October 08, 2009 07:28 PM UTC

Como aprendi hablar espanol (How I leearned to speak Spanish)

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• by: Ray Springfield

I learned to speak Spanish in the Baker district. I moved into an apartment where I ws the only American citizen. I tuned the radio and TV to Spanish only, studied the grammar at Metro, and sought out people to practice speaking the language. About 3 years went by, and I dreamed in Spanish.

It took a long time for my neighbors to trust me. We became friends.Several explained that at age 16 young men were required by their families to travel north, earn money and send it to their families.

I asked what happens if they get deported, and they told me the family still needs to eat, so they must return.

I became appalled at the rents that they paid in comparison to mine. It was clear that the property management companies knew they could over charge. If any one complained all that had to be done was call INS.

I think about the wars and persection of the campesinos in the 80’s and I think today about the drug war that rages throughout the region. Most people want to survive and provide for their families.

It’s like JFK’s well known speech when he states that we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our childrens futures, and we are all mortal.

Immigration reform and a reassesment of non-violent crimes desperately needs attention almost as much as health care. I know that immigration is a wedge issue for both parties. Corporations want to maintain cheap labor while at the same time give lip service to closing the border. Labor is disturbed by the drag on wages while many liberals cry out for civil rights for al human beings.

Nevertheless, something must change. I believe that a path to citizenship for undocumented people should come to pass as soon as possible. I believe that everyone that wants to work should be able to get a green card and pay taxes. I believe that some form of buy in through taxes should occur to make the system fair to other immigrants that waited to enter legally.

I praise both Rep.Polis ans Sen Bennet for leading the fight for civil rights for these hard working people. No one should fear reporting crimes to the authorities for fear of deportation.