Mary Mitchell

Hi Mary, I'm extermly eleated you responed to this non-sense statement this lady Arellano made regarding being Rosa Parks. This is very upseting that everyone wants to use the civil rights struggle to have people identify with thier personal causes. Thanks again, Cassius M. Williams

Mary, now you know what a white person faces ALL THE TIME if they have a different opinion, no matter how innocent, on an issue than the political-correct police or activists have. How did you like being told what a racist you are in some of the feedback from her supporters? As for her situation, can't you understand why the Durbins, Gutierrez's, etc. back her and feed her with this Rosa Parks comparison which is an insult to Ms. Parks legacy? Its because they put possible votes for themselves and their party ahead of the country.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

Touche'

Great article, Mary. I always enjoy reading what you have to say.

You said, “Arellano is not a victim of an unjust system�.

How about this take:

Our government (since inception and currently) has oppressed countries around the world and exploited them in the name of capitalism. Our markets are strong, American business’ thrive…but how do you think we got to this point?

Howard Zinn points out that the main job the U.S. government (since inception) has given itself is to make sure other countries have governments in place that will do business with American Corporations. In a series of steps, that leads those countries on the road to oppression.

Further, to solve this problem, it must become a foreign policy issue, rather than an immigration issue. As long as the press and the gov’t keep people discussing immigration then the oppression will not stop and people will continually want to come to America to live.

People want to live here because there is probably no commerce where they currently live. There is no commerce because America has created it to be that way.

It makes sense that people would want to leave their oppressed country, that we have economically raped, to live in a place like America. (When I say “we�, I mean you, me, our political figures…everyone contributes to this)

Where do American citizens get off saying those people MUST go back to the poverty stricken country that America itself had a hand in establishing?!? Because of that fact, immigrants from those oppressed countries have MORE of a right to live here than we are giving them.

It seems Americans want to have it both ways…we want our capitalistic-market economy…we want to pay the low prices…we exploit and oppress other countries in the process…when people in those countries want to live in America then we say “jump through these hoops� or outright “no�.

So, I have to say that she is the victim of an unjust system. If the system was just, she wouldn't be in America to begin with.

Have a great day, Mary.
:-)

Dear Mary Mitchell

I read your column about Arellano and how she “learned from Rosa Parks.� I agree; she is no Rosa Parks. Who can make that comparison? I as a Latin American know that considering what I’ve learned when I was growing up; in which the Civil Rights movement moved me very much along with the Trail of Tears that the Native Indians endured until they reached the dessert and most of their population died or were killed. All we have to do is look at Chapter 15 in our grammar school history books up to college level to see that African- Americans have paid their dues no one can deny that. We don’t get the fire hose in the middle of the street, nor any of the other degrading and horrific displays that were endured by your people but we still get treated unjust. I was born and raised in Chicago and I love my mother and father for planting their seeds in the greatest country in the world, with its side effects of discrimination that ranges from ethnic, financial class, gay rights, abortion, religion, etc….

It is true that we came here for a better life for self and family. Shame on us! How could we leave the land that has a more corrupt government than the one we play victim to? We’re walking away from a life that slaves were brought here to labor. If Americans only knew that Mexico doesn’t only consist of Acapulco, Cancun, and all the tourist attractions they love they wouldn’t say a word of why we are leaving to come here. $3 (30 pesos) a week doesn’t feed a family anywhere in the world, why should my people swallow it? I guess Latin Americans decided to enter the immigration fad late; we should’ve come when it was popular to do like the Polish, Irish, and Italian. Maybe America should’ve just crossed a river instead of an Ocean to claim slaves. Africans were taken away FROM their land and Mexicans had their land taken FROM them, what’s the difference? We can’t fit in your shoes and you can’t fit into ours.

