Roberto1 wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:16 AM:Even the Native Amaericans pigeon holed on their designated land can recognize the plight of working folks and their families. Yell Illegal workers all you want..these people are human beings and all of us have a a better living standard by standing on their backs like it or not.

I was wondering how long it would take wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:21 AM:... before Ed wrote a slanted story. Let Rodriguez go back to Mexico for help. While I am sorry he lost his home, the fact remains that his "home" was obtained by being in the United States illegally. We have already done more for him as a country than his "beloved" homeland would ever do. Treat his physical needs, and then deport him.

SHAME ON YOU wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:04 AM:I hope people can forget their hate and low self steem and instead of attacking people here, they start helping each other as they suppose to do. Thanks to Mimi ,the Valley Center Angel, we need more people like you and your family on on this world and less like "I was wondering..." ;my prays to everybody who was affected on this fires.

Sorry for Rodriquez wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:17 AM:but he needs to return home to Mexico. We have given above and beyond to illegals. The only aid he be given is a one way ticket of deportation. He has overstayed his welcome.

Randy wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:43 AM:FEMA has plenty of your hard-earned tax dollars to make a phoney news conference. FEMA has plenty of money to help wealthy Republican political campaign contirbution "money-bundlers." But FEMA has no money to help poor, oppressed displaced migrant farmworkers.

Alfonso wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:27 AM:to Roberto1..People in prisons and jails are human beings too, yet they pay for breaking our laws. I cannot believe that "returning to his country of origin" is not discussed in this article. No avocado's to pick for some time, what will they need a new place on the ranch for? People who live here legally, contribute to the tax and social service system legally are eligible for benefits. You're here illegally, breaking our laws, avoiding our taxes and laws and you want us to help you get back on your feet to do the same thing? This thought is INSANE. GO HOME to your family in your home country. They will help you. When you return legally, I will help you. My loss of veggie's and fruits in the mean time can be dealt with. Self-qualifying for immigration must end now.

Rosemary wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:31 AM:to all who are going to bash illegal immigrants - do you know that fire fighters from Mexico were helping the California fire fighters in San Diego. Mexican fire firemen came to help with the fires in San Diego alongside our local firemen. In our fire storm crises, there was no Border to keep people out. Just the humanity of people helping each other in every way possible to survive and save people. I hope that at this time, we all join together to help all the people that need help.

Amazing wrote on Oct 27, 2007 7:17 AM:You mean President Calderon won't even put up some temporary tents, food & water for his own citizens after they have been sending their money down there for years enriching his country?! Appalling!!

to Rosemary wrote on Oct 27, 2007 7:36 AM:Which fire did they help with? The Harris fire down at the border? Where do you get your information?

To Rosemary wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:04 AM:There is a BIG difference between another country's firefighters providing mutual aid and illegals who flout this country's laws, yet expect federal assistance. It would not be the first time that American & Mexican firefighters have worked together - it's a part of public safety, a blessing indeed. For all of you who think it is hateful to want all of the illegal aliens to go back to their countries, maybe you should consider relocating yourselves. Go break the laws in another country and see what happens.

Ken wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:58 AM:I too am sorry that Jose was affected by the fire, but like so many other illegal aliens, they are breaking our laws and should NOT receive any benefits. We have already done more than his own country has done for their citizens. Let Mexico come to their aid. Our taxes should be for helping our own legal citizens. Like I have said on so many times, I have lived in a foreign country and had to live and abide by that country's laws, so should the ILLEGAL ALIENS in this country do the same.

Robert24 wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:58 AM:Sorry, I gotta side with those who say "ship him (and all the rest of 'em) back to Mexico". Yup, I do feel sorry that he lost what he had, but he is alive, and still breaking the law by being here illegally. Go home (Mexico), Jose, and come back again legally; we will welcome you and your hard work with open arms. Just do it legally, like you are supposed to. Footnote: Maybe if you take the time to learn English, you would have heard all of the warnings and been able to save some of your possessions as well. Just a thought....

