Thread: Immigration Billboards Spark Controversy

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Jun 1, 2006 9:49 am US/Mountain


Immigration Billboards Spark Controversy

(CBS4) DENVER People who were opposed to illegal immigration in the United States unveiled a second billboard in Denver on Thursday morning. The billboards' messages target the so-called "sanctuary" policies by governments that some say allow illegal immigration to flourish.

The controversial billboards first appeared in Arizona, where American legion vets complained they can't get medical care illegal immigrants are getting for free.

A billboard on California Street near 21st St. was highlighted Thursday morning. It said "Mr. President, Mr. Governor, Mr. Mayor; They did not die for ... ILLEGAL SANCTUARY!" With images of rifles and helmets, the sign appeared to refer to military casualties.

A second billboard near 6th Avenue just east of Interstate 25 said "Welcome to SANCTUARY CITY ... Relax, you made it! Brought to you by executive order 116."

The message referred to a 1998 order issued by former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb that voiced the city's anti-discrimination stance with immigrants. Denver city officials have said the city does not stop police or other government workers from cooperating with immigration officials and there is no sanctuary policy.

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered near the billboard on California Street with radio talk-show host Peter Boyles of KHOW. U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Littleton, and national Minutemen founder Jim Gilchrist attended the unveiling event Thursday at about 7 a.m.

“This may generate some people to speak,” Boyles, who’s been promoting the billboards for weeks, said. “Maybe this is the billboard version of 50,000 people walking down Colfax on May the first.”

Congressman Tom Tancredo said the billboards reflect the majority view.

“I guarantee you, the momentum is on our side and this billboard is a reflection of that,” Tancredo said. “Finally, we're making the statement and they are trying to defend against it.”

Opponents fear the boards will bring more heat than light to the immigration debate.

A man who was opposed to the billboards was standing across the street at one point. Richard Delgado was holding a sign that said "No Billboards for Bigots."

“If this is any indication of what's coming, I'm afraid to see the other (billboards),” Delgado said. “It's just going to get uglier.”

He said he was angered by the billboards' messages. He claimed supporters of the billboards were exploiting the death of soldiers for their own cause.

“They will fuel the tempers and the emotions of people rather than calming those emotions and try to work together to resolve this issue,” Polly Baca of Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA) said.

The organizers said they have a third billboard planned, and that they will remain up for at least a month.

Opponents fear the boards will bring more heat than light to the immigration debate.

Good, because the only light they want on is the Welcome Light.

I know I am showing my age, but maybe we can bring back roadside
"Burma Shave " type signs in our neighborhoods...
anyone think of one?

We here in the Denver Metro area are begining to fight back. Latin americans are telling Polly Baca she is full of it. Dianna Deggette only needs a credible opponent to lose her job. 3 Denver state representatives are in trouble this year.

Now if we can get a recall movement going for Salazar....

In my rounds with www.defendcoloradonow.org petitions. Dowtown collection (more diverse) 60 % in favor. Other parts of the city about 65. Suburbs 85 to 90.

We need solid organization here in Colorado and these bill boards will bring focus to the cause

Originally Posted by jimpasz

I know I am showing my age, but maybe we can bring back roadside
"Burma Shave " type signs in our neighborhoods...
anyone think of one?

I loved those signs....great reading when a kid is in a car!

The billboards serve their purpose if they get people out of their PC cocoons and talking about illegal immigration in the open. I can't tell you how many people are so relieved when I talk to them about illegal immigration. I wonder how long until gangbangers tag the billboards. GRRR!!

“They will fuel the tempers and the emotions of people rather than calming those emotions and try to work together to resolve this issue,” Polly Baca of Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA) said.

YOU ain't seen nothin' yet

Congressman Tom Tancredo said the billboards reflect the majority view.

“I guarantee you, the momentum is on our side and this billboard is a reflection of that,” Tancredo said. “Finally, we're making the statement and they are trying to defend against it.”

Opponents fear the boards will bring more

THIS IS WONDERFUL!

OH! HOW COULD I FORGET--TOM TANCREDO FOR PRESIDENT!

9/11 fueled " the tempers and the emotions of people " -- then it was called Patriotism -- NOW it's called bigotry and racism

“If this is any indication of what's coming, I'm afraid to see the other (billboards),” Delgado said. “It's just going to get uglier.”

Uglier than May 1, 2006?