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One Reporter's Opinion: 'Do We Want 'Mexifornia'?'
NewsMax.com ^ | Friday, June 21, 2002 | George Putnam

Posted on 06/21/2002 9:24:18 AM PDT by One_American

It is this reporter's opinion that we will eventually face the decision to either close our porous borders with Canada and Mexico and sort out our illegal alien situation or throw up our hands and become another Third World nation.

Strong words, I know! But thousands arrive illegally each year and, as an example, the state of California has become home to fully 40 percent of America's immigrants – legal and illegal. They come in such overwhelming numbers because a tacit alliance of Right and Left has created an open borders policy aimed at keeping wage labor cheap and social problems fresh.

Recently I interviewed Victor Davis Hanson, Professor of Classics, California State University,* who asked the question, "Do we want 'Mexifornia'?" He refers to unlawful immigration as the third rail of California politics.

Hanson knows the problem firsthand. He is a college professor who lives in the sleepy town of Selma, Calif., which has grown from a community of 7,000 to 20,000 in only two decades – as a result of mostly illegal immigration from Mexico.

Selma is 60 percent to 90 percent Hispanic. No one knows how many of these people are citizens. Hanson rarely hears English spoken and almost every car displays a Mexican flag or decal.

Professor Hanson points out that he loves the Mexican people, but that tensions abound even within families when the subject of our sovereignty and citizenship is discussed. One of his siblings is married to a Mexican-American; another has two stepchildren whose father was an illegal from Mexico; he has a prospective son-in-law whose parents crossed the border, yet they all disagree at different times whether open borders are California's hope or its vane.

And why not? California cannot even obtain accurate numbers as to how many of the state's more than 10-12 million Hispanic residents have arrived from Mexico unlawfully.

Our Hispanic population – 70 percent of which are from Mexico – grew 53 percent during the 1980s and rose another 27 percent, to a total of 30 million between 1990 and 1996; and at present rates of births and immigration, by 2050 there will be 97 million Hispanics in the U.S. – one quarter of our American population!

Hanson points to the fact that the liberals swear that these newcomers bring in $25 billion net revenue annually; but realistic statisticians conclude that they cost the United States over $40 billion a year and that in California, each illegal immigrant will take $50,000 in services from the state beyond what he will contribute in taxes during his entire lifetime. One study suggests that the average California household must contribute at least $1,200 each year to subsidize the deficit between what these immigrants cost in services and what they pay in taxes.

Here are statistics just released:

The uninvited who have flooded into California have all but filled our newly built prisons; nearly one quarter of the inmates are from Mexico.

Nearly a third of all drug trafficking arrests involve illegal aliens.

The Labor Department attributes 50 percent of real wage declines to the influx of cheap immigrant labor.

The going wage is $8.00 per hour in California, $8.00 a week in Mexico. But that's only the beginning. These "guests" use their counterfeit documentation to get workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and state assistance, meanwhile romanticizing Mother Mexico while chastising Lady Bountiful America.

Surprise! The second generation has learned how to live, spend and consume as Americans – but not, like their fathers, to work and save as Mexicans. If rising crime rates, gang activity and illegitimacy are any indication, they resent rather than sacrifice to escape poverty.

Tragically, 37 percent of all births to Hispanic immigrants are illegitimate. The illegitimacy rate among American-born Mexican mothers is now 48 percent. Census data show median household income for the nation's Hispanics dropped 5.1 percent, yet recent immigrants from Mexico and their U.S.-born children under 18 make up only 4.2 percent of America's population and represent 10.2 percent of our poor. Hispanics account for 24 percent of America's impoverished – that's up 8 percentage points since 1985.

... and yet they keep coming, refusing to be assimilated, with romanticized Mexico ever close to their hearts, many dying in California never having sought to become U.S. citizens.

Professor Hanson points to the heart of our immigration problem: While it has always been easier for people who emigrate to keep their own culture rather than join the majority, for the first time in our state and nation's history, we have made it easier for them to do it.

