Posted by rebeccaboo2006 (anonymous) on August 15, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see here several anti-immigration groups. Where's the other side? Shouldn't a forum informing the public, have all sides of the issue?

Posted by lennybeachboy (anonymous) on August 15, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

** SOCIAL SECURITY SHOULD NOTIFY AMERICANS WHEN MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS USING THIER NUMBER ... WE DESERVE THIS SIMPLE SAFEGAURD !!! SEND THE NO MATCH LETTERS NOW AND WATCH MILLIONS OF AMERICANS GET THIER JOBS BACK NOW !!! *** VAMOOS ! ILLEGAL ALIENS !!! LEAVE OUR JOBS ALONE !!!

Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 15, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rebeccaboo, it is not anti-immigration, it is Anti-illegal immigration. With a double emphasis on illegal. 99% of americans have no problem with immigration it is who we are as a country, we need to know who is comming across those borders and their intent. We need to know when we arrest these people that we can I.D. them and when they pay taxes they get credit, and when they work they get credit, and so forth and so on.

Posted by Mary_Anne_Evans (anonymous) on August 16, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This editorial is misleading. This forum isn't going to be presenting "both sides" and the editors do a great disservice to play dumb by suggesting it does.

"Taco" (classy) is splitting hairs. FAIR and the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction are immigration reduction groups. They aren't just against illegal immigration, a both groups seeks to reduce legal immigration by 80 percent. Dell Erickson's writings also demand that legal immigration be drastically reduced.

That would contradict "Taco's" suggestion that the organizations, like most Americans, have "No problem with immigration." Pretending that these groups' agenda is just about illegal immigration is a bait and switch.

I fail to understand why the newspaper isn't telling the public about the larger agenda of some of those involved in the event. Nor why the paper is suggesting that the information this one-sided forum will present will be "accurate."

Just so they do get a glimpse at what the other side of the discussion might say if this were actually a balanced panel the editors (and readers) might try reading what the Southern Poverty Law Center:

"The country's leading anti-immigration organization — whose leaders have testified repeatedly before Congress and are frequently quoted in the media — has ties to known racists and a long track record of bigotry, according to a new report released today by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

The group, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR):

* is the creation of a man who operates a racist publishing company and has compared immigrants to "bacteria;"
* has employed members of white supremacist groups in key positions;
* has promoted racist conspiracy theories; and
* has accepted more than $1 million from the Pioneer Fund, a racist foundation devoted to eugenics and to proving a connection between race and IQ.

FAIR and its ties to white supremacy are examined in the latest issue of the SPLC's quarterly Intelligence Report.

The SPLC today added FAIR to its list of hate groups operating in the United States.

"FAIR's position on immigration is rooted more in its anti-Latino and anti-Catholic beliefs than in policy concerns," said Mark Potok, the director of the SPLC's project that monitors hate group activity. "Remarkably, it has still managed to infiltrate the mainstream and shape the immigration debate in this country." "

more at:
http://www.splcenter.org/news/item.jsp?a...

If a newspaper doesn't provide an objective picture of both sides, what good is it?

Posted by leftthehatebehind (anonymous) on August 16, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Taco- in Austin IT IS ANTI-IMMIGRATION though!
99% of Americans have no problem with immigration? Where did you get that number? There is so much hate, most of it directed at Mexican only, it goes beyond illegal immigrants.

Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, If immigration is not slowed w a y down our nation may never be able to assimilate those already here LEGALLY. As for those here in violation of our immigration laws with proper interior enforcement and a cessation of welfare they will leave. I do not believe...Taco...I am in the minority in my feelings regarding illegal immigration. I chose the nomme de plume 'willing worker' bcause I have at one time or another worked in those industries my so-called president has claimed a shortage of wiorkers in. He wants to match 'willing workers with willing employers'...as long as those workers are compliant and CHEAP. As to the SPLC, now that is a real impartial information source (SARCASM HERE). I will see you at the meeting. I am so glad we rejected Gov. VIlsack's welcome center proposal here in River City or we would be dealing with what you in Austin are. GOD Bless America!

