linda wrote on Mar 30, 2006 7:06 PM:this is better...one day off will make things calm down. its a good desititions

Hector wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:17 PM:We really taught those demonstrators that disruptive behavior has consequences. The consequences: shut down the educational system! The demonstrators got exactly what they wanted in the first place- power. The demonstrators have demonstrated a powerful ability to disrespect our nation, our culture, our worldview, and our educational system. How does it feel to be spit in the face again and again and again?

Rich wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:18 PM:As a Vetran, now a public utility worker, I watched Vista High Students, Hispanics, hold the Mexican flag high as a group of them spit on an American flag they had thrown down. School staff and Sheriffs just watched...American pride is in the toilet..we, Americans, need to take "OUR" country back. The disrespect I saw is what the Mexicans are teaching their children...Why dont the Mexicans try these antics in Mexico, they obviously already have the flags so all they need to do is take their flags and disrespectful butts back across the border and be happy in Mexico.

HARRY wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:34 PM:Thank you LATINO MENTALITY .

mark wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:58 PM:Hector what culture, dont you know your history

Henry wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:05 PM:Mr Taylor: It is not yet clear if students will have to make up the lost day, Taylor said. My response: Are you kidding? If a student chooses to miss a class, then they choose to make it up!

Real American? wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:06 PM:Im seeing a pattern here, the pilgrims were scared of their own people so they came here, then they were scared of Native Americans, so they killed them all, then they were scared of African Americans, tried to eterminate them until the civil right movement, now your scared of high school students protesting, all you haters are reasons why the world hates americans, you should travel a little to see what the world looks like outside your trailer. All good Americans understand this country has diversity and we should embrace it, instead of writing uneducated remarks.

Joe wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:21 PM:Do the demonstrators actually think that disruption of our schools will help their cause? If anything I would think this is going to cause a political backlash, especially when we are told that the schools are being closed for the safety of our children.

Mary wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:29 PM:Tonight on the news they are saying students in Texas are pledging allegiance to the Mexican flag. I am a first generation german-american. My family still speaks german and eats sauerbraten and knockswurst but we would never in a million years pledge allegiance to the german flag. We are all americans. If these students are so loyal to Mexico they should go back there and take their superior education and make something out of Mexico. If they love Mexico so much, then they should work to improve Mexico instead of just looking at California and the US as a meal ticket.

Harry wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:57 PM:the post at 8:34 was another Harry.

km wrote on Mar 30, 2006 10:51 PM:This will continue as long as we allow it to. I am so tired of it. They all have to be stopped and our government is letting us down. I feel abandoned by my government. I really think Americans need to take matters into our own hands. The government is not doing anything. Start reporting the true violence, the abuses of the American flag.. the threats... Remember how pissed we all were after 911 ? After we were attacked...what do you think is happening now? We are being attacked again.

Erica wrote on Mar 30, 2006 10:58 PM:The students have a right to be upset about the bill being passed. How many times have we heard "the youth of today is not interested in politics" especially minority communities. Here we have students actually getting involved and trying to do something; oh but wait they are just a bunch of kids being "disrespectful" and they are Mexican, who cares, if they dont like it they can go back to their own country. Actually I would like to see that, in fact it would be funny to watch California's economy crash for "having them go back to Mexico." Any white person up for cleaning some bathrooms?? How about picking strawberries or the rest of the state's agricultural crops. Those horrible Mexicans looking at the U.S. as a meal ticket, forget that we U.S. citizens just exploit them constantly, and when a generation of Mexican students stand up for what they believe in, we tell them no, to behave and go back to being quiet. Got to love that first amendment right?

Vista Resident RJ wrote on Mar 31, 2006 4:29 AM:Thanks for the heads up. I will call the alarm company while I am at work paying for all of this and knowing there will be an additional 50,000 teenagers on the streets today. Thanks for nothing.

