Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is confusing? This is America! What does this have to do with America? Next they'll be wanting America to celebrate all the former British colonies getting freed from Britain, and on and on it goes! I understand the idea of history and learning other cultures around the world, but this one???? With hundreds of countires represented in America and one getting singled out for a holiday that has absolutely to do with America or American history? .......

Posted by FriarTuck (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What do you mean "this one"?
There are millions of Mexican Americans, as in legit citizens mind you. So what if they celebrate their heritage?
I usually agree with you purpleheart, but you're starting to sound like a bigot.
Riverland celebrates many multicultural holidays, because its a highly diversified school. There's no "singling out" going on here.

Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for suggesting that I am a bigot. You didn't read what I said or you wouldn't be making such a statement. What didn't you understand about me stating I understand the idea of history and learning other peoples culture.... Let me ask you a question. Do you think natives from any other country stop what they are doing to celebrate the 4th of July or that we go around celebrating our freedom in other countries? It's an American celebration for Americans. I have reached out to people of all races, colors and creeds all my life! If anyone wants to celebrate their freedom, fine! Do it in their home country where it means something. You missed the whole point! Have a nice day anyway friar!! :)

Posted by formeraustinian (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are many cultural heritage events that take place throughout the Country and have for many, many years. Look at how St Patrick's Day is celebrated. Just because these people are Mexican and in the US does not mean that they cannot honor their traditions. THAT'S WHAT AMERICA IS ALL ABOUT - purpleheart!! And I agree with FriarTuck, you are sounding just a little biased here. Just because the hispanic people are newer citizens (and yes contrary to some posters here, we do have legal hispanic citizens living and working in Austin) does not mean they cannot bring their traditions with them. Purple, you're just lumping all hispanics into one big pot that you don't like. Do you really believe your ancestors came to this Country and did not bring their traditions with them? We are a melting pot of people from all Countries. Get over the idea that America is the best and greatest - it's not!! We need to start embracing our differences and stop thinking that everyone in the world needs to change to be just like us!

Posted by myke_hawk (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what are you so worked up about purpleheart? you said, what does this have to do with America, but the fact is every holiday and celebration we have has come from a patchwork of cultures, and that's what america is about so it kind of has EVERYTHING to do with America. These folks were sharing a peak of what their tradition is about, which is what the Irish did by showing us how they celebrate St. Pattys, the Celts started Halloween, Valentine's Day came from Roman pagans, and all of these have become key mainstream holidays that came from everywhere BUT America. America has never been picky-choosey on who gets to display their cultural holidays and what is or isn't about America itself bc most holidays actually arent. And The Friar did not suggest you ARE a bigot, The Friar even said he usually agrees with you, but this particular comment does seems a little unwarranted.

Posted by destinydickson (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd like to give a shout-out to Myke Hawk!

Posted by NotFromHere (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.austindailyherald.com/news/20...

Checked on the comments from the Norwegian's making lefse story a few weeks ago and did not see a Purpleheart comment.

Sure making lefse is not the same as celebrating another countrys independence but it is simply a heritage issue. For people who come from Mexico that has meaning and Norwegians have held on to lutefisk for decades even though it tastes awful. People in Texas still remember the Alamo, folks in Johnstown PA still talk about the flood and people in Austin still know what p-9 means even though it has no relevance to American culture today. One might ask why you still claim to the moniker Purpleheart...or is there actually value in holding on to meaningful parts of your past?

Posted by Texas25 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VIVA MEXICO Y SU RAZA

Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When I used to live in Austin I went to the migrant camps almost every weekend to reach out to them. When one of the migrants had a car flip over and couldn't work my family and I took them in and fed them, cared for them and helped get them back on their feet. I ministered to the Spanish people for years. I had an annual celebration for them in Todd Park with music, food, and we gave them clothing. Now go ahead and tar a feather me you who wish. What have any of you ever done for them? You tell me before you ignorantly bash me because I don't think we should celebrate another countries independence in America. I served in three branches of the military to help other people gain their freedom. Go ahead and tar and feather me for asking a question. I fought for your right to your opinion as well. I won't stoop to that low level and start judging you and insinuating you are whatever. YOU ALL HAVE A NICE DAY! :)

Posted by formeraustinian (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you purple for the explanation, but it's in direct contrast to your first statement. So then I ask, why are you so anti-hispanic now? If you're familiar with migrant workers and the quality of life that leads them to leave their home country and travel to the US, why are you not more sympathetic to their cause? It has to be incredibly difficult to try to exist in a Country where you weren't born/raised. I imagine it's not very pleasant to live where you can't be understood or understand the language. And all because they want to better themselves and in some cases keep from losing their family members due to starvation and filth. Remember the Golden Rule; Love One Another. It's the only way we will survive in this nasty world!

Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not anti-hispanic! I am anti-illegal alien, though since you are going in this direction. I have posted on many blogs and have stated over and over again - I am for anyone who comes here the right way no matter what their race, color, creed or backgroud is. Just come here the right way - by obeying the laws of our land and being accountable. Funny how people like you just don't get it. How about you former Austinian - what have you done for any minority? I have been working with minorities almost my whole adult life and am doing so at present. Some of you posters blow me away with your BIASED statements towards me. I find that very funny and troubling at the same time!

Posted by destinydickson (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Purpleheart - I don't think your anti-hispanic at all, obviously from all of your reaching out and help you've given to other people regardless of who or what they are. I agree with you that people here illegally are not welcome. i understand that you do not agree with picking out each and every single country's freedom being celebrated when we are here in America, but not everyone was born and raised here and it's still a strong part of their culture to celebrate that. No one is plucking your feathers, we all just misunderstood what you were saying. Let me get this right - you're saying america's freedom is the most important thing to celebrate bc this is the country we live in and celebrating other coutnries' freedoms is insignificant, and NOT that you disagree with Hispanics in particular celebrating their country's freedom... is that more on target?

Posted by destinydickson (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And you have my utmost respect for your dedication and service to this country.

Posted by NotFromHere (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Purple -

If you are not anti-hispaninc and anti-illegal alien why do you post a negative post about hispanic cultural celebrations? Again you didn't seem to have a problem with norwegian heritage? No mention of illegal aliens in the story or in your post just you upset about people celebrating their culture (not forcing it upon anyone else). Since in the last two weeks the Herald has printed a story on two separate cultural events I don't think you could argue that they have an agenda.

Working with minorities does not prevent you from being a bigot, taking them in and clothing them does not prevent you from it either. Making judgments based on race or ethnicity and not the merits of a situation or person makes you a bigot. Here we have a perfectly innocent human interest story and you claim that is an affront to what you perceive to be "America". Based on your other illegal immigrant postings it is quite simple to link the two thoughts - hispanic culture celebration and illegal immigration. You may not be a bigot, but you do not work very hard to project any other image.

Food for thought.

Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly Destiny! Thank you! Communication is an art. I have lived my whole life trying to help others no matter who they are and still do. Sadly, though, in today's world no matter what your heart or intentions are: some folks will always read you wrong anyhow. (oh-well) Have a great evening Destiny! :)

Posted by formeraustinian (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Purple - my contribution is to embrace those cultures I encounter on a daily basis and try to make them feel as comfortable as possible; whether they speak english or not. My employment puts me in touch with minorities on a daily basis, and not just hispanics. And yes, I do think you are biased, especially now, considering your claim to be working with minorities. I would have thought you would have a more objective viewpoint; regardless if the individual is legal or illegal. They're still human beings needing compassion for their plight. Maybe your job has burned you out and you need to find another line of work. Most of the people I know that deal with minority issues have a lot more compassion than you've expressed here.

Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just wondering but when is anything Norwegian celebrated in our schools?

Posted by formeraustinian (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Leftys - colleges do this all the time. It's to expand the students knowledge of their world. Note: It was the diversity instructor that organized the event. This is something that will help our children build a better world where we can all get along. If you notice the kids, they don't seem to have the problems the older people have in accepting the differences in people. We need to take a lesson from them. I've seen native american celebrations, norweigian celebs, jewish celebs, african celebs etc. Again, embrace the difference. It's amazing, you'll find no one is really that different from you.

Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Former - I consider it a small thing to be judged by you. Another thing, you talk about compassion? You have a funny way of showing it. As far as accepting illegals? If you had cancer in your body would you a) do something about it or b) just accept it? Unbiased? You are too funny!! I have literally hundreds of minorities I work with and am around every day. If you even tried to indicate I don't have compassion or was biased they'd laugh in your face. Ignorance is bliss to you - no doubt!!

