bryan wrote on Apr 9, 2006 9:49 PM:Borders, language, culture. Secure the border first then and only then can we begin to deal with 10-20 million illegal aliens.

Guiseppe wrote on Apr 9, 2006 11:21 PM:Dawn, in her letter of April 9, proposes that illegal immigrants go on strike for a month. In fact, a nationwide strike is already being planned for May, probably around Cinco de Mayo (May 5). Stay tuned. By all measures, the great Latino March for Hope and Dignity Sunday in San Diego superceded anything in San Diego since the end of World War II. With over 60,000 people, it far exceeded Martin Luther King Day Parades, Gay Pride Parades and the Peace and anti-war rallies. The Coalition for Peace & Justice labors hard for over several months to stage successful rallies which draw 3,000 people, but when I saw 60,000 show up almost spontaneously, it was a moment of awakening: the immigrants movement for hope and dignity surpasses anything in recent history. When I heard that eight times as many people rallied today in Dallas, I wondered, how is that possible? This is a movement whose time has come, of colossal proportion, and nothing can stop it. There was such harmony and unity, gentleness and humility, yet grit and determination. Young people, students, babies in strollers, kids walking alongside their parents. There were ice cream vendors, singing and chanting and lots of laughter. Yes, this is the future of America, and what I saw gives me great hope for a rebirth of democracy and decency in America. It shows the new wave of Americans who take a vital interest in the laws and governing of their adopted homeland. It shows a young people who are not blasé and apathetic like the languid and incurious white youth of America. For every Mexican flag, there were ten American flags. I saw two teenage Latina students wrapping the American flag around themselves, with seeming affection. I saw stars and stripes streaming everywhere in the wind, far more than in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York. I heard not one harsh word, saw no strident messages on signs. It was all about hope and dignity in their adopted homeland. These are a people who know they have a stake in their America, and are determined to protect it. They know this is about protecting their families from breakup by a mean-spirited Congress. Shame on Congress. Bravo for our new Latino Americans.

John wrote on Apr 10, 2006 2:53 AM:Three places in your story you give the number from Escondido as three different amounts. Your job is to report the story, not make it up as you go along.

Michael wrote on Apr 10, 2006 6:02 AM:Actually, with the one exception of breaking the law to enter this country, undocumented immigrants are law abiding individuals determined to work for a better life. If you really want to stop illegal immigration, start cracking down on employers of undocumented immigrants. They are the real cause for this problem.

joyful wrote on Apr 10, 2006 6:45 AM:Maybe more people will now understand that the Minutemen and the jingoist, opportunist politicians are a misguided minority, out of step with reality. Let's see the Minutemen or Bill Morrow get 50,000 marchers in San Diego, more than a million in L.A. (March 25). The people of Southern California are one, like it or not. I like it mucho!

Cecy wrote on Apr 10, 2006 6:59 AM:It's time to hear the unheard voices. Like many immigrants that come from poor cities have a dream to better their families as well as themselves. I dont think people realize what these people leave behind to come long ways. From leaving their kids, moms, dads, brothers, sisters and many more relatives they come with a dream and that is the american dream. To them if $ 5 an hr. is what they will get from picking those fruits well to them its better than $15 a week. Times have changed and when god made this world he didnt put borders nor did he divide any of us. Immigrants work as hard or even harder than any other person in the U.S. Many of us take for granted being born into this county and not doing anything for ouselves while other struggle to stay here. Lets going for once and lets be equal to all. "Viva for the voices of the dormant latinos".

To Cecy wrote on Apr 10, 2006 7:27 AM:God did divide us at the Tower of Babble. If people are so determined to come to this country then they should do it legally. What's so hard to understand? I hope the marches make it easier to send more illegals back over the border. Equality begins with becoming a citizen and PAYING your fair share of taxes, if you are not paying those taxes then you are not equal to me.

Craig wrote on Apr 10, 2006 7:35 AM:"The immigrant isn't afraid anymore," Lopez, a Mexican immigrant who has lived in San Diego County for 12 years, said in Spanish. "The immigrant has woken up. He has a voice now." Immigrants shouldn't be afraid, ILLLEGAL ones should. One other comment, why after 12 years is Lopez still speaking in Spanish?

