Watch out America, May 1 could be huge!

[DianeG5385]

Some of the people who work for me are immigrants. One, who is Vietnamese told me she'll not be in Monday, May 1 as her kids don't have school. Funny, my kids do...Another, from the Phillipines is not feeling well today and wants to take Friday and Monday off to "rest". Note my staff are professionals and I may be making more of this, but my gut tells me, we are in for a big surprise this Monday. By the end of the day, we may be as inspired as those folks who heard MLK in Washington back in 1963. I may just take the day off or have "car trouble" which is actually TRUE!!
This is not just about Mexican immigrants; it's about how we treat our workers.

[babylonsister]

1. We sort of know. Here's a thread, pro and con:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2594563

[Ayesha]

2. We are going too

I am the great-granddaughter of immigrants who fled poverty in their country. I support legalizing those who are here and making coming here legally easier so that otherwise honest people won't have to sneak across the border. Then we can focus on border security and keeping would-be terrorists out.

Also, our Salvadorean assistant (a naturalized U.S. citizen) is going, as will her friends and family.

[AndyTiedye]

3. The Real Issue Isn't Illegal Immigrants, It's Illegally-Low Wages and …

illegally-dangerous working conditions.

[Blaze Diem]

4. Right you are Andy..but is this the message that we will hear

on May 1st?
or is it to allow illegals to enter at will?
I seem to hear a lot on one subject and a bit on the other.

[hogwyld]

72. Why not??

Nobody stopped my immigrant great grandparents from coming, so why should we stop anyone who wants to come here and make a better life?

[leftstreet]

83. Who will protect the current undocumented workers from 20 million more...

coming here to compete for THEIR jobs?

:shrug:

[Splatter Phoenix]

86. IMHO

Registering legally should be the only option. My mother is a legal immigrant from England. I see no reason millions of people should live under the radar, taking extremely low wage jobs for the benefit of bigger companies, living here illegally (no taxes, thus no putting money back into our economic pool), and what happens when they do become legalized, eventually? They'll want rights just like everyone else, and between immigration and outsourcing, the currect (legal American) worker is getting ripped in the asshole.

I'm not a racist and I'm tired of people who say we are. I don't care if you're black, white, hispanic, chinese - whatever. This is not a race issue. This is a law issue.

[hogwyld]

99. That's why we need to eliminate the documentation part

If there's no need for documentation, then the oppressed workers won't fear standing up for their rights. As it is now, they're afraid of speaking out and getting kicked out. As for the taxes, I don't think anyone making less than 50k per year should pay ANY taxes at all. Let the fat cats and corporations pay their fair share!

[TahitiNut]

84. How much of the under-$10/hour workforce can't vote and can't report ...

... illegal labor practices? A "guest worker" program (where rocking the boat gets you deported) is merely institutionalization of Labor Without a Voice.

[Selatius]

5. The big picture says we should examine the problem: Capitalism

When your civilization is built upon exploitation of the less fortunate for your own personal gain, your civilization is only making inequality a permanent state of existence. Our system cannot exist without inequality. It just cannot. Somebody always loses. That's the inevitable outcome of pitting people in competition with one another.

In an ownership society, there are those who own, and there are those who are owned...and exploited.

Martin Luther King, Jr. ran into the same issue:

"You can't talk about solving the economic problem of the Negro without talking about billions of dollars. You can't talk about ending the slums without first saying profit must be taken out of slums. You're really tampering and getting on dangerous ground because you are messing with folk then. You are messing with captains of industry… Now this means that we are treading in difficult water, because it really means that we are saying that something is wrong…with capitalism… There must be a better distribution of wealth and maybe America must move toward a Democratic Socialism."

-- Speech to his staff, Frogmore, S.C. (14 November 1966)

[SoCalDem]

6. Bingo.. It's GREED.. Jobs, capital, and corporations can be outsourced

and moved at will from country to country, but labor and domiciles are "captive".

Just about any country in the world will gleefully accept a new business or a hefty transfer of cash to a bank in their country, but they are proprietary when it comes to PEOPLE..Whya is that? Because MOST countries in the world (except for the US and a few others) know that once a person is living within their borders, the state IS somewhat responsible for them.

[Jim Warren]

28. That was the kind of talk

that clinched the deal to take him out.

[mmonk]

42. I prefer to say it's how a government uses capitalism.

It should never be used as a substitute for government. It should only be used as an economic system and be regulated in accordance with the welfare of the people.

[jerry611]

7. This wont hurt big-business

This little strike will do nothing to the Halliburton's, Wal-Mart's, and Exxon-Mobil's. It's only going to hurt a few specific industries and small businesses.

[RagingInMiami]

9. "This little strike" sends out a message

Has the antiwar movement attempted anything remotely like this?

[malaise]

39. That's why I support it

It will show the power of the people.

[951-Riverside]

96. The 2004 election showed the "power of the people" as well

:puke:

[AllieB]

21. Not necessarily. Companies like ADM, Tyson, Conagra

hire immigrants in large numbers. Meat packing and food manufacturing may come to a standstill on Monday.