Posted by Mary_Anne_Evans (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sarcasm isn't much of a response.

But just as in the movie "Idiocracy," those who can't muster facts always seem to have a snide putdown ready.

Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The SPLC is a left wing quasi civil rights organization that discriminates against American citizens who oppose illegal immigration and brands anyone who speaks out against the invasion of our country by third world economic refugees as RACISTS and XYNOPHOBES. You have no facts and neither do they. What I have is my own life's experiences. I know uncontrolled immigration reduces wages and increases taxes because I've lived it. Look forward to this evening. You claim FAIR racist. That is the only card you have. You can not argue on the basis of a logical reason to allow uncontrolled immigration for the benefit of our nation so you claim we who oppose it as 'hate filled racists'. I've been on the receiving end of your rant before. It shut me up once. Never again. Your anti-American rhetoric must be answered with reason and logic. Mexican President Felipe Calderon in his state of the state address in 2007 to a wildly cheering crowd at the National Palace in Mexico City stated " Mexico does not end at its borders. Where there is a Mexican, there is Mexico". I beg to differ. Where we meet this evening, in Austin, Minnesota? That is sovereign AMERICAN soil. Where I sit at this keyboard, this is sovereign American soil. Unless those who wish to join us renounce their nation of origin, they are not citizens. Those who come here illegally, they are not citizens. AND Mexico is not HERE!

Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MAE,you make a lot of claims about FAIR...what proof do YOU offer? I've met Susan Tulley, nice lady who cares about the country her grandchildren will inhabit. Do you? Care about you grandchildren's standard of living?Whops! I'm new to this blog...leftbehindthe hate...my comment regarding the percentage of those who favor border security, interior enforcement, and reduction in legal immigration was meant for you. Taco...sorry about that.

Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well come on MAE, cat got your tongue? Or do you just spout hate filled drivel hope to quash discussion?

Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 3:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fact: crossing into America without proper documentation is illegal.

Fact: working in America without proper documentation is illegal.

Fact: driving in America without a license/ insurance is illegal. (not to mention dangerous) this last sentence is just my personal opinion so disregaurd.

Let quote the movie "idiocracy" turned it off after 15 min., real "classy" flick.

Hate = wanting people to obey the federal law?

1. True
2. False
3. I dont obey the law cause I dont agree with it.

You will be graded on a curve.

Do you like my screen name?

1. True
2. False
3. Blow it out your chili hole.

Great message to send to the next generation, you dont think the law is fair, dont follow it.

If letting people come to America in uncontrolled numbers is good for the country why hasnt it become law years ago?
Anyone can become a citizen whenever they want with no requirements other than; congrats you made it to America welcome "citizen".

Posted by Mary_Anne_Evans (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Show me where I wrote something hateful.

And Tully may be a very nice person--her manners aren't the issue. Her mispresentation of an article and the group she represents are.

Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MAE...Where is your proof? I asked yet you provided none. You just write that these Patriots are a hate group. Since when is Patriotism hate? Please provide the needed links to prove the members of FAIR comprise a hate organization. I don't believe you can. You spout hate in your claims, FAIR does not.

Posted by NoteTaker (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The comments about MINN-SIR and FAIR being “racist” are, I think, indicative of mis- or dis-information.

It’s either that or just plain ignorance.

Those groups support legal, albeit limited, immigration. They support consistent enforcement of existing immigration laws. And their supporters are likely pretty much on the same page, ideologically.

No doubt there are some of their “members” who are racist. But it certainly is unfair to paint the groups with the broad “racist” brush because some of their "members" are racist.

Additionally, what I see as a “focus” on Mexicans is apropos, if only because it’s not the Guatemalans, Colombians, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Peruvians, etc. that march and demand that “we” leave America because it’s really their country, its Mexicans (not all of them, mind you).

Does that make me a “racist”? Some would, of course, say “yes.” I call it defending my country against people that not only flaunt our laws, leech off taxpayers and claim citizenship but expect us to leave “their” country. And I do it regardless of what race it is.

