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DEL.ICIO.USYou have spoken: Hyphenated terms are not a necessity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Be careful what you ask for.
I’d hoped to start a dialogue about the use of hyphenated descriptions like African-American and Irish-American. In Tuesday’s column, I wrote that I prefer the term, “black.” Never said I was right. Didn’t say anyone else was wrong. Simply stated my preference, then asked readers to respond.
You know what they say about opinions. Everybody’s got one. Man, did we get yours. 150 postings (and counting) on the Badie blog. Roughly 30 e-mails. A dozen phone calls. And most folk responded civilly.
With a few exceptions. Conversation can turn sour quickly when you identify yourself as”Madd Black Man” or “Angry White Man.” The only place to go from there is the gutter. Then, when someone (actually, several) threw Cynthia McKinney into the mix, online chatter became deeply mired in peripheral issues about slavery’s origins, the race card, victimization, white guilt. What Richard Pryor said decades ago applies today: We can sit in a room together, all warm and fuzzy, yet not know squat about each other. In fact, we can come across as incensed with each other.
Too many, though a minority, are defensive. And bold. Thanks to the Internet. Online, we can say anything. Anonymously. We can be inflammatory and insensitive. Call someone a dummy or worse. Pontificate with half-truths and nonsense. All under the auspices of a nickname.
“I think this blog should be specifically for African-Americans,” wrote Madd Black Man in the Badie blog. “No other opinion matters.”
“Fuzzy” took the bait.
“I am a MADD White Man or should I say ‘sick’ white man,” he wrote. “I am sick of people like you and your ilk who want to have your cake and eat it, too. You scream racism on every issue. You talk about slavery and being oppressed. When were you ever a slave and oppressed? Never!”
The good news, though, is that most of you were cordial. You stuck to the subject. Thanks. And in your comments, one theme dominated, regardless of color or ethnicity: Hyphenated terms may be an option, but they aren’t a necessity. Ricky Saxton, while acknowledging his African descent, prefers to think of himself as a Southerner. “To this day, it makes other blacks angry for me to say and think that way,” he wrote in an e-mail.
Dotty Bailey joked that she was a “European-Germanic-Native American-American.” “I’m white, too,” she wrote in an e-mail. “Frankly, I prefer to identify myself just as a proud American, the mom of two kids who are both serving their country.”
You may ask: What’s the lesson here? What do we take away from this? We don’t talk enough or ask enough questions about things or people we don’t understand.We shrug our shoulders. Move on. But eventually that which we don’t understand becomes an issue. Out of ignorance and frustration, we attack. And now America faces another racially tinged issue: illegal — and legal — immigration.
We are nowhere near ready.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By BC
April 6, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
By looking at most of the responses from Tuesday’s blog, you have to be blind to see that this issue is for the most part seperated down color lines. It always intrigues me how black and white people almost in all cases will have opposing opinions on the same information. Sometimes I think we disagree just to disagree. However, there really is a reason why both groups have different perspectives. We both have unigue experiences living in America and unfortunately we will never have the opportunity to see things through each others eyes. Although the term African-American has continued to polarize people along color lines, I don’t think that was the intention. The word “Black” just has a certain history to it that many people don’t like to remember. Growing up in the south and going to a predominently white school I can remember many times in school when I was called a Black so and so. I am not thrill that we have to have a name that identifies us from the rest of America but if some people find African-American the best term to describe our group then so be it.
By James McCoy
April 6, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
I read with interest your blog from Tuesday Rick and thought to myself people just don’t get. When you bleed we all bleed red,people in this country have been decieved into believing other wise. When we all die we all go to the same place the ground or heaven or hell or where ever else you think you may go. Time is too short on this earth for me to waste on people who choose to hate for any reason. So you race baiting folks continue to waste your lives hating and I’ll continue to enjoy the diversity of all of the folks I meet each day.
By jim d
April 6, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Thanks Rick.
Tuesdays blog provided evidence that ignorance still abounds and that we still have a ways to go.
