Monday, Nov. 27, 2006 | Where is the Thanksgiving spirit? Hate and fear rule the roost. Fanned by a jingoistic media and a mayor who thinks the Minutemen have the answers to immigration policies, San Diego once again lives up to its reputation as a reactionary backwater.
It is truly shocking to hear the hateful response to farm workers who are forced to live unprotected in the woods in North County shantytowns. Why are employers and the county not providing housing for farm workers? How can affluent communities not find even the basic resources to house men who provide an essential service to the people in San Diego?
The arrogant indifference to these hard working men is shocking. A sympathetic ear would be more useful. Has anyone ever listened to their stories? Residents complain about the unwashed masses. How neat, clean and friendly would you remain after months of being harassed and treated as a criminal, doing backbreaking labor with no housing, showers, healthcare, cooking or any other daily necessities?
This state of affairs must not continue. Winter is here. It’s time for the cities and county of San Diego to pass legislation to protect the workers and demand that proper living facilities be provided. We need to repudiate this inhumane and evil state of affairs. Now!