Special Issue on Immigration
by Bo Keeley
Photo Essay
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(Swans - October 4, 2010) In June 2010, Dolly, a Stanford 6-foot-tall Chinese-American anthropologist and computer black belt and Doc Bo [aka, Bo Keeley] rode the Mexican freight trains from Los Moches to Nogales at the US border. They were sheltered for a week in jungles, on flatcars, and punching the wind atop grain cars by the stalwart Central Americans from the tattooed, burly Mexican tramps who spoke measurable English, having spent time in US gangs & prisons, before multiple deportations. The common goal was the US border where the forty tramps (including 12 collegiate Salvadorans) split into twos and threes for the hot night walk across the desert into the Promised Land. They laugh at the notion of a US depression, saying that if one wants to work, one can. About half the riders were returning to families and previous jobs after 1-5 deportations, including a black Playboy centerfold Honduran retracing to Texas for her bible confiscated by US Immigration on the 4th deportation, who stripped to her bra to spar with the tramps and held her own. (The pictures were taken on June 17 & 18, 2010.)
Dolly atop a grainer |
Dolly standing tall and proud |
Three Mexican tramps on sunny deck |
Peace Mexican tramp |
Relaxed smoking on flatcar |
A sun-hidden Bo |
Derailed boxcar |
Tramp looks down on derailed boxcar |
Enjoying the shade of a hopper |
Smiling Honduran tramps |
Pensive Honduran tramp |
Sleepy dreaming tramp |
A provisional end to a never-ending search for economic justice.
May these brothers and sisters be blessed!
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About the Author
Bo Keeley is a retired veterinarian, former publisher, author of seven books on sports and adventure, national paddleball and racquetball champion, commodities consultant, school teacher, psychiatric technician, traveler to 96 countries, and executive adventure guide who has been featured in Sports Illustrated and other national publications as an alternative adventurer. (back)