Boycott AZ? I dare you...

The recent passing of the controversial immigration bill in Arizona has raised quite the stink nationwide.  And it should.  This is a nationwide problem!  

Considering that Arizona is one of the largest contributing states as passage for illegal immigration, it must act aggressively and in doing so risk offending people.  Not to be cold-hearted, but this is all about the big picture and unfortunately big change will hurt people along the way.


Nothing will EVER change if we try to make everyone happy.


I repeat, the racial profiling is offensive. But come on people, if you aren't doing anything illegal, then you should have no fear... And there are many Hispanic residents of Arizona, here naturally and those that have immigrated legally, that are welcome. I have faith that law enforcement will not go door to door raiding homes as if this were the holocaust! 


So everyone is angry and we ALL are entitled to our opinions as people.  Anger and Support are both justified and we all should be respected.  Progress comes from being able to see both sides.


Here is my topic of focus today: a total boycott of Arizona is completely intangible.  Now, since it's summer, everyone is leaving anyways so it's easy for people to say they won't visit Arizona in boycott but that is just convenient.  They already planned to be in their midwest and eastern summer homes anyways.


But not buying food at the concession stand at a Diamondbacks game (in Chicago) doesn't hurt AZ, it actually hurts Chicago.


And what about these ginormous manufacturers such as Honeywell, Intel, and others shown on this Arizona Industry resource?  Stop being a passenger in an airplane, a user of technology, or a caller to friends and family that have motorola phones.  I dare you.


I mean this is just silly, guilt by branding.  "Don't Boycott Arizona Iced Tea, We're Not From Arizona!"  People just jumping on the "I despise Arizona" bandwagon.


I support people who want to voice their opinions and stand by their convictions but let's be realistic here, America.  Do you really think you can boycott a state and all that it produces?


Disclaimer: This post in no way represents that I have a poor opinion of others based on race or creed.  I believe in LEGAL immigration!




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SB1070

I rarely speak out about political issues.  I keep to myself and hardly ever speak out, whether in protest or agreement.  But this issue I feel like giving my two cents, whether you agree or not.

I think this is a good move.  When traveling to another country, do you not carry your proof of citizenship at all times?  Why not while living in a country that you are not a citizen?

This morning, Phoenix was a sanctuary for illegal immigrants and it has proved to be a problem.   A Sanctuary City is one that law enforcement is forbidden by city ordinance from calling immigration when they arrest someone they know is an illegal.  No longer.

Today SB1070 was passed and I have yet to see any support in media and on social networking sites... It allows law enforcement to perform checks upon "reasonable suspicion" that a person may be illegal.

Our law enforcement should have the right to enforce law, do they not?  They have the right to question someone that they suspect is breaking that law.  If you're not breaking the law, then you should have no fear.

From what I have seen and heard is that the people are fearful of racial profiling and brut and force by police (which statements have been made that this is NOT their motive)

I understand a tremendous amount of people are offended that this will lead to racial profiling.  Well, I'm sorry, but we have hundreds even thousands of illegal immigrants from Mexico living and working ILLEGALLY, eating up tax dollars and taking our jobs. There is a fact that exists: people from certain areas of the world have similar physical characteristics and if that is a queue that someone COULD be from that area and COULD be here illegally, why not save taxpayers money and use logic?

When I went to Mexico, Spain, Italy, even Hawaii, I was racially profiled as an American because I am fair skinned and blonde, some instances I was even harassed.  Sure can give it but not take it, huh?

In my opinion they're just trying to solve a problem in an efficient way.

Honestly, I wonder if the fear is that most of their friends and families can't hide in plain sight any longer.  I highly doubt there will be violence for no apparent reason.

So Phoenix remains an Oasis in the desert but no longer is a sanctuary for illegals. Word on the street is a lot of hispanic families will be moving.

Queue angry comments.


Disclaimer: This post in no way represents that I have a poor opinion of others based on race or creed.  

What happened to etiquette?

I'm uber annoyed about this subject so I'm gonna step up onto my soapbox for a minute or two...


DEFINITION OF ETIQUETTE:

1. the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life

2. a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups 

It seems that that so many have forgotten how important proper etiquette is in so many situations.  The cardinal rule, I believe, is acting in a manner that demonstrates consideration for others.  Follow this, and you should fall within the boundaries of proper etiquette in any scenario.


