Posted on 10/19/2005 4:01:48 PM PDT by Ellesu
Regarding Mexican Workers and the Rebuilding of New Orleans:
Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--October 19, 2005--In response to recent comments by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin regarding Mexican workers and their efforts to the clean-up and rebuilding of the city, the Unites States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) issued the following statement:
“At a time when this great country has united to lend a helping hand to those affected by the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the USHCC, finds the recent public statement by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin to be offensive, divisive and highly inappropriate.
Mr. Nagin’s reference to ‘make sure that New Orleans is not overrun by Mexican workers,’ published in the Friday, October 7th edition of The Dallas Morning News, is simply unacceptable during a time of national unity and support in which national Hispanic organizations, such as the USHCC and countless others, are donating funds, time and resources to the clean-up and rebuilding of this incredibly diverse and dynamic city. To be confronted with comments of this nature that highlight prejudice and division, coming from a public official that represents an important minority group, is a huge disappointment.
Mayor Nagin fails to recognize that Mexican immigrants are not simply “job takers”, they are also job creators who pay billions of dollars in federal, state and local taxes. Immigrant hands helped to build this nation and it is immigrant hands that will help to rebuild New Orleans. In fact, a number of the affected businesses in the hardest-hit areas were Hispanic-owned – nearly 8,000 businesses in Louisiana, more than 2,500 in Alabama and over 1,300 in Mississippi were Hispanic-owned enterprises.
Mexicans represent the fastest-growing segment of the American population, and Mexican-Americans have fostered a rich and strong legacy in this nation. Some of our most prominent civic and business leaders – including Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, SBA Administrator Hector Barreto, Jr., New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa - are of Mexican descent, among countless others.
As the largest advocate of Hispanic-owned businesses in the country, Mexican-Americans make up a considerable portion our membership. The USHCC cannot tolerate the divisive philosophy demonstrated in Mayor Nagin’s recent commentary, and we will not allow inappropriate and offensive comments such as those made by Mayor Nagin and others to deter the hardworking spirit of our community.”
About the USHCC
The USHCC represents the interests of more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico, which earn more than $250 billion annually. It serves as the umbrella organization for more than 210 local Hispanic chambers nationwide and it actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs.
What has happened to Mayor Nagin? He was once a respected Republican in New Orleans, but then politics changed everything.
A very mild rebuke but if Bush had said that the screams would be deafening.
Yes but they at least work, unlike a lot of the lazy folks who usually hang out on the stoop drinking a 40.
> Mr. Nagin’s reference to ‘make sure that New Orleans
> is not overrun by Mexican workers, ...
The former FEMA director resigned over much less than this.
If Nagan were more concerned with doing a job,
rather than having a job,
he'd resign.
But the actual welfare of Nuevo Atlantis is not his
primary concern. His cushy job and graft is.
Many around the country are still housing [at their own expense ... not at the guvmint's expense] friends and relatives displaceed by Hurricane Katrina ... once again proving that good people help out in a time of need ... without expecting to be paid by the guvmint.
Yes, but then he would have to GET a job!
When a light-skined American of African desent makes an insulting remark about a dark-skinned Mexican, is that racism?
When a light-skined American of African desent makes an insulting remark about a dark-skinned Mexican, is that racism?
Why is a US organization so concerned about foreign (i.e. Mexican) workers? Also, don't "Chambers of Commerce" represent companies rather than workers?
Well da brothas want the ezecutive jobs, and don like da mexicans making all this money while they sit on the porch.
He is a real class act. Underclass.
Same here! Trying not to add insult to injury ...
LOL
Jefe Nagin sabe que trabajamos mejor y más de largo.
Mr. Nagin’s reference to ‘make sure that New Orleans is not overrun by Mexican workers
--- or he is really meaning :
‘make sure that New Orleans is not overrun by anyone who will not be lining my pockets' :)
Read a great comment today that basically said the influx of Mexican workers to New Orleans was a good thing...if another hurricane blows through the Latinos would have the Superdome cleaned and repaired before FEMA rolled into town.
I agree with you, and the other comments I've seen on Nagin's remarks are quite counterproductive. Why should people generally opposed to illegal immigration support groups want to help flood New Orleans with illegal aliens?
There's a huge difference between "Mexican" (Nagin) and "Mexican descent" (the USHCC).
It would be helpful if people would understand that difference and make it clear to those who are confused.
And, it would be helpful if, instead of criticizing refugees from both New Orleans and the welfare state they worked to get them doing the rebuilding rather than cheap imported labor.
Those people who reflexively make "jokes" about Nagin and Jesse Jackson might want to take a close look at who they end up supporting.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.