[Lazamataz]

I'm not seeing why the erection of a shelter for waiting day laborers is a particularly good opportunity for a Freep.

[angkor]

If I'm not mistaken there's already a Mexican take-out joint there already to service the "day labor community." Burritos, tamales, aguas frescas, and the rest.

It's wierd, you're driving through an semi-industrialized area, and all of the sudden many dozens of Latino guys shuffling around, and this completely standalone little Mexican food shack obviously to service their appetites.

[TheOtherOne]

Do we hate them because they are lazy or becuase they are begging for work --- I always forget which thread im on.

Seriously, I am against illegal immigration. I despise all of the mexican/hispanic bashing that goes on in the name of immigration. It should not matter what the alleged illegal is doing or their ethnicity, so ling as they are illegal --- but so many threads here focus on race etc, it seem that that is the concern not immigration status. The water is muddy.

Personally, I would have more respect if I ever saw one of the many whites 'bums' here in Santa Monica begging for work. They are content in my alley, but the hispanics asking for work are my problem?

[swany]

There was a thread a couple of days ago about a PBS Station or Headquarters raising a fuss about this because the pick up station is going to be right next door to their building. They are worried about their image and clientel having to walk past it. Go Figure.

[JoeSixPack1]

This is beyond government mandate. This taxpayer funded idea should have been awarded to any number of private day labor companies. But instead, the lust of politicians to control and spend taxpayer cash for political points has created a new competitor in the market for unskilled non-taxpaying labor - The State.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"Because many of these folks are likely illegals. No, I don't have proof."

So, you are willing to ruin it for them who are NOT illegal based on your presumption that there MAY ba some illegals there?

Let's make things even MORE difficult for people out of work and subject them to embarrasement.

[Tacis]

Once this focal point is officially established, someone needs to check regularly with the local police office. There will be increased accidents involving uninsured drivers as illegals hustle to get to the hiring location. There will be more focused crime, vandalism and drunkeness as those not hired have to find something to do with the rest of the day. And end of work day, accidents involving uninsured drivers who stopped to pick up something to drink after making a couple of bucks, will increase.

No matter what the local neighborhood now looks like, there will be changes once this location is established. The "flavor" of local stores will cahnge as they cater to the day laberers. And, while most of the Mexicans are well behaved, quiet and hard working, should the economy change (up or down), the day laborer business will change. Further, other groups will move in especially if some charity provides mid-day meals or, in the AM, brown bag lunches. And, change will bring drugs.

These folks do provide cheap labor and that's good. But, they keep others from being employed (mostly blacks) and are law breakers. Illegal immigration is just another one of those endless efforts to destroy capitalism and America.

[joesnuffy]

The problem isnt decent folks looking for work
Its the criminal element that rides on their coatails