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VIDEO: Immigration debate hot
Reform supporters rail against Welcome Center, Hormel at forum
Originally published 10:29 a.m., August 19, 2008
Updated 06:50 a.m., August 20, 2008
“You are being lied to, people,” Ruthie Hendrycks told her audience Monday night.
The founder and president of Minnesotans Seeking Immigration Reform, Hendrycks’ statements were met with enthusiastic applause as she and other immigration reform supporters voiced opinions and encouragement at a Town Hall Meeting at Oak Park Mall in Austin.
About 120 people attended the forum, hosted by the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction, to listen and ask questions of speakers about the most controversial issue in Austin today: the inundation of immigrants in the community as well as nationwide.
Photo by David Richards
Author and educator Dell Erickson displays information at the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction's Town Hall Meeting Monday night at Oak Park Mall.
Several entities came under fire during the discussion, including the Welcome Center, the City of Austin, local media and corporations like Hormel Foods.
Sharon Thiel was hesitantly critical of the discussion she was hearing Monday night.
“I understand what they’re trying to do,” said Thiel, wife of Brian Thiel, GOP candidate for the House seat in District 27B, after some careful thought. “We do need some change in the enforcement that’s in effect.”
Fed up with lack of enforcement and unsecured borders, panelists rallied citizens to “not give up.”
Thiel said she believes the forum tended to “lump people together,” and appeared to lean toward propaganda.
“I don’t think Minnesota is used to the influx of culture,” the Chicago native said. “I think 100 years ago, it was the Lutherans and the Catholics. It sounded slanted — I was a little concerned about that.”
In addition to Hendrycks, other panelists included Susan Tully, Midwest field director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, and Dell Erickson, author and educator.
“Minnesota is the fastest-growing illegal immigrant population in the U.S.,” moderator and Minuteman Ron Branstner told the audience.
Hendrycks pumped up the crowd as she began the discussion.
“We have the Constitution of the United States of America … that’s why we are a democracy,” she said, followed by applause. “I have a problem with the Constitution and our laws not being enforced.”
Corporations were targeted as illegal immigration enablers, providing “cheap labor” instead of employing U.S. citizens for higher pay. Hendrycks said allegations that corporations hire immigrants because Americans won’t do those jobs is a deception.
“There are Americans doing these jobs,” Hendrycks said.
“Who was doing these before?” she continued, prompting cheers from the audience.
Audience members questioned why Hormel Foods has never been raided for illegal immigrants, when other plants, like Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa, have.
“Three times raids were scheduled, and every time, a directive straight from Washington, D.C. called that raid off,” Hendrycks claimed Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi said.
Amazi was not available for comment.
Tully said that Minnesota is one of the biggest draws in the county for illegal immigrants.
“You have the highest benefits,” she said.
The discussion moved to the City of Austin itself, and whether or not Austin is a “sanctuary city” — a community that prohibits law enforcement from inquiring citizens about their legal status.
“How many of us can break a crime and get away with it?” Hendrycks said, followed by a roar of appreciation from the audience.
“This is ludicrous,” she proclaimed. “If we do not enforce our laws, anarchy is going to come.”
The panelists said although the City of Austin does not consider itself to be a “sanctuary city,” they believe it is one because of its policy.
“What do you see happening?” Hendrycks asked. “Give ‘em hell, but be careful when saying Austin is a sanctuary city.”
Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm was not available for comment by deadline today.
Panelists said they support the 287(g) program, a partnership through Immigration and Customs Enforcement that authorizes law enforcement to enter into an agreement to “perform immigration law enforcement functions.”
“You can ask — once they’re trained — their legal status,” Branstner said. “They are allowed to fingerprint you and put it in a data base.”
Hendrycks said the issue of illegal immigration is not liberal or conservative.
“We are all united in this cause,” she said. “Once we have stopped the invasion … we can go back to our partisan bickering.”
The Welcome Center, a non-profit founded in 2000 to address “medical, social, community, legal, financial, educational and other needs,” was highly criticized, with Branstner claiming the organization receives millions of dollars in federal support.
“You need to shut the Welcome Center down,” Branstner told the crowd. “They’re getting funded from open border groups.”
One audience member demanded to know where they got information about the Welcome Center’s funding.
Branstner said he had researched it, but was not able to provide documentation at the forum.
Coincidentally, the Austin City Council slashed its funding of the Welcome Center by 50 percent to $7,500 at a Monday night meeting.
Local and nationwide media was scrutinized as well, with panelists claiming newspapers won’t print letters to the editor regarding illegal immigration and articles are biased toward pro-illegal immigration.
“There are some things you can do to get around the closed media,” said Erickson, a self-proclaimed “curmudgeon for population stabilization.” He praised MCFIR for flying a banner over local county fairs saying “Keep America Great Deport Illegals” and encouraging supporters to write letters.
Escalating crime, the housing crisis, failing economy and more were partially attributed to illegal immigration. Branstner reported that crime in Austin increased 60 percent in 2006 alone.
“Twelve to 20 million illegals abandoned their country,” Hendrycks said. “You are here tonight fighting for your country.
“Crimes will increase,” she predicted.
Erickson said the problem with Mexican illegal immigrants is they are sending money earned in the U.S. back to their families in Mexico, where drugs, crime and corruption are rampant.
“You’re either born into wealth or you’re not,” Tully said of Mexico. “There is a very corrupted side of Mexico that pushes people over the border.”
The panelists encouraged citizens not to give up their fight against illegal immigration.
“We have to unite. We have to peacefully rally,” Hendrycks said.
“Show up with this many people to an Austin City Council meeting,” Tully said.
Denny Olson, an Albert Lea resident and member of MCFIR, said after the forum the illegal immigration issue is not a matter of color.
“There’s only one color — it’s called green,” he said. “This is the motivating factor. It isn’t just our southern borders.
“They’re breeding like crazy,” he said.
Olson said he is a former bus driver, and drove thousands of miles to Minneapolis and Sioux Falls, S.D.; many of the passengers were immigrants.
“I’ve seen them on the bus,” he said.
Olson believes solving illegal immigration is simple.
“We’re trying to make it too complicated,” he explained. “It’s like us against them.”
Sen. Dick Day, R-Dist. 26, said he attended the forum because he believes it is an issue of concern for people.
“If someone looks at a crowd, you can tell how important it is,” he said. “It’s a big issue, and no one wants to talk about it.
“In Austin, for some reason, there seems to be some animosity against the Hormel Corp.,” Day said. “These companies are going to have to come forward.”
To learn more about the issue, Day said he spent three days with border patrol in Arizona, and that he supports instituting biometric cards — tamper-proof national I.D.s to prevent fraud and verify country of origin.
“The solution is to secure the borders,” he said. “It’s going to be a big issue in elections.”
Comments
Posted by orgaspam (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"'We have the Constitution of the United States of America … that’s why we are a democracy,” she said, followed by applause. “I have a problem with the Constitution and our laws not being enforced.”'
I have a problem with these ignorant propagandists and the sheep that follow them, they say they live and die by the power of the constitution, yet support a president who has done all he can to limit parts of the constitution to accomplish his personal agenda without interference.
The constitution makes America a representative republic not a democracy. which is a good thing because we the people get the chance to ensure whack jobs like these get no more authority than their soap boxes they stand on.
Posted by stars_and_pipes (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it is sad when one group of illegal aliens gangs-up on another group of illegal aliens at BITCH FEST 08. (white whiners only)
The white-robed commentators, whose ancestors killed 50 million Indians so they could drive gas guzzling suv's and go to Vegas, were accusing the mexican immigrants desperate for work, of being here (america) illegally.
FYI--------We are all visitors here. None of us has a right to claim ownership of this land.............................secondly, the lack of logic, and the all-around bad-natured stereotyping and scapegoating of the mexican race at this meeting was enough to make an educated person want to move to Canada.
