It's Time to Boycott Arizona

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by dreadgeek

Susan:

If my Spock-like demeanor is ever frustrating to you, just remember the above paragraph. My entire professional and much of my personal life has been built-on and predicated upon having very close control of (and awareness of so I *CAN* control) my emotions. My career would come to a sudden and crashing halt if I developed a reputation as the 'angry, black lesbian'. If I let my emotions out to play in casual company I wouldn't be where I am today and I wouldn't be where I'm headed tomorrow. I know that.

In fact, when I am in a long-term relationship with a white woman (as I am now) one thing I will let her know, fairly early on, is that there is a shell that I wear that is almost always on in public. It's not conscious and has its own momentum at this point. It's so ingrained, in fact...well, let me tell you a short anecdote.

In my first job in the computer industry, back in 1994, I ended up at IGC Networks (PeaceNet, EcoNet, LaborNet, WomensNet). As a non-profit on the side of the angels, I was NOT the only black woman at the organization--although I was the only black woman working in tech. One day Deborah, Tracy and I (the three black women) were sitting in what passed as our lunch room. Deborah was telling us one of her stories and because it was just us there, we all let our language slip into the vernacular. This guy George came into the lunchroom and, in mid-sentence Deborah code-switched and dropped back into very precise diction and grammar. We followed her without missing a beat and still laughed at the joke. George, because he was a very hip, liberal guy who had really done some anti-racism work, recognized what had happened and said something about it, being very apologetic that he had interrupted. Deborah looked at him and said "It's cool, George. We know you're down. But this isn't something we can help, it just happens. There's a voice for when it's just black folks and there's a voice for when white folks come in the room. The only reason any of us work here is because switching between the two is second nature."

I get Obama. He can't afford to have his emotions show for the same reason that Condi Rice can't, or Colin Powell, or Eric Holder or myself--in fact, Oprah is the only black person of that kind of stature who *can* let her emotions out and then, only *certain* emotions. If you want to know how important this is, you need look no further than one Alan Keyes. He says all the right conservative things, he shows up at all the right conservative people, he has disowned his lesbian daughter to burnish his conservative cred but he's too emotional in public. All the difference in the world.

Cheers
Aj

Oh, I get what you are saying, Aj. I just feel sad that anyone has to do so much personal holding back due to race. It happens with ethnicity, too, which I believe robs people of identity. Then, again.... that's racism!

Also, there is just the stereotypes of race and ethnicity around anger and emotional venting, overall and the hierarchy of what is better than.

Oh, yes, I bet you deal with the angry black lesbian stuff all of the time, especially in academia. I remember being very nervous with dissertatation committee members viewing me as having a Latin temperament within their ivory towers. And they simply held power me.

[Rook]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/10/tex....html?on.cnn=1


hmmm...

[Nat]

Originally Posted by Rook

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/10/tex....html?on.cnn=1


hmmm...

that's so horrendously terrible.

[The_Lady_Snow]

Originally Posted by Rook

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/10/tex....html?on.cnn=1


hmmm...

This just breaks my heart...

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by Rook

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/10/tex....html?on.cnn=1


hmmm...

Argh! I believe this is the second incident like this recently. WTF?

A can of worms that needs to be opened- our border patrol shooting children?

[Soon]

Arizona's Next Immigration Target: Children of Illegals


Buoyed by recent public opinion polls suggesting they're on the right track with illegal immigration, Arizona Republicans will likely introduce legislation this fall that would deny birth certificates to children born in Arizona — and thus American citizens according to the U.S. Constitution — to parents who are not legal U.S. citizens. The law largely is the brainchild of state senator Russell Pearce, a Republican whose suburban district, Mesa, is considered the conservative bastion of the Phoenix political scene. He is a leading architect of the Arizona law that sparked outrage throughout the country: Senate Bill 1070, which allows law-enforcement officers to ask about someone's immigration status during a traffic stop, detainment or arrest if reasonable suspicion exists — things like poor English skills, acting nervous or avoiding eye contact during a traffic stop.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/arti...#ixzz0qqes37tY

