Fewer Pro-Immigration Demonstrators Because of Swine Flu Scare

The number of demonstrators at pro-immigration demonstrations on May Day were drastically down, apparently because of the swine flu scare. But the New York Times speculated that the numbers were held down also because of discouragement on the economy or the lack of progress in the Obama administration toward immigration reform. The Los Angeles Times reports differently. In Southern California the tone was upbeat and hopeful. There were no reports of disturbances. Still in Phoenix Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is to face the demonstrators today, is taking extra precautions to protect his jail and his tent city. (See Arizona Republic article.)