Mexico Trucker Online Articles

OOIDA asks “Is it racist to oppose the Mexican cross-border program?”

Mexican truckers take pride in their rides such as this Kenworth photographed in Laredo Texas. This is what opponents refer to as "dangerous", "sub standard Mexican junk"

That’s the question being posed on the Landline Now Media blog by Sandi Soendker, and it’s a valid question.

The obvious answer to the question is of course, no. However, in their absence of a credible argument opposing the cross border trucking program with Mexico, OOIDA and other opponents are knowingly and willfully preying on the ignorance and prejudices of their members and the public at large, to turn opinion against Mexican truckers.

So far once we can agree with OOIDA when Soendker writes;

If American truckers are opposed to cross-border trucking with Mexico, are they racists? If they are concerned with issues like safety, jobs, national security, fair treatment – is that racism? Concerns for other issues like immigration, customs, reduced tax revenue for roads, lack of clear enforcement – is that racism? Of course it isn’t.

The safety issue has been debunked. Mexican trucks and their drivers have been shown to be as safe, and in most cases safer, than their US and Canadian cousins.
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A Good Example of the drivel from Mark Reddig

The countdown has started to the opening day of cross-border trucking with Mexico.

And even as that date approaches, efforts by OOIDA to stop the program dead in its tracks continue as well.

Truckers and others are also hitting the phone lines, calling members of Congress, federal officials and more, trying to get the message across to a Congress bullied and bruised from the heavy-handed lobbying of the ATA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (an organization that clearly doesn’t deserve the name,) and the huge multinational companies that crave the cheap labor south of the border.

For some folks, it’s all a bit much. They are tired of having to fight this battle over and over, tired of the fact that even when Congress votes 411-3 to stop this idea, that the friends of big business keep bringing it back again and again, like some kind of monster in an old horror film that – no matter how many times you shoot it – just keeps shambling forward.

But this battle is too important. And those people should not be rewarded for their attempts to thwart the will of the American People, and of Congress.

We need to flood Capitol Hill with phone calls, letters, faxes and emails.

You’re likely to receive a response, but it very well may not say what you’d like to hear.

Don’t let it get you down or dissuade you from continuing this fight.
I recently called all three of the folks who represent me in Congress – my representative and both of my senators.

I received, in return, form letters. That’s not a big surprise.

However, what was a big surprise to me is that the members’ letters indicated that at least one of them is accepting this drivel from DOT that they’ve fixed all the problems and we’re good to move ahead with this.

Believe me, I will call and correct that error. I hope all of you will join me.

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Absent any proof, opponents continue to scare the hell out of Americans into thinking that 100 or so Mexican trucks will put tens of thousands of US truckers out of business and into the welfare line.

Ridiculous when you consider Canada has 37,000 or more trucks with free access to the US, and they have not cost us jobs. Landline Now host Mark Reddig doesn’t miss an opportunity to warn US truckers that 100 Mexican trucks will “destroy” the US trucking industry. And because of ignorance, bigotry and prejudice, people believe such an incredulous lie.

When they refer to “national security”, they want you to believe that terrorists are lining up to hitch a ride on the first Mexican trucks to cross the border while ignoring the fact that their are more than 25,000 Mexican drayage trucks who cross the border daily. They also pointedly ignore the fact that to our north, across one of the longest unsecured borders in the world, is the largest population of people from the middle east, the so called “New Canadians”, who can cross our border at will. And with a Canadian commercial license, they can do so in a big rig.

They talk of “fair treatment” which is nothing more than equal access. Many people don’t know that after we slammed the door in the face of the Mexicans in 2009, they continued to allow American carriers total access to their country. Four US carriers continue that access today.

OODA President Jim Johnston stood at a stakeholders meeting in 2009 before Secretary Ray LaHood and when asked about Canadians breaking our cabotage laws, shrugged his shoulders and said “It happens” and in the next breath insisted Mexican carriers should be barred because they “might” be inclined to break cabotage, notwithstanding the fact that if a Mexican breaks our cabotage laws, he is also violating his H2b visa and can have it cancelled and himself deported.

