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GUEST: Mark Day, documentary film maker, producer and Director of “The San Patricios: The Tragic Story of the St. Patrick’s Battalion,” also author of “Forty Acres: Cesar Chavez and the Farm Workers”

In 1846, thousands of mostly Irish immigrants joined the US army and found themselves fighting a war against Mexico. Many of the Irish soldiers in General Zachary Taylor’s army were familiar with racist and classist oppression. They questioned a war against other Catholics who were in many ways similar to themselves. Led by Captain John Riley, hundreds of Irish and other immigrants deserted Taylor’s army and joined forces with Mexico. They called themselves the St. Patrick’s Battalion– or in Spanish, the San Patricios. The US government initially denied the existence of the San Patricios, but historical documents have clearly established John Riley’s battalion. These days, the San Patricios are even commemorated during some St. Patrick’s Day parades in the US.

For more information, visit www.dayproductions.com.

There will be a screening of “The San Patricios” at the Echo Park Film Center at 1200 N. Alvarado Street (@ Sunset Blvd) in Los Angeles, CA 90026, at 7:30 pm on Friday March 17th. For more information, call 213-484-8846.

Sonali’s Subversive Thought for the Day:

“…parallels between the Irish immigrants of the 1840’s and today’s newcomers from Mexico and Central America should be obvious. Historically, both groups have suffered domination from oppressors who sought to destroy their religion and culture. Both groups have braved dangerous journeys to arrive in America. The Irish crossed rough seas in “coffin ships” laden with diseased and starving passengers, while their Latin counterparts continue to brave barren deserts and freezing mountains, not to to mention the barbs of nativists who see them as economic and cultural threats to the so-called “character of America.”” – Mark Day