So the issue. People talk about it, but there really isn't a course established to deal with the issue. Really, I personally see it as the big screw up of America. The issue that was pushed aside for years to an extent. It is an accumulation of a failing economy, corruption, and lack of unity. I know I hear my dad say it all the time, "if we allow the illegals in they will use are tax money for health care and education. They are failing our schools, and those bastards won't learn English. They are not merging into our culture." But really, what is the American United States culture? If anything we are a land of opportunities for economic prosperity. We do not have an official language. We do not have a long history or some sort of background that people can feel the have roots in. Native Americans are the only long lasting group that has been in the States and if we know anything about history, the government, *cough* Andrew bastard-burn- Jackson *cough* spit on everything that culture stood for. It was only until the 1950s did the idea of preservering the REAL culture of the United States did we do anything. If there is no culture, but nationalism and the idea for opportunities then doesn't every immigrant share that? Yes, a lot of illegals are not learning English. I can't really deny that, but each community only merges in so far. Look at the African American community. Not to sound racist, but even though, yes they do speak English, we have labeled them as knowing 'ebonics.' People, this is something people go to college to study. We force people to learn English in the schools, but at home the speak something different. Maybe if we nationalized English we wouldn't have such a hard time with some immigrants, but the fact is we are being a bunch of hypocrites if we say that we should force someone to learn English when really they only need to know enough to get by. So anyways...
Then there is the issue of failing schools. Well, schools are already failing, but the government wants a scapegoat. Yea, maybe that is not completely true. Sure, when an influx of Spanish speaking students come in, the curriculum changes to accommodate for them, many times sacrificing the needs of other students and straining the school financially. I see this. But the thing I can't help knowing is this. OUR SCHOOLS ARE FAILING THE KIDS. Trust me. I see it everyday in Louisiana. What the hell do the public schools teach? One thing I can tell you is they aren't teaching them anything. I was teaching a 14 year old boy how to do basic multiplication in an after school program in the inner city of Baton Rouge. Most of the kids there, averaging between the ages 12-18, were drop outs. Not just high school drop outs, middle school drop outs who were already involved in gangs. Sure, this is in Louisiana, but what is that to say of other inner city schools? Illegal immigrants bring their families, and that includes children. If anything we should see the children as innocent and provide them with what they need, education and health care, but health care is for another paragraph. So what should be done? Why don't we move some of the money that goes into weaponry and focus on the children? Improve education, set up more technical colleges, and provide some pride in the workforce and blue collar jobs. We need to stop out sourcing and bring jobs back home. If anything good has come out dieing dollar is the fact that it is expensive to have businesses over seas, and companies are relocating back in the states. One good thing seen at least. The education system has to be completely reformed, and in the reformation Spanish speaking children need to be included in the course. If English is not going to be the official language, it should be enforced in the schools and after school programs. I am not sure on the ESL program in the United States, and I am going to ask one of friends about it a little more before I rant again....
So what about the said 12 million immigrants in the United States? Well to thing we can put them all on a bus back to Mexico is completely ludicrous. Really, what the hell are we? There needs to be a way to bring them in the country. Mention amnesty and every single conservative will scream. So what do we do? Sure, we need to go through all of them but how? I admit, I am for the proposals that call for illegals to pay a fee to enter a program that will lead to citizenship. The persons in said program would submit documentation, and yes, there is a chance they would not be accepted, but usually it would be for individuals who did illegal activities, such as CRIMINAL activities that do not include staying at BREC park past dusk. Yes, it would be required to learn English, pay taxes, or anything else Congress would say in needed. I would personally also have people be enrolled in some sort of community service in the schools if I had it my way, but whatevs. Also, I would say they needed to be involved in the local politics they are living in so they can have a better process of learning the system and seeing how they can help. Yea, maybe I am a hippie. So what?
Now one thing I think that would make all this better is if we increase the number of immigrants we allow into this country. There is a set margin for each country, and an overall set amount for all countries. Increase. We need more green cards, work visas, everything. Apparently the system is not working, why do we keep with what we have? Before the 70s, immigrants came in no matter what. There wasn't a cap. Now there is, and we need to reform it to make the process better or do away with it and start from scratch.
I'll admit, working in Mexico has altered my view on things. I have always been for immigration, but when you actually see people jumping on trains and then the driver tells you who they are, and then says that they lose body parts sometimes to get on that train. Well, your view changes. I was born into this country, and I know I take it for granted, so why not help someone who won't?
So what can a fence do? Just be a symbol that the USA won't take it anymore? Whatevs. How about we put the money we would use the fence for into reform and maybe things would work out better?
What do you think?
on a lighter note, Jib Jab!
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