The real question shouldn't be "how do we get the mexican illegals to leave?", but, "how do we get the whitey trash out of town and to antarctica where their cold hearts will feel right at home?" I know, I'm being mean to whitey, but hey, if your going to hand out Nazi-like propaganda at a meeting, expect people to at least point out your ignorant ways.
I know, all you nazis reading this are saying "but the mexicans took my job! They don't speak perfect english like me and my whitey homeys! What up dog!?
Well, you may be right, they may have taken that job you applied for picking rock for you uncle,,,,you know, the one you were longing to have after you graduated? I know, you didn't want to work for 5 bucks an hour and all, but damn, they shouldn't be doin' that.......taken jobs, GOOD jobs like cutting up pigs and such, jobs that all me and my spoiled white boyz want!
Well, don't worry, if all of you nazis get your way and all the mexicans go back to Mexico City, there will be plenty of pork and pickin rock jobs for you...........but don't be fooled. You will also be paid bread crumbs because at this point, your thick skull will finally realize that the days of the gravy train at the plant or the corn field are never coming back, and before you know it, you'll be back with the mexicans, except this time in Mexico City, at the new pork plant paying plenty o pasos for at least a couple cans of spam! So, the moral of the story is.........let's all try to get along, because the good ol days weren't that great to begin with, and a little education and cultural diversity never killed anyone! PS.....white people beat their wives, sell and take drugs, and basically have all the same faults as mexicans! So hey, think of all we have in common with our neighbors to the south! Group hug! :)....................THE END.
Posted by AFmechanic (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is nice to finally see people stand up for themsleves and say no more to illegal immigrants. I grew up in Austin and during all my time there, I do not remember ever having this problem. You could walk the streets at any time and not worry about getting mugged or having to deal with all the other issues that come along with illegal immigration. Over the past 20 years I have been away from Austin, i have seen Austin businesses close and families that have been there for years move away because of these issues that follow the immigrants. A good example is Oak Park Mall. There used to be stores everywhere and now there are barely, what 15-20 stores max. It is time for the people to stand up and fight for what they believe in and fight for their community. I heard that when the ex mayor was in ofifce she supported the immigrants and that there was a sign at the border sayign come to Austin. I believe that is were a lot of this started. But hey that is what I see when i come back home every now and again. But I do believe it is time to take a stand and Hormel should be looked at and raided from the sounds of it.
Posted by diddlyscrumps (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They should have had poli-grip and metamucil vendors at that "forum" from the looks of the pictures. The only people there were old ignorant white people.
Posted by MarvelousMisadventures (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Many of us learned that the word propoganda describes the kind of political rhetoric Adolph Hitler and his henchmen Joseph Goebbels used to stir popular support for the Nazi party and to justify the mass incarceration and deportation of Jews.
Now, we are facing a new propaganda machine that is as daunting and chilling as that of Hitler: the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).
Ruthie Hendrycks, a supposed "expert", regurgitated the immigration reform propaganda we've all been fed about how Mexican's are taking jobs away from Americans.
Their racist handouts claimed that "Mexican organizations are voicing the need for violence against white people...and they are doing it with drugs, gangs, and crime."
Fact: POVERTY begets crime, NOT single groups of people.
Any attempt to dehumanize and demonize communities of other people is a standard ploy of propagandists. WAKE UP AUSTIN! They want us to think of these people as agents of harm rather than people who live in our communities and contribute to our economy and quality of life.
Most people don't make the arduous immigration journey to the United States to commit crimes Ruthie. They come to work and share in the "American Dream" just as our ancestors did generations ago.
The arguments of the most virulent anti-immigrant propagandists converge on a single point: the appeal to racist sentiment and the fear of change!
STOP spreading your fear, hate, and ill-informed information!
Posted by DelRey (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why can't you get along with each other in Austin. The Welcome Center is funded by the United Way and other non-profit organizations, that you so call true Americans donate your hard earn money. I hear you voicing your opinion "Hormel get rid of the Mexicans". I bet you don't have a problem with Hormel and the Mexicans, when you pick up your profit checks in November or your quarterly dividend checks in the mail, or your monthly retirement checks. You don't have a problem renting to those illegal aliens, when they are paying you cash, that you don't report to the IRS. I am a fourth generation Mexican, that had family members fight and died in every American War. I thank God every day, that I came to my senses in moved out of your community.
Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Racist? I dont care if these people are Canadian or English.
They are breeding poverty, that is all they know first off and they live that way. I had to move from the neighborhood and home that I loved because I couldnt take it anymore.
Cars coming and going all day and all night (probably because too many people are crammed into small houses and apartments so it was never ending, music blasting all the time (one car playing blasting music leaves another shows 10 minutes later), garbage piled 4 bags high outside the garbage can all the time (causing a rat problem for me and my neighbors, drunks coming to the door at 2 and 3 am yelling in spanish scaring the hell out of me and my wife. A man kicked my back door in because he thought his wife was there. Innocent Mexican kids playing in the street at the ages 2 to 5 (on the phone with police frequently and talked to the parents frequently about this still to this day when I drive by I see it at least once a week).
It wasnt that bad when it was one house on the block but then it was 2 and then 3 then 2 across the street. All multiplying the above that much more to a point that was unlivable to us.
My grandfather came to the U.S. from Mexico. He did not live 3 or 4 families in a small home. He made a living and raised a family to respect his neighbor, he was a very humble man and appreciative to be here and to have this opportunity. He would not do things to disrupt the neighborhood. He took the time to meet and understand the people around him. He kept his heritage and we all love that because let me tell you there aint nothing like authentic mexican icecream. He taught me a need to be close to family and take time out of a busy week to get together and make some tamales (it takes the whole family, its alot of work). But he also learned to live in America and become part of society, not make society adjust to him.
Don't even think you can throw the Indians into this. Yes America made a mistake with them. That has nothing to do with this issue, we should just give up everything that we have worked for in this country just because of a few mistakes, we LEARN from mistakes.
Slavery - Mistake
Learned - we cant keep people as work tools.
Indians - Mistake
Learned - You cant just kill people to get their land
Bill Clinton - Mistake
Learned - Never elect a Clinton for the presidency
See we have made progress, now lets not step back 150 years. Because you FEEL bad about the past or for these peoples situation in their country.
Who here lives next to illegals, or work with them? I dont and wont work for a company that employs illegals knowingly and never have I am just wondering.
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, who is the yahoo in Washington who called the raids off? HUMMMM don't you just wonder who in this town let Washington know about it? Sounds like we need our Sheriff to get out her walking tall stick! Man, what a bunch of crap!
Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How in the world do you folks in Austin put up with this racist crap? I'm not referring to the folks who are finally standing up for themselves. I'm talking about 'stars and stripes...how dare you! Del rey...these people have had their community stolen...they are not the problem. The illegal alien invaders are. Marvelous...you're kidding right? Wake up! You either don't know or don't care...either way you are part of the problem. This kumbaya bs they're just here to better themselves crap. They steal identities, steal taxpayer dollars, cause healthcare insurance rates to sky rocket, overcrowd our schools, and reduce wages. Marvelous, you either profit from their illegal labor or make your living catering to them..you are not an American! And orgaspam...really! You're so lost on this...Do you even know what is going on? At the rate legal and illegal immigration is occurring now, by mid century we will share this country with ONE HALF BILLION inhabitants. The vast majority of these people will have no history or traditions of informed self government, no education for self support, and a sense of entitlement. Is this the country you want for your grandchildren? Seriously, if you think this can't happen do I have some investments for you. Even if you folks are LEGAL immigrants or have an attachment to these illegal aliens you are dooming them, yourselves and our descendants to corruption, crime, and poverty. Look at the third world cesspools these people are fleeing. WE WILL BECOME THEM!
Posted by DelawareBob (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no doubt that this illegal immigration has caused more problems than anyone could have ever imagined.
We all know what the problems are, from the dropping of the ANCHOR BABIES, schooling them, giving the ANCHOR BABY free medical care along with the parents, (in most cases, parent). Just this alone being done when the parents and the ANCHOR BABIES shouldn't even be here. Then we have to school them, again at the cost to the American taxpayer. Then we have the stolen identities, forged documents, and fake green cards. Then we have the costs of jailing the criminals and then the cost of deporting them...again, when they shouldn't have been here in the first place.
