by Aaron Tucker

Created on: May 21, 2009   Last Updated: May 25, 2009

HEMET

The Rise in Immigration, The Fall of an Empire

I come from a place beyond the rivers and over the mountains, where citrus groves spread their bounty to the fortunate few whom tilled the land - A place of hidden glory now only depicted in the minds of old. I come from this land with a faint remembrance of wild flowers dipped in the sweetness of morning dew and lady bugs dangling from their thrones of tranquility. It was perhaps a place of the gods, where they once swung their clubs from the hilltops of the vistas, down to the vast fairways below. It was a secret garden known only to the elite. The place I am referring to is nestled between the foothills of Southern California, in a once majestic town called Hemet and it was my home for over seventeen years.

Sure, Hemet's past was glorious, when the sun always shone its rays of joy across its empire. When the streets were lined with banks and smiles filled the lands. Even when neighbors would embrace each other with a warm gesture or a chilled glass of wine. Yes, Hemet had its moments, but no doubt the old fashion still runs deep throughout its inhabitants; Or does it?

For years I watched as my holy land was invaded by pirates; staking their claims one by one, bringing rise to new settlements. With them they brought new diseases, a new language, and Mexican food. They banned together, feeding off the ignorant and the weak, rising to power at an unprecedented rate. They formed gangs and lawn care companies - absorbing wealth while dodging taxes. They adapted to the land quickly. Soon, Datillo's fine Italian restaurant was replaced by Paco's Tacos, and Sushi Rays was renamed Jose's Fish and Chips. But still they demanded more, and more they got. In a short time my beautiful countryside view was being hindered by cement walls and blue paint. Shopping carts flooded a two mile radius and mass hysteria engulfed the intersections. It was the mark of a new era. The rise of a new empire Super Wal-Mart.

Super Wal-Mart was embraced by it's followers with cheers and applause. Finally, they thought, that 6 pack of beer is only going to cost me $3.49, and a box of Ding Dongs is fourteen cents cheaper than at Stater Bros.. To the Hemetites, as they call themselves, Super Wal-Mart is a symbol of strength and opportunity. It is a channel through which one can enjoy poverty and shoplifting, while providing a watering hole for the local meth heads and prostitutes. It has created a wealth of new career opportunities

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