This gasp (like the last violent surge of bland excreta spilling free from the cheyne-stokes rattle of a dying, archaic power structure) flees the throats of those wishing fervently to impose violence, draconian penalties, and unreasonable fines upon immigrants from Mexico because the anti-immigration crowd has learned that those who support the immigrant cause have far more power than they do, when it comes to making money change hands. And as you and I know, there isn't anything more American than making money change hands!

Miller Beer, who dropped a couple grand into the 2004 coffers of Representative F. James Sensenbrenner (R - WI).(author of HR 4437 (and if you don't know what HR4437 is, honestly, you're reading the wrong blog), was confronted by "a group of Hispanic activists" and was made aware of a National boycott being launched by Latinos on March 10 of this year. Well, in case you didn't know, guess who is hugely supported by the American Latino dollar? Sí. Miller, one of the top two brands advertised during the 2006 FIFA World Cup on Mexico's Univision channel remembers very well the last time Latinos decided they weren't going to drink a brand of beer anymore.

I remember it too, I remember being at a party with my father in 1989 or so, and a discussion centered around the beer that was there (Bud? Corona? Dos Equis?) and the beer that was not there (Coors). The Unapologetic Mexican was, in those days so long ago, The Politically Apathetic Mexican. So I didn't bother finding out why we were all making sure we felt the same about not buying Coors. But I remember how strongly he felt (he has always been very politically aware and involved). And I know he was not alone in his feelings and actions. In fact, I still didn't buy Coors after that. And I only had a vague sense of what he felt so strongly about.

if they (Negroes) considered it 'unfair' that 'their ancestors were dragged here in chains against their will, I would urge those of you who feel that way to go back to where your ancestors came from, and you will find out that probably the greatest favor that anybody ever did you, was to drag your ancestors over here in chains, and I mean it.”

—William Coors, 1984 speech to minority business group in Denver, CO

Coors has suffered for decades behind this boycott, and was supplanted economically by Anheuser-Busch Inc, who rushed in to scoop up the Latino payola. HispanicOnline states that Anheuser-Busch "gained an advantage in market share that it seems determined never to surrender." Do you think the folks over at Miller are stupid? Well...I don't know. Probably. But they are not about to lose the Latino dollar, that's for sure.

So despite being located in Sensenbrenner's town, and their previous endorsement-by-proxy of HR 4437, when confronted with the specter of this boycott, Miller Beer Co. flipped over faster than a fella who accidentally snuggles up to a cold wet spot. The company issued an "unusual" one-page ad in Chicago's Hoy. The unabashedly repentent ad read "Miller Brewing Company se opone a la legislación HR4437 contra la inmigración." (Miller Brewing Company Opposes HR4437 Anti-Immigration Legislation).

Miller also released a statement that read "We hope you continue to responsibly enjoy Miller products with the knowledge that our company will continue to support the Hispanic community and the rights of immigrants."

But that wasn't all. According to the Chicago Tribune Online, the so-very-helpful Beer Company has shelled out more than $30,000 for "a planning convention, materials and newspaper ads" publicizing a pro-immigration march this weekend, the purpose of which is to "promote a controversial plan to end deportations and offer legal status for all 11 million to 12 million undocumented immigrants."

Others make some very good points about the question of whether or not these marches ought to have corporate sponsors. It's a good question, and if I were to venture an opinion, I'd say no. But I'm simply typing here now to congratulate and recognize our people for being unified, and for coming into this current recognition; for the fact that despite all the clever and harsh words levied against our dignity and humanity, we remain a force to be reckoned with, and in many more ways than one.

Confronted with the vile and the vicious, Hispanics have the right to defend themselves. They can organize and protest and vote. But there’s also the big gun in their arsenal—about $700 million in annual spending power, a figure expected to swell to $1 trillion by 2010."

—Immigration Issue Brews Beer

So a fist in the air for the buying power of the Latino! And un grito for our solidarity. That's the core; that unidad is the buttery adobo artichoke heart part.

Finally (and I won't even wipe off my lips first, though I may gag a bit after), a special kiss from the Unapologetic Mexican planted firmly on the faces of the Minutemen, Lou Dobbs, Rush Limbaugh, losers sitting with their shotguns by the border, and all the other scared Neo-Nativists who make it their business to rail and rant and release their hate against my people. Please enjoy your nights out! But think of us all when you drink your crappy, watery, tasteless beer! You may not know where the power lies. But it do!