Immigration

Thanks to Carlos for the excellent idea to make a post on Immigration! I just had lunch today with Wendy Brannen, from the Vidalia Onion Committee, and with Vidalia onion harvesting just around the corner, it reminds me of how much the farming community relies on immigration labor for their produce. I went to a meeting last year and the Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner was there to answer farmers' questions regarding changes to the immigration laws. The farmers who were at the meeting all seemed to want to do the right thing -- by the law and by their workers. One of the big points was that they need the labor and can't get it otherwise (without seasonal immigration help). And one of the larger farmers in the area stated that he couldn't even hire immigration help under about $10 per hour.

Personally, I think you should be legal to work in America. You should have to contribute tax dollars to the system in order to enjoy the benefits. But I also feel sorry for those who have been working here for years. Their children may be legal (since they were born here) but the parents may have to be deported one day. I think there should be some group to reach out to this huge population and work with them in attempts to make them legal citizens. I mean, America wasn't founded with only native people to start with. We were all immigrants at one time or another.

Give us your thoughts on the topic, what changes need to be made, etc....

Pageants

Yes, it's "pageant season" again. This time of year is anticipated by some almost as much as "hunting season" is! I have my own personal feelings about pageants, of course, and I don't want to be too opinionated about them BUT just thought I'd share a little bit. I just thought of this post today since the Jr/Princess Sweet Onion pageant has been changed to the same day as the Baby/Toddler Sweet Onion pageant. Let's just get them all out of the way in one day, shall we? Anyway, I think that pageants in theory are good (for a certain age group). They push most girls out of their "comfort zones" and teach poise, grace, perhaps talent, and some even offer scholarships and cash prizes. However I have a real problem with the pageants where the girls are still in diapers and can't walk across the stage for themselves. All babies are cute (well, most of them anyway). We already know this. If the pageant's top prize is a crown and trophy, I just don't think it should be allowed personally. I mean, you don't even win enough cash to pay for the dress! Yes, I know these pageants are some major fundraisers for groups. Some of the entry fees can total $100!! Yes, $100. What parents are thinking, I don't know. That's like my electric bill for the month! lol. Anyway, we'll keep photographing the little winners and running them in the paper. But if I see a pageant for Little Miss Born To Be, I think I'll have to draw the line. Don't laugh. I wouldn't be a bit surprised!