Rise Up, Rebel, Wait, What Are We Protesting?
As some of you may be aware, some kids are taking to the streets in protest as the U.S. Congress is considering immigration reform.
It happened here locally in Austin and while I admire them for their moxious maneuver, I can't say that these protests will have any real lasting effect. What politician will honestly listen to anyone who can't even vote yet? Hell, it's hard enough getting them to listen to those who can.
I happened to witness part of this march as the Del Valle crowd meandered towards downtown. I had heard something about them progressing down Hwy 71 (which is by far the most dunderheaded example of numbskullery ever since 71 is a BUSY controlled access FREEWAY) on the radio, but was rather surprised to see that they had made their way all the way up to Airport Blvd. Airport is another busy street but at least Airport has sidewalks.
The crowd was calmly cordoned and escorted by APD as they made their long pilgrimage downtown. Thank the lords of Kobol that someone downtown had a little common sense, even if the crowd didn't.
Supporters honked and cheered as they passed the kids who were waving Mexican flags and enjoying an orderly yomp down the street. Most of their faces were determined, but they seemed to be taking things in stride, literally.
The one question I had after reading the article (especially from the quote of one of the protestors) was about whether or not the kids were really truly informed about what the issues were. I'm not saying that kids are dumb by any stretch of the word, but I can't help but think that a little of the teenage groupthink had a hand in this.
When I was in middle school, about 190 kids also staged a walkout. The issue they rose up about was over certain new rules handed down by the principal that the student body felt crossed the line. I think it was mostly related to the draconian 'tough love' punishments that the guy instituted for such minor infractions ie. 2 days of OCA (ICS or whatever you may have known as during school detention or in school suspension in your day) for chewing gum, or detentions given for forgetting your textbooks and more that the passage of time has driven from my memory.
The plan was to bolt out the doors during 2nd period. The bell rang and the crowd surged for the doors. What ensued was a fiasco. Kids running everywhere, administrators and teachers attempting to round them up to get them back to class.
Eventually, those who made their escape did so and order was restored as those who were caught were herded into the gym for detention processing. They actually held detention in the gym for a couple of days to punish those who were caught attempting to leave campus. Those who succeeded in escape were caught, charged with truancy and were sentenced to 1 week suspension.
Afterwards, discussions were held to discover why the kids left campus. Over half of them didn't have a response other than they wanted to skip class. Some of the kids were sincerely protesting the new policies and the rest were protesting because their friends were.
The lesson from all this?
The principal not only chose to ignore the complaints of the students, but tightened the screws even further. It wasn't until THEIR PARENTS got involved en masse and went to the school board that he was forced to loosen up a bit to save face.
So, in some ways, the kids really did have an effect. While they themselves could not vote, they were able to influence the minds of those who could.
Kids aren't as dumb as people think they are, don't forget that. While some have other motives for actions such as this, it is always a good idea to listen. You may just very well learn something important.
Labels: General Commentary
posted by Robert @ 13:02
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2 Comments:
That's a good point about the politicians not listening to people who can't even vote. But I think this is a foundation for them...because they are involved in a way our generation never was.
They see what the government is doing. They see the War and money laundering and special interests.... They see it hitting close to home and they are DOING something about it - even if it won't work.
But maybe some will continue to fight. Maybe some will be inspired by this unity of action and decide they want to work toward a better Country.
If the government is successful, it will ruin our economy. The people who were being paid under the table for jobs will now have to pay income tax and Social Security. Which means the companies they work for will have to pay, too. Which means their costs will go up. Which means they will charge more. Which means we will pay more. Which means we will have to charge more for our services. And on and on and on....
I still don't see why this is hurting anyone. These people work hard and live on the edge every day for a chance at a better life.
Isn't that the ideal this Country was founded on?
If the government is successful, it will ruin our economy. The people who were being paid under the table for jobs will now have to pay income tax and Social Security. Which means the companies they work for will have to pay, too. Which means their costs will go up. Which means they will charge more. Which means we will pay more. Which means we will have to charge more for our services. And on and on and on....
Yes and no.
While I will not disagree with you about the point about many immigrants who come to this country are willing to work hard for the chance to make a better life for themselves, since they are illegal, they are also somewhat of a drain on our 'social welfare' system.
First off, yes, they are not paying any Income, FICA/MED or SS taxes. This tax burden has already been placed squarely on the shoulders on those who are employed legally here in the United States as well as businesses.
Meanwhile, many are taking full and good advantage of our school system, healthcare and other social programs that turn a blind eye towards their legal status. Now they may be paying for a little bit of that through property taxes (that they or their landlords pay), gas taxes and sales tax, but so far as Uncle Sam is concerned, no dice.
That means we're stuck with the bill.
Many illegals are also having to work under harsh conditions for practically pennies on the dollar for what would be paid for legal labor. They are paid so cheaply because who are they going to run and tell?
Nobody, that's right. Open your mouth and get a little visit from the Men In Green.
That gives less moral employers the opportunity to make a killing on the backs of cheap labor. The lower the wages, the better the profit margins.
Meanwhile, the workers are living in slums, fighting to survive and living in fear of being deported. What kind of life is that?
Whether it is better or not than the life they left behind in their country of origin is not in question. Most of our illegal neighbors have had to deal with hardships that we can't even imagine just to get here.
The fact remains that they entered this country illegally and broke the law. In the eyes of this nation, that entitles them to absolutely nothing but a bus ride to the border (assuming that they are caught in the first place).
Having said all that, let me clear a few key points up.
First of all, I am not for closing down the borders entirely. I believe that the immigration system needs desperate reforms to streamline and improve the process. The illegals who are already here should be given a fair chance to establish legal residency instead of being simply dropped off at the checkpoint.
The process needs to be strengthened to maintain our borders and secure them from illicit activity (including human trafficking, smuggling, etc.)
Employers need to be taken to task for not at least meeting minimum wage standards for their workforce, including illegal workers. If said illegals attain legal status, they should be granted all the same rights and benefits as everyone else.
That also means that they will need to start paying taxes and doing their fair share. If you want the American Dream, you have to handle the nightmares same as everybody else. The economy will adapt to this as it has in the past.
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