THE ARIZONA (CALIFORNIA) LAW

Just like so many other people, including the Phoenix Suns basketball team, I was outraged at this new law about to take  effect in a few days.It was compared to the 1930s and 1940s in Europe when the people were asked to "Show me your papers!" That brought up so many negative images that I was mad, angry and ready for a fight. Boycott Arizona - great idea - they have to pay for that law. Cancel next year's All Star Game - that'll show them! You can't get away with that kind of law - or can you?

I live in California and was very surprised to find out that we have that law already in place. What? In my state they can say, "Show me your papers!" Well, yes - in fact in any state they can say, "Show me your papers!"But first you have to have done something to be in the presence of a peace officer who will ask, "Show me your papers!" It is only after a legal stop do you have provide identification. That is also true of the Arizona Law. The law does not allow for stopping  someone just to determine ID, or if you have auto insurance, which is mandatory, or a license or a a valid registration. Do something- get stopped. Have a broken tail light - get stopped. Talk on a cell phone - get stopped.

How many times have you heard, License, registration and proof of insurance, please." (Not too many I hope, those tickets can be expensive). Even when I go to my medical center they ask for picture ID in addition to the medical insurance card.

Federal law requires that anyone with a green card or work permit have that information on their person at all times. Just like your driving license or state ID. So what is the big fuss about?

It is pretty well accepted that the Arizona adoption of this mirror of Federal Law is more of a PR stunt than a real change in immigration law - which Arizona can not do - no state can do that. It is aimed at the people coming across their border to create mayhem - stifle drug trade, lower crime and eliminate violence, calling attention to the fact that the people of Arizona are paying attention. Does this law smack of racism - yes, because it is aimed at a particular group of people. That is a consequence of this act. Good people coming across to work, and they often pay taxes, will suffer and so will the farms and industries that usually hire these people.

I was once told by a friend that he had three people working for him that had the same SSN. That was many years ago, but all three paid FICA and withholding taxes. Not one of them ever drew from the system.Yet, these people, paid into the system, were good "citizens"  have broken the law. Do I have a solution to this - no way. I am not sure that there is a solution. But we as Americans, must be judicious and caring, sympathetic and vigilant. We cannot tolerate violence, drug trafficking, people smuggling or human trafficking. This Arizona law mirrors Federal Law. It is a message that yells to the government, "do more!"

That is just my opinion - and now what is yours?

GETTING INVOLVED

Since I "retired" about a year ago. Actually, I can't recall the exact day that I "retired." It may have been the day I ran out of clientelle (I actually still have three clients, and they do require some attention and work), or it may have been the day I realized that I could do other things during the time I normally alotted to making a living. Yep, that was the moment I retired to a variety of activities that I never had time for before. I can now get involved.

So, I became a member of the Los Angeles Police Volunteer Surveillance Team, I joined and got trained by Make A Wish Foundation, volunteered for the Democratic State Convention (for which I got a Certificate of "Appeication") and now I am working as a volunteer for the FanFest surrounding the All-Star Game in Anaheim.

Giving back to community is very satisfying. Helping the police is also a great deal of fun. How many of us, as children, wanted to be a policeman? The officers that I work with and the others that I have met (not through an open car widow with license in hand) are really great people and very professional. They do put their life on the line every day - wearing a gun is a major responsibility that has not been and won't be part of the VST. So, I have new respect for the people with badges (except when the car window is down and I have my license in hand).

Make A Wish is truly gratifying. These kids all smile. If you can add to that smile you are sitting on top of the world. The families that I have met are courageous. They get that from their child - because what they are facing is beyond comprehension. The hours of treatment, the side effects and emotional isolation, the knowledge of their health condition should dictate that they be sad and even somewhat bitter - the kids that I have met have infectious smiles and great attitudes.

The feeling that you get when you can make their wish happen is worth everything! The interaction with the families is amazing. As a parent and grandparent I wonder how I would have handled this type of life event. I have had to deal with adult catastrophic health problems. That was very difficult - but I could communicate on an adult level. What blows me away is how educated these kids are about their conditions - they know and they face their lot with smiles. I try to make the kids feel good and at the same time I make myself feel good, too.

Then there is the All-Star Game in Anaheim. I have my training, my shirt and hat and my credentials. I am still a "kid." My heroes will all be at the FanFest and I will get to meet so may of them. So many Hall of Famers will be there and of course thousands of people that will need directions to the rest rooms. I just want to make it a good day for them and a great day for me.

So now I have a chance to get involved in charity and community. That makes not being productive, productive.