[The Backlash Cometh]

23. You're right. It certainly won't hurt the Porsche and BMW industry.

Maybe MacDonalds might see a few less customers, but that's good for the country's health insurance companies.

[OzarkDem]

76. It helps big business

They're the ones who want the "guest worker" program. They want cheap labor, so they're in favor of these demonstrations. Who do you think is paying for them?

[RagingInMiami]

8. This is a general strike every democrat should join

It's not about the immigrants "stealing jobs".

It's not about the immigrants who are here "ILLEGALLY".

It's not about "Hispanics are going to soon be the majority!"

It's about respect in the workplace for every working American.

And don't even give me that shit about "they're not American!"

[Hekate]

10. YES!

I think I said this before, but the photos of those enormous marches practically brought tears to my eyes. My thought was that THESE are people who still believe in the promise of this country!

And then when the kids poured into the streets, I actually felt joy, that kids such as these are the future of my country.

I keep my fingers crossed that all remains peaceful -- after all, I came of age in the 1960s, when violent response was always just around the corner.

After all the misery Bush has put us through, including the misery of wondering where in the world is the outrage that will finally drive our citizens into the streets in the tens of millions -- I think the immigrant marches are truly a hopeful sign.

Peace, pax, paz, and shalom. And courage. :grouphug:

Hekate

[RagingInMiami]

12. Those kids will be voting in 2008

Many will be voting in 2006.

[Hekate]

14. I can hardly wait. I tried voter reg with a young airheaded anarchist...

...whose reason for refusing to vote was that she "didn't want to feed the beast," and that if everyone quit voting "the system would collapse." I wanted to jump over the table and slap her awake, but reason prevailed.

PLEASE give me some wide-awake, engaged young voters! The only "system" collapsing is democracy itself!

Hekate

[Selatius]

33. From the way it looks, the system is collapsing already with people voting

How else could you explain a body politic voting for somebody like GWB in such a large amount as to easily make the election results disputable?

[bdamomma]

30. I think it's a great idea STRIKE STRIKE STRIKE

there are so many out there who feel protesting does not do anything, I totally disagree, it does matter if we didn't have this defeatist attitude, for those who get out there, power to you. the day we stay silent is the day we lose democracy. What was that song John Lennon sang, Power to the People.

[silverojo]

15. Um...they're NOT American!

Why do you think they're illegal? Because they're still Mexicans!

I just hope this little tantrum only serves to solidify the majority view that illegals are going too far and need to be stopped.

My forebears came here legally, just as all other new Americans should.

We have poverty here, too; we should take care of OUR poor people (of ALL races) before we take care of Mexico's poor. (What's President Fox's job, anyway?)

If these "Americans" cared about our country, they'd be protesting the war. No, these selfish criminals only want for themselves.

Understand, people...when George Bush and the Mexican mafia are supporting a group of people, you know that group is dead WRONG.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The Backlash Cometh]

24. Well played, but no real points.

I think we all know what kind of "American" they want to be come May 1st. Because, if they want to be Central American or South American, I'm sure we'd all more than oblige them.

I don't have a problem for the amnesty, but I do believe in an orderly process. I don't agree with a sweeping amnesty of 12 million. There has to be a review process in place for each one. If they want as much respect as the Ellis Island immigrants, then they won't have any problem with this.

Second, I want the blame for having the 12 million in the USA put on Bush and the Republicans. They're here because Bush wanted them here or he was terribly incompetent. Amazing, how at a time when National Security was at its highest, that so many got through. Doesn't that surprise anyone?

[psychopomp]

25. Ahem

I don't know what you are saying and don't really care, with that attitude.:puke:

[RagingInMiami]

110. The lines have been drawn

My attitude is a result of all the attitudes I've experienced on DU these last several weeks.

[2Design]

34. we invaded this country - their ancestors were here first

they are descendants from Indians - we are of other lands and invaded this country just as we invaded iraq and lots of other places

They may have more of a right to be here than we do

[The Backlash Cometh]

56. Ahem. Most of them are of Spanish descent.

Should we only allow the purebloods in and send the rest back to Spain?

[Celeborn Skywalker]

106. Not true.

Yes, most have some Spanish heritage but most of their ancestry comes from the indigenous people who live in Latin America before the Spaniards.

[The Backlash Cometh]

108. Sooo...it's okay for them to have the blood of conquistadores in them

but we can't have any other ethnic race? Come on, a mongrel is a mongrel.

[TahitiNut]

85. Even the "Native Peoples" were descended from immigrants.

Legal immigrants.

[Splatter Phoenix]

87. You can't play it that way.

How would you then, using that logic, solve the Israel problem? Arabs or Jews? Who gets it? Come on, decide.

