Thursday, March 30, 2006

Fighting over the crumb the mouse left

I would like it if someone would take up the challenge of discussing the black-brown fight over the last crumb; you know the one, that itsy bitsy crumb that not even the mouse wanted and left behind. It is so easy for the white pundits to start up the talk; you know you can always find someone the right color to speak for his/her entire race. But who is willing to look underneath this struggle for the least? Who is willing to ask the hard questions like would Americans pay more for fruit? for restaurant service? for buildings being built? Who is going to go to the home depot parking lot and interview the folks who are hiring someone to do their dirty work for $20 a day instead of $20 an hour?

Don't get me started because you won't like it.

I was wondering why there is no Latino commentary on the AP or in the NY Times, but then, I was horrified to see that this is what they print. Linda Chavez is in no position to speak as the Latino commentary on this issue. I like the way she says it might provoke "anti-immigrant" sentiment. Really? Like the House bill, the Minutemen and the new law enforcement imperative in Costa Mesa don't represent significant anti-immigrant sentiment. I like the comment from a young protester in Los Angeles, quoted in the LA Times, two weeks ago people were waiving the Irish flag on St. Patrick's Day and that didn't provoke anti-immigrant sentiment.

Here's one guy who wants you to think about the issue more maturely, and is willing to say so. Unfortunately, if you are not a New York Times Select member, you won't be able to open the link. Let me know and I will forward the text to you. Why are black and Latino pundits unwilling to tackle this issue from the bare facts. Why are we always only willing to talk about the hyperbole?

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