Those websites need to understand that we are visual beings. So if no photo is available, they need to find an illustration/chart/graphic that works. They can search for it using Creative Commons Search or Wikipedia if they don’t have an in-house illustrator or graphic artist. They can also data visualization tools like Wordle or ManyEyes to create visualizations or what we in the newspaper biz used to call “art.”

Regarding those who flee their country (whether legally or illegally) to find a better way of life for themselves and their families: I agree with you. I have argued with people (who don’t understand the dynamic of the matter) many times. Most folks who cross the border illegally are doing so to survive. This is precisely why I do not fault Nicandra for lying to gain employment in this country. My stating that Nicandra was the only one proven to be a liar (in this matter) was to counter your claim that Ms. Whitman is a liar. We, just, don’t know (for sure). It may be proven later — but we don’t know YET.

My beef is with Gloria Allred for exploiting Nicandra for the political gain of Jerry Brown. If memory serves, Gloria Allred is seeking $6,200.00 for Nicandra. This is to cover unpaid overtime and mileage. In my opinion this is an a-typical case for Gloria Allred. She normally takes on and chases six and seven figure settlement cases. In my opinion, she took this case on for tv “face-time” AND to destroy Ms. Whitman. This is why (and I know I’m dreaming here) that I think it would be wonderful if Ms. Whitman would file a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Gloria Allred for defamation of character AND if she wins the case — give ALL of the settlement money to Nicandra. I say this because I believe that Gloria Allred is exploiting Nicandra a great deal more (say seventy-five times more) than any exploitation of Nicandra that Ms. Whitman is accused of. (I’d love to see some of Ms. Allred’s millions go into Nicandra’s bank account. This for exploiting Nicandra so terribly).

When I was eighteen (30 years ago) I voted for Jerry Brown. Looking back, I feel that was a mistake. I like Jerry Brown (the man — not the politician). Born, raised and currently living in California, I cannot stomach the idea of Jerry Brown being our governor again. In my opinion, he is part of the problem. California is like a small country. Our sales tax is currently at 10% – we have the highest gas tax in the nation and our property taxes (less those protected by Prop 13) is through the roof. To this, we have a good many other taxes and fees that are outrageous. How our state is not in the black is beyond me. We must correct this now AND Jerry Brown is definitely not the answer. I really wish George Deukmejian was on this ticket and opposing Jerry Brown (instead of Ms. Whitman).

I am a registered Republican who: 1) Voted against George Bush Sr. (when he ran for his second term). 2) Sent a damning e-mail to George W. Bush (when he was running for his second term). 3) Voted for Barbara Boxer (for her first term) 4) Voted for Obama (which I am really regretting now).

I am furious with Gloria Allred for exploiting Nicandra and am furious that this matter may help Jerry Brown. I want justice for Nicandra and want California to thrive again.

Todd

Thanks for your thoughts.

I have a few more of my own:

I don’t care if the maid lied about her status. I’d do the same thing. In my eyes, it’s not a crime to flee a country where you’re so poor you can barely feed your children to enter a foreign country to work. I would do the same. So would you. That she lied to take a $23 an hour job cleaning the house of a millionaire is something I’d do too if I were in her shoes. I have no problem with that. BUT that the millionaire who hired her cheated her out of pay by piling on the workload and not increasing her hours is despicable, regardless of the woman’s immigration status. That she insinuated to Diaz that she’d lose her job if she left on maternity leave, after years of service, is cruel.

Do I make sense?

Cindy

BTW — I don’t think you are a racist or bigot.