Mike America wrote on Apr 10, 2006 8:03 AM:Swamped emergancy rooms, ovecrowded class rooms, prisons and jails busting at the seams. Entry level jobs that high shool and college students used to take part-time are now career vocations for non-english speaking refugees. Air conditioning techs, framers, roofers, painters, masons, on and on; jobs that once payed good saleriesto US ciizens, now go to the lowest bidder(illegal aliens, people who ignored our immigration policy)Big agra business claim only Mexicans can endure the rigors of the field, as though they're super-human, while treating and paying them as sub-human, so fools like Guiseppe can eat cheap grapes and call me racist and hater. We're loosing our country people, better wake up before it's too late

linda wrote on Apr 10, 2006 8:19 AM:Your columnist Gail doesn't get it. She thinks she is being good and kind by supporting the illegals by letting them be oppressed by greedy and unscrupulous businesses. Has she ever talked to these "workers"? I've talked to many different people in several border states. Is she aware that they are practically slave labor? Many times these poor people take jobs that pay 3 or 4 dollars per hour and they must sign a paper acknowledging that their paystubs will show the minimum wage. They can't complain, they're not legal immigrants. I hope she enjoys her veggies, they are cheap because we exploit these workers. If all the so called "jobs that Americans won't do" were paid at least minimum wage, there would be Americans to do them. As long as businesses pay "under the table" or take advantage of illegals fears of deportation, this problem will not fix itself. Get real Gail, you are a big part of the problem. Close the borders and streamline the immigration process. My grandparents were immigrants and came through Ellis Island. They had to speak English and have a sponsor and job waiting. They were checked for diseases too. If you really care about the illegal immigrants you would realize that Mexico is the evil, corrupt power that needs to be fixed. Until conditions in these third world countries are improved, our exploitation of these people will continue.

Patrick wrote on Apr 10, 2006 8:36 AM:Amazing Bush hasn't rounded up all the illegal aliens for deportation yet! If this were any other country, you would be rounded up so fast and shipped back home before you could get your flag out. Guess he's not such a bad guy after all! Then again, maybe you have to ask yourself, why does the government look the other way when it comes to the employers of illegal aliens? They aren't being arrested or fined for hiring illegals. Why not? $$$

Anybody But Bilbray wrote on Apr 10, 2006 8:44 AM:VOTE tomorrow -- send a message to Congress.

Ron wrote on Apr 10, 2006 8:48 AM:If the Congress passes an kind of amnesty for illegal aliens, we are duty bound to throw them all out. It will then be up to us, the citizens and true owners of this country to get this situation straightened out. I am sick of hearing this "rule of law" stuff from them, when they choose not to enforce existing law. In the mean time, you and me, regular joes, taxpayers, are required to continue to pay our taxes, and put up with this nonsense. Baloney!!!!! If they can not do the right thing, it is up to us to get it right. And we do that by throwing them out. (tar and feathered, perferably)

Sean wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:01 AM:Like everything in life there are two sides to consider: life and death, work and play, truth and lies. I saw first hand the demonstration (march) downtown on Sunday. Yes it was fairly peaceful. It also coincided with "Mexico Day" at Petco Park for the Padres. We can, as a nation, state, county etc., build a great relationship between cultures as long as the primary goal is assimilation into the American culture. English must be spoken, taxes have to be paid and laws adhered to. Hence, the two sides of every coin. It's not that tough.

Nancy wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:19 AM:To Ron, Keep dreaming! Are you awake yet? The roosters are!

CA Expatriate wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:19 AM:I lived for most of my life in San Diego and North counties (I know it's all one county on the map), as well as Los Angeles and Ventura. I travel on a regular basis to California, and I hate to see what it's become, mainly due to the tidal wave of illegal immigrants, as well as transients and migrants. I do not understand the attitude that says "we aren't criminals" even though they came here ILLEGALLY, and continue to live here ILLEGALLY, while both committing CRIMINAL acts, and not contributing in any substantive way to the society into which they've snuck like thieves. The other thing that really hacks me off is that they do all this, and expect US to cater to them, supplying all their health and welfare needs, ignoring their criminal behaviors, and catering to them in THEIR language, even though many of them have lived here years, even decades. How these illegals must laugh at Los Gringos estupidos.

