esteban wrote on Apr 21, 2006 6:29 AM:What's the difference....most don't work or go to school anyway...how about they boycott welfare that day too?

PC wrote on Apr 21, 2006 7:00 AM:It is NOW a day for Latinos to celebrate their cultural pride??..I thought they had a day; The day is called CINCO DE MAYO not UNO DE MAYO!!!

citizen wrote on Apr 21, 2006 8:13 AM:I cant wait for the boycott. The traffic will be less, the overcrowded schools won't be for a day and life in general will be much more pleasant. People will finally see who and what is causing all the problems in our county. Go ahead and boycott, I'll probably get to work alot quicker!

RQ wrote on Apr 21, 2006 9:16 AM:It is always funny to see ignorant Americans make their anti-immigrant comments because you prove to the world day-after-day that Americans really are some of the stupidest people in the world. Not only that, but you prove that you still have the same bloodthirsty mindset of your ancestors, who were some of the only people in the world who carried out a successful genocide against the Native People of these lands. Your backwardness and savageness still prevails through you. Esteban, or I should say, Stephen, what in the world are you going to do when you have to pick your own vegetables and fruit? And the last time I remembered, the majority of people on welfare are anglos. So tell your brothers and sisters if they want to organize their own boycott since us WORKERS have our own plans. And PC, Cinco de Mayo is no longer a Mexican/Latino Holiday. Just like everything else North Americans stole from us (land, food, our workers)you have also stolen our culture and have turned a beautiful ANTI-IMPERIALIST day of struggle (Cindo de Mayo) to a pathetic "EAT TACO BELL AND DRINK A BUDWEISER" day. This country has managed to commercialize a Mexican holiday and reduced it to another day for sales, just like you've done to Christmas and Easter. What kind of values are those? Yet we have the right to determine when and where we struggle and celebrate who we are, and ignorant fools like you have no other choice but to cry about it and wet your depends over it because we're doing it with or without your approval. GET OVER IT! WE ARE HERE AND WE ARE NOT LEAVING!!! In case you didn't know (since most North Americans are secluded from the rest of the world) May 1st is the international day of the worker. So it is very fitting that we take up this day to struggle. Damn, if it were up to me, we should completely boycott you people EVERYDAY and see how long you would last. Hopefully that day will come! DOWN WITH HR4437!

Ron wrote on Apr 21, 2006 9:20 AM:Now ICE knows where to pick up a few...

Robert wrote on Apr 21, 2006 9:57 AM:You guys! Hey this isn't about race, so don't try to tie into the civil rights movement. I, for one, won’t buy it. African-Americans were already citizens (without full rights of citizenship- that's what the movement put an end to). They were originally brought here against their will; they didn't crash the gates to get in. They spoke English too, which helped communication. Illegal immigration is a very different issue. Every (legal) immigrant that I knew in my youth worked very hard to learn English so they could operate successfully in our society. They did not demand education using their native language. THEY CHANGED, they did not demand that society change to accommodate them- THEY CHANGED. They obeyed the law, they paid their taxes AND collected refunds, and they worked very hard to fit in. They were not illegally in this country, in fact they secured their visas BEFORE they left their native lands. This is not an anti-Latino situation. It's anti-criminal. Now because of the ease of access and proximity to Mexico, and the fact that life is very hard for the majority of Mexicans, the majority of illegal aliens currently in this country is, of course (you guessed it) Mexican. The Latino community should not associate itself with criminals. It displays a very basic misunderstanding of what it means to be an American (U.S. citizen). We are a society of laws. It's the basis of the stability that encourages commerce and economic growth. Latino pride is wonderful and the culture rich and warm. Don't make the mistake of displaying ignorance of the very thing that has made this country such a desirable place to live. Don't allow the association that Latino culture includes disrespect for and a disregard of the law of this land. For by supporting and encouraging illegals to continue to break the law, that is the association that will be made. Show your love of the United States by defending her laws. They were written by the People for the People of the United States.

Harry wrote on Apr 21, 2006 10:00 AM:This sounds like a positive alternative to the street demonstrations that disrespected America and Americans and glorified a government that impoverishes its people and drives them over the boarder in search of a better life. I congratulate the organizers. If the community weren't so divided I would be interested in going; but truthfully I would be afraid.