To use Rosa Parks name should not be a slap in the face to you or others even though I understand what you’re saying. Play by the rules your saying. This from a country that has broken all the rules and we should just get to the back of the line or “back of the bus�; the bus being America. Sorry, but this seat is for Americans only. You have to leave but your American children can stay with DCFS, reminiscent of Salve auctions in the sense of breaking families apart. Why not use a stone name such as Rosa Parks? What other female icon can you think of that an American woman would learn a stand up for your rights in a moment when you find yourself in that situation? Rosa Parks is the first woman you think of, no question, hands down. All the first ladies of America together can’t touch that. It’s not like she used it in a bad manner. “The law is not right� said Arellano in that interview with the Sun-Times last week; and it isn’t. To be truthful it hurts when I hear African Americans say such things that we should be deported, wetbacks this wetbacks that when I thought we were closer than that. Would it matter if an African from Nigeria, Ghana, or Zimbabwe with an expired visa fighting deportation used Rosa Parks name? The woman or man would be African not African American not having to deal with times of Slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation. Their blood line that flows through the roots of their family tree had not been interrupted by the American History that has been burned, destroyed, and hidden on American soil. Would she or he be Rosa Parks material?

What mother would want to face deportation and be torn away from her child, what mother would be okay with that? The back of the line is a ten to fifteen year wait. There are thousands of immigrants that have been here for 10, 20 years working and have built a family around them along with a career. Their children have been told by them to achieve everything they set goals on. Some of us being children of immigrants fail at times to appreciate the sacrifices they have made by knowingly breaking the law, dodging authorities, and spending their year(s) savings to be here. Our parents came with nothing and gave us everything. They’ve acquired bad/hard jobs to get a $300,000 home for their family to live and we spend our time wasting our time instead of taking advantage of the opportunities we have. But trust me when I say that our parent’s make sure to remind us. Like my father used to say “our ancestors came a long way for us to take a rest. It should be all or nothing instead of all for nothing.� My family tree roots to the state of Guerrero named after General Vicente Guerrero that was part African as well as most of the state. So my father raised us to consider African Americans cousins. You need to do a bit more research into our history before you speak upon it. At least we know some African American history if not most of it. Blacks had the opportunity to go back to Africa when the Black Star came into play but by that time a good percentage had been fixated by the American dream. And they had the right to stay not because of the slave ordeal but because they had the same right to stay as the white man that decided not to go back to Britain and escape a bad living situation like my people are doing right now. History repeats it self, that doesn’t mean that the races play the same role all over again. Sorry we’re in your spot light when it comes to discrimination, you can have it back if you want it that bad. You want us to thank African American people for paying the way? Who’s thanked the Native Indians for preserving the land that we live on?

And just incase anyone forgot of the border being relative to 9/11…the terrorists came in through Canadian borders. We should be able to focus on everything not just one border and not just see one as being the problem. This country should be able to handle the task of doing so but unfortunately hasn’t.

Here’s a poem that I wrote a couple of days before I read your column. It’s not done but I hope you enjoy it…. as much as I like reading you writing except this last topic. We can’t agree all the time amongst ourselves but issues can be discussed.

P.S. Were all in the same boat America named “Minorities.�

and i would love a reply even if it took a day or month to recieve it.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

Thank you for your eloquent reponse. But let's look at the other side of the story. The last thing a Latino immigrant wants to be in America is a black person. Just review the comments on this blog, and you will find some of the most damning comments about black people have come from people with a Latino surname.

Yet, for the most part, black people have stayed out of the immigration debate. But what Arellano is doing is wrong. I don't have a problem with her gaining inspiration from this American icon. But to characterize her illegal activities with Rosa Parks'act of courage is offensive.

I remain out of sight from all angles and peripherals-
But an impact is required in this time line that I’m living through-
The parents that gave me a better life than theirs are being ridiculed-
Too much for me to handle and too much for me to let it go-
Immigrants aren’t the only ones breaking laws considered federal-
George Ryan and Brian J. Doyle for example-
One’s a child predator and the others smothered in scandals-
Charge us with a felony is their number one answer…not to mention typical-
It’s like they always find a way to make our lives miserable-
Or at least that’s their attempt-
Hispanics vary in heritage but its all one blood line that connects-

The streets are covered with signs to protest and awoke the giant from rest-
Stay low but keep it live and take this time to progress-

Raise the same standards that they lowered us in-
Accusing that we don’t belong but the solider at war is the son of an immigrant(My brother, USMC)-

