Let's be polite but firm with Readers.Rep@latimes.com

Posted Tue, Jan 4, 2005 at 9:47 am

From Solomon Moore's LAT article "Mexico's Border-Crossing Tips Anger Some in U.S.":

Mexican authorities are distributing more than 1 million copies of an illustrated handbook that gives migrants illegally crossing the U.S. border safety tips, suggesting that they carry enough water, follow railroad tracks and utility lines if they get lost and wear clothing that will protect them from the elements.

The new handbooks, the latest effort by the Mexican government to educate people about the dangers of unsanctioned crossings, has angered some anti-immigrant groups that say parts of it read like a how-to manual...

Though anti-immigrant groups are complaining about the booklet, officials with the U.S. Border Patrol said they doubt that the advice will increase immigration from Mexico...

...The United States has also produced literature distributed in Mexico about the dangers of illegal crossings, but the emphasis has been decidedly different, said Andy Adame, a spokesman for the Tucson, Ariz., office of the Border Patrol.

Mexican authorities offer guidance on how migrants can overcome obstacles while crossing; American public service announcements broadcast and distributed in Mexico simply focus on the obstacles - not how to overcome them...

...Diana Hall, director of California for Population Stabilization, an anti-immigration group, said the Mexican government should focus on preventing immigrants from crossing illegally, not telling them how to stay safe...

On the plus side, the LAT's keywords for this article are: "ILLEGAL ALIENS, BORDERS, ILLEGAL ALIENS, BORDERS SAFETY, SAFETY." And, they do state that these are illegal immigrants. And, they do go into the differences between Mexico's pamphlets and those from the U.S. And, they even include a PDF scan of the booklet itself [alternative URL, or try this]. The guide is also available online courtesy of our friends to the south.

On the minus side, the LAT twice refers to "anti-immigrant groups".

And, they refer to "California for Population Stabilization, an anti-immigration group." The group is actually called "Californians for Population Stabilization". And, while I'm not familiar with them, they don't seem to be opposed to all forms of immigration, they just want limits.

Please send a short, polite email to Readers.Rep@latimes.com thanking them for the coverage but suggesting they do slightly better next time.

Tags: 
mexican government

Comments

Jane Earle (not verified)

Sun, 07/02/2006 - 12:12

Why am I penalized for buying the LA Times on Sat as opposed to Sunday? The price is the same for both days. Yet the West Section is never included in the Saturday paper. Partial paper - I should only be charged partial price. Some coupons are missing as well. I am sure none of the classified is missing. Poor business standard.

Murray A. Powers (not verified)

Wed, 03/29/2006 - 19:14

I totally agree with the writer, Lynette Walker,
@ Mar. 9th, above. I have been a Times subscriber
for almost 50yrs, in Cal. I have DEPENDED on the
total stock quotes on a daily basis. I have tried
to adjust to your new format, since you made that
change, but to no avail. It's completely hopeless
and a joke for a major newspaper. If you do not
revert to your old format, I shall have to cancel
my subscription and subscribe to one who treats
the financial page with the respect that it
deserves.

Angrily,

Murray A. Powers

Lynette Waltner (not verified)

Thu, 03/09/2006 - 08:16

Your decision to consolodate the financial section of the Times is tragic in my estimation. There are more thngs that investors need to know now than ever before. One of my biggest joys into read the entire section and get financial news.

I might as well subscribe to the Long Beach Press as that is where I live. You have really let me and milions of other readers down. How much does this paper have to make financially?

Elsa Mejia (not verified)

Tue, 02/01/2005 - 14:41

I think that this book is a great way to teach and help prevent many immigrants from dying on their way over here. I mean if they have already chosen to cross there is nothing that is going to stop them so there should at least be some education on what can happen and what they should do in case they happen to come across a dangerous situation. It's better to have them here than to have them dead. And I am sorry if there is anybody so racist that will not understand the need for these people to come over here and work. I am sorry that there is those people that would rather see them dead instead of working. Just remember that in the end we are all going to end up in the same place and if you are not considerate of others someday someone might not be considerate of you. What comes around goes around.

Elsa Mejia (not verified)

Tue, 02/01/2005 - 14:40

I think that this book is a great way to teach and help prevent many immigrants from dying on their way over here. I mean if they have already chosen to cross there is nothing that is going to stop them so there should at least be some education on what can happen and what they should do in case they happen to come across a dangerous situation. It's better to have them here than to have them dead. And I am sorry if there is anybody so racist that will not understand the need for these people to come over here and work. I am sorry that there is those people that would rather see them dead instead of working. Just remember that in the end we are all going to end up in the same place and if you are not considerate of others someday someone might not be considerate of you. What comes around goes around.

Harold R. Garay (not verified)

Wed, 01/19/2005 - 10:31

I recently read Diana Hall's response to the Mexican government's instruction booklet to illigals crossing the border. I agree with Ms. Hall's views and issues regarding this grave matter. Also following CNN special segment on this issue, as well as my direct knowledge, I felt compelled to do some research, and came out with some suggestions.
I would appreciate providing me with her
e-mail, so I can forwarder my letter.
Thank very much.