today i attended an immigration rally and march advocating for children and families. it was an interesting experience, being the first march i've attended in d.c. it's strange to be at an event like this in the capitol, right where the lawmakers are, as opposed to the ones i've attended/observed/been dragged to in seattle.
i went to observe and possibly talk with a few people, but after about an hour in the sun, it was harder and harder to get up the energy. this was due in part to having already spent some time in the heat (not to mention quality time with hundred of other prince george's county residents) when the metro train broke down, and we had to take the bus to the next station.
any way, there were around 2000 people at the march. we walked from the metropolitan ame church to the white house, which was pretty short. firm was handing out signs in support of keeping families together. i was amazed at the number of teenagers there; i hadnever been involved in anything like this when i was that age. i couldn't help but wonder if they'll be continuing this cause when they're grown, or middle aged; what will immigration policy look like then? it seems like each side comes out with polls on what "most americans" think of immigration and what should be done (funny, i don't remember getting polled); but i wonder if, for most people-that aren't a part of the minuteman or activists-it comes down to the law. i don't think most people live in fear that immigrants will "take
over" or "drive welfare costs up" yada yada yada- and by the way, i love how all of a sudden, certain politicians and coalitions of a particular persuasion all of a sudden CARE about people on welfare.
but anyway, i don't hear the average person talking much about doing something about
the "push" factors of immigration. until we start doing something about that, it seems that we'll keep going around in circles.
well, that's enough rambling from me.