To Erica... wrote on Mar 31, 2006 4:35 AM:In my opinion, if students chose to demonstrate during school hours (and walk off campus) then they should be held to the consequences of ditching school. What amazes me the most is- do these students even know what they are protesting?! HAS ANYONE HERE EVEN READ THE HR 4437 BILL?! Do ANY of us know what this bill is truly about? By the time school gets out in th eafternoons there is plenty of time to demonstrate. These students (which I know are students of all races - not only of mexican descent - aren't old enough to VOTE on this issue and it befuddles me as to why they can all of a sudden start forcing the hand of our school districts like this.

The long view wrote on Mar 31, 2006 4:42 AM:Bring them in, by all means, we need stupid cheap labor. The economy demands it. Who better than uneducated refuse? They're playing right into our hands. They will earn no real money. They don't give a fig about education. They are easily manipulated. Sounds like a win- win to me. VIVA MEXICO!

The long view wrote on Mar 31, 2006 4:43 AM:Bring them in, by all means, we need stupid cheap labor. The economy demands it. Who better than uneducated refuse? They're playing right into our hands. They will earn no real money. They don't give a fig about education. They are easily manipulated. Sounds like a win- win to me. VIVA MEXICO!

The long view wrote on Mar 31, 2006 4:45 AM:Bring them in, by all means, we need stupid cheap labor. The economy demands it. Who better than uneducated refuse? They're playing right into our hands. They will earn no real money. They don't give a fig about education. They are easily manipulated. Sounds like a win- win to me. VIVA MEXICO!

MiMi wrote on Mar 31, 2006 5:08 AM:The schools will suffer because of absenteeism, but why are illegals in school anyway? and if not illegals and they don't want to be in school then there should be consequences to the walk out. Are Americans going to allow Mexico to dictate policy here in America? They are delcaring themselves the enemy so treat them as such.There are a lot of people displaced by Katrina who don't have jobs and may have never worked so let's offer the jobs to them, they are looking for help so let them help themselves as others help them also. Our gov. cannot afford to support everyone whether it is education, food, housing or health insurance. Everyone says they (illegals)pay taxes, but do they really? How is that done with no SS number and who pays it for them? I know Ca. demands alot in taxes, does the regular field hand pay or do they just take their cash at the end of the day and leave only to come back the next day and do the same.Mostly that money goes out of the country to Mexico and doesn't contribute to Ca. economy at all.

Tom wrote on Mar 31, 2006 5:30 AM:While you are reading this the Presidents of the U.S. and Mexico, and the P. M. of Canada are meeting in Mexico to further review and plan the destruction of America by combining Canada, America and Mexico in EU fashion. The ‘Security and Prosperity Partnership’, SPP, was designed by the CFR and should have been a treaty with consent of the Senate It is a treasonous agreement between the three countries that will dramatically change the relationship between them. Every concerned citizen should look at this agreement, search SPP. This agreement is between countries and corporations, but not the people, it is one root cause of the federal government purposely allowing a flood of illegal aliens to enter this county. The Europeans voted on the EU, we were not allowed to vote on the SPP, the ruling elites knew it would be rejected.

Student wrote on Mar 31, 2006 6:08 AM:Yes!! A three day weekend!

John of Green Bay wrote on Mar 31, 2006 6:22 AM:If the students are US citizens then they have no reason to be upset. If they are illegal then they are breaking the law. If they are walking out of school, they are breaking the law. I support their right to protest but they MUST still face up the punishment of their actions. A true protester understands that standing up for ones belief has consequences and is willing to accept them, good or bad. Rosa Parks understood that when she was jailed and beaten for not giving up her seat. Chavez understood that when he was jailed for his actions. Vietnam protesters were gassed and shot as were the civil rights protesters. These kids do not understand this and for the most part are looking for a reason to get out of school. How are the schools going to handle the situation when the bill goes to the house for debate? Let alone the Presidents desk?

Noise from Vista wrote on Mar 31, 2006 6:25 AM:I agree with Mary wholeheartedly! If you are coming to this country, then do as the Americans do, speak English, pledge the USA. Don't come over here and expect us to accomodate to "your ways". You are obviously over here because Mexico isn't so great. So, do what every other person who has come here from another country has done. Learn the American Way!

