All this “boycott Arizona” talk has really stirred some thoughts in my head.
First, I’m bitterly disappointed in Arizona’s legislators for crafting Senate Bill 1070. And soon-to-be ex-Governor Jan Brewer surprised me not a bit by rubber-stamping this knuckle-dragging piece of work. Honestly, it’s a completely half-assed measure made for scoring political points. It may bring some tiny measure of enforcement, but at the risk of the freedom of legitimate U.S. citizens and residents who just happen to be Hispanic (I suspect no cop is going to hear my dad’s German accent and demand his papers). And it would be absolutely deplorable for any legal resident or citizen of Hispanic descent to be detained or questioned under this bill’s authority. SB 1070 opens the door to such situations. And honestly, do you want to be able to prove your citizenship at any time, if asked? This law will allow officers to demand your citizenship papers. I never want to hear the phrase “Your papers, please” on American soil.
Also, the legislation is full of holes, and really isn’t what our state officials need to be doing. Immigration is a federal problem. Instead, fix our state government that’s cutting services, laying people off left and right and closing valuable state parks. Meanwhile, our elected officials are bent on scoring political points with the polyester crowd in Sun City by passing the nationally ridiculed “Birther Bill” and letting any nut carry a concealed weapon. I can’t believe they’re wasting time on such legislation.
So I get it. Wouldn’t it be great to hit these jerks in the pocketbook, to let the state’s coffers further dwindle under their watch? Heck, yes. Many of them are wealthy, and I’d bet more than a few pocket their fair share from tourism.
But jeez, people, is sending nasty letters to Cold Stone Creamery the way to go? It makes ice cream! It’s not like every Arizona resident cackled with glee about this bill. Many hung their heads and muttered “not again” (where these people are on election day, I just don’t know – but that’s another story). As this blogger sensibly put it, “I think people should stop getting mad at companies with ‘Arizona’ in the title, companies from Arizona, and various cacti and save their anger for the lawmakers who voted this in and the people who support it.” (Thanks, Matthew!)
So I’m conflicted. I understand the compulsion to act. I just don’t know that a boycott will be effective – I am convinced, though, that ostracizing every Arizona resident and business is certainly not the answer. Many of us are revolted, dismayed, embarrassed.
Tell you what: I’m going to let it start with me. I officially declare my opposition to SB 1070. Businesses, I advise you to do the same if you agree. Do it on your Web sites, in your corporate newsletters, in your Twitter account, on your Facebook pages.
People, seek out those businesses and patronize them.
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Nice job on this post Justin — very important that people speak out against this bill. Best, Bernie and Dani (aka BorderJumpers)