Protecting our counties risking our lives on making it safe-
While the Senators’ kids are at home playing it safe-
Tucked in their beds with no dreams on taking their place-
I stand before Pharaoh asking him to let the commoners’ go-
Long lines at temp jobs and lunch trucks standing out in the cold-
Walking bare foot with no food on their plate looking towards the fork in the road-
Wishing they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth…but for the now they just want some food in their mouth-

The government wants to prove that immigrants don’t contribute to America’s worth-
That must be why they post raids in the middle of the day and arrest them while they’re at work-

What KIND OF sense does that make-?
Slaving from 9-9’s and even more at some times but they still won’t give us a break-

Minute men are patrolling the border with riffles hanging off of their shoulder like a Continental Solider-
Locked, loaded and ready to explode a shot into the next human attempting to jump over-

I’m not over exaggerating; not even a bit-
They want us placed in a position that they only see fit-

The immigrants of the early and mid 1900’s were welcomed with open arms by the Statue of liberty-
Polish, Irish, came to the States to escape hunger, wars. And misery…or so that’s what I was told during my time studying history-

Their Children, grand children and so on generations come to hail the day they came in as a celebration and look past their form of immigration-

But their skin pigment was white so I guess that makes it okay-
And that blood runs through the corrupt government and city officials that sit in office today-

Mary,

I agree with you 110%. Rosa Parks didn't break the law, she challenged the law through civil disobedience.

Black history is given no importance in Latin American countries, even those that have a large African presence, such as the Dominican Republic. Most Americans have no clue and no interest in the civil rights movement or the civil rights heroes.

I'm pretty sure some politician or clergy member fed her the idea that she could possibly change history as Rosa Parks and others did. Had these politicias not come into the picture, I'm sure this hopeless woman would have eventually turned herself in or have been caught already. There are hundreds of people who are deported daily who have families here. Arellano isn't a special case. She was just lucky enough to run into politicians who were willing to use her for political gain.

Wow Mary, with friends like you, who needs enemies? All 3 of the civil rights leaders you mentioned engaged in some form of civil disobedience, meaning, they broke some kind of law, to get attention for their cause. They were morally right. To have you, a black woman supposedly on the righteous side of civil rights, stand in the way of Arellano's plight is descpicable. You are no friend to the civil rights movement. Were you not aware that it was still going on? It is now the oppresses Mexicans' turn. We thumb our noses at unjust immigration laws because the US is complicit in forcing us to leave our native land, just as it was complicit in forcing blacks to live in this country 400 years ago. Instead of ripping us from our homeland as they did African slaves, they economically colonized our homeland and left us with no other choice. Are you too blind to see that fact? Please tell me you are not. Please tell me you are only ignorant of these facts, rather than indifferent to them.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

My column was about the mischaracterization of Rosa Parks' struggle for civil rights, not the plight of the illegal immigrant.

You wrote: "But instead of thanking blacks for paving the way, other groups have walked across black backs without so much as a "thank you for your sacrifices."

Let me tell you something, maybe you need to take a lesson on LatinHistory/Mexican History. Blacks didn't pave jack for Latinos and especially not Mexicans, and yes Latinos have paid their dues as well. So if you think Latinos/Mexicans or any other group is going to thank you/blacks---keep on waiting. You make it sound as if Blacks are the only ones with a history of struggle, slavery, etc. Take a history class!

MITCHELL COMMENT:

I expected no more respect for the black experience in this country than you have shown in this post. That's why you cannot compare your struggle for iopen borders with the struggle Rosa Parks waged for civil rights.

First of all know your own history before lashing out. Rosa Parks was arrested for not following the law in the south. She knew she was breaking the law and chose to do it, which is why she was arrested. Elvira is trying to be the same kind of catalyst and picked up on that comparison.
As far as being free labor - there are thousands of workers: in the fields and in day labor jobs that work and are never paid. They work and are either reported to Immigration or get the threat and never come back to claim the money they worked for. So there are many people that are still being exploited the same way.
As for our community not knowing the history, yes that has been a problem but many are working hard to change that including an exhibition on Africans in Mexico and solidarity happening with other Afro-Latinos.
You need to educate yourself first!