With space limited here, we shall not go into the other countless problems like driving without a license, and no insurance. How many Americans have been killed by ILLEGAL ALIENS over the years?
I believe it is time for all 50 States to step up to the plate and get laws passed to get these ILLEGAL ALIENS out of this Country and back to their own country where they belong!
These problems WILL NOT go away until each and every ILLEGAL ALIEN is back in their own country. With State laws passed, it will force these un-American companies that hire these ILLEGAL ALIENS to become AMERICAN Companies.
WAKE UP AMERICA! This is our Country! Don't give it away to ILLEGAL ALIENS!
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
didlyscumps, I'm sure there were many people other than polygrip and metamucil users at the meeting being as there were over 100 people there. I'm sure more would have made it, but were probably intimidated by the powers that be; which is too bad, because seems to me the tables need to be turned to the people who are breaking the laws of our land. Again as I stated in the former forum, the focus needs to be placed...on flat out greed of one company that owns the town...because of this, the town and its common people are held captive. They are laughing all the way to the bank as they look down their noses at our frustrations and could really care less what has happened to this community!
Maybe if they had TACOS experience with his former neighborhood they could have a little empathy! That's hoping too much I'm sure!
Posted by stars_and_pipes (anonymous) on August 19, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What are "anchor babies" and how are they any different than "white babies"..........both cost the taxpayer money to put through school, and if the baby is from a poor family, the white baby also gets alot of government aid. Alot of the people in this forum fail to look at all the problems "white" people have and act as though this country is coming to an end because there are some new immigrants in town. All of the illegal immigrants I know, and I know many, are hard working people who don't put dumpsters of trash in the yard and don't ask for government handouts. How many of you "enlightened" people writing in this forum actually know any illegal aliens? The stereotyping needs to end. There are definately troubled people of every race, but the world won't end if more immigrants come into the country. What we should do is have Mexico become the 51st state and instead of spending 11 billion per month on our little "iraq project", lets send the money to build up the infrastructure in Mexico so that people won't need to come to the US out of desperation. Too many of you seem to just want someone to blame your own problems on. Start looking within yourselves instead of scapegoating whole races of people. better yet, elect some officials who make education and living wages a priority. We need a highly educated workforce and fair wages....we need corporate reform, not mindless, ignorant fear-mongering, scapegoating, and myth-making.
Posted by MarvelousMisadventures (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
@AFmechanic
"...i have seen Austin businesses close and families that have been there for years move away because of these issues that follow the immigrants. A good example is Oak Park Mall. There used to be stores everywhere and now there are barely, what 15-20 stores max. "
That's absurd! I suppose your going to blame Mexicans for the FLOODS too.
@Taco
2 things
FIRST
"...we LEARN from mistakes."
Slavery - Mistake
Learned - we cant keep people as work tools.
Thank you. This only proves your own ignorance.
Indians - Mistake
Learned - You cant just kill people to get their land
NEWS FLASH: It's called the Iraq War.
Bill Clinton - Mistake
Learned - Never elect a Clinton for the presidency
Right, because our current president is doing a FABULOUS job.
What has history taught us Taco? Absolutely nothing!
SECOND
"I dont and wont work for a company that employs illegals knowingly and never have I am just wondering."
Where do you work? I'm just curious how you know who is illegal and legal? Are there any people of color there? Count them out for me will you?
@willingworker
"these people have had their community stolen...they are not the problem."
They = who? Caucasians? Still think you're not racist? Wililngworker, I feel sorry for you. Get out and see the world. You need to realize what life outside of Austin is like. You've probably lived here all your life and don't know any better. I'll pray for you tonight.
@2madmamas
"I'm sure more would have made it, but were probably intimidated by the powers that be."
The powers that be? Do you mean the crazy, racist, ignorant magic mist in the air?
@DelawareBob
"WAKE UP AMERICA! This is our Country! Don't give it away to ILLEGAL ALIENS!"
WAKE UP DELAWAREBOB! This is EVERYONES country.
Posted by stars_and_pipes (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and by the way..........I am white. Can you be racist against your own people? If so, than I guess I am. Why? Well, how much time you got?
First of all, I know lazy whiteys who live off the government and fake mental illness to so they don't have to work, lazy white drunks, whites who are greedy beyond belief and wouldn't share a dime with their best friend, white who beat their spouses emotionally and physically, white tax evaders, whites who are irresponsible and don't pay their bills(debt collectors calling you whitey?) Whites who have "anchor babies" to get LOTS of government aid, whites who sell and take drugs, and best of all, whites who believe the Iraq war was justified?(of course it was, and I have a condo to sell you in Baghdad), did I mention murder and theft, and that INFAMOUS crime that ya'll love to mention.........identity theft? Yea, did you know that whitey also does identity theft?
But wait, white people are the perfect race right? It is the MEXICANS who are causing the problems, right? Really whitey? THEY are the ones who are turning the world to Hell? Really? Start looking in the mirror whitey!
Whitey, we have always been a messed up race, now we just have more people here to watch us destroy ourselves and whatever country and population we choose to obliterate next(how many iraqi citizens have we killed so far? 500,000?................. Oh, never mind, they aren't people, they are INSURGENTS..........and never mind, mexicans aren't people like whitey, mexicans are ILLEGALS!............Yes, their WHOLE being is illegal.........and they are aliens, like from mars.....so like, we totally don't have to relate to them or try to help them because they are like completely different than us..... ..................right man............, keep smokin' that pipe whitey, it's a nice dream world you're livin' in.
PS......while I'm writing this I look at the tv and see that whitey has his seven year olds doing extreme fighting..........you know, ultimate fighting? Way to go whitey, keep those kids tough and ready to fight! Can anyone say child abuse? Go whitey go!
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The 120 people who were drawn to attend the Immigraton Reform Q&A session, are probably just like me: sick of illegal Mexican immigrants flooding this town for the benefit of Hormel's bottom line, just to pick up all the social services/health costs which we pay thru taxes, and which has caused this area to pick up "Sanctuary City" recognition.
The meeting was very chaotic, full of irrationality, stupidity, prejudice, and unverified hyperbole masquerading as facts. But the fact remains their basic frustration is justified. It is NOT RIGHT that illegal Mexicans can come here, pick up jobs and services, at expense of taxpayers. It is NOT RIGHT, NOT FAIR, and NOT LEGAL. It is right to be frustrated about our system and society which somehow has permitted this.
We as country are not enforcing our illegal immigration laws enough. This is the fault of the government, and the people who ARE the government.
The real enemy is not the illegals, but big business (Hormel) whose bottom line profits from this situation. Of course Hormel wants to maintain status quo, and will counter in their own way any public effort to change it. It is another example of the well-known clash between big business lobbying their bottom line interests, versus the PEOPLE, who when poorly organized and are passive and not sufficiently upset, end up losing. (Is that any surprise to anyone?)
A lot of the talk on this board is just plain stupid, such as the argument that because USA history includes claiming land formerly occupied by American Indian, it is alright to ignore our borders and let any Mexican citizen come here in violation of our legal immigration laws?!? Stupid.
Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 2:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stars and pipes, you really are out there and I wonder what kind of smoke is coming from those pipes. When people flood a system that is built up over the years slowly the levy breaks. It is not a hard principle to understand. You are either rich or retarded. I doubt you are rich.
What kind of work do you do? Do you have even an elementary idea of how the business works? The government will never be able to mandate a living wage, you earn what you produce. If you want to earn $16/hr. you must produce more than $16/hr plus. Unless you are suggesting the government takes money from people who produce more and give it to people who dont. Sounds real fair to me.
At least Cuba has it right, they dont allow their population to access outside media, and you are not allowed to leave.
How about we TEACH Mexico how to work as a country and help them better their economy. Not GIVE them. Its parenting 101. People take much better care of things they have to earn and build for themselves.