On the other end of the debate, we welcome pieces of crap such as this old FLD Freightliner from Canada into this country and onto our roads, without the least bit of worry about the safety and mechanical condition of the rig

They’ll have you believe that the Mexican carriers who will enroll in the program will be waiting to carry drugs and illegals into this country. 100 of the most closely monitored, strictly controlled trucks on our roads, while ignoring the report of the one of the largest cocaine busts in Nevada history, on a Canadian truck, a story which only garnered a mention on LandlineNow. Had it been a Mexican truck, all hell would have broken loose over at OOIDA.

OOIDA and other opponents have stooped as low as to turn to acknowledged hate groups such as FAIR, to spread their agenda against Mexico and their trucking industry, while keeping a safe distance from the results of their efforts. Using the hatred and bigotry of these fringe nutcases to get their message out. Disgusting!

Another Mexican Kenworth (KenMex) in Laredo Texas. How different is this from what you're driving?

So is it racist to oppose cross border trucking with Mexico? Not in the least if you have a valid reason and proof to back up your position. But to use the ignorance, prejudice and bigotry of some to promote hatred and violence against the Mexican truckers is decidedly racist.

Is Racism at work in Border Trucking debate?

Mexican T-660 Kenworth southbound for Monterrey on Mx 85

That’s the question posed on the blog “ALL THAT’S TRUCKING” as she writes about the many nasty, racially tinged comments being thrown about as the red hot debate over Mexican cross border trucking heats up once again, and the usual actors, OOIDA, TEAMSTERS and their allies in talk radio fan the flames of their listeners prejudices.   “Is racism rearing its ugly head in the debate over the long-delayed opening of the border to long-haul Mexican trucks, as required under the North American Free Trade Agreement that was signed nearly 20 years ago? I’m not saying anyone who opposes opening the border is racist or prejudiced, but in reading and listening to some of the comments on the debate, I can’t help but think it’s a factor.” says Deborah Lockridge, Editor in Chief at truckinginfo.com She goes on to write;

Many in this country appear to believe in a stereotype of Hispanics as lazy, greasy, thieving good-for-nothings — you know, the guy in the sombrero sleeping under the cactus. But in case you haven’t looked lately, Mexican immigrants (both legal and illegal) have become a vital part of our economy. Check out “A gringo in the lettuce fields” and think about how long you could keep up with one of these “lazy” migrant workers. Back in 2004, the film “A Day Without a Mexican” tried to “make the invisible visible” by taking a satirical look at what would happen to California if its Mexican population suddenly disappeared. Lawn work? Restaurants? Nannies? Construction crews? Maids? Car washes? Nada. So I wonder: Are some in the trucking industry letting racism, either consciously or subconsciously, affect their views on the wisdom of opening the border?

You can read the rest of the article here We tend to agree with her, especially after reading some of the 2274 comments received following the call to comment on the Cross Border Proposal by FMCSA. Comments such as this one, calling into question an FMCSA officials heritage, as if it matters.

This Mexican trucker issue is an insult to every hard working American!! (noting you are Mexican or of Mexican descent?). I have put much thought toward this issue and have come up with many reasons this should not become law. That said, bottom line??? There is NOTHING of value for us LEGAL Americans to support such a bill. Don’t do it! This is just one more idiotic move of Obama! We are Americans! Not Russians/Soviets, Not Mexicans, Not Chinese. This country as we have known it is rapidly deteriorating. Thank you for your time. Geoffrey A. Blair Lease operator

Or perhaps this one, proof that stirring the pot of hysteria and prejudice has worked for groups like OOIDA and TEAMSTERS

Hello, I am a US born citizen. I am also a self-employed truck driver. Cross border trucking will be devastating to the trucking industry. It will drive wages and rates that are already low ,even lower. Last year was the safest highways on record and you want to bring in the Mexicans. They will not abide to our laws because they won’t understand them. Highway travel will become unsafe because they can’t read ENGLISH signs. They will be making wrong turns in front of us and our families. U-turns on a Interstate Highway will become the norm and very dangerous. Mexican trucks are not maintained to our standard. When there is an accident (and there will be) ; how will the victims collect for damages or even worse ? Illegal drugs will be more common. Rape and crime will be on the increase because these people do not have the same morals as an AMERICAN. PLEASE WAKE UP AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT ! KEEP THE MEXICANS IN MEXICO – MIKE BOOKS