[hogwyld]

74. They ARE Americans

They may not be North Americans, but the vast majority come from the American continent. I say let them all in and vote! That way, we will be out of this illegal war, and enact some REAL change such as universal healthcare, better programs for the less fortunate. Defund the murderous military/industrial complex. Just because you won the "lottery" by being born here doesn't mean we should deny others the same opportunities.

[nickinSTL]

100. maybe I'm nitpicking, but...

Mexicans ARE North Americans. Technically, until you hit Venezuela/Colombia...it's still North America.

[Dr. Jones]

80. Well said

n/t

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

62. There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

63. There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

64. There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

65. There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

66. There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Tuesday_Morning]

67. There'll be at least one march in South FL

and I'll be there.

[Dr. Jones]

69. Hey Tuesday, we heard you the first time!

Just kiddin' around, I know DU is having problems today. First time I've seen this! :)

[Tuesday_Morning]

73. yikes!

sorry guys

[The Backlash Cometh]

77. You're lucky we like John Lennon.

[Dr. Jones]

81. IMAGINE that!

:rofl:

[SammyWinstonJack]

101. Sticky fingers.

:rofl:

[nonconformist]

93. The elusive 20 post dupe.

Congrats!

[TheBaldyMan]

97. This is the most original way to boost your post count I've seen n/t

[fleabert]

11. I'm white, and I told my employer I would not be at work on May 1

in solidarity with my family. My husband is first generation Mexican American. I would not be where I am today if not for him, it's the least I can do to stand with him.

he's not working either, his parent are closing their business that day too.

[RagingInMiami]

13. Right on!

:thumbsup:

[Mythsaje]

16. Well, now that I think about it...

one of my co-workers, a citizen originally from the Philippines, will be in Canada, trying to arrange for his wife to be able to immigrate legally. He's having a tough time of it...she lives up there and he visits her on weekends because she isn't allowed move to the U.S. to be with her American husband.

Ain't that lovely?

Another co-worker, also from the Philippines, will be working. Another co-worker, a resident alien from Poland, will also be at work. A third, a long-term resident alien from Germany who is currently recovering from lung surgery, will be continuing to recover.

[arcos]

18. Remember May 1st is Labor Day all around the world...

From Wikipedia:

May Day is a name for various holidays celebrated on May 1 (or in the beginning of May). The most famous of these is International Workers' Day, which is the commemoration of the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, Illinois and a celebration of the social and economic achievements of the international labor movement.

The 1 May date is used because in 1884 the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, inspired by labor's 1872 success in Canada, demanded an eight-hour workday in the United States to come in effect as of May 1, 1886. This resulted in a general strike and the riot in Chicago of 1886, but eventually also in the official sanction of the eight-hour workday.

In countries other than the United States and United Kingdom, resident working classes fought hard to make May Day an official government-recognized holiday. In most countries other than the U.S. and UK, May Day is often referred to as Labor Day.

May Day has long been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist, and anarchist groups. In some circles, bonfires are lit in commemoration of the Haymarket Riot usually right as the first day of May begins. In the 20th century, May Day received the official endorsement of the Soviet Union; celebrations in communist countries during the Cold War era often consisted of large military parades and shows of common people in support of the government.

<snip>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day

[Robbie Michaels]

19. It's Not Just About Immigrants

I'll tell you how I'm feeling about this boycott on May 1st...

If you believe the rhetoric the mainstream media and conservative talk radio has shoved down your throat for the past three weeks, you would think Mexicans are going to rape and pillage the southwest in a caravan of Chevy Impalas until they reunite Mexico with her former territories. When Aztlan becomes a reality, they'll leave their calling card in the form of murals on freeway abutments, taco shops on every street corner, and the establishment of places of worship for http://weber.ucsd.edu/~anthclub/quetzalcoatl/quetzal.htm">Quetzalcoatl.

What a crock of s**t.

Michelle Malkin http://www.townhall.com/opinion/column/michellemalkin/2006/04/26/195104.html">made a pitiful attempt to state her case for closing the borders based on the actions of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Maturino_Resendiz">Ángel Maturino Reséndiz, an illegal immigrant who's on death row for a dozen murders. The actions of one bad apple doesn't mean all Mexicans are evil. That's like me calling clowns minions of the Devil because of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne_Gacy">John Wayne Gacy.

The May 1st boycott means much more than supporting illegal immigration. It's also about respect, dignity, and pride for those who feel like second-class citizens in this country because of their race.

For me, it's personal. I'm fed up with right-wing bigots referring to Mexicans as Reconquistas, s***s, b*****s, and other derogratory names. I'm proud to be an American but I refuse to feel ashamed of my Mexican ancestry or culture. That's why I'll be there on Monday.

[Disturbed]

22. Illegal Immigration

Illegal Immigration

*The following was posted by pat_k.

Controlling our borders isn't really about control; it's about values

"Controlling our borders" means more than erecting barriers or patrolling. Controlling our borders is about making a commitment to act in a manner that is consistent with our values.

When we set employment standards we are expressing our values. Those standards reflect our belief that all human beings have a right to be treated fairly.