Its real funny that you say we should build up Mexico and its infrastructure, but you are against what we are doing in Iraq. IT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE DOING IN IRAQ!!!!!!!!
How about you pack your stuff and move to Mexico using your obviously over sized brain and show them the way to make their country as great as the U.S. and you will be a hero, I will even nominate you for a Nobel Peace Prize.
I agree with you, the U.S should never go to another country and free it of its dictators, that is not our responsibility. If things are so bad the people will either overthrow the government or die or flee to the U.S. I only say this cause I can no longer stand the whine of people who want us to help the world then complain about the cost.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 2:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
" 'I'm sure more would have made it, but were probably intimidated by the powers that be.' The powers that be? Do you mean the crazy, racist, ignorant magic mist in the air?"
No, I think this person means the fact that many people in Austin are afraid of the power of Hormel. And the political forces which have succumbed to the lobbying actions of Hormel.
I have had persons admit to me in town, that they are afraid to express their opinions too visably re illegals, since their companies or bosses have ties to politicians or Hormel which could cost them their jobs.
I too, guess they are over-reacting. But I am not in their shoes, so would be unfair for me to judge.
I just wish they could express their opinions freely and also act on them freely, else, the illegal immigration problem in Austin will simply continue unabated.
Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
By allowing people to work illegally in the U.S. you just lower wages more. So much for living wages.
Yup, George Dubya is taking the land from the Iraqi's to build his massive mansion when he retires. You'll soon be seeing statues of ol' Bush in Iraq. He has all of Iraq's oil pipelined straight to his Texas ranch too. It's all a conspiracy to rule Iraq's oil. We should be taking some of that oil to pay for the war.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"how do we get the whitey trash out of town and to antarctica where their cold hearts will feel right at home?"
So, I have a cold heart if I object to Mexicans immigrating here in violation of our legal immigration laws? And to have a heart whose warmth you approve, I should rather want our laws on immigration totally ignored and the border opened up, so that any citizen of any country may freely cross and live here?
Perhaps you should just clarify your idea by simply saying you don't believe in the concept of nationstate (i.e. there should be no borders, no USA, etc.).
Can you spell "anarchy"?
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"All of the illegal immigrants I know, and I know many, are hard working people who don't put dumpsters of trash in the yard and don't ask for government handouts."
Right on, but I hope you't not suggesting this means they should be allowed to stay here, even though they are in violation of our legal immigration laws.
I'm sure almost all illegal immigrants are good people (moral, decent, fair, honest, clean, friendly, etc.). BUT this is aside to the main point that they came here in violation of our immigration laws, which is NOT RIGHT, NOT FAIR to American citizens who own and pay for this country.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
" 'I'm sure more would have made it, but were probably intimidated by the powers that be.' The powers that be? Do you mean the crazy, racist, ignorant magic mist in the air?"
No, I think the person meant the fact that many people in Austin are afraid of the power of Hormel. And the political forces which have succumbed to the lobbying actions of Hormel.
I have had people in Austin admit to me that they are afraid to express their opinions too visably re illegals, since their companies or bosses have ties to politicians or Hormel which could cost them their jobs.
I too, guess they are over-reacting. But I am not in their shoes, so would be unfair for me to judge.
I just wish they could express their opinions freely and also act on them freely, else, the illegal immigration problem in Austin will simply continue unabated.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"But wait, white people are the perfect race right? It is the MEXICANS who are causing the problems, right? Really whitey? THEY are the ones who are turning the world to Hell? Really? Start looking in the mirror whitey!"
I don't think it is the goal of any race to be perfect. White and Mexican persons each have their own successes, and problems.
But this has nothing to do with anything. American Whites are here LEGALLY; many Mexicans are here ILLEGALLY.
Try to keep your thinking on track.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"They should have had poli-grip and metamucil vendors at that 'forum' from the looks of the pictures."
A person's age has nothing to do with this. It is about principle, American citizen rights, and Rule of Law. These are matters affecting all American citizens irrespective of age.
What gives with all the slander & prejudice. Grow up.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Now, we are facing a new propaganda machine that is as daunting and chilling as that of Hitler: the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)."
I was at the meeting, and the only FAIR representative present was Susan Tully. I was impressed by her. (A clear thinker, good communicator, a thoughtful, helpful, decent person. So I object to your characterizing her as a Nazi!)
Name-calling has no merit in debate. (So you lose. Sorry.)
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Taco,
Sounds oo much like real life! Sorry you had to be the victim. You were lucky to have the police involved in time. (Isn't fleeing the accident a criminal violation as well? I would enquire to police chief why illegal immigrant criminal can't be deported? [I am not attorney, so don't know.])
A good point made by Ruthie Hendrycks at the meeting is that as Austin citizens, we will be ticketed or prosecuted without question by police and our legal system for nearly every violation of law even minor violations. YET, Mexican immigrants can walk around here ILLEGALLY without fear.
And I'll add to Ruthie's observation that all the while, there is an ABUNDANCE OF AUSTIN POLICE OFFICERS around at the same time (e.g. you found one easily when you needed) apparently impotent to do anything about it!
Go figure.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"What are 'anchor babies' and how are they any different than 'white babies'.........."
"Anchor babies" differ from White babies in that they are born of illegal immigrant parents (whereas White babies are born of legal American citizens).
By the rights inherited as American citizen by an Anchor baby, they may some day petition their Mexican parents and other relatives to enter this country legally to live. (Whereas a White baby does not have any such right since relatives are already here.)
I hope that straightens it out for you. It's quite amazing to me you couldn't figure this out for yourself.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"and never mind, mexicans aren't people like whitey, mexicans are ILLEGALS!............Yes, their WHOLE being is illegal.........and they are aliens, like from mars.....so like, we totally don't have to relate to them or try to help them because they are like completely different than us..... ..................right man............"
I'll agree "illegal alien" is an unfortunate term. So I never use it. But I do use "illegal immigrant" (or "illegals," as an abbreviated form).
You don't like the term. Okay, what way to refer to illegal immigrants then? Please a replacement term. (I would guess you would be happier with: "illegal immigrant people" or "illegal immigrant persons".)
Let me know. And good luck. (Please suggest a replacement reference which doesn't make me laugh my socks off, okay?)
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I bet you don't have a problem with Hormel and the Mexicans, when you pick up your profit checks in November or your quarterly dividend checks in the mail, or your monthly retirement checks. You don't have a problem renting to those illegal aliens, when they are paying you cash, that you don't report to the IRS."
I guess you know what other people do and don't do. (I for one, never pick up a Hormel profit check. I also never receive Hormel divident checks. I will also never receive a Hormel retirement check. I also don't rent to anyone, so I never receive any rent payments from illegal immigrants.)
SInce none of your arguments apply to me, then I guess you think it is alright for me to compain about their illegal presence here! (Well even if you don't, I do.)
There is more going on here than $. It is ILLEGAL, NOT RIGHT, and NOT FAIR to American citizens that Mexicans can cross our borders illegally and come to live here. It also threatens and weakens a sense of national sovereignty which American citizens are entitled to.
$ doesn't buy everything. Some persons have sense of pride and fair-play which $ cannot convolute.
But I guess you don't think so.
Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You cant tell 100% for sure who is illegal but Im pretty sure it is the people who hit my car then took off down the block in a hury. As I yelled "hey you cant leave the accident", they didnt even look back, I followed them as my wife waited in the car with our children. The police showed up and I pointed to the direction these people. They brought them back to the scene and we identified them as the drivers. When asked for I.D. they only had QPP employee cards and said they spoke no english. The car had no registration, they had no insurance, no drivers license. They lied to the police stating they borrowed the car from a friend, then later telling them that he didnt know the name of the owner of the car or how to get ahold of him.
