Mexicans
By Doug Bower, Fri Dec 9th

From time to time, I take time away from my book writing dutiesand my regular column writing to address the concerns andcomments from readers.

I get it all. I get some thoughtful, linearly constructedarguments and then I get the circularly argued ones that make myhead spin just trying to figure out where they are coming fromand what exactly they are trying to say.

But I like them all (readers are who keep me syndicated in morethan 21 publications), I try to learn from most, and take sometime, on occasion, to try to answer them. Trying to answer themusually ends with my doing what good writers do—check, recheck,and then double check the sources the readers claim prove theirpoints. I do investigative reporting!

So here goes, ready or not, hold on, and let's see what we haveto discuss today.

Reader Comment One: "… and more terrifying are the thousands ofcases of TB and hepatitis they (migrant Mexican workers) spreadinto Los Angeles."

I contacted the Center for Disease Control and spoke withJessica Frickey, Health Communications Specialist. Ms. Frickeysaid this:

"I am attaching CDC’s most recent fact sheet on 2004 TBsurveillance data. You will see that while TB was at an all timelow in 2004, progress to eliminate the disease may be slowing.

As far as your specific question about illegal immigrantscausing a rise in TB, CDC’s data shows that foreign-bornindividuals – whether illegal immigrants or legal immigrants –accounted for more than half of TB cases reported in 2004.Overall, racial and ethnic minorities also face higher rates ofdisease than white Americans, with both Hispanics and Blacks ata rate that is 8 times higher than whites and Asians 20 timeshigher than whites.

Despite these numbers, CDC does not have data to show thatforeign-born individuals have caused an increase in TB in recentyears."

What I find so interesting is that this reader's comment,

"…the thousands of cases of TB and hepatitis they (migrantMexican workers) spread into Los Angeles.",

was spouted with absolutely NO stats to support the supposition.His figure, "thousands of cases", when the REALITY is that inthe year 2004 was at an all time low. I wonder

just where thisreader got his facts. And do not miss the fact of what Ms.Frickey pointed out:

"As far as your specific question about illegal immigrantscausing a rise in TB, CDC’s data shows that foreign-bornindividuals – whether illegal immigrants or legal immigrants –accounted for more than half of TB cases reported in 2004."

The rate of TB among Asians was the highest group. Does thismean that this reader and his Minuteman-like comrades will begoing after the Asians next and then all foreign-born peoplewhether illegal or legal?

Does it not beg the question?

Why, do you think, and I have most certainly wondered, do peoplewho so vehemently oppose a racial or cultural group resort tomaking such sweeping generalizations without much substance toback their positions?

I've decided to do a series of columns on this very issue withspecific application to the Mexican Migrant worker problem. Andyes, believe it or not, I think it is a problem that has to besolved. However, having said that, I do not think it is theproblem the Minuteman-like minions would have you believe it tobe. I think they have different motives, which I hope to provein my series in the coming weeks.

Until then, let me suggest something at this juncture for yourkind consideration. The reason Americans, no matter the issue,and especially with regard to people of different race andculture (and politics for that matter) will resort to suchemotive blustering and grandiose exaggerations such as,

"Just look what all those thousands of disease-ridden illegalMexicans are spreading all over our country."

is that Americans, at least in my view (remember this is anOpinion-Editorial piece—so don't get all twisted into a knot),is that Americans have very poorly defined "Phony-Boloney"detectors--More on that to come!

Meanwhile, get your printer cartridges filled, get a notebookand pen, you will want to print and take notes and cherish whatI am going to say for decades to come (I just made up that lastpart so I could say something witty to end this serious pieceand make my editorial word count.).

About the author:Doug Bower is a freelance writer, Syndicated Columnist, and bookauthor. His newest book Mexican Living: Blogging it from a ThirdWorld Country can now be seen athttp://www.lulu.com/content/126241