Tom wrote on Mar 31, 2006 7:01 AM:I am appalled at the rhetoric being spewed by our elected officials and the guilibility of these poor misguided students. The President states there are vigilantes at our border but no one has been harmed (except at Mexico's southern border), the president of Mexico spews racist statements such as "we do work no one else will do" but if you travel to the midwest you will see non Latinos mowing lawns, cleaning toilets, busing tables and doing the service work necessary to keep the economy going. The great thing about America is it was built on LEGAL immigrants, not ILLEGAL (which means breaking the law) immigrants. We have a certain respect for laws and also a process to change those laws, which does not include breaking additional laws. If these students want to protest for the rights of law breakers and want these law breakers to become citizens of America then why aren't they stomping on the mexican flag and waiving the American flag, instead of waiving the flag from which they are trying to escape ecomonmic oppression and stomping on the flag of the land of economic opportunity for which they want Americans to embrace them?

SML wrote on Mar 31, 2006 7:12 AM:What a joke!

Anna- wrote on Mar 31, 2006 7:53 AM:To Rich who assumes that all Mexicans are teaching their children to disrespect America. Not all of our children are demonstrating. Not all of us agree wtih them. Don't assume you know what we are teaching in out homes. Your thinking is the same ridiculous thinking of those that are holding the wrong flag and direspecting America. Choose your words!!

Emma wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:11 AM:I am a Vista Unified teacher, and I am proud that most of the students have used these protests as an opportunity to educate themselves about the issues and take nonviolent avtion. Of course, because of the age-group, there will always be kids who loose their heads or outsiders who sneak in order to cause trouble. As a teacher, I will always support any human being who wishes to better himself through education and/or hard work. I just don't understand anyone who thinks they are better than someone else just because they happened to be born on this side of the border. I work closely with local Mexican families on a daily basis, and guess what? They are no better or worse than white, black, Asian or any other kind of people. I think we always feel threatened by what they don't understand or fear of having something taken away from them. I hope people come to realize that immigration issues are complex, and that economic problems are not soved through treating the poor as criminals. Want to see real change? Try education. I am a daily witness to its miracles.

Eleanor wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:18 AM:To Erica: I am a US Citizen and also Mexican and very proud of being Mexican, but I also believe in respecting my American Flag. Yes, everyone has the right to protest, but half of the people protesting don't even have a clue how to go about it. What I say were a bunch of people running around disrespecting the law. Not all Mexicans are disrespectful. If anything most Mexican people are very proud and respectable. No one is disputing the First Amendment right, but the First Amendment is also based on respect. Unfortunately, not all the people that are protesting are there for the same reasons you are and are only giving our culture a very bad name by being disrespectful.

Rockbobster wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:21 AM:New bumper sticker: Your Honor Student Missed School Because of my Dropout

Kurt wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:48 AM:Bush is so owned by Vicente Fox. What you are looking at is a Brokeback Presidency, with Bush having the role of "Jack". Fox is clearly the more manly of the two, look at his ramrod firm posture while Bush slouches around.

shut up hector wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:48 AM:hector shut up man its to early for your yapping , go to work.

Paul wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:57 AM:Uh, Erika, how does one "exploit" a volunteer? Another public-school educated nitwit.

Kristy wrote on Mar 31, 2006 8:59 AM:This is just horrible, I saw a girl walk into a 7-11 last night and she had a Mexican Flag hanging out of her back pocket, if I went to Mexico and did that I would be beaten. Why dont they just go back to Mexico if they are so proud to be Mexican. Obviousley they are not proud to be Americans as they are costing the school sytems millions of dollars, and dont they realize they are degrading there own race? This is America my home, not theirs. If they want to have this be their home then they need to repsect it and us.