Unfortunately, the future is dismal. Out of every 100 Hispanics who enter California high schools, 40 drop out and of the remaining 60, fewer than four will go on to college. Only 7 percent of all Mexican-Americans currently hold a BA. This is a national tragedy!

I praise professor Hanson. If he did not really like his Mexican-American students, who make up the majority of his classics classes, if he wanted them to fail, he would not continue to try to teach them Latin, much less Greek, English Composition or Western History and Culture – nor would he insist on essays free of grammatical error, or demand oral reports that employ classical, rhetorical tropes.

No ... if he did not like them or did not wish to live among thousands of illegal as well as legal immigrants and wish them married into his own family, he would keep them distant, teaching them therapy, letting them speak poor English or no English at all and insisting on the superiority of the "Mexican culture" – that they or their parents had fled.

Instead, the professor struggles on at what sometimes seems to be a losing battle. But he leaves for us the choice. Will we continue down this endless path facing the great question: Will California remain multi-racial or become America's first truly multi-cultural state? Will there be assimilation or will we stay with the deceitful multiculturalist present that is failing? For unchecked illegal immigration and multiculturalism are a lethal mix. California, if it is to stay as California, might cope with one or even the other – but surely not both at once.

Professor Victor David Hanson, our heroes are found not only on violent battlefields. We salute you!

******* * Victor Davis Hanson, a professor of Classics at California State University, Fresno, received his B.A. at the University of California at Santa Cruz and his Ph.D. from Stanford University. He was given the Award for Teaching Excellence by the American Philological Association – an annual citation given to the top undergraduate teachers of Classics.

He is the author or editor of several books on military and ancient history. He has also written about traditional agrarian and rural life and contemporary culture wars. His articles and reviews have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Times, American Heritage, The Weekly Standard and The Wilson Quarterly, and has been featured on NPR and the Jim Lehrer News Hour. He currently writes a biweekly column on the war against terrorism for National Review Online.

The legendary George Putnam is 87 years young and a veteran of 67 years as a reporter, broadcaster, and commentator ... and is still going strong. George is part of the all-star line-up of Southern California's KPLS Radio – Hot Talk AM 830.


TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: illegalimmigration; immigrant; immigrantlist
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To: marron
You are preaching to the choir.....

And just a note to those that like to throw gas on the fire in California, or somehow think this is limited or isolated to California, you are wrong, way wrong. This titanic invasion is no longer limited to California. It's nationwide, from Tennessee, to Georgia, to Ohio, to Washington, Texas, etc etc etc.

It is truly coming to an area near everyone, thanks to our federal government.

And I would add that California is an global economic powerhouse. We are the 5th largest economy on the face of the Earth, up from 6th last year. In my area of California, most people in this country would chew off their one of their arms to be able to live in my area. We are not giving up, or fleeing, and wont go down easy.

Just thought I would throw this in.

21 posted on 06/21/2002 11:15:42 AM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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To: marron
You're right. Most Mexicans who come to the U.S. are simply looking for a better life. They don't realize they're being used by the shrewd, intelligent Mexican elites who are belligerently pushing for a reconquest of America, in the area they call Aztlan.

One leader of the Aztlan idea, Armando Navarro, has ominously said "Power is not given, it's taken."

The rhetoric these people use is decidely foreceful. They're jubilant with census numbers showing an invasion of Mexicans into California. They actively plan and hope for a day when the strength of their numbers will allow them to elect de facto a U.S. Senator or Representative for the Mexican people living in the U.S.

If you're one of the Freepers who speaks spanish, check out this article:

Emigrantes en su propia tierra

22 posted on 06/21/2002 11:18:43 AM PDT by tdadams
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To: marron
But, as I have said elsewhere, I would gladly trade a million Democrats for the next million Mexicans to wade the river, chosen at random.

And that's where we part. As we are struggling, and working very hard to get rid of both.

