime and should be prosecuted as such. People who want to come in to the U.S. should do so legally and follow all the rules.
Try breaking into Mexico illegally and see what happens. That country's immigration laws are much tougher and enforced without compromise.
"And who does Mr. Clegg think he is? An accident of birth is a pathetic justification for arguing that he or I have more of a right to be in the United States than anyone else, and I find it despicable that anyone would lecture to the most vulnerable in our society that there are certain stipulations attached to staying here."
It's called citizenship Kyle, look it up. Are you saying that the world's 6 billion people have a right to come in, no questions asked?
If you are not a citizen of a certain country, there are always certain stipulations associated with staying there. For example, if you commit a crime you can be deported. Are you cool with terrorists, rapists, pedophiles, crooks, etc. living next door to you even though they are in the U.S. illegally, just because to deport them would be "xenophobia"?
Diagnosis: Typical far left crazy Madison liberal with a cocky attitude and full of insults towards those who think differently. The vast majority disagree with this nonsense, so I guess 70+ percent of the population is hateful bigots, while Kyle here is the enlightened one.
PS. Kyle, when someone breaks into your house, is he an "uninvited guest", or a criminal? Just curious.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 8:54am):
Blah, blah, blah, xenophobia! Everyone's racist... except maybe for Kyle, who happens to be THIS close to sainthood.
All that has to happen is reform of our LEGAL immigration policy. Do the background checks, get sponsors (like employers), and let them in to begin work.
Reform is coming, don't worry your pretty little head.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 8:56am):
If being poor forces you commit crimes than its obvious that Sam is a racist bigot only because he is rich. It's not his fault that he was accidentally born to rich parents, so I don't think its fair that you criticize him for something thats not his fault.
If Barack Obama says NAFTA took away American jobs and you it took away Mexican jobs, does that mean that all the jobs went to Canada?
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 9:02am):
Why should Mexicans get an advantage over all the other poor down-trodden humans around the world when it comes to entry to the USA? Why do they get to cut in line?
PS. Most Italians, Jews and Irish entered the country legally.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 9:11am):
Ahhh Kyle, I'm ashamed for you..... Your rambling diatribe opens with vindictive name calling and derogatory attacks in a vain attempt to marginalize legitmate concerns over illegal immigration and the enormous strains it is placing on the US law enforcement, health care, welfare, employment, and socioeconomic systems. You give the back of your hand to every legal immigrant that obeyed the laws and has been openly welcomed to our representative republic. You turn a blind eye to the abject exploitation of the illegals by coyotes who rob, beat, rape, and murder them. In so doing, you tacitly condone the trans-border slave trade as an act of 'humanity'. That is some sick, twisted socialist gobbledegook there, Kyle! Sick.... and shameful.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 9:30am):
Kyle,
Great article! I posted your article on my blog.
http://immigrationmexicanamerican.blogspot.com/
I appreciate your thoughtful insights. Keep up the good work.
But be careful. I´ve also seen it on a couple of ANTI blogs. They can be very careful so be aware they may be commenting en masse.
Dee
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 9:53am):
There are some pretty absurd assumptions underlying this article. It is a blatant misrepresentation that those who want illegal aliens deported and our borders secured consider these men and women as "less than human". We want them gone because they are breaking the laws of this nation. Every week there are stories of American lives shattered by the actions of illegal aliens. Four children were killed just last week on their way to school by an illegal alien. A seven year old owes the IRS $60,000 because an illegal alien stole his identity. We want our borders secured because we live in a post-9/11 world. The simple facts of the debate are ignored, while the author of this article hides behind words like 'racism' and 'xenophobia'. Well, I am not scared. I simply want our laws enforced. Oklahoma shows they will self-deport if we quit subsidizing their presence. We don't even have to look for them; they leave of their own accord. If you had a trace of intellectual honesty, Mr. Szarynski, you would admit that.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 10:44am):
What about the US government racism against non-Latino undocumented immigrants? The US allows undocumented immigrants to cross the porous southern border, but does not allow poor Asians, Africans, and Europeans to board airplanes and fly to the US (the only realistic way for them to get here). By not allowing poor people from around the world to come here the US government is giving preferential treatment to Latin Americans. In fact on a global population basis there are 30 Latin American undocumented immigrants for every non-Latin American one!
