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America interrupted

Recent citizens reflect on the war on terrorism, the American Dream, and what it is to be patriotic after Sept. 11

BY ANDREA ROOKS

The Sept. 11 attacks forced us to reevaluate what we’re doing here in America. We wondered what it really meant to be an American, someone who’s born into a life of privilege. For many of us, it was the first time we really felt raw hatred or recognized that America isn’t perfect.

But we’re not the only Americans, those of us who were born here. We’re not the only ones who felt the heart-stopping fear and the inherent need to pull together and move forward. Those of use who’ve lived here all our lives aren’t the only ones rebuilding. And we’re certainly not the only ones who care about this country’s war on terrorism.

Pedro Velasquez is an American. His wife, Socorro, is also an American.

Born in Juanajuato, Mexico, Pedro and his family began coming to the United States to work when he was 13. Socorro’s family started coming from Aguascalientes when she was 9. Both grew up spending six months in the Santa Maria area and six months in Mexico, their parents following the seasonal agricultural work. If Santa Maria grows it, they’ve picked it.

Pedro’s family made this their permanent home in 1975. Pedro and Socorro married and are raising their five children here. For three years, they’ve lived in the Los Adobes de Maria townhomes where Pedro is a maintenance man. His wife works at Water Wonders Fountains, and both are thankful that they and their children don’t have to work in the fields anymore.

In 1996, Socorro became a U.S. citizen.

In May 2001, Pedro also became a U.S. citizen.

In their living room on an average August day, they both told of how on Sept. 11, 2001, they reacted like most of us did–with fear that gave way to pride, patriotism, and the undying urge to keep pursuing the American Dream.

New Times: Do you consider yourselves to be patriotic to the United States?

Socorro: Yes

Pedro: Yes, definitely. Once you’re a citizen, to me this is my country. Wherever I go ... I’d do anything to defend it.

New Times: What does that mean to you to be patriotic?

Pedro: To be patriotic is to respect the country, the Constitution, follow all the laws of the country, and help others.

New Times: How did the Sept. 11 attacks on America make you feel?

Pedro: I felt sad because I couldn’t do anything about it. I felt bad for all the brothers and sisters who died, because they’re part of me. It really destroys part of our minds, but we shouldn’t be afraid of it. Life must go on. Stand up, be more united so that we can help each other. I know it was hard that day, and it kind of unbalanced our spirit. But like I said, we shouldn’t be afraid of it. We have to fight in a way, spiritually, and help each other. We should be more united.

Socorro: I feel not only for the people who passed away, but for the people who stayed, their families–they’re suffering. A lot of families were depending on the people who innocently died. But ... we have to keep going. We have to not be afraid.

New Times: How do you feel about countries that say they hate the United States, the way America handles foreign policy, and certain radical people that would do something like the Sept. 11 attacks?

Socorro: They envy America.

Pedro: They’re kind of jealous that our country is powerful due to the hardworking people who live here and work for our country. We work for our country, it’s not that the country works for us. Understanding the system and to work within the system–that’s part of what makes the country work. I believe that they’re wrong in a way. If they would do the same thing–work for their country, serve their country–then they would be a good country. But if we just want to receive without giving anything, then that doesn’t help.

New Times: So, do you think America is perfect?

Pedro: Well, not everybody’s perfect. It’s not perfect, but it’s close to perfect. It’s so powerful. I think there’s nobody in the world that’s perfect, but at least we try and get close to perfect. That’s how I feel about this country.

New Times: How do you feel about how America has handled its security since the Sept. 11 attacks?

Pedro: I feel that [leaders] are more conscious, and they have more rules for us, which should work because you have to always be cautious. Really we have to have more strict rules so this doesn’t happen again.

New Times: Have the Sept. 11 attacks changed your perception or image of America at all?

Pedro: Not at all. We must go on with optimism. If we are scared, we won’t have prospects [for the future]. The prospects are that we must go on.

Socorro: That’s what the terrorists want, for us to be scared.

New Times: What do you think of America’s role in the war on terrorism?

Pedro: I think it’s right that they’re fighting terrorists. It takes time, but we should show them that this is not a way of acting. I believe in America, and I believe that it’s doing a good job of fighting terrorism.

Socorro: It’s not good that the families get separated because of the soldiers over there, but I think it’s the only way.

New Times: What would you say to people who say that we should stop all immigration into the country because they can’t tell a terrorist from a tourist?

Pedro: They shouldn’t do that because down on the border most of the immigrants come from Mexico to America. They come to work. They don’t come to harm anybody. Without their help, then economically, we will be hurting. I believe people are saying that out of ignorance. Instead of saying that, differentiate the terrorists from the immigrants. Be more stiff on the terrorism people than on the immigrant people.

Socorro: Don’t judge everybody for somebody else. If you keep that up, it’s going to be the kind of place where you say, "Oh you’re a terrorist just because you come from some other place."

Pedro: We’re together with them, with the people who immigrate here. From our perspective, they come to work hard. I don’t believe the people who come to work in the fields are terrorists. Most of them don’t have the idea of being a terrorist–they just want to work to get money and go back.

