I want your opinion... what is he saying...really...

Comment

Comment by Rudy Alvarado on June 2, 2009 at 7:54pm

I just read this and wanted to respond. There are some valid arguments from all sides, but I do feel our Mexican brothers and sisters who come here should learn the English language. My mom is from Mexico and she learned the language and earned her citizenship. When I go back home all we speak is Spanish and I am very proud of that.

Nancy, you mentioned that illegals do pay state taxes using someone else’s social security. That’s identity theft and in no way should we ever make that an excuse that someone is paying taxes when you do something illegal. Years ago I had someone use my social security number to get jobs. I ended up having to go through a whole ordeal with the IRS since the person who used my SS didn’t pay enough taxes since they knew it wasn’t theirs so I ended up with the bill. Whoever did this research didn’t ask those of us who were violated.

Recently my family and I got into an argument with a family friend who was busted in a raid. He came to the states over 15 years ago and used various SS numbers. He used one of a deceased person and worked a job for 10 years and earned good money so he and his family lived comfortable. He also had 5 kids and never paid a dime to the hospitals since he had fake information. His life and that of his family adjusted to the nice income he earned. But now because he never learned the language or culture of the USA his family is suffering because he can’t find a job. Had he worked at becoming a citizen I think the outcome would be different.

I’m not being insensitive at all, but I do believe that everyone who wants to prosper here in the greatest nation on gods green world is by all means welcome to do so. There is a reason people from all over the globe come here. A couple of years ago I promoted an employee into a management position…years ago he dreamed of coming to America and he wanted a piece of the American dream. He hopped on a ship and came all the way from Gambia, learned the language, became a citizen and now he lives the good life. I am the first to welcome those who want to prosper under our constitution….freedom, liberty and your pursuit to happiness. It is not the government’s job to guaranty that, just to give you the opportunity to do so.

Comment by Marie Castro on June 2, 2009 at 6:50pm

I am just now reading this email and this made my blood boil. I have a friend that I have known over 10 years, she is an apt locator and real estate broker, she had been on the news also around the time when the news was discussing getting illegals out of Farmers Branch. She says she has nothing against hispanics but I feel otherwise, I had sent her some cultural events and she replied to me saying please do not send me emails regarding hispanic events, I am in no way interested in these types of things. I could not believe it as I was trying to send her cultural events and yes it just so happened most were hispanic events. I live in an apt complex that is dominated by illegals and many different Hispanics and yes I know some that do not care to conform to America's traditions and ways and I think that is negative but so too goes with Americans that think only English would be beneficial here. According to US Census bereau Hispanics will be the majority in 2014. Most reside in Texas, California, Arizona and I forget what other state. Did you stay friends with him?
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Comment by Janelle Meraz Hooper on March 27, 2009 at 11:54am

One of the other readers described your friend's letter as a rant. I think that is a very good description. No ideas, no solutions, just uninformed opinions.
Wiser people than I will speak to the garbled issues your friend raised. I would like to focus on one part: Mexicans who don't speak English. I can't speak Spanish. Does that mean I don't really want to be a part of my Spanish family? Not true! I have a stack of language books and tapes. I barely know more than how to order dinner in a Mexican restaurant. I admit, I'm a language dummy, but how are we supposed to learn another language when we're exhausted from just trying to keep our heads above water? How about someone giving us a solution instead of just criticizing? For instance:
How about making learning more assessible? How about, maybe, having lunches where we would only speak the language we need to improve in?
Or, how about asking others how they learned? One man told me a good way to learn Spanish is to start with watching the news and weather on TV.
Here's another idea: slow down, you guys! Geez, Louise! All of my Spanish friends talk faster than I eat chocolate! Janelle

Comment by Armando Sosa-Jacott on March 17, 2009 at 1:46pm

This guy has a very valid point. Many Hispanics that come to the USA couldn't care less about learning the language. That can well contribute to the isolation of many latino communities and their lack of integration to the American way of life.

His points are just the symptoms, not the cause. And symptoms will arise in both sides of the argument. And they are all valid.

However, it's all part of a very corrupted system in which the governments and leaders of many many countries are involved, therefore responsible. It's a very bloody and convenient game and it has "worked" for quite a few decades. If we do not change, inspire and integrate things will remain the same.

Stop growing it, we'll stop smoking it. Don't hire us, and we won't have a reason to cross the border.

We are all in the same boat!

Comment by JP on March 13, 2009 at 10:50am

Your friend is one of many U.S. citizens who are upset at the "whole" illegal immigration issue. His rant is a way to get it off of his chest. Next time you talk to him, tell him that you read his email carefully. Then, adk him if he feels better by letting it out. If he does not, give him a chance to vent some more. Don't say a word, just listen.

Comment by Robert F. Segovia on March 12, 2009 at 10:56pm

In a Free Democracy all opinion's should be heard, without repercussion, regardless of how radical they may seem.

John McCain was a leading Republican proponent of a 2007 bill that would have established a “guest-worker” program and provide a path to citizenship for most of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the USA.
(With a "Guest Worker" program all potential immigrants and their families could live in peace while contributing billions of dollars to the economy of The United States.)

The measure also would have tightened border security (Tight border security includes not just the entry and exit of people, but also the effective screening of cargo at our ports and other points of entry to discourage terrorism.)

The bill also supported sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants, which would have encouraged applications for the "legal right to work" and eventual citizenship if desired. The bill also emphasized worker skills for visas instead of family ties and connections.

The bill did not get a vote in the Senate, and died from lack of consensus in both parties. McCain didn’t agree on every provision, but called it “a very good starting point.” After its failure, McCain noted that, “The American people will not settle for the status quo — de facto amnesty and broken borders.”

The point, regardless of what one believes is the correct path, is that NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. This illustrates why ALL Americans must get registered to vote, get involved in the Democratic process and instigate progress instead of just complaining or even worse, DOING NOTHING!

My opinion is to just do something by getting involved and supporting political candidates that will represent "WE the people!" Peace!