In the article, “L.A. To Boycott Arizona Over Immigration Law,” the city of Los Angeles, California passed a resolution to stop business with Arizona until their new immigration law is repealed. L.A. currently does about $52 million of business with the state in various industries. According to the article, only about $8 million of the trade could be reasonably stopped. L.A. depends on Arizona for wind and nuclear energy, which would be maintained. Taser service and waste management trade between the city and state would be most likely to be ended. US Airways, who has a hub in Arizona and sends many flights to Los Angeles, would most likely not stop business. Several other cities in California, including San Diego, San Francisco, and Oakland, have passed similar resolutions encouraging a stop of trade with Arizona until the law is repealed. Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona responded by saying "I find it really interesting that we have people out there that are attempting a boycott in favor of illegal actions in Arizona. That to me is just unbelievable."
This brings another aspect whereby the US Congress could become involved in the debate about the Arizona law. One of Congress’ rights is to regulate interstate commerce, and since this law is indirectly affecting that, Congress may feel the need and the right to become involved with this state and local level policy making.
Alexa: I think that it is ridiculous that these cities are cutting off trade with Arizona. Just because you do not agree with someone’s policy does not mean that you have to stop doing business with them, but on the other hand, I suppose that you have the right not to do business with whomever you want. Fundamentally, the law brings up an interesting perspective on racial profiling, which could or could not be considered unconstitutional. The real issue I see in this is that California desperately needs to solve its budget deficit, and these cities are acting emotionally and cutting off good trade, instead they should think more about what is best to solve their state’s problems instead of trying to indirectly influence another state’s controversial issues.
Helen: Ideological issues aside, I think that it is probably not wise for California to start cutting ties with an important trading partner. However, the claim that “people out there are attempting a boycott in favor of illegal actions in Arizona” is extremely skewed. Just because Los Angeles dislikes Arizona’s current practices doesn’t mean that it is encouraging Arizona to move towards illegal ones.
This brings another aspect whereby the US Congress could become involved in the debate about the Arizona law. One of Congress’ rights is to regulate interstate commerce, and since this law is indirectly affecting that, Congress may feel the need and the right to become involved with this state and local level policy making.
Alexa: I think that it is ridiculous that these cities are cutting off trade with Arizona. Just because you do not agree with someone’s policy does not mean that you have to stop doing business with them, but on the other hand, I suppose that you have the right not to do business with whomever you want. Fundamentally, the law brings up an interesting perspective on racial profiling, which could or could not be considered unconstitutional. The real issue I see in this is that California desperately needs to solve its budget deficit, and these cities are acting emotionally and cutting off good trade, instead they should think more about what is best to solve their state’s problems instead of trying to indirectly influence another state’s controversial issues.
Helen: Ideological issues aside, I think that it is probably not wise for California to start cutting ties with an important trading partner. However, the claim that “people out there are attempting a boycott in favor of illegal actions in Arizona” is extremely skewed. Just because Los Angeles dislikes Arizona’s current practices doesn’t mean that it is encouraging Arizona to move towards illegal ones.
Posted by H. Anderson and A. Witowski
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