Sean wrote on Apr 21, 2006 10:21 AM:Miss Jillings, are those in your group cultural advocates or fighting for equality? You may want to get that straight before the “boycott” occurs or your reputation will evaporate rather quickly. And the “boycott” is to send what message? That “free education” and “job availability” isn’t good enough for your minions? Not the issue here Miss Jillings; that is idiotic rationale, don’t be a moron! Also, don’t expect any counter-protestors to show up only "if they want to come in and enjoy the beauty of our heritage." That’s what Cinco de Mayo is for; you’re four days early. Miss Jillings you are in for a rude awakening! The issues, many of them at stake, are too numerous and far too complex for one news article to convey but maybe I can offer a starting point for you? Start with illegal entry into a foreign country, then work you way into the failure to pay income taxes, onward to driving without a license, registration or insurance. (take a field trip into any traffic courtroom , any day, and you’ll see 8 of 10 offenders with these common denominators) Lastly, leave the comparison between “vibrant Latino culture” and “stereotypical opposition” alone. The American’s only expect the immigrants to play by the rules, not break or avoid them.

rob wrote on Apr 21, 2006 10:22 AM:quote: "What's the difference....most don't work or go to school anyway...how about they boycott welfare that day too? Please tell us how I can do that? If you have nothing nice to say than don't say it!!!! I love how people can hide behind the internet and talk trash.......

Anna- Don't assume wrote on Apr 21, 2006 10:51 AM:To esteban: Stop stereotyping. Some of us do work, and go to school, and have our children in sport, and we also vote. I support the education of the gathering. But I am with Harry that I won't attend unless I see that it is about creating peace and promoting respect for our communities.

jeanette wrote on Apr 21, 2006 10:58 AM:"The leaders of these demonstarations must have rocks for brains. Where there may not have been race hatred before, there sure will be now. Illigals need to go back to their native country and march for change there.

Dug wrote on Apr 21, 2006 11:22 AM:Remember the Alamo!

Common Sense wrote on Apr 21, 2006 11:47 AM:It is a shame the "Latino" people think that it its all about them. Illegal immigration is from anywhere outside of the USA, period! I do not support the current amendments, but I do not believe that anyone should come here illegally, and then wave their countries flag in protest for citizenship rights in this country. This country was founded on immigrants from all over the world, and not focused on ONE culture, the Latino's.

Too Short wrote on Apr 21, 2006 12:22 PM:I say a "day" to too short to "teach us" a lesson. Make it a year to really teach us a lesson. I would love to be "illegal" free every day.

American wrote on Apr 21, 2006 1:03 PM:One day? Heck, take a year off! Employers are now terminating illegal alien employment like crazy. The only problem is that now they will have no work and the crime level is going to soar!

AC wrote on Apr 21, 2006 1:41 PM:"cofounder of the Coalition for Justice, Peace and Dignity" Does anyone else see the irony in this? Justice is served when the law applies to all. Peace comes from everyone obeying the law. Dignity cannot be achieved when the law is not being obeyed. I hope this person will educate those in attendance about Immigration policies, why it is illegal to use someone else's ID/SS, why it is important to have a drivers license and insurance, why others are waiting in line to immigrate legally and finally, that they may have to return to Mexico and try to immigrate legally. Legal immigrants have much to be proud of, illegal immigrants who have chosen to ignore the law and abuse our system are not just fooling our government and citizens, they are fooling themselves. It can't be the good life unless it is done right. Period.

GFN wrote on Apr 21, 2006 2:09 PM:Boycott Backlash: Don't go to Mexico for ANYTHING; drink Samual Adams beer and NOT CORONA; celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home!!! You can buy ten Sam Adams for the price of two Coronas at a restaurant! Mow your own damn lawn! Boycott anthing Mexican for the whole year!!

This is for RQ wrote on Apr 21, 2006 2:12 PM:You might want to loosen your grip on American hatred by allowing others to see how pissed off you are for being born Latino. There will always be division among the many cultures in this country; it's commonly referred to as being "resistant to change". You, my friend, suffer from the same deficiency. But as everyone is entitled to, it's a second chance. So go back and re-write your message using a different, less caustic tone and I bet you'll make a few friends. Or you can continue acting like a jack-ass. See, no one is interested in heeding to a screaming child the second they freak out.

Miguel wrote on Apr 21, 2006 2:41 PM:To RQ: Your attitude demonstrates the exact reason people become racist. These Americans are not "anti-immigrant", they are "anti illegal immigrant". Esteban is not Stephen, it is Steven, Estephano is Stephen. The citizens of this country picked their own crops long before the migrants started north from Mexico or other countries. Do not let cost savings be confused with ability. Never challenge an American with something like this, you will lose. You accuse us of stealing your land, food and workers. Are you nuts? The land deal was brokered long before you or I could have an influence, not stolen. What food do we steal from Mexico? Steal the workers, you are crazy, we're trying to send them back and they won't go! I hope you find a way to some inner peace, your outer expressions are sad.