Here’s another one submitted by “Anonymous”, rightfully so with his apparent lack of education and more.

what kind of idiots are you . taking americans jobs away and allowing non americans ones that dont pay taxes to work here what the fuck are you dong . in this day and time when so many are out of work you alow this to pass do you know how many trucking companies are going to be out of work because of this

That one is sure to get the FMCSA to sit up and take notice. Actually, when you ignore the more than 1500 boilerplate “form letters” submitted by Teamsters members and the few such as those above, submitted by obvious OOIDA members, there are a number of good comments from folks such as mom and pop pork producers and other agri-business owners who give logical valid reasons why the proposal should go forward, as it will. The number of comments received, 2271 as of today, isn’t a realistic number though as there are many duplicates by the same commenter. However, the strategy appears to be for TEAMSTERS and others to submit as many meaningless and irrelevant comments as possible as a delaying tactic. The FMCSA must read each and every one of them, even the form letters, and that takes time. However, it is only delaying the inevitable.

Friday Rants and other nonsense about Mexican trucks

Mexican trucks lined up for inspection into the United States

Anybody have the chance to listen to Landlinenow on Friday when senior editor Terry Scrotum got his panties in a bunch over the upcoming renewal of the Mexican truck program? It was good for a chuckle or two, especially Terry’s feigned indignation.

At issue was a recent comment by Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood regarding the Mexican truck program.

Secretary LaHood stated:

“We’re working with the trucking industry on their ability to continue to be competitive. They weren’t particularly enamored of some of the proposals that were being floated around with respect to the Mexican truck – the cross border, uh, but we met with them and we worked those out.”

And Scrotums sarcastic reply:

Excuse me? You worked what out, exactly? And with whom? Which trucking industry did you work with, Secretary LaHood? It certainly wasn’t the same one that I work with. The trucking industry that I work with still doesn’t like the new proposed Mexican trucking program any better than the old program.

Strange but the trucking industry I’ve spent the past 37 years being a part of, is largely ambivalent about the Mexicans coming here. If they follow the rules, pay the penalty if they don’t, as we do, most truckers I’ve spoken with don’t have a problem.

Scrotum goes on to complain and push the same worn out theory that has been debunked time and again:

You want to know why? Let’s start with jobs. If this program goes through, American truckers will lose jobs. Period. Oh, but American truckers would be able to go down to Mexico and haul loads from there as well. Have you looked at the news from Mexico lately? Drug cartel violence. Kidnappings. It’s not a place I would want to be hauling valuable cargo into.

I would challenge Terry Scrotum and the rest of the fear mongers at OOIDA present irrefutable facts to support their contention that American truckers will lose jobs. PERIOD!!! There is none and the statistics available show that this is nothing but another fear tactic to get unknowing truckers on board with their agenda.

Yes, Terry, I have looked at Mexico lately. I was in Monterrey a couple of days ago. No trucks being targeted. The violence is between the cartels. It has nothing to do with the proposed admittance of Mexican trucks or our ability to continue operating into Mexico.

And while we’re on the subject of safety, let’s just talk about how safe those trucks coming up from Mexico will be. Mexico does not have the same safety infrastructure in place as we do here in the U.S. They just don’t. Oh, but we’re going to solve that by putting Electronic On-Board Recorders into each and every truck crossing the border, right? I see. And who’s going to pay for those EOBRs? Mexico? Guess again. We can’t even pay for our own transportation needs and now we have to foot the bill for Mexico too?

Let’s do talk about how the trucks coming up from Mexico are and will be. The 18 month pilot program showed them to be in compliance with our rules and regulations and showed they had a better safety and compliance history than our very own trucks. Your right. Mexico does not have the same safety infrastructure as we do and for good reason. The infrastructure they have in place to regulate their trucking industry seems to work for them. They don’t seem to be having major truck involved crashes everyday of the week as we seem to.

I haven’t even scratched the surface of the problems with this program. Let’s not forget the fact that after 18 months in the program trucking companies from Mexico will get their permanent authority, which means they get to keep operating here even if the program is shut down. And did I mention the Mexican carriers involved in the first pilot program that was shut down will get credit for the time they operated in the U.S.?

