It is precisely these politics that have plagued our movement here in Los Angeles because egos are big. I should probably not name names (and I won't), but there are a few cabezones and cabezonas who cannot seem to get their heads out of their butts to take a look around and take a deep breath in when their egos are struck by another. Instead, we have a whole slew of glory trippers still taking credit for the 2006 mass mobilizations and hoarding all public media opinions to paint the facade that they are leading the effort here in Los Angeles.
The long standing divisions in the the Immigrant Rights movement date back to way before I was even born - probably as far back as the Chicano Moratorium. They are due to differences in tactics and strategies stemming from differences in political opinion. As much as we can sound like Rodney King and say: "Can't we all just get along?" - it is not that simple. The people's interests are as diverse as that of those that claim legitimate reign over the movement. Thus, with such diversity in opinions, no one can ever claim that they hold the true vision and leadership of this fight. Also, with varying tactics stemming from differences in political opinion one are too scared (or egotistical) to support the action of another.
What we need is a participatory movement. I'm not talking about one where one organization claims that their members are making choices (but no membership is actually present at meetings or press conferences making public their decisions). Nor one simply composed of marches in reaction to enforcement and detention policies. Nor does this mean that we will only sit around calling a legislator the "champion" for immigrant rights - making phone calls to their offices, paying visits to their offices, writing letters, and inviting them to speak to crowds of events where only a select few are allowed to speak to them and voice an opinion (usually in favor of whatever the politico is saying).
The above criticisms are not meant to beat down or say that these efforts are futile. Rather, these efforts in combination will probably prove to be the most effective. The problem currently is that there is no cohesion amongst these actions because there is no cohesion amongst those leading these efforts.
This does not mean that we need to bend over backwards and adjust our positions all together. The existence of such diversity in approaches and opinions would be enriching and helpful in our path to reaching full human rights. However, what needs to happen is for us to put aside these differences and fears that when we get together something amazing can happen. When we truly listen to each other we can achieve much more.
So this May Day:
Will we be standing together echoing a united front and allowing each other space to voice the differences that make us stronger? Or will we have our 7 different marches and stages further confusing us on our path to full human rights?