MITCHELL COMMENT:

Again. Rosa Parks sat in the black section of the bus which was mandated under separate accomodations. She refused to give up her seat to a white man who couldn't find a seat in the "white" section. Your often repeated version of the Rosa Parks story is incorrect.
Sorry.

Ms. Mitchell,

I thought that your column was not particularly helpful in having either an understanding of the similarities or differences between different groups. Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in the urban and rural areas of the United States and in Chicago particularly have had problems or been treated badly by whites and different levels of government. While no one is saying that in each circumstance that the disrespect or subjugation was exact to that of African Americans or Black Americans, in some instances it was.

If you would like, please read the following:

The Lynching of Persons of Mexican Origin or Descent in the United States, 1848 To 1928
in the academic journal: Journal of Social History, Volume 37, Issue number 2 (2003) pages 411-438.

There is an accessible [free] copy at the FindArticles.com website. The journal's website, though, has tables and charts, though as with any act of violence, the numbers themselves would possibly be underreported.

Also read:
South by Southwest: Mexican Americans and Segregated Schooling, 1900-1950 at this web address-
http://www.oah.org/pubs/magazine/deseg/ruiz.html

I will post something more extensive later regarding other parts of the column.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

Thank you.

can you post my comments? I cannot view them. thanks. Chris

Appreciated your article about this woman wanting sympathy because she has broken the law! Why have laws at all if the laws aren't enforced! Or! Are the laws just for certain individuals! Continue with your work.

What are you trying to say mrs. mitchell??????? Illegal immigrants are not as important as black people? Elvira Arellano should not have to go back to Mexico!!! She works for a living, she doesn't live of the government, and all she wants to do is raise her son in THE greatest country in the world. Is that so bad? She isn't a criminal, what exactly do you have against her. Is it because she works unlike a lot of African-American people. She works to support her kid, not like the people on welfare who just have more kids to have MORE money. This woman is trying to best to make an HONEST living. Please don't try to make her look like a criminal or a bad person. Please write back and tell me what the hell your column was about yesterday because I think it was VERY racist.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

i appreciate the fact that Ms. Arellano is trying to make an honest living, but she is nonetheless in this country illegally. The point of my column is that she cannot compare herself to Rosa Parks or her plight to the plight of African-Americans who stood up against segregation and Jim Crow laws. She is not a citizen of the United States. I don't telling the truth about her status makes me racist.

I read Tuesday's column and your current post and I can't help but feel that you are asking way too much of Ms. Arellano. Both of my parents were at one point illegal and I can tell you right now that they will never know black history, or American history for that matter, the way I know it (I'm American-born). My parents' educational opportunites were very restricted, both in their home countries and here in the U.S., and their understanding of the Black struggle is very superficial, limited to knowledge of the major icons- MLK, Malcom X, etc. History is the collective memory of a society, Ms. Mitchell- Can you really expect Ms. Arellano to have the same memories as many Black Americans, to know what slavery means to this country and society? The immigrant experience is an on-going learning experience, one that never seems to end. I agree with you that the choice of Rosa Parks is a bit of a stretch, but keep in mind that Ms. Arellano is learning. It's really more about the sentiment than about historical accuracy, and Ms. Arellano seems to be evoking the spirit of civil disobedience that marked not only the Black Civil Rights movement, but the Chicano/Mexican American farmworker movement (led by Cesar Chavez) as well. Ms. Arellano IS learning from Black history- she may never get all the facts straight, but the attempt to learn from another culture is there. Multiculturalism is virtuous only when we actively try to learn from each other, in spite of our differences, and I think that Ms. Arellano should be commended, not criticized, for at least trying.

Mary, you are right on!
Not only is this woman disrespecting our country's laws and our civil rights movement history, she is also disrespecting her own country - Mexico.
If she has work skills, and is such a "community leader" - why not go back to her own country as an activist to improve conditions for those who are impoverished?
A more productive approach by her "supporters" would be to put together a fund of cash and RELOCATE her to Mexico - get her housing, help her to find a job. Get her son into school.
Unicef estimates that between 2000 and 2006 90% of children in Mexico between 6 and 14 y/o enroll in school. But, only 1 in 10 will complete primary school. Arellano will face challenges - but she would also face challenges in this country.