Alf wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:02 AM:While I agree that illegals should "go home" (back to their country of origin), we cannot stoop to the level of hate and abusiveness that is the hallmark of groups like sdmm and others. We can treat an illegal alien as a person while still deporting them, just as any criminal is treated with at least a certain degree of human decency even if you do not believe that the person deserves it. That's my opinion. Regards, Alf.

Gerry wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:06 AM:To Randy: I offer you an antacid for all that political hatred you are harboring.

To Randy wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:09 AM:If you're worried about the plight of the illegal invaders perhaps you should invite some to come live with you. Like their mexican government, I'm not willing to pay to help them break our laws.

uknow wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:17 AM:well i guess u all racist people dont have a hearth.

Rose D, wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:33 AM:The legal immigrants that are here working on the large farms should be helped. The owners who have benefited from their cheap labor should be housing and feeding them. The illegal alien lawbreakers should be immediately deported. That is the law!

J.W. wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:40 AM:uknow, How many illegal aliens are you helping in your home? How many are you feeding, clothing, bedding, transporting and giving medical care to. I surely appreciate you and other illegal alien supporters doing this, it takes the burden off of us other taxpayers who are against people breaking our laws. Thanks again!

Wiley wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:44 AM: Mexican president Calderon recently asserted that "wherever there is a Mexican, there's Mexico". It's time to take him by his words and demand financial assistance for his countrymen, living in the US illegally. I feel sorry for anyone's loss of property, but the entitlement attitude of people who aren't even supposed to be here, is totally misplaced. It is time for MEXICO to take care of its citizens, not in the form of "safe border crossing pamphlets", but by using part of the billions earned here and sent "home".

Legal Resident wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:44 AM:The illegal aliens need to go to their Consulates for help and not to American Taxpayers. You don't have a place to live here, then go back to your homeland and move in with your relatives you have been supporting from America. "Don't let the border gate hit ya on the way out".

NotSoSimple wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:58 AM:Do those of you who encourage migrant workers to "come here LEGALLY" actually think you are saying something that is remotely sincere and possible? There is no legal way for unskilled workers from Latin America to become US citizens anymore. Why don't you tell us your real position -- which is that you don't like these people, and don't want to see them ever again. If that's your position, have the guts to say it. But please stop snowing yourself and others that you would welcome migrants if they simply filled out the proper paper work.

Miguel wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:08 AM:Did you notice how the title fails to distinguish between "legal" and "illegal/undocumented" workers? Legal migrant workers are eligible for benefits, undocumented/illegals are NOT. What is the question? He wants help to re-establish his illegal/undocumented/social service abusing lifestyle? Mr. Sifuentes, do you even read what you write? Good time for ICE and BP to visit the evac centers. Illegals can be fed, clothed and deported. If we want immigrant labor, get it from ALL cultures around the world, not just one. Build the wall, improve guest worker programs, deport ALL illegals. Our tax revenue goes up, money leaving the country is reduced and our borders start to get under control. What is so hard to understand about this?

jr wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:12 AM:is this a illegal imigrants case or what? come on people just look around and pray for those that lost their house and families!!

"M" wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:15 AM:TO RANDY. Your funny.

True American wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:40 AM:Hopeful Mexico and Felipe Calderon will do the right thing and come get the great people of Mexico and return them home to food and supplies to help them rebuild. Oh wait, it is a rich third world country that is encouraging an invasion in our country, they won't take care of their own as we do. They won't offer social services to migrants as we do. We will always be better than Mexico.

Robert24 wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:56 AM:To "NotSoSimple"; You are right, I don't like the "illegal aliens". But, that has nothing to do with their nationality. I don't like them if they are from anywhere, and here illegally. And, I don't believe that there is no way for them to come here legally anymore; that is a cop out on your part. Besides, if we are full, we are full; close the door. Cars that seat 2 are not meant to hold 8, and this Country is the same. Again, I don't like illegal aliens, and if you are one, I'm sorry, but I don't like you either. You are just another law breaker. For the record, I also don't like murderers, child molesters, wife beaters, etc. See, I'm biased toward all law breakers!

