I had a GREAT conversation at work.

[DIKB]

Here in Arkansas we have a booming population of latinos. As a result we have a number of people spouting off about "illegal immigrants" at my job. While taking my break, a lady friend I work with started complaining about the "immigrant problem," so I set her straight.

Point by point rebuttal:

Claim: "They don't pay any taxes"

Response: "To hold a job of means, they need to provide proof of identity, social security and taxes are deducted from your paycheck. If they use a stolen or bought SSN they are STILL paying in taxes, yet they do not and WILL not reap the benefits. Every time they buy groceries to survive, or pay rent, they pay taxes as well. If you're worried about the people who do menial labor without paying taxes, you'd be trying to chase down everyone who does any type of work, for VERY little payout. It's easier to change the tax code to get the companies who offshore their HQs, than it is to get 'Juan the Gardener' to pay his paltry percentage."

Claim: "They're taking our jobs"

Response: "Between CAFTA, NAFTA, Outsourcing of Jobs, and Privatization it seems the LAST thing in the world THIS administration wants is for Americans to have sufficient jobs. As they see it, as long as you keep buying shiny objects and stay distracted from how badly you're being screwed, they've done their job. The companies and CEOs are posting record profits and Forbes has reported an unprecedented number of billionaires in the country. Meanwhile the median income has DECREASED since 1999."

Claim: "But terrorists could come across the border."

Response: "The largest unguarded border in the WORLD exists to our North, NOT our South. Any terrorist knows all they have to do is go into Canada and from there can reach any place in the US (aside from Hawaii)."


After I had shed some light on her she asked me, "Then why is everyone making a big deal about this?"

So I told her:

"Either because they are racist, they are trying to distract their party members and make it look like they are doing SOMETHING aside from bungling Iraq, and if they can keep people fighting and arguing about something so inconsequential, it will keep them from taking a look at important things like a living wage, and universal health care."

Afterwards she had this slightly confused look on her face, and all she said was "Huh."

I walked away at that point, better to let her think on it for a while, I can stir the pot another day.

I plan to keep working her until the election though, Boozman's gotta go. I hope we give him a nice strong donkey kick! :dem:

[aquart]

1. You gave her a lot, beautifully.

Next time work in smaller chunks.

The rest of us should print your post out and keep it handy.

[pooja]

2. And language isn't some big deal... Languages change and adapt.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is mixing between English and Spanish--a Spanglish... and anyone who thinks that English is the end all be all.. Go to England (they sound different)... Listen to people around this country--different regions sound different... And then if you are still not convinced English language has changed, I challenge you to read Old English.. Beowulf anyone?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. great job!

I love stories like this, they keep the hope alive. :)

[lapfog_1]

4. And if she really wants to be pissed off

Tell her about the "wall" they are going to spend $8 Billion on.

After they passed the legislation, they add another late night (last day of the session) amendment which
basically tells the DHS that they really don't have to build a wall.. a few cameras or sensors will do.
Not to mention that this wall is going to cost about $8 billion, probably all going to the usual set
of thieving contractors.