UPDATE: First we kill the Lawyers

[ben_meyers]

Yesterday I posted a comment about not being able to get "loose" tires mounted at Wal-mart or Sam's due to a lawsuit against Wal-Mart.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3346991&mesg_id=3346991

I called every major tire shop in my area, Big-O,Discount, Firestone, Goodyear, Sears, NAPA, Fletcher's and so on. I got the same answer at all of them, some even mentioned the Wal-Mart suit. A couple of the places suggested I try the "Mexicans". So I did. I pulled into a Hispanic owned shop and 2 very polite guys jumped all over me to get the job done. $40.00 cash all 4, mounted and balanced. Don't ask me who, I'm quite sure not all of their transactions show up on a tax return.

But here is the upshot, and maybe something for the Democrats to worry about. The conversation, while they were working, turned to the Presidential elections. These guys had no time for Obama or Clinton or the Democratic Party in general. The shop owner is from California and thought Reagan was the best President in his lifetime and thought he was a great Gov. when he lived in Ca. While they aren't too sure about McCain, they trusted him more on their biggest concern, illegal immigration. The "illegals" are taking their jobs for less pay and causing big crime problems in the community. I got a real earful, and some insight into some of their way of thinking.

I know it was only 2 people, but they sure weren't bashful about expressing their opinions.

[billybob537]

1. Illegals don't vote

Legal immigrants can. I just hope they are more informed as to which party really takes care of the poor the elderly the unhealthy.

[On the Road]

2. It May be Just as Much a Function of

their being small businessmen than of being Mexican. A tremendous number of people work in or own small businesses in this country. Any government policies perceived as being overly restrictive or punitive generate resentment.

Being attractive to small business is possible for a Democratic candidate, but it takes some work to frame the right policies without letting the big guys run the show and get away with murder. I have a feeling Obama is the kind of politician who could do this, and I hope he pays attention to this demographic.

[zbdent]

3. bet the shop owner was more than happy to turn his credit-card info over to

the Govt. ... but not his employee records, showing that he was hiring illegals ...

[ben_meyers]

4. Possibly you misunderstood

What a cash business is. They would politely laugh you out of the place with your credit card or checkbook.

The feeling I got is that they see a need for immigration reform not border fences. I'm sure a large part of his customer base is "illegal" and a solution needs to be implemented to address the situation.

[zbdent]

5. my error ...