Hmmm wrote on Oct 27, 2007 11:57 AM:Is FEMA the only agency that is enforcing their regulations re illegal immigrant eligibility for benefits? I wonder what it would be like if all governmental agencies followed their (FEMA's) lead.

Sandy K wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:05 PM:Do I feel sorry for Jose? Well, I have a lot of sympathy for the people who lost property in the fires. But Jose is not entitled to take any services and assistance from our government which would mean less for our citizens. You came here with the clothes on your back Jose, you can go back to Mexico with the same.

That's right. wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:18 PM:Randy. Let the Christians support the illegals.

Janet wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:46 PM:I wish some of you would give your venom a rest during this crisis. Why don't you try to help ANYONE you approve of who lost their home and be quiet about the rest? The simple truth is that if we didn't hire them, they wouldn't come. But we hire them because we want cheap labor and cheap prices. We can't have it both ways. Nothing will stop them except prosecuting every person who hires illegals. BUT I also think if we encourage them to come, we have a responsibility to treat them decently.

Darrell wrote on Oct 27, 2007 1:11 PM:If these folks need help they should go to their consulates for assistance just as U.S. Citizens would have to do in Mexico. But if their country won't help them then the employer should take care of ALL their needs. Since these folks wouldn't be here if they couldn't get work, those who assist them in violating our laws should shoulder the burden. All those who feel sorry for them could let the illegals live in their house and provide for all their needs as well; if you want society to change you have to lead by example.

Interplanet Janet wrote on Oct 27, 2007 1:18 PM:Janet you must be from mars. Get a grip. NO ONE encourages them to come here more than there own corrupt Mexican government. Free maps and the like. I agree the US should give them free services, starting with a bus ticket back home. ICE should have the guts round them up and deport them, like they are supposed to, period.

Alfonso wrote on Oct 27, 2007 1:19 PM:I just love the comments by those, like Janet, who blame the .001% of Americans who encourage illegals to come work without documentation here in America. Don't you realize that over 80% of Americans DON'T want the illegals here working and 99.999% of Americans DON'T encourage them to come illegally? Our government does help them, feed them, bandage them, now, send them back to their homeland.

seahorse wrote on Oct 27, 2007 2:08 PM:Calling people racist is getting old. I have a heart but I realize that the USA is massively in debt and living on borrowed time and money. We can not afford to take care of Mexico and Central America's problems. THIS COUNTRY IS GOING BROKE. How many of you will give up half your income and hand it over to help the poor immigrants? Sell your house move to an apartment and use the gains to help these people in need? NONE? Gee you have a heart until it means you must sacrifice. Most of the people I talk to who oppose immigration oppose it because they realize that this State is already overburdened. Open up your wallet and pay for these people and stop whining that others don't want to do it.

SKEEZIX wrote on Oct 27, 2007 2:26 PM:OH WELL, WHY ALL THE FUSS? SOON THERE WILL BE NO 'BORDERS.' THEN SO CALLED ILLEGALS WILL BE ABLE TO REGAIN WHAT IS REALLY THEIR COUNTRY. VIVA LA RAZA. WHO WILL BE THE 'ILLEGALS' THEN SENORS? MAYBE YOU.

PONCHO VILLA wrote on Oct 27, 2007 2:30 PM:To Seahorse. Your comments are so false and wrong. Since when is "this country going broke?" What uneducated nonsense. The Dow is teasing 14,000 and our unemployment rate is the lowest it's been in decades. Going broke? What a laugh. By the way, your comments are the same old racists diatribes we have all heard before. Grow up.

To Skeezix wrote on Oct 27, 2007 3:10 PM:You can't take over your own country (i.e., Mexico?) - much less the U.S.

Mary wrote on Oct 27, 2007 3:31 PM:Many of the migrants live outside in the canyons of San Diego. More than once wildfires have been started by migrant campfires. No matter where you sit on the illegal issue, it should be against the law to start a campfire anywhere in Southern California. It is just too dangerous.