CA Expatriate wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:21 AM:Oh, and while I'm on break, how is it that these thousands of criminals and their supporters are able to stage protest after protest while what's left of the middle class is at work to support their welfare-collecting butts?

CA Expatriate wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:21 AM:Oh, and while I'm on break, how is it that these thousands of criminals and their supporters are able to stage protest after protest while what's left of the middle class is at work to support their welfare-collecting butts?

Ironic wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:30 AM:It is funny how so many people quickly condemn our immigration policies and point to the way other countries operate. Stating that if this were any other country "they" would be rounded up and shipped back home. Luckily, we are not any other country. Our country is great for what it is. The fact that we provide oppurtunities and education for all is what sets us apart from other countries. Perhaps the rounding up should be those spreading the anti-American ideals of hatred (Ron).

Mary wrote on Apr 10, 2006 10:14 AM:The reason why this country is great is because it has had a history of orderly immigration. There are 6 billion people in the world and most of them wish they were here. Now we have planes and boats coming here everyday and a worldwide media advertising how we do not secure our borders. This will only get worst for everyone here - the tax paying americans and the illegals who come here. They bring their tax dodging culture which when married up with the tax cutting culture of the Republicans is a disaster. Unions and tax compliance is what made this country's middle class. We will all go down the tubes if we do not find a way to get a handle on this illegal immigration. They will be begging on the streets like they do in Calcuta. The only cure is to make the businesses who hire there people collect Mexican taxes and ship it back to Mexico so they can build up their country along with an expanded and orderly immigration program and for those who do not comply, a long time in jail for both the employer and the illegal immigrant. Any number I see from the government I either halve it or double it depending on how they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes so I figure there must be 24 million immigrants here. And when they say the immigrants have lower unemployment rates then US citizens implying that we do not have enough then why do we see them standing around at 1 PM in the afternoon all over San Diego still looking for day work? That proves to me we have too many already.

Kiki wrote on Apr 10, 2006 10:55 AM:Mary, We shouldn't collect taxes and ship any of it to Mexico. Mexicans already ship money made here back to Mexico, it's not spent here. The reason you see them standing on street corners is because there are too many here already. Maybe we should just make Mexico part of the United States, a new state called Mexico, how novel. Then we only have to content with the next bordering country.

Danny wrote on Apr 10, 2006 11:02 AM:well, yesterday was a beautiful day that will go into the history of San Diego ; the city officials said 50k-60k and all the organisers said 100k, let's leaved in the middle 75 000 San Diego residents walking side by side with-out any arrests or incidents. was beautiful to walk into San Diego down town chantting U.S.A.,U.S.A. and seing the American Flag scorted by flags of the rest of the world. entering San Diego was a wonderful thing and encountering only 8-15 people protesting agains the march ; thank you San Diego for showing that this is a non-racist county and that everybody who wants to work hard can make it here. indeed was a beautiful day in San Diego who a lot of us ,even though weren't born here, call it home.

Maribel wrote on Apr 10, 2006 11:47 AM:I just have to say that seeing all these images from Balboa Park made me want to cry!! We did it and no one can stop us!!!! And yes the United States of America is a country of immigrants, if not, I dare you to take a look at your ancestors. This nation is the nation of the melting pot. Yesterday’s event was without a doubt a success not only for the Hispanic community but for every immigrant from every country!!! And for all of those people who judge immigrants without doing any research let me just educate you a little bit; just so you can think before opening your mouth. Immigrants have come to the U.S since this country’s history, people from different ethnicities, countries, religions, among others, but they did not come for joy, they came to find a better life in this country, not knowing anyone or anything; leaving behind everything. You think it’s a pleasure to come to a country, leaving behind family members, knowing that you could die crossing the boarder or crossing the river? And if that wasn’t enough, working so hard getting pay $5 dollars an hour? I don’t think so. So please don’t come here and tell me that if I want to be here in this country, I need to become “legal” in my country when that’s not an option in our countries. My question to all of you people who are against immigrants, if you suddenly found yourself working really hard but still seeing that you are not even able to pay for your children’s food, would you let your child starve to death? I don’t know about you, but I would do anything for them; even if it takes crossing 100 boarders. We did it!!! And no one can stop us!!!! Because WE ARE AMERICA!!!

