Cities Boycotting States

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city of Los Angeles, California passed a resolution to stop business with Arizona until their new immigration law is repealed.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San Francisco, and Oakland, have passed similar resolutions encouraging a stop of trade with Arizona until the law is repealed.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.

Posted by H. Anderson and A. Witowski

Arizona limits ethnic studies in public schools

Arizona has passed a law that bans ethnic studies citing that the only students enrolled in certain ethnic classes were of the same ethnicity. For example, African-Americans took African-American studies and Asians took Asian Studies. It also passed on the claims that these classes “promote the resentment” of other racial groups. State Schools Superintendent Tom Horne supports the law, stating that "fundamental American value is that we are individuals" and "not exemplars of the race we happen to be born into. What's important is what we know, what we can do, what is our character." He gives examples of some “Raza studies” (hispanic studies) classes that were teaching kids that the United States is oppressive, they were making them angry. They used a Marxist book, the “Pedagogy of the Oppressed.” This new law forbids classes "designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group" that advocate the overthrow of the United States government or resentment toward a race or class of people.” It also forbids classes that "advocate ethnic solidarity" instead of treating students as individuals. Opponents of the law point out the fact that these classes are open to all students of all ethnic backgrounds. This law impedes on free speech and free press because these classes should be open for everyone. This is why we don’t support it because it limits the liberties of the first amendment and we think the classes should be available to everyone
Posted by: Travis Clayton, Sebastian Medina

Feds in Arizona Taking On More Drug Cases, but Also Rejecting More"

In the article (5/13/2010) on Foxnews, Arizona has seen a raise in federal drug prosecutions while the rest of the country has seen a fall. Arizona has seen a 202 percent jump in drug prosecutions since 2008. The rest of the country has seen a 17 percent drop. Federal prosecutors, who are struggling to handle a rapid rise in immigration cases along the Southwest border, turn down prosecutions in Arizona more than anywhere else in the country. This happens despite the increase in funding and staffing and looser restrictions on when they can help. Last year, federal prosecutors turned down 1,368 prosecutions. In 2008, only 603 prosecutions were rejected. Cases are commonly rejected due to a lack of prosecutorial or investigative resources. The report says, "The large number of drug cases being turned away suggests that there are serious stresses on some federal prosecutor offices... A likely major source for these strains is the powerful flood of immigrations that has washed over the region."

"In reality, we are taking more drug cases than ever before, and working in partnership with state and local agencies to make progress," spokesman Wyn Hornbuckle told FoxNews.com. Part of the reason for this increase is the drop on the requirement of only handling cases where a bust resulted in 500 pounds or more of confiscated contraband. Many local officials are glad to see federal prosecutors taking more federally-related cases now. "We're pleased that the federal prosecutor's office is able to handle all the federally related cases now," she said. But she added that the policy shift has not resulted in a lighter workload for the state. "Our office budget due to the state of the economy has been slashed," she said. "And we have a very difficult time keeping up with the workload."

This article reaffirms my belief that Arizona does have authority to pass immigration laws in their state. Arizona has a lot of work to do just in the area of drug trade. Passing more immigration laws may be a way for Arizona to start getting a grasp on their new and growing problems. Arizona is an exception in the nation in terms of immigration so one law for the whole nation may not suit Arizona. If state laws are a faster solution for their problems, then I believe they are not crossing the divide between state and federal government.

Photo credit: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/05/11/strain-arizonas-legal/

By SHatcher and LAmbrose