Migrants from Mexico and Central America have become political footballs this election season (1, 2) -- thanks for the most part to Governor Jan Brewer, Russel "Racial Purity" Pearce, Pearce's baby SB1070, John and Jon (Arizona's Senatorial Do-Nothing Duo), and a herd of Democrats who are trying desperately not to look like progressive cream puffs.
Despite all of the right-wing rhetoric about border violence, the statistics show that the border situation is improving (crime down, crossings down). Yes, gang violence in Mexico-- due to the drug trade and poverty-- is up, but migrant workers aren't the cause of that violence. They are victims-- even more than we are.
Arizona's right-wingers pontificate about migrants breaking our laws! by crossing the border illegally! Given the bevy of crooks and liars-- literally-- that the Arizona Republican Party has put forth as candidates this election season, I'm surprised that breaking the law is a problem.
Check out these links for Andrew Thomas, Tom Horne, Jan Brewer, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and Steve May for current examples of Republican corruption and Ev Mecham and J. Fife Symington III for historical reference.)
Some people shrug this off as the wild west, but personally, I'm shocked by this widespread corruption in Arizona's Republican Party. I'm also shocked that the Arizona electorate is duped into voting for these crooks and liars.
You hit it right on the head! GREAT piece!
ReplyDeleteCarole/Tucson
I also agree with you. Especially when it seems that 'the Arizona electorate is duped'. Unless there is an unexpected increase in voter turnout, Arizona again will be painted red. I was recently doing some phone banking in Tempe calling independents to survey their choice of the candidate for Congress and after 165 calls I got over 30 answers and almost all people that answered were swayed for the republican candidate. In the state of Arizona, we are separated into thirds of 1/3rd Republican, 1/3rd Democrat and 1/3rd Independent. Therefore, it is up to the independents to decide who will make the decisions for our state. I also believe that if there was a significant increase in voter registration in the Latino/a community, Republican legislatures would not be as quick to create legislation like SB1070.
ReplyDeleteVoteAZ, I hope you're wrong. I was canvasing registered independent voters last Saturday here in Tucson for Giffords, Goddard, and the coordinated campaign. Of the people who were hope, most were solidly or leaning blue, 2 refused to talk with us (probably red), and 1 was leaning blue but didn't like Giffords. Overall, pretty positive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments.
pjp