Thread: Letters: A fight in Farmers Branch

Looks like most of these Texans know what they are talking about.

http://link.toolbot.com/dallasnews.com/23680

Letters: A fight in Farmers Branch

09:59 AM CST on Sunday, November 19, 2006

Following law isn't racism

Re: "FB moves against illegal immigrants – Council approves restrictions on rentals, language measure," Tuesday news story.

It amazes me that you put this story above the fold. Does this not strike you as an oxymoron? The headline should read, "FB moves to support the law." Why are the law-abiding American citizens being made out to be racists? All we want is legal immigration.

When are you going to start reporting the truth about the decline of the schools and hospitals, the overcrowding of the jails and the criminals who are committing horrible crimes against Americans?

Farmers Branch is just trying to take its city back. If you aren't going to support it, the least you can do is not fuel the flame.

Nancy Dekker, Plano


I'll live and spend in town

Thank you, Farmers Branch, for having the guts to do the politically incorrect thing in passing the ordinance to require illegal immigrants to comply with our laws.

Now, all you have to do is to overcome the inevitable temporary restraining order and 20 years of legal challenge from LULAC, the ACLU and every other special interest group.

I will be the first to relocate to Farmers Branch and spend all of my tax dollars there if you are successful – if I don't die of old age first.

Tom Lee, Dallas


How to enforce all of this?

I have no problem with what was passed by the Farmers Branch City Council, but I do have a problem with how the council plans to implement rental provisions.

As a Hispanic, if I try to rent a place in Farmers Branch, I will have to show proof of citizenship or residency. Now if Joe Blow – white, with blue eyes and blond hair – also tries to rent, does he have to show the same proof? This is where the problems will start.

I remember being on a bus in California on my way to Travis Air Force Base, when the Border Patrol stopped the bus. The only people asked to show IDs were the Hispanics, including me. I am sure the officer assumed everyone else on board was American because they were white.

Ernesto Galvan, Argyle


Examine Garcia's motives

I used to work for one of Domingo Garcia's political contributors, and the only reason he backed Mr. Garcia was to get something in return.

If Mr. Garcia's supporters believe he is on their side, they should look again. He is nothing more than a political opportunist who craves power. Thankfully, he was not elected mayor of Dallas.

The Latino community has many fine leaders who do not jump at every news event attempting to gain recognition to increase their own standing, as Mr. Garcia does.

Jan Ney, Dallas


Echoes of our ugliest past

Tim O'Hare is obviously not old enough to remember the "No Irish need apply" and "No dogs or Irish allowed" signs of my grandmother's days. Back then, ignorant folks actually went down to the docks to see the "greenhorns" come ashore, thinking they were people who actually had green horns.

I thought we had grown up enough as a country and a people to put this kind of prejudice behind us, but apparently not. I thank my lucky stars that I did not buy a home in Farmers Branch.

William Ogden, Carrollton


I'd like to see that lawsuit

I find curious the statement of the LULAC representative, who called the Farmers Branch proposal punitive. Isn't the response to breaking the law supposed to be punitive?

So LULAC and other groups now threaten a punitive lawsuit against Farmers Branch. On what basis, the right to break the law?

Ray Fillingim, Double Oak


No more touchtone hassle?

Farmers Branch declared English its official language, but I didn't know it had ever changed. We don't pander to those who only speak Vietnamese or Swahili, so why give way to those who only speak Spanish?

Does this mean I don't have to "push 1 for English" when calling the city anymore?

Steve Olkewicz, Mesquite


What a way to treat them

The inaction of our federal government to enforce our immigration laws only validates the theory that it has another agenda in mind for the millions of illegal immigrants in this country.

Ignoring the issue of hiring illegal immigrants in Farmers Branch but passing measures to ensure that landlords require proof of residency clearly sends a message to me: It's OK if the business owners benefit from cheap labor, as long as the illegal immigrants leave town after work.

Steven Mitchell, Rowlett


More should follow this city

Good for Farmers Branch for standing up for laws already on the books. It's not discrimination; illegal immigrants are taking advantage of our system and generosity. We work for our insurance, pay for our kids to go to school – no one gives us anything.

I hope other cities get on board with this and start enforcing laws. An unlawful nation is a chaotic one.

Michele Mayberry, Richardson


Not fooled by switched flag

What's funny about the picture of the Latino protesters waving American flags at the Farmers Branch City Council meeting is that many of them were waving Mexican flags during the illegal immigration marches this spring. This is not fooling anyone.

I still don't understand how upholding the law is a bad thing, as many Latino groups claim.

Warren Patterson, Plano

Houston: Looks like my fellow Texans are also please with the Farmers Branch decision.