As long as we allow ANY workers to be exploited within our borders, we disgrace ourselves. As long as we turn a blind eye to the violations committed by people who enter illegally or remain after their visa expires, we demonstrate hypocrisy.

Guest worker programs have a place, but too often; such programs have been used to give employers a ticket to pay substandard wages and subject workers to unsafe conditions. We cannot tolerate programs that set different standards for "guests."

To be consistent with American values, we need to "just say no" to the exploitation workers -- documented or not. Continuing to permit predatory employers to operate within our borders will only drive more and more of Us and "Them" into poverty.

Controlling our borders with the stroke of a pen

Building a wall takes time. We don't need to wait. We can effectively control immigration with the stroke of a pen by passing legislation that includes two basic elements:
Going after predatory employers.
Offering a path to citizenship for whistleblowers and their families.

Specifically:
Expand the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to cover every business and individual employer, whether they employ documented or undocumented workers.
Conditions and terms of employment must meet FLSA and safety requirements for any wage earner who meets the criteria that would require reporting under IRS rules (e.g, the IRS threshold this year is $1500 for most of work).

Criminalize predatory employment practices.
Predatory employers who are violating FLSA, violating OSHA standards, and evading taxes must be subject to prosecution and mandatory prison time.

Whistleblower immigration amnesty.
Clear processes for workers to report predatory employers and maintain anonymity throughout the course of investigation. Whistleblowers who are undocumented (whether an individual or a group) are offered a path to citizenship.

Increase resources and create special units as required
Affected agencies would include the Dept of Labor Wage and Hour Division, Dept of Justice, OSHA, IRS, and INS. The Wage and Hour Division is probably the logical agency to oversee the handling of charges against predatory employers, including preliminary investigation, referral to Justice for investigation and prosecution, referral to IRS, and coordination with INS to process undocumented whistleblowers and other undocumented workers.”

Making implicit costs explicit

“The harmful effects of supporting an underground economy are costly to the nation. When we "just say no" to the exploitation workers, some implicit costs will be made explicit. Americans have a choice. We can invest our tax dollars to our common benefit, or bear the costs -- both moral and monetary -- of exploiting other human beings.

If we choose make predatory employers the prime target, we can ensure the survival of vital "underground economy" sectors by providing transitional supports. We can offset increased costs of goods or services to the working class through tax credits. (Should be part of shifting the costs of citizenship from those who benefit the least from our common infrastructure to those who benefit the most.)”

Radically changing the rules of the game

“If predatory employers faced serious penalties, and the undocumented workers they are exploiting benefited from blowing the whistle, we would significantly increase the risk of exploiting workers.

The threat of exposure and prosecution alone will be sufficient for many to revamp their operations. In some sectors, the predators may simply move operations offshore. In others, predators may be forced out of business. As noted above, it may serve the public interest to provide transition assistance or start up assistance for replacement businesses.

Undoubtedly, a significant percent of undocumented workers would continue to evade detection, but employers would be far less likely to exploit them. If the workers are making a fair wage, the "race to the bottom" has a lower limit and the negative effect on wages is reduced.”

We have a right enforce immigration law and deport violators

“There are situations in which our interests are best served by providing an alternative to deportation. Nevertheless, if it does not serve a public interest to provide an alternative we should not hesitate to deport those who violate immigration laws.

We have a right to enforce our immigration laws. When we shift our focus to predatory employers, we are not forfeiting that right.

Offering legal status to whistleblowers serves us in two vital ways -- it deters predatory employers and it gives authorities vital resources "on the ground" who are motivated to expose those who are not deterred.

Targeting predatory employers creates a new class of unemployable undocumented workers If we do not institute a program that offers an opportunity to achieve legal (employable) status to those who are displaced, the deportation and support costs are likely to rise to intolerable levels.

If we decide that minimizing competition for jobs is worth the costs associated with deportation, the number of families who are offered legal status could be limited by entering those who qualify a "lottery" of sorts. It may seem harsh to allow chance to determine who stays and who goes, but deportation must remain the default consequence of breaking our immigration laws.”

First things first

We can't begin to make progress until we impeach Bush and Cheney and purge the new American fascists from our public institutions ((Impeachment First)). Only then can we effectively engage in the messy -- but democratic -- process of dealing with this and other critical problems.

Conclusion

“Our underground economy makes the United States very attractive to people who are struggling to survive in their own countries. We can change the dynamics right now and virtually eliminate the underground economy, and in the process, minimize the incentive to enter this country unlawfully.

Saying no to the exploitation of workers is central to controlling our borders. Radically changing the rules of the game makes other aspects of controlling immigration more manageable, but it does not eliminate the need for them. We still need to do a better job of tracking the foreign nationals who come here to work, study, or visit. We still need to make our border with Mexico as impenetrable as possible, while weighing the costs against the benefits.

