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Marches and Demonstrations Do Work,
For a Variety of (Good and Bad) Reasons...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 3:09 PM
Estimado Eduardo,
I applaud your commentary which raises legitimate questions about the value of public
demonstrations and marches.
Be assured that during the planning of the March and April 2006 marches much serious thought
was given to the inherent risks and vulnerabilities especially for the undocumented folks being
asked to participate in those public events. Needless to say, there were some colleagues
among us who didn't quite see things as clearly then.
Despite questions raised about those events, I submit that those demonstrations pulled back
the curtain on the abusive immigration system and is now forcing our country to come to grips
with our nation's exploitive immigration policies. While some may decry the backlash, I believe
the pro and con reactions to the marches have helped promote a long-delayed dialogue and
are finally helping to stir the moral conscience of Arizona and the nation.
In the immediate aftermath of those 2006 marches we saw defeat of legislation containing the
horrendous Sensenbrenner congressional proposal that would have criminalized the most basic
of humanitarian aid to the undocumented. Moreover, the pulled-back curtain has brought the
light of day to the abusive extent to which a nervous majority will exercise authority in order to
hold back the tide of humanitarian justice that is unfolding in spurts of enlightenment.
As one who has exposed himself to the ridicule and threatening acts of the comfortable critics
of humanitarian actions, I choose to march as an expression of solidarity with the vulnerable
members of our community. I'll be there on Saturday, January 16.
Thank you for being part of the necessary dialogue.
Adelante y Unidos,
Roberto Reveles