By ohme
April 6, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
America is not black and white anymore. It is every color, every nationality. Funny that the only Americans yelling anything about race are black
By BC
April 6, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
Ohme- No disrespect but where have you been the past couple of weeks? Even had a blog about the immigration issue.
By Sabrina
April 6, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rick,
I stayed away from Tuesday’s blog topic, because I knew where it would go.
I’m a person of color and I don’t have a preference Black or African American.
Yes, you are correct, we are not ready for a discussion about illegals/immigration - nor are we ready for a real dicussion about race.
When my daughter was four years old, she clearly had a preference to being called “BROWN”, she would get upset when someone called her a “BLACK” child. I thought it was odd for a four year old to get upset, until I asked her why. She picked up both crayons and said that she did not look like the black crayon, she was brown according to her eyes. She also didn’t think people were white, but beige and shades of pink.
She’s now 11 and doesn’t think much about race at all.
We have a long way to go and a very short time to get there.
By ohme
April 6, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
If we only kept the innocence of a child. Sabrina your daughter has a good mother. She lets her form her own opinions. What we feel is not born with us, it is learned. If poison keeps getting passed down, it just strengthens. I guess were are born wise and then lose it as we grow.
By rodney
April 6, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
Rick, you say that you hope for a discussion, but you end it before it has really begun. You have used anonymous blog entries as a basis for your proclamation that we no longer need hyphenated names! Really, this is just poor journalism. How do you know that this was not just a discussion between a handful of people that cleverly changed their sign-in information.
A blog (any blog, not just yours) does not have its finger on the pulse of society. It reaches a narrow, self-selected audience and is in no way a microcosm of society.
By Nikole
April 6, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
I think a bigger issue is that people feel that we all have to alike to have peace. American, is historically and still is made up of several DIFFERENT cultures. We do not all have to assimilate to one standard of what American culture is, in order to be accepted. So no matter what I call myself, I should be respected and have my decision of what I choose to be called, respected as well. There is no right or wrong here, just a matter of preference. Respect my preference.
By ohme
April 6, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
It is not only different cultures, but economic, social, geographical and what have you. No two people are the same nor should they be. The most important thing is what you think of yourself.
By MJK
April 6, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
I prefer to refer to myself as a Braves-fan (hyphen optional). I don’t like nasty Yankee-fans and Mets-fans. They’re all a bunch of losers and should go back where they came from.
By Sarah
April 6, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
What irony when someone post about how much alike we really are and how we should be treated equal yet they write Black like this and white like this? Your true feelings comes shinning through.
By Michael H. Smith
April 7, 2006 06:01 AM | Link to this
I have to disagree with your concluding statement Mr. Badie. The Immigration issue that now faces the country has nothing to do with Race which is human and cannot be defined by skin color, national or continental origin of a person nor the physical attributes of an individual. True enough this country has a fetish, a very sick fetish with skin and skin color that’s long over due the need for a cure; however, the immigration issue for the mainstream of America is embedded in our laws, rights to security of the citizenry, sovereignty as a nation, socio-economic well being of U.S. American citizens and the right to determine the future course of our nation. As the immigration issue now stands the interests of foreign powers, business and commerce are being placed first and the interests of the “little guy”, the average U.S. citizen are being placed dead last, once again.
If tinged is an accurate keyword to describe the thoughts and feelings expressed against illegal immigration and the chief culprits thereof then consider it an “earned” appreciation my friend; as a superior of mine often remarked, “lairs always figure but the figures never lie.” So let Vicente’ Fox, the illegal immigration proponents and the cheap labor open borders lobby interests go figure.
And now America faces another issue tinged by our laws, rights to secure borders, national sovereignty, socio-economics, and the human right of a people to self-determine their destiny and that of their posterity: in illegal — and legal — immigration.
By James McCoy
April 7, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this
Mr.Smith you really need to get off of your soapbox and start to talk straight about this immigration issue. You make no sense to the average guy out here,please speak plain and simple, is that you much to ask?
