Opposition to SB 1070 Creates Desire for Real, Humane Solution
Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
by Jennifer Stewart
Stepping out of History
Polarization around Arizona's immigration law continues to increase as opposition to it mounts steadily across America.
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and various civil rights and labour groups are boycotting Arizona, calling for organizations and companies to move their events out of the state in protest against SB 1070.
Four major Phoenix events have already been cancelled, including one for 2015. One of these is the Alpha-Phi Alpha Fraternity which has moved its annual 5,000 member convention to Las Vegas. The city could stand to lose $90 million in tourist revenue if others follow suit.
Last Thursday the NCLR announced a boycott against the high profile All-Star Major League Baseball game scheduled to take place in Phoenix next year. Allegedly 30 organizations are already supporting the boycott and the goal is to collect 5,000 pledges, of which more than half have already been secured.
Arizona earns a lot of money through tourism, and the boycotts could severely hurt its economy. In 2008, 37.4 million people visited the state and spent $18.6 billion. This created 167,000 jobs and $5 billion in earnings. Around 3.8 million of the visitors were from Mexico.
As Arizona is finding out, Americans of Mexican descent have a voice now and economic autonomy. They can't just be swept under the carpet any more. Within the state, citizens are doing "cop-watch duty" to document police action and to ensure that people rights are respected.
Apart from organizational and citizen resistance to SB 1070, the Federal Government is also considering its options, according to Attorney General Eric Holder, who said the Justice Department is thinking about suing Arizona on the grounds of civil rights violations.
He acknowleged that the immigration laws are ineffective and that a solution needs to be found, but stressed that the SB 1070 is not the right way to go about it. President Obama appears to agree with him, as do conservative political activists Richard Land and Mathew Staver, who propose to lobby Republican politicians to support immigration reform through President Obama. They are seeking the support of the evangelical community.
What appears to be emerging from the polarization caused by SB 1070 is a clear determination amongst Americans regardless of political affiliations to acknowledge the reality of the problem and seek humane, legal and legitimate solutions to it.
Whilst some people call for aggressive "solution" regardless of who gets hurt, we should never forget that most people respect their fellow human. They want peace and to be able to sleep with a clear conscience.
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and various civil rights and labour groups are boycotting Arizona, calling for organizations and companies to move their events out of the state in protest against SB 1070.
Last Thursday the NCLR announced a boycott against the high profile All-Star Major League Baseball game scheduled to take place in Phoenix next year. Allegedly 30 organizations are already supporting the boycott and the goal is to collect 5,000 pledges, of which more than half have already been secured.
Arizona earns a lot of money through tourism, and the boycotts could severely hurt its economy. In 2008, 37.4 million people visited the state and spent $18.6 billion. This created 167,000 jobs and $5 billion in earnings. Around 3.8 million of the visitors were from Mexico.
As Arizona is finding out, Americans of Mexican descent have a voice now and economic autonomy. They can't just be swept under the carpet any more. Within the state, citizens are doing "cop-watch duty" to document police action and to ensure that people rights are respected.
Apart from organizational and citizen resistance to SB 1070, the Federal Government is also considering its options, according to Attorney General Eric Holder, who said the Justice Department is thinking about suing Arizona on the grounds of civil rights violations.
He acknowleged that the immigration laws are ineffective and that a solution needs to be found, but stressed that the SB 1070 is not the right way to go about it. President Obama appears to agree with him, as do conservative political activists Richard Land and Mathew Staver, who propose to lobby Republican politicians to support immigration reform through President Obama. They are seeking the support of the evangelical community.
What appears to be emerging from the polarization caused by SB 1070 is a clear determination amongst Americans regardless of political affiliations to acknowledge the reality of the problem and seek humane, legal and legitimate solutions to it.
