An interesting, albeit one-sided, look at economic discrimination. If the research, unlike the article, included an examination of the affect of documented and undocumented Latinos, Ladinos and Hispanics on Minnesota’s economy (but more specifically Minneapolis) what is the impact of these workers on the economic opportunities for African Americans? If not, yet another example of the institutional racism that exist towards this large and growing segment of our population.
In September 2000, the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs Office (CURA) released the Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) study on such impacts. They contend Minnesota sees a 1.5 to 3.8 billion dollar benefit from the work of undocumented workers. This impact is driven by the need of these workers for services, homes, education and housing. HACER’s report asserts that undocumented workers do not take jobs away from Minnesotans, but create new position to support and sustain the influx of new workers. The Minnesotans for Sustainability group contend differently. Dell Erickson’s position paper in November of 2000 highlights a 1997 study by the National Academy of Scientist (NAS). This study states economies do not need any immigration, documented or not, to be sustainable. A drive down Lake Street would seem otherwise. Both studies are interesting, but may not accurately reflect what is really happening on the “street”. Latino’s fix our cars, repair our roofs, cook our meals, and clean our hotel rooms; yet for many are an “invisible” but necessary portion of our economy and neighborhoods. One wonders if this segment of the population was as political active as the Hmong peoples in St. Paul, what would the configuration, and indeed complexion, of the Minneapolis City Council and/or City’s state representatives look like. Meyer’s article generalized the sense of hopelessness and economic discrimination to only one group of people. Is the same true for Latino’s or other non-white groups? If action was taken on the basis of the article would it not have a divisive effect, ignoring one group over another? Thoughts to ponder. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