A man in a pickup truck pulled up as the police were then questioning me and my wife. The people who hit us were talking to the hispanic man in the truck, he then got out of the truck and started toward me looking angry asking why I call the police for? An officer had to get between me and him. They told the man to get back in his truck, he did then the people that hit us got in the truck and left. The police towed the car and that was that. I did see the police give the guy a ticket but they really had no idea who he was beside his QPP work I.D. Cost me a $500. deductible.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"They want us to think of these people as agents of harm rather than people who live in our communities and contribute to our economy and quality of life."
I'm sorry, but people who "contribute to our economy and quailty of life" is not the same thing as a free border pass.
(Or, do you think it should be?)
It is ILLEGAL, NOT RIGHT, and NOT FAIR to American citizens and Austinites, that Mexicans can ignore our laws and cross the border to come to live here.
Are you the mayor? Because the Austin mayor has said th same thing as you. (Equating "contibuting community member" = "right to be here".)
Does not compute, Will Robinson.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The arguments of the most virulent anti-immigrant propagandists converge on a single point: the appeal to racist sentiment and the fear of change!"
You may be right about some racist sentiment and fear of change is used as malipulative device. But there are people (I am one) who agree with many of their policies and goals, while ignoring the crap.
I can agree with someone's policy or goal, but have different reasons than them.
It is NOT RIGHT, NOT FAIR, and ILLEGAL for Mexicans (or any other non-legal immigrant) cross our borders in violation of our laws to come to live here.
Posted by willingworker (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can not believe the hate I see written by those that claim to be AMERICAN yet refuse to see the threat illegal immigration poses to our communities. I am not from Austin. In 2001 Iowa Gov. Vilsack wanted to creat a model community in Mason City for welcoming what he called 'new Iowans'. Thing is, they all spoke spanish and wanted our city workers to learn the language. He wanted to provide a center where these 'new Iowans' could get all kinds of assistance from utilities to housing to schooling, medical, you name it our community would help these 'new Iowans' feel right at home. Trouble was, our children would not qualify for the same assistance because they were not 'new Iowans'. That is why why I opposed this. I was a panelist in a Town Hall Meeting at Music Man Square in opposition to this creation of a 'model community. There were several of these meetings in our area. I went to them all and spoke out in opposition. I contacted my state legislators. I presented a petition with over 2,000 signatures in opposition to this 'model community' plan. We won, and the idea was dropped. In point of fact Vilsack's idea flopped. We still have an illegal alien presence, but nothing like what you seem to be experiencing in Austin. Though, Marshalltown and Postville are examples to us of what can go wrong. I was called 'racist' in the Globe Gazette'. I was accused of 'hating' those different. These words are the only rebuttal the open borders pro-amnesty cheap labor lobby has. If immigration at these levels continues we will be a nation no longer. By the year 2050 there will be ONE HALF BILLION of us. The vast majority of this ONE HALF BILLION will not have the education for or traditions of informed self government. The vast majority of this ONE HALF BILLION will not have the education for self support and will depend on public assistance of one sort or another. Take a look at California and the budget mess they are dealing with. THAT is our future unless this changes. There will always be bullies like 'starts and stripes' and 'MarvelousMisadventures'. They are not what matters. Our children and our grandchildren are what matters. These people coming here 'for the better life' are criminals and ther behavior should not be accepted, but what brings them here is work and our government's collusion with big business. Things will not change until you DEMAND that change from your legislators. Good luck Austin, what has happened to your community could have happened to us and still could if our immigration policies do not change. I must call Tom Latham and Chuck Grassley this morning.
Posted by stars_and_pipes (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not "retarded" or rich...........just a simple person trying to get people to see their own faults and to empathize with the plight of most of the world, which is poverty and despair. Love and be compassionate to your neighbors, no matter what country they may be from, or whether or not they have a work visa. Yes, laws should be enforced, but the truth is that most people who come here are employed and contribute to society. Stop the fear mongering, They are humans like you and me..................."judge lest ye be judged."
Posted by AFmechanic (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is one last point or comment I would like to pose. If the illegal immigrants want to come here and live, well that is fine, but here is something they need to do first. Join a branch of the military and go overseas to a combat zone and fight for the United States (if there is anything going on at the time), if not just serve the 4 years and learn and speak english. After you have served 4 years of faithful service, then you can live in the U.S., you will be given you citizenship, you can have Social Security, have access to our medical programs, (for what is left of them), and live a fruitful life. If you don't like that idea, then don't bother coming to the U.S.
Posted by AFmechanic (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
@ Marvelous Misdaventures-- no I am not balming the Mexicans for the floods in Austin, i believe that you may have misunderstood me. What i was trying to say was this. With all the illegal immigrants that are coming into Austin, the people that have been in town all those years are/were getting tired of everything they are seeing. So they pick up and move on. So when people leave and the town gets smaller, businesses close and so forth.
Now on a side note, and I send this to everyone that has made comments to this article, did anyone ever see the news article in California about a school that had to deal with foreigners taking down the American flag and put up a Mexican flag. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought I would see something like that. People like that do not deserve to live in the U.S. They can stay in their own country, no matter what nationality they are. If they do not want to pay taxes, forge paperwork to get into the U.S., take our Social Security that we have paid into over all these years and just down right disrespect us and everything that we believe in then they can just go. Now if they want to follow the laws, pay taxes, not live off welfare and lastly speak english in public, then by all means stay. I see so many Koreans, Phillipenos and nationalities along that line the refuse to learn our langauge then get pissed when asked to speak english. But if we go to their country they expeect us to speak their language. I have traveled all over the world, and at least I try to learn the language and give it a shot.
Make all the comments you want, but I stand by with what i believe in. I will give anyone a fair shot, but when you start to take advantage and will not do the right things, then all bets are off.
Posted by Hernandez1USA (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Even, if our Federal government continues to keep its head in the sand, its our STATE and LOCAL governments Job to enforce our LAWs and yes INCLUDING every AMERICAN citizen (ALL RACES) to keep out Illegal Aliens from OUR Country.
Tell your Government you are tired and want them out and the business that hire the illegals held accountable.
www.numbersusa.com and http://capwiz.com/proenglish/home/ and www.capsweb.org
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AFmechanic - AMEN! If they are willing to fight for our country, then they deserve to live here. Not just in Austin working for Hormel either. Yes I did see the article about the flag in CA, I cried! My father fought in 3 wars for this country and this is how it ends up. It is very sad.
And I do think that people are zeroing in on Hispanics, there are others of different nationalities that need to be escorted back also.
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
stars_n_pipes - WHITEY??? You don't have a very wide vocabulary do you?
I happen to live very close to some illegal immigrants and we have never had any trouble from them. They live in a very small house with about 20 people. But the fact remains, they are illegal. They do not speak English and their kids go to Austin School. How can they be in school when they are illegal? What does that say about the school system? Why should WE conform to their needs? They should learn OUR language if they are going to stay here. I guess that my main complaint is WHY if they are illegal are WE who are not, forced to conform to them?
Posted by Grumpus (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and good luck if you're waiting for the gutless local media to ask Hormel to say something beyond the stock "We do not knowingly hire illegal aliens." Follow up: What are you doing to prevent them from working here.
Cue the crickets...
Posted by leftthehatebehind (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Blaming Oak Park Mall on illegal immigrants!! That is HILARIOUS!!! What else can we blame on them? Please... Oak Park Mall is so empty because they charge extremely high rent and people go to Rochester if they want to shop at a decent mall.
I think a lot of ignorant people call ALL Mexican illegal immigrants... typical of the ignorance and hate in Austin though. You all just b!tch without educating yourself. What a hateful town.
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know what-leftthehatebehind-for someone who supposedly left hate behind, you sure are hateful! You come off as someone who likes to bash Austin but you are on here an awful lot posting hateful comments and doing alot of name calling. You need to grow up and maybe change your name.
Posted by Mamacat104 (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not wanting illegal immigrants here in our country TAKING all their free services at the LEGAL Taxpaying Citizen's expense is NOT being racist.
I have illegals living in my neighborhood and they are very disrespectful of their neighbors: garbage around the house, loud blasting music, lots of cars all over the place (on the lawns also).
