It is clear on day three that I will never be a journalist. Not that it was ever an aspiration, but I have a notebook, camera, recording device and the right outfit. I have the look, but not the instinct.
Not once, but twice today, in the Phoenix Greyhound station, human drama unfolded right in front of me. I watched as one mother and then another, in line to board the bus to Nogales, said goodbye to their children. Their faces and the length and nature of their embraces made it clear that this was an unwanted separation. I stood still. I could not step forward, I could not record the moment even in a photograph. I simply could not impose myself on their sadness.
It was on this backdrop that I met Juanita Cercone. A single mother of three, she cheerfully works food service for Greyhound. She was born and raised in Phoenix and speaks honestly and clearly about the issues of immigration and campaign finance reform.
[rtmp3 url="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/108166614/Audio2012/Juanita%20Cerone.mp3" title="Juanita Cercone"]
Wow! What a great interview. This shows how complex the issue of allegiance is. Party affiliation is not absolute – like it is often being portrayed. Bravo for being a critical thinker Juanita!! Life isn’t simple and neither are the answers to difficult questions. As I always say – if it were easy, we would have solved it already!!
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Thanks for sharing this great interview Julie. Juanita makes some very validvpoints. Btw, I love the fact that you are not the kind of journalist that “can impose themselves on the sadness of others”. Miss you very much!
I liked this one.show me is the right approach.if we could all demand a detailed plan we could make better decisions.
Hello Julie dear! I, like Mari, love the fact that you’re respectful of people’s private moments–of course! This was an interesting interview — go campaign finance reform! Love and hugs–
It gives us hope that folks do care about facts and real details, not just lofty spin and campaign BS. Be safe my dear.
I’m with Juanita – a person that would really do the right thing for our country long term, would never get elected. As your daughter Katie once said, (paraphrasing) all the really good things are hard.
I like that you keep the background noise in, that keeps it real.
Maybe simply watching and caring helps. It’s said that the tears of a phoenix can heal. I’d venture that Julie’s tears heal, too.
Julie, we have been following your travels and interviews……… MISS YOU <3
Julie, You are truly amazing. So much fun to look at all the postings… love the pictures you are taking. Dan and I are looking at this right now together and we are so excited for you. We love you, Sally
Sometimes the best reporting is just that, reporting what you witness, AND how what you witness makes you feel. One of the biggest heartbreaks of the five years my father was cared for by people at his Board and Care home was knowing how many of the caregivers were separated from their loved ones overseas because of our immigration policies. It is one of the gravest injustices in which we all participate, every time we eat a meal, no matter how green or organic or locavore we try to be.
Couple your witness to the heartbreak of separation with the perspective of a woman who works in that terminal and you’ve got a priceless report. Wow.
Juanita is a very impressive women with a balanced view on so many issues. Three tumbs up!!!!