Dixie

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/edi ... 35118.html

Viewpoints, Outlook


Nov. 14, 2006, 7:29PM
LETTERS
Farmers Branch's fan mail


Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

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Sue those who abet

THE American Civil Liberties Union and the League of United Latin American Citizens are pulling the race card regarding the actions of the Farmers Branch City Council [see the Nov. 14 Chronicle article "Dallas suburb targets illegal immigrants / City bars renting to them, makes English the official language; Latinos call divisions 'sad'].

All that the city of Farmers Branch is asking for is basic reimbursement for expenses. Yet, both the ACLU and LULAC are threatening lawsuits citing racism and discrimination. This is not about racism — it's about fairness.

The city of Farmers Branch should file countersuits against anyone who aids, abets or harbors illegal immigrants.

CAROL S. LEONARD Friendswood


Pleading for more

HURRAY for Farmers Branch and its new legislation making English its official language and making it a crime to do business with illegal immigrants. Finally, a community is upholding our American heritage. Whether a person moves here legally or illegally, most come for the great things our country offers. So none should get upset if we want to keep it the way we like it and not conform to some other culture. Now Conroe, Katy, Spring, Baytown and Pearland: Follow Farmers Branch.

SCOTT CLEM Houston


Some doing the job

THE mayor and the City Council of Houston say it is not the city's job to enforce immigration law, and that we don't have the resources, anyway. Yet, during Hurricane Katrina, the city took on a job that belonged to the feds and the state of Louisiana and marshaled the necessary resources. The city can fine property owners $500 when they are victimized by graffiti and can ban smoking in bars.

It seems not to hesitate to do "its job" in some circumstances.

It seems the small community of Farmers Branch is doing something the elected officials of Houston can't accomplish.

ROBERT H. SIMONSEN Houston


Race card is drawn

THE American Civil Liberties Union and the League of United Latin American Citizens are pulling the race card regarding the actions of the Farmers Branch City Council.

It completely astounds me that we continue to pay for services (of any type) for
illegal immigrants, and when we protest or try to do something to control it as they did in Farmers Branch, organizations like LULAC have the nerve to protest. They are protesting our efforts to protect ourselves and our own resources.

We want our money to provide for ourselves and our families instead of having it given to people who have no legal right to be here in the country.

PAMELA PARKER Houston

GO! GO! GO TEXAS!!

I knew you would wake up and do what is necessary. Lets hope the Texas Legislature listens and passes a "comprehensive" ( ) package of state legislations to stop this Mess In Texas ( )

Texas is our largest border state. So Where Texas Goes ... So Does The Nation!



Thanks Dixie and everyone from the Lone Star State and where it's just not fasionable or acceptable to "Mess With Texas".

Illegal Aliens ... You. Are. Going. Home.

And my town is so ready for this too. Wish my city officials would act. Here are comments that appear TODAY in the local paper (there are comments about illegals everyday!!)


Too easy

Stop making it so easy for illegals by taking down all multilingual signs. This country's language is officially English, learn it. We make it too easy for them to get a job as well. If you aren't legal, you can't work, period. Petition for fines to be issued to employers who hire illegal aliens, rally in the streets if need be to get our point across. It's not enough to just sit back and watch. We citizens have the right to claim back what we have lost. If you can't abide by our laws, then you don't deserve to be here. It is our fault as much as theirs.


Unfair towing

To the African-American ex-resident of Waukegan who speaks of unfair towing of African- American and Hispanic cars. I'm a white guy and have received more than my fair share of tickets and paid more than my fair share of tickets. Were they deserved tickets? You betcha and no sour grapes! Was my car towed? No! Why is this? It is because I have no warrants and I have auto insurance, up-to-date registrations and a valid driver's license. If I didn't? I'd be towed. Is this fair? You betcha again. Why should my insurance pay for the uninsured? It's not about race. It's all about being legal that's all. I notice you didn't say your car was towed! Could this be because you follow the rules, too?

Paying taxes

A "Talk of the County" caller recently claimed illegals pay taxes all year round and that the government doesn't give any of that money back to them. This is ridiculous and untrue. It's certainly true that they pay sales taxes when they purchase things, but income tax is a different matter. Many illegals (undocumented for those politically correct) are paid in cash. These people pay no income tax payments. Others are working using false Social Security numbers, and some don't get their taxes refunded. But, even those that have worked illegally in this country for several years can apply for a TIN number (Taxpayer Identification Number) that is given to those who are not eligible for a Social Security number, but have worked and paid taxes.

Judy,

I need all the cheerleading you can dish out. Lord help us. Your right, Texas is the gateway of illegal immigarton. Many of them cross us to get to the rest of the nation and it's about time our state and local governments take some responsibility for our lack of regard and enforcement.

Right now, Texas is nothing but a welcome mat. What a disgrace.

Dixie