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Vigils should be kept peaceful
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
The rhetoric in the debate over illegal immigration in Hazleton escalated a bit yesterday when a Latino civil rights group threatened to sue if Mayor Lou Barletta’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Relief Act becomes law.

Actually, the escalation began even before the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund sent a warning letter to Barletta late in the afternoon.

It happened earlier in the day when somebody bought an advertisement in today’s Standard-Speaker inviting Hazletonians to a “candlelight vigil” outside City Hall tonight. “Let’s take our city back,” the ad implores. “Support Mayor Barletta.”
It’s admirable that Hazleton residents think enough of their mayor to rally in his support.

However, it’s potentially dangerous, too, because another group will be holding another candlelight vigil at the same time and in the same place.

Members of Hazleton’s Hispanic community had announced plans for their vigil on Monday. They were hoping to attract opponents of the city’s planned crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Obviously, both sides have the right to say have their say. However, the second group’s decision to schedule a competing vigil could lead to problems.

We’re encouraging proponents and opponents of the impending legislation to act responsibly. There’s a difference between a rally and a vigil and we trust those on both sides keep it quiet and contemplative.

If advocates on either side have opinions to express, they should be given a chance to speak their piece. Both sides, meanwhile, should do everything they can to keep the peace.