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.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteBeing in America from Jamaica, I have to say there are things I disagree with b/c it's the "double edged sword" type situations. As far as civil liberties having a cost, I agree. However, the payment provided are people's fears to implement systems that are also a threat to our liberties. Look at all the extra fees you have to pay to fly on an airplane now due to racial profiling.
Take either one of us (meaning you & I) b/c of our backgrounds & we can be considered illegal if we don't have proper documentation. I used to work at IKEA & heard stories from co-workers who came from European countries who had been here for years or several months & their visas ran out months ago w/ no penalties. The government NEVER raided the store for the Europeans, but rounded up "illegal" Mexican people. Is that fair? People of color are the ones they will target, consider undesirables & want to deport.
From a historical point, Texas, "New Mexico"(Why do you think it's named that?), Arizona & California are all part of what used to be Mexico. Stolen land. So you can take my land from me, put a gate around it, tell me to stay away, then when I hop over a gate, YOU are calling ME a trespasser? The nerve of people to want to fight about it & take some sort of action b/c they are feeling like they are trespassed against. This is sending the same message that if you have a home, comfortable, then suddenly someone breaks in, kicks you out the home that YOU purchased & starts living in it. So you get mad & want to kick them out, but they call police & say that you have no right to be on their property when it's rightfully yours.
America/United States is the world's biggest hypocrite. You going to another state in this same country to see about a friend, then being pulled over & questioned as if you're a criminal is justified? What was his just cause for pulling you over then WANTING to search? If you weren't speeding, there was no violation. And for them to follow you for more than a mile THEN pull you over is harassment along w/ the fact that he asked all those questions & to even get personal. An officer has a certain distance they can travel when about to pull anyone over. Anything past that is harassment. The same as extra charges being added to a violation if you don't stop for an officer in a timely manner. It's ok to respect authority, but many abuse the privilege. You can actually deny a search from an officer. The same as them having to obtain a search warrant to search your home or business through JUST/JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE if they suspect you of doing something illegal & have to have documentation or proof, your car is an extension of your home. Even if a car is rented, you have made a legal contract w/ the rental company & the same rules apply w/ renting an apartment. I personally would have handled the situation differently, filed a complaint & followed through to make sure things would actually change.
Voting is simply a check mark to choose a person to hold an office. Look at how many hold these offices that lie & not do anything they "promise" to do. Now, take into consideration the number of people who sit back & complain, yet don't hold these politicians accountable for what they say they will do. Too many of us are raised to be quiet, not speak out & also keep going on about letting God handle things. As the saying goes, "faith without works is dead". The same can be said about those who pray for a job to come along for them, but won't get up & go fill out an application. God gives us the sense, senses & capabilities to do what is needed, as well as resources provided to get anything we need. I've always learned from my grandmother that if you take one step to make a difference, God will take two for you. "Acton speaks louder than words."
BLESS!