These sorry groups like LULAC, ACLU should be doing something to get LEGAL paperwork for the illegals instead of ramming the illegals down our throats. I don't care who comes to this country to live and work, BUT THEY NEED TO DO IT LEGALLY AND PAY THE SAME TAXES AND ALL THAT WE PAY. STOP STEALING OUR IDS TO GET JOBS...
And for our sorry good for nothing Judges who tell these illegals that it isn't against the law to steal someone's social security number to get a job!!! WHAT IS UP WITH THAT???!!!! If you these Federal judges are going to tell the illegals it is okay to steal our SS#'s, then the IRS needs to STOP using those numbers to track our work history...they need a better solution.
A woman here (whose SS# was stolen and being used by an illegal alien for a job) was told by the IRS that she better hope that he didn't retire before she did. EXCUSE ME!!!
This country is quickly being turned into a third world country by the illegals and no one seems to care. I'm sick of paying taxes and paying taxes to take care of the illegals while they send their money back to their country...It needs to stop!!! We need to get our country back.
THEY chose to be here, yet they come here and demand that WE Taxpayers give and give to them and demand that we speak their language instead of them learning English. WHY!!!??? If they want to change a country, go home and do something to change their own..
STOP giving them all their free services...stop hiring them unless they fill out papers to be here legally and they WILL self-deport themselves.
If these sorry employers who want cheap labor want them here to work...then WHY don't these employers fill out the papers to make them legal... WHY, because these employers want to get by with not paying taxes...
We are being screwed by the illegals and the employers who hire them.
Posted by Grumpus (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"WAKE UP DELAWAREBOB! This is EVERYONES country."
Yo, MarvelousMisadventures, one has to wonder about idiotic statements like this, and the people who make them.
This is the United States. It is the citizens' country. Illegal aliens are not citizens. If you're okay with them breaking our laws and taking resources, I'm sure you wouldn't mind a few dozen al Qaeda sneaking in, either, right? What's the harm?
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marvelousmisadventures..the powers that be?...the company that brought 100s of National Guard soldiers to Austin back in the 80s to break the union and pitted family member against family member. The same company that has created this problem. Do you understand now? Or must I come right out and say the name? I have a feeling you may be an educated person so I will give you credit for figuring it out!
Three questions and a small comment:
1. Does anyone here like a theif that breaks into their home?
No matter what color they may be?
2. If that theif or theif's family were brought here illegally by a mobster, would you like that mobster?
3. If that mobster had the backing of your own government to behave in this illegal way wouldn't that just top the cake?
I guess if you can answer "no" to the questions then you have an incling of what the fuss is about! If you said you wouldn't mind if that happened then you're lying or making good on what has happened to this town. Oh yes, but that's right...you can jump in your mercedes benz go to your cabin, fly to Jamaica or wherever else you escape to from Austin because you can afford it..due to cheap illegal labor. Meanwhile, the dumpsters are piling high in Austin, hit and runs are happening by drivers who can't read or speak english, and don't have insurance, drugs are being passed around ( I'm not attributing drugs to any one race...let that be known before anyone screams foul!).
Color is not the issue..illegal activity is, from Washington to Austin at all levels by all colors!
Enough said!
Posted by rebeccaboo2006 (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@ AFmechanic You wrote about this article.
"I send this to everyone that has made comments to this article, did anyone ever see the news article in California about a school that had to deal with foreigners taking down the American flag and put up a Mexican flag."
AFmechanic, the article you are refering to is about student protesters. They were student of neighboring school districts in Montebello,CA. Montebello High school, where the protest happened, had all of it's classes on lock-down. As part of the "walk out" and protest, the flag(s) disruption was aimed to get the attention of Congress. Who were about to vote on some immigration reform bills. Although I do NOT agree with their mishandeling of the American flag, I DO support their right to protest.
Posted by DelRey (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The solution for all the comments to get rid of the illegal aliens.
1. Landscape-Next time you see illegal aliens cutting grass for an American owner-stop doing business with that individual or business.
2. Hotels-Next time you stay at a hotel and the illegal aliens are cleaning your room-stop doing business with that hotel.
3. Restaurant- Next time you take your family out to dinner and an illegal alien is preparing your food or busing-stop dining at that restaurant.
4. Handyman- Next time you hire a illegal alien to perform some work on your car or house. Report yourself to the police or the INS for hiring illegal aliens.
The point is if you are that adamant of getting rid of illegal aliens stop purchasing products or do business with companies that hire illegal aliens. Finally, the good people of Austin can resolve the illegal alien problem by making laws of not having garage sales every weekend. Donate your items to charities. The local home owners stop renting them houses with out a background check. The local car dealers stop selling cars to illegal aliens without proof of insurance....oh wait the illegal aliens pay cash. The illegal alien problem will never be resolved in Austin until it effects the residents of far southwest side of town.
Posted by rebeccaboo2006 (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Oak Park Mall's decline in stores and shoppers is due to illegal immigration? I tend to disagree. The problem is not just the illegals per say, but the companies and business who hire them. Not just here in Austin but across the country.
Some large companies benefit from the illegals. Low work wages, no health care costs, and carte blanche to continue turning huge profits.
We need new laws or Fines to hit them where it hurts. Their profits.
I realize that doesn't take care of all the illegal aliens that are already here, or fix the predjudice that have already set in to peoples minds.
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, the right to protest is what OUR soldiers have fought well over 200 years for. We have this right to protest and we need to use that right and use it to the furthest extent. We have become complacent about our citizenship.
Posted by Nina (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Stop the fear mongering, They are humans like you and me..................."judge lest ye be judged."
stars & pipes
Actually, stars, it's "judge not, lest ye be judged". See? Now it makes sense, doesn't it?
You have spouted so much bs today but have failed to make any sensible suggestions regarding solutions.
Obviously, we can't just allow illegal immigration to continue unchecked. The lack of action by the government is going to force individual states to find solutions of their own.
Europe is collapsing under the weight of rampant immigration, legal and illegal. Soon it will be too late to save America from the same fate. It's not that we don't feel sorry for the poor of the world, of course we do, but a line has to be drawn. It's about protecting the rights of those here legally and future generations.
The government enables illegal immigrants by providing welfare services. Also, they can get ITINs - a tax code for those who are not eligible for social security.
Stop enabling and they will go home.
Posted by milesaway (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just want to say a couple words. I have grandchildren whose father was illegal when he came here but has since become legal. It has cost them 20,000.00 to make him a legal citizen. Alot of money to pay so he can work and be with his family. Why are people in Austin so nasty towards anyone that is Mexican. I know a couple people who are from Cuba that were let out of prison there and sent here (one who is in prison for drugs) but he never was convicted of all the rotten things he did to his daughter after her mother died. The other guy well he is still in Austin working odd jobs and helping his WHITE wife from Austin tear up every rental house they rent but theyt never seem to pay for anything and get away with it. Laws what about White people in Austin who protray social workers and call places saying they are calling for relatives who are mentally ill and can't do their own calling. These places do what this person asks. Maybe our businesses need to stop doing things over the phone and make people come in to the office. Austin is so full of hate towards each other, it doesn't matter what color the person is. Maybe you all need to get to kown your neighbor and help the police by calling in when there is trouble. Don't stand back and accuse someone when in reality you probaly didn't see what the problem was in the first place. I do agree anyone from another country needs to learn English if they want to live here.
Posted by MrD (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This whole forum scares the daylights out of me! I have never experienced such rabid talk and feelings. I'll be looking over my shoulder at everyone from now on.
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. D the people who have lived on the NE side of Austin for decades have had to look over their shoulders for the past 15 years thanks to a certain company...so join the crowd!
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 20, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey everyone..did you read on KAAL's website about the Postville packing plant supervisor's possible fine and prison sentence due to conspiring to bring illegals into the country?? Take a look....good reading! He could even lose his citizenship. Well, it's nice to know there is justice somewhere in this country! Greed, it sure does pay, doesn't it?
