Thread: Latino leaders mobilize opposition to 'racist' anti-immigrat

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Latino leaders mobilize opposition to 'racist' anti-immigration bill

12:37 AM PST on Friday, January 13, 2006

By SHARON McNARY / The Press-Enterprise

Hundreds of people packed into the downtown San Bernardino city library Thursday to applaud critics of an immigration-reform bill and organize February as a month of opposition.

The immigration bill and an escalating anti-Latino and anti-immigrant political atmosphere led UCR Ethnic Studies professor Armando Navarro to call the meeting under the auspices of the National Alliance for Human Rights.

The bill, authored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisc., passed the House in December and is pending in the U.S. Senate, where political experts give it little chance of passage unless it is modified with the addition of a guest-worker program and deletion of provisions criminalizing the presence of undocumented immigrants.

Many of those in the crowd of more than 250 people responded with applause to speakers who expressed anger at their perception that immigrants and Latinos have been maligned in the escalating debate over border security.

"We are under a state of siege as a community," Navarro shouted in English and Spanish to the crowd. "We have to demonstrate that we have the power, the will and the courage to defeat this racist legislation."

Then Navarro spoke directly to a few members of anti-illegal immigration groups that were in the audience, including the Minuteman Project and SaveOurState.org, which has been mounting protests of day labor centers.

"Learn something from this experience and become a little more sensitive and less racist," Navarro said, later equating the Minuteman Project volunteer border watches that began last year with Ku Klux Klan border watches in the 1970s.

Arne Chandler, a Minuteman Project member, was in the crowd, curious to see how Rep. Joe Baca, D-Rialto, planned to attack the Sensenbrenner bill. Chandler supports the bill, including its provision that would make it a criminal offense to be in the United States without permission.

He said he expected to learn how political forces would mass against the bill, and criticized the speakers for not distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration.

Speaker Herman Baca told the crowd that the Latino population of California could provide potent opposition to the "No Sensenbrenner" bill because, "There are only two kinds of power in politics. Money and people. We're poor, but we have a lot of people."

Baca, the U.S. Representative, criticized the bill as "a potential time bomb" that could subject the large Latino population of California to law-enforcement profiling, suspected of wrongdoing just because of skin color.

"People should not live in fear because of their color," Baca said.

Mexican Consul Carlos Giralt Cabrales, speaking in Spanish, told the crowd, "We insist that migrants are not criminals. They come from another country to seek opportunity."

He said the United States and Mexico share the region and must reach a negotiated solution over immigration, and that the answer lies in labor laws, not in immigration legislation.

Before the meeting, attendee Alejandro Murrieta Ahumada, of Yucaipa, said that Latino political leaders who once defended immigrant rights had fallen silent.

"They're more worried about financing their next campaigns. They're taking (Latino voters) for granted," Ahumada said. "The lack of accountability of leaders in our state is atrocious."

Baca, however, said he pays close attention to the roughly 35 percent of his constituents who are Latino voters and wants them to join him in opposing the bill.

"We need more people who will stand up and not be afraid to speak out."

Reach Sharon McNary at (951) 368-9458 or smcnary@pe.com

Should illegal immigrants face harsher penalties? Comment

January 13, 2006 03:08 p.m.
They should be rounded up and sent back to were they came from. Let Mexico or (their) home country feed them and pay there (sic) medical bills. Persenaly (sic), I am sick and tired of feeding their damn kids. They multply (sic) like (edit)...My wife is from Mexico and she came here the write (sic) way.

January 13, 2006 02:29 p.m.
I live in the city of Long Beach. I am also an Afro-American woman, which eliminates the whole white and prejudice issue. I am against illegal immigrants if they are latino, African, european and any other nationality. I believe that if you want to come to our country illegaly then you need to be deported no exceptions. I always hear people say that illegal immigration is a minor misdemeanor and our local law enforcement has more to worry about. If that is the case, as Americans we should not discriminate. We should not charge anyone with a misdemeanor. Also, I don't see why we need a guest worker program. Let's stop sending people to prison to work out and sit, fight and consider more crimes to commit and start putting them to work. Imagine how much it would actually save the state's money. See now, these people could start to pay on their restitution fees, child support for the children they left behind and maybe they would be discouraged from returning to prison looking at all that hard work.