By Michael H. Smith
April 7, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
Mr. McCoy the average person has more intelligence than you give them credit for possessing, and it is by way of my opinion that the average reader of this Blog understands every single word contained within my comment and the exact meaning. Now if you care to direct your comments to the immigration facts as they presently exist – Legal and ILLEGAL – and the present particular offenders of immigration laws or the root cause as it relates to the issue without getting on your soapbox declaring slurs in lieu of substance then fine, if it suits Mr. Badie’s prerogative to open his Blog in an open forum and debate, so let it be.
Otherwise I have no further comment and by reiteration consider the readers of this Blog more than able to understand and comprehend the message contained in my very simple rudimentary use of the English language. Furthermore, my comment was directed to Mr. Badie.
By Carrie
April 7, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Actually, Mr Smith, you might want to review your use of some words. Also, grammar and punctuation is your friend and might help readers understand your post. A thesaurus is a useful tool, but will not teach grammar and punctuation!!
By Bruce Wilcox
April 7, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
“Immigration issue that now faces the country has nothing to do with Race”, really Mr. Smith?
“It takes a barrio to make a Gwinnett Village?” , “It will take more than a CID or CIA to turn the Barrio back into an acceptable American community.” by Michael H. Smith, November 2, 2006. Maybe it’s me, but that sounds pretty racist?
By Nikole
April 7, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
The illegal immigrant debate always begins with one group wanting to uphold laws and another group wanting to show compassion and make legal citizens of those that are already here, have always been here, and are not criminals from their home countries. That is a civil debate, but it only takes minutes before someone goes off into making racist comments as a defense for their position. Just go read some of the previous posts on blogs about immigration.
By Seamus
April 7, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
As a first-generation AMERICAN of Irish descent, I do not even consider myself to be Irish or Irish American. I was born in the United States of American and am more than proud to be an American. I served my country and would do it again. Those who wish to be known as Irish, Polish, Italian or African Americans can do so if they wish; I will always be American. Right, wrong or otherwise, it is my country. Seamus O’Ryan
By Michael H. Smith
April 7, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
I must take it Mr. Badie opened his Blog to forum and debate?
Whatever?
@Carrie with no last name
Actually, Mr Smith, you might want to review your use of some words. Also, grammar and punctuation is your friend and might help readers understand your post. A thesaurus is a useful tool, but will not teach grammar and punctuation!!
Well Carrie, I did say in my “very simple rudimentary use of the English language.” By the way since you have fixated on strict proper use of the English language, Mister usually has a period placed at the end of the abbreviation like this, “Mr.” but for what it’s worth I’ve always enjoyed being corrected by a skillful teacher.
—
@Bruce Wilcox
“Immigration issue that now faces the country has nothing to do with Race”, really Mr. Smith?
—
Yes really Mr. Wilcox. I don’t consider skin-color, language, culture or geographic origin to define Race. However nationality and/or ethnicity can and often is in my opinion defined by language, culture or geographic origin.
—
“It takes a barrio to make a Gwinnett Village?” , “It will take more than a CID or CIA to turn the Barrio back into an acceptable American community.” by Michael H. Smith, November 2, 2006. Maybe it’s me, but that sounds pretty racist?
—
By the common acceptance American communities do not display the colors of the Mexican flag in signage or bear the name of non-indigenous tribes of this area such as Aztec. Furthermore we have struggled in this nation for years to discourage “ethnic villages” where integration representative of the nation’s population does not occur. Perhaps Northern states see such concentrations as mature, in the South it has always been seen as the immaturity of Jim Crow!
Yes Mr. Wilcox it is “reasonable”, not hate of humans or as you might say “racism” to expect legal entry only and legal immigrants to set aside former ancestry to become U.S. citizens, which is the purpose of this nation’s immigration policy. Mr. Smith cites for Mr. Wilcox benefit Article one Section eight Clause four of the U.S. Constitution.
“To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization”, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States.
Excuse me Bruce for failing to find a guest worker program, amnesty plan, right of passage scheme for unauthorized entry or the better life contained somewhere in the Articles of the U.S. Constitution instructing Congress in regards to immigration.
@ Nikole
I hear a lot of this compassion cry tossed about but find so little of it shown to the U.S. citizens, the legal immigrants and those waiting to immigrate legally into this country.