Here's a thought....... wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:26 PM:It is a complete shame that they are now homeless but they absolutely should NOT get financial aid from us. They are here illegally. If we help out, it should be by providing a hot meal a cot and a warm blanket to sleep on until a comfort coach bus ride back to Mexico can be arranged. And as for Mexico's firefighters coming to help (I haven't heard this myself, but it is blogged above), Thank God for them. If they were here, Goverment new about it and approved it, hence they were here legally, even if for a short period of time. I'm sure we have helped and will help with any natural disaster they face. There is nothing wrong with Mexico or their people. But if you're not here legally (Mexico, China, Vietnam, England, Canada, etc.) then you should not be here period! They ARE breaking the law!

Employers should help wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:56 PM:The employers of these folks should pitch in and help them. After all, it is they who are benefiting directly from the cheap labor provided by these men and their families. This is just paln simple human decency. Shame on them for not offering to help!!

Grow up wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:59 PM:People shouldn't lie, high school kids shouldn't have sex, people shouldn't drink too much, cheat on their spouse or their income taxes, follow too close on the freeway, throw cigarette butts out car windows, or eat chili cheese fries, but they do. And poor people will always come to rich countries, and you can't do anything about it except talk tough to each other on stupid blogs. 12 million people are here without permission, and all your bla bla won't do anything about it. The question is: do we treat them like the honest, hard working, religious, family oriented people they are, or do we treat them (and talk about them) like crap on the bottom of our shoes?

Pluto wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:07 PM:Seahorse @2:08pm is both right and wrong. The country is going broke. Yes, the stock market us up, financial and oil and drug people are doing well, but we are in debt and the jobs are gone and it's just a matter of time before the bubble bursts. On the other hand, low-wage workers, legal or illegal, are not the problem. They help the economy more than they drain it. They are victims of the global economy, and scapegoats for those who don't want us to understand what's really going on. BTW, the Mexican firefighters story is easily available.

To grow up wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:19 PM:People shouldn't lie; perjury is prosecuted. High school kids shouldn't have sex; rape is prosecuted or child support is paid. Drinking too much is punished by bad health or incarceration. The list goes on but illegals shouldn't be liable for their illegal actions? You grow up. If they were honest, they would come legally. Hard working, religious, family oriented doesn't mean they can skirt the immigration system. They should be treated like anyone who breaks any of our other laws. Grown up yet?

Foozie wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:37 PM:My husband, a US Citizen born in Santa Maria, came up here to the NW when he couldn't get employment because he didn't speak spanish and there were too many illegles already working most of the local jobs, taking away from the teenagers who would gladly work, as would most of us, only not for that low of a wage! Let them come here legally, just as all races must do!

Numbers game wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:42 PM:It's been said that "figures don't lie, but liars figure". Alfonso's numbers are way off. All our food at home and in restaurants is much cheaper because it's picked, prepared and cooked by "illegals", and many of the hardest, dirtiest jobs are done by them. The native-born population is too well educated to work in meat packing plants and other such jobs. Who will do them, Minutemen? And yes, many people who (perhaps unknowingly) benefit from these low-wage workers [complain] to high heaven about "illegals". It just shows lack knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Reardon wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:45 PM:The problem is not illegal workers -- it is their accompanying families. It is those families that use the educational system resources and retard our citizen children learning. It is the families whose children join violent gangs. It is the families who use the Emergency Rooms for primary care. Every day our military depart from San Diego to posts around the world -- unaccompanied by their families -- and if unaccompanied deployment is good enough for our troops it is good enough for illegal workers. We need a regularized Bracero program of workers -- unaccompanied. The workers are a plus in the cost benefit analysis -- their families are a distinct minus. Even though many workers have their families, they send $27 BILLION a year back to home for remittances -- that is direct aid, although mordida takes a huge bite.

