Immigration Makes Strange Bedfellows: Blacks and the Minuteman Project

[Jahness]

Immigration Makes Strange Bedfellows:
Blacks and the Minuteman Project

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson,
BlackNews.com Columnist



At first glance it seemed absolutely ridiculous that Minuteman Project leaders would pick a park in a predominantly black neighborhood in Los Angeles as the May 3 jump off point for their national caravan to Washington D.C. The caravan will stop in 13 cities including President Bush's hideout in Crawford, Texas. Since the Minutemen first toted their cameras, beach chairs, and binoculars to the Arizona-Mexico border last year to shame politicians into taking action to stop illegal immigration, they have been roundly lambasted as a racist organization.

Minuteman Project leaders bristle at the charge. They claim they do everything to shoo racists away from their organization, and that the FBI does background checks on potential members (The FBI denied the claim). They also claim to have a multi-ethnic diverse membership.

Yet, the avowed white supremacist National Alliance group, Neo-Nazis, and an assortment of kooks, cranks and crazies flocked to the border last year to join Minuteman protests. On the white power website, Stormfront a National Alliance activist implored the "white nationalist community" to back the Minuteman project. The Minutemen have few visible black supporters, and up to a week ago, their presence has been nil in black communities. They have been denounced by mainstream civil rights organizations, black elected officials, and have taken no public stand on issues such as affordable health care, failing public schools, police misconduct, the extension of the Voting Rights Act, and unemployment.

These are issues that most concern blacks. Their website is filled with xenophobic, nativist, borderline, race tinged code word taunts at the "invasion" of "hordes" of "illegal aliens." The Minutemen's pitch to blacks is a shrewd, cynical ploy to capitalize on the split among blacks over illegal immigration. And that split is wide and deep. The NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and the Congressional Black Caucus vigorously oppose the punitive Sensenbrenner House bill and have generally supported the massive immigrant rights marches. A Field Poll in California in April found that blacks by a bigger percent than whites and even American-born Latinos back liberal immigration reform. But many blacks express views that are wildly at odds with the black leaders and the polls. Black callers have singed the phone lines at black radio talk shows with anti-immigrant tirades. They bombard black newspapers with letters blasting illegal immigrants.

They complain that Latinos are hostile, even racist toward, blacks. The quip by Mexican President Vicente Fox last May in which he praised the work ethic of Mexican illegal immigrants, and disparaged that of blacks caused deep resentment. But the issue that pricks a raw nerve is the issue of jobs. Economists are deeply divided over the extent that illegal immigration depresses wages and helps fuel joblessness among blacks.

Even if there was not a single illegal immigrant in the country, employer discrimination, poor skills and education, and the high percent of young black males with criminal records would still insure that the unemployment figure among marginally skilled, poor black males would be double and triple that of white males. Yet, the increased visibility of undocumented workers in low wage service and retail, construction and light manufacturing jobs, that blacks once were employed in, has stoked resentment and reinforced the perception among some blacks that illegal immigrants take jobs from blacks.

Then there is the issue of law enforcement. Polls show that blacks increasingly are more supportive of the police, and back tough crackdowns on gang and drug violence. They also rankle at what they perceive as the kid glove treatment by authorities of illegal immigrants. While there is no evidence that that is the case, that's the perception.

Minutemen leaders have tapped into the anger and anxiety of some blacks over the economic free fall of poor blacks, and their tough on crime sentiment and managed to corral a handful of black supporters. The week before the start of their caravan, they held a noisy flag-waving rally at a park in South Los Angeles. A few days later they joined a small group of anti-illegal immigrant black activists in a march for jobs to an employment office in South L.A.

The Minutemen have set an ambitious goal of 500 new chapters nationally by the end of the year and over 1 million new members. They're passionately convinced that the majority of Americans agree with them that illegal immigration is a plague on American society and that only harsh employer sanctions, tough criminal penalties, and the militarizing of the border is the only way to eliminate it.