Whilst some people call for aggressive "solution" regardless of who gets hurt, we should never forget that most people respect their fellow human. They want peace and to be able to sleep with a clear conscience.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Jennifer,
Sounds like the Governor got Arizona into a pretty sticky wicket! and the fire just keeps getting fuel. No wonder, civil rights violations is serious, as it should be.To Both Kim and Jennifer, I am confused by both the article and the comment and ask both of you if you have actually read and understand Arizona's SB 1070 bill. Have you? Also, are you familiar with the Federal immigration Law? Obviously these questions are both rhetorical and I am aware you have no knowledge of either. If you did both the article and comment you have submitted would not exist. I only wish to help inform each of you and help you to avoid future public demonstrations of your ignorance. The Arizona State law mirrors our nations Federal law with two exceptions. #1 - The Arizona law is a misdemeanor, Federal is a felony. #2 - Arizona law is enforceable only in commission of a "Lawful Act". Federal Law does not require this. So, it is less severe than our federal law that has been in place for some time now. Hope this helps. Please don't continue to offer uniformed opinions. Jennifer, you should know better...I wasn't writing about my personal opinion, though, Donny, I was writing about other people's reactions, so your comment should really be directed at President Obama, the NCLR, The Alpha-Phi Alpha Fraternity, etc. as well as everybody in America and round the world who believes this law is a violation.I think you've just made me a bit of a scapegoat, my man!Donny,I don't believe I have run across anyone quite so rude as yourself. Are you familiar with the word "tact?" Obviously, this is a rhetorical question. First of all, the Governor is in a mess. Second, things are escalating. Third,it is in fact a violation of civil rights to be stopped by a policeman, simply because of the color of your skin. Lastly, I feel sorry for you having such ignorance, about how to treat your fellow man.Thanks, Kim, although Donny has me wondering whether I've stuck my neck out in ignorance, or whether he misinterpreted what I wrote - and your comment in response.Jennifer,As an emigrant, I understood what you were writing, some of the so called experts by themselves most of the time by commenting or criticizing like Danny Shaffer, to me he is an ignorant. Concerning the emigration law first he needs to be on the other side of the fence, and feel what any lawful emigrant feels. I am a USA citizen and I love this country. The Governor of Arizona is out of place, and Arizona is going to pay the price for that. What needs to happen, is to have the governor step out the office, and never get into politics, obviously she doesn't understand the law either.Emigration law has been here in America, possibly longer that Danny's age. The Federal Government is at fault in conjunction with the Senators, that are being supported by these enormous agricultural Corps. These corporations need the illegals to do the dirty work.
I haven't seen any white or colored people working in the fields picking fruit, or vegetables, or working in the pigs farms or on the ranches.
Jennifer thank for keeping us informed. Great article. Aim High!!!
You make totally pertinent points, Jose. And thanks for your support.His name is Donny not Danny. Coming from an immigrant obviously this entire comment holds no water. You are ignorant because you can't give a reasonable explanation why illegal immigrants should be here. By the way moron, our economy is worse than it has ever been since the 1930's and there are more illegal immigrants here than there have ever been. They are sucking our government aid away illegally and DON'T PAY TAXES. They are responsible for over 45% of the economic crisis. Check your facts. Soon there are going to be much to many people against illegal immigration and there will be no other choice than to mass deport ALL illegal immigrants from the U.S. Thank God. I can't wait. If you weren't born here, you shouoldn't really live here, but we won't go there. Stay ignorant Jose, I wouldn't expect anything else coming from a person like yourself, if you know what "I mean.Note to SearchWarp users: SearchWarp would normally remove this comment due to its obvious violation of our civility pledge. Instead, we would like to preserve it as an example of the mis-information and bigotry which is so prevalent in the immigration debate. If you find the above comment offensive, we sincerely apologize. We find it offensive as well.(Removed due to SearchWarp's civility policy.)Lying about your identity only proves which side has something to hide.Sammy,
I feel sorry for you, you need to take some ethics classes to be able to talk to people. I sense you are a frustrated person, and on top of that, very ignorant as well. However I better not go there. Have you forgotten where you come from? besides, it is not the immigrants fault they do not pay taxes. Get your facts together, and do your research before you open write comments, and spill all kinds of garbage, that does not make sense.
Have a great day Sir.Jose, thanks for responding so sanely to the comment that was left here. I wasn't at my computer so I didn't see it, otherwise I'd have removed it - and all the others that ensued - straight away. Anyway, they're gone now. Thanks again :)Jennifer,I would venture to say that is indeed the case. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed.(Removed due to SearchWarp's civility policy.)Lying about your identity only proves which side has something to hide.(Removed due to SearchWarp's civility policy.)Lying about your identity only proves which side has something to hide.
