Yes. Report stuff. our school has wacky blockers, and this is the only proven way of getting stuff from one place to another.

Jackson Currie
Mrs. Barlow
English/ 2nd Hour
18 May 2007
Gregory Rodriguez
It was in the quiet city of Fremont, California where a single voice was heard. A
voice of reason, of innovation, of America’s future. This voice belonged to Gregory
Rodriguez, who, at the age of 37, is now a frequent columnist for the LA Times. His
writings have garnered much attention, come of which have been considered “The Best
American Political Writing of 2003” and gave him the title of “Hispanic Business’s
Influential Hispanic of 1999” (Los Angeles1). Rodriguez still lives in Fremont with his
wife and his two daughters.
The opinions of Mr. Rodriguez address the demographic of America, especially,
the changes brought about by shifts of demographics. He writes in a variety of aspects
within the topic. Some columns are exposés on the racist ideals of the south, where the
stubbornness of the senseless is brought to Los Angeles’s attention, courtesy of Mr.
Rodriguez (Definitions 1). On occasion, Rodriguez also writes about foreign issues,
such as a new law in Beijing that makes poor customer service illegal (China’s 1). Still,
most of his writings discuss the changes brought about in California by the influx of
immigrants.
In one of his persuasive pieces, Rodriguez comforts those worrying over
immigrants, detailing how assimilation of cultures will result in a newly balances America
(Why We 1). His opinions are clearly in favor of immigrants and he wishes to promote
the acceptance of different cultures with his writings. Rodriguez then explains the
importance of immigrants in towns that need the additional labor they provide (Town 1).
He also touches upon the common conception that Latinos are involved in gang activity.
Rodriguez points out many instances which has Latinos working to prevent gang
violence in their area (Our Latino 1). One of his main objectives is to destroy negative
stereotypes surrounding the Latino Population.
Rodriguez relies on facts to promote his opinion of the topics he discusses. In
some columns, he may only have a small percentage of commentary in relation to
factual data (Definitions 2). This may be because Rodriguez feels he needs to inform
readers about the topic rather than persuade his lack of commentary is a factor that
actually benefits his purpose. He lets his readers draw their own conclusions
concerning topics. This creates a sense of independent thought, which is ultimately
more effective than persuasive writing. Some may construe this tactics as laziness,
while, in reality, the omission of certain aspects can truly improve a column.
Another tactic of Rodriguez’s is his usage of personal experiences throughout his
columns. He mentions a first hand experience in gang violence, where he was singled
out due to his ethnicity (Our Latino 2). This, along with many other examples, shows
the reader how well-learned Rodriguez is on the topic of demographics, and his
personal experiences create a purpose for his passion. The personal experiences
connect the author to the work, which, in turn, connects the reader to the work. The
experiences also add legitimacy to any possible skepticism some may have regarding
the authenticity of Rodriguez’s works.
A persistent theme of Rodriguez’s writings is the fact that he perpetually tries to
promote the Latino agenda and equality. He cites injustices made against Latinos in
multiple columns (Town 2, Why We 2). Perhaps he feels it is his duty to bring these
crimes into the forefront of the news, since they are not as well publicized elsewhere.
His bias is expected, when one takes into consideration his background. One can
assume that these remarks of injustices are seeds planted in their minds by Rodriguez
which will bloom into full-fledged acceptance of all races.
A commentator on the opposite end of the spectrum, Ann Coulter, voices her
opinion on the topic of immigration, citing that immigrants do not contribute to the
income or property tax base and have higher birth rates which consume most of welfare
and healthcare systems (Treason 1). While this may be slightly true, Rodriguez states
that many factors prevent illegal immigrants from becoming participating citizens in
American society. With promises of “Amnesty”, some immigrants are tricked into being
deported by the INS agents (Town 2). Rodriguez maintains that there needs to be a
mutual agreement between both parties involved in the immigration problem before any
progress can be achieved.
His unorthodox approah to writing sets Rodriguez apart from other columnists
who are writing on the same issue. While some find him foolish and over-idealistic,
Rodriguez holds his positions and compromises for no one. The tenacity is an inpiring
representation of the American way. Rodriguez is writing to make a difference. And one
day, through understanding, that change will be made.