What led Latinos to Hazleton was not the gun violence Mayor Barletta attempted to keep at bay, but racial consciousness, which accused the mayor of targeting Latino immigrants. Yet, the Latino leadership agenda said little to nothing regarding Mayor Barletta's concern: The shooting and killing of a 29-year-old man by an undocumented Latino immigrant, and the arrest of a 14-year-old Latino for firing a gun at a playground.In 2005, Allentown set a record for homicides with 21 record murders. Close to half of the homicide victims had Latino surnames. In addition, several of those arrested had Latinos surnames. Recently, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force arrested three suspects alleged to have been involved in a homicide last year. Two were identified with Latino surnames.
Jose Rosado, assistant principal of East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem, has publicly discussed his disappointment with the lack of Latino participation at a drug and crime forum held in Bethlehem. During that forum, a desecrated Puerto Rican flag was shown with gang graffiti symbols. Meanwhile in Bethlehem, homicide charges were filed against Latino parents of a 10-month-old infant who died from ingested heroin at home. In Reading, a Latino suspect was charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a police officer. [ Latinos can't ignore violent crime in immigration debate, Allentown [PA] Morning Call, August 28, 2006]
The truth is not pretty. The cultural propensity toward crime is clear. Mexico is #6 in the world in murders per capita in a tough field. Even the Washington Post wrote, For Many in Mexico, Bribes a Way of Life. Drug cartels continue to increase their control over whole regions of northern Mexico (See here scroll down.). Mexico is violent, lawless and corrupt. It's the Third World.
Millions of Mexicans have broken the law to enter the US and get more money. Why should anyone be surprised that individual Mexicans commit violent crimes in communities to which they have no connection other than greed?