Harry wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:01 AM:Guess we don't have to worry about who will pick the berries and clean up the yards and empty the porta potties. There will be plenty of uneducated ignorant drop outs to keep things going just fine. There was a time when legal immigrants saw education as the key to succeed and move up in American society--I think the legal ones still do from what I know of Asian and African immigrants. I don't believe that truancy was a big problem in the immigrant neighborhoods of NY and Boston and Buffalo or LA and San Francisco of a generation ago. But those were legal immigrants with a dream rather than those of today with an attitude and a gripe.

letsabsorbmexico wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:01 AM:Dear Real American: We should embrace people who spit on our flag, break our laws and waver foriegn flags, disrupt our schools, oh, and not to mention, are collapsing our social service structure? uhh...which country in the world is this embraced in??? I've been all over the world, and have yet to see behavoir like this embraced.....oh and btw, get your history straight, the pilgrims were seeking religous freedom; Americans fought for their rights, why dont the Mexican people revolt in their OWN country, so they can share their OWN wealth? Usually, a country belongs to it's tax paying citizens. Tsk, tsk think before you write honey.

Patrick wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:02 AM:Uh.... Mimi... "Everyone says they (illegals)pay taxes, but do they really?" YES, if they have a SS#, 9 million currently pay their taxes with a false or stolen SS#. IRS keeps the money in a special account: Earnings Suspense File. It's a direct deposit to G "W"'s account!

The Watcher wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:03 AM:It's true. The protesting kids don't understand that right now the President of Mexico is meeting with The President of the US and PM of Canada planning how to more easily exploit them in the future. They are being sold out by their own President WWW.SPP.GOV is the spin for you readers to believe so that you won't noitce the rich and powerful are making economic slaves of us all. We all should be outraged, but protest in a way that will cause a change for the better.

Whatrights? wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:04 AM:Dear Erica (March 30 post: I guarentee you, all of us would love to take our chances. Hope you get your wish.

Me again wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:09 AM:I'm fascinated by this. History is unfolding before our eyes. Never could our children witness such a powerful lesson in a democratic venue.

Student from Vista High wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:13 AM:During the first day of the protests no one knew what was going on. The next day 90% of the Mexicans were protesting the bill that they did not know a lot about. I decided to ask some that were still there and they all said that they thought that the bill was trying to help them and that is why they were not protesting. That same day I was wearing an American flag and was told to put it away because it would cause fights. In my Opinion if you don’t like the bills/laws being passed in America LEAVE we could do without all the disruptive behavior at our school. This whole situation is disturbing because the crazy people have won again.

HARRY wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:20 AM:ITS THEIR MENTALITY,YOU CANT DEAL WITH THEM.THEY CANT HELP IT.

Daniel wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:20 AM:It is not surprising that hate against immigrants is still going on to this day. Most people think it's a new issue, but in fact this has been going on since the first immigrants came to this country from southern and eastern Europe. If any of these so called minute men would have paid more attention in history class they would know that others have fought their cause before.

BM wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:30 AM:Emma, talk about seeing the world through rose colored glasses! My life experiences are definitely not the same as yours. I also have a college degree, and maybe I'm getting senile but since when is throwing bottles and rocks and such considered " ... an opportunity to educate themselves about the issues and take nonviolent avtion" (I assuming you meant action). Have you read some of the posts these young protestors have written? Most of them were clueless, other than spouting racist comments about being proud of their heritage and "their people". I understand these people perfectly!

To Erica wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:33 AM:Perhaps the reason you are such a vocal proponent for a students 'right' to walk out of a classroom to pretest is that you yourself were never very good at getting ejumacated yourself? There are many states without sizable Hispanic populations wherein whites, blacks, etc. make up all of the menial and physical labor workforce, from gutting fish in Alaska to janitors in Ohio.

John wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:41 AM:I can't believe all of these comments - it just reinforces all of my believes that all of you are just racist. The bottom line is if not for unjust imperialistic agressions by the USA, much of the southwest would belong to (and rightfully so) to Mexico. You will see our power, and we will overwhelm you and your corrupt, racist, government. !Viva la Aztlan!

thomas wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:45 AM:The only remedy for all of this is to jail those who hire illegals. Then all of the other issues will take care of themselves. Guest workers can openly work, and step forward when being exploited. There will also be no reason for anyone illegal to be here because there will be no work. However the corporate friendly republicans and the vote mongering democrats will do neither. The states must do this on their own.

Jennifer wrote on Mar 31, 2006 9:55 AM:This is so stupid.... I beleive people have a freedom of speech, but honestly.. If you are not an american then get out of AMERICA! AND GO BACK TO WHERE YOU BELONG!

