Saturday, July 28, 2007

Suit Alleges Town Targets Hispanics For Traffic Stops

I missed the story when it first came out. I will try to get hold of Mayor Shirley Johnson, ASAP.
www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/07/19
By Jon Gambrell
The Associated Press
ALEXANDER -- Hispanic drivers ticketed for having rosaries on their mirrors or small flags on their windows have sued town officials, alleging police targeted them and had their cars towed by a company that gives a portion of its profits back to the city. Alexander Mayor Shirley Johnson says allegations of racial profiling won't stand up. Of 166 tickets issued in June, only 24 were given to Hispanics, she said. Arnoldo Giron, a native of Guatemala (citizen?), said Officer Tommy Leath cited him for driving with an obstructed view after noticing a rosary dangling from his rear view mirror. Ruben Duarte, also cited by Leath, had small Mexican and Guatemalan flags on his rear window. Leath also said Edvin Giron's tree-shaped air freshener posed a hazard.

"I don't think they have probable cause to stop them at all. I think he's targeting Hispanics," said lawyer Reggie Koch, a former police officer who is seeking class-action status in federal court. Koch's suit also claims that, while Arnoldo Giron had a valid driver's licenses from Guatemala, Leath cited him for driving under a suspended Arkansas license, which carries a stiffer penalty than driving without any license at all. And Koch said Leath had all of the men's cars towed by Metro Towing & Recovery, which then charged "exorbitant fees" solely because of their race, the lawsuit alleges. Giron paid $480 to retrieve his car while other drivers paid more than $300.

At Metro Towing, employees said a typical tow from Alexander cost $150, plus $35 a day, with administrative fees added on after the third and fifth day in storage. A manager at the company referred telephone calls to attorney T. Scott Clevenger, who did not return a telephone call. The complaint, filed on behalf of six drivers (illegals?) June 13, names police Chief Allen Spears, Leath, the towing company and the city government. Spears did not return telephone calls seeking comment and a number for Leath could not be found.

Johnson said that, in June, the city's seven police officers cited 117 whites, 25 blacks and 24 Hispanics."If they were being targeted, I think it would be reversed," Johnson said. "You'd have a hundred, or even 50. It would be more than 24." State law only says a driver shall not "drive a vehicle when it is so loaded" to block the view of the windshield. In a written response to the lawsuit, Clevenger acknowledged this week the company does have a towing contract with the city, but denied any wrongdoing. Johnson said Friday that Alexander receives a percentage of the towing fees, but did not know the amount and said Spears held the city's copy of the contract.

Racial-profiling concerns have grown among Hispanics (illegals) as Arkansas' Latin American population has grown at one of the fastest rates in the nation. Census estimates show more than 141,000 Hispanics now live in the state. Last year, police treatment of Hispanic became a focus at a meeting of the state's Task Force on Racial Profiling. In 2003, the city of Rogers settled a lawsuit by Hispanic motorists who claimed racial profiling by police. Koch, who also does immigration law cases, said as many as 100 Hispanic drivers could be covered by the Alexander lawsuit. "The goal of the lawsuit is to get the word out to other police officers that this (enforcing traffic laws on drivers who might be illegal aliens) is not acceptable," Koch said.
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The library where I wanted to schedule a meeting was unavailable for this or next Saturday. As stated earlier, I want us to work on a real website.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Hazleton illegal immigration ordinance struck down


Citizens Voice ^ July 26, 2007 Wade Malcolm
Posted on 07/26/2007 2:33:17 PM PDT by Clintonfatigued

A federal judge has struck down the Illegal Immigration Relief Act, ruling Hazleton's proposed crackdown on landlords and employers doing business with illegal immigrants is unconstitutional. More posted here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1872126/posts

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Bill O'Reilly interviews Willam Gheen from ALIPAC about New Haven, Conn. IDs for illegals program:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4EzvfBte38

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Judicial Watch has joined in the fight to free Ramos and Compean! More here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj311Abllko

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Several illegal immigration events!

Ruling expected tomorrow on illegal immigration ordinance
posted 07/25/2007
5:09 p.m.
By Wade Malcolm , Staff Writer

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta is cutting a family vacation short and planning a press conference in anticipation that a federal judge will issue a ruling on Hazleton's illegal immigration ordinance tomorrow afternoon, the mayor said.