We cannot continue to hypocritically turn a blind eye to violations of our immigration laws or tolerate the exploitation of workers within our borders. As is often the case, committing to enacting and enforcing laws that that reflect our values is not just the right thing to do, it ultimately serves the common good.”

Posted by: pat_k

[AzDar]

90. Are you saying that clowns AREN"T minions of Satan?

[klook]

20. Even if you have to go to work, don't buy anything Monday (eom)

[alarimer]

32. I have no choice

I am going to do my job as I normally do. It is what I get paid to do. This "strike" or whatever it is will backfire.

[Occulus]

37. exactly what your employer wants you to think

You have no choice.

[DemGirl7]

26. On my University's campus there is a planned student walkout

at 11am. I was just informed of this yesterday, by a friend of mine.

[tuvor]

27. May 1 immigrant boycott aims to "close" US cities

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Pro-immigration activists say a national boycott and marches planned for May 1 will flood America's streets with millions of Latinos to demand amnesty for illegal immigrants and shake the ground under Congress as it debates reform.

Such a massive turnout could make for the largest protests since the civil rights era of the 1960s, though not all Latinos were comfortable with such militancy, fearing a backlash in Middle America.

"There will be 2 to 3 million people hitting the streets in Los Angeles alone. We're going to close down Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Tucson, Phoenix, Fresno," said Jorge Rodriguez, a union official who helped organize earlier rallies credited with rattling Congress as it weighs the issue.

Immigration has split Congress, the Republican Party and public opinion. Conservatives want the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants returned to Mexico and a fence built along the border.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060428/us_nm/usa_immigration_dc

[Jim Warren]

29. Got a bad feeling about this

The potential for havoc breaking out is huge, I do hope everything goes smoothly. Even if it does I think the spin is gonna leave a bad taste in many mouths.

It's relevant to note, not sure that it hasn't already been, that May 1st is Labor Day through much of the world and specifically Dia de Trabajo (day of the worker) in Mexico.

[leftstreet]

88. And that May 1st date originated in Chicago = Haymarket Riots

Born out of international solidarity and protests of the events in Chicago. In the late 1880s Grover Cleveland made the "US" Labor Day the first Monday in September. They didn't want American workers using May Day to commemorate the worker riots, or identifying with international workers.

Through much of the 1870's and 1880's Chicago was a leading center of labor activism and radical thought. Early in 1886 labor unions were beginning a movement for an eight-hour day. Union activists called a one day general strike in Chicago. On May 1 many Chicago workers struck for shorter hours. An active group of radicals and anarchists became involved in the campaign. Two days later a shooting and one death occurred during a riot at the McCormick Reaper plant when police tangled with the strikers.


On May 4 events reached a tragic climax at Haymarket Square, an open market near Des Plaines Ave. and Randolph St., where a protest meeting was called to denounce the events of the preceding day at the McCormick Works. Speakers exhorted the crowd from a wagon which was used for a makeshift stage.


Commemoration of the Haymarket tragedy has, at times, been as contentious as the event itself. Worldwide appeals for clemency for the condemned Haymarket martyrs led to the establishment of May 1st as an International Workers' Day. Though May Day has been commemorated as a labor holiday in many countries, it was never adopted in the United States.

http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/timeline/haymarket.html

[titoresque]

31. I'm joining in!

I have very strong feeling about this issue and I agree with others in this thread. This is not just about Hispanics...
My kids will not be attending school on May 1st nor will I buy anything! Im a stay-at-home mom so perhaps I will let the dishes go as well ;)

I hope others will join in this effort and help make an impact!

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

[Dr. Jones]

35. Maybe they'll find that Americans are lined up to take their places

and that these Americans will do and do do these jobs. Especially in construction and factory work!

[klook]

38. Americans will "do do these jobs"?

Please enlighten us.

By the way, the toilets in my building will need cleaning that day. Are you available?

[nonconformist]

40. Are you implying that Americans will NOT do janitorial work?

Do you even understand how bigoted you sound? "brown people have to clean my toilets!" WTF?

Yes, Americans can, will and do those jobs. They just expect to be paid a living wage for it.

-- granddaughter of a janitor

[klook]

44. Um, no.

I was responding to the poster's (apparently gleeful) projection that "Americans" will be lining up to take the places of workers who don't show up to work on May 1. I thought if this poster was looking forward to that, maybe he or she would be interested in filling in for one of the hard-working Mexicans who do the janitorial work in the building where I work--because I certainly hope those folks won't be reporting to work on Monday. I know I won't be at work that day, in support of immigrant rights. Maybe if I had taken the time to spell all this out, you might not have thought my post sounded "bigoted."

No disrespect intended to your grandfather, any other janitors, or any other folks who do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay (and often much less than that).

[nonconformist]

45. Fair enough.

I just get a little touchy whenever I hear the "jobs Americans won't do" line, because it's totally false.