RQ wrote on Apr 21, 2006 6:11 PM:By the way, I don't have "hatred for Americans". I have a hatred of injustice and ignorance. I love Americans. I believe most people who consider themselves "Americans" are really some of the most anti-American people out there. But we must also ask, what is an American? An American isn't simply someone from the United States. An American is anyone from the continent of the Americas. An American is a descendent of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, which includes most Mexicans and excludes most Europeans and Anglos. So if you really want to consider yourself an American, then you must have respect for your fellow Americans and understand your place within the continent of the Americas. You must understand and respect the fact that the indigenous peoples are the true Americans and have more right to be here than anyone else. And therefore, you must also understand that Mexican people are indigenous peoples or are direct descendants of indigenous peoples. If you have an attitude that Mexicans can't be on this side of the man-made border then you have a mindset of a foreign settler more than that of an American. This has to be understood. This is where I'm coming from. From and objective, historical analysis.

Gordo wrote on Apr 21, 2006 10:16 PM:RQ: If you hate injustice and ignorance, why do you spew both without thought? The North American Continent is Canada, America and Mexico. The people are all North Americans, but those citizens of Canada and Mexico are not Americans. How about Central America, South America? Who is teaching that absurdity? When you speak of the indigenous peoples, the Native American Indians are the only ones left. If you think the Mexican people are indigenous then explain the Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Mayan cultures and resulting genetics. Mayan and Aztec descendants are Natives to the Americas, not the Spanish. What "has to be understood" is that illegal immigration will not be tolerated, nor will attempts to change history. Today, an American is anyone who accepts our laws, immigrates legally or naturally and is loyal to America. This includes people from all immigrating countries. "Injustice" is what these illegal immigrants are causing. I find your arrogance and indignation at what an American is to be extremely misguided and you should be embarrassed to write such crap. It is very ethnically prejudiced. It is also absurd to consider that those thoughts will have any meaning to the outcome of the laws that will send the illegals back across the border to immigrate properly if they can. You need help, hope you find it.

ELLE wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:53 PM:RQ, PLEASE GO HOME. WE NO WANNA YOU NO MORE.

jessica wrote on Apr 25, 2006 4:05 PM:go to school. educate yourself. that will make a statement.

can we get rid of anglos? wrote on Apr 26, 2006 7:51 AM:More to the point, can we all stop using the term "Anglo" to refer to whites? Did you know "Anglo" properly means "of English/German heritage"? To call all whites "Anglos" is analogous to the (too-often made) ignorant reference to all Hispanics as "Mexicans." We all need to stop this willy-nilly labeling and reflexive cultural identifications, and focus on how to solve our mutual problems. To do otherwise is to invite social and economic disaster. Remember, we are all citizens of the WORLD!

Just a question for RQ wrote on Apr 26, 2006 7:59 AM:RQ, do you have any idea how many "Anglos" have Indian heritage? Or how many of us have Black ancestry? Your wordplay dismisses our reality, our existence. This land belongs to us too. (From a United States American who will not be moved from her native land.)

To my fellow U.S. American citizens wrote on Apr 26, 2006 8:07 AM:...can you try for once not to sound like such a bunch of yahoos? "Dug"--"Remember the Alamo!!"-how ridiculous. "PC", "Sean", "GFN"--"Cinco de Mayo" is pretty much just an American excuse to get drunk. "citizen"--Go ahead and shop on May 1, and enjoy standing in line for hours for your Big Mac. Keep the arguments on the economic level. Remember who wants the unions busted and the wages low. And don't vote against your own interests...

DW wrote on Apr 26, 2006 8:37 AM:If you have a big shopping list, go on May 1st. I would really like to see some Latino advocacy group try to help their people. Some examples of this may include how to perform better in school and how to use birth control. EDUCATE YOUR PEOPLE so they're not as much of a drain on our social services, education, and correctional fascilities.

Melissa wrote on Apr 27, 2006 6:30 AM:I do not believe that hispanics boycotting is the best way to go around the immigration issue. many who have gone to the past rallies in april have lost their jobs from there employers.hispanics are one of the biggest groups of immigrants coming to the united states at 56%, but the asain immigrants are right behind with an immigration rate of 36% to the U.S. i dont see anyone criticizing them. and for everyone who has blogged on this site saying that Hispanics are uneducated and all they do is use the welfare system i think you are generalizing to much and maybe you should educate yourself and do some research on the subject at hand.

CCY wrote on May 1, 2006 6:04 AM:I think the boycotting will work but the government seems afraid of the immigrants. Its like the case when Britain had all the puritans and they were afraid of them thus sending them here. But really illegal immigrants do many jobs and they're mostly jobs the lazy Americans don't want to do. But they come here for a better life. And I think America should concentrate more on getting rid of the gangs and drug dealers they're the real criminals. But it's not only hispanics there's also other immigrants. But this whole issue only got affected when Bin Laden bombed the twins and they haven't done such a great job oversea with the war anyway.