"We've waited a long time," said Barletta, who plans to speak at 4 p.m. in the Hazleton City Council chambers. "I'm anxious to hear the decision and move on one way or the other."Hazleton has been at the heart of a national debate ever since July 2006 when it passed an ordinance punishing landlords and employers for doing business with illegal immigrants. A separate ordinance makes English the official language. Hundreds of municipalities around the country - and at least two dozen in Northeastern Pennsylvania - passed or considered copycat laws. The American Civil Liberties Union and several other advocacy groups sued the city in federal court on behalf of several residents and community groups, arguing the ordinance infringed on the civil rights of Latinos and the federal government's sole authority to regulate immigration. A nine-day trial was held in March at the William J. Nealon Federal Building in Scranton. Tomorrow's anticipated decision could set the legal precedent for whether local governments can pass laws dealing with illegal immigration.Read more in tomorrow's Citizens' Voice.

We are watching this event to see what we can do regarding illegal immigration in Arkansas. Rogers, Arkansas is just one of many places where similar ordinances can be passed.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1871653/posts
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Harvest Foods at Baseline and Geyer Springs is re-opening as the "Largest Authentic Latino Supermarket In Little Rock". The new store name is Super Meracdo Fresco! They are celebrating with a Mariachi band all day Saturday. The direct mail flyer is, on the inside mostly in Spanish and features items are offered in both languages.

I can be there around 1pm or so and take some video footage. I want to schedule the next meeting to work on the website for next Saturday.
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House moves to free Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting Mexican drug dealer:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1871732/posts

Kyl plans new, revised immigration reform bill


East Valley Tribune ^ July 24, 2007 Paul Giblin
Posted on 07/25/2007 2:51:28 PM PDT by AuntB

U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl plans to introduce an immigration enforcement bill before the Senate’s month-long summer recess starts on Aug. 4. The Arizona Republican’s new tactic will be more narrowly focused than the Senate’s previous and unsuccessful approach that tried to link immigration enforcement to immigration reform. The broader measure collapsed in June.
The new legislation will offer a selection of immigration enforcement options that were identified during and after debate surrounding the failed immigration reform bill, Kyl said. “It will be kind of a menu of all the kinds of things you can pick from if you wanted to do enforcement first. I think we need to change some laws in that regard,” Kyl said Monday during an interview on radio station KTAR-FM 92.3.
Kyl did not elaborate on his plans during the interview. Later, through a spokesman, he declined an interview with the Tribune because the language of the new bill has yet to be finalized. Kyl was one of the chief architects of the previous immigration reform bill, which included several border and interior enforcement provisions. Among them: new border fencing, vehicle barriers, ground-based radar and camera towers, more U.S. Border Patrol agents, an employment eligibility verification system, and criminal and civil penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants.
It was unclear Tuesday whether Kyl plans to recycle any of those provisions in his new bill. Most of the controversy surrounding the failed bill centered on its other features, including a system to provide millions of illegal immigrants already living in the United States legal status and eventual citizenship, and a guest worker program for foreign nationals to work in the United States legally. Kyl was roundly criticized by fellow Republicans for supporting the previous bill. They said it offered “amnesty” to illegal immigrants.
In June, Kyl argued that it wasn’t amnesty, because it required illegal immigrants to undergo background checks, pay fines, learn English and fulfill other requirements. Kyl told KTAR he didn’t regret his position on the failed immigration reform bill. “I regret not doing a better job explaining what we thought we had accomplished that made the bill acceptable from my point of view,” he said. “Obviously, there were parts of it that I didn’t like. I thought I was getting some pretty good concessions from the other side. And by the way, they had some objections from their side, as well.”
Guiding an immigration enforcement bill through the Senate undoubtedly will present new challenges, because unlike the previous bill, it likely will lack provisions attractive to some liberal members of Congress. Immigration enforcement and reform measures have two basic trade-offs, Kyl said. “One side wants to go easy on the enforcement and provide regularization to all of the people who are here; the other side wants to be really tough on enforcement and not provide for the regularization,” he said.
Elías Bermúdez, leader of the activist group Immigrants Without Borders, said an enforcement bill will be ill-fated. “I don’t think it will pass. I don’t think they’ll find a single Democrat who will go for enforcement only – and they are going to need the Democrats,” he said. Arizona Republican Party chairman Randy Pullen, who opposed the previous reform legislation, said the concept appears promising. “Clearly, enforcement related bills would be much better received by the party in general, not only in Arizona, but nationally,” he said.

Friday, July 20, 2007

CHEAP TOMATOES?

