Thread: Some in North Texas call for a crackdown

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Some in North Texas call for a crackdown

09:56 AM CDT on Sunday, May 14, 2006
By DIANE JENNINGS / The Dallas Morning News


Dallas tech company owner Wayne Richard has never marched for a cause, never been much of a joiner.

But after feeling irked by recent pro-immigration demonstrations, he decided to push back against what he calls uncontrolled borders that threaten the “sovereignty of our country.”

“When they had their rally in downtown Dallas, that had a negative impact on me,” said Mr. Richard, president of Icglobal.net. “The message they were sending to America was more negative than positive.”

He helped pay for a “Stop the Invasion” billboard on Interstate –35E by Grassfire.org and attended a Dallas rally of the Iowa-based organization that favors a crackdown on illegal undocumented workers.

Mr. Richard is one of a small but increasingly vocal group of North Texans, protesting in different ways what they consider lax immigration controls.

He wants borders secured, the social services safety net “shut down” and sanctions against employers who hire illegal workers. “This is really a law-and-order issue,” Mr. Richard said.

, who describes himself politically as “a little bit right of center.”

That's typical,

Mr. Richard describes himself as “a bit right of center.” Typically, social movements come from one side or the other, said Dr. David Meyer, professor of sociology and political science at the University of California, at Irvine, and author of The Politics of Protest: Social Movements in America.

“Social movements generally don't come from the middle. In real life most people have ambivalent and mixed feelings about this issue and every other issue.”

Grassfire.org claims 1 million supporters, but spokesman Ron De Jong said he didn't know how many in Texas. But, he said, 42,000 Texans recently petitioned Sen. John Cornyn to increase border security.

He also said the 48-foot billboard on I-35E at Inwood was “completely sponsored” by Dallasites within two days at $25 a square foot.

Another group, Citizens for Immigration Reform, put up billboards earlier along Central Expressway, condeming amnesty for immigrants. That organization, which started three years ago in Dallas with eight members, says it now has about 225.

It has hosted speakers and organized automobile rallies, including a recent caravan on Northwest Highway of about 15 cars bearing American flags and signs saying “No guest workers, No amnesty.”

“It's a growing movement,” said Ron Ashcraft, a retired teacher who services pianos. “Almost everybody that I talk to is unhappy.”

Immigration rights groups reject that, pointing to widespread support for their cause. They say many labor unions, religious leaders and business groups have endorsed legislation that could provide millions of illegal immigrants a chance to become citizens.

But Citizens for Immigration Reform president and co-founder Jean Towell is determined to stop that effort.

“You don't get anywhere until you have people getting out here and motivating people to do something,” she said. “Officials don't pay attention to what a citizen is saying unless more than one calls.”

djennings@dallasnews.com

"It has hosted speakers and organized automobile rallies, including a recent caravan on Northwest Highway of about 15 cars bearing American flags and signs saying “No guest workers, No amnesty.”


Hmmmm, that CARAVAN idea might have promise. It's simple and wouldn't take people too far from home and away from their committments. That could be the solution to a rally. Just a thought.

A MOVING CARAVAN , through the streets and roads in multiple areas.
love it

Bad thing about using our personal vehicles, is that your tag numbers can be traced to your home. I will not use my car for that very reason. I would a rental!

Dixie