Kevin wrote on Mar 31, 2006 10:38 AM:I can’t remember the last time I bought some fruit, grown in the U.S. So if you send the 11 million criminals home, the only that will crash is some business man’s retirement plan. Second, if you’re going to spew racist rhetoric, in either direction, use spell check or buy a dictionary. You’re only making yourself look ignorant.

vhs mexican wrote on Mar 31, 2006 10:39 AM:i love this life

Irish American wrote on Mar 31, 2006 10:39 AM:John, who's the real racist here? I'll give you a hint - look in the mirror. To discuss whether "...much of the southwest would belong to (and rightfully so) to Mexico" is like the British saying we still owe them tax on the tea!

Erica wrote on Mar 31, 2006 10:43 AM:I agree with Emma, as a teacher in Vista Unified also, it is our job to educate every student. Some may now say well they weren't in school to be educated, but they were out there trying to make a difference and that in itself is its own education. I actually read the bill to my students. OOopps was I not supposed to do that? Keep them ignorant? I know all my 7 periods of students are now well informed of what the bill said I presented both sides of the issue and let them form their own opinions. They knew the consequences going in to the protest and were willing to pay the price of getting suspended for "ditching" school. Thats not the issue here which many of you seem to be saying. The students knew they would be suspended, they knew that going in. I am not being disrespectful and I don't agree with what SOME of the students were doing during the protest. I am an American no matter what my skin color may be. My father, grand father and great grand father all served our country, I have the upmost respect for it. The bottom line is the students have a right to disagree with the governemnt, as do the rest of you, and by protesting and walking out of school, they did what they did now get over it.

adriana wrote on Mar 31, 2006 10:56 AM:We are going to continue protesting until the goverment brings a good bill for illegal immigrants.WE ARE NOT TERRORIST WE ONLY COME TO WORK THE LAND THAT MANY DON'T WANT TO WORK ON!

Mimi wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:04 AM:Daniel, we are not talking about legal immigrants but illegal aliens. And John, this IS AMERICA fought and won and Americans are fighting again to keep a standard. I bet if the student threw rocks, bottles or hurled insults in class that the teacher would not be happy. Isn't there an old adage "Give an inch, take a mile". This certainly seems to be true here. Mexicans should take their labor, work ethic and proud heritage and mosy on back over the border.

Leonel wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:04 AM:First of all we should all recognize that we are all immigrants and came to this counrty for a better reason of living. We are where we belong, immigrants are a big help to this country to be exact about 64 Billion dollars a year is being brought towards agriculture. Jennifer are you going to bend over and pick some grapes or are your parents going to do it? I didn't think so.

Kathy wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:13 AM:The students missing school because of closures and ditching school most certainly should have to make up the days lost. They can blame it on the kids who just wanted to ditch school and didn't even know what they were "protesting." What part of "illegal" do people not understand? We need to tighten up our borders. We also need to make employers accountable for hiring illegals. It's shameful that some, not all Mexicans, are not proud to be Americans. Shame on the ones who have disrepected America and our flag.

Concerned AMERICAN! wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:20 AM:"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." B>Theodore Roosevelt 1907

melissa wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:22 AM:To be honest nobody in this country is fully "AMERICAN" somewhere a long the way there is immigrants in every culture. That is why this country is known for its different nationalities and customs!!!

adriana wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:22 AM:We are going to continue protesting until goverment passes a bill for illegal immigrants. WE ARE NO TERRORIST WE ONLY COME HERE TO WORK THE LAND THAT MANY DON'T WANT TO WORK ON!

RE: To Erica and other commentors wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:29 AM:We are not in Ohio or Alaska now are we? And that's a great idea lets jail all the illegal immigrants in the U.S., believe it or not not all are Mexican, so those of you complaining about your tax money going to support these illegals will go to support them in jail. They get free food and they don't have to work 12 hour days in the boiling sun picking strawberries, sounds like a good plan to me. And as for "if you aren't American then get out of the country" Ahh thats priceless, hate to break it to you no one but the "Indians" should be here then! Oh but wait, we killed off most of them so we could take their land and moved them to a place were they could have a better life, aka the reservations.