She has choices - but remaining here is not one of them. If she does not return voluntarily to Mexico, she will be deported.

She will not be asked to give up her seat on the bus, or to move to the back of the bus - she will not even be on the bus. And there will likely be no "sanctuary."

The fact is Elvira broke the law, I think she should be allowed to stay in the country, in jail, she used someone else's credentials to get a job, identity theft is a crime figure out the illegal immigrant matter later, but right now she is a criminal that belong behind bars, like other mothers who have broken the law and is serving time, who is seperated from their children, she is no different, let her stay in the country, to serve her time for the crime she committed.

Mrs. Mitchell, your column is so disgusting that you seem to be racist instead of a journalist. Before you open your mouth though, you really need to brush up on Mexican-American history and learn our spanish language too because, I hate to burst your bubble, but Mexicans and all other Latinos/Hispanics are here to stay. You wrote that blacks should receive a "thank you for your sacrifices" and that "blacks paid their dues" What sacrifice is it that you made??? Those were your ancestors and not you or any other African-American here today. Why should we thank you for something that you didn't do, something that happened so many years ago? And about paying your dues, is that why most African-Americans on welfare? At least Mexican-Americans are here to work, not to get a free ride by using our past history as an excuse.

P.S. Blacks certainly didn't pave anything for us Mexican-Americans so your statement about "other groups enjoying the benefits purchased with black blood, sweat and tears" is RIDICULOUS!!!

dear ms. mitchel i think the reverse of what you think Arrellano is no rosa parks because arrellano is more important to me And us people i have no idea who rosa park is i have only herd of her here and i think your been racist and i am no longer buying sun-times on tusdays.

Mary,
Great note about this issue. It is hard to believe that she is attempting to capitalize on Rosa Parks for her own gain. What she fails to realize is that Rosa Parks had to break the law to correct what was wrong. There were no legal methods for her to right a social injustice. In Arellano’s case however, the situation was completely avoidable. She could of applied to become a U.S. citizen. She however, chose the easy route and came to the States illegally. If she were truly concerned about her child’s well-being and her own she would of applied to become a citizen. Sorry Ms. Arellano, get in line with all others waiting to get their citizenship – cutters will need to return to the end of the line.

All I have to say is that if you really believe that your ancestry history still pertains to you today, then you are free to go back to your country. You nor any other African-American today "were dragged against their will" therefore leave other immigrants that want to stay here alone.

Hey, I'm staying out of this debate.Hispanics are all upset, but I don't know hispanic history to use anyone hispanic as an example for heroes or villians.Sometimes things aren't taught. But anyway,Mary,everyone else is mad at black people so please don't alienate my compadres.Unlike black people hispanics find solidarity in immigrant issues.We(black people)can't always agree on all issues.But all hispanics agree on immigration issues. Even those born here a couple of generations ago.

Regarding Wednesdays issue, and the IM section, Beth wrote asking "how can she thank today's people for something that happened before she was born?" What about the Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korea, VietNam, and the numerous other conflicts the people of our country have sacrificed, to simply allow Beth to write what she just wrote in your column? What an incredibly insensitive statement to make. I would not have wanted to go through what people willingly sacrificed for our country, and continue to do. Our brothers and sisters are NOW fighting for another country, so their citizens can have what we have. Whether or not any of us agree with the war in the Middle East, we're there, and it'll be awhile. Be thankful that you can be OPENLY thankful if you want to be.... Is Arellano wrong? yes....does it really matter to anyone what race she is? no...She has people she needs to answer to, whether she is white, black or purple. I am sorry for her plight, but it seems the government is not responding well to what has been labeled a "crisis", illegal immigration. You know, the last WW1 veteran just passed away this past summer...did anyone thank him for his sacrifices in all these years? I am sure SOMEONE did, probably many times over. Be thankful Beth, whether you can talk to those that sacrificed or not.... This is America...

