You're right, the word Hispanic relates to ethnicity, not race. I still think the backlash would be less than it is if Mexicans were white instead of brown.

I don't know that we're getting anywhere here. Our opinions are just too far apart on this issue.


>I think race has absolutely nothing to do with it. They are considered caucasion more often than any other race. Hispanic is not a race. It is an ethnicity. Really. Hispanics have always been a strong social group in the south and west - the places I lived most. I don't think it has anything to do with it. I think it has to do more with companies that hire almost entirely illegal immigrants who then underbid local businesses and over time makeup the dominant companies in the field. Other companies cannot compete. It has happened predominantly in construction, painting, home repairs, heating and air, et al. Focus is always on factory workers and work that most Americans would not do (although I spent time siding and roofing houses at 18 and did years of work on farms as did many young adults) but the reality is that the good construction jobs are mostly gone now as well and all workers are pretty much low-wage. Look at new construction in Colorado for a start. Look
>at who is doing road construction in the south and west. How many businesses have gone under due to the artificial underbidding? As a separate issue, do you have any idea how many stolen identities are by illegal immigrants? It is not them just stealing an identity and paying taxes on behalf of someone else. They also underpay taxes and the real individual has to fight the IRS in April or pay the difference. They get charge cards in the real person's name and charge to the limit before they throw it out. It is a serious problem. I know a lot of immigrants and I care about a lot of them. I cannot turn a blind eye to the reality of the situation though that something must be done about.
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>>If I had been living and working in this country for years and there was a movement to criminalize me and throw me out, I would protest, too.
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>>I have come to know quite a number of Hispanic Americans, some legal, some illegal. Most of them through soccer, some through school. There is little if any relationship between the people I know and the demonized image some are putting forth these days. There is a complete disconnect.
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>>One irony of the whole saga is that Hispanics would seem to be a natural constituency of the Republican Party. They tend to be devoutly religious and conservative on social issues. Could it be the color of their skin? Maybe that's the cold hard pebble of truth that no one wants to acknowledge.
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>>>What is left out in the analogy is that someone in the house has welcomed them and gave them a room to stay in.
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>>>Drugs come into the country because someone here wants to buy them.
>>>People come here because someone wants to hire them.
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>>>If you want stop illegal immigration, stop the people that hire them.
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>>>I really don't understand why people get so worked up about protesters. Why is that so offensive to some?
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>>>>Folks,
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>>>>I don't normally post this sort of stuff, but I just couldn't resist on this one. It's the best description of the situation I've ever heard.
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>>>>> Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.
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>>>>> Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).
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>>>>> According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family's insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work because he too is hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part). If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there.
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>>>>> It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm hard-working and honest, um, except for well, you know.
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>>>>> And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being an anti-housebreaker. Oh yeah, and I want you to learn my language so you can communicate with me.
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>>>>Why can't people see how ridiculous this is? Only in America....