Jennifer,Thank you, it is great to have people like you to keep us informed about what is going on in the USA. A few more things that I would like to mention, is how are the Police officers going to implement this law? I know for a fact there are going to be a few law suits because of the abuse, the way the police are going to handle this matter. They are going to find any reason to stop you, just because your skin is tan or brown. That is the reason it is a mess right now, and is not going to stop until they change that law, or abolish that law.What needs to be done is the complete disassembling of the INS offices, and start fresh with new people and new ideas on how to handle this matter, and also making sure that the Senators involved in this matter, DO NOT... have any special interests in this problem.Thus, you see it is a major problem, and it needs to be solved with Tact and Love to our fellow men. One thing we need to remember is that the USA is a melting pot, and we have USA citizens from all over the world. We love this country very much, some times more that those who were born here. If you check the Armed Forces we have USA citizens from many origins defending our country, and many of then are of Mexican descendant.Jennifer thank you againThis is beautifully expressed, Jose. I think that people who support this law somehow miss the fact that real human beings will be violated. As for special interests, I agree with you.(Removed due to SearchWarp's civility policy.)Lying about your identity only proves which side has something to hide.
Holder and the President hadn't read the bill when the law suit was considered. It's available on line. It's a restatement of federal laws that are not being enforced. Why are state laws that reinforce federal environmental laws cheered yet this one, which is basically the same thing cursed?My guess would be this one is cursed because a lot of people (myself included) feel it is not the way to address this problem. There are native americans in Arizona that weren't birthed in hospitals and don't have "papers". Arizona was also once a part of Aztlan along with much of the southern United States. I feel that the generations that have remained here have every right to uphold their traditions, belief, and see the society that has been built here as out of sinc with the planet and other societies.Pesonally I feel to many members of our society fail to form oppinions based on inquiry and critical thinking. Members of our culture can quickly cosign our government or corporate condemnation or another country's or society's actions. When it comes to America though they are happy accepting their spoonfed education at face value. I don't know I was born here and this system is all I have experienced for any length of time. I think our permenant structures, body waste, and the ungodly way we package and consume our food is killing us and the planet.I think money gives us (myself included) the power and privelage to destroy much more of this planet than should be allowed. The ability to create wealth of unneccesary and polluting objects to me is our greatest flaw.I agree, James about the law. The US and South Africa (where I live) are so similar in many ways in that people resist a change in the status quo and can't see that their fears are obliterating their good sense.As for the wealth, don't be too hard on yourself as an American. Everybody does it. They just love making Americans the scapegoat. But give them half a chance and they're following suit..."Why are state laws that reinforce federal environmental laws cheered yet this one, which is basically the same thing cursed?" Nice try at mixing apples and oranges and changing the subject, a tactic that is the only lame, fallacious thing that right wingers can do anymore. Just go down to Arizona and arrest some nannies. and while there, kill some Innocent animals with your big guns. That will make you feel like a man again. Or better yet, invade some small, weak country like Iraq because, as your illustrious leader Bush said, "God told me to do it."
Thanks for another interesting article Jennifer. Don't you love when the things you write causes people to think or at very least rant? I know I do.It actually always surprises me! I love the thoughtful bit, but the rantings presses buttons like crazy. It's great, though when somebody insults me and other people stick up for me. I get very childish and want to stick out my tongue at the insulter!
