A Day Without Immigrants — A Month Without Customers
by Jennifer Vitela

[Vitela is the Capitol Director for Assemblywoman Audra Strickland]
 
The Joint Rules Committee from the California State Assembly notified Capitol employees on Friday that due to Monday’s boycott, the cafes at the State Capitol would be either closed or serving a limited menu.  The Rules committee suggested employees bring their own lunches to work to accomodate for the boycott.  I think it is time for a boycott of our own.   
 
These boycotts have been advertised as a means for immigrants to prove their economic power.  Instead of contributing to the very country that is providing all of us with the opportunity for a better life, boycott organizers are encouraging immigrants to try to stall our economy by skipping school, missing work, and not buying anything for a day.
 
But, we do not need to be held hostage because this is America.  In a country built on capitalism, we have options.  As these boycotters will soon learn — as most immigrants know — this nation was built and continues to grow through hard work and ambition. 
 
We must send a message to those who do not appreciate everything this country offers:  If you do not respect America — and everything that America stands for, we will take our business to establishments that do.  Because if you do not want to learn or work, there is a long line of people willing to take your place.
 
This is a call to all Americans:  It is time to prove the economic power of those who believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — it is time for our own boycott.  Not just for a day — but for a month.  For the Capitol cafes and any other restaurant or store or company that closes on May 1 to allow employees to march against the American dream, you will soon learn the economic power of your customer base. 
 
Because for the entire month of May, and maybe longer, you will not get our business.  We will walk an extra block for a sandwich, drive an extra mile for our produce.  If you cannot come to work on Monday, we will not see you any other day of the month. 
 
I ask everyone else who believes in America to join us.   
 
______________________________________________________
 
Copy of the email distributed on Friday: 
 
To:          All Capitol Employees
From:      Joint Rules Committee
Subject:  Capitol Cafes:  Limited Service Monday, May 1, 2006
Date:      April 28, 2006

Please be advised that the Jade Orchid Café (the 6th floor cafeteria) will be closed on Monday, May 1, 2006.   In addition, Tex Mex at the Capitol (the basement café) will be serving a limited menu that day.
 
Due to this restricted service and the rally scheduled on May 1st, staff may wish to consider bringing lunches to work on Monday.
 
Full service is expected to resume in both cafes on Tuesday, May 2nd.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 1st, 2006 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.