Dear Larry: My heart truly hurts because of the racism in this country. I especially hurt because of our historical racism that existed long ago. We all have lost so much because of it. I pray that we can continue to heal and no longer dwell upon our physical differences, but rather focus on our common humanity.
In my opinion, this world is much more interesting because of our different races and nationalities. Just imagine how dull it would be with only one type and color of flower. I feel that our varied features and cultures enliven and enrich the world around us.
When I was in college, some of my professors, who ironically happened to be white, made it their goal to paint whites as the "evil race." They also put down Christians, claiming they were the oppressors of mankind.
These professors made it explicitly clear that everyone in that demographic, of which I am a member, should feel guilty for the sins of the past and for being part of the "power group." Well, I cannot change the color of my skin any more than my black, Asian or Hispanic friends can change theirs. Nor can I stop believing in the Bible when I have no doubt that it is the word of God simply because others have done evil things while claiming to be Christians.
I feel that to label any group negatively because of race, culture or religion is divisive and counterproductive.
From reading your column and having you as my professor many years ago in social psychology, I feel that you share that sentiment. It is so refreshing and invigorating to find your column and find out your views have not changed.
Too many columnists and journalists seem to want to dwell on the negative and the past rather than evoke and promote positive change and unity.
Thank you for going against the tide.
— Sarah
Dear Sarah: It is good to hear from you. Thank you for lifting the heart of an old professor. To know I made an impact on your views of life means so much. Students like you are the ones who make teaching such a rewarding profession.
The only thing that could lift me even higher would be to know you are passing your intellect on to the next generation.
Dear Larry: The whole country seems to be coming down on the state of Arizona because of the state's new law trying to curb the out-of-control flow of illegal aliens into the state. Arizona is being accused of racial profiling.
What I don't understand is the fact that law enforcement agencies in the state are being called racist before they have even started enforcing the law.
Do you agree with what people are saying? — L.R.
Dear L.R.: No, I don't agree with all the negative rhetoric. The new law, if it were to be misapplied, could result in racial profiling. However, dishonest people can abuse any law.
For example, if police wanted to cite only blonds for speeding, it could be done. If officers wanted to profile left-handed people for shoplifting, it could be done. I am sure you get the picture.
I believe professionally trained, fair-minded law enforcement agencies can enforce laws without bigotry. If there is a violation of policy, there is always a judge willing to hear your complaint.
It is unfair and stereotyping to accuse any group without giving it a chance.
I accuse all these groups against Arizona of being guilty of the discrimination they claim to be against.
To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
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The Arizona law only permits police officers to ask about the immigration status of suspects, who have already been stopped by law enforcement for some other reason. There's no provision made for simply pulling over random individuals of any color and interrogating them, or asking to see "papers." Gov Jan Brewer, who signed the bill into law, explicitly stated this week that racial profiling will not be tolerated. And I might add, it's maddening that the Left continually tries to make illegal immigration (and enforcement of the laws) into some kind of racial issue, simply because they find it easier to fight from that position. It's dishonest to inject color into a situation that really has nothing to do with it, especially considering that not all illegals are Hispanic. Some are actually white, especially those who come from ex-Soviet Baltic and Slavic countries. Others are Asian or Middle Eastern. It's not a racial issue; it's a legal one. The measure enjoys 70% support among Arizonans and a similar percentage among the US general public - at last count, eight additional states are considering similar legislation. Most of us are sick and tired of seeing our country invaded by hordes of gate-crashers who have no right to be here...to say nothing of the additional crimes some of them commit while on our soil. It's time to start cracking down on this nonsense.
Comment: #1
Posted by: Matt
Sat May 1, 2010 1:28 AM
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The Arizona law only permits police officers to ask about the immigration status of suspects, who have already been stopped by law enforcement for some other reason. There's no provision made for simply pulling over random individuals of any color and interrogating them, or asking to see "papers." Gov Jan Brewer, who signed the bill into law, explicitly stated this week that racial profiling will not be tolerated. And I might add, it's maddening that the Left continually tries to make illegal immigration (and enforcement of the laws) into some kind of racial issue, simply because they find it easier to fight from that position. It's dishonest to inject color into a situation that really has nothing to do with it, especially considering that not all illegals are Hispanic. Some are actually white, especially those who come from ex-Soviet Baltic and Slavic countries. Others are Asian or Middle Eastern. It's not a racial issue; it's a legal one. The measure enjoys 70% support among Arizonans and a similar percentage among the US general public - at last count, eight additional states are considering similar legislation. Most of us are sick and tired of seeing our country invaded by hordes of gate-crashers who have no right to be here...to say nothing of the additional crimes some of them commit while on our soil. It's time to start cracking down on this nonsense.
Comment: #2
Posted by: Matt
Sat May 1, 2010 1:28 AM
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I enjoy reading this column every week as I think it offers a real conversation about racial issues. I am white - of Irish, German, and Native American descent. I feel no guilt for the past, nor hatred for the wrongs comitted againsst my people by the English, Romans, or Andrew Jackson.
