Mexican Americans

      I have to say that I was touched when I saw the picture in our textbook of Mexican-American children at a protest to legalize their parents.  Though, that was not something that I worried about growing up as a child, but I could see myself in them.  I was actually born in Mexico to a mother who is a United States citizen and a father who was a Mexican citizen.    When my sister and I got to be at the age of starting school, my mother decided that she wanted us to start in the United States.  She found that there was not much regulation in the Mexican Public school system, and saw a lot of children dropping out at a startling young age.  She wanted a better education for her children.

      Since my mother is a United States citizen that gave my sister and I, United States citizenship by Naturalization.  My sister and I have dual citizenship.  My father in the other hand, had to get a Work VISA right away.  He worked hard, paid his taxes, and was in the United States legally with his Work Visa.  He was also starting on the process of getting his United States citizenship.  The process was long and expensive, but six years later he stood in a court house and was proclaimed a United States citizen.

      I believe that most Mexican families are like our family.  They want a better life for their family, and a better education for their children.  Some families are not as fortunate as my father was in getting his citizenship, so they are here undocumented.  I can't image having to live, constantly looking over my shoulder, just so I can put food on the table for my family or for my children to get a better education.

      I don't really have an opinion on amnesty for these undocumented families, but this blog has really got me thinking about it.  I will continue to read articles on these issues and try to see both sides when an open mind.

Save The Chimps

       After doing some research on the ideas that Professor Nash listed for us, this is one of the subjects that have always seemed to fascinate me.  I've read some horrific stories of how some of these animals have turned on their owners and some have unfortunately killed  their owners.  One of the stories that really struck me was the story of Travis, the chimpanzee, who had attacked his owner's friend for trying to coax him back into his living quarters after escaping.  Apparently, earlier in the day, Travis was given a does of Xanax, the anti-anxiety drug, because his owner claimed he was acting agitated.  When Travis escaped his living quarters, that is when the friend of the owner came to help.  Travis was so agitated that he charged the friend and left her badly mauled and in critical condition. 

      Although is it tragic after following the condition that Travis left the woman that he attacked, Travis should never have been a domesticated pet living in a house.  Chimpanzees are exotic animals who grow quickly and have special needs.  My opinion is, if there are chimpanzees who are pets, they should be kept in sanctuaries, when they can be cared for properly, and in an environment that they are naturally at peace with.  There is a large sanctuary located in Florida who cares for abandoned and abused chimpanzees.  Their mission is "provide sanctuary for chimpanzees rescued from research labs, entertainment and the pet trade".

      I truly feel that when humans house these exotic pets, they are setting themselves for tragedy.  Even if the owner is never attacked, an innocent animal is being neglected.

Works Cited

Save the Chimps. Save the Chimps Mission, n.d., Web. 6 Apr. 2011.