PDA 2006 Election Video
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April 30, 2006--The April 10 the National Day of Action whereby thousands demonstrated in support of comprehensive Immigration Reform was only a precursor for A NATIONAL DAY OF BOYCOTT called for May 1. "No Work, No School, No Selling, No Buying" is the call made to Immigrants and supporters of Immigration Reform. This has raised concerns among many supporters of Immigrant Rights because of the possible negative ramifications, i.e. loss of work, school suspensions, impediment to graduation etc. Various unions have urged it's members to honor contractual obligations, student groups have urged students to attend school and go to planned evening events. The purpose of the Boycott is to emphasize the economic and social impact of immigrants on the fabric of American society. When individuals have been so marginalized by an underground second class existence that they feel they must express themselves through such a boycott, this decision must be respected. Each individual must make an informed decision as to his/her level of participation.
Various organizers have indicated that even if an individual chooses not to participate in a no work boycott the no consumption for a day can be observed. For instance all purchases can be made prior to or after May 1, i.e. food, gas etc. Your use of water, gas electricity can be limited. Do not patronize businesses that day. If you have a business close it for the day and put out a sign saying why you are closed (preferably a large visible sign). After May 1 you can then show your appreciation by patronizing those businesses.
The organizers are urging that participants wear white T-shirts and bring candles to evening marches and vigils. Massive events are being planned in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tucson, Phoenix. It will not be surprising if the number of participants are in the millions.
PDA'S Position
PDA's position on immigration reform is clear. We support a humane immigration policy. In solidarity with those who marched for humane immigration reform, Progressive Democrats of America believes that the borders of our Nation can be secured without compromising basic American principles of fundamental fairness and equal protection.
Through comprehensive immigration reform we can address our present broken down immigration system. We support making our borders secure without walls, we support legalization that provides a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented within our borders, we support a guest worker program with worker protections, and we support equal protection and increased family reunification. We oppose the criminalization of the undocumented. We believe our principled position is in keeping with our longstanding American tradition of welcoming the immigrant to our shores.
As National Progressive Democrats of America Board Member Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-07) eloquently expressed in his statement to the Arizona legislature:
"I rise to acknowledge and lend support to the well over 1 million people who marched across American cities and towns in a peaceful, nonviolent way for fairness, dignity, and humane and respectful treatment of immigrant workers in our Nation. This ground swell of humanity wanted some very simple things. They wanted the principles of fairness and equal protection under the law to be applied in a fair and just way."
As members of Progress Democrats of America we too must lend our voices to this ground swell call for human rights and civil liberties. If your area is sponsoring an event, participate with your presence. Generate signs on your computers complete with borders. Suggested slogans: LEGALIZATION IS NOT AMNESTY, LEGALIZE DON'T CRIMINALIZE, A HAND UP NOT A HAND OUT--LEGALIZE, I AM A CITIZEN I SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM., Your 8-1/2" X 11" sign can be made into a large sign 2' X 3' for a few dollars at your local copy store. Wear a white T-shirt when you participate. Those of you who are not near major demonstrations can become human billboards for an hour or two at major on and off freeway ramps or intersections. Your message could be viewed by hundreds or thousands.
After the May 1 events consider writing an article so we can post it. Take pictures and forward a few of the best so we can post them on our web site. Be sure to include brief captions. (See writing and photography guidelines for more information and instructions.)
Major Talking Points:
Support comprehensive immigration reform.
It is not an understatement to say that we are engaged in an historic human rights movement. Let our voices be heard loud and clear that we will not support oppression in our own land.