;-)
-good times, G.J.P. (Jr.)
Posted on 04/13/2006 11:46:06 AM PDT by Rebelbase
A walkout by a group of Latino students at North Mecklenburg High School on Wednesday highlighted heightened tensions in the Charlotte area over the national illegal immigration debate.
More than 50 students encircled the school and marched a mile toward W.T. Harris Boulevard, holding signs and chanting "Latinos, united, will never be defeated."
The group said it was marching in support of fellow Latino student Tracy Vargas, 14, who says she was called offensive names by other students.
Ethnic insults have increased in recent weeks, students said, as hundreds of thousands of immigrants have gained national attention marching against what they consider anti-immigrant legislation in Congress..
"This has happened before, and the school didn't listen," said Flor Ramirez, a 19-year-old senior. "So, sometimes you have to take other actions so people do listen."
Immigration reform bills under congressional debate, have drawn scrutiny in Charlotte. The region has one of the country's fastest-growing immigrant communities, mostly due to illegal immigration.
Two weeks ago, more than 5,000 immigrants and supporters rallied in uptown Charlotte for immigrant rights. On Monday, hundreds boycotted work, shopping and school. The demonstrations have also been criticized by those wanting stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws.
"People on both sides are very angry and resentful, and they're going to vent their anger in some way," said Ricardo Mata, a Latino activist. "All it takes is one word and tempers flare."
The answering machine at the Latin American Coalition filled with angry messages over the weekend, said Raquel Lynch, the nonprofit's operations and programs director.
"They're awful. Awful," she said.
Wayne Cooper, the state's honorary consul of Mexico, said anger against the Latino community is the most heated he has seen in 25 years.
Americans are increasingly worried about immigration, polls show.
According to the Pew Hispanic Center, a growing number of Americans say they believe immigrants are "a burden to the country, taking jobs and housing and creating strains on the health care system."
Yet the public remains split on what to do about the estimated 11.5 million to 12 million unauthorized migrants. One poll reports that 53 percent say people in the U.S. illegally should be required to go home, while 40 percent say they should be granted some kind of legal status that allows them to stay here.
Such a wide spectrum of opinions can be found at Mr. G's, a Monroe restaurant.
Diners often discuss their views on national policy, said co-owner Tina Stamos.
"I've heard all sides," she said. "It's on the news a lot, so everybody is talking about it. They talk among the tables. They ask the servers. Everyone wants to give their opinion."
At North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, school officials wouldn't discuss details about the alleged insults. But students and Maria Hernandez, Vargas' mother, said her daughter was told Tuesday by other students that she should return to Mexico.
Students learned about the insults later that day and planned the walkout for Wednesday morning.
After the demonstration, Principal Joseph Burch said the school will begin holding regular meetings with administrators and students to improve communication. Five percent of North Meck's students are Hispanic.
5 year plan.
I would expect a very large number of the students wanted to indulge themselves by doing what they thought was a good and noble thing to do. It really is the job of teachers to start teaching critical thought at as early an age as possible. But as unionized civil servants, teachers have their own agendas.
Five percent of the school is Hispanic. Just wait until it is 90% as it is in schools in TX and CA and AZ and NM. Then it's the white kids who get threatening and picked on, but since they are not a protected "minority", nothing is done.
Right. My daughter was getting credit during her last 2 years in high school from our community college. She'll going to summer school soon.
I'm trying to slow her down. I tell her she needs to enjoy her youth, she'll be grown, and out on her own soon enough. What's the rush? :-)
I thought it was already a felony too, so I did a thread here asking why the house bill would make it a felony. Several FReepers pointed out that it's only a misdemeanor for someone to be here illegally.
However, it is a felony for anyone to aid and abet illegals, except for emergency care.
P.S. I have an early primary for Congress in the 11th District of North Carolina, 2 May, less than a month away. visit my website in the tagline, and help however you can.
Congressman Billybob
Latest article: "The Ed McMahon Solution for Illegal Aliens"
I really wasn't enjoying the high school experience. My objective was medical school. Just about the time I was graduating, the wonderful world of malpractice insurance and lawsuits became fashionable. I spent a year in grad school working on a Master's in pathogenic bacteriology. During that year I realized that a PhD in my field would be particularly great from an income standpoint and med school got a bunch less interesting. I shifted gears to electrical engineering and computer science. No regrets. I'm having a great time and earning a net income that many MDs would envy.
His actions only hurt himself and this website for allowing it. His MO is the same old tired schtick I've seen time and time again in my 6 years here. Freepers tend to get tired of a poster that constantly hides behind a mod's skirt. And if he is a moderator, he's by far the worst one I've seen in a while.
I reported him for flaunting his "powers" to get people banned for simply replying to him when he is in the wrong. He must be ponying alot of $$ for donations to have a mod suspend other peeps who point out his mistakes.
Or, as Sir Gawain stated, he is a mod.
Personally, I donate, just to be safe. :P
Does this mean if we just SAY the right thing, they'll all pick up and leave?
Not to mention quite of bit of higher taxes to pay for the teachers who had empty classrooms when these idiots walked out.
At the point one needs to donate just to keep from getting banned - that's the point to find another hangout.
What is it with all the banning?
If you pay close attention, there are certain posters who seem to have at will bannings or suspensions of anyone they disagree with.
No, it's been around for a long time. UFW used it in the mid-60's, may predate that.
Ethnically insulting the wetbacks is uncalled for.
Sayonara.
;-)
-good times, G.J.P. (Jr.)
I'm not undecided. Send them back without due process.
would it be...estupido?
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