Human Relations Conference to be Held in Suburban Chicago

The suburbs of Chicago, and several local organizations, are coming together on September 20th to hold the first human relations conference.  Many Chicago suburbs have gone through huge demographic changes over the past ten years. Along with the changes come tension, concern, and worst of all negative perceptions among community leaders and the residents they represent. 

So, why is this conference so important?  Well, if you saw the democratic presidential election that was held in Spanish on Univision this past Sunday you heard the answers to a very important question. 

“What are you going to do to stop the anti-hispanic feelings that are spreading across America?” 

I was so relieved that not a single one of the candidates, selected to answer this question, gave a b.s. answer.  But, even though I liked their responses they didn’t go any further saying yes, there is a problem and yes, we need to fix it.  I can understand why though. 

Honestly, what can the president sitting in the White House do to make people like, or respect, each other.  It has to happen at a local level, that is afterall where the feelings develop.

Most of my family and friends by now know about my Home Depot run in, if you haven’t read it already I posted my rant on Gather.    That is just one of many incidents I have experienced where I live now and in the town where I just moved from, which has had an even bigger influx of Hispanic families.  

Citing incidents across the nation, such as the Jena 6 case, community leaders recognize the need to actively work to keep their communities united.    

If nothing else, there will be open discourse on the topic among community leaders, the local police departments, and those who provide services to the community.  From reading the article though, it seems like they have a lot more goals in mind.  You can read the article here.

Now I Have to Listen to This!

First I had to listen to Arellano and supporters say that she should be allowed to remain free in the States because Arellano’s son is a natural born citizen. 

Then I had to listen to Arellano speak to the Mexican assembly and detail why it was the United States who is to blame for her breaking our laws.

 When I read the press report about Arellano seeking a diplomatic position so that she can promote peace and justice, here in the country where she broke several laws, I wanted to roll over laughing. 

 For the last week and a half I have been unable to put any of my thoughts down.  I can’t believe the nerve of some people.  Part of me wonders if Arellano actually thinks about what she is going to say before she opens her mouth. 

For example, in this video Arellano is clearly confused.

It is clear that immigration reform is needed, but failing to enforce the law is not the same as breaking it.  That concept is clearly missed on Arellano. 

 Then I read this article, in which Arellano told reporters, “What I’m asking for is a diplomatic visa so that I can be an ambassador for peace and justice because I’m not a terrorist and the United States can’t continue treating undocumented migrants as terrorists.” 

Excuse me?  Has anyone ever told Arellano how terrorists are treated?  Undocumented migrants are treated as law breakers, not terrorists. 

 I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mexican President gave Arellano the Peace Ambassador position that she is asking for.  In his State of the Union address, Calderon expressed similar concerns for undocumented Mexicans in the US and his intent to fight for their rights while they are here.

I won’t even go into Calderon’s “Mexico doesn’t end in Mexico” statements, because it was the comments he made about the humiliation illegal immigrants from Mexico have to live with. 

If Presidente Calderon really cared, and I really mean it, he would encourage his citizens to go about gaining work visas through legal channels, instead of turning a blind eye to the masses crossing the border illegally and then reassuring them once they were here.  By doing that Calderon could then stand up and demand respect from the United States, its citizens, and for the Mexican citizens residing in the US.   

If he wants to talk about humiliation that people are experiencing, I have a thing or two to say to him.  What is humiliating is being American and being treated like a second class citizen by a good percentage of the population based on your heritage.  What is humiliating is listening to someone speak on behalf of immigrant families, when they are ignorant of the very issues they are speaking on. 

I am American, and yes I have a Mexican heritage, but that doesn’t make me ignorant.  I, for one, am sure as hell tired of being treated like I am ignorant just for being Mexican, it happens to damn much right now.  If Calderon actually cared, he would see that the blatant disregard illegal immigrations have for the laws of this country are the cause for any mistreatment to undocumented immigrants and Americans of Mexican heritage.  People do not respond well to ignorance or lawlessness.  

Whoever is writing Arellano’s speeches, try thinking about what you have her say next time.  And Calderon, try addressing the real issues next time.

  

It’s Not Racist

Anti-illegal immigration groups reject ‘racist’ label