DEMAND THE US GOVERNMENT END THIS RACISM!! DEMAND OPEN IMMIGRATION FOR ALL!!!
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 10:53am):
Kyle, does your brain glow in the dark? Can you walk on water? It's gonna be OK, Kyle. Just close your eyes, click your heels together three times and say "There's no place like home...there's no place like home..."
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 11:19am):
People would be a lot more receptive to this article had it not been a complete attack of a co-worker's opinions.
Addressing that it's a rebuttal of an article is fine but dropping the name of the writer 11 times is kind of sad, yea we get it, you disagree.
Kyle, you're a raving bleeding heart liberal and yea, people have a right to come to the United States but if I can't even go to Canada if I have a DUI or OWI why should ANYONE be able to come here without ANY papers what-so-ever.
You have to admit that illegal immigration is leaving the rest of us that pay taxes a huge burden but you offer NO solutions and barely address that it is even a problem.
Now, lets get serious Mr Raving Liberal and crack down on the businesses who pay people shit to as you so kindly quote "Mr. Clegg is telling a poor Mexican worker, You can continue to clean the shit off our toilets, but only if you keep quiet and dont make trouble" or barely get paid for the shittiest jobs at the shittiest hours with no benefits... but I mean whatever, right?
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 11:29am):
Remember, a hungry bank robber is just an un-documented un-depositor with the same right to money as any other human. Anybody saying different is a racist xenophobe!
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 11:34am):
Many of your ANTI commenters have not studied the History of Immigration. Start with the Immigration Act of 1924. While restrictionist Immigration laws were applied to Eastern and Southern Europian and Asian countries, the borders were left open for Latin Countries. Why? Economic Reasons. The various Administrations along with Business welcomed migrant workers to perform the AgJobs, build railroads and other work needed to build the nation. They appreciated the Latin workers due to their work ethic, docile nature and their willingness to go home at the end of the work season. The bracero program and other state and national work programs were introduced and welcomed. In 1986, Reagan´s so called amnesty Immigration laws enabled millions to attain citizenship. From the 80´s until now, the Immigration laws continued to go unenforced until the number accumulated to 12M (per census bureau).
Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, Nativists like John Tanton sponsored a number of groups including FAIR, NumbersUSA, You Dont Speak for Me, etc. Tanton believed Hispanics and Blacks were not educatable and he began initiatives to reduce the flow of Immigration from the south. Many of Tanton´s groups were affiliated with the KKK, Stormfront and other groups, but Tanton, Roy Beck and others decided they needed to legitimize their groups and distanced themselves from the racist groups. They found some legitimacy in Washington and formed various PACs like PRO America PAC which is led by Pat Buchanan´s sister, Bay. They partnered in promoting various lobbying groups and media outlets (AM Shock Jocks, Hannity, Limbaugh, etc) to promote their agenda, particularly to the Right Wing. They found their voice on the internet and many of these groups push their ideas via mass form letters sent by email or fax and deluge Congress.
Now, here we are today, all of this hate and anger and attacks on one ethnic group. You hear terms like Mexifornia for California, 3rd World Miami (by Tancredo) or Anchor Babies. You hear talk of Mass Deportation of 12M people along with their children. This number is larger than the state of NY. All logical people know this would devastate our economy, yet the zealots continue their "rule of law" rhetoric.
Kyle, you are very insightful to see past all of this rhetoric and see clear to the facts of what is happening.
Thank you!
Dee
http://immigrationmexicanamerican.blogspot.com/
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 12:04pm):
Kyle, why don't you fire off a letter to the president of Mexico and tell him he needs to fix Mexico so that all his people won't have to cross the border for a better life? Don't you think it would be better if leaders of foreign countries would just do their jobs so that their citizens will have a country to be proud of?