Posted by hj (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

okay.. if this is a big celebration in mexico... keep it there.... we dont celebrate all other countries and their events... there is NO reason to celebrate this one!!! There are pictures, movies and text books that talk about other cultures and their events that should be good enough!!

Posted by nomoredrama (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so purpleheart you say that you help minorities every day but are against illegals. Have you ever stop to think that maybe some of them do not know how to become legal? Maybe in your good deeds of helping, you could help those in need of becoming legal. as far as the other comments by others directed toward you about being a bigot you along with many others on here are the first ones to jump at the chance to leave a comment about ANY article having to do with hispanics, even if the ariticle says nothing of them being illegal. A holiday is a holiday no matter who is celebrating, if thats what they believe in let them celebrate they are not hurting you. and an illness and citizenship should not be compared at all. People die from cancer every day, wether you do something about it or not.

Posted by chiodos (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whew this board is heated up

Posted by alexsmom (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why why! you people get a kick out of making comments
about mexicans. Illegal or legal there here,get over it!

Posted by chiodos (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And btw if someone doesn't know how to "become legal" they probably shouldn't be illegal here in the first place.

Posted by purpleheart1 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Alexsmom
How much money do you think our legal -tax paying- law abiding citizens are having to pay for schools, hospital care, food stamps, police, jails lawyers etc. all across the country for people who came across our borders illegally? Do you want Alex to live in a country with more and more illegals coming here every day? If they don't obey the laws of the land to get here in the first place what makes you think they will obey any other laws? Look at the police report almost as far back as you want and see who is doing the vast majority of the crimes? Acting like everything is honkey-dorey when this nation is in such chaos and telling people to "get over it?" What is that? Bad things happen when good people do nothing! Laws are made to have a civil and safe society, when people don't abide by the law - no matter what background they have - they have to answer to the law. If you do the crime - you do the time! Is that being racist? Common!!!!! You'd think some of these posters are O.K. no matter what anyone does. That is ridiculous!!

Posted by alexsmom (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

can anyone stop them from coming,
The democrats will-in time make them
legal citizens. The stupid taxpayers
are the only ones that don't want them.

Posted by nomoredrama (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Purpleheart: I'm not trying to rag on you, but honestly have you looked at the police reports in austin. I know for a fact back in 2005 your statment about a vast majority of crimes being commited by these people, is completly false. For I did a paper and study on just that and I was surprised myself that more crimes in Austin alone were commited by the white race.

Posted by chiodos (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We want to stop the ones +sneaking into our country illegally+..nothing to do with stopping all of it.

Posted by MrBojangles (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How about Swissfest in Berne, Minnesota? http://www.swissfest.org. Hopefully no one will be offended by that festival.

Posted by nomoredrama (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

some people must migrate out of survival. It's an age old tactic of self preservation.Just like the people that came here and wiped out natives on the east coast and MEXICANS who resided on basically the entire west coast. SO, if you want to talk semantics go for it. The comments posted by any individuals of" illegals", only forshadow their inherited sense of manifest destiny...Oh, and for those that faught in wars protecting OUR freedom, how many were mexican or black or even asian? every generation in my family has fought ,too. so that's no excuse....why don't we fix the root problems that lead to migration first, before we put our two cents in about something that's one sided per se

Posted by sportsguy (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

case in point to nomoredramas' last comment. I am hispanic and my grandfather was in the 101st airborn division in WWII. So he just like you purple, fought for us to have the lives and freedoms that we have today. So anyone who puts an illegal tag on all hispanics can kiss my ass. I am American to the bone. And wouldn't have it any other way. But, as i have stated on here before, i am against illegal immigration and hope that some day we can find a way to get people to properly come over legal, but am not naive enough to believe it will happen. By the way, Thank you purple for your service to our country.

Posted by clari_08_08 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I LOVE THESE COMMENTS the debate here is really good!

I can say Im proud of those who are standing up for what is right and pointing out certain things such as those who need to put a negative comment on every hispanic related article.

