2-May-2006
Immigration in the Spotlight of Hatred.

Wow - I couldn't be more proud and more ashamed all at the same time. The May-Day protestors that have en-undated the streets of major cities throughout the country herald the greatness of the fabric of this country - diversity. They have gathered in protest of potential laws that would criminalize illegal immigration (felony charges I understand) and are standing firm in their own dream of hope and prosperity. I stand with these people.

On the other side, stand many narrow-minded citizens who believe immigration is a negative influence in this country. I couldn't be more ashamed! All of us were illegal immigrants at one time in our families’ history. All of us! Only the true Native Americans have the right to call this land home, to claim this land for the history of their ancestors. We were not turned away. We were accepted and even forgiven, as we arrived as thieves and scoundrels, selfishly taking whatever we wanted. In fact, wave after wave of immigrants displaced the previous settlers in areas all across this land. My own family's heritage started in the Virginias (Scottish) and was forced to relocate to Kentucky when German immigrants drove my ancestors south. I'm sure my "great-greats" were pissed off and would have just as well sent the Germans packing. But my family's success was based in hope, tolerance, forgiveness and understanding. I'm sure that underneath their disappointed exterior were deep feelings of accommodation and kindness. This heritage I am proud of!

As immigration has led to diversity and subsequently formed the backbone of this great nation's strength and tolerance, how can we now stand and claim that our values and ideals are based in selfish protectionism? How ignorant to state "We're tired of seeing the illegals coming in..." Our forefathers held the same attitude and conviction as the immigrants of today, "If I lose my job, it's worth it," said Jose Cruz, an immigrant from El Salvador who rather than working his construction job protested with several thousand others in the rural city of Homestead outside Miami. "It's worth losing several jobs to get my papers."

If you don't like the nature of diversity in this country, then may I show you the border and ask you to leave? Our strength, our culture, our values are based on acceptance of immigration. Denial of such is denial of our history, and shamefully embarrasses the humility of our integrity!

I stand with the immigrants!
God speed!