Posted by leftthehatebehind (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, southernfirenice, if stating the truth is name calling in your opinion, then so be it. But my comments on a town being "hateful" and "ignorant" and "prejudice" are far less "name calling" and "hate" then you are all doing. I left Austin and now live in a town that is not full of hate... but Austin was and will always be a part of my life. I have family there. What do you care so much anyway?
Oh, and one more thing southernfirenice... pot, meet kettle.
Posted by diddlyscrumps (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pretty soon Canada, America, and Mexico are all going to be one country anyway...they're already planning in it. They already have the currency for it. It's called the "amero." If you don't believe me, google it, or watch the hit documentary "Zeitgest." You're all getting worked up about something that's going to happen anyway, and even if it doesn't, it's not that big of a deal. Personally, I like seeing people do better for themselves, regardless of the color of their skin, or where they're originally from. The jobs that they're "stealing" from Americans, are jobs that no American actually wants to do...there have always been unemployed people. The jobs that illegal immigrants do are jobs that good old All-American white folks don't want to do, or think they're too good to do.
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like seeing people doing better too. But when it seems to be completely lopsided (corporate people) getting the better deal and the rest of us getting the crumbs and putting up with illegal activity all for the sake of the greed of a few it gets pretty old! We have laws, they are to be respected no matter how big your paycheck is. UNDERSTAND!
Posted by stars_and_pipes (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't think the laws being respected would do any good. We need corporate law reform. Even if all illegals went back to mexico today, I highly doubt the bargaining power of the american worker would be any better. Corporations would simply move the plant to where the cheap labor is.....maybe mexico, maybe india. Look at the fashion industry............i never see clothes "made in america" and the garment companies get by with these sweatshops by "contracting"(quality pork anyone?) companies to do the work. Then, if Donna Karen is criticized for having clothes made at a sweatshop, she simply says she "knew nothing about it".......remember Kathy lee Gifford? Same thing. Anyways, the only way the distribution of wealth will be distributed more equally is if federal corporate law is changed and we stop electing people who live in lala land where they don't even know they own 9 frickin houses! Geeesh Mccain...............!!
Posted by MarvelousMisadventures (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@2madmamas
"Three questions and a small comment:
1. Does anyone here like a theif that breaks into their home?
No matter what color they may be?
2. If that theif or theif's family were brought here illegally by a mobster, would you like that mobster?
3. If that mobster had the backing of your own government to behave in this illegal way wouldn't that just top the cake?"
I've got to hand it to you 2madmamas-- you AND your calculated rhetoric meant to shift the reference point of these readers by viewing immigrants not as people, but as dangerous criminals. Your comment only proves your own fear and prejudice towards Mexicans.
Posted by Mallory (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am absolutely shocked at some of the responses here. I was born and raised in Austin but lived in Southern California and Arizona for 30 years. You have NO idea what will happen if you don't get control of this issue. Arizona is all but unihabitable. Cities like Yuma have unemployment of over 18% (compared to 5.6% for most of the U S). Americans can't get jobs. The jobs that USE to be GOOD jobs for American workers, like construction, sheet metal work, HVAC, are now primarily jobs the illegals have in Arizona and California. Their children are educated in public schools which are now overflowing and so Americans have to send their children to charter or private schools. There is NO ROOM in many public schools in the Phoenix metro area. Hospitals have closed because of the high cost of treating illegals who never pay a bill. Arizonan's ask themselves every day... WHAT IF.. they're involved in a car accident and because the nearest hospital has closed, they die before getting treatment? It's a real issue. In 2008, 2 Phoenix policemen were killed by illegals. (One was jay walking and shot the policeman who stopped him to correct him.) The Chandler (Arizona) serial rapist, who stalked and attacked 14 year old girls in their homes, is an illegal. Arizona and California violent crimes are skyrocketing. Before you jump to the conclusion that illegal people are adding anything but a PROBLEM to this country, I suggest you go live in a border state and find out what you are really in for. Wait until YOU lose your job, or until YOUR child can't get in to college, while state funds pay for the children of illegals to attend. Wait until someone you love is killed in a traffic accident because an illegal was unfamiliar with our driving laws, or because they can't get treated in a hospital. Wait until you struggle in a store to find a product because you can't read the aisle signs which are now all in Spanish (Walgreens and Home Depot).. Perhaps then you'll see the problem with illegal immigration.
Posted by Mallory (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RE: Flag issues at schools in California. Rebeccaboo2006.. I was living in Arizona at the time that a Mexican student in Apache Junction attempted to fly a Mexican flag over the American flag. Several American kids pulled the Mexican flag down and burned it.. http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?sto...
You can call that a "protest" but until you've seen people take to the streets, flying the Mexican flag, beligerent and antagonistic, you have NO CLUE. You are not hearing the TRUTH and the stories about people who are coming across the border every day, about the attacks on the Border Patrol etc., because mainstream news does NOT report them. They've aprehended MANY illegals from terrorist nations slipping across the Arizona/Mexico border. http://dlopezforcongress.com/position3b....
It just doesn't make the news here.
I do wish that all of you who are so supportive of people who broke the law to come here could go winter in Arizona. It would be a nice break from the cold. Stay in Yuma. I promise you, you'll come back with a whole new attitude. Don't drive... rent a car when you're there and leave your ID in Minnesota. The two top crimes in Arizona are identity theft and car theft. The cops even joke about "GM heading south"... to chop shops in Mexico. Car theft is SO COMMON that the police will not even come take a report anymore. Good luck trying to get your insurance company to pay up.
Minnesota is only seeing the leading edge of the storm. I look at my hometown and I see a shabby shanty town. I see jobs that once provided a good living wage for locals and an incentive for young people to stay, now going to illegals.
Bottom line, having observed this up close and personal, if illegals, Mexicans, Hondurans, Guatamalens, put 1/10 of the effort the expend getting to the U S illegally into FIXING their own problems at home, we'd all be a lot better off!
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Marvelous misadventures...corporate people are not above the law..in the end that will be proven. As was shown down in Postville by the plant supervisor being arrested for promoting illegal immigration. I believe he could get 10 years, and or a huge fine and also lose his citizenship!
As far as turning this into a racist issue that is a lie...Taco is a hispanic/american legal citizen of this country and was hit and run by an illegal, and also had his home devalued by what moved into him which forced him to move. You wouldn't understand that because where your neighborhood is located illegals wouldn't be able to move. If you don't think this would bother you after years of working for a home then I challenge you to buy a home on any one of the blocks east of the corporate office...Bet you would never do that!
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, we don't need to be patronized or lied to because we may not make a six figure income. We do have brains. It would be nice if the corporation would admit they have made a mistake and rectify it; but of course that will never happen either!
Posted by MarvelousMisadventures (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@2madmamas
"You wouldn't understand that because where your neighborhood is located illegals wouldn't be able to move. If you don't think this would bother you after years of working for a home then I challenge you to buy a home on any one of the blocks east of the corporate office...Bet you would never do that!"
This is the problem. People with the same frame of mind as you. Assumptions get you nowhere!
Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What are you saying that we are assuming? That the people moving in next to me and around me where illegal? I tried to introduce myself to the new neighbors because that is how I am, they could not understand one single word I said, they asked me to speak spanish. I said I prefer english as my wife would like to understand the conversation as well, he said he could not speak english. Neither his 2 brothers or the girlfriends or their 4 kids. Non of them spoke a word of english, of all of them, NOT 1 WORD!!!!
Their children played in the street constantly when the police would get called you should have seen the look on the faces of these people. They had no clue as to what was said, they didnt understand a word. The police would leave and 15 minutes later the kids in the street again.
Point being: you dont come to America to live legally and not understand or speak a lick of english. Who would employ someone who doesnt speak a word of english? I sure as hell wouldnt.