23 posted on 06/21/2002 11:19:27 AM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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To: Joe Hadenuf
What is the status of the 187 case in the courts.
Is there another movement to resurect it?
Is there a website?
24 posted on 06/21/2002 11:25:25 AM PDT by Greeklawyer
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To: Joe Hadenuf
This titanic invasion is no longer limited to California

Does anyone remember the stories coming out a few months ago from the INS, the tremendous pressure they were under to legalize as many immigrants as possible, skipping the background checks?

This was by Algore's written order. The guys were working overtime, under heavy pressure to deny no one. I mention this, since Algore is getting ready to run again.

I have worked and lived in Mexico, and I like those people. I may eventually settle there myself. But immigration is a serious issue. Numbers of new immigrants must be limited to numbers we can assimilate. A moratorium would be fine, with exceptions only to family members, specialists we need, and those individuals who share our values, who are in danger of persecution for those values.

25 posted on 06/21/2002 11:25:39 AM PDT by marron
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To: Joe Hadenuf
working very hard to get rid of both.

Do you think we could send the Border Patrol to round up Democrats? I'm going to write my Congressman. Can't write my Senator, she's a Democrat.

26 posted on 06/21/2002 11:29:27 AM PDT by marron
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To: tdadams
One leader of the Aztlan idea, Armando Navarro, has ominously said "Power is not given, it's taken."

Thanks, read it. Of course, the key point, to me at least, is that Armando Navarro is a professor at Cal State Sacramento. In other words, another leftist US academic.

These guys are hate America, and are determined to create enmity where there isn't any.

And, of course, I noted that the article was from Granma, the Cuban news service. Mr. Navarro takes time in the article to praise the Cuban regime.

27 posted on 06/21/2002 11:37:32 AM PDT by marron
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To: One_American
Illegal's story 

I come for visit, get treated regal,
So I stay, who care I illegal?
I cross border, poor and broke,
Take bus, see employment folk.

Nice man treat me good in there,
Say I need to see welfare.
Welfare say, "You come no more,
We send cash right to your door."

Welfare checks, they make you wealthy,
Medicaid it keep you healthy!
By and by, I got plenty money,
Thanks to you, American dummy.

Write to friends in motherland,
Tell them come as fast as you can.
They come in rags and Chebby trucks,
I buy big house with welfare bucks.

They come here, we live together,
More welfare checks, it gets better!
Fourteen families they moving in,
But neighbor's patience wearing thin.

Finally, white guy moves away,
Now I buy his house, and then I say,
"Find more aliens for house to rent."
And in the yard I put a tent.

Send for family (they just trash),
But they, too, draw the welfare cash!
Everything is mucho good,
And soon we own the neighborhood.

We have hobby--it's called breeding,
Welfare pay for baby feeding.
Kids need dentist? Wife need pills?
We get free! We got no bills!

American crazy! He pay all year,
To keep welfare running here.
We think America darn good place!
Too darn good for the white man race.

If they no like us, they can go,
Got lots of room in Mexico.

 

28 posted on 06/21/2002 11:46:53 AM PDT by marrsstar4
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To: marron
And just a note to those that like to throw gas on the fire in California, or somehow think this is limited or isolated to California, you are wrong, way wrong. This titanic invasion is no longer limited to California. It's nationwide, from Tennessee, to Georgia, to Ohio, to Washington, Texas, etc etc etc.

It is truly coming to an area near everyone, thanks to our federal government.

Chicago OKs Use of Mexico ID Cards

CHICAGO, Jun 21, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- The City Council has approved use of identification cards issued by the Mexican consulate that supporters say will give undocumented immigrants better access to financial and public services. With Wednesday's vote, Chicago joins a small but growing number of major cities, including Los Angeles, to validate the ID cards. The cards allow bearers to open bank accounts, borrow library books and use other services.

"Our economy couldn't exist without the hardworking Mexican nationals who come here," said Alderman Edward Burke, who introduced the ordinance.

Critics say recognizing the cards amounts to the city's sanctioning illegal immigration.