Oh my gosh Jennifer, I was really trying to hold back on this one as far as SB 1070 goes, (but alas I can't, you have made me mad, I'm not sure how nice I will be on this until I'm done, so forgive me if I'm not, this is a sensative subject for me, let me apologize in advance for my comments)! I love the law. I think that we here in Arizona have it going on and I love my governor, and I hope they catch all of the *&%$# illegals (even the ones that stole my identity twice and fled to Mexico) and send them packin'!! It's the law. Now let me say that I am in favor of our good Mexican citizens that are here legally and KNOW how to obey the law as it is written and they even speak English because they respect the country that the are citizens of. But what I can't tolerate is someone who has no idea how bad it is in Arizona! Do you live here? Did your neighbor get killed by a drug dealer from Mexico? Do your police officers get rocks and bricks thrown at them whenever they do their jobs and enforce the LAW? I would just like to know what kind of a dream world you live in. The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) are a bunch of idiots that have no concept of what human rights really are. WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHTS, YEAH, MY CITIZEN RIGHTS??? They think they are the only ones that are politically correct, well now that you even mention them I can more or less disregard your article as fiction or not realistic. But, that is what is good about this country, you can express your views, and I have the right to trample all over them. I as a citizen of Arizona, really don't care if people boycott us, and I will support my Governor and my state as long as she has the guts to be politically INCORRECT. She is not kissin' anyones but, but I'll tell you what she is TRYING TO DO, she is trying to protect her citizens lives my friend. When will the American people like you wake up? Have any one of you looked up the word ILLEGAL in the dictionary? Here, allow me to look it up for you. According to Websters Dictionary, hum mm it says, wait for it.....PROHIBITED BY LAW, wait.....there's more....AGAINST THE LAW; UNLAWFUL;ILLICIT; ALSO, NOT AUTHORIZED OR SANCTIOND, AS BY "RULES"....Wow, that just about says it all doesn't it? So let me get this straight, you say and I quote, "As Arizona is finding out, Americans of Mexican descent have a voice now and economic autonomy. They can't just be swept under the carpet any more. Within the state, citizens are doing "cop-watch duty" to document police action and to ensure that people rights are respected". I would love to meet some of these citizens that are doing a cop watch duty, I really would because I live here and I haven't seen or heard of that being done at all, if it has, I am sure that it would be the illegals doin' the watching. Oh, and by the by, what you said up in the verse that I quoted was really quite racist. When you said "Americans of Mexican they can't just be swept under the carpet anymore. (Number one, the key word there is American Mexicans, that would mean legal?? If so, they never have been swept under the carpet because they are Americans! You are trying to make a racist statement here, and there simply isn't any racism going on here, not even with the illegal immigrants, it's not about race like your trying to insinuate, it's about being in MY, READ IT, MY COUNTRY ILLEGALLY!!! GET IT? Again, do you live here? If so, we need to do Starbucks sometime and chat. I have no hard feeling with you, I just think like so many American Citizens, you are simply mis-informed. You say the federal government is thinking about suing Arizona, hahahahahahahaha, let them try, it's our state and if they don't control the borders and protect American Citizens, it's up to my governor to protect her citizens. (There is indeed a new marshal in town)!! You make it sound like these illegals are saints from heaven, well, try to explain that the the ranchers family and neighbors and friends who live in terror as drug smugglers and who knows what, cuts through their properties ARMED TO THE TEETH and eventually killed one of our loved ranchers. On channel 9 news last evening, a lady that lives near where the rancher lives, and has lived there both her and her family all of their lives, are afraid to let their kids out to play for fear that they will be harmed. So, you tell me where the halo is over their heads, because I sure can't see it. Some of our wonderful local LEGAL immigrants are even saying that the illegals are not doing it right, my friend from Nogales says that he himself wishes that the illegals would stop crossing, he said to me "It is the illegals that are putting us in the position of being profiled, and I resent it" he says!!!Getting back to Eric Holder, you said and I quote, "He acknowledged that the immigration laws are ineffective and that a solution needs to be found, (My comment is that the laws are ineffective when THEY ARE NOT ENFORCED). but stressed that the SB 1070 is not the right way to go about it. (How can he possibly know that, it in not even in force yet)?? President Obama appears to agree with him, (Wow, that is gonna make me a believer that it is gospel)!! as do conservative political activists Richard Land and Mathew Staver, (What would you expect political activist to say, that is what they do, they take a political situation, and make it work to the politically correct advantage so that they can look good to "We the illegals")! who propose to lobby Republican politicians to support immigration reform through President Obama. They are seeking the support of the evangelical community. (Wow, this is a first, to seek the support of the evangelical community, while that same government takes prayer out of our schools, and takes the name of my God off of all government buildings, is that the same republican and democrat people that you are talking about)? A president that can't prove his citizen status? Or at certain events has a hard time putting his hand over his heart to honor our national colors? Is that the same government you are talking about? Wow, your informed). Well in closing, I will say that I like the way you write your columns, and you are a good writer, but as you can see, right, wrong, or indifferent, I still respect the laws and freedoms of this great country, and respect your right to express them, however I felt the overwhelmingly passion do "speak my peace" and there you have it..my right to dispute. It is what it is. God Bless. Perhaps some of your friend will come to your aid on this one, as it appears that you kinda need it. And by all means, stick your tongue out at me!!!! Hee hee hee.
