Eric Foner writes today in the NYT. I couldn't help to think of the similarities between the Black Workers' experience and the Mexican Workers' one. I should clarify my situation first, I am not a worker, like the slaves Dr. Foner writes about, or the Mexican Workers I write about here.
The minimum wage right now, is a little over a dime a minute in Illinois.
Professor Foner explains that Lincoln at the beginning of the Civil War, was not thinking of integrating Black Workers to the country. Only after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, it became apparent to him, that Black fighters could be in the Army and Navy.
The African American experience is similar to the Mexican Workers one in the following sense:
Only after the catastrophes in New Orleans, and New York are these workers needed, and very likely will end up integrated into the American fabric, notwithstanding the tremendous animosity against them.
Mexicans elected Obama, we are here to stay.
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