[Soon]

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

Arizona's Next Immigration Target: Children of Illegals


Buoyed by recent public opinion polls suggesting they're on the right track with illegal immigration, Arizona Republicans will likely introduce legislation this fall that would deny birth certificates to children born in Arizona — and thus American citizens according to the U.S. Constitution — to parents who are not legal U.S. citizens. The law largely is the brainchild of state senator Russell Pearce, a Republican whose suburban district, Mesa, is considered the conservative bastion of the Phoenix political scene. He is a leading architect of the Arizona law that sparked outrage throughout the country: Senate Bill 1070, which allows law-enforcement officers to ask about someone's immigration status during a traffic stop, detainment or arrest if reasonable suspicion exists — things like poor English skills, acting nervous or avoiding eye contact during a traffic stop.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/arti...#ixzz0qqes37tY

WTF? You bet this is against the US Constitution!

Frankly, if this were to be passed, I think it is grounds for charges of treason against Arizona. And that would be the point I'll be making to my congressional representatives as a US citizen! So much of this is not only grounded in anti-Mexican sentiments, but so much a part of the birther mentality about Obama.

This is so nuts!! Where is the nation-wide outrage? Oh, that's right, a hell of a lot of people are just trying to manage financially during the biggest recession since the Great Depression (many trying to re-train, which takes bucks to do) and we are watching The Gulf region change for all time which will end up with more economic hardship for every citizen in the US. When things are tough economically for people, these kinds of anti-immigration sentiments are rampant, historically. Fighting anything but trying to survive gets very difficult and is a prime target for weakness and pushing through this kind of lunatic and bigoted legislation.

You know, I honestly believe that a mass demonstration in AZ from people across the nation fed up with this stuff - enough for a half million porta-potties to be needed is what has to happen! There is great power in porta-potty demonstrations!! Tend to wake people up! Numbers matter!!

Porta-Potty Revolution NOW!!!

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

Arizona's Next Immigration Target: Children of Illegals


Buoyed by recent public opinion polls suggesting they're on the right track with illegal immigration, Arizona Republicans will likely introduce legislation this fall that would deny birth certificates to children born in Arizona — and thus American citizens according to the U.S. Constitution — to parents who are not legal U.S. citizens. The law largely is the brainchild of state senator Russell Pearce, a Republican whose suburban district, Mesa, is considered the conservative bastion of the Phoenix political scene. He is a leading architect of the Arizona law that sparked outrage throughout the country: Senate Bill 1070, which allows law-enforcement officers to ask about someone's immigration status during a traffic stop, detainment or arrest if reasonable suspicion exists — things like poor English skills, acting nervous or avoiding eye contact during a traffic stop.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/arti...#ixzz0qqes37tY

This stuff makes me ill.

[MsDemeanor]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

WTF? You bet this is against the US Constitution!
!

But, but, but, don't you know.....the only Amendment that matters is #2. The tea farty folks and other conservatives raging on about "Constitution this" and "Constitution that" are really only interested in #2. Oh, and #1, but #1 only really applies to them and anyone who agrees with them.

Oh, #1 and #2...now I get it. It's a potty joke!!!!!

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by MsDemeanor

But, but, but, don't you know.....the only Amendment that matters is #2. The tea farty folks and other conservatives raging on about "Constitution this" and "Constitution that" are really only interested in #2. Oh, and #1, but #1 only really applies to them and anyone who agrees with them.

Oh, #1 and #2...now I get it. It's a potty joke!!!!!

ROLF!

They are a bunch, that is for sure!

I just had to do the porta-potty thing because of how the numbers needed for events are calculated. Yanno.... that would be a big crowd with a half million porta potties calculated at hourly usage needed! Would be in the millions!!! Think of a demonstration that large!!!