Rhonda wrote on Apr 10, 2006 11:57 AM:To Ron this legislation will never become a law because HR4437 is Anti-American and Un-Constitutional. So anyone who supports it is Anti-American. As far as tar and feathered that will never happen even in your wildest dreams. I think lynch mobs went out in the 60's perhaps you were born to late to be able to engage in that type of unlawful behavior or perhaps you should get out your sheet you used in them there days. God Bless America

Candance wrote on Apr 10, 2006 12:04 PM:You go Ron and Mike America why do you always have to verbally attack someone in your comments. Can you not make your point with out demeaning another person. Try that the next time you comment on this blog. Guiseppe you are full of wisdom and knowledge it is just that some single minded folks don't understand or maybe they just choose not to understand and that goes for Nancy are you awake!!! Look around the Latinos are the Majority. Some of you are so funny keep the laughs coming.

Carolyn wrote on Apr 10, 2006 12:14 PM:Counterprotesters Huh? I counted them and there were only 27 not 50 so on this issue report the facts and not making it up as you go along I agree with John. But does it really matter where the protesters came from if 325 or 500 people came from Escondido there were 50,000 + people. In my calculation using the number 50 reported by NCT the Minutemensos were outnumbered 1000 to 1. You guys are a kick.

Some Dude wrote on Apr 10, 2006 12:37 PM:Taxes, Taxes , Taxes that's when everyone in favor of HR4437 seems to be talking about did you know that individuals are not supposed to pay taxes according to the founding fathers only coprorations are supposed to pay taxes becasuet ehy are making profit. But your gov't decided to make them individuals as well. This wouldn't be an issue if they where made to pay taxes as well. Besides if it wasn;t for your current gov't running up such a high debt we wouldn't have to layoff so many teachers and have smaller classrooms. Your taxes that go to welfare don't pay anyone that is illagal. The last i saw latinos aren't the only ones in jail. instead of worrying about a small portion of your taxes going towards schools you need to worry about a huge portion of your taxes funding an ILLAGAL war in Iraq.

Some Dude wrote on Apr 10, 2006 12:40 PM:One thing i don't understand is how so many humans are against another human seeking a better way of life, how another human is against helping feed another human being. No matter what religion or culture you are from they teach to help each other out. are we humans or animals

Mary wrote on Apr 10, 2006 12:55 PM:To Maribel - I am a first generation American on my father's side of the family. His Dad was sponsored, he started a business, paid taxes and then he brought his wife and children here legally. My father came through Ellis Island. My mother's family goes back to the early 1700's. We are a nation of legal immigration - not illegal. The employer's are tax dodgers - collect Mexican social security tax, Mexican income tax and US income tax. When American's work overseas, that is what they pay so it vice versa should apply. Collect their taxes, ship it back to Mexico and start turning Mexico into a country of tax payers instead of tax dodgers. Deputize accounting clerks like me so I that is against the law for me to turn my back and I have no recourse but to obey the law and turn in the cheating employers. I do temp work and once in awhile I see that employers are obviously not paying taxes on some of the workers. The american employers are the ones who are creating this mess - that is how it is going to be fixed. Start collecting taxes now.

To Some Dude wrote on Apr 10, 2006 1:07 PM:Taxes were imposed to pay for war. This is war, an invasion is more like it.

robert wrote on Apr 10, 2006 1:17 PM:Ron, you're a joke. You can't do a thing about it. Get real.

