MexiTexaForniaZonaNewMexico

This new Arizona immigration law has not only heated up the Arizona desert, but the rest of the nation as well.

Recently, Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona signed the nation’s toughest bill on illegal immigration. Its aim is to identify, prosecute, and deport illegal immigrants.

It's about damn time someone takes control of this problem.  Let me just say that I have no problem with foreigners coming to America; but what I don't like is when they are not US citizens and receive more welfare and benefits that people born on US soil.  Most Americans have been immigrants at one point or another, but for most Americans, that was hundreds of years ago and the dynamics of our country have changed and it's time to recognize that. Not everyone can come and go in America as they please, treating our country like a hotel.

President Obama thinks the Arizona law threatens “to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.”

According to NYTimes.com, "The law, which proponents and critics alike said was the broadest and strictest immigration measure in generations, would make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and give the police broad power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Opponents have called it an open invitation for harassment and discrimination against Hispanics regardless of their citizenship status."

The law requires police officers, “when practicable,” to detain people they reasonably suspect are in the country without authorization and to verify their status with federal officials, unless doing so would hinder an investigation or emergency medical treatment. It also makes it a state crime — a misdemeanor — to not carry immigration papers. In addition, it allows people to sue local government or agencies if they believe federal or state immigration law is not being enforced. 

While police demands of documents are common on subways, highways and in public places in some countries, including France, Arizona is the first state to demand that immigrants meet federal requirements to carry identity documents legitimizing their presence on American soil.  And I agree with this law 100%.  If I, an American, am required to carry ID on me at all times (not necessarily required but highly recommended), why shouldn't immigrants? What's the point of a green card or a visa if you're not going to carry it? Pretty sure they make wallet size documentation that fits easily into your pocket.

I wonder...how is it different for immigrants to surrender their citizenship papers when asked by police, than it is for me if I went to the Bahamas on a cruise and they demanded to see my papers before I could step foot on the island? Seems the same theory to me. If you're a legal citizen in one country and immigrate to another, then you should have to show proper papers.  Period. Whether you're in another country to visit, to work, to attend school, or to live, you should always be required to have ID and surrender it when asked by law enforcement.

Many people worry this law will lead to racial profiling, something that exists anyways. The law "may" lead to racial profiling, "may" being the operative key word here. What about the fact that racial profiling already exists? I don't condone it; it's a fact of life. I understand it might be annoying to a person who is Hispanic and was born on American soil. I would be irritated if I got pulled over and was asked for ID all the time, even though I was born here in America and happened to have Mexican ancestry. I get that.  But, if I were to go to Chad, Africa, people would wonder if I were a citizen too. So, does that mean it's racial profiling? Not quite.

With that said, I don't blame you Arizona citizens who are of Mexican heritage and were born in America. Not one bit.  But, as an American, don't you want your freedom, benefits, home, and borders protected? Racial profiling already exists in every city, in every state, in every country, not just Arizona, United States; if you want to argue and stand up against racial profiling, just focusing on the Arizona Immigration Law will not get you anywhere...racial profiling runs much deeper than that.

Governer Brewer acknowledges the critics' concerns but says racial profiling will not be tolerated and that we have to trust our law enforcement.  Isn't that what we're encouraged to do anyway? Who do you call when there's been a crime? A threat of violence? A tragic accident? You call your local law enforcement and we're taught to trust them as public service agents. Granted, a lot of cops can be shady, but the majority of them are good and won't abuse the system.  They're here to protect us and if that means that Arizona cops are legally required to ask someone for their papers, then so be it. People just need to get over it.  If you act like you have something to hide, chances are you probably do. So to avoid getting caught, don't hide. If you want to be an American citizen, do the leg work.

If anything, this law might discourage foreigners from sneaking into this country, reaping the benefits that should belong to actual American citizens. If you want to come here so badly, learn our history, learn our language, and learn our customs and take the citizen test and become a citizen.  Otherwise, go back home.