The immigration policy of this nation can no longer afford to give amnesty after amnesty to those who are already here illegally, which is a discriminatory one at that without “just cause” and keep the 14th amendment including the opening statement in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal.
By the way Nikole also with no last name, I advocated for and supported the Reagan amnesty of 1986. Our compassion then has now only been insulted and I was very wrong in belief it could help the Mexican people, sadly it didn’t. Very simply Nikole enough has long since exceeded enough, it is time for enforcement and the compassion of tough love to be applied to countries most culpable for illegal immigrations.
By Greg Rodgers
April 7, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
Actually, I prefer to be called black. An african american is a person who immigrated to this country and settled. Since I was born here I guess that does not make me an african american. Also, considering that the majority of my heritage is of a Native American background with the smaller persentage of african heritage the black I will be called.
I think the label African American is ridiculous. A Hatian who immigrates here is not African American. A black person from the UK is not African American either. However, that is what they will be called for fear of not being PC. We are Black Americans. Let’s stop with the stoopid lables. Furthermore, I am not defined by my color. I am an American.
I never liked the term African American!
Why did we start using that nonsense term anyway?
By Michael H. Smith
April 7, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks for bringing up the Haitian people Mr. Rodgers they are a point in case to my claim of discrimination in U.S. Immigration policy. President Bush declared Haitians economic refugees during the recent civil unrest in that country and refused to accept Haitians immigrants on those bases, when in many cases these Haitian people were fleeing for their very life. If the illegal immigrants from South of our border aren’t economic refugees, then y’all can knock me over with a feather. And I’ve known plenty Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans and Salvadorians over the past near 20 years to personally make this statement with an honest degree of credibility.
If you feel comfortable in describing yourself as black that’s fine but to me neither manhood nor being human needs pre-qualifying by a color and being an American needs no hyphen to diminish our ethnic and national identity. Which is the beauty of naturalization in a near biblical sense, as a legal immigrant experiences a new birthright regardless of their ancestry.
Most of all thank you Mr. Rodgers for proudly declaring “I am an American” and standing up for “OUR COUNTRY”.
By the way Mr. Rodgers, I think the label of Indigenous Creek-Irish-French-English-American is not only ridiculous, it would become offense to me after a very short while.
I am an American.
By Greg Rodgers
April 7, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
Agreed Mr. Smith. The whole issues with the Hatians is ridiculous. These people have been turned away for years while it seems everyone else from everywhere else can come on down.
If you are going to turn the Hatians away with the quickness because it goes against our immigration laws then you best do it for the illegal mexicans that cross the boarder as well.
In any case, love reading your posts on these blogs Mr. Smith.
Thanks Mr. Badie for getting people to talk about the issues.
GR
By Bruce Wilcox
April 7, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
So Mr. Smith all the Barrio has to do is remove it’s colorful flag and you would find it acceptable. How nice of you. Tell me, how do you feel about Native Americans that we placed on reservations, do they have the right to display the symbols of their tribe?
Yes the North is more receptive of ethnic neighbors, Shantytown Irish, Chinatown, Little Harlem. I guess Northerns are not afraid of having their culture being stolen by a wave of new immigrants, legal or otherwise. It’s been going on up North for centuries.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 7, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
“Mr. Smith cites for Mr. Wilcox benefit Article one Section eight Clause four of the U.S. Constitution.”. It also covers taxes, the borrowing of money, commerce and several other issues. . Mr. Smith this may come as a surprise to you but that is the reason they meet yearly in Washington to enact legislation to address these issues, lately it’s been mostly borrowing.
Mr. Wilcox suggests Mr. Smith picks up a copy of Politics 101 and read the primer on How a Law is made.
By Gatorrrrrr
April 7, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
Once again Rick, youve hit the nail on the head on this issue. If you will allow, Id like to help you counter sink it.
We find more and more ways to separate ourselves. But those divisions are mostly along stereotypical borders as you have pointed out quite well.