Hummm... damn my son for being in the waste (solid, liquid, recycling, you name it)business....

[Linus]

As I thought about this new event and was reading this, I couldn't help but be struck by the irony of today. My company's lawyers filed for my H1-B petition, the precursor towards a green card and potential citizenship. To me, I feel like I'm do not deserve this compared to all those families, kids, friends, etc., who came here truly in search of freedom. Freedom from fear of being attacked by cartels, of potential no hope, and a variety of other things that depress the hopes of individuals.

As I read the Huffington Post article I linked I found the following comment:

I've got a solution to all this. Let's just close up shop. Close down the borders and do not let anyone immigrate here. Yes you could get a temporary work or school visa, but when it's up, it's up, go home. We have enough people here already. We already have a huge mess with this side and that side to everything. Why add more fuel to the fire. No more middle east immigrants. No more Mexican immigrants. No more European immigrants. No more African immigrants. Not even a Canadian. Close it down and take care of people who are here already.

To me, this will do nothing more than strangle the growth of the US. The vast diversity that exists in this country (although the honking of NYC could abate a little) is what makes it great in many ways. The ability to take on challenges and forge through them are what makes Americans unique in many ways.

It is, to me, short-sighted to blame the ills of a city, state or nation on a single factor. There is too much intertwining going on in the world today. Children born in the US should be, by all rights, American citizens (as per Amendment 14, clause #1).

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

(italics mine)

If one denies these children their rights, then how far can the state/gov't go to deny other individual rights?

[MsDemeanor]

I've heard rumor that MN Rep Michele Bachmann is an anchor baby. Can we send her back first?

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by Linus

As I thought about this new event and was reading this, I couldn't help but be struck by the irony of today. My company's lawyers filed for my H1-B petition, the precursor towards a green card and potential citizenship. To me, I feel like I'm do not deserve this compared to all those families, kids, friends, etc., who came here truly in search of freedom. Freedom from fear of being attacked by cartels, of potential no hope, and a variety of other things that depress the hopes of individuals.

As I read the Huffington Post article I linked I found the following comment:



To me, this will do nothing more than strangle the growth of the US. The vast diversity that exists in this country (although the honking of NYC could abate a little) is what makes it great in many ways. The ability to take on challenges and forge through them are what makes Americans unique in many ways.

It is, to me, short-sighted to blame the ills of a city, state or nation on a single factor. There is too much intertwining going on in the world today. Children born in the US should be, by all rights, American citizens (as per Amendment 14, clause #1).

(italics mine)

If one denies these children their rights, then how far can the state/gov't go to deny other individual rights?

If the Federal Government doesn't take on this, then it will just be one more thing to be disappointed about Obama and his administration.

We have a saying here, it goes something like: Too much (insert ice cream truck music) not enough ice cream. That is how I see the Obama years so far.

Originally Posted by MsDemeanor

I've heard rumor that MN Rep Michele Bachmann is an anchor baby. Can we send her back first?

We could only be so lucky, lol to send her back!

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by MsDemeanor

I've heard rumor that MN Rep Michele Bachmann is an anchor baby. Can we send her back first?

Oh, how I would love this to be true! Did some research online.... came up with nothing about this other than her speeches, etc. about anchor babies. Then, again, after an overview of all of her insanity as a politician (and person), I could only take on about 6 articles..... that was enough. Really hard to hear her at the moment of her whacko statements, but to read them all in one sitting is just too much!


We could only be so lucky, lol to send her back!
[/QUOTE]

Well, we are jesting here, and I so get it, but, get really upset with anti-anchor baby stuff that I don't want anyone in the US sent anywhere via this trash. But, I sure can think of a few places I would love to send this woman!

But, you all have a point!!

You ever think about her as a GOP Presidential or VP candidate... or better yet.... Liz Cheny! I really think she might be a GOP candidate in 2012... ARGH....


You were just joshing, huh?