Well, I'm one of those American Citizen who's Social Seurity Number was used by some Illegal Alien. I'm one of those American citizen that the IRS made life miserable for 2 years, because someone decide to borrow my SSAN. I'm the one that at cost to me, had to track down this person and retrieve my identity back.
Now, here's a woman for what ever her reasons want to identify with Rosa Parks, Macolm X, and MLK.
Personally, she appears more of a Zapata Type, she come here takes what she wants, demand what she needs and blame the world for the misfortunes of her native land. Here's a News Flash: The U S Govt. has one primary duty and its to The American Citizens. Those who are illegal here, are just that simply ILLEGAL. This is not because the usage of "JIM CROW" type laws, which negated the rights and freedoms of other American Citizen. This lady and others like her are simply criminals and should be treated as so. The U S Immigration Dept, The U S Senate or any other U S govenmental agencies are not task with solving the social, economical woes of foreign governments. I got suspicious when I heard this lady took sanctuary in a Methodist church, history would have us believe this was something that only Catholics used in Medival Europe.

Dear Ms Mitchell as I continue to read your blog there are many people very angry especially Latinos I'm sure you expected that.I do feel for Arellano but if you believe in God you should have been living a truthful life.She has been hiding and faking her life here in America and she is not alone.I believe in God and in faith that if you are true to yourself and not live a life of lies and deceit God will listen and answer your prayer.Go back home Arellano,take your son with you and if you are meant to be here in America let God deal with you.He won't let you alone if you only believe.Make it right for your son to come to America the right and lawful way.Someone will help you especially now.

I think most of us agree with you, an are offended by her use of Rosa Parks, an any other black civil rights leader. I also agree that most of the people who benefit from our ancesters efforts in housing, employment, equality,(illegal or legal immigrants, or even some of our own children) don't appreciate what it took to get to this point. However, I think most of the historical changes, are made by people for personal gain, that happens to improve the lives of many others. If her approach, helps to change a policy that appears to unfairly target certain groups of people (Hati included), but openly accepts others (europe), then what she is doing is worth it, an should be supported. As a black person, I personally support her efforts, an admire her for taking a stand regardless of her reason. However, some of the comments posted concern me. It seems that her supporters are lashing out at blacks for being offended, without attempting to understand why. Some are critical of her breaking the law without questioning if the law is right (blacks did break "unjust laws" during the civil rights days). Some are making statements about blacks economic status without knowing the truth (more whites on welfare than blacks. Being poor isn't only a black problem). An while blacks may not be out in force in support, we are not the ones pushing the immigration issue, demanding that illegals be thrown out or the borders closed.

Illegals have no right to be here, period. when people lose in the law, they immediately invoke the "natural law" sometimes called "human rights". ITs really just opinion. There is no right to be here.

Parks was acting pursuant to the rights laid out in the constitution. Those rights articulated in teh bill of rights are accessible to CITIZENS. They are readable by citizens. Parks was a constitutional scholar by fire. And, the courts agreed with her.

will this illegal immigrant lady pay back all her back taxes? has she ever sent $ back to mexico and not paid the taxes?

the only answer, perhaps, is to over thorw mexico, make it our 51st state, and put their leaders on trial for corruption.

mexicans must stay home and make social change. Really, there is not enough room and resources for everyone.

Ms Mitchell I agree with you whole heartedly. I can empathize with Ms. Arellano's situation, but its a moot point. Like you stated in your column, she has broken numerous laws. She came to this country illegally, she obtained stolen social security numbers on more than one occasion, and this isn't the first time she has been deported. The problem I have is her supporters are talking about her rights. Let's call a spade a spade shall we. She is not an American citizen. In all technical terms she has no right under the American Constitution. Until she follow the correct process to obtain citizenship she will not be granted the same laws, priviledges, and civil liberties that American citizen are afforded. And that is as it should be.

Thank You so very much Ms. Mitchell from the bottom of my heart for speaking the truth on this illegal alien, Elvira Arellano. I am an American of ethnic backgroun Puerto Rican and Ms. Mitchell when I heard this woman comparing herself to Rosa Parks I almost