Beyond that, anyone and everyone that enters this country illegally should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, something the federal government is, for the most part, unwilling to do.

So I say "Keep at it!" FAIR and MINN-SIR. Austin deserves it.

Posted by NoteTaker (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The comments about MINN-SIR and FAIR being “racist” are, I think, indicative of either mis- or dis-information.

It’s either that or just plain ignorance.

Those groups support legal, albeit limited, immigration. They support consistent enforcement of existing immigration laws. And accordingly, their supporters are pretty much on the same page, ideologically.

Some of their “members” may be racists. But it certainly is unfair to paint the groups with the broad “racist” brush because some of their "members" may be racists.

Additionally, what I see as a “focus” on Mexicans is apropos, if only because it’s not the Guatemalans, Colombians, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Peruvians, etc. that march and demand that “we” leave America because it’s really their country, its Mexicans (not all of them, mind you).

Does that make me a “racist”? Some would, of course, say “yes.” I call it defending my country against people that not only flaunt our laws, leech off taxpayers and wrongly claim their "rights" but expect us to leave “their” country. And I do it regardless of what race it is.

Beyond that, anyone and everyone that enters this country illegally should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, something the federal government is, for the most part, unwilling to do.

So I say "Keep at it!" FAIR and MINN-SIR. Austin deserves it.

Posted by NoteTaker (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry for my nearly duplicate entries. I wasn't trying to overemphasize my comments but, rather, simply update my previous one.

Posted by NoteTaker (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This thread about calls of racism by some reminds me of something that some of those same people tend to overlook, conveniently or not: the use of the term "La Raza" by those Mexicans participating in and/or in support of the continuing alien assault on and attempted regional takeover of the USA.

If "white folk" used that term the ensuing but disingenuous-by-some meltdown would set off Richter scales around the globe. Yet some aliens proudly and loudly shout “The Race” and the outrage is … well … non-existent.

How very hypocritical.

So the next time those of you so quick to scream “racism,” how about demonstrating some consistency and fairness by screaming “racism” in the direction from which it’s obviously coming? Or would that be too much to expect?

Incidentally, it’s rather obvious to some that the use of a typically foreign word or phrase to lend faux credence to the intent behind it would be funny if it wasn’t so sad. “La Raza” is but one example of this deception. I would consider “fetus” another example. If the “in utero” child is or was wanted, s/he is a “baby.” If s/he is anything but, s/he is a “fetus.”

How sick.

Posted by Mallory (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think, Mary Ann, that you have never lived in an area where there is a high number of illegal aliens. IF you did, you'd see the problem. When I lived in Arizona there were over half a million illegals in Maricopa county alone.

Here's a FUNNY STORY with regard to illegal aliens and jobs. Remember... over 12 million illegal aliens in this country and guessing over 3/4 of a million in Arizona, the lettuce growers in Yuma were CRYING... front page article in the Sunday Arizona Republic a couple of years ago, insisting that the presence of the Minute Men on the border had slowed illegal immigration to the point that they couldn't get enough labor to pick their lettuce. Hmm. So that either says they needed MORE than half a million people OR it tells you the fact.... MEXICANS DON'T WANT THOSE JOBS EITHER!!!! They pick lettuce for about 2 days until they land a job that USE to belong to an American, in the construction industry. Employers in Arizona quickly learned that it was MUCH more to their liking to hire illegals at $12- $20 an hour than it was to pay an American journeyman $25 an hour and benefits.

Illegals are almost 100% responsible for the fact that fewer and fewer companies are willing to provide benefits to their employees. That was something my parents generation fought for, and something we've lost in the span of a few short years.

I don't care one way or the other who opposes illegal immigration or what their ties are to other groups. The fact remains. ILLEGAL. What part of that word don't you understand? It is detrimental to our entire culture. Arizona voters passed a law in 2007 that took effect 1/1/08 requiring businesses to verify the eligibility of employees through e-verify. If they don't, and they are caught with an illegal on the books they are fined the first time... and their business license is revoked the second time.

That effort has put more Americans back in jobs.