I, however, have always thought of myself as an individual. Yes, I “could” separate myself along those same stereotypical borders, but why would I want to do that? Its counter-productive and unnecessary.
I think the question we are failing to ask ourselves, is what is it about us individually that sets us apart from anyone else.
I guess the question also is… Are we able to think as individuals, or is it too late?
By Michael H. Smith
April 8, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this
No Mr. Wilcox it does not surprise me, neither do you with this irrelevant crass garbage 100 that has nothing to do with hyphenating Americans or Mr. Badie’s closing remark that immigration illegal - and legal – is in his words, a racially tinged issue. The immigration issue for the mainstream of America is embedded in our laws, rights to security of the citizenry, sovereignty as a nation, the socio-economic well being of U.S. American citizens and the right to determine the future course of our nation.
The pertinent part of Article one Section eight in regards to immigration once again. Don’t want to confuse Mr. Wilcox and the U.S. Senate.
“To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization”
By Bruce Wilcox
April 8, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this
Mr. Smith as far as it isn’t a race issue, I just pointed out what you said, “to turn the Barrio back into an acceptable American community.”. To quote you once again, “this Blog more than able to understand and comprehend the message contained in my very simple rudimentary use of the English language.” We do and as far as I’m concerned it makes you look like a hypocrite.
The congress addressed this issue as far back as 1790, “That any alien, being a free white person, who shall have resided within the limits and under the jurisdiction of the United States for the term of two years, may be admitted to become a citizen thereof.” Is this what you want Mr. Smith?
Or The Immigration Act of 1875, commonly referred to as the Asian Exclusion Act. So as you can see Mr. Smith congress knows it’s duties, it been addressing them since 1790 and doing so right now.
You can twist it, flip it and spin it anyway you would like Mr. Smith it doesn’t change the facts.
By Michael H. Smith
April 8, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this
In regards to your other comment Mr. Wilcox, first do you know the meaning of the word Barrio?
Second don’t give me this up north business about not prejudice, not bigoted and non-discriminating that is nothing but a load of bunk.
Third removing symbols of Mexican sovereignty on U.S. soil would be a nice start but far from making illegal immigration and segregated neighborhoods acceptable.
Fourth until U.S. immigration policy brings equal opportunity to the rest of the world that is clearly shown numerically you bet I oppose the ethnic preference shown to Mexico and Central American countries, which defeats the very purpose of the world wide diversity intend for this nation.
Fifth if legal immigrants have no intentions of becoming loyal U.S. citizens they should return to the country of their allegiance.
Sixth the North is more receptive of Jim Crow. Shantytown Irish, Chinatown, and Little Harlem these ethnic villages came about as the result of prejudice, bigotry and discrimination.
Seventh there are many people in the North who hold the same beliefs about immigration that are held by people in the South.
Eighth immigration has been going on in America since the beginning of this country that includes the South, as intended.
Ninth the indigenous people of this country have every right to carry on with their traditions and display tribal whatever as a matter of federal law.
Carry on as you wish now Mr. Wilcox, nothing has changed in your support of a discriminatory uncontrolled immigration policy contrary to current laws by any means possible and nothing has changed my oppositions to it.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 8, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this
Quickly, yes I know the meaning of “Barrio”, also the meanings of acceptable and community. A wise seer once told me, be careful of what you write, it may come back to bite you. Hope it doesn’t hurt too much.
By Cedric
April 8, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
This is not a white and black issue. This is a Black or African American issue. While many blacks along with the majority of Latinos, Asians, Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners that now call this country home are focused on education, raising their kids and finding opportunites to improve their lives many Blacks are worrying about being called the right thing or looking for racism at every turn, then blaming it for their lack of success. Unfortunately many of the so-called black leaders feed this mindset. Yes, racism is still there and must be delt with firmly at every turn. It is real and has a real impact. However, it is not an excuse for not being successful or a card that should be played everytime something doesn’t go a persons way. For Cynthia McKinney to play that card was offensive to everyone, black or white.
