2: Bipartisan work is possible
upwards of 18,000 to the expo. Organizers say that translates into an estimated $6 million to the local economy. Ending the boycott has helped the state lead the way toward a conciliatory political atmosphere necessary to keep a robust economy.
Other cities should take note as the federal government continues to nationalize what SB 1070 did in Arizona.
Three takeaways from Arizona:
1: 1070 didn’t come out of thin air
end the boycott and their behind-thescenes efforts to prevent similar state legislation. The lesson for others is to remain vigilant.
It’s seems an impossibility, given the nation’s polarization but Arizona has done it – at least when it comes to trade.
Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and Democrat Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton are setting the example. They and other top business leaders, such as Arizona Chamber of Commerce chief Glenn Hamer, are aggressively touting trade and economic development between Arizona and Mexico.
Their deaf ears to the national tradewar-with-Mexico rhetoric exemplifies how other states can outsmart the isolationist movement.
3: No one holds power forever
said. But let’s not forget the key Arizona players of that forgettable eraare gone – Gov. Jan Brewer, Sen. Russell Pearce and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
National leaders will face a similar fate, but defeating them requires a coordinated defiance from local leaders and groups the likes of the National Council of La Raza.
The group is coming to Arizona only because its leaders are no longer targeting Latinos, Navarrete said. The group is carefully choosing states and cities to visit and praise.
“We’re going to states and cities that fight back” against the antagonistic federal government, said Navarrete.
Arizona may not be out of the woods when it comes to abandoning bigotry and xenophobia, but it sure seems to be on the right path.
Elvia Díaz is an editorial columnist for The Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@ arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter, @elviadiaz1.