Once I arrived in Arizona, it was an experience. The fact that I had cell service was amazing! I went line dancing, went to Tombstone (and watched Tombstone...ironically), went to Tuscon to see the Desert Museum, saw 'The Iron Lady" (again) with my grandparents, helped my grandmother make a pizza (half pepperoni and half broccoli), *cough* gained five pounds *cough*, went on a horrid ride to the salt River Canyon, and many other things. I bought souvenirs and even got some political campaign buttons (and a book by Hillary Clinton) for less than ten dollars!
While at the Desert Museum, I saw a rare lizard which is only one of two poisonous lizards in North America (I don't remember the name but I think it was a heela-monster and yes the spelling is wrong). I did not see the Grand Canyon though. I also went to Mexico which was cool. I walked into Mexico and I walked back into the United States. It was much easier to return to the United States from Mexico than it was to return to the United States from Canada.
Overall, Arizona was a nice place to visit and the people were pleasant; however, I couldn't get past the backwardness of the political climate. I really can't stand that idiot in the state governorship. I really don't understand her anti-immigration campaign. Her idea of "building a fence" is simply stupid! There is a fence already in place at the border and I am certain it is made of either tin or aluminum. During my time at the border - on both sides - there were at least 15-30 border patrol agents doing nothing except holding the ground in place. This was also the case in New Mexico and Texas. We don't need a fence - which will cost billions of dollars both in labor and training more agents to guard the fence, we need those on the taxpayer's payroll to quit standing around and actually do their jobs. While I'm on this topic, by only asking, "Are you an American citizen" and with a sufficient "yes", the people are let through without question is really insulting. Why not provide valid proof such as a U.S. Passport, a driver's license, or some other form of excepted identification (at the border I might add). Also, it would help to bear in mind the 4th amendment to the Constitution and not just go on the racial profiling. I am in favor of that. Here is what I am not in favor of and really makes me mad both as a Hispanic and as an American: Being an American citizen with a tan complexion being told to open his truck, have his luggage searched through, having his car license plates run through a database, and flat out asking if he is a citizen of the United States and where he is going and what he is doing! Nevermind the fact that he has his passport, his driver's license from North Carolina (which, last I checked was in the United States), and cooperated in the best way he knew how even though it took every ounce of himself to not get in a shouting match and make a (valid) scene of racial profiling. One would think the passport alone would have validated the citizenship but oh no, NOT in the state of TEXAS!!! Yes, I am referring to my time in Texas east of El Paso (this part is in the first part of my blog entry). I've said it time and time again - let Hispanic Americans be in charge of - and lead - all Hispanic issues. Furthermore, being Hispanic does NOT mean you are automatically a Mexican! I always thought the people were more open-minded and tolerant but clearly I was mistaken when it comes to the southwestern part of the United States.
Overall, I had a good time out in Arizona and I plan on returning next year to "the Grand Canyon State" to visit my family. Hopefully, I'll be able to see the Grand Canyon and visit a few more National Parks - mainly for the stamp to put in my National Park Passport...and yes, President Bartlett would be proud of me!
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