Quick Immigration and Smugglers Update

The number of South Florida immigration protesters have gone up, with estimated crowds ranging anywhere from 3,000-5,000 according to the Herald to as much as 10,000 based on this report by the Sun-Sentinel which, in a rare feat, seems to have outdone the Herald's lukewarm coverage.

The science of estimating crowd size is far from perfect, but it's safe to say that South Florida protesters have increased in size. It has taken a lot of prodding, however. The Catholic Church has been a big driver behind this, as I've personally witnessed from the sermons and announcements at my local church. Also, believe it or not, Cuban exile groups have gotten involved, including a commercial on Spanish TV by Cuban American National Foundation chief Jorge Mas Santos urging people to get involved.

Still, it has to be noted that the crowds here are still tiny compared to the half-million in Dallas yesterday, and to similar numbers in L.A. a few weeks back. Heck, even in Birmingham, Alabama (never to be confused with South Florida as an immigrant hot-bed) they estimated well over 10,000 protesters. On the Spanish networks' national news last night, they didn't even bother to show footage from South Florida, even though both major networks are headquartered locally.

I still stand by my initial theory for the small crowds here.

SMUGGLERS UPDATE

Now for an update on South Florida reaction to the migrant smugglers being shot in Cuban waters last week...

hang on....

Sorry folks, I'm having a hard time hearing any reaction from the sound of crickets chirping.