In My Mind’s Zen Garden

“We don’t need 5,000 more illiterate peasants in the state of Colorado,” Rep. Doug Bruce, R-Colorado Springs.

This bit of news kind of struck me with sadness. I mean, Mexican laborers and farmworkers may be poor and do menial labor, but they are hardworkers and are a vital part of society. Their work, however humble is just as important in society as highly skilled, wealthier workers. Maybe in the literal sense he is correct though not ‘politically correct’, but his even trying to justify he is right just kind of struck a wrong chord with me.

Here’s the video.

Lawmaker Calls Mexican Farmworkers ‘Illiterate Peasants’

A Colorado legislator who was censured for kicking a newspaper photographer in January was booted from the podium today after he called Mexican farmworkers “illiterate peasants.”

Republican Rep. Douglas Bruce’s remark, which drew gasps from the House, came during debate on legislation to help immigrants get temporary federal visas to ease Colorado’s shortage of farmworkers.

“I would like to have the opportunity to state at the microphone why I don’t think we need 5,000 more illiterate peasants in Colorado,” said Bruce, who represents Colorado Springs.

“How dare you!” snapped Democratic Rep. Kathleen Curry, who as debate chairwoman ended Bruce’s privilege to speak.

Legislative leaders are deciding what to do next. They could open a formal ethics complaint and hearing, which could lead to suspension, censure or expulsion.

Bruce defended his remarks afterward:

“I looked up ‘illiterate’ in the dictionary and it means somebody who is lacking in formal education or is unable to read and write. I don’t think these people who are planning to come over here and pick potatoes or peaches are likely to have much of a formal education. I looked up the word ‘peasant.’ The word ‘peasant’ means a person who works in agricultural fields.

“These people, most of them, don’t speak English. Most of them haven’t had any formal education, that’s why they’re coming over here. I don’t blame them for trying, but I don’t think we should pave the way for more aliens to come here.”

I just think that even unskilled, illiterate workers (whoever they may be) are an important part of country because they are willing to do the kind of work the typical American won’t do. And for that they deserve their dignity and respect. Calling them “illiterate peasants” might be correct but it isn’t “right”. It just feels more condescending to call them “illiterate peasants” (as if those who call them that sit high on their pedestals).

And to continue the idea of a landlord versus peasantry type of society would simply place us back in the dark ages. Perhaps we are still in the dark ages… many of us are kept in the dark concerning a lot of things…

Everyone deserves their dignity and respect.