see something so beautiful that it makes you feel like part of something bigger? Today, 4-09-06 I participated in the San Diego anti-immigration policy protest that began in Balboa Park and ended by the waterfront at the other end of the city.

I feel like I don't have words to express how much I love the Mexicans and other Spanish speakers that have taken me into their culture as if I were one of their own. This last year has been so beautiful for me. Looking through my photography series from today, I can tell that my photography isn't as consistently good as it used to be; but even if the tradeoff is permanent, I wouldn't have it any other way. Today I wasn't just a photographer taking photos for some good opportunity shots, I was part of the march, meeting families, photographing them, and in general just reminding myself why it was worth it learning Spanish in these past few months.

I love this shot because for me it represents everything I think America should be. I feel like we have so much to be proud of, for what our country has become. But there is so much farther to go. When will we be able to say that the people in these photos, all of which show more American pride than I've seen anywhere else in my life, are accepted by America as American citizens?

more later

- Chui