Just a thought.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 12:14pm):
Sorry my little overeducated Ivory Tower anarchist, it's about the LAW. Nothing but. The ones you advocate are breaking it, and that's what it's all about.
And BTW, your "right" to be here was bought and paid for by many now and many generations before you. You are simply living through their good actions and sacrifice.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 2:17pm):
Why hasn't Kyle become an illegal immigrant in a country more inline with his political views? I'm sure Sweden would love to have you, sans papers and all.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 2:40pm):
This has to be one of the most obnoxious articles I have ever read. I basically got the idea that you think people should be able to freely come here whenever they want without us knowing who they are or where they are from, and let that be legal. Well, until you get elected into public office, which would never happen, it is the law that they are in this country illegally. That means that they need to be punised for breaking the law. And if they break another law while here in Our country, why should we be paying to give them 3 meals a day and cable TV, when they were not supposed to be here in the first place.
Also, next time you can't think of something to write about, try not to attack your fellow columnist who makes more sense than you, and does not have to use big words to feel smart.
-Nick
Janet Pate (February 27, 2008 @ 2:52pm):
Every person who is interested in illegal immigration - on either side - should view this two-minute video to understand the issue. It is the most dramatic and persuasive argument on the Internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WJeqxuOfQ
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 3:05pm):
This from the same asshat who applauds the terrorists' "right" to kill American soldiers.
http://badgerherald.com/oped/2007/09/25/iraqi_insurgents_hav.php
Why does Wisconsin academia discredit itself by continuing to give this Marxist extremist a stage to climb up on his hind legs and howl these boring "resistance" missives?
How about Kyle try recognizing the humanity of civilian peace officers and military peacekeepers, in general? STFU and let them do their jobs, you snot-nosed ingrate.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 3:28pm):
Stop talking about the law like its some big, magical force that separates right from wrong. Speed limits are laws; does anyone seriously think we need to increase the number of officers to stop all the law-breakers that are overflooding our highways with their speeding? Every law is passed with the knowledge that it will only be enforced selectively.
As for 12:14, the generations before us that bought and paid to be here are called Native Americans. If you really want to meet people that have been screwed over by invasion and overcrowding, go visit a reservation in South Dakota.
I don't really think there's a side in this debate that has clean hands; the solution isn't to deport everyone or let them all in. I believe Mr. Szarzynski was just trying to offer a competing perspective to Mr. Clegg, which according to some of these postings, is synonymous with hating America. Arguments are so much easier to win when you use circular logic . . .
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 3:32pm):
I don't care WHY illegal aliens are here--I only care that they ARE here. As a sovereign nation, the United States can dictate immigration law and policy. We can allow in who we want, when we want. We are not the savior of every poor and disenfranchised soul on the face of the earth. Enforce the law!
One poster predicted: "24 replies to this today with 85% of them coming attacking you." One question: If 85% disagree with
Kyle, wouldn't an intelligent person conclude that he is on the wrong side of the issue?
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 3:56pm):
In answer to your question, in the 1960s, ninety percent were arguing against Civil Rights. They argued minorities, all minorities, should sit in the back of the bus, not eat at the same lunch counters, not drink from the same water fountains, not use the same restrooms, not go to the same schools. They argued for the rule of law then. The Jim Crow laws and these laws were very very wrong.
This is deja vu all over again. The restrictionist laws being imposed in Oklahoma and Arizona are wrong. They promote the proactive stopping of any brown people in automobiles. This is racial profiling. Latinos are being scapegoated in this discussion by people like Tanton and Beck, FAIR, NumbersUSA and other nativist groups.
The Jim Crow laws were wrong then. These laws are wrong now.
Most PROs support:
1. Secure Borders
2. Employer Sanctions
3. Bringing the 12M out of the shadows and into Guest Worker status. That way the exploitation will end and they will be in a type of legal status and be allowed to go to the back of the line and apply for citizenship.
This should suit all, Humanely.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 4:55pm):
Kyle or anyone else who is interested -
My response to this article can be found on the Badger Herald Muckrakers blog.
