Ariona Law

Neil,

Now that's an unfair statement to say that racism is on the islands.

Now that's an unfair statement to say that racism is on the islands.

What's unfair about the truth? :S

Maybe there's an island with no people on it. No racism there!

Excerpts from two news stories about the border:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/26/AR2010052601200.html

Arizona immigration law will boost crime in U.S. cities, police chiefs say

Arizona's new crackdown on illegal immigration will increase crime in U.S. cities, not reduce it, by driving a wedge between police and immigrant communities, police chiefs from several of the state's and the nation's largest cities said Tuesday.

The new Arizona law will intimidate crime victims and witnesses who are illegal immigrants and divert police from investigating more serious crimes, chiefs from Los Angeles, Houston and Philadelphia said. They will join their counterparts from Montgomery County, Md., and a half-dozen other U.S. cities in meeting Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Wednesday morning to discuss the measure.

"This is not a law that increases public safety. This is a bill that makes it much harder for us to do our jobs," Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said. "Crime will go up if this becomes law in Arizona or in any other state."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/05/26/ST2010052601199.html?sid=ST2010052601199

President Obama to send more National Guard troops to U.S.-Mexico border

President Obama will deploy 1,200 National Guard troops and request an extra $500 million to secure the Mexican border, his administration said Tuesday, a move dismissed by Republicans as insufficient to win their cooperation on an overhaul of the nation's immigration system.

By reinforcing the 340 Guard members already monitoring border crossings and analyzing intelligence, the initiative echoes 2006's Operation Jump Start, in which President George W. Bush devoted 6,000 guardsmen to a two-year commitment in support of the Border Patrol.

Then, as now, the troop deployment was fueled by heightened concerns about lawlessness -- then it was illegal immigration, now it is drug traffickers -- as well as political maneuvering in Washington to lay the groundwork for an effort to change immigration policy. But the issue remains bitterly contentious, with increasing pressure on Obama and lawmakers from both Latino supporters and conservative activists.

I am just questioning why the islands is accused of racism. All of our territories have been neglected by Americans for decades. These territories have been supported by mainly Europeans and Asians, this includes U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico all the way to Micronesia, and America Samoa. But anyway, how many of you live in or near the housing projects? I am just thinking that this is the same thing happening here in the states, the legal and illegal immigrants are not wanted in certain neighborhoods, no one wants a "minority" to run for any office because of fears that person will try to help the disenfranchised belonging to a minority group.

All I can say to this matter, the officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands would save themselves a lot of trouble in the long run by thoroughly looking into the new transplants, because it sounds to me like there are a lot of people coming from the states that are, or is associated with patriot/sovereign citizen/militia/nativist/posse/white nationalist/white separatist groups that we have on the mainland making accusations that everything is unconstitutional, reverse discrimination, wanting their own candidates to run for elected positions to represent them, strong support for free speech and right to bear arms to rewriting of the constitution designed to fit their desires and needs, but forget anyone else.

Out.

From my experience there is little or no racism on STX. Iobserve that some may think they are experiencing it but are confusing that with behavior. As an example, when my wife and I shop together at Plaza and at the deli counter she is generally ignored Where as I can walk up and get almost immediate service. We are both white boomers. When we discussed this I argued that it wasn't racism but manners and respect. when I approach the counter i announce myself with a greeting then say alright? and try some brief conversation like oh it's hot/cold, nice nails/nair then go-into purchasing mode. She has adopted the techniques and it is better for her.
Some people are just culturally challenged and haven't had many multi-cultural experiences and are inexperienced because a lack of interaction. I see it all the time with visitors.

I don't see any evidence that there are supremacists, anarchists, militia, hate groups here, maybe a few tea partiers.

I'm allfor protecting our boarders, I think it would be the perfect job for the National Guard.

The Plaza Extra scenario that Bombi describes isn't racism. Crafting a Constitution that prevents certain classes of citizens from fully participating in local self-governance is racism.

Bombi, I appreciate your comments. Hopefully some of the visitors will take notice of your comments.

I just felt that some of the comments were a little harsh. I also felt it was contradictory for some to say that legal and illegal immigrants won't assimilate, but then Americans can go wherever and the same rules don't apply to them. My comments can also be sparked by seeing people posting on Frommers to boycott the islands until "racism and crime" is down.

And the experience your wife had at the Plaza, glad things worked out. But you're right, some cultures are different, I notice when I have dealt with some people from the Middle East and some from China, the wife doesn't always talk, it is the man, and I'm a female. A better example would be big city people from southern or midwest, big city people wake up and usually doesn't say "good morning" to everyone in the house or elsewhere, in the south this is usually unheard of and considered rude to not offer greetings.

I must also say, I know the problems I would face in Mexico because I am black, and that's why I have never went there, also the fact that I am not fluent in Spanish would create even more problems. So again, I'd like to thank you for your comments Bombi.

I am just questioning why the islands is accused of racism. All of our territories have been neglected by Americans for decades. These territories have been supported by mainly Europeans and Asians, this includes U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico all the way to Micronesia, and America Samoa. But anyway, how many of you live in or near the housing projects? I am just thinking that this is the same thing happening here in the states, the legal and illegal immigrants are not wanted in certain neighborhoods, no one wants a "minority" to run for any office because of fears that person will try to help the disenfranchised belonging to a minority group.