[Soon]

Steve King Suggests Illegal Immigrants Can Be Spotted By Their Shoes Or A "Sixth Sense"

[dreadgeek]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

If the Federal Government doesn't take on this, then it will just be one more thing to be disappointed about Obama and his administration.

We have a saying here, it goes something like: Too much (insert ice cream truck music) not enough ice cream. That is how I see the Obama years so far.



We could only be so lucky, lol to send her back!

Actually, if such a law were to pass then it would go to the Federal courts which would either strike it down or pass it up to the Supreme Court. This would be, largely, out of the hands of the Obama administration (or any administration). That process would start, quite automatically, once a law passed and someone was harmed by it.

Now, I don't think that any such law will see the light of day. The Constitution is *very* explicit on this matter and while most people don't realize *why* the 14th Amendment exists, there are those of us who are beneficiaries of that amendment who recognize precisely why it exists.

(For those who don't, at the end of the Civil War, the status of black Americans was up for grabs. Up until that point, we were not considered citizens in a full legal sense. The 14th Amendment was passed to get around what the Southern states *wanted* to happen which was that black citizens would not be considered citizens of the United States. So the 14th was passed to make it clear that American citizenship automatically adheres to anyone born here. Forgive me for being so blunt but I do not trust the majority enough to see that Amendment repealed or even substantially changed. )

I understand the strategy the Republicans are trying. In the short run (2010 - 2012) it *might* pay off although I think it's a long-odds gamble. Past 2016 they will rue the day they decided that stoking racial resentment was the path to electoral glory.

Cheers
Aj

[dreadgeek]

Linus:

You bring up a really good point--the *real* problems America are facing aren't really related to immigration. Compared to the effects of letting our education system falter and turning our backs on science, they are trivial. Compared to allowing American corporations to move their headquarters off-shore to avoid paying corporate taxes or moving jobs overseas, immigration just fades into the background. Compared to a trillion dollar defense budget all the social services *combined* do not even begin to compete for the amount of weight they have on the economy.

But improving the education system is a long-term project and will require more money with the payoff being intangible, so we don't want to do that. Passing laws that reward good business behavior and punish bad business behavior are difficult so we don't want to do that heavy lifting either. Cutting back our defense spending by, say, half gores way too many sacred cows. Immigrants are easy. They are nice slow-moving target and have the added virtue of large numbers of immigrants looking substantially different than the majority so blaming them is the path we've chosen in this country. Why do the hard thing that will require courage, sacrifice and will when there's a ready-made scapegoat right at hand?

Yes, it's cynical but that doesn't mean it's wrong.

Cheers
Aj

Originally Posted by Linus

As I thought about this new event and was reading this, I couldn't help but be struck by the irony of today. My company's lawyers filed for my H1-B petition, the precursor towards a green card and potential citizenship. To me, I feel like I'm do not deserve this compared to all those families, kids, friends, etc., who came here truly in search of freedom. Freedom from fear of being attacked by cartels, of potential no hope, and a variety of other things that depress the hopes of individuals.

As I read the Huffington Post article I linked I found the following comment:



To me, this will do nothing more than strangle the growth of the US. The vast diversity that exists in this country (although the honking of NYC could abate a little) is what makes it great in many ways. The ability to take on challenges and forge through them are what makes Americans unique in many ways.

It is, to me, short-sighted to blame the ills of a city, state or nation on a single factor. There is too much intertwining going on in the world today. Children born in the US should be, by all rights, American citizens (as per Amendment 14, clause #1).

(italics mine)

If one denies these children their rights, then how far can the state/gov't go to deny other individual rights?

[The_Lady_Snow]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100618/...on_law_clinton

[Linus]

And out comes the more obvious racist nature of the Arizona law. This law isn't about legal versus not "legal" immigrants. It's about the colour of the state of Arizona. With an aging white boomer population that has more conservative leanings, I'd imagine this holds well with many of them.