Arizona's law may be a lot of things, but it ain't racism

Racism by definition, per Dictionary.com, states "hatred or prejudice against another race." In Wikipedia it reads "Racism is the belief that race is a primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority  ... the belief that a certain race or races portray undesirable characteristics. In the case of institutional racism, certain racial groups may be denied rights or benefits, or receive preferential treatment.

Racial discrimination typically points out taxonomic differences between different groups of people, although anyone may be discriminated against on an ethnic or cultural basis, independently of their somatic differences. According to the United Nations conventions, there is no distinction between the term racial discriminationand ethnic discrimination".

Sorry for the rudimentary definition/lesson here, but it seems now days, whenever there is a disagreement in policy folks want to scream racism.

I've been reading a lot of inflammatory stuff about Arizona's immigration law and not one piece offered a solution. Not one post, not one television argument.

The locals have been dealing with border situations, kidnappings, murders, cartel influx and that is overburdening their system - and has been for YEARS. That is NOT racism. That is a government allowing it's inhabitants to flee so they can be taken care of by someone else.

I liken it to deciding you don't like your children and leaving them at your neighbors house - and then blaming that neighbor when they can no longer feed them. If I am the neighbor, and I sue you for child support, am I then wrong?

Many Americans like underdogs, defeated persons, they love causes and feel they should care for the world. In many instances that is a good thing. Here, I believe, it is not.

Trust me, I am ALL for broad shoulders, but what is a small locale to do? If you have suggestions, I am sure they're accepting any and all.

People are blatantly breaking the law. They are not running from ethnic persecution, war, famine, they just want what a better life. Fine. In many migrant cases, that is fine. However, we have so many who are being persecuted, fleeing wars and famine that are waiting - waiting - waiting properly.

Now, I am for reform. It definitely is an issue desperately needing to be addressed. But, when a system is at its wits end, why kick them in the butt??? Help them.

I do not  agree with their stance, but I am frustrated.

Illinois is a sanctuary state. Chicago Police are not allowed to ask one's status at all - even after a murder, hit and run or sex offense. That seems to defy public safety.

Not to imply that all undocumented persons are felons- well they are in a sense, but those not committing everyday crimes are not the reason behind many people's immigration frustration.

For the last 8 years, especially, there were no deportations from Illinois unless the crime was heinous or drug-related. I somehow reached in my empty pocket book and realized - oh - the tax dollars used to process undocumented persons is a huge reason jurisdictions are going under - but people would rather scream racism.

RACISM? It is all about the money, honey.

Honestly, ladies and gents, dig deep, this is not racism.

Simply take one moment and educate yourself before getting caught up in the hype.

I read THIS for work and have read many other published documents, such as THIS. It, along with my work caseload, verifies that during the Bush Administration, deportations were only sought for crimes of murder and drug offenses within Cook County. That means there is an influx of felonious, convicted undocumented persons, in Illinois, who are now awaiting hearings. You are paying for this - but you don't want your taxes raised? But you don't want to pay for each others' health care?

Keep in mind, racism is herding millions of people onto ships, treating them worse than animals and selling them away from their families. Racism is depriving them of their culture and language. Racism is slaughtering people, taking their land and denying them their culture and language. Racism is performing genocide, ethnic cleansing, or wearing sheets in the night. Racism is a clear, tangible expression of hate.

So what is my offer on the table?

I believe that the Mexican Government should send us money so that we can set up a program. An intensive program. The undocumented who are registered with the Mexican Consulate (many are) and allow that information to be shared with I.C.E. Securing a system of education, providing fundamental needs, food and housing and then a path to citizenship. I do not believe U.S. should pay for this at all, except in terms of jobs.

Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, and many other states, are simply making a loud noise that needs to be heard, discussed and brought before the Mexican government, AND of course our Congress, in order for them to address the seriousness of the infractions on both sides and expecting us to handle it alone.


You can read another perspective with excellent statistics here.