By Michael H. Smith
April 8, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Bruce as far as I’m concerned you are “full of it” and Anti-American to the hilt. Congress has no more performed its immigration duties than Congress has balanced the budget. The only reason Congress is addressing the immigration issue now is because the American people and state governments have had enough of Congressional dereliction. Why do you think SB 529 was passed here in Georgia if not for Congressional failure to do its duty in addressing immigration? Want to talk about hypocrisy now Mr. “WE” party of one speaking boldly for the rest of us? The people who passed this legislation represent the actual “WE” Bruce and “WE” have spoken. Another thing Mr. Phony, SB 529 “profiles and targets employers”, care to moonwalk backwards now? “Go after the employers of illegals, says Mr. Wilcox”. Hey Bruce, that is exactly what the General Assembly did in SB 529 and you are still ranting your hypocritical head off racist, racist, racist at every turn. SB 529 gave you what you ask for in going after the employers of illegals and not the illegal aliens. Now employers are a separate Race too? How about the flesh peddlers the modern day slave traders are they a separate Race, they must be SB 529 goes after them too. Anything to divide us aye Mr. Wilcox, hyphenate America right out of the Americans. Use color, use culture, use language, use ancestry, call anything a Race; just so long as it separates and divides the American people from ever becoming one in unity.
Twist spin flip Mr. Wilcox is what you and Congress do best. Right now the Senate is twisting spinning flipping all over the place as “Senators come out of the shadows” trying every codeword in the book to excuse itself for failing to establish a uniform policy of naturalization. It is no different now than in 1790 or 1875 or 1986. Congress, at least the Senate, continues to author discrimination and sadly by an ethnic preference. What nationally – not Race – has an estimated 6 to 7 million citizens illegally residing in the United States? Every bill in the Senate thus far so-called comprehensive immigration reform will do just about the same thing that was done in 1790 and 1986 in favoring one nationally, one ethnicity, over all the other ethnicities in the human family of this world and this is what you want?
Absolutely no uniformity exists in anything the U.S. Senate is presently undertaking. Sending people to the back of the line who have no right to be in line with legal immigrants is not uniformity. Guest worker programs, amnesty plans for illegals who’ve made themselves criminals by committing the crime of unauthorized entry in taking one big dump on U.S. sovereignty and telling the American people in your face, has nothing to do with rightly naturalizing willing foreigners into loyal U.S. citizens and has everything to do with serving the mercantilist government purpose of wage control to manipulate not only the illegals but U.S. citizens and legal immigrants as well, to the sole benefit of commerce.
Lastly Mr. Wilcox I meant every word I said about your boondoggle Barrio village, it does not reflect an acceptable American community, bright flight has occurred and it lacks balance. Any time you feel like moving your rump come on over to Lawrenceville to my little blue collar hood to see what a fully integrated ethnically diverse representative of this nation’s population acceptable American rainbow community actually looks like. Just excuse the mess, we’re fixing broken windows.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 8, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Wow, first Mr. Smith I was a liberal, now I’m Anti-American. I can see that intelligent debate isn’t your forte.
” meant every word I said about your boondoggle Barrio village, it does not reflect an acceptable American community, bright flight has occurred and it lacks balance.”
Mr. Smith besides being a hypocrite, you’re just making yourself look more foolish than the usual norm.
By MJK
April 8, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
Of all the points Rick made in his column the one that resonates the most as I read some of the follow-up posts is:
“Out of ignorance and frustration, we attack. “
By Michael H. Smith
April 8, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
First Mr. Wilcox you remain a liberal elitist Anti-American in supporting things that run contrary to establishing uniform non-discriminatory immigration for the purpose of naturalization in limited secure numbers and no less foolish in declaring yourself champ in debating issues intelligently.
Did you are did you not Mr. Hypocrite advocate going after employers who hire illegal aliens?
Does SB 529 or does it not go after employers who hire illegal aliens by penalizing employers through taxation?