January 13, 2006 12:14 a.m.
Exactly what is a harsher penalty??? Where are the penalties? These folks get more benefits from local, state and federal gov't. authorities than we citizens can ever hope for!
It's very simple. We have existing laws IN PLACE to implement against law-breaking, illegal aliens. Since 1996, local law enforcement has been afforded the power to aid in the enforcement of illegal immigration laws by inter-acting with INS...now known as ICE. Of course, we would rapidly find out how unprepared and ill-staffed ICE (a Dept. of Homeland Security agency) is! But then, they would be forced to DO THE JOB(s) THEY ARE TRAINED AND PAID TO DO!
The greedy Americans who insist on employing illegal aliens can be dealt with swiftly and easily. Cite, fine and otherwise punish them for hiring (them)! It will only take a few stiff fines and/or jail sentences to send the message around the nation that unlawful emploment of illegal aliens is going to reak havoc on employers, large and small! Of course, the present administration is patently against any of these solutions! Our government is working feverishly to globalize our nation: ONE WORLD/ONE PEOPLE! Sound frightening? No kidding!
One huge measure we need to back in this country is the elimination of the concept of BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP. (This) should not be tolerated by the United States of America. We are probably the only country in the world that allows automatic citizenship for children born here. We have quite enough people here, already, thank you! Keep this in mind: Those (born here) grow up to sponsor their family members' U.S. citizenship.
We have a mess on our hands, thanks to our own government and the corruption of Mexico's leadership. Wake up America!

January 13, 2006 11:24 a.m.
When any foreign national, from any nation on earth, of any ethnicity, makes a premeditated decision to violate United States federal law and enter the U.S. illegally, to live illegally and work illegally, they are a CRIMINAL.
It is a crime to hire any illegal alien, anywhere in the United States at any time.
It is a crime to transport any illegal alien, anywhere in the United States at any time.
It is a crime to harbor, or provide shelter to any illegal alien at any time, this includes renting them a place to live or allowing them to stay in your home, apartment or garage.
Aiding and abetting illegal aliens is a crime.
Illegal aliens have no respect for our borders, for our laws, for our nation and for the people of this nation. If they did, they would come into the United States LEGALLY, like honest, decent people do.
Persons who enter the USA illegally have no honor, they are thieves, jumping in line ahead of millions of other foreign nationals, from every nation on this earth who just want to come the the United States for a better life too.
The people who are the RACISTS are those like Navarro, who want a "guest worker program" for ONLY Mexicans. I have no doubt that he, and all of the other illegal-alien-supporters would not be holding any meetings, or demonstrating against this bill, the minutemen, or the city of Costa Mesa, if there were 20 million Chinese entering the USA illegally instead of 20 million Mexican and Central American hispanics.
How about a bill for a guest worker program for Asians ONLY? Would Navarro and the rest of his ilk be pushing for that program?
Who is the REAL racist here?

January 13, 2006 10:31 a.m.
What is stunning is that these so-called "leaders" condone the cheating of our immigration system by illegal aliens and the employers that hire them, and no one is calling them on it. You can be certain that they would NOT be so charitable to people who cheat our tax system, since this same pro-illegal crowd also loves big government. Illegal immigration is NOT a victimless crime either wages are driven down by unlimited cheap labor and taxes go up to pay for medical care, housing assistance, schools, etc. for starters. Is it any coincidence that people who break our immigration laws also break a lot of other laws too? Fully 25% of California's prison population is illegal. Baca, Navarro, and their supporters are simply a bunch of rabble-rousers who are condoning cheating for politically expedience.

