Immigration protesters speak out on other social issues

An estimated 15,000 protestors gathered in Downtown Tucson to voice their opinions on immigration reform.

And, with so many people, and scores of media members on hand to record their every move, a number of groups took the opportunity to voice their opinions on a variety of other sometimes controversial issues.

“You really want change? Vote!”

That was the message among many that Nizhone Hart was trying to send, as she marched to Armory Park with thousands of immigrant supporters.

“If we don’t band together and actually vote for politicians that’ll support our causes, we can’t make a change. So, everybody 18 years and older needs to vote,” said Hart.

Hart was just one of dozens of others taking advantage of the big crowds, media turnout, and opportunity to present their views on hot-topic issues other than the proposed immigration legislation.

“We’re all trying to do better for everybody,” said native Tucsonan Salvador Andrade.

He says he was seizing the moment to educate people on Teamsters, and on unions in general.

“Unions down here (in Tucson ) aren’t too common, because it’s a right-to-work state,” Andrade said.

Jud Blawis, from Jobs with Justice, had a booth at the park so he could spread the word.

“We believe the country can only be prosperous if there’s a strong work force and it is strongly organized.”

Tom War Cloud, a Native American from Wyoming’s Arapahoe tribe said, “I’m not representing any side (of immigration)."

He says his message is something that goes back centuries.

“(This land) was our country many years ago. (the land of Native Americans ). We were invaded from the north, south, east and west by the French, Spaniards and British. It was taken from us. They took our land. Still, we are proud Americans as Indians.”

And, also proud to have first amendment rights, and the freedom of speech to express their opinions on every issue.

“This is what America (is all about),” said Hart.