Besides your usual sanctimony Mr. Wilcox you are only making the obvious more profound. Between your foolish statements and my lying eyes I’ll have to go with my eyes. The area of JCB, Singleton Rd. and Old Tucker Norcross Rd. reflects a predominantly Spanish speaking community, a Barrio – Billboards even appear in the Spanish language appealing to the Hispanic culture. America is not a predominately Spanish speaking country and was never intended to become one. As badly as you can’t stand the idea of America speaking U.S. English only as the common language and in Georgia English being the official language, Spanish is simply not on the U.S. citizen’s itinerary of acceptability – nor is even a hint of America becoming the Northern province of Mexico acceptable. U.S. citizens do not assimilate to the immigrants Mr. Wilcox that is un-American and Anti-American as it gets. The immigrants assimilate to the American people: speak our language, respect our laws, culture and taken on our customs, they do not try to change this country or create their own sub-society within it. They accept America as is and become part of it. The Mexican people who have immigrated legally, allowed entry into this country in disproportionate numbers with respects to the rest of the world do themselves and us a great disservice by continuing to speak Spanish and display signage that declares Mexican Sovereignty. It is sending the wrong message to the American people and creates conflicts where none should exist. Illegal immigrations from South of the border only aggregates these hostiles and hinders assimilations at the very least, for which two governments bear the blame.
Have a good day Mr. Wilcox I’ve more important things to do than rehash the rehash and re-bash the re-bash.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 8, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this
Mr. Smith you have become a long winded bore, nothing less, nothing more. You think you are creative and always have the floor. The needless insults, your narrow views, just shows how much you follow the news. You think only the worse, never the better; your ideals are the only ones that matter; which makes your posts all the more sadder.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 8, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
“Does SB 529 or does it not go after employers who hire illegal aliens by penalizing employers through taxation?” not really, they just have to pay the state tax on the employee, just as they do with any other employee.
Companies with public contracts would have to use a federal verification program to determine the status of new hires ONLY.
The portion of the bill which affects private employers does not kick in until 2008, which means the first enforcement could not take place until 2009. Employers would be required to keep documents indicating an employee is legally in the country IF the employer claims an employee’s wages as a state income tax deduction.
Next time read the Bill, it was designed to fool the easily gullible, it seemed to have worked Mr. Smith.
By Michael H. Smith
April 8, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
Stick to your regular blog job berating the people you disagree with Mr. Wilcox. Poetry deserves better treatment than insipidity.
SB 529 is by no means perfect and not my idea of the best that could be done but it is better than no efforts in place to penalize employers who hire illegals as before. For the delay you can give credit to the labor secretary and government inadequacies. I read the bill completely several times Mr. Wilcox. Nothing about it fools me and only the easily gullible will believe it is as you say, Racist.
By Jason Davis
April 8, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Rick, I do not understand the necessity to identify with only a section of Americans. Our national motto is “E pluribus unum” which means “out of many, one.” I believe that the hyphenization of certain Americans, whether continentally (African, Asian), culturally (Hispanic), or nationally (Mexican, Irish, German) does a grave disservice to America. Out of many, one. We should be one America, and all citizens, whether born here or naturalized, should be known simply as Americans. Only then can we bridge the gaps that we have placed upon ourselves, and truly celebrate what we have in common.
By Jason Davis
April 8, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
As for comments from some that the issue of illegal immigration is a racial issue - HOGWASH! Our country has a process in place to allow a certain number of immigrants into our fold each year. If an immigrant has followed the rules, and speaks English, I have no problem with having him/her here in the USA, whether they arrived from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia or from the other countries of North America. But, I DO have a problem with those who cross our borders illegally, no matter their origin. This is a national security issue in this age of terrorism, and it is patently unfair for illegal immigrants to ever receive clemency or pardon and citizenship if it deprives anyone of entry who is trying to follow the rules to enter legally. Let’s secure the borders with Canada and Mexico, and ship ALL illegals back across those borders, and welcome all immigrants who are willing to play by the rules.
By Michael H. Smith
April 8, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
Well said Mr. Davis and let the employers who don’t like hiring U.S. citizens and legal immigrants join in that mass exodus.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 8, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
Another item to be considered about SB 529, where is the funding for enforcement of any portion of it? How can you penalize anyone if there is no one to enforce the law? Unfunded mandates are nothing more than words on a piece of paper.