January 13, 2006 10:02 a.m.
I think we should see reality for what it is. The Bush administration has severely handicapped the middle class by catering to big business and opening opportunities to the poor. No American is going to devote 40 hours of the week and to still not be able to support his/her family. I think the Washington puppets don't want to admit that they are useless in thinking of a solution to fix this ever-growing issue. My solution, go after the employers who are the true culprits of this problem, which is only going to (get) worse and even break up America as we know it. You don't believe me? Wait 10 or 15 years and you'll see what I mean.

January 13, 2006 08:48 a.m.
I don't think illegal immigrants should face a harsher punishment. Many people don't want to see it, but they are who makes our future better. Do you ever stop and think about who built your beautiful home or what about the landscaping? Illegal immigrants are a benefit to our society. They also bring cultural ideas. What inspired an American man to open a Mexican restaurant and make millions are culture and heritage. We bring our ideas into this country that help many succeed. Many come into this country illegally and have children that grow up to be powerful leaders, some even are fighting (the) war in Iraq. We are a part of the United States just like Americans. Eventually, one day many will become legal and continue to benifit the United States. By not allowing them here, you are slowing down growth in the environment. Just stop and think who will build the homes for future generations. Immigrants don't take jobs from Americans, they pick up the jobs that others aren't willing to do. For American contractors that make millions -- who helps you make the money? Our people -- the immigrants. So before everyone rages against them, think about what your doing. Think about the pros.

January 13, 2006 08:35 a.m.
Illegal aliens should be ferreted out, rounded up, and removed from the country without costly trials or lengthy hearings. The military should be placed on the border, and local police ordered to arrest illegal aliens on sight.

January 13, 2006 07:14 a.m.
Yes, otherwise why should they stop trying to enter the country illegally if they are just released when caught?

January 13, 2006 05:57 a.m.
Sharon, you are wrong. Citizens of the United States of America are not anti-Latino, nor are we anti-immigrant. We ARE anti-ILLEGAL.
The citizens of the United States of America are under attack the War on Terror. We need to know who is here. Our government is charged with securing our borders and ensuring the safety of citizens.
And to Rep. Baca, I support the Sensenbrenner Bill and I am no racist. You, sir, are the racist in this instance by failing to uphold your sworn duty and represent ALL your constituents.


January 13, 2006 03:22 a.m.
Makes one wonder about true motivation in this matter. I too, come from immigrant lineage but that circummstance has long changed. Today's world is much more complex especially when it comes down to security issues and criminal acts. A red flag goes up when I hear words like racism, thrown around to appeal to emotional and not logical thinking by drawing a line down the middle like that as if it were black and white and ignoreing the gray areas. Unfortunately, this will cause reverse racisism. I do not agree with the bill in its entirety but must admit all Americans must take a hard line to keep undesireables from comming here and those who want to find a better way of life will also find a way to comply. Power does come from money and population and I see alot of seemingly normal people making large amounts of money smuggling not just people, but illegal drugs, animals, pharmacuticals, food items, etc., from over the border. We cannot let this continue to go on. We have bans in place for reasons and I view these as huge problems. Come on people, what are we really talking about here? Lets not cloud the real issues with emotional rhetoric and do what's right for all Americans and not pin this on a racist endeavor. I see too much selfish political motive here and it's not right to paint this as a racist thing to buy votes in that way. Let's see more imput as to refinement of this legislature and less cheap shots. We need to be together and not torn apart on this issue.

Mexican Consul Carlos Giralt Cabrales, speaking in Spanish, told the crowd, "We insist that migrants are not criminals. They come from another country to seek opportunity."

He said the United States and Mexico share the region and must reach a negotiated solution over immigration, and that the answer lies in labor laws, not in immigration legislation.

Right here, in a public appearance in the United States, an official of a foreign government asserts a territorial claim of Mexico within the United States. Additionally, he exorts Mexican nationals to demand changes in the laws of this country to benefit them. This is not acceptable behavior for so-called diplomats.

SAVE AMERICA - DOWNSIZE BUSH

From Email (edited for clarity)

Hello Patriots,

Wow, what a birthday gift that I got today! Yes, today is my birthday and I will never forget this birthday. The gift is a valuable lesson and valuable experience on seeing the true colors of reconquistas. The meeting was conducted in Spanish and English, as I believe 60% of the meeting was spoken in English. There was no Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the meeting, which of course that wasn't surprising.