Marie wrote on Mar 31, 2006 11:53 AM: If I saw these 'demonstators'waving an American flag I would have more respect for what they are trying to do...it's clear to me that the organizers of these demonstrations are exploiting the young kids to go get the attention they need, they don't want to do it, they will get arrested and tried as adults (fat chance that would happen anyway). Yes we are all 'immigrants' but why do these people want to always turn their neighborhoods into Mexico? I don't want my city turned into 'Little TJ'...last time I was in TJ it stunk...and Leonel, let's get some of these fatbutt convicts out and start picking some fruit and start paying society back for their crimes, or would we infringing on THEIR rights?

BM wrote on Mar 31, 2006 12:43 PM:Erica, yes it's good to read it to your students. (They couldn't read it for themselves?) If they wanted to make an impression on people, why protest during school time? Why be disrespectful of the laws of this country and disrespectful of their fellow students right to a peaceful education. They claim to want respect, but they are not willing to give even an ounce of respect! Why not protest after school? How about Saturday? You say we should "get over" it? But who is continuing with the protests? You say: " . . .I don't agree with what SOME of the students were doing during the protest." SOME? I've only seen Mexican flags and racist comments coming from ALL the protestors. I guess you have an elite much of protestors in your class. You can't be part of a civil disobedience and say but "we only did a little bad stuff!" After the first day of protesting, it became civil disobedience and a willful breaking of numerous laws. This really makes them look good, doesn't it? Maybe you should teach them how to write letters to their elected officials, or send emails with concise, well written (and might I add) words correctly spelled statements. I sure hope all the teachers in the VUSD are NOT like you!

Me too wrote on Mar 31, 2006 12:46 PM:Plain and simple, if you don't like the way things are here, leave. Go somewhere else. Anywhere! Don't want to go back to Mexico? Maybe Iran or Iraq will take you. NO? How about France or Cuba? I got it, Russia.

Jay wrote on Mar 31, 2006 2:02 PM:It's alright to support what you believe in, but it's not ok to endanger other people and the learning of other students. I would know. All the students, even the protesters are facing the consequences of extended school. If this goes on long enough, then you can forget summer vacation!

Jay wrote on Mar 31, 2006 2:05 PM:Why all the fighting? The government is made to help and protect the people. To be an american citizen is to support the government in place right?

George wrote on Mar 31, 2006 2:31 PM: What would happen if a bunch of students protested for more stringent imigration laws. I can understand protests...I can't understand waiving the Mexican Flag and burning the American flag. It's because Mexico doesn't take care of its people that everyone want to get in America. This behavior will only make it worse for legal imigration..and divde the people...including Mexicans and Mexican Americans.

BM wrote on Mar 31, 2006 3:06 PM:Good point George - I can tell you what would happen if a bunch of students protested for more stringent immigration laws (or even enforcement of the current ones) they would be arrested and probably expelled from school. If you are a minority, it is "discrimination" or "police brutality" to be arrested after breaking the law. Case in point - all the flack about the Vista Deputies shooting the 3 Hispanic men last year. Our government is so worried about being p.c. (politically correct) that the minorities can basically get away with whatever they want!

perri. wrote on Mar 31, 2006 3:09 PM:Go back to mexico, you make me sick. And by the way our president is a wuss.

Everyone SHUT UP! wrote on Mar 31, 2006 3:10 PM:Who cares if we are mexican, American whatever we are WE all have feelings so please lets stop hurting eachother! we are just offending people.We all pay taxes, we all work, we all have families WE ARE ALL EQUAL! women, men,children. We are not suppose to fight! the fight is in Iraq we are suppose to be praying for all of or soliders that are all from different races! and they do not care cuz they are fighting for our freedom! so lets QUIT this!!!!!!!!! We all need to UNITE and fight against terrorism!!