Attention Haters wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:46 PM:you can try to veil your racism behind so the nationalist rhetoric you lifted from Fox News but we see through you. We know you represent a small number of deluded whites who have been taken in by the racist-powers-that-be. We, the decent majority of Americans, will never let you stop immigration (illegal or legal) to the United States, nor will we allow you to open the new concentration camps your kind (think 1930's Germany) has been dreaming of for years. We see you for what you are, racist cowards who hate others because of their skin color.

Not much of a paper... wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:48 PM:The writings of Edward Sifuentes belong on the editorial page. He is certainly not a journalist. He consistently writes his slanted opinion. When are the editors going to get a clue?

Grow up wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:51 PM:All wrongdoing is punished? I must have been taking a nap. They're here, and all of your "should be" doesn't mean squat.

B and P wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:18 PM:Eventually the land will be returned to the people it rightfully belongs to. All children who are born here are U.S. citizens and guess what...We take care of our elders and we are all going to stay no matter what anybody says.

Just wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:24 PM:Ship em out!

to Attention Haters wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:52 PM:The majority of decent Americans do want legal immigration and continued cultural diversity in the process(nobody wants Illegal immigration). Your comments about concentration camps, racist cowards and skin color is inciteful, inflammatory and pure male bovine excrement. Fox is probably the only HONEST media left on television.

Spock wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:58 PM:Hey Monti lovers, did you have such a gripe about a civil lawsuit against OJ even though the jury found him not guilty? Somehow I really doubt it. Give your venom a rest and get lives. Our country was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. This "illegal" stuff against Mexicans is a phony red herring. Your real gripe is their nationality. Just admit it for once.

Innocent Bystander wrote on Oct 27, 2007 7:14 PM:I'm confused. With all the problems with Mexico, why hasn't President Bush launched a war against this economic, racial, border, and terrorist threat. Maybe they even have Weapons of Mass Destruction! I'm thorougly disgusted where our country is headed and the person to blame is BUSH. To all you conservative Bush supporters: why haven't you asked your leader to declare war on Mexico?

Brenda wrote on Oct 27, 2007 7:19 PM:Aid should only be for US Citizens or Legals - we have our OWN to help first. Go back to your OWN - if you weren't here illegally, you wouldn't be in this situation! The US needs to start taking care of it's own FIRST!

An Orthodox Christian in Texas wrote on Oct 27, 2007 7:40 PM:Please provide the names of private charities who will be helping the displaced people. I will be happy to contribute money to replace the goats and trailer.

To B and P wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:00 PM:Pick up a History Book, never mind its to late for you and I would have to pay for it. Quick lesson: America bought and paid for this land. Legal immigrants are grateful to be here, Im married to one. She respects our flag and our way of life, what are you here for? Yeah great it will soon be your land again, poverty, corruption cant wait.

EscoWatchDog wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:45 PM:Not only in time of crisis like now, but always, do we need to demonstrate acts human compassion and love for all members of our society. Leave your politics and selfishness at the door and help your fellow human beings. Remember, NO HUMAN BEING IS ILEGAL! People who show love and compassion are not a minority in this country so let's not let our voices be drowned with hateful rhetoric from selfish individuals who only care about themselves. Love will always prosper. Many blessings to you and thank you NC Times for finally covering this important reality that faces many of our residents who were not shown on the television because they didn't live in affluent neighborhoods. Keep up the good work in your reality reporting.

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:52 PM:Xenphobe...I know it, when I see it. Lets help all families poor, rich & even so-called illegal families. The illegal immigration issue along with the Mexican issue will be with us once we get past this mess. How about you give it a break?