Sam Clegg
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 5:02pm):
Reconquista! - eh Dee? (9:30, 11:34, etc)
You decry reasonable demands of US citizens to control our borders et.al. and deport illegal aliens as 'racist'. We don't care if illegals are Canadians, Italians, Chinese, Mexican, Columbian, or bushmen from Australia. If they come here illegally, boot their illegal butts out!
None of the messages above single out Mexicans as a specific ethnic group deserving special 'racist' treatment, except those emails like yours that argue for preferential treatment for illegal Mexicans in our country. Your web site identifies your views with ethnic specificity " immigrationmexicanamerican". Your arguments, like Kyles', are the 'racist' views! The rest of us want uniform treatment for all immigrants, under the laws of the United States of America.
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 5:39pm):
Ill tell you whats "inhumane"...First of all, get the numbers straight..the US is now home to nearly 20 million ILLEGAL ("undocumented") immigrants. This is quite the jump from the 12M referenced in your article. Secondly, it is estimated that nearly 700K of these illegals are fugitives, wanted in either Mexico or the US. Thirdly, over 10 million jobs, that should have gone to hard working, tax-paying, law-abiding CITIZENS of the US have been lost to illegal, unregistered, undocumented (what have you) rapists, murderers, drug dealers, ect. Ok, this may be a bit overkill, but you get my point. Millions of completely qualified Americans are out of jobs. And I'm sure your bleeding heart would agree with my when i say unemployment one of America's problems. And now (after this brief enlightenment), I'm sure you are well informed as to where we could find jobs for, oh I don't know..say 10 million Americans.
God Bless
Michael Johnson (February 27, 2008 @ 7:00pm):
Did any of you READ it??? He never said that murderers and rapists should be allowed to stay here, he is not advocating that...He is saying that when it comes to feeding your family, difficult choices are made, its sad, but maybe if you worked to make sure people didn't have to starve and rob to take care of their family instead of running around with pitchforks in tow, the world would be better...This constant view of all illegal immigrants as criminals is down right monstrous and the idea that they are damaging our economy is sad, as they showed during their walkouts and protests they have influential amounts of control over the economy, with the willingness to do the worst jobs none of which anyone here will do...The reason they come here is because American policy has driven them into our nation, and understand that if a BODY OF WATER wasn't preventing other peoples from getting here they would come as well...Let's just remember that the 9/11 terrorists came here "legal" so having unwavering faith in homeland security is naive as numerous studies have showed that the holes are widening not closing...
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 7:18pm):
"Try breaking into Mexico illegally and see what happens. That country's immigration laws are much tougher and enforced without compromise."
It's actually pretty tough, as an American, to 'break' into Mexico. I went there a month ago, I didn't have to pay thousands of dollars, travel across the country to wait all day to *maybe* get an interview, and then get told to wait with the prospect of them keeping my money without letting me in. In fact, I merely showed up at the airport the standard 3 hours ahead, got on a plane, landed, and was in Mexico with no problems. On top of that, they gave me a free meal and spoke to me in English the whole time!
"Why do they get to cut in line?"
There are two common-sense answers to this:
1) There is no real "line." The US lets in who it wants to let in, and if someone comes across without a visa, it DOESN'T keep others from coming in legally.
2) The people who "cut" in line often can't afford to apply and/or wait. If you've ever met someone who was poor in Mexico, you would know that their life is in a delicate balance, that when their land is inevitably confiscated or they lose their job, coming to the US, with all the risks and danger involved, is a matter of survival. I think most Americans would understand this better if there wasn't a welfare system and people simply "didn't survive." To be fair, this does still happen to minorities here, it's just segregated from our white, privileged eyes.
"Every week there are stories of American lives shattered by the actions of illegal aliens. Four children were killed just last week on their way to school by an illegal alien."
And? The only reason they are stories is because they were "different." I doubt "illegal aliens" are any more likely to commit a crime than racial minorities who are citizens or whites. They may be slightly more disposed to poverty-related crimes such as theft or burglary (although I have no stats to claim either way); at the same time they are typically more cautious because they are cognizant of the risks of being stopped without papers.
