Thread: OH: Group's message: Illegal immigrants not welcome

Group's message: Illegal immigrants not welcome
Painesville rally not a racial issue'
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Rachel Dissell
Plain Dealer Reporter

Painesville -- A subdued-yet-ardent group of demonstrators opposing illegal immigration marched to the tune of patriotic ballads around this Lake County town's sunny town square Saturday morning.

The crowd of more than 50 toted flags of all sizes and protest signs. One sign stated, "What part of legal' don't you understand?" Another said, "Cheap Lettuce? Amnesty will cost 24,000,000,000.00."

The rally was in response to one held two weeks ago on the steps of Painesville City Hall denouncing raids targeting illegal immigrants living in the community. An area woman named Claudia, who would not divulge her last name, organized and led the rally.

She said the local Hispanic community's leaders are perverting the immigration issue for sympathy.

"This is not a racial issue," Claudia said from the square's flag-draped gazebo. "This is an issue about all illegals."

Others referred to those living illegally in the community as "criminals" who crowd into homes and cause problems. Robyn Smartt, who said she has three children who are half Latino, said she moved from Painesville to neighboring Mentor because of a growing gang influence.

Some said they objected to city signs stamped in English and Spanish, saying communities never made such concessions years ago to those who arrived in this country from overseas.

Joseph Benning, a Coast Guardsman who runs a farm in Lawrence County, said illegal immigrants who work for low wages cause businesses like his to struggle. He said those who employ such workers don't pay for health care and disability insurance like he does.

He and others urged the crowd to oust "pandering" politicians and vote against those who support legislation in Congress that would allow illegal immigrants to remain.

"If you came to this nation legally, welcome," Benning said. "If you came illegally, don't let the door hit you where the dog should have bit you."

Several vocal supporters of the local Hispanic community could not be reached Saturday.

Jane Mastro of Painesville Township said she didn't want people to get the wrong idea about those who object to illegal immigrants. She said she attended because she is concerned about the impact on local schools.

"A lot of people wouldn't come today because I think they think we are all hateful," Mastro said. "I'm not hateful."

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You know what these Midwestern folks have that the losers in Washington lack? Common sense. Just plain and simple common sense. God bless them all!