I can only give one sentence to summarized the meeting: Apparently, the speakers, the meeting organizers, and the opposition audience either did not know or don't even care on what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. Simple as that. They want open borders and want the Southwest back.

The meeting started when Armando Navarro (professor at UCR) got up to the podium and started speaking Spanish ferviously. Yes, he was giving a very loud speech and I think he did that after he discovered that there were 20 patriots attended unexpectedly in the auditorium. He then translate his Spanish speaking-speech into English and went on about Minutemen and racism. Like J- said, it is all boring.

Then we have several "keynote" speakers that got up in the podium to give a wonderful anti-America speeches. The speakers were; a Catholic Priest (who asked the audience to prayed with him and it was in English), Joe Baca, his son (Assemblyman in California), MALDEF lawyer, a website crybaby that was crying about his computer being taken away, (Hector Carreon of http://www.aztlan.net/ who, among other things, agrees with Iran on Isreal) His computer was taken away by Homeland Security. Let's hope Baca did not give away any national secrets.



Enrique Morales, Navito Lopez, Elvira Martinez (she got the crowd to chant something in Spanish), a LULAC representative, who talked about weareracists website, and several others that I didn't get their names. One of the speaker complained about the migrant workers were not being treated fairly and promised that Hispanic population in California will go beyond 40 million in near future. He was advocating for anchor babies to get education and degrees and make sure they get involved with politics, so they can make reconquistas to be successful.

They show a movie to the audience and it was about immigration problems and protests during the 1970s. Boring stuff, really. They did showed footage of David Duke and "Klan Border Watch" sign with a circle and cross symbol on the car's sidedoor. The movie also showed some footage of Treaty of Guandalupe and it appears that they were focusing on the migrant part of the Treaty. At the middle of the movie, the DVD disk somehow didn't work out too well with the DVD equipment, when the movie was starting to sputtered. Everyone at the audience had enough of the sputterness and they stopped the movie.

Another speaker is asking the audience to support Gil Cedillo "1,000th" attempt to get the driver's license Bill to be passed. He went on about Gray Davis and Arnold S. decieving the communities that they promised illegals that they will get driver's license. He also stated that the implications of Real ID Act should not hamper Gil Cedillo's effort to get the Bill signed. Hopefully, Gov. Arnold still have the Veto stamp in his desk.

The MALDEF lawyer talked about the in-state tuition fees for illegals and trying to calm the audience down about having fears about this benefit will be gone for good and he assured that this benefit is still alive and thriving. He also discussed about the Amendment 14th issue (the Anchor Baby Syndrome issue).

Joe Baca was spouting trash about the H.R. 4437 Bill and promised to everyone that he will reject this Bill, even if the McKennedy amendment was added onto the 4437 Bill. It sounds like that this Bill will get killed, all because the Democrats don't like the enforcing part and good Congressmen, such as Tancredo, Goode, G. Miller, and so forth don't like the Guest Worker part. So, I would believe that RINOs like Flake, Dreier, Cannon, and other yahoos will be the only ones voted this Bill favorably after it comes back from the Senate. By the way, Joe Baca did speak Spanish on some of his speeches. Lovely.

Enrique and Navito were the worst bunch. They were taunting and jeering at 20 patriots who showed up at the meeting. While Enrique was giving a lovely speech, some clown in the auditorium came up to the podium and slap a bumper sticker saying "Pinches" MinuteMen, Go Home, which I believe the word "Pinches" has nothing to do with crabs and lobsters. I believe it means "F%$#" The MinuteMen, but I could be wrong. Oh! By the way, the "mean grandmother", that attended the Glendale rally last December, showed up tonight. She is the one that has that "Pinches" MinuteMen bumper sticker fastened on her sign. She was taunting at Dee outside of the auditorium when we were ready to go home.

