Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    desktop
    Posts
    1,760

    Orange County High School Students Fight Against Billboards

    http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2005/5/emw236564.htm

    O.C. High School Students Fight to Preserve State and National Identity

    A group of high school students say a billboard that read "Los Angeles, Mexico" and, finding it offensive to Southern California, have been actively protesting that the sign be changed.

    SANTA ANA, CA (PRWEB) May 6, 2005 -- Six Calvary Chapel High School student protestors received 79 honks of appraisal at last count. They were also flipped the bird seven times in two days.

    At the intersection of Fairview and Anton stands a billboard advertisement for Noticias 62, a local Hispanic news station. The words "Los Angeles, CA" are printed upon it in bold letters with a Mexican monument superimposed over the L.A. skyline in the background. The high school students agree that they wouldn’t mind if the sign simply joined Mexican imagery with California’s name, as if to promote harmony between culture and geography. What they mind is the fact that "CA" is purposefully crossed out and replaced with the word "Mexico."

    "Los Angeles is in the United States of America, not Mexico," said Santa Ana resident Josh Kuhn, 18. "A billboard promoting otherwise is completely wrong. We’d like to see the sign changed."

    Empowered by their government teacher’s suggestion that action leads to change, the six students banded together after their Advanced Placement Language exam and made signs countering the sentiment of the billboard.

    "One had a map of California and Mexico on it, with Los Angeles clearly labeled in its correct location," said Santa Ana resident Stuart Kirkland, 18, of his fellow protestors’ signs. "Another one said ‘Honk if L.A is still in California!"

    The students are not at all bothered by the promotion of Mexican heritage in California, as they recognize that Santa Ana and Los Angeles both have high Hispanic populations. Rather, they are offended by the demotion of their own country and heritage for the mere sake of product publicity.

    "We believe that this is a detriment to California pride and patriotism," said protester Alex Pockett, 18. "Why can’t people be proud of their heritage and that they are part of the United States? We should be proud that we are Americans, regardless of race. That’s the joy of being American."

    Charles Eldridge, Calvary Chapel’s Advanced Placement Government teacher, is impressed with his students’ initiative and passion. "I think it’s great to see young people take issue with something they feel strongly about," said Eldridge. "My students are proud of the cultural diversity in their cities, and proud of their country because it fosters that diversity. They want California to be for everyone, not just for one group."

    Eldridge grew up in Santa Ana and has deep family ties to the city. His grandmother, Beverly Eldridge, was crowned Miss Santa Ana in her youth and has a street named for her where her family farm used to stand. There is also a local park named in honor of his grandfather, Colonel William Warner Eldridge, Jr. "This is my city as much as anyone else's," said Eldridge. "It can't belong to a sovereign state and neither can L.A."

    The students have plans to continue protesting indefinitely and hope more will join their fight for restoring California’s good name to both the sign and to the hearts of residents who may take their geographic location for granted. Anthony Alcala, 17, wants to make it clear that "this is not a protest against Mexicans or illegal immigration; it’s a protest against the undermining of our state and country’s integrity."

    "We've received more positive support than negative reactions," added Kirkland.

    These students are not the first locals to find issue with the sign. Clear Channel owns the billboard space and has reportedly received several complaints about it.

    KRCA-TV Channel 62 was not available for comment.
    "This country has lost control of its borders. And no country can sustain that kind of position." .... Ronald Reagan

  2. #2
    Senior Member AuntB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    670
    " Rather, they are offended by the demotion of their own country and heritage for the mere sake of product publicity. "

    These kids have it figured out!!! Good for them.
    Want to make people angry? Lie to them.
    Want to make them absolutely livid? Tell 'em the truth."



    http://towncriernews.blogspot.com/

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    12,855
    Out of the Mouths of Babes
    "We believe that this is a detriment to California pride and patriotism," said protester Alex Pockett, 18. "Why can’t people be proud of their heritage and that they are part of the United States? We should be proud that we are Americans, regardless of race. That’s the joy of being American."
    They've so clearly stated the truth better than we have & I'm so PROUD OF THEM Those are AMERICAN KIDS!
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    1,365
    And to think that some people thought the younger generation went to hades in a handbasket. There IS hope.
    http://www.alipac.us Enforce immigration laws!

  5. #5
    Senior Member Virginiamama's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    2,088
    Go Kids!
    Equal rights for all, special privileges for none. Thomas Jefferson

  6. #6
    Senior Member LegalUSCitizen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    10,934


    I think most of America's youth understands right from wrong, inspite of our politicians. I imagine it's disappointing and confusing for them to see the President of the United States ignoring Federal Immigration Laws. They might think that some laws can be bent or totally disregarded.
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  7. #7
    Senior Member BobC's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    854
    Right on, Legal! If kids today want to be rebellious and give the establishment the finger, they should start demanding that our laws be enforced! That would set them at total odds with Bush and company!

  8. #8
    Eldridge's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Posts
    1
    I am really proud that you find my students smart. It was their idea to go and exercise their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble. I went out with them on Wednesday and we got 130 honks of support and 13 middle fingers. Consequently, success came as the offensive billboards are scheduled to be changed early this week.

    I tell my students that their vote and their opinions are as valid as any other citizen, but they are responsible to speak up or forever hold their peace. So quite a proud week for me.

    God bless you all, and God bless America.

    - Charles M. Eldridge

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    12,855
    WELCOME Eldridge!

    If these really are "your kids," LOL, then you've been doing a darned good job and I salute you

    Perhaps you'd be interested in showing them the document below to see how they would decide to deal with the issue. Since it's their "education" that has been singled out as a means to homogonize the American psyche, they might appreciate your allowing them to participate. I, for one, would greatly appreciate hearing their thoughts.
    http://www.4acloserlook.com/cc.pdf
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  10. #10
    stuman77's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Posts
    1

    Your support is much appreciated.

    Greetings all,

    This is Stuart Kirkland (one of the teens involved in the protest). Your support and appreciation for our efforts is appreciated more than you could know. Our protest began as just three of us with signs on a Monday afternoon, and by Wednesday there were over 8 of us with more signs and a couple flags. This is such an example of how the internet can amplify grassroots politics to a level of greater importance. Thank you all for your support.

    -Stuart Kirkland

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •