So you think the "wars" cost money...

[AzX5]

Originally Posted by Krimson X

It is offensive, however, to know that the gov't had a plan to rid the country of illegal immigrants (Mexicans) called "operation wetback" or any other "operation (insert derrogatory ethinc term here)."

What further disturbs me is that members of this board beileve it would be just fine to employ that same tactic today. I agree, too, with Dannyell, that most jobs held by illegal immigrants are not wanted by most unemployed Americans. Who wants to pick asparagus, clean toilets, sell newspapers on interstate exit ramps, pour asphalt and finish concrete in the dead of winter or heat of summer. More importantly, most citizens would not work those jobs for what I consider to be abhorrent wages. Thus, deporting all Mexican nationals would do little to curb Americas unemployment problem.

While I agree with most of what you are saying, part of the reason that the "abhorrent wages" exist in the first place is because of the practice of hiring illegal aliens for those jobs. Construction work, for example, probably paid as much pay 30 years ago as it does today due to the influx of illegal aliens willing to do the job for lower and lower pay, which forced out many Americans for the less-skilled jobs.

In fact, 30 years ago I was picking strawberries and cucumbers in the fields with plenty of other Americans willing to do the job. I doubt the pay is much different today than it was back then, so yes only illegal aliens are willing to work those jobs today. Get rid of the illegal aliens, and I guarantee that wages will begin creeping up to acceptable levels for unemployed Americans.

[Krimson X]

Originally Posted by AzX5

While I agree with most of what you are saying, part of the reason that the "abhorrent wages" exist in the first place is because of the practice of hiring illegal aliens for those jobs. Construction work, for example, probably paid as much pay 30 years ago as it does today due to the influx of illegal aliens willing to do the job for lower and lower pay, which forced out many Americans for the less-skilled jobs.

In fact, 30 years ago I was picking strawberries and cucumbers in the fields with plenty of other Americans willing to do the job. I doubt the pay is much different today than it was back then, so yes only illegal aliens are willing to work those jobs today. Get rid of the illegal aliens, and I guarantee that wages will begin creeping up to acceptable levels for unemployed Americans.

I think it also has a lot to do with the cost of doing business. What is the profit margin for a strawberry farmer? Could he afford to pay someone to pick his berries for $7.50 an hour? Or, better yet, could we as consumers afford to pay for a carton of strawberries picked by someone making $7.50 an hour? How much labor costs are built into the market price?

Similarly, instead of paying $100 to $150 per sq/ft for a home built by lower wage construction workers, would you be willing to pay $175 to $250 per sq/ft for the same home because of the increase in labor costs?

[Dannyell]

Originally Posted by AzX5

In fact, 30 years ago I was picking strawberries and cucumbers in the fields with plenty of other Americans willing to do the job. I doubt the pay is much different today than it was back then, so yes only illegal aliens are willing to work those jobs today. Get rid of the illegal aliens, and I guarantee that wages will begin creeping up to acceptable levels for unemployed Americans.

Might work but unlikely...today's society is much different than 30 yrs ago.

Expelling them in the ways described above would be sort of like shooting ourselves in the foot plain and simple...

People that come here from Mexico to work...legal or not have an advantage...they have met lower work environments and pay...Even tho for our standards here it is not much...to them it's food on the table for the family back home struggling even worse.

It disgusts me to hear every now and then how some employer calls authorities on illegal immigrants right before they have to pay them for the work...These people themselves should be arrested...

[m5james]

Originally Posted by Krimson X

It is offensive, however, to know that the gov't had a plan to rid the country of illegal immigrants (Mexicans) called "operation wetback" or any other "operation (insert derrogatory ethinc term here)."

What further disturbs me is that members of this board beileve it would be just fine to employ that same tactic today. I agree, too, with Dannyell, that most jobs held by illegal immigrants are not wanted by most unemployed Americans. Who wants to pick asparagus, clean toilets, sell newspapers on interstate exit ramps, pour asphalt and finish concrete in the dead of winter or heat of summer. More importantly, most citizens would not work those jobs for what I consider to be abhorrent wages. Thus, deporting all Mexican nationals would do little to curb Americas unemployment problem.

I agree w/ you and Dannyell on that point, but you both are also only looking at ONE single point out of the LIST of problems that Wagner is pointing out...what about the Medicaid, welfare, etc. There is a bigger picture here.