"They are breaking the law by being here," said Dan Stein, executive director of the Washington-based Federation for American Immigrant Reform. "And the city is helping them break the law."

But, as I have said elsewhere, I would gladly trade a million Democrats for the next million Mexicans to wade the river, chosen at random.

And that's where we part. As we are struggling, and working very hard to get rid of both.

Do you think we could send the Border Patrol to round up Democrats? I'm going to write my Congressman. Can't write my Senator, she's a Democrat.

Last I checked buddy, even Democrates are legal American citizens. We can deal with them in time in the polling booth.

We want rid of all illegal aliens. We don't care what their morals are or how they may vote, they are illegal aliens and are breaking our laws, and we are a nation of laws.

29 posted on 06/21/2002 11:53:14 AM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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To: spintreebob
The problem is not with the Mexican immigrants, it is with the welfare programs pushed by the white liberals

Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner!!!

30 posted on 06/21/2002 12:32:40 PM PDT by The Vast Right Wing
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To: spintreebob
Why did 100% of them vote for Bush? Are you trying to make a joke?
31 posted on 06/21/2002 1:20:07 PM PDT by Twodees
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To: *immigrant_list
*Index Bump
32 posted on 06/21/2002 1:26:23 PM PDT by Fish out of Water
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To: spintreebob
Two-thirds of new HOMEONWERS in my suburb have Hispanic surnames. If they have such bad values, why did 100% vote for Bush in my area?

Yeah, I really believe that, and I know exactly how all the people in my town and all my neighbors voted to. Sure... >Sarcasm<

And have all of the people in your neighborhood/town actually told you if they are illegal aliens? Or does it really matter just so long as they voted for President Bush?

33 posted on 06/21/2002 1:29:20 PM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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To: The Vast Right Wing
The problem is not with the Mexican immigrants, it is with the welfare programs pushed by the white liberals

Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner!!!

Ding, Ding, Ding, not so fast.

Was it white liberals that buried Ca, proposition 187? I think not! It was OUR own Federal Government

The people of the great state of California held a free election and voted 3 to 1 in favor of proposition 187 which would have put a stop to the tax paid support of illegal aliens. We won the election! But the federal government stepped in and burned our ballots and declared our election unconstitutional.

Lets be accurate when we focus on exactly who or what is supporting this titanic invasion of millions

34 posted on 06/21/2002 1:37:55 PM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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To: marron
It really doesn't matter if the person that kills your republic is nice or not. They vote Democrat, I don't care if they execute the best manners while doing so. The result is the same, a vote canceling out a natural born citizens vote.
35 posted on 06/21/2002 2:00:05 PM PDT by MissAmericanPie
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To: semper_libertas
Isn't it time we got that RepublicRats™ gif? Here's another place where it could be used to make the equivalent of a 1000 word statement.
36 posted on 06/21/2002 2:09:28 PM PDT by Avoiding_Sulla
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To: One_American
Strong words, I know! But thousands arrive illegally each year and,.....

I believe it is thousands per day and millions per year............

37 posted on 06/21/2002 2:12:29 PM PDT by varon
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To: One_American

Assimilation, American Style

 

Nigth Club

Assimilation, American Style

 

A fleet of trucks ready to help send money to Mexico

Assimilation, American Style

 

Houston School

Assimilation, American Style

 

Staff parking, different Houston school

Assimilation, American Style

 

Multiservicios for illegals

Assimilation, American Style

 

Trashy meals on wheels

Assimilation, American Style

 

Abandoned meals on wheels

Assimilation, American Style

 

???

Assimilation, American Style

38 posted on 06/21/2002 2:33:17 PM PDT by Flyer
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To: Flyer
Looks like their "messing with Texas"
39 posted on 06/21/2002 2:42:43 PM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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To: One_American
and at present rates of births and immigration, by 2050 there will be 97 million Hispanics in the U.S.

Hehehe.....We better start building 40 story pink apartment building in Kansas...

40 posted on 06/21/2002 2:46:35 PM PDT by Joe Hadenuf
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