Got this in my email from Betty Manz. It has some very interesting facts I haven't seen before:

This should make everyone think, be you Democrat, Republican or Independent From a California school teacher - - - "As you listen to the news about the student protests over illegal immigration, there are some things that you should be aware of: I am in charge of the English-as-a-second-language department at a large southern California high school which is designated a Title 1 school, meaning that its students average lower socioeconomic and income levels.
Most of the schools you are hearing about, South Gate High, Bell Gardens , Huntington Park , etc., where these students are protesting, are also Title 1 schools.Title 1 schools are on the free breakfast and free lunch program. When I say free breakfast, I'm not talking a glass of milk and roll -- but a full breakfast and cereal bar with fruits and juices that would make a Marriott proud. The waste of this food is monumental, with trays and trays of it being dumped in the trash uneaten. (OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK) I estimate that well over 50% of these students are obese or at least moderately overweight. About 75% or more DO have cell phones. The school also provides day care centers for the unwed teenage pregnant girls (some as young as 13) so they can attend class without the inconvenience of having to arrange for babysitters or having family watch their kids. (OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK)I was ordered to spend $700,000 on my department or risk losing funding for the upcoming year even though there was little need for anything; my budget was already substantial.. I ended up buying new computers for the computer learning center, half of which, one month later, have been carved with graffiti by the appreciative students who obviously feel humbled and grateful to have a free education in America . (OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK) I have had to intervene several times for young and substitute teachers whose classes consist of many illegal immigrant students here in the country less then 3 months who raised so much hell with the female teachers, calling them "Putas" whores and throwing things that the teachers were in tears. Free medical, free education, free food, day care etc., etc, etc. Is it any wonder they feel entitled to not only be in this country but to demand rights, privileges and entitlements? To those who want to point out how much these illegal immigrants contribute to our society because they LIKE their gardener and housekeeper and they like to pay less for tomatoes: spend some time in the real world of illegal immigration and see the TRUE costs. Higher insurance, medical facilities closing, higher medical costs, more crime, lower standards of education in our schools, overcrowding, new diseases etc., etc, etc. For me, I'll pay more for tomatoes. We need to wake up. The guest worker program will be a disaster because we won't have the guts to enforce it.Does anyone in their right mind really think they will voluntarily leave and return?There are many hardworking Hispanic/American citizens that contribute to our country and many that I consider my true friends. We should encourage and accept those Hispanics who have done it the right and legal way. It does, however, have everything to do with culture: A third- world culture that does not value education, that accepts children getting pregnant and dropping out of school by 15 and that refuses to assimilate, and an American culture that has become so weak and worried about "politically correctness" that we don't have the will to do anything about it. If this makes your blood boil, as it did mine, forward this to everyone you know.CHEAP LABOR? Isn't that what the whole immigration issue is about? Business doesn't want to pay a decent wage.Consumers don't want expensive produce.Government will tell you Americans don't want the jobs. But the bottom line is cheap labor. The phrase "cheap labor" is a myth, a farce, and a lie. there is no such thing as "cheap labor."
Take, for example, an illegal alien with a wife and five children. He takes a job for $5.00 or $6.00/hour. At that wage, with six dependents, he pays no income tax, yet at the end of the year, if he files an Income Tax Return, he gets an "earned income credit" of up to $3,200 free.He qualifies for Section 8 housing and subsidized rent.He qualifies for food stamps.He qualifies for free (no deductible, no co-pay) health care.His children get free breakfasts and lunches at school. He requires bilingual teachers and books. He qualifies for relief from high energy bills. If they are or become, aged, blind or disabled, they qualify for SSI. Once qualified for SSI they can qualify for Medicare. All of this is at (our) taxpayer's expense. He doesn't worry about car insurance, life insurance, or homeowners insurance. Taxpayers provide Spanish language signs, bulletins and printed material. He and his family receive the equivalent of $20.00 to $30.00/hour in benefits.Working Americans are lucky to have $5.00 or $6.00/hour left after paying their bills and his.The American taxpayers also pay for increased crime, graffiti and trash clean-up.Cheap labor? YEAH RIGHT! Wake up people.

THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS WE SHOULD BE ADDRESSING TO THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR EITHER PARTY. 'AND WHEN THEY LIE TO US AND DON'T DO AS THEY SAY, WE SHOULD REPLACE THEM AT ONCE!'

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

State Ballot Initiative and Justice for Border Patrol Agents

The citizens of Washington State have decided to deal with illegal immigration on their own. This measure would require state and local government employees to verify identity and immigration status of every applicant for non-federally mandated public benefits, and report immigration violations, making failure to report a misdemeanor. This is similar to Arkansas Bill SB206 by Jim Holt, which failed in a Senate Committee. Since our state government is not as conservative as the one in the State of Georgia, which passed an immigration reform bill earlier this year, a state ballot initiative might be a way to pass immigration reform. It could also keep immigration reform a main issue during the 2008 election. Here is a link to the movement and the petition here:

http://wfir.org/

http://www.wfir.org/966PETITIONFAVORITE.pdf
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This issue has gotten a lot of people I know interested in illegal immigration.

