Introducing Hispanic California culture

Wed, 02/07/2018 - 10:15am

    Dear Editor:

    Growing up in California meant you had many Hispanic friends. This was a time when cities could discriminate against Asian property owners, leaving county lines open for other ethnic backgrounds. In high school I learned Hispanic students were mandated to arrive an hour early for a second shower “to release” hair lice, even though lice had never been found.  They never told their parents because they did not want to hurt them. I was too young to know what to do, but I was sad for my friend and assured her I would not tell anyone else. I thought she was brave and beautiful inside and out.

    Before 1846 California belonged to the Mexican State. It was their home, which they shared with us. They were the native settlers and we were the immigrants. The changeover from Spanish to Mexican control in 1821 introduced new laws, a shift of power from missionaries to secular governors, and powerful ranching families. Demographics included Mexican settlers, immigrants of Russia, American fur trappers, and European entrepreneurs. The U.S. - Mexican War broke out in 1846.

    Today, many put themselves above DACA parents, without knowing how good these parents are. They put the safety of their children ahead of their own lives. Many were widows needing to support their families. Others left to keep their children safe. When they moved into my old neighborhood, the park came to life, songs were played, picnics were shared and kids were taught baseball and other games. These parents worked very hard, but always made it home for family dinner. They took care of my mother when Dad could not. Even Vox agrees that parents who risked their own lives for their children are least likely to seek welfare. The DACA working parents were why these children grew up to become successful workers, entrepreneurs, contributing $40.6 billion GDP to our economy.  
     
    Estimated loss of all DACA workers would reduce U.S.GDP by $433 billion over the next 10 years.  One hundred chief business executives urge politicians to keep DACA economic contributors in the U.S. DACA culture is great for America.

    Jarryl Larson
    Edgecomb
     

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