Black Activists Speak out on SB 1070 and 8/28

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When Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into law it was denounced as racist by protesters and many in the media.  The above link takes you to a Youtube video of a number of black activists who support Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB 1070.  There is also a discussion of the video and some interesting comments at a site called Digger's Realm.  I wondered why we have not seen these views on the news?  I also wondered why these activists were not part of the narrative at the Reclaim the Dream rally headed up by Rev. Al Sharpton.  A representative of La Raza was there and Rev. Sharpton has encouraged joining forces instead of fighting each other, so I guess that would be the reason these activists had no voice there.  However, I don't believe that there is a "coming together."  I believe there are various factions which define themselves as oppressed joining forces to achieve "social justice."  If you are not familiar with the concept of social justice I would encourage you to develop a deeper understanding of what this means.  Once again, on the surface, it appears to be something we all would want.  However, there are facets of this concept that many would disagree with if they knew exactly what proponents of "social justice" believe needs to be done in order to achieve this goal. 

Black residents reactions to Mexican police patrolling Staten Island in NY in order to protect its nationals is also of interest.  You may also find an article about how the Arizona law's roots might be connected to the border turmoil in California in the 80's and 90's interesting.  I would also recommend an article by Hector Tobar in the LA Times asking a great question:  Where's the outrage over immigrant slayings in Mexico?  (Warning: article includes a picture of the slain immigrants.) Consistency would demand that immigrant advocacy groups express outrage directed at Mexico for this heinous crime, especially since this is not an isolated incident.

The purpose in sharing these articles is question the labeling of the issue solely in terms of race.  The issues are broader than "angry white people" who hate "anyone with brown skin."  The issues are also more complex than people coming to this country illegally in search of a better life.  Taking a hard look at this issue includes considerations of national security, employers and politicians taking advantage of people's illegal status, issues of crime (in particular kidnapping and ransom demands), issues of gang violence, and issues of illegal drugs.  Reducing the issue of illegal immigration to the color of one's skin takes the focus off what we really need to consider in order to solve the problem.

Black conservatives also spoke out on 8/28.  The YouTube video at this link shows a woman bringing up some good points and questions.  She attended the Restoring Honor rally and she was addressing members of Reclaiming the Dream rally.  In a few minutes she presents issues that deserve discussion.  Unfortunately no one stayed to debate her. 

I would like to see us resist the urge to make everything we disagree on all about the color of our skin (note: did you know there are also many Irish illegal immigrants?) and focus more on real world consequences of our policy decisions.  Restoring honor seems to me to be a good place to start. 

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