Realist wrote on Mar 31, 2006 3:36 PM:The sad thing about this whole incident which is really clear to me is that all of us are playing the game the way that the powers that be are dictating. While the everyman on the street is discussing/arguing/debating/fighting it out over "important" issues like immigration, economy, security, conservatism vs. liberalism, etc., the rich are getting richer and still have all the power. This is all a distraction. Those of you that call yourselves Republicans and Democrats need to take a good hard look at your so-called leaders. Those of you that voted for Bush - are you happy with his performance? He's in Mexico selling out your borders, your economy, and everything that you put him in office for. Democrats I know how you feel about him. Do your leaders listen to you? Do you have any say so in the direction of the country. We live an a benevolent oligarchy; it's the playground of the rich and powerful and they simply tolerate us. The distract us with things like political debate, moral issues, and religious conflicts to keep us busy. Do you really think any of these issues affect them? Do you really think that students waving Mexican flags in our city streets are concern for those sitting in their mansions on the hills? Wake up fools. You're all just pawns in a big chess game. Accept it - the sooner you do, the less stress you'll have about these "issues".

BM wrote on Mar 31, 2006 5:00 PM:We all pay taxes? Since when? Tell me how much tax do most of the illegal immigrants pay? Maybe a little sales tax? How about property tax. NO! How about car license. Doubtful, most of them are driving cars that haven't been registered in 2 or 3 years. How about social security or income tax? When they are being paid cash under the table, and have no or a false social security number? Wake up and smell the coffee. Maybe "SHUT UP" should follow their own advice, when they don't know what they are talking about. Some of us are here legally, some of us aren't. Some of us pay taxes, some of us don't! Some of us pay car insurance and health insurance. Some of us DON'T! The some of us that do pay are getting tired of paying for ALL the ones that don't pay and yet are using all the resources. Yet they have money to send back to Mexico. Go to the Post Office sometime and see how many International money orders are being send back "home". PLEASE!

George W wrote on Mar 31, 2006 6:24 PM:Question for you protestors: Do you think the politicians really care what you think? I'm not saying this to be mean, but think about it. Politicians are concerned with only 2 things. 1: Votes, and 2: Money (this is the big one). Concerning the first one, votes - since you are not a legal citizen you can't vote. Number 2 you have already admitted by sneaking in here that you have no money, so do you think Joe - Blow politician in Sacramento, or Washington D.C. really gives a hoot about you? You can protest all you want. Only voters and the huge companies (such as oil companies, banks, insurance companies, etc) are they going to listen to. You should be trying to get us voters on your side by peacefully telling us your side - not irritating the 'you know what' out of us by displaying "your country's" flag, calling us names, throwing things at us, spreading lies and messing up our life. If you showed some respect to this country and the legal citizens (voters) you might get some respect back. Until you realize this, you are hurting yourselves and basically just spinning your wheels.

Reconquista Jr. wrote on Mar 31, 2006 10:15 PM:Immigration built America. Immigration today, destroys America. Because of unchecked legal and illegal immigration, America is losing herself. Much like the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy, the Statue of Liberty suffers from too many immigrants pulling her off kilter and toward ultimate annihilation. If not stopped soon, immigration will be the single leading factor to the descent of the United States into a Third World quagmire. It will cause the breakup of our nation into separate ethnic enclaves. Specifically, Mexico guns to acquire the four Border States starting with Los Angeles. Read the rest here

John G. wrote on Apr 4, 2006 8:25 AM:You are right, immigrants built this country but NOT ILlegal immigrants!

From the bench wrote on Apr 17, 2006 8:50 PM:Immigration is good for our country and for the world. Controlled immigration. Let foreigners "join" our country, living by our laws, learning how they work and then joining in the shaping of our democracy. Let a sizeable group of foreigners in from any country with significantly different economic status or political beliefs and you'll have fighting forces, for this large group will not have had a chance to understand and value what our past leaders have set up. I don't think "Americans" fear "Mexicans" but rather we fear a rapid shift in power to a group that we don't think fully understands the balance of our law. Demonstrations with Mexican flags is what stirs such fear, and rightly so. I was born in San Diego and I've met many Mexicans in the U.S. and in Mexico. I've hired legal ones. In general, excellent people, very hard working, and with good values. These are the people we want to join our country. These people I speak of would never protest with a Mexican flag.