All I can say to this matter, the officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands would save themselves a lot of trouble in the long run by thoroughly looking into the new transplants, because it sounds to me like there are a lot of people coming from the states that are, or is associated with patriot/sovereign citizen/militia/nativist/posse/white nationalist/white separatist groups that we have on the mainland making accusations that everything is unconstitutional, reverse discrimination, wanting their own candidates to run for elected positions to represent them, strong support for free speech and right to bear arms to rewriting of the constitution designed to fit their desires and needs, but forget anyone else.

Out.

Wow, I feel the opposite way.
We only have 1(ONE) white person in office here!(That would certainly quantify as reverse discrimination!)

Our proposed Constitution is so racist, that Obama (or you anjell]) are not qualified to run for governor!
This is just a part of the racism we experience here.

I have some continental black friends here, we really don't know who they hate more, the blacks or the whites!

I won' the rest of your quote, we really are at opposite ends!

Relocation Message Board.

Dun,

No argument here, I'm just saying that, for what it's worth, other people have voices too. Not just the Virgin Islands, but all islands have done whatever it took after America have not really supported them. Like Cuba and Venezuela have formed ties with countries some Americans don't like. No matter how awful people think Chavez is, he have loaned money to other countries, have given oil to other countries, and have given food to other countries. I'm not saying that he will hold that over their heads one day. But you can't ignore people then one day come in and expect major changes. That's like an absent parent that have no part of a child's life and one day when the child is grown and maybe famous, or let's say that parent is down on his luck, and all of a sudden he wants to reach out to the child he didn't have time for, especially when that child needed him or her the most.

China holds most of our debt, most of our factories and manufacturing is in China but there's not ONE white person in office. Mexico seems to be dictating what we can do with its citizens in this country, but there's not ONE white person in office. Yes, these are different countries, but, my point is, if I was to get in, I would do my best to fit in, otherwise I can always return back to the states. Furthermore, it is wrong to judge a person by the skin color, but that is what's happening with Obama, he can do no "right." Every move he makes, every sneeze, smile or anything is severely criticized, so much talk about killing him and impeaching him and how blacks can't run anything, so yeah, I think I know who hates more.

Thanks Dougtamjj, you are so right - seriously, I really like reading your comments. I've noticed that you've always had a calming effect. And because of your smooth calming effect, I will honor your request. Sincere thanks. 🙂

Listening to much of the media, Bush didn't do much right either.
I think it comes with the job. No matter what you do, half the people will not like it.
I think that many people do not like obama not because of his skin color but his Socialist ways. Many of the white people I know would have voted for either Condalisa (sp?)Rice or Collin Powell in a heart beat!

But this is getting way too far from the post.

*-)

A lady wrote the best letter in the Editorials in ages!!!

It explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV.

Her point:

Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress
is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration.

Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.

Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.
Let's say I break into your house.
Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave.

But I say, 'No! I like it here. It's better than my house. I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters:

You are Required to let me stay in your house

You are Required to feed me
You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan
You are Required to Educate my kids
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family

My husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest. (except for that breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there.

It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house
And what a deal it is for me!!!

I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.

Oh yeah, and I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE!!! so that you can communicate with me.

Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!

America is populated and governed by idiots.

That about sums it up. I don't understand why so many people have such a hard time understanding the word "illegal".

Terry -

Why do you keep posting silly chain emails on this discussion board? If this was a real letter to an editor you would have been provided with a link to the periodical in which it is printed. Everyone gets enough electronic and hard copy junk mail without you cutting and pasting these obnoxious urban legends into discussions.

Terry: That's probably what the indigenous people of the Americas were thinking when our ancestors started invading 500 years ago.

dntw8up,
whether or not it is a real letter to an editor or not, it get right to the point.
I sorry someone tied you down and made you read all of it.

STXBOB,
yes and we should learn from their mistake.

STXBob,

You are right on the money. Not to mention the fact that some of these same people are in the USVI trying to do the same thing there. True, some are there because they like it, whereas, others are there to try to Americanize the islands, and change things to be just like the mainland. I went back to see some of the things written about mainland vs. islands, accusations of racism...St. Thomas' Dirty Little Secret and The Island Way here at VINOW, and most people agreed the locals are not as bad as some people say.

As far as the illegal immigrants in our country, they are here to stay and no one can do anything about it. Well, the Americans complaining could always do unto them as they did unto us, by the millions flood "Mexico." LOL, that will be the day. It's all talk and and scapegoating of people for political play.

Drug gangs are suspected in kidnapping, dismembering a prison warden in Mexico.

There was a article in AZ paper today about a lake that borders Texas and Mexico. Mexican Cartels are now becoming pirates, robbing fishermen on both sides of the lake. They said that normally there are a hundred fisherman and yesterday there were only in the teens.

Are you talking about the Rio Grande? Thats the river that runs along Texas lower western half and creates a natural barrier for illegals to cross. I can't believe anyone one would fish in it though, at least on the southern part its very nasty from Mexico dumping all of its wastes into it. It'd be like fishing in the Salton Sea. The cartels have been bringing in drugs by boats for decades, the last decade or two by submarines.

No it was at Falcon Lake, near Zapata, Texas. It is on the Rio Grande river.

News is now reporting that suspected Mexican drug gangs have kidnapped 'transit officials' and story on drug gangs killing drug gang members and dropping them down a well.

Here's some pictures from the Arizona SB1070 protests over the Memorial day weekend, at "anti-SB1070 Demonstration Rocks Phoenix, Marchers Number in the..." http:blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bastard/2010/05/anti_sb_1070_demonstration_roc.php the funniest pictures were of people wearing masks of Joe Arpaio and Janet Brewer with an illegal immigrant. The comments people posted were also funny and interesting.