Remember the drunk driver that ran over a little kid sledding, then drove off? No one uses that as a reason to bring in MORE immigrants, to thin out the white, drunk-driving population. Neither race nor immigration status should have any impact on how crimes are reported or punished.
The comments on this board--hell, this is supposed to be LIBERAL MADISON after all--are incredibly troubling. If this continues, it's only a matter of time before latinos are rounded up into concentration camps or lynched. Oh wait, that already happens...
:(
Anonymous (February 27, 2008 @ 7:40pm):
It seems like a number of you didnt even bother to read Sam's column in the first place (I'm looking at you 11:34). Sam took a pretty moderate position on illegal immigration. He only advocated the deportation of those illegal immigrants who are currently in local prisons. He recognized that deporting all illegal immigrants would not be a good idea.
Also, the idea that illegal immigrants are forced to come to America by America's foreign policy is absurd. I'm pretty sure choosing to break immigration law is a choice and that Latin American countries are significantly more responsible for the conditions in their own country than we are. Last time I checked Mexico was a willing signatory to NAFTA and can withdraw at any time.
Anonymous (February 28, 2008 @ 7:26am):
To 3:56:
Newsflash....Illegal aliens are not U.S. citizens and have no right or entitlement of the privleges of citizenship. Civil rights issues dealt with U.S. citizens. Big difference.
Anonymous (February 28, 2008 @ 9:01am):
In response to Michael Johnson:
"..maybe if you worked to make sure people didn't have to starve and rob to take care of their family instead of running around with pitchforks in tow, the world would be better.."
ACTUALLY, i DO work to make sure people don't starve. Its called social welfare. I work, I pay taxes, a certain percentage of those tax dollars go to welfare. And unfortunately where i come from(northwestern WI), these welfare checks are used to buy cigarettes and alcohol..further adding to the problem. I do my part, they (illegals) can do theirs... by milking their OWN government for $$, NOT OURS.
Anonymous (February 28, 2008 @ 3:43pm):
Anonymous,
Reconquista? No such thing. This is a term made up by people like you.
Racist? I never brought up the term. YOU did.
I responded with logic and historical facts. You, on the other hand, show your biases with each word you type. So sad.
The reality is, we need Comprehensive Immigration Reform. This is very similar to the Civil Rights Movement and the end to the Jim Crow laws.
Kyle was very insightful and perhaps ahead of the curve!
Anonymous (February 28, 2008 @ 3:44pm):
The 12M number is from the Census bureau. All other references are made up by the ANTI websites.
Anonymous (February 28, 2008 @ 3:56pm):
Kyle,
You did a good job! You raised the level of awareness in your own community. Looking at the responses, it is obvious you don´t know the viewpoints of the people who are standing right next to you in school.
It is good to have these discussions, openly and honestly. This is the only way we can make progress and unite as a nation in resolving our issues. Barack Obama visited my blog recently and said the same.
Kyle, maybe you will start a blog or form discussion groups within your own community so all can discuss these issues openly. Perhaps you may get extra credit or gain support from your school.
That is what I attempt to do on my blog. We are all American citizens on my blog. We all have different view points, both PRO and ANTI. Our mission:
"To provide a forum where people, both PRO and ANTI, can discuss American Immigration Issues civilly, freely and safely thereby reducing the hate, anger and misunderstandings currently inherent in most of these discussions."
http://immigrationmexicanamerican.blogspot.com/
Anonymous (March 4, 2008 @ 12:11pm):
Great article, Kyle! I especially liked the part about 'an accident of birth' because it so clearly and obviously points out unwarranted arguments of rights. If everyone, particularly those with prejudices, realized that the position that they're in has everything to do with that accident maybe empathy rather than oppression could and would occur.
Thank you, Kyle, for pointing out what should be (but so clearly isn't0 obvious- that people are people and are, at the very least, deserving of humanity.
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