Blaming Latinos for the healthcare crisis or using them as scapegoats to oppose Obama’s plan to reform the system is just wrong and racist.  In fact, in a twist of irony, the bigots attacking Latinos don’t even realize that many Americans are now moving to Mexico in increased numbers, while others venture into Mexico because healthcare is much cheaper over there.  The difference in cost is in large part due to the existence of a government-run system in Mexico, making healthcare much more cost-efficient, compared to how criminally expensive it is here in the United States.  Anyway, I’ve sent the following action alert to the Project Economic Refugee community.  I urge others to do the same:

Justice. Not bullets.

“Send them home with a bullet in the head”.  That’s what racist right-wing protesters at HealthCare Reform townhalls are shouting now, attacking immigrants. Watch:

This is NOT an isolated instance, but rather part of grotesque campaign to blame Latinos for the healthcare crisis.  The protesters’ hatred does not stop there.  In Hagerstown, Maryland – The Secret Service is investigating a man who authorities said held a sign reading “Death to Obama” outside a town hall meeting on health-care reform in western Maryland. The sign also read, “Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids.”

We can NOT and must NOT let these extremist displays of disrespect and hatred go unanswered. It is time to go to these townhalls and tell these bigots to stop scapegoating immigrants and instead go after the hitmen that are behind the efforts to rile up the hate: the greedy insurance companies’ top executives-people like Rick Scott, who are content with defrauding the American people.

So let’s go and let America know that we will NOT allow for the scapegoating of immigrants to continue any longer!  Click here for a list of organizing events where you can make a difference or here for a specific list of upcoming townhalls. 

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to bring your signs demanding that protesters stop scapegoating immigrants while the greedy insurance companies’ CEO’s (like Rick Scott) are being given a pass!  As George Lakoff, professor of Linguistics (and the inspiration for Project Economic Refugee itself) has pointed out:

Insurance company plans have failed to care for our people. They profit from denying care. Americans care about one another. An American plan is both the moral and practical alternative to provide care for our people.  The insurance companies are doing their worst, spreading lies in an attempt to maintain their profits and keep Americans from getting the care they so desperately need. You, our citizens, must be the heroes. Stand up, and speak up, for an American plan.

Adelante!

-Reg

PS Would you like to be a more active part of Project Economic Refugee?  Be a part of the organizing team! Email me at economicrefugee@hotmail.com to ask for more details.