[Winona Online Democracy] Thanks to all who have responded to Ms. Giebel's letter. I appreciate Vicki's taking time to describe some of the history behind why the Hmong are here in the US. I hope that this will clarify for Ms. Giebel what's behind the Mayor's hospitality.
I do think that it's important to understand the anger of Ms. Giebel and others who may feel like they are competing for already scarce resources and working multiple low-paying jobs to make ends meet. What they fail to see is that it is just how the priveleged few at the top of the wealth "food chain" need them to be--competing with each other and out of their affluent pocketbooks. I watched a film, _The Gangs of New York_, the other night and thought how little has changed in 150 years--then it was the poor English second generation folks competing with the more recent Irish immigrants. Now it's poor whites competing with Latino immigrants and SE Asian and Somali refugees. It makes sense to me that a city like St. Paul with it's strong Irish identity would welcome these newcomers and advocate for them. I agree with Vicki that this is what "no new taxes" looks like and I think that OUR government must not only fulfill promises made to the Hmong in Laos 30 years ago, but the promises made to the Native Americans in the treaties that were signed even longer ago, but not by balancing the budget on the backs of our children, elders, and disabled citizens. I'm glad that Ms. Geibel is angry and I hope that she will use that anger to demand that our politicians start looking out for the interests of our working poor and middle class citizens who are the ones being hurt most by the deficits and spending cuts. It's moments like this that I miss Paul Wellstone the most! Kathy Seifert _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