They bank that thousands of blacks agree with them, and join chapters, and jump in their flag festooned autos and tool to Washington in protest. That's not likely to happen. But the few blacks that will jump in cars with a group that has said and done nothing to promote civil rights and fight poverty, and that has checkered ties with racist groups proves that immigration like politics can make strange bedfellows.


Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a columnist for BlackNews.com, an author and political analyst.

For media interviews, contact:
Mr. Hutchinson at 323-296-6331 or hutchinsonreport@aol.com

http://www.blacknews.com/pr/minuteman101.html

[Tehuti-4]

You gotta hand it to these people though as sick as they are they make sure they continue to do one thing well - study, know and effectively manipulate, divide, distract in order to conquer their enemies.

REACTIONARY

[Jahness]

Originally Posted by Tehuti-4

You gotta hand it to these people though as sick as they are they make sure they continue to do one thing well - study, know and effectively manipulate, divide, distract in order to conquer their enemies.

REACTIONARY

Greetings Tehuti-4!

Your comments are right on point. One of the things people fail to realize is that these people make a conscious effort to stay organized.

They go to the extent to make people who would otherwise despise them join their ranks. That is effective manipulation if I ever saw it. lol But as you said as sick as they are they do what it takes to get what they want.

The issues on the table today like illegal immigration are making people join ranks with the enemy, because they think the immigrants are taking their jobs. What they have forgotten is at one time they themselves took those same low paying wages just to survive and put food on their table and to keep a roof over their head.

The issue is not illegal immigration, it's still the oppressor oppressing the masses of people. These days the fight has come down to the oppressed fighting each other while the oppressor continues to manipulate us all. Reactionary Politics as usual.

It's always a pleasure reasoning with you warrior, and your valued input is appreciated.

Peace & Blessings of Afrikan Love!

[Moorish Rebel]

You know back in the 60's, during the time of de-segragation these same crakkas was complaining that WE was moving into their neighborhoods, taking their jobs and now you have some of us sideing with the enemy to deny a group of people who are just trying to survive and take care of their family. wow.

[Queen_T]

I feel like I'm in the twilight zone at times...

[Moorish Rebel]

Oh I forgot to add that technically speaking, the latinos or Indigenous people are just returning home to their ancestral land that was taken from them. If Europeans are anti-immigration then why don't they start packing.

[Jahness]

Originally Posted by Moorish Rebel

You know back in the 60's, during the time of de-segragation these same crakkas was complaining that WE was moving into their neighborhoods, taking their jobs and now you have some of us sideing with the enemy to deny a group of people who are just trying to survive and take care of their family. wow.

Greetings MoorishRebel!


You bring up another fact about this situation and the continued and systematic oppression put upon us by the oppressor.


We have only to remember how we have suffered as a people at the hand of the white people, and we might just make better decisions in just how we really feel about this illegal immigration issue. It's not that far back that those who think or ask their elders would not be able to remember.


But rather than see the enemy for who he is we fall prey to blaming the victims in this whole shytstem that we think is for us or here to help us. We still have not gotten any help from yt and we still face the same problems from back in the days of slavery.

How soon we forget to the point of blaming others who have joined the ranks of the permanent sufferers of this here united snakkkes of amerikkka. You are 100% correct the Latinos are home, it's the europeans who are the illegal aliens. But that is a fact people refuse to deal with, so the illusion of a fair and just amerikkka continues. We all know it's bogus.

We all know those kkkrackkkas prefer to kill and rape, steal, destroy, use and abuse before they do the right thing. What yt does never surprises me. What continues to have me baffled is the fact that our people refuse to learn from their experience.

Much appreciation to you for taking the time to share your views, it's truly appreciated.

Peace & Blessings of Afrikan Love!!

[Tehuti-4]

It has been correctly said that "no one ever went broke underestimating the stupidity of the American people."