The meeting ended and while the patriots were getting ready to leave, we were being confronted by the media. We were famous. I believe FOX 11 showed up, but looks like they left early. CNN showed up, since I recognized the cameraman. Guess what, folks??? The female reporter from CNN interviewed with D_ and I. Hopefully they will show the footage very soon. I don't know about my part, since I have speech impairment, and CNN may have some difficulties on what I am trying to say. I rambled on saying that the meeting is nothing but Anti-America and I was very disgusted because they did not address the issues of flow of drugs and human smuggling. They have no concerns about the terrorists coming into our Country and illegals committing crimes against innocent Americans and police officers. While I was talking about the police officers, I was pointing angrily at my David March button.

I wasn't in a good mood in front of the camera. I was extremely agitated and very upset, as my mind was filled with poison from Navarro and his cronies. CNN interviewed D_ after they interviewed me. While CNN was interviewing Dee, I was being heckled by the crowd. I guess they didn't like my interview. GOOD! As, D_and I were heading our way out to my car, the crowd were starting to chant "Racists Go Home" over and over again. Anyhoo, the meeting was very interesting and keep your eyes peeled for CNN interview AND your lovely pictures at weareracist.com website. I know mines will be posted very soon. Take care, folks.

--------------------------------


Their were probably about 20+ of "us," and maybe 140-50 of them. I sure wish more MM and supporters had come. Even though we said nothing, our presence was invaluable to our cause and our message! We made note of a sign indicating the capacity of the room was 198 seated folks...hence our observation of the "real" numbers!

I felt they were paying us a huge, albeit back-door, compliment by showing how great a part we play in their every-day lives!!! We were singled out time and time again by the goons. Enrique was most animated in his hate-motivated rantings. He lied from start to finish, while we simply sat and observed the absurdity of his and others' rhetoric. There was no point in reacting, because even though the meeting was advertised as "open to the public," it was a xenophobic hate forum, through and through! Many who have phoned Baca's office today say the sect'y now is deeming the gathering a "town hall meeting!" If it weren't so blatantly and venomously un-American, the event would almost be laughable.

At one point, during someone's (Navarro?) message, some fool came from the sidelines and stuck a bumper sticker in the lecturn which read, "Pinches Minutemen Go Home!"

They urged anyone with a camera to be sure and take photos of the MM, so that they could post our images on www.weareracists,com as soon as possible.

There was a police presence. I had called earlier to ensure the cops would attend, and it seemed they knew NOTHING of the event at the SBPD. I saw 3 squad cars and maybe 5 or 6 officers, total. The PD is just around the corner from the library auditorium where the event took place, so I'm sure they felt they could send more help if needed. Other than some taunting from the audience, encouraged by those who spoke, we had no mishaps. Perhaps this indicates who the USUAL CULPRITS are!!!

There were about 4 others, including a Mexican fellow whose brother and brother-in-law were killed by twelve (12) illegals a few years back. Very pleasant guy. We were situated mostly toward the front, except for a few who took the back rows.

We went directly to our car, avoiding, for the most part, the press. One little creepy reporter (the one who was ticketed at Rancho/Upland last week, followed and bothered us for statements, but we said little. I did tell him I was now satisfied as to who the RACISTS are in this scenario! .

God Bless America! God Bless all of us!

Exact words from the video shown today to the world on CNN Lou Dobbs:


"We have the armor. We have the infantry. We have the artillery, and we have to combine it under one organized command so we can wage an effective conovele(?) war against those racists that are trying to continue to discriminate and impede our development as a people". - Armando Navarro, Professor, UC Riverside (At the "emergency meeting" of the Open Borders Lobby in San Bernardino, CA. 1-12-06)


Many other pro-Mexico, pro-illegal alien, and anti-American statements were made throughout the evening.


Note: U.S. Congressman Joe Baca of San Bernardino was the main speaker at this event organized by Navarro and he was there for the entire meeting including the above speech by Navarro. His son, Joe Baca Jr., a state Assemblyman, was also there for the entire meeting.

This is similar to a white Congressman attending a meeting of leaders from the KKK.

Perhaps a Federal or Congressional investigation of last night's activities is in order.