My recent pet peeve has become RSVPing.  The past dozen events I have been involved with, host and guest alike, have had too many people, and most of them consistently, disregard the concept of "RSVP."


RSVP is a French acronym meaning "Respondez S'il Vous Plait" aka "Please Respond."  Simple, right?  Well, apparently not.  I suppose one could take it too literally - I responded initially, so no reason to tell them my plans have changed.  Wrong.  In the complicated world of proper etiquette, there are unstated expectations. 


Here are a few from the host's perspective regarding invitations that I think are key:

1. Send out invitation 3 weeks prior to the event.  This allows your guests ample amount of time to check their calendars and make appropriate arrangements.
2. Within the invitation, advise your guests what refreshments and food will be provided and what they should bring, if anything.
3. Give directions.
4. Provide your contact information.
5. Ask your guests to RSVP.
6. Send out a reminder or two - really, this should be a courtesy shortly before

As a guest you have two things expected of you:

1. RSVP in a timely manner and update your response if it changes
2. Show up and have a good time

Easy, right?  I mean, in 3 weeks time, how difficult is it to do step 1? Why do so many people have such a difficult time with this?

Every event has them.  The people that say they'll come and don't show.  Being a person that will always be upfront about being a yes, maybe, or no and considerate enough to advise the person if my yes turns into a no, I cannot fathom how others cannot. 

eHow puts it simply:

Do not answer yes to the RSVP and fail to show up. Only a matter of serious illness or death should keep you away. It is bad etiquette and rude to RSVP stating you will attend and not show up.

But why do so many people do it?  Is it laziness? Lack of consideration? Forgetfulness?  Forgetfulness can easily be forgiven, if a fluke, but if you're a repeat offender for being flaky or a no-show you just come across as rude and a bad friend.


Here is why:

• The host needs to know how much food and drinks to provide
• If they underestimate, there isn't enough for all of the guests
• If they overestimate, there is waste and money spent that didn't need to be
• Most of the time, a head count has a maximum.  The host must pick and choose who gets an invitation as not to exceed that number.  As a result, people get left out and I bet they are people that would show up.
• The host constantly wonders who can and can't come.  They want so badly for everyone to have a good time, feel welcome, and get fed.  Add chasing down who's not responding and it gets to be a chore rather than something fun to plan.
• Save them the stress and reply promptly
• It is just plain embarrassing when the guests that did come ask the host, "Where are all of the other people that RSVP'ed?"  Good question.

But a good host knows that people are flakes, and they know who those people are.  Don't worry, won't bother inviting you next time.

This has always been a subject of frustration for me, being such a planner.  Why so heated now, you ask? Well, a repeat offender just invited me to an event and asked that I RSVP.  Really?

Stepping off, now. 

Thought for the day

My random epiphany for the day: 
Surround yourself with people that have good attitudes and habits.  We naturally mimic the people we are with the most.  I quit negative, rude, annoying, impatient, short fused, illogical, arrogant people.


In other, unrelated news....


Great party at The Golden Barrel!  It was a great success and a wonderful time!


Simon's birthday was yesterday so when he got home from work we decided to go out for a couple drinks.  I was still going from working the party and how could I say no to the birthday boy!  50 cent Coronas, shots of Patron Silver, and a late night dinner at Philadelphia Sandwich Company.  Cuddled on the couch watching I don't even know what and fell asleep in his arms (your queue for "awes" or "blechs").  Prepare to read some sappiness... I love waking up with him!  It's so hard to get out of bed!  Soft smile and giddy heart, I'm a happy girl!


It's Friday!  Working both jobs again today, then it's home to work on a playlist for tomorrow night.  Can't wait till the party!


And in more unrelated news (but possibly related to my random epiphany)...


This guy that couriers product to us from Tucson is annoying and a bit creepy BUT he always smiles and leaves saying "God bless you."  Normally I cringe when he comes to my desk for me to sign for a package because ever time he says "I love that beautiful smile."  This is a wonderful compliment and I love to hear it, but every time you see me??  But today I welcomed his played out compliment and repeatedly asked question "Where did you get that smile?"  I always say my mom and dad, forgetting the answer he wants which is one of two - "It comes from either the Lord above or it comes from within."  Gonna remember that for next time!