How can one respond to the immigration law passed by Arizona? I watched the Arizona Governor's news conference on TV just long enough to get the impression of an angry pissed off white woman backed up by a bunch of angry pissed off white guys, all republicans, trying to blame President Obama for the whole immigration mess. At least that is how I perceived it.
But this new immigration statute is now the law and the fight in Arizona is only beginning. How do people register their displeasure with it? I kind of agree that a boycott of businesses in Arizona might send a message. So I will do that in hopes that it adds a little pressure.
How do I do it? I am not sure. I will not buy gasoline or munchies on out trips anymore to Phoenix. I will arrange the fill ups of gasoline on the borders of New Mexico and stock up on the Cheetohs too. I will take fixings in the cooler for good New Mexican food to prepare for Noelle and her beau instead of going to some Scottsdale eatery.
Will this make any difference? Only if a lot of people do it. I hope someone with a big internet presence at leasts suggests the gasoline purchase strategy. I think that could actually work a little. Truckers, tourists and others pour a lot of money into the highway funds and sales taxes for Arizona. Maybe this would sting them a little.
6 comments:
I, suggest you boycott Noelle, too. It's the Arizonans who need to step up -- put the pressure on your daughter and her beau. I cancelled a trip to Tucson to visit my family there.
And don't forget to take your passport if you do go to Arizona. New Mexico licenses non-citizens to drive, so Arizona police may not accept a New Mexico driver's license as proof of citizenship.
Sorry...wont be boycotting my daughter.
a short list of some companies to consider withholding support for, courtesy of wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Arizona_companies.
I said it wrong. Boycott visiting Noelle IN ARIZONA is what I intended, not boycott Noelle. As the father of two daughters, I couldn't advocate boycotting daughters (or sons for that matter, I have two of them, too).
But this law is an abomination and must be fought with whatever tools we have. Not buying Cheetos at the Circle K in Scottsdale isn't enough, Jim, as I know you know.
What meaningful action can we take? Let's take it, even if it means personal sacrifice.
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Not enough to just not go, but let the businesses who would have enjoyed your patronage know you won't be doing business in Arizona.
there's already speculation/concern that arizona tourism could drop sharply this summer because of this and that could be the kick in the pants that the az government and voter base need to push for SANE policy reform. you know, instead of blaming the president and federal government... how many people visit the grand canyon? the navajo and hopi reservations? the sonoran desert? lake havasu? hmmm...
Post a Comment