Here we go again... wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:09 PM:It's sad to see so many people turning one point into a completely different one. Our county has been his with the worst fire storm in its history. People have died, homes, memories, our peace of mind has been lost. We are at the beginning stages of trying to recover, and such a story in a newspaper is already ignighting bult up anger toward a certain people. C'mon folks! You're obviously happy and warm in your home offices or living romos filled with sound of television and smell of cooking food. You are not realizing that PEOPLE are out in the cold, hungry and have nobody to turn to. Put aside all this jibberish and look at what is important. Right now, illegal/legal, brown/white/black/blue, blind, poor, ugly, fat, skinny, uneducated, wealthy...WHATEVER---IT. DOES. NOT. MATTER. People are people. Let their personal decision or legal "faults" out of the equation when you look at their situations at this time. It's sickening to see what some of you people are worried and more concerned about while your neighbors and relatives, those who sit by you at church and those shop at your grocery stores HAVE TO SIT IN A SHELTER OR UNDER A TREE BECAUSE THEY HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES.

Jimbo wrote on Oct 28, 2007 11:01 AM:First of all my thoughts and prayers to anyone (including illegal aliens) that have lost from this fire. That said, I think charity is the way to go on this one. Obviously, from the comments above, there are alot of folks who feel the need to help. Please do so. It is your perogative. Those who feel differently should not be forced to do so. It is important to note that the majority of citizens in this country do not want their tax dollars going to benefits of illegal aliens. FEMA is right about its policy. People who are here illegally should not receive financial assitance for anything other than to ensure that their immediate needs are met. Receiving anything beyond that should be a privalege reserved for legitimate federal INCOME tax paying citizens/legal residents. Please note the word "legitimate". Meaning those whose documentation is not fraudulent in any way.

Sad wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:34 PM:Its sad that even in this tragic time the mentally incompetant come out. I know all they can do is say ship em out and go back to mexico because sadly its all the know how to do. At least some of us have evolved and actually have a heart. For anyone saying the US is broke. Um excuse me but we are pouring Billions into a useless war. How is that broke?

janet wrote on Oct 28, 2007 7:42 PM:Like I said, hire them and they will come. Turn you hatred on their employers. They invite them.

Call me unjust, but... wrote on Oct 29, 2007 11:52 AM:I am so sorry for his loss, but as an illegal immigrant, I don't agree that the nation's tax dollar should go to help him rebuild a home that he was holding in an illegal status. If individuals feel strongly about giving this gentlemen a new place in the US to live, they should put donate their OWN time and money to help this man. Many people also feel strongly that these people shouldn't ever have been here in the first place, so why should we volunteer their money as well as our own to help them stay? Something like this is up to individuals in a community to provide, not the government.

To Sad: wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:48 PM:It's "mentally incompetent" for a country to have borders and laws? You can have all the "heart" you want, but all the "heart" in the world is not going to pay the bills. I happen to "work" for my money and pay over $25,000.00 in Fed & State ALONE per year, and I'm not interested in paying for Mexico's citizens--who don't give a crap about America, by the way, except for what it can give them--when Mexico won't lift a finger to provide for her own people (but sure love the easy remittances sent back "home").---Tell us what you can do for the U.S. sometime; will you defend her? Will you honor and respect her laws? Or will you scoot back across the border when the goin' gets tough? I'd LOVE to hear those questions answered.

Mentally Incompetent wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:09 AM:It would be mentally incompetent and immoral to leave your fellow man burned out of his shelter, starving cold and hungry. However; churches, private individuals, private charities, the Avacado/ farming industries, and the Mexican Government should shoulder the monetary load on this one. I would feel comfortable donating immediate need items and maybe a little cash.

To Mentally Incompetent wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:58 AM:Agreed. I would never let someone starve or be cold and have, for years, donated clothing (much of it never worn) and blankets to local charities. But as far as tax dollars going to pay for it, uh uh. This one goes squarely onto the shoulders of the employers who hire these people and the Mexican government. Memo to Presidente Calderon!: Time to "man up" and be a leader for a change. Wasn't it YOU who said that wherever there is a Mexican there is Mexico? Well, Mexico is right here in our backyards...whattya wanna do?

Americano wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:05 PM: "I think that's wrong, because even though we are not from here, we are human beings," Rodriguez said." Tell THAT TO MEXICO!!! You are NOT our responsibility! My solution to you problem...GO HOME! Let me find out ONE charity is helping them, I will STOP stone cold from donations to them.