I believe that my generation and beyond have the best chance of living in a post-racial America - if we can ignore the vitriol and hatred of the old guard.
Thank you Mr. Meeks for your perspective every week, it helps me grow in understanding and appreciation.
Comment: #3
Posted by: Andrew McEnroe
Sat May 1, 2010 6:14 AM
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Meeks has clearly never looked at the quality of law enforcement in Arizona. Even in police states, most people have nothing to fear from "fair minded law enforcement." The problem is that, without the right legal restraints, law enforcement quickly becomes oppressive. However, like the rest of the media, Meeks has completely missed the story in Arizona. The purpose of the law isn't to get rid of illegal immigrants; it's to make them disappear from the streets and to remove them from being able to access the legal system without getting arrested and deported. That way, the illegals will remain EXACTLY where the businesses that hire them want them to remain -- working for peanuts and unable to complain if they don't get paid. If Arizona REALLY wanted to get rid of illegal aliens, they'd pass a law making it a felony to hire an illegal alien, and then throw some agribusiness or construction industry executives in jail for a couple of years. But that would be hurting rich white people, not brown poor people, so don't hold your breath.
Comment: #4
Posted by: Geoffrey James
Sun May 2, 2010 5:33 AM
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Re: Geoffrey James. Ah, there you are. I wondered when you were going to show up and start throwing your race-obsessed bile at Meeks. You're unable to see anything except through racially-tinted lenses, and frankly that's sad. As I said, I'm tired of people trying to make this into a racial issue. But on what do you base your claim that "it's to make them disappear from the streets and to remove them from being able to access the legal system without getting arrested and deported?" Huh? That doesn't even make sense. As I said, the only thing the law does is require police officers who have ALREADY stopped a person for some other reason...to ask about immigration status if there is a "reasonable suspicion" the person is in the US illegally. It also prohibits the establishment of "sanctuary cities" anywhere in Arizona. Seriously...what person in their right mind could be against this? Quite frankly I'd be fine with the police asking this question of everyone they stop - whether white, brown, red, purple or green. And all that said, I actually agree with that last thing you said. I think it's already a fairly serious crime to knowingly hire illegal aliens. The problem is that the law - like most other immigration-related laws - is not being enforced by the federal government, so the state stepped in and took action.
Comment: #5
Posted by: Matt
Sun May 2, 2010 11:52 PM
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I too have wondered about the law being forced on police making traffic stops. This is the law they chose to enforce. Why aren't the stiffening penalties for knowing hiring illegal workers? Crack down on day labor hires. But yes, then the good citizens would lose their cooks, gardeners, cleaning service, nannies...
It will be interesting to see what the unintended consequences of this law are. Will people be aghast when the cost of their lawn service goes up? What about when the nanny demands to be paid properly rather than cash under the table?
One hilly town I lived in demanded that bus service stop to the wealthy enclave complaining about the "types" of people it brought to their gates. After much pressure the city did. And half the employers promptly lost their nannies & maids who had used the bus to get to their jobs from the poorer areas where they lived. Now instead of help arriving at their door, they had to pay higher wages (so the help staff can afford cars), or go down to the last stop the bus makes to pick them up for the day and dropping them back off again.
Funny, there was little objection when the city asked to return bus service a little higher up into the hills!
Comment: #6
Posted by: Mich
Mon May 3, 2010 10:37 AM
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Matt, you obviously know nothing about the economics of labor using illegal immigrants. Many of them work in sub-standard or dangerous conditions, are frequently denied salaries by unscrupulous employers. In the worst cases, they can be subjected to violence and end up in a state of virtual slavery. It is in the interest of such employers to ensure that illegal immigrants have no recourse, because then the employer can't get in trouble as a result of the abuse. Such things are surprisingly common, once you get outside of the area of domestic service. (Although even then, it's not uncommon for illegal workers to get stiffed.) As for the racial issue, if you had ever lived in Arizona or California, as I have, or if you ever bothered to actually read the kind of things that nativists write, you'd know that there's a heavy racist component to the anti-immigration movement. Not in every group, but enough so that it plays a factor in the political pressure to do racial profiling. Which is, of course, exactly what the Arizona bill will generate... despite the language pretending it won't.
Comment: #7
Posted by: Geoffrey James
Thu May 6, 2010 8:54 PM
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By the way, if you don't believe me that the law is racist, believe Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, a 50-year law enforcement in Pima County, Arizona. He's called Senate Bill 1070 "stupid", "racist" and "unnecessary" law. In his statement, he explains that the law is a license to profile and said he won't enforce it because it's impossible for his deputies or any other law enforcement in the state to make a judgment call about who is or isn't an illegal immigrant without taking race and ethnicity into account. So, there you are. One one side you have Matt, the "nobody in this country is racist except black people, so this bill can't possibly be racist" guy, and on the other side you have a law enforcement veteran who works in Arizona. You choose who to believe.
Comment: #8
Posted by: Geoffrey James
Fri May 7, 2010 3:55 AM
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