“Immigrants
Dear Editor:
I’m pretty mad with the new decisions of the Repub-licans. I think that what they want to do is pretty STUPID! It sounds like the Republicans want all Mexicans—whether we are illegal or not—to go back to Mexico. I feel the reason why they want us to go back to Mexico is because they don’t want us to benefit like other Americans. They’d rather have us paying high taxes, living on the street, selling oranges and driving an old charchina (beat-up car).
I think it is time for them to stop pointing their fingers at us and give us some respect. They say we come to California to live off welfare or food stamps but that’s not true. We come to work hard to earn a better living for ourselves and our families. We are Mexicans and darn proud of it!
—Diana Gomez, 13, La Merced Intermed. Jr. High
Dear Editor,
I read “Is there liberty and justice for all?’ by Dinah Perez from the May-June 96 edition of LA Youth and believe that some of the opinions stated in the article are very biased.
In her article the author says that her people come to find better jobs and to live the American Dream, but they arrive here and are made to sell oranges or pick fruit. But the truth is many Mexicans that come over the border are uneducated and with few skills so basically these are the only jobs they can find.
Also, the immigrants that were beaten last April were not beaten just because they are Mexicans that were trying find better opportunities; they were beaten because they broke the law, resisted authorities and put innocent lives in danger. If you are going to live in America, then you must obey the American laws and take responsibility for your crimes.
—Jamie Boyle, Chatsworth High School
Dear Editor,
I found the article “Is there liberty and justice for all?” by Dinah Perez in the May-June issue of LA Youth extremely disturbing.
I felt that the writer’s opinion was one-sided. She didn’t seem to understand that when someone breaks the law at some time or another they will pay for their crime.
I tried to consider her feelings but it didn’t change my mind. I could not stop thinking about other people sucking the society of badly needed money, housing, and medicine.
Over all, I could understand her concern for her people, but I don’t think there is any “liberty and justice” for people who cross the border illegally.
—Kelsie Kelly, Chatsworth High School
Dear Editor,
Your article “Is there liberty and justice for all?” was great. What happened in April to the poor people who were brutally abused was not right. The Riverside Sheriffs were wrong. They should go to jail for what they did. I can’t believe that they would beat up a woman.
Mexicans come to this country to look for a better life, to forget about their past and to work their hardest.
—Eduardo Bibian, Locke High School
Dear Editor,
Your article “Is there liberty and justice for all?” was great. I am Latina and many at Locke High are too. I can’t explain why people go to jail when they beat up dogs or cats but the police don’t go to jail when they beat up immigrants.
—Maritza Moreno, Locke High School
Dear Editor,
Your article “I’m glad I didn’t have to tell my mom about my pregnancy” was great because it showed me that life is not easy. This young lady had to make a big decision and an abortion is not easy. This helped me realize that sex is not a game. I hope it can help others too.
—Norma Trujillo, Locke High School
Dear Editor,
I am sorry to say that I am very disappointed with your articles on abortion. It seems to me you are promoting teen abortion. Why aren’t other options like adoption or even keeping your baby mentioned?
At the age of 16 I found out I was pregnant and I chose to keep my baby. My little girl was born with multi-disabilities. Even had I known this while pregnant, I still would have chosen to keep my baby. I was out of school and very behind. I studied at home and later on went back to school in a program for teen mothers that had child care in the next room.
At the age of 18 I had a second child from the same father. I was scared to death. I went through with the pregnancy and now I have a healthy eight-month baby boy. I love both my children dearly. I admit I lost part of my life, but I gained something precious. I don’t suggest for teens to get pregnant on purpose.
Now at the age of 19, I am married to the father of my children and I’m still in home studies and plan to begin college soon.
—Christina Marquez
Editor’s Note: LA Youth will publish a special section on abortion and other options in our November-December issue.
Dear Editor,
Your article “She was a lot older” was great because this guy was ashamed about having sex with an older woman because he didn’t really know her. Now he has a girlfriend and his relationship is based on love not sex. All relationships should be like this.
—Benjamin Lopez, Locke High School”