JOY AND JUSTICE IN THE PEPPER PATCH

DO WE NEED GOVERNMENT TO GET JUSTICE IN THE PEPPER PATCH?

Pepper patch---near Hatch--New Mexico.  I've come to watch the harvest--see what I can learn.

 

No anglos are picking---only latinos.  IT IS HARD WORK---stooping, picking, filling up a big bucket, carrying it to the collection center. 

Hoisted and dumped in a bin. The picker is given a "ticket" for each bucket picked---worth 65 cents.

 

See how thoroughly picked.  I stand in awe at the quality and speed of their work----come away humbled and a bit more welcoming of immigrant labor.

Light hearded comraderie --enjoying each others company---they were cheerful--connected--as one-- for the moment in a worthwhile project.  They make about $100 per day or more.

 

Peppers are worth about $2.50 per pound in this condition.  Almost double that after processing and packaged. 

 

 44 bins of peppers enroute to the factory a few miles away.

 

The rules---posted prominently for all to see on the porta john.  How much, how long etc.

Celebrate with me these achievements!  For many years migrant workers were at the mercy of the producers.  Chavez and others finally stimulated government to mandate standards for workers---including bathrooms---drinking water---fair wages etc.

 

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Republicans and Libertarians do not celebrate this kind of governmental intervention----believing that market forces would do a better quicker job. THEY ARE DEAD WRONG in my opinion.  Years and years of cruel exploitation only came to an end with governmental action. 

 

ALSO:  WHY CAN ONLY LATINOS DO WORK THIS HARD AND BE SO CHEERFUL WHILE DOING IT.?  WHAT SPECIAL WILL AND GUSTO EMPOWERS THEM? (Thank you Laurie for asking the deeper question)