Reaching Buck

Thoughts from our Team-member, N.:

"Hello Juana - It was a pleasure to meet you and M. I wonder if there is any way we could have more dialogue with the group that was present - via email of Skype or something before we get together again - or can we meet more frequently? I think we need to flesh out our issues. I wonder if there is someone who could take notes for the group and if we can come up with action items. I was a bit lost in the discussion. You mentioned responding to the "lies" about immigrants. I do not know about the lies specifically (of course, I hear some things but I don't feel I have enough information in this area) and the response you would have to those lies. Could you send me some information on that. Also, it seems to me that if we want to help immigrants (especially Hispanic immigrants) we need to reach them directly. In California, Hispanics are nearly 40 percent of the population. Maybe some of them have reached the "American Dream" and don't care about those who suffer but I would hope that most who are successful would want to help and those who are still struggling need to know that by their sheer numbers, they have a voice. Republicans are losing power in California - they may have already lost it. So, I guess I am saying we can talk to McKeon but I wonder if we should be talking to Hispanics... I understand Ann tried through faith-based organizations. I am shocked that she received no response and wonder if you know why that would happen or if Ann does. I wonder if meeting with unions who support and organize Hispanic workers would be a way to reach folks.

There were too few Hispanics at the meeting. Do we have contacts with unions, community colleges/universities, and other Hispanic community organizations that could help us deal with these issues. In my opinion, McKeon will respond to VOTES. I assume we were talking mostly about "illegal" immigrants - when Ann talked about a parent being deported. "Illegal" immigrants would be frightened to reveal themselves and speak up (I would think) but how about their family or Hispanics who do not have problems with their status. How do we reach them? We need to try to get McKeon to pull out his ethical, kind core and I hope that works. I am not experienced in this, but I think we also need to bring the "serpent" with us and get at what he is interested in most - votes and political donations. We can be kind, but we have to try to mobilize people and let him know he will lose his job if he doesn't listen. Please feel free to share my comments with the email list/attendees of the meeting and other interested folks. As I said, I am new to this and I would really like to know what other people think about my thoughts. An email response would be most appreciated and a good way to communicate and see what others are thinking. p.s. Is there any way to get in touch with the "Nuns On The Bus"? They seem to get lots of support and t.v. air time and they are interested in social justice issues as well. I know I am asking lots of questions and not coming up with solutions but I am just asking to better understand how I can participate. Best Regards, N."