Tomorrow is May Day, the internationally recognized labor holiday that is celebrated almost everywhere, except in the United Statesâwhere it originated.
But in recent years May Day has been rehabilitated in the U.S. as a day for political action of behalf of immigrant rights. In 2006, millions of people poured into the streets to express solidarity with immigrants and support humane immigration reform. Since then the cause hasnât attracted the attentions of the mainstream media or the Obama Administration, which has had its hands full with the financial crisis, health care reform, and a superannuated Senate that refuses to deal with more than one major issue at a time.
After a year of disappointment, organizers hope their actions tomorrow will re-focus attention on the issue. Galvanized by the passage of Arizonaâs draconian anti-immigrant (and just plain anti-Hispanic) law earlier this month, mass rallies and marches are being planned in cities across the country, including Seattle. (To find the one closest to you check out Reform Immigration For Americaâs âFind A Marchâ page, which has almost one hundred actions listed.)
Wherever you are, you should join them. This Arizona law is simply unconscionable, and the state legislature has plans to go even further. Other states are thinking of emulating it, including such reactionary stalwarts as Oklahoma. Marching isnât the only way to make your voice heard (donating to those organizations involved in the lawsuit against Arizona couldnât hurt). But the mediaâs eye is finally re-focused on immigration (thanks, Harry Reid!) and it will be important to get as many feet on the ground as possible. Supporters have to show that this issue has legs.
The Seattle march will begin tomorrow at noon in Judkins Park (2150 S Norman Street) and will end at Memorial Stadium in the Seattle Center.