Reprinted from NewsMax.com
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 1:42 p.m. EDT
Rep. Duncan Hunter: Pardon Ramos and Compean

U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean should be pardoned, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., told a subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Hunter, a 2008 GOP presidential hopeful, said the prosecution of Ramos and Compean is a "great injustice,” adding that their case "called out for a pardon or commutation.” [Editor's Note: Get the US Border Cap and stand with our agents -- Go Here Now] Last October, U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Cardone in El Paso, Texas, sentenced Compean to 12 years in prison and Ramos to 11 years and one day — despite a plea by their attorney for a new trial after three jurors said they were coerced into voting guilty in the case. The two agents were convicted of firing at and wounding a reportedly unarmed illegal immigrant near Fabens, Texas. The illegal was suspected of drug smuggling and was granted immunity by federal prosecutors in exchange for his testimony against the agents. Hunter testified that he had read all of the police, court, and prosecution files and further concluded that federal investigators failed to thoroughly investigate whether the illegal immigrant involved was armed at the time of the incident.
More Here:
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/7/17/140957.shtml?s=br

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Conservative Meeting

Earlier today, several conservatives met in SW Little Rock. We had some snacks and then introduced ourselves. We had people from all over Central Arkansas drop in. The main topic was illegal immigration. We of course talked about the victory over the Comprehensive Amnesty Bill. I feel that our actions during the amnesty debate had an effect on Mark Pryor on his last vote against cloture.

FAIR has been in contact with several people regarding illegal immigration. Yesterday, Tyson Foods announced that they had planned to have Arkansas to feed the poor starving illegals. The United Methodist Church and other organizations were to carry out this plan. I will give updates about this issue later on. I also talked about the organization of conservatives in the Arkansas Legistlature.

We discussed the events happening in Hazelton and Georgia, where illegals are leaving because of attrition and enforcement. Like the rest of America, we are watching events in Hazelton. Afterwards, we watched some good youtube footage of immigration reform activist. For those who haven't seen it, here is a link to the very popular press 1 for english video:



While this is not an election year or a legislative session. There are a lot of upcoming projects to work on. FAIR wants us to help organize the activist in NW Arkansas. We're also getting calls from DeQueen, AR from activist there. On August 20th and the 21st, a worldwide protest against the North American Union.

I want to say that we've done a lot. We helped pass immigration reform legistlation in the Arkansas Session and blocked several pro-illegal bills. We put the Senators from Arkansas on notice, and at least 1 of them is listening if even for a little bit. Even though we didn't get even coverage, we let the people of Arkansas know that there are people in their state fighting illegal immigration and that they can join us. What we need to do now is get people involved by showing them illegal immigration's effect in their backyard. Photos of Mexican Trucks, video footage of illegals applying for welfare and getting free food at a United Methodist Church. We also need to know about events like guns shows, fairs, city council meetings, neighborhood meetings, visits by Presidential Candidates, and other places where we can hand out material. Our group hopes to create the same results for Arkansas that have happened in Hazelton and Georgia, and we're on our way.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Arkansas Rep joins immigration reform offensive

While defeating the Senate Amnesty Bill was a great victory, we still need to go foward with reducing illegal immigration. Here is a press release sent to keeparkansaslegal@yahoo.com about that effort.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2007
Contact: K. Ryan James (202) 225-4301

Boozman Signs on to Border Bill GOP legislation makes secure border top priority

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced his support of critical legislation to secure the nations borders, and require the enforcement of U.S. immigration law.

Boozman will co-sponsor the Secure Borders FIRST Act, offered by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX). The bill establishes a firm timeline for the Department of Homeland Security to achieve operational control of the nation’s border, authorize additional border security personnel, and require jail time for illegal immigrants who continually break the law.

“The first priority of any discussion on immigration should be border security,” Boozman said. “This bill makes the security of the nation’s borders paramount, and this is why I have added my support to it. Operational control of the border is a matter of national security and community safety.”

Additionally, the legislation also adds strong worksite enforcement provisions, while increasing protections of the Social Security program.

“Workplace enforcement is also very important in the overall effort to reduce illegal immigration,” Boozman said. “The less attractive we make it to hire illegal immigrants, the harder it will be for them to find jobs, taking away the number one motivating factor for illegal immigrants.”

