Thread: Immigration protest draws 2,500 to Salem

Immigration protest draws 2,500 to Salem

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Story Published: May 1, 2008 at 7:40 PM PDT
By JOSEPH B. FRAZIER Associated Press Writer
Video

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Carrying signs reading "Driving is a right, not a crime," a mostly Hispanic crowd of about 2,500 on Thursday protested a new driver's license law they say punishes immigrants and they also called for major changes in federal immigration and workplace laws.

The crowd at the annual event, held in front of the Capitol each May 1, was enthusiastic but somewhat subdued compared to recent rallies when major restrictive immigration bills were alive in Congress.

Speakers demanded rollback of a decree codified by the Legislature in February - Senate Bill 1080 - that requires applicants for driver's licenses to prove legal residence in the country.

Rep. Chip Shields, D-Portland, urged the crowd through an interpreter to support legislators who opposed the driver's license restrictions.

"Today I am here to help your cause," he said, getting cheers. "We all know that SB1080 was not about driver's licenses. It was about immigration."

He said the bill missed the target, and described many immigrants as economic refugees of globalization and regional trade pacts with Latin America that are harming Latin America's agricultural base.

A large banner displaying the Virgin of Guadeloupe, Mexico's patron saint, graced the Capitol steps. Dancers in Indian costumes performed amid swirls of smoke from copal, a traditional incense used in indigenous ceremonies in Mexico.

A few people carried signs protesting illegal immigration, but they faded away as the protest progressed.

The only tension arose when two young men displaying a Mexican flag stood in front of a large banner that read, "If you are in my country illegally you only have one right and that is to leave."

Several police stood near the banner to control the tension, and the two left soon after.

Several at the rally took the microphone to deliver brief messages.

"God is with us," yelled Mann Micas.

Ramon Ramirez, head of Oregon's farmworkers' union, said a recent voter registration drive in heavily Hispanic parts of Marion County targeted second-generation immigrants, citizens who were born here and, Ramirez said, are easier to mobilize than their parents have been.

Turnout is usually low among Hispanic voters.

"Today we march, tomorrow we vote," read several signs.

http://www.kval.com/news/local/18458469.html

As soon as I saw AP as the source I knew which way this coverage would go...

Carrying signs reading "Driving is a right, not a crime," a mostly Hispanic crowd of about 2,500 on Thursday protested a new driver's license law they say punishes immigrants and they also called for major changes in federal immigration and workplace laws.

FALSE, UNTRUE, LIE!
Driving is a privilege, not a right!!!

Local governments control WHO can get a license, WHAT they have to do to get a license, WHEN it can be revoked,.... Sheesh people, you really need to get some things called 'facts' in order before you go marching for things you have no right to.

Originally Posted by PhredE

As soon as I saw AP as the source I knew which way this coverage would go...

Carrying signs reading "Driving is a right, not a crime," a mostly Hispanic crowd of about 2,500 on Thursday protested a new driver's license law they say punishes immigrants and they also called for major changes in federal immigration and workplace laws.

FALSE, UNTRUE, LIE!
Driving is a privilege, not a right!!!

That's exactly right Phred, it's right there in the driving handbook you get from DMV, all they have to do is read it.

Being granted entry into the US is also a privilege and not a right! We have the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not meet the requirements we need in immigrants, such as:

1. Have a skill that we need.

2. Be EDUCATED.

3. NOT be a drain on the economy

4. RESPECT ALL OUR LAWS

Illegal aliens fail all four of these criteria. WHY are they still here? INCREASE the raids, stop the birthright citizenship scam NOW!

Rep. Chip Shields, D-Portland, urged the crowd through an interpreter to support legislators who opposed the driver's license restrictions.

"Today I am here to help your cause," he said, getting cheers. "We all know that SB1080 was not about driver's licenses. It was about immigration."

His official State Legislature web page: http://www.leg.state.or.us/shieldsc/

His re-election site: http://chipshields.com/

Chip Shields represents North/Northeast Portland

Chip Shields represents North/Northeast Portland

Which has the highest proportion of minority voters in the city. If these people think Shields' views are in their favor they are badly mistaken.

Carrying signs reading "Driving is a right, not a crime,"

If driving was an American right:

1. Why take and pass vision, written and driving skill tests?
2. Why be required to have a driver's license?
3. Why are some issued restricted driver's licenses?
4. Why have a minimum age requirement?
5. Why have traffic laws?
6. Why have police patrol the roads and highways?
7. Why suspend or revoke violators driving privileges?
8. Why require proof of insurance?
9. Why require vehicle safety and smog checks?

For society to function cooperatively and HUMANELY there must be respect of the law and adherence of the laws.

"By definition, an immigrant asks for the privilege of being allowed to live in a country not his or her own. Immigrants have no right to demand change. No more than I have a right to barge into your house and demand you rearrange the furniture, knock out the wall between the kitchen and family room, and paint the parlor walls a different color." Thomas Lifson