These people live under the most violent reactionary and felonious government in recent memory and rather then focusing on them with a simple slight of hand "illegal" immigrants have become the major issue. These fools are putting fortunes into the pockets of multi-national corporations pockets trying to heat their homes and drive their vehicles and somehow immigrants become the issue. This trick is as old as it is simple. If I didn't know the tactic I would be perplexed out people fall for this still. Here are some facts should you have the misfortune of having to address one of these ignoramuses:

Most immigrants do not enter the US under and over fences but on jet airplanes.
Most immigrants PAY TAXES!! Albeit with false SS cards. The fact however is that they pay into systems from which they cannot collect any benefit. The US government has hundreds of MILLIONS of dollars in tax returns money payable to people that don't exist. They collect MILLIONS is social security funds for people ineligible to collect them!! Unless these morons believe that all immigrants are homeless then when they pay rent they are paying local school taxes as well.

Should they march every single immigrant out of the country - as the last of them crossed the US border out of the country the US economy would collapse with the cessation of these idiots social security checks being step one!!! The illusion is that "Americans" support "illegal" immigrants! LOL! Immigrants are supporting America while trying to stay alive themselves. Which they would never come to the US to do if the US government did not deliberately destroy the economies of these nations these people immigrate from in order to turn them into giant plantations for multi-nationals under NAAFTA and KAAFTA. The idea that somehow the condition of lives of Americans would improve or that they would pay less taxes if all immigrants were deported is too stupid for any sane person to entertain. Yet isn't this just what these imbeciles believe? What? Gas will drop back to 1.20 if only the immigrants weren't around. LOL!! I've been saying for a long time that a smart comedian could get rich on the material provided by these numb skulls.

And NOW they have our folk right up there with them. Where’s the bottom?
SHeesh.

[Moorish Rebel]

Originally Posted by Tehuti-4

It has been correctly said that "no one ever went broke underestimating the stupidity of the American people."

These people live under the most violent reactionary and felonious government in recent memory and rather then focusing on them with a simple slight of hand "illegal" immigrants have become the major issue. These fools are putting fortunes into the pockets of multi-national corporations pockets trying to heat their homes and drive their vehicles and somehow immigrants become the issue. This trick is as old as it is simple. If I didn't know the tactic I would be perplexed out people fall for this still. Here are some facts should you have the misfortune of having to address one of these ignoramuses:

Most immigrants do not enter the US under and over fences but on jet airplanes.
Most immigrants PAY TAXES!! Albeit with false SS cards. The fact however is that they pay into systems from which they cannot collect any benefit. The US government has hundreds of MILLIONS of dollars in tax returns money payable to people that don't exist. They collect MILLIONS is social security funds for people ineligible to collect them!! Unless these morons believe that all immigrants are homeless then when they pay rent they are paying local school taxes as well.

Should they march every single immigrant out of the country - as the last of them crossed the US border out of the country the US economy would collapse with the cessation of these idiots social security checks being step one!!! The illusion is that "Americans" support "illegal" immigrants! LOL! Immigrants are supporting America while trying to stay alive themselves. Which they would never come to the US to do if the US government did not deliberately destroy the economies of these nations these people immigrate from in order to turn them into giant plantations for multi-nationals under NAAFTA and KAAFTA. The idea that somehow the condition of lives of Americans would improve or that they would pay less taxes if all immigrants were deported is too stupid for any sane person to entertain. Yet isn't this just what these imbeciles believe? What? Gas will drop back to 1.20 if only the immigrants weren't around. LOL!! I've been saying for a long time that a smart comedian could get rich on the material provided by these numb skulls.

And NOW they have our folk right up there with them. Where’s the bottom?
SHeesh.

You hit the "Bull's Eye" in the bolded statements. 100% perfectly stated Tehuti.

[Denise X]

The thing that is killing me the most is WHY, WHY, WHY do Blacks seem to think that Blacks have the same struggles as Mexicans and that the two should work together??? WHY are Black people pinning OUR past civil rights with this Mexican immigration issue??? Im asking because it really REALLY bugs the fuck out of me.