[Krimson X]

Originally Posted by m5james

I agree w/ you and Dannyell on that point, but you both are also only looking at ONE single point out of the LIST of problems that Wagner is pointing out...what about the Medicaid, welfare, etc. There is a bigger picture here.

I do see those other issues as problems. Do we solve them by sending everyone back, or by providing a path to citizenship so that they can begin paying for those services? I was only commenting on the issue of American unemployment.

[m5james]

Provide a path to citizenship? That's like trying to reform criminals...too late, the law is already broken. They should have thought of doing it the proper way before they had to break a law in order to make it. 1st time, shame on you. 2nd time, shame on me.

But then again, we are all about giving people second chances...look how successful Martha Stewart still is

[m5james]

Before you go blowing your own horn, she deleted BOTH of our posts. Also, don't try to take my words out of context (since those posts we're deleted) before you start trying to bring up any of my "racially charged derogatory" comments in order to try and add clout to your opinion. I realize it's in your nature to take other peoples words and twist them to your make your case (as seen here), but don't try to pull that BS w/ me...brotha.

As for using the "N word" that you're referencing (once again out of context), I think it's ironic that any race can call each other a name that can be used as both derogatory and as slang amongst themselves, yet no one else outside their race is supposed to use. By that's for another topic...

[chile1]

Originally Posted by m5james

Before you go blowing your own horn, she deleted BOTH of our posts.

why don't you then explain what she deleted and why........

[Krimson X]

Originally Posted by m5james

As for using the "N word", I think it's ironic that any race can call each other a name that can be used as both derogatory and as slang amongst themselves, yet no one else outside their race is supposed to use. By that's for another topic...

I'm not going to spend much time on the topic, but that is a weak argument for your use of the "n-word." Some Mexicans call each other "wetbacks", white folks (in my presence, nonetheless) call each other "white trash." Does that give me carte blance authority to use those terms or call someone else by those names? No. Personally I was offended when I heard the term "white trash" used to refer to someone, and I am not even white. Why would anyone think that just because some black folks call each other the "n-word" gives anyone else the right to use it all willy-nilly like?

my 2 cents.

P.S.

The new code word for the "n-word" is progressive. I kid you not. I heard it used yesterday. The situation was that someone I know was involved in a car accident with a black guy in a pickup truck who looked to be down on his luck. When explaining to someone else how the accident occurred, he commented: I was hit by a "progressive" who was turning into a McDonald's parking lot. At first I thought he meant that he was hit by a guy who was insured by Progressive Insurance Company until he repeated himself. I doubt that those two had a discussion about one's political affiliation or ideology. The only discernable characteristic was that this guy was black and appeared to be not well off.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by Krimson X

I'm not going to spend much time on the topic, but that is a weak argument for your use of the "n-word." Some Mexicans call each other "wetbacks", white folks (in my presence, nonetheless) call each other "white trash." Does that give me carte blance authority to use those terms or call someone else by those names? No. Personally I was offended when I heard the term "white trash" used to refer to someone, and I am not even white. Why would anyone think that just because some black folks call each other the "n-word" gives anyone else the right to use it all willy-nilly like?

my 2 cents.

P.S.

The new code word for the "n-word" is progressive. I kid you not. I heard it used yesterday. The situation was that someone I know was involved in a car accident with a black guy in a pickup truck who looked to be down on his luck. When explaining to someone else how the accident occurred, he commented: I was hit by a "progressive" who was turning into a McDonald's parking lot. At first I thought he meant that he was hit by a guy who was insured by Progressive Insurance Company until he repeated himself. I doubt that those two had a discussion about one's political affiliation or ideology. The only discernable characteristic was that this guy was black and appeared to be not well off.

I'm not trying to make an arguement why I've used that word.

LMAO...I've never heard "progressive" used before. Technically, anything that is used as slang to reference someone of another race is derogatory amongst each other of the same race, but for some reason the "N word" is the one that raises the most flags when used by anyone else. I'm also realistic and know that even when African-Americans are talking amongst each other, they probably have derogatory terms when talking about us? Ever watch a comedy show w/ a black guy impersonating a white guy? Do I get offended...not in the slightest. Personally, I don't get offended if anyone calls me anything in their little book of insults, because unless it's true, they don't know me and their just talking in defense to make sure they don't get their feelings hurt....remember "sticks and stones" from when we we're children?