Re: Food security critical on Central Coast, Free Lance, July 11, 2025
“We are all one common group,” clarified Harley Davidson biker wife at rally on San Benito Street, as colorful, stylish, multi-variety models of mechanical two and three wheel wonders paraded.
I assume that one common group meant common motorcycle ownership. In view of the eye-delighting varieties, I wonder also if it could mean that we are still one common group of humanity.
Reading “Food security critical to economic, national security,” I think food emphasizes our common humanity because we all must eat. Here in San Benito Biker County, food grows. Bikers roar through green fields of lettuce and garlic and orchards of sturdy trees with apricots peeking through leafy curtains.
Bikers must realize that the action may be on the main drag of San Benito Street but food production is the heart of Hollister. The food views make the ride memorable.
Essential is our agricultural economy feeding the state, country and world. Amazingly, our Central Coast climate encourages agriculture so that one farmworker in California can feed 155 other people.
We classify farmworkers as essential. So what are we thinking when we deport them?
No law exists that requires deportation of workers. No law exists that allows arrest and detention of innocent persons. Rather the opposite laws exist. Our own Pledge of Allegiance announces, “…with liberty and justice for all.”
A misunderstanding happens with a choice to recite and forget.
Our constitutional Bill Of Rights emphasizes “…freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Farmworkers may not luxuriate in homes but they can pursue them.
Amendments clarify more freedoms for guns, alcohol and rights to vote, but none require deportation. Furthermore no amendment requires citizenship for anything. Simply stated, all persons are free in the United States of America.
This current deportation mania completely mystifies me. The practice of cruelty by Americans is foreign. We need to deport the idea of cruelty.
Mary Zanger
Hollister
Thank you Mary, I appreciate your words. We all should question, voice concerns and stand up not stand by while we watch families struggle with fear of separation.
Well said Elia!100%with your comment!
It’s not about cruelty—it’s about upholding the rule of law. When someone enters the United States illegally, they violate our immigration laws. If those laws are flawed, then it’s our responsibility as citizens to advocate for change through the proper legislative process. But until that happens, we are obligated to enforce the laws as they stand.
Many well-meaning individuals advocate leniency for those here illegally, often citing economic benefits like lower labor costs. But let’s be honest: few of those calling for open policies are offering to house undocumented immigrants or welcome them into their own communities.
Public safety must be a top priority. Deporting criminal aliens—those who commit serious crimes beyond their illegal entry—is essential for the well-being of our citizens. The safety of our neighborhoods should never be compromised for the sake of marginal savings at the grocery store.
Let’s have a fair and honest conversation about immigration—one rooted in respect for the law and compassion for both citizens and immigrants who follow the legal path.