Immigration rally gets approval after all


Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/19/07
BY ZACH PATBERG
TOMS RIVER BUREAU


LAKEWOOD — Diane Reaves will, in the end, get her rally.

After months of cancelations and roadblocks, she was told last week that the township would provide security so that a demonstration protesting illegal immigration could be held safely outdoors in a public place.

And despite all the setbacks, the date has stayed as planned: Saturday.

"Right now I'm feeling so excited, I'm on cloud nine," Reaves, a first-time rally organizer, said. "Even if five people show up, I still feel it's an accomplishment."

Ever since broaching the idea of holding the event over the summer, Reaves has received rejections from the Police Department regarding security and the American Legion post in Lakewood and the Old Bridge Elks Lodge regarding venues.

The original rally date, Aug. 25, was canceled when Reaves was told that the police would not provide security for her private event, to be held in the town square. Yet during last Thursday's meeting, Committeeman Robert Singer suggested that the security should be made available, and Police Chief Robert Lawson agreed.

"Any group that wishes to hold a rally has a right to do so, and our obligation is that, whatever protection they need, we take care of it," Singer said.


Lawson did not respond to a query asking why he changed his mind. The department will now place officers at the rally, with county and state officers also available if needed.

Expected speakers include Ruth Miller of the Fire Coalition, Gayle Kesselman of NJ Citizens for Immigration Control, Bruce DeCell of 9/11 Families for Secure Borders, Carmen Morales of You Don't Speak for Me and Kathleen Appell of Citizens for Immigration Control and Enforcement. The patriotic band Poker Face will also perform.


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Rally will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct 20, 2007 at the amphitheater next to Lake Carasaljo in Lakewood, NJ.