Gary, I couldn't be bothered to plough my way through this. But I'm leaving it, because it shows you up."I'm not sure how nice I will be on this until I'm done"- This guy says this a lot when replying to people he disagrees with. Just shrug it off, Jennifer, his sort simply validates your position.Thanks, Piltdown, and I think you're right. It's a pretty peurile rant!Jennifer my dear, It's okay, I didn't expect you to comment, really, its quite alright. I only expect you to "bother" writing something you know absolutely nothing about. But I sort of expected this type of reply from you, Oh, a little footnote; It doesn't really "Show me up", as much as it makes you look ignorant for not even debating what you so loosely slam down with your pen, not having a clue as to what your are talking about and how the people of Arizona feel, you haven't a clue. I was going to say a couple of cool things to your friends, Gregory, who is totally clueless and obviously has never served in the military, but makes no bones about slamming what are military are doing. Oh and whats his name??? Yeah, Pilldown Mann, He is a liar, I have never said that phrase ANYWHERE on SearchWarp except here. But hey, if this is how you people roll, and who you roll with, with lies and fiction, knock yourselves out, perhaps you can validate each others work. Its for sure you all cannot take criticism. Oh, BTW, my response would have been much different if you had just given me a INTELLIGENT reply, like "I think your over-reacting, and I simply don't agree with you",would have done fine but you had to take the elementry school kid route, and insult me. I might have even admired you if you simply said, you have a right to your opinion, then deleted the column. I wish you the best in writing your fiction columns and believe it or not, I still like the fashion in which you write! No hard feelings. (If you took the time to read what I wrote, I did apologize in the beginning of the review before I began, but, oh yeah, " You couldn't be bothered to plough your way through this). Sorry, I forgot, Silly me.While combating the soaring crime rates caused by illegal immigrants has been the main rationale for passing SB 1070, a closer examination of state crime statistics shows that these rates have been severally overstated by supporters of the immigration law. In fact, Arizona currently is experiencing the lowest crime rates it has seen in the last four decades.According to the FBI, the number of violent crimes reported in Arizona between 2005 and 2008 dropped by almost 1500 while the number of reported property crimes during the same time period decreased by 8000.Data compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) show that the violent crime rates in Arizona from 2006-2008 are the lowest they have been since 1983. In 1998, the rate of violent crime was 577.9 per 100,000. However, according to the Department of Homeland Security, by 2008, this rate had dropped to 477 per 100,000 - despite the fact that Arizona's illegal immigrant population had increased by 70% during this same time.Whoever wrote this, thanks a million!(Removed due to SearchWarp's civility policy.)Lying about your identity only proves which side has something to hide.
I understand that this comment may be late but I felt like asking why most of those who have commented on this article are against SB 1070. I personaly was raised in a heavily hispanic community just outside of Tolleson, Arizona and from my experience in life I believe that this law is something goodfor Arizona.The primary argument against 1070 that I seem to hear a lot is "what does illegal look like?" I personally do not understand this complaint because in situations where this law would be use (say being pulled over) an officer will always ask to see your drivers license. I guess thats a small detail but in Arizona a drivers license is in fact your proof of citizenship. In the case of the driver not having their license they will instead ask for a proof of residency ( happened several times when I was younger and my friends mother who was a resident got pulled over drivingus around). It may just be me but I do not see the problem with asking about a person immigration status during an interaction if they fail to provide a drivers license or proof of residency. If it was me I'd sure expect them to question whether or not I was legal.There was also a comment about Native Americans who are not born in hospitals. A vast majority of the time that only occurs with Native American families living on a reservation and in that case the reservation provides the family of the child with the required papers.I would also like to add that your article is very well written and I appreciate how you and your readers have maintained civility in their discussion. It is a nice break from the arguments on the local newspaper websites where the only points either side seems to worry about is the "racism" of the other.Gregory Lewis has written very articulately on this question. Perhaps read what he has to say. He's worth reading anyway!Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, Cameron.
(Removed due to SearchWarp's civility pledge.)
Lying about your identity only shows which side has something to hide.
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