Fearing Backlash, Some Immigration Activists Aren't Backing Boycott

Washington Post/April 20, 2006/Darryl Fears/ link

Like the same author's Immigrant Supporters To Counter Bush Speech of May 15, compares more moderate groups such as the We Are America Alliance with more militant groups such as the March 25 Coalition. The latter supported a boycott to coincide with the May 1 marches.

Reports on a news conference featuring the following:

The panelists stressed that they were not discouraging others from boycotting. But later they said that they do not support the boycott because it could result in people being fired, cause students to miss school and create a climate of disgust that could lead to a backlash by Americans who are not immigrants.

(Boycott supporters) included Gloria Saucedo of Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana and Jesse Diaz Jr., both of Los Angeles. "Yes, we know about the press conference," Diaz said. "We weren't invited."

The latter is presented as a somewhat pathetic figure:

"Do you know how I can get in touch with the Spanish radio stations here?" Diaz asked. "That's how we get the word out."