Therese wrote on Apr 10, 2006 1:23 PM:I am recently relocated from the Midwest. I have found the immigrant population to be hardworking, peaceful, and law-abiding. They display good family values. The men are very respectful of women. Just like the fine young men that are stationed at Camp Pendleton, they rush to open the door for a lady who approaches it. These people are working very hard to make a better life for their families. They are doing jobs that many of us wouldn't want to do (maids, strawberry pickers, landscaping) and they are grateful for the wages they receive (which many of us would consider "too low to bother working for"). I do not understand why some people want to deny these people citizenship. These immigrants are the very thing this country needs: hardworking, GRATEFUL, peaceful, law-abiding people with good family values. Perhaps those that want to keep the immigrants out of this country are racist. It's also possible that they are afraid that these hardworking immigrants will one day prove themselves to be more worthy of the jobs currently held by the people that are trying to keep them out. Our country was founded on the American Dream. You didn't have to be rich or well-connected to make a better life for yourself and your family. You just had to be willing to work hard. Unless we are of Native American Indian descent, we are all the children of immigrants who worked very hard to make a better life for their families (which includes us, their descendents). Why are some denying the same opportunity to these immigrants? This is a big country. There is still enough opportunity for all who are willing to work for it.

Mike America wrote on Apr 10, 2006 1:40 PM:Asks: to all you bleeding hearts who want open borders and no form of immigration process; should we allow people to come here, when they please, as they please, for as long as they please from anywhere in the world, or just Mexico, Central, and South America?

Therese wrote on Apr 10, 2006 2:18 PM:To "Mike America": Please do not be disrespectful by calling us "bleeding hearts" because some of us want to give these hardworking immigrants a chance. I can assure you, many of us are more intelligent than you believe us to be and you would do well to listen to our opinions. You might learn something - compassion and tolerance, for starters. I'm not an advocate of letting everyone in. I'm an advocate of letting hardworking, decent people into this country - and most of the immigrants who have come illegally fit this description - so give them a chance to make their status legal. If there was a legal way in which we could kick out the intolerant, unintelligent, lazy, badhearted people that are already citizens of this country, I'd be all for it. I'd vote them off the island!

dug wrote on Apr 10, 2006 2:23 PM:Remember the Alamo?

Maritza wrote on Apr 10, 2006 2:42 PM:Dug you are quite humorous. Have you thought about taking your show on the road? Do you know what you are talking about?

Melinda wrote on Apr 10, 2006 2:47 PM:Lyrics from an Old Folk Song remember it This Land is your Land This land is my land....As I was walkin' I saw a sign there And that sign said - no tress passin' But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin! Now that side was made for you and me! In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple Near the relief office - I see my people And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin' If this land's still made for you and me. Words by Woodie Guthrie in 1956 so this hatred and disdain towards immigrants is nothing new. The bible says there is nothing new under sun.

To Some guy who wrote to Some Dude wrote on Apr 10, 2006 3:29 PM:Invasion now that's just plain stupid. Taxes where not imposed to fund wars they where imposed to pick up the slack corporations left behind. I don't get why immigration is such a big deal. oh wait i know why because the majority of minority's that live in the USA vote Democrate so if we allow more minority's in that will be more democratic votes for the progressive movement. That's why the majority of republicans are for HR4437 it's all about votes, $$$ and politics not about human rights and doing what's morally correct.

Mike America wrote on Apr 10, 2006 3:40 PM:Therese; Thank-you for not answering my question, your lesson on how to be a good liberal, and exposing how liberals confuse intelligentance with a dispassionate pedantic lack of common sense. Anyone else?