Even though i dont agree with the things PURPLEHEART says I just want to say THANK YOU for fighting for our country. But by your experiences i would have figured you wouldnt be so close-minded. As you say goodnight to you!

also i just want to say that i was reading an article from feb of 2009 which stated that hispanics make up 40% of the crime rate BUT half of those crimes are illegal immigration crimes my opinion i would rather be an illegal immigrant who is a hard worker than a meth lab creator, murderer, rapist, etc

Posted by cortez_17 (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all i want to say is that purpleheart can think what ever it is he wants but i want him to remember on the 4 july we celebrate our independce day from britian and most mexicans(both legal and illegal) and other races that our here stop what they are doing and do celebrate with us and so before he saids anything he needs to stop and think and then check his facts. and if he fought for this country he should understand better then anyone what this country stands for and thats freedom

Posted by jada0611 (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

im not much of a dancer(to be quite honest im not good at it) but it looks like fun.

Posted by cordless_link (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When in Rome, do as the Roman's do. When in the the United States do as the Americans do. You want to celebrate Mexican holiday's, then go to Mexico and party all ya want.

Posted by invanow (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

purpleheart, I read your question: "Let me ask you a question. Do you think natives from any other country stop what they are doing to celebrate the 4th of July or that we go around celebrating our freedom in other countries?"

I can answer your question, YES and YES. I can give many examples but here is one. Brussels Belgium, every year the Army community there along with the US Embassy celebrate the 4th of July with a community festival including fireworks. Because of the location we even had to request the cooperation of the international airport. They shut down the approach lanes to prevent airliners from using that approach corridor long enough for us to shoot off the fireworks. Oh, and several Belgians attended the event too.

I have celebrated American holidays in many places around the world. I even celebrated Thanksgiving in Paris one year including a full size turkey. Would you like Freedom Fries with that?

hj, look at a calendar. Usually you will see things like Cinco De Mayo and Boxer Day, holidays from Mexico and Canada. Yes, there are other people that celebrate and observe these days irregardless of the fact that you don't or don't want to.

sportsguy, cortez_17, I agree with you guys, freedom is inclusive not selective.

Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Freedom Fries! hahahaha. Man that was the dumbest thing ever when that was made up.

Posted by formeraustinian (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Purple - Just because you work with and around hundred's of minorities every day does not mean you have compassion for them or their situation. The compassion I speak of means you care about what happens to that person or culture - period! It does not mean that you are only compassionate to those that fit into your parameters. I could care what you think of me. I wouldn't want to be associated with anyone that thinks a person, regardless of where they live or come from, should let their family die or starve instead of trying to do something to better the problem. For some hispanics their only choice is to break the law. Put yourself in their place, what would you do? Stay put and let your wife or son die?!?! Have you ever investigated what some go thru to get here? Have you ever done anything to try to change the situation? My guess is NO YOU HAVEN"T. All you've done is bitch about the illegals and how they should go home and how you fought in the big one! For God's sake man, HAVE SOME COMPASSIONI!!!

Posted by chiodos (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is how I think about it. You have a party with all your friends from austin. Some austin friends invite some lyle friends who you don't know. The party is getting out of hand a little. Then people who none of your austin friends or you know show up in groups and the place is over crowded and getting too wild. Are you a bad party host for asking those people who weren't suppose to be there to leave??

I know we are talking about something more serious but thats the only description without sounding too offensive. heh.

Posted by M1985 (anonymous) on September 17, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

purpleheart1...When you refer to America do you refer to United States or America.for all i know in school they teach you america is from the United States to the south america.I know you dont like the hispanics who come in not the right way but my uncle didnt come in the right way and he is serving in the army right Now. funny how they dont send him home dont you think

Posted by clari_08_08 (anonymous) on September 19, 2009 at 2:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

YEA I HAVE HEARD OF THAT TOO....WHERE MEXICANS WHO CAME HERE ILLEGALY ARE FIGHTING IN THE WAR PRETTY CRAZY HUH

MY DAD CAME HERE 2X ILLEGALY BEFORE HE WAS GIVEN HIS 'GREEN CARD' I BELIEVE (HE IS DECEASED) HE ALWAYS WANTED ME TO JOIN THE ARMY AND HELP FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY, GO TO SCHOOL, AND HAVE A CAREER. I NEVER JOINED THE ARMY BUT I AM IN COLLEGE RIGHT NOW. NOT ALL ILLEGALS ARE BAD PEOPLE. MY DAD WOULD HAVE TAUGHT ME THE SAME BELIEFS, MORALS WHETHER OR NOT HE WAS ILLEGAL!