Dear Mexican: What punishment could America give that would FINALLY make crossing America’s borders—repeatedly—unpalatable to Mexicans? Even Mexican natives admit that it is at least as harmful to Mexico as it is to America, and the “needless paperwork” in our immigration process is to TRY to filter out habitual criminals and recidivism, and to slant the incoming population to those MOST LIKELY to assimilate.
Remember, our original immigration requirements were “good moral character” and a “working knowledge of English.” Or have America’s recent military defeats in Korea, Vietnam and possibly Afghanistan (depending who you ask) simply removed any and all respect Mexico might once have had for America and our ability to protect our borders? And, if so, when can we expect Mexico to OFFICIALLY declare war on America?
Mines, Mines, Mines!
Dear Gabacho: Actually, the only punishment that would make Mexicans stop coming over no nos affect us: Gabachos would bear the brunt of socialism.
For the pinche umpteenth time, Mexicans migrate to the United States—like nearly every immigrant in this country’s history—to better their life, and because gabachos won’t do the jobs chinks and micks and slopeheads and wabs and wops do at the rates for which they’re willing to work. Stop getting your “original immigration requirements” from Wikipedia, and then wonder how ethnic enclaves have been part of this country since the Cajuns. We still respect los Estados Unidos—how can you not give props to a failing empire?
And one final debunking of your delusions: Mexico has been fighting the United States since the Spanish Armada set sail for England—except now, the only Black Legend in our camp pertains to Guatemala.
Zack de la Rocha, a person I admire as an activist and musician, has described his hometown of Irvine, Calif., as one of the most racist cities imaginable. He once stated, “If you were a Mexican in Irvine, you were there because you had a broom or a hammer in your hand.”
Being a Mexican who lives in Irvine and who looks like a Mexican (chaparro y prieto), I’ve never felt discriminated against in any way—in fact, I think of Irvine as a city that embraces diversity. I’ve only lived here for the past five years or so; has that not always been the case, or could it be that I’m looked down upon, and I’m too much of a pendejo to realize it? Does Irvine have a racist past that I’m unaware of?
Barranca Babobos
Dear Readers: Forgive this too-provincial pregunta, but it allows me to publicly call out de la Rocha, one of the great musicians of this generation who unfortunately is acting like Dylan after his motorcycle accident.
Hey, Zack: Where’s your solo album? Why the Rage Against the Machine mini-reunion instead of you pushing that amazing rap-rock-son jarocho fusion you were toying with a couple of years back? Why stick around in the progressive paradise called Los Angeles instead of fully committing yourself to the fight against your demented homeland of Orange County? Eres chingón, pero ya no mames, güey: Marching and organizing against Arpayaso is vital, but we need you to remain relevant to the rest of America by putting out new music.
As for why you haven’t experienced racism, Barranca Baboso: Irvinites probably think you’re Persian. And don’t use Wikipedia for pulling quotes.
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This article appears in Sep 23-29, 2010.
No wonder we have racism in this Country, with this guy and his interpretations of illegal immigration. Where are the stand-up Hispanics who used to have beautiful, peaceful neighborhoods…before they were invaded by the type of people invading their neighborhoods now. I miss the “good ole days”, where we could go to a S. Tucson Mexican restaurant and mingle and no one thought about “race”. Now, it is too dangerous to go to any part of Tucson, especially at night, for a carefree night out…why don’t the self-respecting Hispanics run these awful people back over the border, rather than protecting them. If they are true to the fact they want to live here, and hopefully become citizens, then start to stand up to all of this illegal immigration, which is hurting the Hispanic community more than ever before.
GVJaneAz: Your comment that you can’t go to any part of Tucson for a carefree night out is bogus and ignorant. And blaming the crime that there is on Hispanics is bigoted and horrendous. Our house was once broken into … by a white guy. You should be ashamed.
usually whenever clean up is necessary, ethnicity sticks together especially when eveybody is related. barrios, ghettos….same difference and fear is usually the key. but what happened to picking up a broom or a paint brush and mowing the lawn. i grew up in east LA, never looked like it does today, today it looks like a garbage bin. i see mexican border towns looking like the twin..so guess what folks, get used to it unless you have some huevos and change it.
and the war against mexico? where have you been? it has already started and the cartels are winning…look for the federal keep out signs on our govt. lands….Ariz., texas, new mexico, the shots fired across our bow, Americans being slaughtered, law enforcement getting shot and our chicken shitzoo president doing nada
Gracias, Mexican! Where else can we see the bare naked truth but in your writings? Immigrants, whether legal or illegal, come here to work! they are willing to do the worst jobs! Americans whose ancestors labored and sweated to give them the life they enjoy are now too privileged (or perhaps lazy?) to do the menial work that is needed so we can continue to eat our cheaply-grown food and live in our over-sized houses. I’m ashamed of you all!
“As for why you haven’t experienced racism, Barranca Baboso: Irvinites probably think you’re Persian. And don’t use Wikipedia for pulling quotes.”
What s stupid comment. Really want to experience some racism in the U.S? Try being Persian/Middle Eastern in Orange County, post 9/11. Even the Mexicans feel they have the right to be a racist towards you! Talk about a new low!