Mid-West Laura wrote on Apr 10, 2006 4:22 PM:¡Toma detrás México!" Usted no es Americano - if you are an illegal! I’m just flabbergasted! Its so amazing to me that y’all (you goof-balls “protesting” in the streets) go into American streets and tout you come from such an ‘oppressed’ country , wave YOUR country’s FLAG and DEMAND that Americans bend to YOUR will!? How cowardice of you! You are cowards! How un-imaginative of you and your people! Do you not see all the passion and conviction you could be taking BACK to your OWN COUNTRY to actually CHANGE things!!!??? My Gosh! How you could change things for MEXICO with all your passion! What a beautiful country and you want to leave it all to the políticos y policía ! Shame on you for abandoning your country and leaving it to the dogs. Mexico could be a respected ally, but all you are doing is demoralizing yourselves as a people and showing the American people what cowards you are – you are cowards because you think you are better than the other out of country people who are here trying to become respectable American Citizens the proper and legal way – I know of a few and I know how hard it is. I am a (blanco) caucasian of German/Irish decent. I was born in Southern California and my ‘people’ came from Europe, changed their names and worked in menial jobs too, whatever they could find – my grandparents made it through the ‘Great Depression’ (look it up) and bought land to make their own homes by their own hands (so don’t give us that ‘you people won’t do-or want to do what “we” do crap) but they did not become criminals to do it. My (blanco) son is a BUS BOY and makes (barley) minimum wage at a restaurant & he is happy to get it! I had to move away from San Diego due to how expensive it got so don't tell me how 'hard' it is! Get back to what should be the Mexican focus - a better MEXICO! Some education: Definition of a Criminal: “One who commits a Crime” – definition of Crime: “an act that is forbidden by law” Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who: Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime. If you're here illegally, you're a criminal.

Jonathon wrote on Apr 10, 2006 4:56 PM:Bravo to the Minuteclansmen that showed up to counter-protest. You made such an impact on that event!!! You made the same impact at the event that you have over the past year guarding the border. Why don't you guys get jobs, or did the "illegals" take your jobs? Competition stinks doesn't it. But you know that the very fiber of the United States is Competition....the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, PGA the list goes on and on and the bottom line is compete or lose out it is nobody's fault but your own.

Dan wrote on Apr 10, 2006 5:23 PM:I just wonder how many people that are pro and anti immigration really know about their position. It is very sad that instead on focusing on the facts behind the positive v. negative impact of this issue may have resulted to racial attacks on sides. I personally feel that there are thousands of hard working illegal immigrants that deserve a legal status because they have worked very hard and have not mooched off our resources. On the other hand there are perhaps many more thousands and thousand of illegal immigrants that use aliases to acquire Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, WIC, and you name it…. there are also thousands of women that cross the border on their third trimester with a phony visa to have their children here at our cost. These women happen to live in Tijuana, Rosario, Ensenada, and other cities in baja. Right after they have their babies they go open a P.O. Box in San Isidro, then go get their medical, WIC, welfare, food stamps. Finally go back home to their husband and as much as another 4 children who also happen to be born in the U.S.A, which they also collect welfare from. While thousands of our American children and our American elderly live in poverty unable to pay their utilities, prescription drugs, food and housing. Yet these illegal families live in luxury in their new 2-story built homes and brand new cars with our tax paying dollars. WHY DOESN’T ANYBODY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE ON THE BLOG? WHY AREN’T THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN PROTESTING AND PUTTING PRESSURE ON CONGRESS TO STOP THIS SCAM?

El Chacal wrote on Apr 10, 2006 6:17 PM:Why don't all these Mexicans protest the fact that the Mexicans in Mexico deport people who illegally slip into Mexico from Central America? These are Guatamalans, Nicaraguans, etc who are trying to find a better life in Mexico. This is a self-centered protest that is tantamount to being a one way street in favor of the Mexicans. What would the Mexican police do to people who waved the flag of El Salavador during aggressive pro-amnesty protests conducted in Mexico?

Farmer's Daughter wrote on Apr 10, 2006 6:52 PM:Astonishing amount of hatred and bias and ignorance and passion and anger on these postings. Lots of Americans came here as indentured servants/convicts from England, lots came on slave ships from Africe, lots came from ships from China. We are all human beings. Quit being so judgemental about each other. Constitution guarantees free speech and right to assembly and the petition Congress about grievances. The only natives are the Native Americans. We are all immigrants and we didn't all get here legally. VOTE tomorrow, please.

