This week was the Oilman's Tennis Tournament at the Houston Racquet Club. As a board member I was invited to socialize amongst the elite and considered it a privilege to be included. In an effort to fit in I wore my cutest tennis outfit including a matching hat. There was probably a couple hundred people on site and during the two hours I was there I saw only one black couple. Although I dont drive a luxury vehicle and I didnt spend $300 plus dollars on my raquet I never felt out of place for second and because I looked the part I was enveloped into the mix.
Nevertheless I ended up leaving the event early despite that not enough of the city's richest oil executives saw me in my cutest outfit. unfortunately I received a call that my girlfriend's mother died and because of the approaching holiday I knew I couldn't make it to the funeral in Texarcana on Saturday, so I made the decision to visit with her in Arkansas today because she said she needed me.
So, what does this have to do with immigration? Please bear with me. I went home, map quested the directions (projected a 4 hour ride), rented a car and got on the road to Texarcana at about p on Thursday.
The ride was pleasant enough but an hour outside of Dallas I realize I took the long way, I should have taken 59 instead of 45. At midnight I was stopped by the police and I was still 88 miles from my destination. I thought I was being pulled over for speeding which was inevitable because I love to drive fast. As I was racing to pull over in front of a truck I noticed the officer to late as the road was very dark. When the officer approached my car he actually said that I was driving 51mph (go figure) and was cruising in the do not pass lane. Now this dude followed me for more than a mile before he pulled me over and I wasn't in the pass lane when he finally turned his lights on.
Nevertheless, he asked me to step out the car and wait on the side of the road. Tons of cars passed and slowed down as I felt I was being showcased for all to see. Before being stopped I actually was okay with getting a ticket for speeding because I was, but now I was trying very hard not to have an attitude because I felt he was not truthful. He went to his car and was gone for about 5minutes and returned with a litany of questions: Where was I going? Why was I driving so late? If I was coming from Houston why did I take the wrong way? What was joyce's mother cause of death ? And more. Every answer I provided prompted more questions (he actually didn't believe I was going to provide emotional support for one day to my girlfriend that lost her mother) and he returned to his car again, I thought this time to write the ticket.
Upon his return more questions ensued: had I ever been arrested? did I have anything illegal in the car, etc? He returned to his car again and by this time 30 minutes had past and I was starting to wonder what was really going on. He came back and asked me to search my car. Considering my options I said yes and before his search he did ask me if I understood why he had suspicions.
After hearing myself answer all his questions and remembering footage from all those crazy cop shows about police stops, I COULD actually appreciate his due diligence. Of course he searched the car thoroughly and came back without any findings.
Upon his return I actually thought he was going to ask me for my number because he came back with more questions regarding my trip that seemed more of a personal nature.. Finally he issued a warning and I was on my way.
The entire time, I had been on the phone which the officer made me leave in the car and of course his first accusation was racial profiling.
Immediately my incident made me think about the AZ legislation and in conclusion my experience strengthens my support of the illegal immigration bill. Except for the reason that I was pulled over, I believe the officers actions were justifiable.
There is a cost to civil liberties and I believe that as a citizen I have a personal responsibility to respect authority. I believe that had I not responded in a professional manner it is very likely this message would be far different
I am in no way implying that racial profiling is not real. However we should address pockets of violations for what they are and those in authority that operate outside the designed framework should be challenged. Personal responsibility includes being an active citizen, being proactive and being responsive..
I suggest as opposed to racial profiling being the issue, perhaps those in opposition of the new legislation should consider advocating for fair application of our laws.
AZ didn't just arrived at the legislation, the issues those communities are facing as a border state are real and the public's opinion tends to always be reactive. The people of Texas have an opportunity to revamp legislation that in fact, deals with a matter that is long over due to be addressed. I challenge the advocates to be a part of the solution, have a seat at the table and objectively participate in the conversations to produce realistic solutions that address the real issues.
Illegal immigrants are a drain on our already weak systems. I challenge decision makers to fish or cut bait. Border control, illegals, etc are issues that we need to face now.
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