Do I look Illegal?

After some weekend thoughts, some opinions ...

Lets face it, if you don't look Hispanic you're probably safe to say, "No" to today's raised question. It's absolutely embarrassing that there are people in this country that have worry about 'looking illegal'. (Not to mention years of unjust criminalization of African Americans, Africans, Muslim Americans and Middle Eastern populations.) For another view (wellllll, not really, He and I are on the same side) read this article. Are the numbers of undocumented immigrants concerning? Sure. Does our country need immigration reform. Sure. Is Arizona handling the 'issue' the right way? Uhh, no.

A former boss of mine had a bummer sticker that read: NO HUMAN BEING IS ILLEGAL. Think about it.

I like that people are talking about immigration. I do. Unfortunately a lot of people aren't thinking reform, but instead BURN BABY BURN. Everyone is forgetting the bigger issues of WHY people feel the need to leave their homeland.

Now is the time to take a deep breath, clear your mind ... and ask --

Do you really think people want to leave their homeland? Their culture? Their family? The familiar? Do you think people want to live in a place where they are discriminated against? That they are deemed 'illegal'. That they do not understand the language or customs, and are often victims of violence and slavery? If you've ever talked to an immigrant or refugee it's pretty obvious immigration isn't a matter of want but rather - of need. Why did my ancestors leave Europe? Because they no longer lived in a place with freedom, work, rights, or safety... so they did what was needed for survival and life happiness.

What would you do if your family was being killed off by drug cartels & corrupt officials, or your mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends were being raped and murdered in Maquildoras, or there was no way to feed your family here in Minnesota? You betcha you'd be jumping that border to Canada.

Lets - for one second - stop thinking about walls and start thinking about human beings. (copying Robert Greenwald) Do you look illegal? What if you did?