On Friday, May 1, approximately 70 students from both Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria high schools decided to cut school so they could protest America’s current stand on illegal immigration. All of the students held Mexican flags as they marched from Main Street to City Hall, where they finally congregated on the corner of Broadway and Cook. During the two hours they remained in front of City Hall, they shouted numerous insulting comments about America.
As a proud American and daughter whose father served during the Korean War, I find it highly offensive and disrespectful that these students would have the audacity to skip school so that they could demonstrate with Mexican flags. They no doubt learned from their parents it is OK to disrespect our country’s symbol of freedom, but where did they get the idea they could assemble during school hours when it is the taxpayer who is paying for their education? And where were the teachers and school principals?
Every student who participated in the march should be permanently expelled as it is painfully obvious not one of them values education. It is highly unlikely they will ever go on to higher education, hold down a well-paying job, or contribute to our society in a meaningful way. So, why not let these impertinent youths instead return to Mexico, the country they’re so proud of, so they can see how many opportunities await them there? These ingrates have no place in our society.
This article appears in May 14-21, 2009.