Opinion: Obama Town Hall: The scene heats up
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Streets surrounding the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex have been shut down, and hundreds of protesters calling for immigration reform have massed near the school. The protesters are beating a drum, chanting ‘Obama!’ and waving Mexican flags and banners reading ‘Economic Recovery Includes Immigration Reform’ and ‘Welcome to LA Pres Obama.’
Inside the gymnasium, a diverse crowd has filled nearly all the rows of folding chairs and half the bleachers. Brigitte Gomez, 17, was among 40 Miguel Contreras students randomly chosen to attend. ‘I was very shocked and excited and nervous,’ said the junior, who hopes to attend Stanford. ‘I thought it was a great oppurtunity.’
She hopes the president speaks about education. ‘If it comes down to it, our classes will get larger and we’ll lose some of our teachers,’ she said. ‘It would be devastating.’
If given the opportunity, Gomez plans to ask the president what he will do to reduce inequality. ‘Some communities have more advantages than others,’ she said. ‘What would he do to bring more equality and bridge the gap?’
-- Robin Abcarian
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