[Dr. Jones]

43. What has happened is that greedy companies

have hired illegals who are paid far less than their American counterparts. These illegal workers have usurped the jobs Americans will do and do do. Construction, factory work, agriculture - all are jobs Americans have done since the inception of this country and continue to do to this day. The only difference is that many Americans are now being forced out of their careers by greedy companies who pay illegals far less, thus forcing down the wages of American middle-class citizens.

This is why I feel bad for illegals, they've been fed lies from Day 1. Both Bush, Fox, and corporate America have been literally inviting illegals to cross the border, even through ad campaigns in Mexico. It's disgusting. They promise these illegals a better life, that they are doing something noble in taking the jobs Americans simply refuse to do. But it's a huge deception and a lie.

Growing up, I didn't see illegals doing janitorial work, or service work, or construction work, or factory work, or agricultural work. I saw hard-working Americans who worked for every cent of their pay.

Please don't come on here and try to say Americans are lazy, or that they don't want to do this work. There are PLENTY of Americans who are DESPERATE for work but can't find it, because they are locked out due to companies favoring lower-paid illegals.

[klook]

46. The solution is to demand a living wage for ALL jobs

no matter who does them. When employers can get away with paying sub-legal wages, of course with our current shadow economy there will be undocumented workers (God, how I hate the noun "illegals") to work for them.

Please don't come on here and try to say Americans are lazy, or that they don't want to do this work. There are PLENTY of Americans who are DESPERATE for work but can't find it, because they are locked out due to companies favoring lower-paid illegals.

That is not my position at all, and nothing in my post suggests that. People will do jobs that pay what the job is worth, plain and simple. We should be prosecuting employers who pay illegal wages, not harassing, imprisoning, and deporting desperate workers who take those jobs.

I got the impression from your post that you were looking forward to seeing undocumented workers getting replaced by legal American citizens. If I misinterpreted, my apologies. If that is what you meant, then you need to re-examine your position.

[Dr. Jones]

47. I know ALOT of hard-working Americans who are looking for work

in industries such as construction and factory work, but are LOCKED OUT because greedy companies have hired illegals who have taken the jobs Americans will do and DO do.

I know ALOT of hard-working Americans who are lined up, waiting to get back into their careers. I am simply saying that illegals who are taking part in this protest may be surprised to see that they are not as indespensible as they think. In fact, the day may come when AMERICANS are lined up on street corners and at pickup points for their day's work! Imagine THAT!!

Case in point, who did they hire for the Katrina cleanup? HINT: Not American citizens who desperately wanted to get back into the workforce and would do ANYTHING for work...

[klook]

50. Yes, but don't blame the workers

and please stop calling them "illegals."

...(The National Association of Hispanic Journalists) calls on the media to never use “illegals” in headlines.

Shortening the term in this way also stereotypes undocumented people who are in the United States as having committed a crime. Under current U.S. immigration law, being an undocumented immigrant is not a crime, it is a civil violation. Furthermore, an estimated 40 percent of all undocumented people living in the U.S. are visa overstayers, meaning they did not illegally cross the U.S. border.
more: http://www.aaja.org/news/industry/2006_03_29_01/

I'd like to see all Americans working just as much as you would. You say that willing workers "are LOCKED OUT because greedy companies have hired (undocumented workers) who have taken the jobs Americans will do and DO do." I agree with you there. Can we agree that the best course is to go after those greedy companies? Not after the workers who take the low-paying jobs they offer?

[Dr. Jones]

78. Sorry, a spade is a spade.

If any worker of any race is in this country without the proper documentation, he/she is in this country ILLEGALLY - meaning - AGAINST THE LAWS OF OUR LAND. Criminal violation, civil violation, it doesn't matter. They're here ILLEGALLY and it's an affront to those who immigrated to our country via the legal way.

Of course it's about illegals. That's the whole point of the May 1 protests. It's the whole point of the immigration debate. Should these illegals be here, and should companies be allowed to pass over American workers and instead hire lower-paid illegal workers. That's the entire point of the debate, no questions asked.

Sorry klook, you simply can't sugar coat this issue. It is what it is.

[pointblank]

36. May 1 IS huge already!!

its my birthday!:o

[AnnieBW]

98. And Beltaine!

Happy Beltaine Birthday! You can burn off the birthday cake calories by dancing the Maypole! :party:

[nonconformist]

41. If they were marching for fair wages, I'd be right there along side them.

But they're not.

I may very well buy nothing that day, and we definitely won't be working - since we're laid off.

[Dr. Jones]

48. Why did you get laid off? From what industry?

Just curious. I'm unemployed myself...tech industry. Laid off in 2001 from a telecom.

[nonconformist]

49. Construction. Nearly 3 months and counting...

My husband worked for an independent contractor. He's losing his business, because new companies came into the area with immigrant workforces and are underbidding all the local companies.

[prolesunited]

52. That's why demanding union labor

and fair wages for all is so vital. They would not be able to underbid projects that dramatically.

