illegal immigration....two sides to the story

Today, I watched on the sidelines as several hundred hispanic kids took to the street to protest a possible law that would deem being an illegral immigrant a crime.
There were no adults, only high school aged children.
I am not in support of their cause. I have my own views on illegal immigration. I personally don't believe if you're in our country illegally that you have the same rights as the citezens of that country. But, I am open minded, and like to view both sides of the fence before I make decisions for myself.
I truly wish illegal immigrants would take this same passion to the streets of their own countries. They should be angry at their own government.

As I watched these kids walk by, I read their signs, and I heard their words. One sign read "I am an illegal, not a criminal" I had to shake my head at this one. While I don't support their cause, I did feel a certain connection to them. I know what it is like to take to the streets for something you believe in so fiercely. For this, I respected them and felt their passion. It made me realize, borders aside, we are all just human beings fighting for what we believe in.

I tried to hold onto this feeling. Then I watched the news tonite, and listened to a young hispanic girl state that "they" are the only ones doing the hard work. That Americans only want to sit in their offices and do nothing.
This outraged me. I took it very personal. I wanted to scream at her and run a list down of every nasty, hard, disgusting job I have held. I have done jobs to feed my kids, that most people wouldn't consider. I know hard work, I know disgusting, I know getting paid shit for working your butt off. To me, it was a disrespectful thing for her to say.
I offend some people with my beliefs. This is ok. I will not keep my beliefs to myself for fear of offending others. I need to speak what I feel and fight for what I believe in.
I piss people off every day of my life with my views. But like the saying says, "if your not outraged, you're not paying attention"
Maybe I am just helping others to start paying attention.
Maybe this young girl was doing the same. Is there really any difference between us?
jb