Oside lady wrote on Apr 10, 2006 8:43 PM:Mid West Laura...you hit the nail on the head!! I couldn't agree with you more!!!

dave wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:19 PM:Can someone explain why the illegal immigrants, who are mostly Mexicans, don't protest against Mexico? The Mexican gov't encourages its own citizens to risk their lives by crossing the border and getting robbed by the coyotes, who are probably mostly Mexicans, so that the Mexican gov't can benefit from the dollars that get sent back to Mexico. Also, people have the right to voice their opinions against illegal immigration. It is not hatred or racism but the same rights as the people voicing their opinions to stay in the US. Illegals are not the only people who work hard. People in the US work hard also to feed their families. My immigrant parents worked hard but they became citizens the legal way. Many immigrants work the fields and restaurants who are not from Mexico but the protestors seem to be mostly from Mexico and waving their Mexican flags. Mexico is the problem that needs to be addressed not the immigration laws. If it weren't for the illegals there wouldn't be an issue if someone broke the law or not. If immigrants go through the legal process, then immigrants would benefit much more from what the US has to offer like higher paying jobs.

John wrote on Apr 10, 2006 10:39 PM:To Cecy, You don't know your scriptures very well. Perhaps you've heard "Give unto God that which is Gods."? What that means is that WE rule Earth and God rules the heavens. We make the boundaries here. Perhaps you've also heard something about the seperation of church and state. we honor that in our country. If you're going to thump your bible, understand it first.

Danny wrote on Apr 11, 2006 7:18 PM:THE FACT IS , WE ARE HERE AND WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

Cecy wrote on Apr 12, 2006 2:11 PM:To John and the other reply. And like u said WE make the rules not just the lazy people. Give the immigrants a green card so they can pay taxes like all of us and keep picking the fruits u eat. If the U.S was depriving u from good things and u couldnt feed your family i'm pretty sure u wouldnt stay there and die... especially if u had a family to feed. If u could go illegaly to another country but work hard and see your family eat i'm prety sure u would take that opportunity. The majority of these immigrants have no sponser to sponser them into this country. I'm a U.S citizen born and raised in the U.S and let me tell u something if it wasnt for my dad who illegaly came to the U.S i would probably be somewhere in mexico and not here in the army working for the government. Sometimes sacrafice is worth it.!!!!!!!!

Pittsburgh wrote on Apr 13, 2006 3:34 AM:Considering illegals are here illegally, they cannot vote. They also do not have the right to protest, because they are legally not supposed to be here. Why has the INS not rallied these criminals up and sent them back to where they belong? If they want to come here, apply for citizenship. We live in a country of due process. I can feel for these illegals and their desire to be here, but the law is the law. We need to enforce the laws. Shut down the borders, and develop a way to keep enough illegals here on conditions that they apply for citizenship and pay taxes. Also, make laws that do not allow more immigrants in the country until there have been enough jobs created to require immigrants. If these employers had to pay the illegals a lawful rate, they would not hire solely immigrant. Allowing illegal immigration is condoning slave labor and undermining our legal system. There is no argument around it.

Maritza wrote on Apr 13, 2006 7:49 AM:To Pittsburgh NO HUMAN BEING IS ILLEGAL. The INS is not rounding up or ralling up these protesters because unlike you they realize that under the U.S. Constitution which they are protected under. It does not say anywhere in the Constitution that only U.S. Citizens are protected all people are protected. I can tell you that I am an American Citizen born and raised here and I have been to every March and Protest that has been carried out. Why? Because I believe that American was built on the back labor of immigrants. I have am protected under the Constitution the First Amendment you know the one that says I have a right to free speech and the right to peaceably assemble. Every March I have attended has been peaceful as reported by the police chief of every city these protests take place. The INS cannot violate my 4th Amendment right, you know that one that says I am protected from unlawful search and seizure. What would be the reason the INS would begin to racially profile the protesters? If I would be asked to provide proof of residency someone would have to answer to my lawyer as to why I am being harassed because of the color of my skin. I have had it with the hateful comments. You are so funny because you say they can't vote and they do not have the right to protest, and in the same sentence you say "we live in a country of due process". So if you want to hold our feet to the fire on the on the due process law but you want to forget the real issues. If you one can show me under the U.S. Consitution that states immigrants documented or undocumented are not protected under the Constitution I will become a minuteclansmen. Please let the people continue their quest to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Heather wrote on Apr 13, 2006 7:55 AM:Wow!! Dan what a great idea you know that San Isidro thing. I think I will try it!! Thanks for the information.