[Dr. Jones]

58. I hear ya, I hear ya!

You know, it really pisses me off. So few around here seem to want to STAND UP for the AMERICAN WORKER. It's all this stuff about how we need citizenship for illegals, how they need to unionize, etc. But NOTHING about how damaging and harmful illegal immigration has been to the American middle class!

Will ANYONE stand up for the American worker? Anybody?

[shamrock]

59. I hear you.

Between out-sourcing and in-sourcing the workers here are really getting hurt. There are a lot of people out of work right now, and I think that the marches on May 1 will rub a lot of raw nerves. The unemployed factory workers, construction workers, mill workers, janitors, maids, restaurant workers, etc. know that it's not only jobs picking lettuce that are being lost. I notice also that there seems to be very little concern for the people losing their jobs in this country. It 'pisses' me off too.

[Dr. Jones]

79. EXACTLY. And thanks for your response.

It's reassuring to see others who are concerned and are standing up for the American middle class worker. :)

I agree with what you are saying, nerves are indeed raw as more Americans find themselves out of work, having been replaced by illegals. The greedy companies who hired them must be stopped. But yes, more Americans are indeed realizing it's alot more jobs being taken away from the middle class than just lettuce pickers!

I hope this May 1 thing doesn't turn ugly.

[shamrock]

82. Yes, and sadly,

it's the lowest paid workers in our country who are being affected the most. The race card is being played big-time here, but if people would only stop and think, it's not only the white workers here who are hurt, it's also the blacks, the browns, the yellows, reds, and all colors inbetween......Americans, or maybe I should say "Unitedstatians".

[nonconformist]

94. Not only that, minorities are being disproportionally hurt by this

I think there is a disconnect with some liberals on this issue.

But don't fear - there are many, many Democrats, progressives and liberals who are very concerned about the War on the Middle Class and the cheap labor movement. It's a complex, nuanced issue with no easy clear-cut solutions, so it just gets wrapped up in knee-jerk emotional responses, strawmen and unrealistic idealism with some people.

[acmejack]

95. Engineers have been outsourced too.

Michael Dell outsourced everybody and anybody he could. People see a lot of votes, I guess, because they will throw us under the bus. It is shut up and support our "guests". It does kind of bum one out, alright.

[Shakespeare]

102. They've been marching for fair wages for a LONG time.

I suggest you check out SEIU's Justice for Janitors campaigns, which primarily involve latino workers. They've been doing the dirty work for a lot of white Americans who can't seem to understand the importance of unions.

[nonconformist]

109. I support those marches

It's unfortunate that they can't get anywhere NEAR the kind of numbers that they have with these latest marches to march for unions and fair wages.

I'm a huge union supporter who has marched in many picket lines, so I fully understand the importance of unions.

In any event, your point is moot - this march/boycott is NOT about fair wages, or any other labor standards.

[Contrary1]

51. Yep...it will be huge.

McDonald's may cut hours for boycott

McDonald's restaurants in the Indianapolis area may have to scale back their hours and service on Monday when thousands of immigrants are expected to boycott their jobs in support of U.S. immigration reform.

Pam Fisher, marketing manager for McDonald's Indianapolis region, said in a statement that the company supports the right of employees to participate in Monday's activities.

But to deal with a possible worker shortage, she warned that some restaurants may operate with limited crew, limited hours or drive-through service only.
"Immigrants have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our nation and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Immigration reform is a complex issue," she said in the statement. "It's an important issue for our employees, owner/operators and suppliers. And it's an important issue for our company."

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060428/NEWS01/60428031

[Dr. Jones]

68. Of course Mickey D's will say that...

"Immigrants have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our nation and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Immigration reform is a complex issue," she said in the statement. "It's an important issue for our employees, owner/operators and suppliers. And it's an important issue for our company."

They don't want to piss off their most valuable lower-paid non-unionizing workers...by the way, isn't it McDonald's who outsourced their order-takers at the drive-thrus to other states (and maybe even India?)??

[TexasLawyer]

53. the "illegal alien servant class"

From an e-mail I just received from super RW "HumanEvents". God, I hate these people! But judging by the fact that they're issuing this, the boycott idea may be hitting a nerve somewhere. (This outfit is affiliated with Regnery Press of "Swiftboat" fame).

1. Our View

National Shopping Day to Counter Immigrant Boycott
May 1 is going to be "A Day Without Illegal Aliens." This is supposed to frighten you.

Why? Because you are an American -- weak, pampered, spoiled and allegedly incapable of taking care of yourself. You need the illegal alien servant class just to survive.

Those who want amnesty for immigration criminals -- illegal aliens, pandering politicians, ethnic grievance agitators and the politically correct media -- have swallowed their own propaganda and believe that the American economy is totally dependent for its greatness on unskilled illegal labor and the corrupt underground economy it fosters.

[mmonk]

54. Work scheduled on my home for Monday was just cancelled.

The project manager called to apologize since I got bumped last week due to a construction related delay and thus, this would be the second time being rescheduled. He was panicked saying it was some hispanic holiday or something. I just laughed and said no problem. May 1st should indeed be interesting.

