Over 1 Million March in U.S. for Immigrant Rights

In San Francisco I was part of the 100,000 people marching on Market Street. Nationwide from Los Angeles to New York City there were over 1 Million immigrants and their supporters in the streets. I have never been in a political march or demonstration of that size before. There were lots of American flags but they were waved with a different kind of sentiment than you might find at, say, a Navy Air Show. In fact there were upside down flags, people rested the flags on the ground, they were worn as capes. In other words, it was more of a statement that this is our home rather than this is our homeland.

The economic boycott was also very effective. Whether or not there was an economic impact, it was very noticeable all over the country. In San Francisco, most businesses in the Mission were closed with signs announcing they were honoring the one-day boycott.

Meanwhile Lou Dobbs, who increasingly reminds me of the fascist talk show host in V For Vendetta, continues to complain that these are not merely immigrant marches they are illegal immigrant marches. Well, yes, the call is for amnesty, meaning a lot of people are in violation of the law, but the law should be changed. Remember Mr. Dobbs, it used to be illegal for slaves to escape from their masters, but the bigots ultimately lost that "law and order" argument.

Then there are the liberals like Barbara Boxer, the San Francisco Chronicle and the New York Times who all said something like, "we support immigrants, but boycotts and missing work or school really aren't good ideas." Their rhetoric was completely demeaning: o.k. you made your point now go back to school and work and the grown ups will handle the immigration laws.

In fact the marches were clearly not asking for a guest worker program; they were asking for real amnesty. Everyone here can stay - no fines, no job requirements, just total amnesty. Unfortunately there are few leaders, whether in Washington, in the corporate media or even in some of the largest Latino/Immigrant organizations, who are reflecting this sentiment. At least the most reactionary immigrant bashing seems to be off the table in Washington (though not necessarily on the cable news shows), but to win the May Day Demands struggle must continue.