I don't give a damn about what Mexican immigrants are going through, just like they could give a DAMN about us. They move their asses here to the U.S. and into OUR neighborhoods with little to NO respect. Since this thing has happened....not ONCE have I seen a Mexican man/woman encourage anybody Black I know to come walk with them on their issues. Yet, Black speakers on t.v. are constantly pinning Blacks and Mexicans together like WE have the same struggle. TO HELL WITH THAT!!

I most DEFINIATELY am NOT on any white man side about 'illegal immigration'; white folks have a bitch nerve to say anything about 'illegal immigration' in the U.S. and who has 'the right' to be here and who doesn't. Thats first and foremost.

However, if I and everyone before me on down the ancestrial line had to live, learn, and breathe the history and the laws of this shitty ass country to make it, then dammit....so does the next Mexican wanting to live in America! I know plenty of Black people living without health insurance, yet, I see clinics all over the place targeted for Mexicans and getting help with health issues FOR FREE. I know of a FEW 'Black-owned' stores/shops/businesses sprinkled here and there, but a Mexican store/strip-mall/resturant just about every corner where their employees BARELY speak english....just enough to tell you how much your food is going to cost.

But the KILLER??? Is that every good job I want to apply for, you need to be 'bilingual'! WTF!!!

When Black people(i.e. BLACK PANTHERS) were trying to create OUR communities just like those that I've mentioned that Mexicans are doing, whitey shut down shop IMMEDIATELY and no questions asked. Killing off all of OUR great Black representatives.

Mexicans are in no way, shape, or form in need of OUR help..........

So again, I ask.......WHY, WHY, WHY do Blacks seem to think that Blacks have the same struggles as Mexicans and that the two should work together???

The ONLY people Blacks should be concerned about is the destruction of Black culture, history, and heritage. Black people have OUR OWN damn problems!

If Mexicans are so oppressed in their own country, then FIGHT and PROTEST to live in your OWN damn country!

[josteele]

Originally Posted by Denise X

The thing that is killing me the most is WHY, WHY, WHY do Blacks seem to think that Blacks have the same struggles as Mexicans and that the two should work together??? WHY are Black people pinning OUR past civil rights with this Mexican immigration issue??? Im asking because it really REALLY bugs the fuck out of me.

I don't give a damn about what Mexican immigrants are going through, just like they could give a DAMN about us. They move their asses here to the U.S. and into OUR neighborhoods with little to NO respect. Since this thing has happened....not ONCE have I seen a Mexican man/woman encourage anybody Black I know to come walk with them on their issues. Yet, Black speakers on t.v. are constantly pinning Blacks and Mexicans together like WE have the same struggle. TO HELL WITH THAT!!

I most DEFINIATELY am NOT on any white man side about 'illegal immigration'; white folks have a bitch nerve to say anything about 'illegal immigration' in the U.S. and who has 'the right' to be here and who doesn't. Thats first and foremost.

However, if I and everyone before me on down the ancestrial line had to live, learn, and breathe the history and the laws of this shitty ass country to make it, then dammit....so does the next Mexican wanting to live in America! I know plenty of Black people living without health insurance, yet, I see clinics all over the place targeted for Mexicans and getting help with health issues FOR FREE. I know of a FEW 'Black-owned' stores/shops/businesses sprinkled here and there, but a Mexican store/strip-mall/resturant just about every corner where their employees BARELY speak english....just enough to tell you how much your food is going to cost.

But the KILLER??? Is that every good job I want to apply for, you need to be 'bilingual'! WTF!!!

When Black people(i.e. BLACK PANTHERS) were trying to create OUR communities just like those that I've mentioned that Mexicans are doing, whitey shut down shop IMMEDIATELY and no questions asked. Killing off all of OUR great Black representatives.