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Good news from the State of Georgia!

Despite the claims of pro-illegal advocates that we can't remove the +12 million illegals, Immigration reform activist in Georgia are doing just that using state legislation! The only bad news about this story is that some of the illegals are moving to other states, including Arkansas!

http://www.cbs46.com/video/13630039/index.html
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FREEPER MEETING, July 14, from 3-5 pm in Little Rock. We will meet at Sharon’s house and will order in pizza (or whatever you want). Drinks and snacks will be furnished. Just some of the things on our agenda: We will elect a leader, come up with ideas to defeat Blanche, and will have some handouts and havesuggestions for others. Of course, illegal immigration will be discussed.
Please add to the above now or at the meeting. Please try to come and bring somebody with you. We have got to do more than just mouth on FR if we want to see some changes in AR. No racist allowed.

bobbiewarner@sbcglobal.net or keeparkansaslegal@yahoo.com for directions.
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I have been trying to set up a meeting in NW Arkansas but have delayed by my training schedule for my new job as well buying a new car. I have been trying to find a place to eat that could hold a crowd that doesn't hire illegals.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

House Republicans Vow to take the Offensive on Immigration

House Republicans Vow to take the Offensive on Immigration
The Hill ^ July 3, 2007 Jackie Kucinich
Posted on 07/03/2007 3:09:36 PM PDT by no dems

House Republicans are planning to use the ashes of the Senate immigration bill to resurrect the debate on border security. The GOP leadership move to go on offense on immigration is politically tricky. While polls show that most Americans back stronger border-security measures, some House Republicans — such as then-Rep. J.D. Hayworth (Ariz.) — faced strong criticism last year for their so-called “hard-line” approach. Hayworth subsequently lost to Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) in last year’s midterm elections. Immigration reform was not high on the Democratic agenda last election cycle, and some political observers questioned the motivation of Democratic leaders to pass the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) recently called the legislation “Bush’s bill” but noted that more Republicans than Democrats voted against cloture.
House Democratic leaders have suggested that they will not act on a broad immigration reform bill unless the Senate acts, a remote possibility following last week’s failed cloture vote House Republican leaders are calling out their Democratic counterparts for failing to tackle immigration matters, but have made it clear they do not want the lower chamber to act on President Bush’s proposed guest-worker program. Kurt Bardella, a spokesman for Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.), who chairs the House Immigration Reform Caucus, said the demise of the Senate bill was a positive development for border security and the debate forced Congress to “come to grips with the reality that the illegal immigration issue is an issue of national importance.” “The defeat of the Senate bill is not an excuse for Congress to do nothing when we have within reach a broad consensus on the need to address employer verification, interior enforcement and border security … we should instead renew our commitment to getting something done immediately.” Homeland Security Committee ranking member Pete King (R-N.Y.), a cosponsor of border security legislation that will be introduced later this month, said through a spokesman that the Senate bill has “reinvigorated the border-security debate.” During a press conference on Thursday, Republican leaders joined the chief House critics of the Senate immigration bill in applauding its defeat and touting the importance of border security legislation.
“Until we’re able — the government’s able — to demonstrate to the American people that we can in fact secure the borders and enforce the laws, the American people aren’t willing to take those next steps in this process,” House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said. Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said he expected many of his members to line up behind a bill crafted by King and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), ranking member on the Judiciary Committee. “I think many of us will be supporting the Lamar Smith/Peter King bill,” Blunt said. “I actually think it carves out a special spot for temporary workers for agriculture. The concern that House Republicans have and have had for some time now is the order in which these things are accomplished.”
A draft of the Smith-King legislation includes an increase in the size of the Border Patrol and would boost the number of Customs and Border Protection Officers at U.S. ports by 1,000 people over four years. It would also expedite the removal of individuals in the country illegally, make English the national language and refine the system that verifies the identities of those applying for employment in the United States.
Some House Democrats, meanwhile, want to move forward on comprehensive immigration reform. Following the Senate vote last week, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), who chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, said in a release that Democratic leaders need to “improve the current unsatisfactory system.” A spokeswoman for Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said the House has already begun to address border security through the passage of the homeland security appropriations bill by providing the funding for 3,000 additional Border Patrol agents in fiscal 2008 — a nearly 20 percent increase that will bring the number of Border Patrol agents to 17,819 by the end of the fiscal year. “For the 148 Republicans who voted against this bill, any stated commitment to border security rings hollow,” the spokeswoman said.