I'd be expected to do the same thing in any other country, so why is America different? I think people are more upset about the possibility of losing cheap labor (gardeners, maids, construction workers) and politicians losing possible votes for the next elections more than they're concerned about anything else.

I think the goal of this law is to protect America and its citizens. Look at all the drug smuggling, human trafficking, and violence on the American/Mexican border throughout the years! Something needs to be done because clearly, Border Patrol isn't doing enough.

Seriously...the minute someone finds out about a law they can complain about, all hell breaks loose.  Especially when it involves one of three things, or even all three. 1. Race. 2. Religion. 3. Homosexuality.  This is another one of those things people love to complain about.  Boo fucking hoo. People are making too big of a deal about this law when they should simply step back and say "is it a big deal that a cop asks a Mexican for ID? The same cop would ask me for ID". I've been asked for ID more times in my life than I care to count and I would surrender it in a heartbeat in America or any other country. It's our right to know who is here legally and who is not.

And this is not about bigotry either...if it were, why haven't more states enacted a law like this one? Why just Arizona? There are far more racist and prejudice states in the union than Arizona. See Missisippi.

I think there are more important things to worry about in American than whether or not an immigration law will lead to racial profiling, which seems to be the main concern.  I certainly don't condone racial profiling, nor do I approve of prejudice and hate crimes. I also don't approve of many of the American laws (gay marriage being illegal to start) but I just don't think this bill is that bad.  Let's just get over it so we can focus our attention on a more important matter...our dependence on oil and the havoc it's wreaking on this Earth. See: Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Oh...one more thing. No matter who passes what bill, no one will ever be satisfied. Such is the nature of government. 

Illegal Aliens

With the quick approach of Halloween, many people are scrambling to find the perfect Halloween costume.  This year, people may choose to dress up as Bella and Edward from "Twilight", in fact, I'm sure most high school couples will do just that.

Since vampires seem to be gaining popularity once again, another popular costume idea this year is "Barakula", a cross between our President and a vampire.  Don't quote me on it, but I'm pretty sure somewhere out there in the internet world is a rock musical called "Barakula" where Barack fights off vampires.

If you really want to frighten people, I suggest purchasing a mask from Ogawa Rubber, Japan's top rubber mask maker, preferably in the form of the late, great, Michael Jackson.  Even better, it comes in two different colors, black and white, which is weird considering M.J. himself always said it didn't matter.

The funniest costumes of the year also happen to be the most controversial.  If I were still into dressing up and going out, I would totally pick one of these as my costume of choice...well, maybe not in South Florida because I, as an American, am actually a minority and would probably get shanked for wearing it, but I would migrate North to don this costume, or buy it for one of my friends North of the Mason-Dixon line.

Introducing, the "Illegal Alien" costumes.  According to CNN.com, the costume includes an orange jumpsuit, similar to prison garb, with "Illegal Alien" stamped in black across the chest; a space alien mask; and a fake Green Card.  Apparently there are two costumes; this one and another costume that includes a space alien mask, this time with a dark handlebar mustache and a baseball cap.

Maybe I'm an asshole; maybe I'm prejudiced; or maybe I'm one of the many Americans who are tired of illegal immigrants receiving better health care and other benefits than my family and I do, but I find this costume absolutely hilarious and find it to be the perfect mix of satire and Halloween!!!  The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, however, does not share my sentiment.  They started receiving emails Friday morning, which CHIRLA wrote several letters to stores like Target, Walgreens, and Amazon.com, asking them to stop selling the costumes.

Apparently, illegal immigrants everywhere are "offended" that these costumes are a direct attack on illegal immigrants, meaning, how dare we Americans make such a costume? Who the hell do we think we are, right?  Yes, illegal immigrants are humans and have feelings but they are not Americans!  WE Americans have the right to make whatever kind of costume we want, and should not have to worry about people who cross our border ILLEGALLY getting their little feelings hurt.  If you come here illegally, you better learn our customs, speak our language, or your opinion simply does not matter.  That's harsh, yes, but it's the truth.  If I were to go to Laos, Germany, or Haiti, no one would care if my feelings were hurt...no one would listen to me if I didn't at least attempt to learn the language.  And most of all, no one would welcome me with open arms, like we do here in America!!!