New Times: Why did you come to America?

Pedro: I came to find a better living–the dream of America, you know. Ever since then, I’ve been after that dream, and it will be coming true.

Socorro: We came because our parents wanted a better life.

Pedro: And now, since I’ve become a citizen, things have changed in the way of better representation, especially for my children. That’s the most important thing for me is to be a U.S. citizen and get a better job. I got out of the fields. I feel very grateful for my job. It’s a good opportunity. I really try to do my best.

New Times: Why did you want to become U.S. citizens?

Socorro: Our children–that’s why we’re citizens, because they have a better chance to go to school and do things we didn’t have the chance to do. They have more help and opportunities.

Pedro: Better representation–that’s one of the main reasons.

Socorro: Yeah, we can vote [now]. Before, if you didn’t like the people who didn’t represent you, you couldn’t do anything. We had to do something about that.

New Times: What do you think your lives would be like if your parents hadn’t brought you here?

Pedro: It would be a struggle. In our country, it’s hard. There, it’s a good system, too, but corruption is what really puts the people down. Economically, it’s not balanced. My family worked in agriculture, and there, there’s no balance in production price-wise. It would have been hard. Our children wouldn’t have gone to school. I wouldn’t be speaking English.

Pedro: One of the important things for me is that my daughters are involved in our culture. To me it’s a waking up of the knowledge that our ancestors gave to us, the Aztecs. In order to work within the system you have to go have a good education and you have to not get into trouble. We come from a knowledgeable culture, and it’s time to share with all the nations as one nation to make a better nation. It seems it’s working well. All the students at Cal Poly and around here, they encourage our movement of waking up in the community. It’s not about being against each other, it’s about sharing and working together. That’s part of my philosophy.

New Times: What are your other dreams?

Pedro: To keep learning things. I want to learn the computers because that’s the future of work, and it’s something that you cannot live without. I will never stop learning. I want to be a good example to my daughters and my future grandchildren ... someday be with my grandchildren, play with them. And help other people in any way I can.

Socorro: To see my children graduate and see them live out their dreams in America. Not to work in the fields. To help people.

[Our children] have the opportunities to do a lot of things.

Pedro: I would challenge anybody to become a U.S. citizen. It’s the only way to get represented. And to learn English. I know a lot of people are going to school to learn English and I would say keep it up. You can do it. Learn English and try to find a better job. I don’t think we need more field workers. We need more lawyers. We need more doctors.

Socorro: Also, don’t think that because they’re going to be citizens they’re not going to have their culture. Keep practicing your culture. Keep your traditions. Do it to improve. Æ

This interview is also appearing in the Santa Maria Sun, New Times’ sister newspaper. Sun News Editor Andrea Rooks can be reached at [email protected].

Remembrance of things lost

9/11 Commemorations in SLO County

9/11 Vigil for Peace will be held in SLO Mission Plaza, Sept. 10-11, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. The names of those who were killed in the 9/11 attacks will be read aloud throughout the night. Attendees are asked to bring candles. For information or to volunteer to read, contact Sister Mary Pat White at the Newman Catholic Center, 543-4105 or [email protected].

The September 11 Commemoration is organizing a day-long ecumenical peace vigil to take place at the Estero Bay United Methodist Church, 3000 Hemlock Ave., Morro Bay, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The sanctuary will be open all day for prayer and meditation. Childcare will be provided. Info: 772-7644.

Many Voices of Healing: An Interfaith Remembrance will take place Sept. 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Templeton Park, located on Crocker St. between fifth and sixth streets. Live music begins at 6 p.m. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

Dear Mohamed Atta is a performance piece featuring the reading of letters to the Muslim leader. The show is Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., at Cuesta College’s Interact Theatre. Free. Info: 546-3201.

Sing Out For Peace is a series of 9/11 remembrance programs featuring the Sweet Adelines. The first show is at 10 a.m. in Downtown City Park, Paso Robles, then at 12:30 p.m. in SLO Mission Plaza, then at 3 p.m. at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande, with a final performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, SLO. All programs are free. Info: 543-9104.

The Downtown City Park Memorial will take place Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. Members of the Paso Robles Emergency Services and Police departments will be honored and live music will be presented. Info: 237-9233 or 239-4809.

The SLO County chapter of the Red Cross has set aside its boardroom as a quiet place on Sept. 11 for use by anyone who wants a place for meditation, remembrance, or reflection. Light refreshments will be served; 225 Prado Rd., SLO. Info: 543-0696.

Women in Black Vigil will take place Sept. 11, noon-1 p.m. at the corner of Monterey and Chorro streets near the SLO Mission. Men are welcome but will be asked to stand behind the women. Chairs are recommended.

A one-hour ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in Ramona Park in Grover Beach and feature a memorial tree planting, a candlelight vigil, and a moment of silence to commemorate those lost a year ago in NYC. Info: 473-4580.

Salute to Courage: A Public Observance to Remember 9/11/01 will take place Sept. 11 at 10 a.m., Hagerman Softball Complex, 3300 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 255. Æ




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