[melissinha]

55. I think democrats and labor unions

should follow the May 1st tradition to really highlight the main source of illegal immigration and the sucky economy.... low wages and stagnant cost of living increases.... As a person of Guatemalan descent born in Brazil, I jsut can't turn my back on them. I can't just ignore these people, they are filling the void of the low wages employers have lowered on purpose. They have the right to make a living JUST AS MUCH as citizens do.

The Democrats need to follow Teddy and get that minimum wage increased. We should establish labor laws that regulate immigrants.. for their safety and to give them fair wages....Stop falling into the me and mine and realize that most of your ancestors didn't come here legally... face it, so don't be so hypocritical people.... (not all of you)

Unfortunately, I can't go. Its week 1 of the financial cycle and I have to work mandatory overtime.

FOCUS people the enemy is the GOP Congress wtih tehir hands in the corporation tills and mega-corporations that drove down the wages so that Americans couldn't afford to take these jobs. Its not the job but the wage... consider what people will do on "Fear Factor" for $50,000.

[Dr. Jones]

57. I disagree.

Stop falling into the me and mine and realize that most of your ancestors didn't come here legally... face it, so don't be so hypocritical people.... (not all of you)

Maybe if you saw your job and all future prospects completely disappear, having been handed over to a new group of non-citizens who are in this country illegally, you would understand.

[Robbie Michaels]

60. I Disagree With That

I used to have a great sales job, but the company I worked for cut my commissions (10 times in 12 months) to the point that I voluntarily left. They wanted cheaper labor, and they weren't hiring illegals. To keep up, my sales increased 30%, but by the time I voluntarily left I was making half of what I used to make. Lesson learned: there are companies out there that will exploit you regardless of your race.

[Dr. Jones]

61. What does THAT have to do with Immigration?

You're totally off topic. We're not talking about sales jobs here. We're talking about how American workers are affected by illegals taking the jobs Americans WILL do and DO do. That is far more complex of an issue than your having voluntarily left your sales job due to lack of pay.

[Robbie Michaels]

91. I'm Talking About The Original Comment

I'm talking about the "pity me" mentality some people have and that's the point I was making. Today, you can't rely on government to fix things. Until that happens, you have to take care of things yourself.

[melissinha]

92. no I haven't necessarily

I made a choice to move to Texas where I would compete with other Spanish speaking people for jobs in which Native speakers are chosen over me.. I do get it... but I am saying that it is not productive to focus on the other people who are being willingly victimized by the corporations, I am just saying that we need to be aware of the true source of our problems the corporations....

I even know a lawyer that contracts for Exxon and he told me that they are trying to cut his pay (in the midst of this record profit time in which he is getting them out of so many scrapes) which is then divided up amongst his many partners and trickles down to him.... They are doing it to everybody!!!! (frankly I hate it that he works for them)

Honestly I can't imagine being part of the community that actually held the jobs "the illegals" are getting, I feel absolutely horrified.... but I can't help but worry about the situations in Mexico and Central America that drive them here in the first place. Kicking them out is not the solution. Building labor power is ....

[Shakespeare]

103. Are you involved with unions?

Just askin', because you can boot out undocumented workers all day, and it still won't do a damn thing to change wages.

[slybacon9]

70. I'm not going to work may 1 either!!! o wait that's right...

i don't have a fucking job.

[shamrock]

71. Well.......

I don't think it's OUR jobs that the people here are concerned about.

[OzarkDem]

75. Who is paying for this activity?

Someone is putting a lot of money into these rallies. Wonder who? The corporations who want the "guest worker" program?

[lumberjack_jeff]

89. Cool! Maybe I can get a job! n/t

[Llewlladdwr]

104. Meh...

I'll be going to work, and taking the family and some friends out for dinner afterwards. Probly finish off the evening by going to the mall and buying some shit I really don't need.

What I won't be doing is supporting illegal immigrants. No way, no how.

[DemonGoddess]

105. I will be working

I do not agree with this. If they were calling a general strike to help out with wages and job conditions, I would agree with it. They are calling a general strike to DEMAND that they are rewarded for an illegal act. To DEMAND and be GRANTED something that many people I know went through years to attain LEGALLY. Sorry, I don't buy it.

Oh yeah, I HAVE worked all manner of jobs just so I could have an income for my family. Up to and including cleaning out henhouses, cleaning up after an assortment of farm animals, pulling weeds, etc. That whole line about "jobs Americans won't take" that I keep seeing bandied about is such a crock.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

107. ¡Viva la huelga general! ¡Viva la solidaridad!

And, to hell with the bosses and xenophobia!

[brettdale]

111. Is therea march planned ofr may 1st???

Is there some sort of march planned for may 1st?

[brettdale]

112. Is therea march planned ofr may 1st???

Is there some sort of march planned for may 1st?

[thatsrightimirish]

113. it is going to be huge

everyone at my high school is talking about it. its unbelievable!