Mexicans are in no way, shape, or form in need of OUR help..........

So again, I ask.......WHY, WHY, WHY do Blacks seem to think that Blacks have the same struggles as Mexicans and that the two should work together???

The ONLY people Blacks should be concerned about is the destruction of Black culture, history, and heritage. Black people have OUR OWN damn problems!

If Mexicans are so oppressed in their own country, then FIGHT and PROTEST to live in your OWN damn country!

Everything you said is right on the money...Aint nobody helpin, marchin or strikin for blacks folks...some of us Black folks would do these things for ourselves.

I dont think blacks should take part in this event. We fail to remember we were once them (minus the violence). We were once an unwanted people and it wasnt that long ago. Though I can see that our jobs are in jeapordy I think we should take that issue up with the government instead of blaming a group of people who ARE JUST TRYING TO WORK TO MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF THEMSELVES. Doesnt that description remind you of somebody. I truly dont know why we find the audacity to take the side of this white government and stoop down to basically RACISM to defend a country that dont give a damn about us.

With us being so easily misled I can see how our problem coming up out of slavery and though segregation was so hard. I mean when you got people who dislike you for no other reasons other than what they've heard from somebody else life is tuff, WE KNOW THAT.

On the other hand as sista X put it; the mexicans aint did nothin for us if we were to aid them we should expect to be hired at some of the businesses they own, but we all know that aint gone happen.

Why should we decide to take the side of a goverment whose only care for us is the same as when they first met us which is to produce happiness out of our miseries. Similarily why should we decide to defend a people who couldnt care less for our well beings. This aint our fight, its a no win situation, we should just leave it alone and continue our own pursuit of happiness.

[josteele]

Originally Posted by josteele

Everything you said is right on the money...Aint nobody helpin, marchin or strikin for blacks folks...some of us Black folks would do these things for ourselves.

I dont think blacks should take part in this event. We fail to remember we were once them (minus the violence). We were once an unwanted people and it wasnt that long ago. Though I can see that our jobs are in jeapordy I think we should take that issue up with the government instead of blaming a group of people who ARE JUST TRYING TO WORK TO MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF THEMSELVES. Doesnt that description remind you of somebody. I truly dont know why we find the audacity to take the side of this white government and stoop down to basically RACISM to defend a country that dont give a damn about us.

With us being so easily misled I can see how our problem coming up out of slavery and though segregation was so hard. I mean when you got people who dislike you for no other reasons other than what they've heard from somebody else life is tuff, WE KNOW THAT.

On the other hand as sista X put it; the mexicans aint did nothin for us if we were to aid them we should expect to be hired at some of the businesses they own, but we all know that aint gone happen.

Why should we decide to take the side of a goverment whose only care for us is the same as when they first met us which is to produce happiness out of our miseries. Similarily why should we decide to defend a people who couldnt care less for our well beings. This aint our fight, its a no win situation, we should just leave it alone and continue our own pursuit of happiness.

Maybe our people helping to prevent illegal immigration is a good thing. Think about it we dont like that our people are piling into prisons and majority of them are in there because of crimes related to drugs. If we cut the amount of people who can come over here illegally then that should cut the amount of drugs that 'sneak' into this country. This effect may not be immediate, but I think over time when all the droughts hit our people will have to start doing something else to make a living. (that something else is a matter of another discussion).

[rebelAfrika]

If you are reading this, then rebelAfrika is participating in liberalism, LOL!!!

[nattyreb]

If you truly seek to understand, Sis. Denise, and aren't just venting (which is your perfect right to do!), then check out this petition, those signing it and the commentaries. http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_pe...ed.cgi?bbunity

That will answer the WHY?, as well as clear up the below point:

Originally Posted by Denise X

Since this thing has happened....not ONCE have I seen a Mexican man/woman encourage anybody Black I know to come walk with them on their issues.

[nattyreb]

P.S.

Another interesting site to check out:

http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/calherit...coalitions.htm