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Volume 2, Number 4 - September 1993
PERSPECTIVE
Before people started using hyphens to identify with two or more cultures, being a Mexican-American was cause for
concern. Perhaps this feeling was personal and came from our own prejudices. It could also be that most Hispanics,
though born in the US, felt isolated from their own birth country.
Early in life, most American children of Mexican parents felt different. They couldn't identify with Anglos, yet
had trouble identifying with Mexicans. Outside the home environment, social rules were mixed and the children had
a hard time adjusting. A simple thing like taking a "taco" to school seemed embarrassing. It wasn't that
others made fun of you, but somehow it showed off financial hardship.
At the time the distinction was not the ethnic but economic. Lack of education deprived people of means for improvement.
Among Hispanics, a large number of poor people had few defenses. Today in the US, Hispanics appear to better received.
Taking a "taco," or what is now known as a burrito, to school is accepted, and Mexican food has become
quite profitable these days.
Ill feelings among Hispanics remain. Some groups are trying to "get back at the world" in a negative
way for the injustice they might have felt. But all groups must focus on moving forward. If we continue to let
the past haunt us we will become victims of our own hostilities. These bad feelings will interfere with our judgment
and our tolerance will fail. Only time will be the judge of whether actions taken in the past, because of fear
or misunderstanding, were hurtful or beneficial.
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
The East Los Angeles Legalization office of the INS was scheduled to close. A last-minute decision is keeping it
open for now. Was the threatened closure of the INS office a smoke screen to cover a more serious problem that
Governor Pete Wilson has with immigrants?
Either Governor Wilson's threats are getting tougher, or the INS is trying very hard to discourage legalization.
The INS's telephone service to verify status of an alien's legalization card is more indirect and difficult to
use. Additionally, the governor is trying to push laws through the state legislature to deny welfare aid and benefits
to American-born children of illegal immigrants.
But Governor Wilson is going to have a tough time getting his way. The United States Constitution, the highest
law of the land, reads in Article XIV:
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens
of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge
the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life,
liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction of the equal protection
of the laws."
This part of the Constitution says it is illegal for the governor to try to deny welfare to anybody's American-born
children. People who are born in the United States are citizens by definition, and no one, not even Pete Wilson,
can take away their rights or privileges, one of which is welfare assistance.
STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Newspapers and the economists have one thing in common: they continue to give out bleak unemployment information.
Interest rates on loans and housing are at an all time low, but big businesses continue to lay off large numbers
of their employees.
Gloomy unemployment forecasts have prompted large numbers of people to go into business for themselves.
"Entérese," will give readers information about different businesses in the area. I hope to share
with you these business owners' views and ideas on what it's like to be your own boss.
This issue's business success story is about CARNECERÍA FIESTA MEXICANA, a meat market located on 3618 East
Chapman Avenue, in the city of Orange, Calif. It is across the street from El Módena High School's football
field. Owners Miguel and Guadalupe Moreno, a husband and wife team, have been in the meat market business for over
15 years, and at their current location for the past three.
Their market offers a variety of meats, including fresh prepared to your taste "carne asada," as well
as many other items with a Mexican flair. They used their own money to start their business but didn't formally
write up a plan to make their business grow.
Mr. Moreno lists knowledge and experience as top priorities for a successful business. A good location is another.
He advises that before you sign that lease or make a commitment about a choice location, find out exactly what
the cities' ordinances are that may affect your type of business.
If you are in the Orange area, stop by and say hello. If you want to place an order for your favorite meat, you
may do so by calling (714) 744-4814. Quality products at good prices are their goal. Friendly personalized service
remains their priority.
PENSAMIENTOS:
Simple goals are only accomplished by hard work.
APRENDIENDO NUEVAS PALABRAS
Adjust (ahd-juhst) to regulate or adapt.
Josephine Morales de Abreu
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