Spoiler Alert: Proposition 187 passed and keeps passing.

Across California commemorations, forums, and panels have recently discussed the impact 25 years later of our infamous anti-immigrant Proposition 187. I myself regret not being fully prepared to reflect on the timely anniversary. Instead I am left to react to the commemorations of others, mostly those led by the mainstream media interviewing Latino politicians, and a few grassroots leaders.

The general presentation of California 25 years later is that Pete Wilson, by championing turning schools and hospitals into deportation machines and banning public services to the undocumented, unwittingly ushered in a new era of Latino power. But as Dave Chappelle might suspiciously ask, “word?”

I am not proud to say I know what an ass whooping feels like, but I do, and proposition 187 was then and has been an ass whooping. If you thought that period of time was a tough time for immigrant communities and Latinos in general, you should review the years to follow.

For one, Proposition 187 passed, and it was not even close.

Secondly, Governor Pete Wilson, the “Paul Revere” crying “Save Our State,” as the measure was called, easily won re-election.

Thirdly, post election analysis showed significant opposition to immigration from African American voters, a bellwethers liberal block along with a high number of White Democrats. Asians and Latinos were the lone groups standing firm against Proposition 187 and let’s face it — this was…