Mike America wrote on Apr 13, 2006 11:10 AM:to Maritza; what is it with you anarchist that every time someone voices their opinion about the unchallengged invasion of our country we have to get a lesson about the constitution and the history of immigrants. The constitution refers to the rights of citizens and legal residents.and stop harping on how this country was built on the backs of immigrants....we already know that; the issue is about ILLEGAL ALIENS!!!! God bless america and the Minutemen

Maritza wrote on Apr 13, 2006 2:35 PM:Prove it Mike!!! Where does it say in the Constitution that "The constitution refers to the rights of citizens and legal residents." Only? I have read the Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, the Amendments many times and I have yet to find immigrants documented or undocumented are excluded! I too say GOD BLESS AMERICA AND God will not only Bless America but He will also judge America. Thus says the LORD: " Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. Jeremiah 9:23-25.

Mike America wrote on Apr 13, 2006 3:21 PM:Maritz,pray tell, are you a member of the ACLU, you should be. The constitution also states; "The United States shall gaurentee to every state in this union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against INVASION"!!!!!

To Mike America wrote on Apr 14, 2006 5:19 AM:Our republican form of government is failing us. We are being invaded and not enough of us are willing to do anything about it. We understand the problem. What do you suggest? We need new and better leaders.

Maritza wrote on Apr 14, 2006 11:05 AM:To Mike ~ you forgot one little line in your statement....against Domestic Violence. I have not seen any Domestic Violence so your use of Article IV section 4 is irrelevant. Any way no I am not a member of the ACLU. Last time I checked I thought the United States was a Democracy but I am sure that you and those like you don't want to call it that any longer because in a Democracy Majority rules. I think that is why you are all pushing so hard for deportation because the Latino Community is now the Majority. You are the one who said God Bless America and the Minuteclansmen. I just wanted you to know that along with blessings God also judges. So, God Bless America...Thus says the LORD: " Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. Jeremiah 9:23-25." Have Blessed weekend and Happy Resurrection day to all.

Mike America wrote on Apr 14, 2006 12:40 PM:Great point; our government IS failing us and although alot of us complain, few of us get involved in the proces. What to do? Where do I start. Being involved means more than voting once every 4 years and spending the next 4 complaining. Demand accountability of our elected officials. Stop re-electing the incumbents. If you belong to a union, demand they stop using your dues revenues for their political purposes. Take a good look at the educational system in this country and begin a process to get rid of these Marxist socialist psuedo professors that have trickled their way down the system into the pre-school grades. How's that for starters?

Mike America to Maritza wrote on Apr 14, 2006 1:02 PM:I don't profess to be a constitutional scholar such as yourself, but regardless, we could go on forever arguiing your interpretation vs. mine. No thanks. I will however say; I do respect you for your knowledge of said document and your use of it to make an argument, right or wrong, lawyers and jurist do it all day long, some not as well as you. Correction; I have never advocated deportation of all illegal aliens and it won't happen; calm down. I am however in favor of amending or repealing the XIV amendment,sect.1,sentance 1. and securing our borders so we don't find ourselves in this pickle again 10 years down the road. PS: Sorry about the ACLU crack, with your knowledge and use of the scriptures, it's obvious you're not one of them. Happy Easter

john wrote on Apr 15, 2006 12:56 PM:If the protesters were demanding amnesty from paying taxes, you bet they'd be rounded up and arrested.

sabrina wrote on May 25, 2006 1:19 AM:YOU BROKE THE LAW!!!!! ALL OF THE LEGAL AMERICAN WOULD LIKE A 2TH CHASE TOO!! WHY DO YOU ILLEGAL PEOPLE THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE A 2TH CHASE!! JUST BECASE YOUR POOR!!!! MOST LEGAL AMERICAN WHO ARE IN JAIL IS POOR!!! AND WAS TAKEN FROM THERE KIDS!! YOU BROKE THE LAW GO HOME THIS IS NOT YOUR HOME!!!