You know when my feelings get hurt in my own country? When I can't afford health insurance, and the gov't cares more about the people who come here illegally than they do about me. I was born here; I deserve health care.  You were born in another country; you deserve health care in your OWN country.   If you want to come to this country, do it legally. I don't enter YOUR country illegally, blatantly ignoring signs like this, and then get offended when you make fun of me and other Americans.  It's a two way street mi amigo...you can't dish it out and then refuse to spoon it back in.

One more thing, last time I checked, it was okay for illegal immigrants to dress and act like us, but we can't dress and act like them?  I mean, if this picture doesn't depict immigrants posing like Americans, I don't know what picture does. We're just trying to blend into the American population, just like you.

Obama + Nobel Prize=LUDICRIOUS

Every news outlet is reporting today that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize for...uh, for...wait, I'm not sure...why did he receive it again?  Yes, that's exactly what I thought too.

Everyone has heard of the Nobel Peace prize, but it's possible not many people know it's origins, or why it's such a high honor.  It all started with Alfred Nobel, a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, author and pacifist. Basically, it was stated in his will that most of his estate was left to this prize, which would be awarded to a person in one of five categories.  According to his Will, it would be presented in five ways:
1. to the person who shall have made the most important discovery or invention within the field of physics
2. to the person who shall have made the most important chemical discovery or improvement
3. to the person who shall have made the most important discovery within the domain of physiology or medicine
4. to the person who shall have produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction
5. to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses

According to the Nobel website, "Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize. Each prize consists of a medal, personal diploma, and a cash award".


President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this year "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples", according to CNN.com. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only citizen on Earth who is thinking "WTF"?!?!  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Obama is a great guy and everything and I am more than happy that he is president, but there is always controversy surrounding the Nobel prizes, and for good reason.  Let me just point out people in history who have been nominated, who have won, and who did NOT get the Nobel Peace prize, and you do the math.

Once upon a time, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Josef Stalin were all nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize...

These people definitely deserved their awards: Teddy Roosevelt, Yasser Arafat, and Henry Kissinger...but what makes the least amount of sense are the nominations that failed to produce awards.  Is there a reason why Mahatma Ghandi did NOT receive the Nobel Peace Prize?  Is there an even better reason why Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII failed to be awarded?  Surely, they put forth more  "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"...hell, even Al Gore earned his prize.

But Obama? Seriously? I've racked my brain and CNN.com and Time.com for articles proving Obama earned this award, and I come up empty handed.  I love the change America faced when we elected him; I love the support some Americans have given him; and I love that we have welcomed the first black first family into the White House...I'm proud to say I was alive when we saw our nation break through racial barriers to elect a black man into the highest office...with that said, the only reason why I think he was awarded is because he is America's first black president...that's it. I mean, that's a HUGE milestone and like I stated above, I think it's great, but that doesn't mean he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize!

If you take a look at the Nobel website, and take a look through past nominations and past winners, you'll start to see an odd pattern...it seems as though everyone is white! So, maybe the foundation needed to meet a quota to introduce a black man winner?Granted, Obama didn't nominate himself but still...there has to be someone else out there who did more  "to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"!!!!  Well, if that's the case, let's give one to Oprah for being a black woman talk show host; let's give one to Tiger Woods for being a black male golfer...or Halle Berry for being the first black woman to win an Oscar...all these people are great in their own right, but they are certainly NOT Nobel Prize material!!!

Whatev...bask in your humble glory Obama. Hopefully you'll start to come through on some of your promises to "change" America and the world...at the end of the day, yes, you are America's first black president, yes, you are a good family man, but unfortunately for you, this is how most people still see you--mainly because you haven't proven yourself otherwise...America's waiting for change Obama...it's time to step up!