That’s the idea. Full compliance with out obligations under NAFTA and full operating authority after they prove their fitness, AGAIN! Nothing new and nothing that more than 850 Mexican trucking concerns don’t already have. No Terry, scratching the surface isn’t quite right. What you really mean is you just haven’t come up with more worthless excuses why we should continue to ignore our international obligations.

Meanwhile, down on the pig farm;

Since letters are flying back and forth around this issue, The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) sent Congress a letter urging their support for the renewal of the Mexican truck program.

NPPC has pointed out that Mexican trucks were proven as safe as American trucks in a 2007 pilot program, which Congress defunded in 2009.

The organization also pointed out that should this agreement not be ratified, it is likely that Mexico would increase the current tariffs on U.S. goods. Since they were imposed on U.S. pork in August 2010, the tariffs have reduced U.S. pork exports to Mexico by 9% from August to December 2010, compared with the same period in 2009. In that same time, Canadian pork exports to Mexico have grown by 99%.

Mexico, the second-largest market for U.S. pork in 2010, purchased $986 million of U.S. pork in 2010.

And finally, further proof that people don’t have a clue about Mexican trucks or our obligations under NAFTA, in this LETTER TO OHIO REP. BOB GIBBS.

From Congress.org (BOLD highlights illustrate the absurdity clueless nature of the writer)

Subject:
MEXICAN TRUCKS ON U.S. HIGHWAYS

To:
Rep. Bob Gibbs

March 27, 2011

Congressman Gibbs:

Obama wants to admit Mexican trucks to our U.S. highways and roads at a time when our unemployment rate grows.

And if we are to believe Todd Spencer, executive V. Pres. of the Owner-Operated Independent Drivers Association, “U.S. truckers would be forced to forfeit their own economic opportunities while companies and drivers from Mexico, free from equivalent regulatory burdens, take over their traffic lanes.”

Yes, Obama says Mexican truckers will be scrutinized for their abilities to meet U.S. trucker’s standards in safety issues, emissions. and will undergo border inspections at the “normal border inspection rate” –which means that only a few violators will get caught. They must acquire English proficiency etc. You and I know this is pure double-speak.

It’s my understanding that Mexcio claims that our ban on Mexican trucks violates our NAFTA treaty obligations. But as Phyllis Schafly points out, NAFTA isn’t a treaty. A treaty requires a 2/3 vote in the Senate and NAFTA was passed by a simple majority vote. She further points out that, with the drug war in full battle-mode at our border, this is no time to start admitting Mexican trucks. But if Obama and Calderon have their way, many Mexican trucks will be hauling illegal aliens and illegal drugs into our country.

If China ignores NAFTA regulations, why must we be made to adhere to them? We need some legislators in our Congress with cajones; someone who will fight for us instead of Mexico.
[pullquote]If China ignores NAFTA regulations, why must we be made to adhere to them?[/pullquote]

Congressman Gibbs, the people of this nation have been made to sacrifice their jobs to developing nations. What kind of monsters do we have in Washington who would hand the remaining jobs to people here illegally and then allow Mexican trucks into our country to destroy the U.S. trucking industry? The families of those U.S. truckers will suffer because there are no jobs in this country. Will Obama never cease in his effort
to destroy our middle class and force our destitute poor farther into poverty? And why would our Congressmen ever approve of this?

Yes we were the wealthiest nation; that distinction earned by the sweat of our brows. And we helped developing nations raise themselves up but they, unlike our forebears who fought and died to draw up a Constittuion that benefits everyone and anyone willing to earn a living by the sweat of his/her brow, don’t seem to have the gumption to fight for their rights.
We are the greatest nation in the world because we the people made it so; not because some other country came along and gave us a free ride.

We have always shared our wealth. Why is our government now treating us like lepers; bad people who don’t deserve good-paying jobs and who should work as slaves to the wealthy elite within a socialist government?

Please don’t allow Mexican trucks on our highways. And don’t forget that NAFTA is NOT a treaty. We owe Mexico nothing regarding giving Mexican trucks free access to our highways. Sure our truckers will be given free access to Mexico’s highways, but who would want to risk life and limb to do so? They don’t want to drive into Mexico and I don’t blame them.

Don’t let Obama have his way and watch him like a hawk because he will try to have his way by maneuvering behind closed doors. Too bad we have to put up with this mistake until 2012. Blessings.

