Thread: VIDEO : HAMILTON FARMS BILLBOARD STIRS DEBATE

Billboard stirs debate

LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON



VIDEO

http://www.chronline.com/multimedia/hamiltonsign.php

The proprietor of the famous Hamilton Farms billboard along Interstate 5 this week made a very public attempt at humor about U.S. immigration problems, but it doesn't have all of Lewis County laughing. -- For decades, the sign donned with an image of Uncle Sam has brought controversial national issues to the forefront of local discussion...
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VIDEO
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/ ... f6745.html

Lewis County billboard causes controversy

07:36 PM PST on Saturday, November 17, 2007

By ROBERTA ROMERO / KING 5 News

The latest message is raising deep concerns in the local Hispanic community. LEWIS COUNTY, Wash. - A longstanding controversial billboard in Lewis County is once again garnering attention.

Over the years, the owner has used the board to air his opinions about everything from politicians to homosexuality.

The latest message is raising deep concerns in the local Hispanic community. The grinning face of Uncle Sam is what drivers usually see first. Then the written message on the billboard near I-5 gets clearer:

"No Mexican Olympic teams?? All the runners and swimmers are here!"

Owner of the billboard Mike Hamilton, who did not want to go on camera, says he's trying to deliver a serious message on illegal immigration -- but in a funny manner:

"I wanted to use humor to draw attention to illegal immigration," he said. "My goal in the sign is to stir things up and inspire people to educate themselves about the subject."

Hamilton has definitely stirred things up. While residents in the area are well used to the political and pointed messages on the billboard - this time people are speaking up. The message seems to be especially painful for the growing Hispanic community in Lewis County. According to the U.S. Census, the population of Hispanics has doubled from 3,500 to 7,000 living in the area. Many are not laughing at the message

"Very hurtful - I am Hispanic and I'm proud of it and that's really wrong," said Adelina Petersen, resident.

Others say it's an obvious joke that is thought-provoking.

"It makes you stop and think about it you know? I mean look at all the illegal immigrants we do have here you know," said Travis Jones.

"Very hurtful - I am Hispanic and I'm proud of it and that's really wrong," said Adelina Petersen, resident.

The sign refers to 'no Mexican olympic team' and this 'hispanic' person finds it hurtful. Is she American or wanting to be American, if so she should be proud to be here. If she's more interested in being hispanic then she should not come to America and expect to change it to suit where she came from or her ethnicity. We are equal as Americans, that's the concept of America. Most Americans have a varied heritage and they don't need to be proud of where their ancestors came from. We are proud and thankful to be American.

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-91036-billboard.html

Duplicate Post

Originally Posted by IndianaJones

"Very hurtful - I am Hispanic and I'm proud of it and that's really wrong," said Adelina Petersen, resident.

The sign refers to 'no Mexican olympic team' and this 'hispanic' person finds it hurtful. Is she American or wanting to be American, if so she should be proud to be here. If she's more interested in being hispanic then she should not come to America and expect to change it to suit where she came from or her ethnicity. We are equal as Americans, that's the concept of America. Most Americans have a varied heritage and they don't need to be proud of where their ancestors came from. We are proud and thankful to be American.

Great insight IJ.