The Dallas Morning News Names Controversial Texan of The Year
Posted: Sunday, December 30, 2007
by Abigail Richards
It is a person that creates controversy and strong opinions all across America. The Texan of the Year can in a second incite racial slurs, violence and support. Instead of just one person, the Dallas Morning News took on an issue in their naming of the Texan of the Year this year.
"We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how," the paper states. "He's the Illegal Immigrant, and he's the 2007 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year for better or for worse."
"He is at the heart of a great culture war in Texas and the nation, credited with bringing us prosperity and blamed for abusing our resources. . . He breaks the law by his very presence. He hustles to do hard work many Americans won't, at least not at the low wages he accepts. The American consumer economy depends on him. America as we have known it for generations may not survive him."
The article goes on to interview business leaders who comment that they would hire an immigrant over an American any day of the week because of their hard work ethic. It interviews a immigrant who was a former Accountant in Mexico who is now making four times the income he made waiting tables.
The paper also looks at the opposite side of the issue stating that immigrants are here illegally and expect to be served with public resources such as schools and hospitals and expect to be done in their native language.
"They're rapidly changing Texas neighborhoods, cities and culture, and not always for the better," the paper states. Those who object get tagged as racists."
Immigrants have grown over 37 percent since 2000 in the state and there isn't a night that the news is on that there is not at least one story about the issue. Just today, Border watch protests were protesting at a day labor site. It is never-ending. So what is the solution?
I am not sure there is a solution that will make everyone happy. The truth is the businessmen in this article are right. Immigrants do a lot of jobs better than Americans and most times it is jobs that Americans will not even do. They have a better work ethic and are more appreciative. Somewhere along the way, Americans begin to think that their employers owed them something instead of just working hard and being thankful for the job.
As a former teacher, I can also see that immigration is putting a strain on the system. In a state that basis funding on school performance, the strain is noticeable for inner city schools who are faced with trying to teach a language and have those same kids score on grade level being language deficient. It is leaving many schools being shut down for not performing up to performance, a lot of teachers burned out and many kids just downright frustrated.
So again what is the solution? We, as a nation, can't possibly send millions of immigrants back. Besides our country was found by immigrants and should remember that component when deciding a solution. Also, deportation will have a huge effect on the economy. At the same time, we can't keep moving forward this way with the strain on services.
This is one area that I remain a loss for words. I am clueless as to what the best solution may be. Any thoughts?
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Abigail, Great article! The newspaper had it right. This is a very complex issue that we struggle with. Alot of white business tycoons can't do without the immigrants serving their needs. I know that this is true in Arizona even though we are taking a tough stand on keeping immigrants out of the country. Who's going to do the landscaping, tile work, construction, bussing tables, car washes, etc.? We are a greedy country who wants our labor at minimum rate. Who is going to do that? Enough rambling. Happy New Year!
A very good article but with all respect for you, we differ in opinion concerning "we can't possibly send everyone back". We do not have to. They will will return on their own if they cannot work. The same way they came only much safer. America has already been brainwashed, yes brainwashed into accepting there is no answer, that we can't possibly locate them, that they are "undocumented" and good people, etc. Well lets answer in reverse. They are not good people. Simply, they broke the law. They destroyed someone identity and life! Would you teach that stealing for a need is ok in school? They stole ID, a felony, to work. Would you teach that in school? Can a church condone "Thou shall not steal" in any other way then sin? Undocumented you say? Well go to any Social Agency they receive help from, any hospital, any school they or their children attend, the governement who pays for all this and finally their illegal employer who really wants to exploit them for cheap labor. Have we forgotten the minimum wage just went to $6.79 an hour? Can you live off of that and raise a family and they get paid less in mnay cases or owe the company store for rent, etc. Talk about religion. No we have people who really can't comprehend. So yes, call me a racist but I have put out plans right here on this website to provide a legal and fair way for them to work here. And by the way, where is the real criminal in all this Mexico? Why don't they pick up the cost to the American Taxpayer in every single aspect? You hear no cry from America on that. I hope I did not offend you with a topic dear to us. Our family is waiting 25 years to come here legally. His wife is now dying and frankly he will never come. But really who here gives a damn?
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