Fredericktown , OH

Isn’t that a hoot? Never knew China had anything to do with NAFTA.

But, the lunacy and idiocy continues on as we start another week. One can only wonder what the wackadoodles will come up with this week.

Three years later, the underlying cause to opposition of Mexican trucks is the same

Trucks such as these Mexican long haul rigs are as modern and safe as anything on US highways, driven by men highly skilled in their operation

As the opponents come out from under their rocks to oppose the Mexican trucks once again, and in their opposition, costing Americans tens of thousands of jobs, it’s interesting to go back three years and review the opinions of others interested in this issue.

The following, appeared in the NEW STANDARD on March 28,2007, and the writers reasoning then resonates just as much in the renewed debate. After all, nothing is being said about the Canadians running amok in the US, breaking our cabotage rules, many who speak little or no English, and many from Muslim countries who are avowed enemies of the United States.

Michelle Chen writes:

Labor and public-interest groups are arguing that permitting Mexican truckers to drive US roads under NAFTA raises safety concerns. But the facts suggest otherwise, and some activists see a deeper problem.
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ADL’s new report on nativist extremism is out, and the winners are…

Since 1913, Fighting Anti-Semitism, Bigotry and Extremism

The Anti-Defamation League has a new report out on anti-immigration nutbars entitled, “Immigrants Targeted: Extremist Rhetoric Moves into the Mainstream.” Naturally, AZ was well-represented, with Rascist Minuteman Chris Simcox and Rusty Childress’ United for a Sovereign America getting mentions, and urban cougar Michelle Dallacroce scoring a whole section to herself. Of Dallacroce, the report states,

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UPDATE – DOJ opens investigation into murder of Luis Ramirez

On Tuesday, Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokeswoman Jamie Hais announced that the FBI and the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ have started investigations into the beating death of Ramirez. The opening of these investigations follows reports that local officials inadequately responded to Ramirez’s death. MALDEF has been critical of local authorities for their delayed investigations and for their public disbelief that local teens could have committed such heinous acts.

Gladys Limon, of MALDEF’s Los Angeles office, told reporters about the importance of involving federal authorities:

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A Turning Point? – 3 Pennsylvania teens charged in immigrant’s death

Luis Ramirez lies in his hospital bed hours before his death at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.. Ramirez, 25, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, died Monday, July 14, 2008 from injuries he received in a beating in Shenandoah, Pa

Three white teens were charged today in what officials said was an epithet-filled fatal beating of an illegal Mexican immigrant in a small northeast Pennsylvania coal town.

Brandon J. Piekarsky, 16, and Colin J. Walsh, 17, were charged as adults with homicide and ethnic intimidation in the July 12 attack on Luis Ramirez.

A third teen, Derrick M. Donchak, 18, was charged with aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation and other offenses. All are from Shenandoah, where the attack occurred.

Ramirez, 25, was beaten to death after an argument with a group of youths that police said included high school football players. Authorities could not immediately say if any of the suspects were members of the team, but they confirmed that all three used ethnic slurs during the fight.
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He ain’t whistling Dixie no more! Senator Jesse Helms (R NC) dead at 86

How appropriate is it that on July 4, 2008 we are freed from the hateful thoughts and rhetoric of this vile excuse for a human being.

Former Sen. Jesse Helms, who built a career along the fault lines of racial politics and battled liberals, Communists and the occasional fellow Republican during 30 conservative years in Congress, died on the Fourth of July.

He was 86.

Helms died at 1:15 a.m., said the Jesse Helms Center at Wingate University in North Carolina. The center’s president, John Dodd, said in a statement that funeral arrangements were pending.

This is the man that led the opposition in the Senate during the debates to create a federal holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is the man who clashed frequently with President Clinton, whom he deemed unqualified to be commander in chief. Even some Republicans cringed when Helms said Clinton was so unpopular he would need a bodyguard on North Carolina military bases. Helms said he hadn’t meant it as a threat.

Like so many other not-so-fine wines, Jesse Helms may have mellowed as he aged but his various changes in positions on social issues did not and cannot change the fact that he stood against so many and supported the denial of protections and rights under the Constitution to so many.

He will probably join Jerry Falwell and so many others who took this country down the wrong path. And I doubt it will be in Heaven.

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