Thread: IL-Immigration protest set for Diamondbacks-Cubs game

April 29, 2010
ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO -- Chicago-area immigration reform activists upset about a tough new enforcement law in Arizona are planning a protest outside the Cubs-Diamondbacks game.

The beginning of the four-game series is slated for Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Arizona's law makes it a state crime to be in the U.S. illegally and lets police question anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant. The law is slated to take effect this summer.

Activists around the country have called for a boycott of Arizona tourism and of state businesses, including its athletic teams.

Organizers say the protest is a way for ordinary people to show their displeasure over the law.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseb...042910.article

I live in the area and have gone to two games this week alone. It is already pandemonium outside the stadium on any game day. There are already 40 thousand, many intoxicated, running around. Adding a protest like this could be amazing. I can’t wait to see what happens!

We should have boycotted baseball years ago. Most top paid players are here on visas from countries like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and other hispanic countries. Agents have gone as far as smuggle Cuban baseball players from Cuba and have they play in the major league. One agent was actually caught doing so. Baseball has been a non American sport for years.

Take me out to the protest

Immigration activists to rally outside Wrigley Field before game with Arizona Diamondbacks

When the Arizona Diamondbacks play the Cubs on Thursday, they may face more than rival fans and a Ted Lilly sinker.

As part of a call to boycott everything Arizona after the passage of a controversial law targeting illegal immigrants in the state last week, local activists plan to protest the team outside Wrigley Field.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 684 confirmed guests on a Facebook page dedicated to the event, which will precede the 1:20 p.m. game that kicks off a four-game series.

"Pressure is mounting to defeat the Arizona bill, and any help (toward that end) is good help," said Orlando Sepulveda, a member of the March 10th Committee, which supports the legalization of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. "We want to raise awareness."

In addition to hoisting posters and marching, the protesters plan to hand out fliers to baseball fans discussing their opposition to the new law, which allows police to single out suspected immigrants and demand proof of legal residence. They are also encouraging people attending the nationally televised game to wave their own posters condemning the law.

Critics have said that the Arizona law will lead to racial profiling. But supporters argue that it provides for much-needed enforcement that will increase security.

The rally is part of a larger grass-roots movement asking people to halt all contact with the state. Activist groups recently sent out a call for people to avoid using US Airways, which is based in Arizona, or cancel travel to the state.

Travel agents contacted in Chicago on Wednesday said they haven't seen many trip cancellations, but added that Arizona isn't typically a prime destination for Chicagoans in the summer.

cdizikes@tribune.com

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,2096163.story

"Pressure is mounting to defeat the Arizona bill, and any help (toward that end) is good help," said Orlando Sepulveda, a member of the March 10th Committee, which supports the legalization of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. "We want to raise awareness."

We are already painfully aware of the demands and burdens illegals place on American citizens. Pressure is mounting to defeat the bill only from those who violate our immigration laws. American citizens support the governor of Arizona.

Related
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-196820.html

ChiWatcher2, did you get to check out the action? Here is a slide show on NBC Chicago, go to the link.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/w ... 40579.html


Hah...only about 3 dozen showed up, not the 600 plus committed Facebook folks you mentioned. I think the Cub fan's comment below really sums it up. The mighty 3 dozen say they are going to keep appearing the whole series.


Apr 29, 2010 4:48 pm US/Central
Immigrant Rights Activists Protest Diamondbacks
KAREN HAWKINS, Associated Press Writer

CHICAGO (AP) ― Immigrant rights activists chanting "Boycott Arizona" and "Reform, Not Racism" demonstrated Thursday outside Chicago's Wrigley Field as the Cubs opened a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Protesters are upset over Arizona's new immigration law that makes it a state crime to be in the U.S. illegally and lets police question anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant. Activists nationwide have called for a boycott of Arizona tourism and businesses, including its athletic teams.

"We are here today to send a clear message to the state of Arizona that we are going to boycott" until lawmakers repeal the immigration law and stop criminalizing immigrants, said Pastor Jose Landaverde of Our Lady of Guadalupe Anglican Church in Chicago, who was among the more than three dozen protesters outside Wrigley Field. A small plane carrying a banner criticizing the law also circled over Wrigley.

Protesters said they've faxed a letter to Cubs management asking that the team's spring training be moved out of Arizona. Cubs spokesman Peter Chase said the team was declining comment.

Immigration reform groups said they targeted the Diamondbacks, in part, because the team's owners have supported Republican politicians who backed the Arizona law. The team said in a statement that isn't the case.

"Although D-backs' Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick has donated to Republican political candidates in the past ... Kendrick personally opposes State Bill 1070," the team said. "The D-backs have never supported State Bill 1070 and have never taken political stances."

Diamondbacks players and coaches had little to say about the issue Thursday beyond a few wisecracks. Backup infielder Augie Ojeda, who was born in Los Angeles, joked about changing his last name to Jones.

"We're here to play baseball. I'm going to stay out of the political arena," said Arizona manager A.J. Hinch.

Most fans filing into the stadium Thursday seemed bewildered by the protest, and others said they opposed the mixing of sports and politics.

"I think it makes their cause look silly," Cubs fan Tom McGrath said. "Our economy is in a recession, boycotting states doesn't seem very good."

Protesters said they plan to return to Wrigley Field for the rest of the series

http://cbs2chicago.com/wireapnewsil/Act ... 64622.html

What did the immigration protest in Chicago accomplish?
April 30, 12:07 AMChicago Liberal ExaminerChris Weber
1 comment
With Cub fans fighting their way through the crowd, it was hard to tell exactly how many protesters were present at Wrigley Field today. It is quite possible that there were more journalists and reporters there than protesters, One man, who was two dirty American flags, was the only person protesting in favor of the new laws, but many fans played along.

While many of the protesters participated in friendly debates with passing fans, the majority of the comments made were simply "what is the point". The reason the protests took place at Wrigley today was obviously because the Cubs played the Diamondbacks.

What it accomplished is probably as debatable as the bill itself. Protests are great because they show that people are so upset that they made the effort to let other people know. With the media coverage on the protest today, they have definitely accomplished that.

What protests about this law (in Illinois) do not accomplish, is any change. Fifty people in Chicago will not be even a small point to consider for Arizona lawmakers. Why would it? It is not like Illinois and Arizona have any kind of long standing economic affect on each other.

What people in Illinois should be doing, is contacting their elected officials and make sure that they know their constituents concerns. It would be wise for voters to take a serious look at upcoming political elections, to see where candidates stand on these issues. It is time for Americans to start taking responsibility for the state we are in now.

Almost every crooked politician, is one that we have elected.

www.examiner.com