I know for a fact that all of them worked though. Someone would pick up the ladies at about 3 a.m., then they would get home and the guys would leave. Then 1 guy would take the two guys to work (they always had the cutest lunch pails). Then when the ladies got home the other guy would go to work. Then when they got home (fiesta till 1 a.m.) Then start all over again. I am 99.9999% sure they are illegal and I would put money on it. I have a hundred in my pocket for groceries and I would put it down now knowing if im wrong my kids wont eat. That is how sure I am. I am not making assumptions, I know.
I also was friends with a guy who was an interpreter who says these people are illegal. They dont even keep it secret, as if you really can. They tell him they dont have a SS# or a green card all the time.
Posted by ihardlythinkso (anonymous) on August 23, 2008 at 4:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When is someone going to ask Hormel to be accountable to the public and community in Austin????!!!!!
The 8/22/08 Austin Daily Herald was a JOKE where the Police Chief was stating "best he knew" about Hormel policies.
Get the facts.
HORMEL, come to the table. "We don't knowingly hire illegal aliens" is corporate-speak, a double-negative.
The fact Hormel is silent on this issue SPEAKS LOADS !!!
It's the major employer and presumes identity as a benefactor to city of Austin. This doesn't hold logic since you have many, and increasing, number of Ausinites very unhappy with the town being overrun with obviously what is a large & growing illegal population, making babies every day.
Anyone see Mexican's holding babies in their arms, or pushing carriers, when you go out shopping or just out for a stroll? Their numbers will eventually defeat political efforts, and, they are well on way to victory already. We'll be beaten by the numbers.
New baby in tomorrow from illegal Mexican immigrants? I'd bet money on it.
This is not racist. Disgusting how director of the Welcome Center speaks to "Klu Klux Klan," etc. Shows how unprofessional & defensive she is.
It's about NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY and QUALITY OF LIFE, Dearie.
Go wash your brain.
Posted by Mallory (anonymous) on August 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amusing that stars and pipes is all hung up on how many homes the Cindy Hensley McCain trust owns. I've read posts all over this site that S and P has written and it all comes down to hating capitalism apparently. No wonder Obama is his/her candidate.
I grew up in Austin in the 1950's and Hormels was the mainstay of this community. My neighbor supported a wife and 11 children with his Hormel pay check. My dad was a business owner but we depended on Hormel's indirectly. Working at "the plant" was a good job. Many high school graduates were only too happy when they got a job at "the plant" alongside their fathers and uncles. I never knew one single kid whose mother worked. We were all single income households then. It's very disturbing that Hormels has chosen to follow this path. I had more than one conversation about this with the late Geordie Hormel about this subject and it was Geordie's opinion that his grandfather would be horrified at this whole situation.
I'm afraid that I can't be convinced that Hormels is unable to find American workers to perform these jobs. I can't be convinced that what was once a very good living is now beneath Americans. I know a lot of people out of work in Arizona who will gladly move here if they could have one of the jobs that the illegals now have. WHAT'S UP WITH THE UNION??? Where is P-9 in all of this??
Posted by hadenough (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mallory, you got that right. My mom, aunts and uncles worked at General Mills for 35 years and were forced into early retirement. The reason... so they could hire mexicans. That plant is all mexican workers. There are millions of young adults who can not afford to go to college that would KILL to have one of these factory jobs or construction or fast food or well I could go on and on. I am sick of hearing people tell me that these illegals only do the jobs that Americans won't do (RIGHT!!!) Millions of American jobs are lost to legal and illegals everyday. This has to stop. Out future generation is at stake. They want, need and deserve these types of jobs. It is not the responsibility of our government to pander to illegals. Let the mexican government take responsibility for its own people, not throw them at us. Enough is enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by MarvelousMisadventures (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@Mallory
It's 2008! You're living in the past. Times have changed, and we live in a different world.
The arguments of the most virulent anti-immigrant propagandists converge on a single point: the appeal to racist sentiment and the fear of change!
Don't be afraid of CHANGE Mallory.
Posted by taco (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We aren't afraid of CHANGE, we are afraid of American Citizens being forced into poverty by illegal workers and the economic situation it brings.
I saw a van with MN plates, It was stickered up it said in spanish (no english, not a crime): Kentucky and Ohio subcontractors. Apparently it this man is doing all the construction jobs that Americans dont want. I know a bunch of kids going to school to be contractors and carpenters. This is going to spill into more and more jobs.
Pretty soon all the restaurant workers will be illegal, drywallers, plumbers, flooring installers, painters, housekeepers, etc. what does this leave for the citizens, college students trying to pay their tuition, a single mom trying to provide for her children. Is it more important for illegals to do this work or Americans? I say take care of American workers first.
Posted by Mallory (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@MM
Who in the H*** do you think you are to lecture or pander to me or anyone else on this site? How dare you lecture me about change and how dare you insinuate that I or anyone else here is a "virulent anti-immigrant propagandist" or that we are appealing to racist sentiments.
CHANGE. Get this concept honey. Change is Change it is NOT SYNONYMOUS with PROGRESS. Change DOESN'T MEAN BETTER. My husband worked for an international company with more than 160,000 employees world wide. We lived in Europe for 2 years, we lived in Saudi Arabia and we've lived in the Caribbean as well as the Southwest U S. I've seen what illegal immigration can do to a culture FIRST hand.
I get the fact that this is now a gobal economy. Experience with the international business community has shown me that. However, global economy should equate to the expansion of markets and the opportunity to sell U S products to foreign countries and vice versa. A perfect example are the auto plants in Ohio and Kentucky that are owned by foreign companies but employ American workers. What it does NOT need to entail is the ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF WORKERS that take American jobs. I can give you ten examples that I've personally experienced every day for the next month.
I've already mentioned my son being denied a job at Ashley Furniture in the warehouse because he didn't speak Spanish and couldn't communicate with the illegal workers who didn't speak English. He worked for 2 years, with GREAT reviews, at a Hospital only to have his job eliminated and they hired a "contract company" who sent ILLEGALS to do his job. He worked for the Scottsdale school system and the same thing happened, only there, because they could not do background checks on illegals (no path, no way since they lie about their identity) they ended up replacing him with a man that RAPED A junior high school student ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. They later found out he had a criminal history in Mexico and was a convicted child molester that had never served a day in jail or prison. (until now, thankfully).
I also happen to know a young woman (32) in Phoenix who's husband was a police officer until September 17, 2007. He was the father of 2 small sons and a 2 time cancer survivor. He didn't survive his encounter with an illegal Mexican who shot him and killed him when he stopped the man for jaywalking.
Just get off your high horse and drop the "I'm so smart and sophisticated" routine. Intolerance belongs to liberals. Liberals are the ones who think freedom of speech only applies to them. The ACLU only protects the rights of the minority. They don't protect the majority from the wacko few.
POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IS INTELLECTUAL TERRORISM and I'm not falling for it anymore so save your insults. Being from Austin doesn't mean that we're dumb.
Posted by Ariel (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello, I am new to this post site. My friend sent me the link and asked me if I would like to check in.
I am an American Citizen and would like to tell you my story. I came here on a student visa after my parents died and so I went to school and stayed with my aunt and uncle who are Americans. I worked while I was in school on a temporary work visa for 3 years, applying each year for approval. After I graduated from Stanford as a microbiologist I applied for a job and a permanent visa but it takes long and I had to return to Germany. While I am waiting, I got a job with Bayer AG, a German company that has offices in the U S and Canada, so I went to Canada where I met a wonderful American man. We marry, and after 3 years, move back to the United States. It still took almost 5 years before I am a legal citizen.
My daughters are born here and are Americans. The oldest applied to UCSD for a scholarship but scholarships are hard to get, because illegals seem to get first rights. She finally was accepted at Stanford and graduated 3 years ago. She was an E R doctor in a hospital but new management came in and terminated a lot of people. They hired illegal people in labs as techs and they made so many mistakes on blood tests and results and mixing up CT and MRI scans that my daughter resigned and left her job. She could not provide adequate care and was worried about law suits. Once a young woman came in with serious headaches and they did an MRI, which showed nothing abnormal. An older man had a MRI at the same time and his results showed a brain tumor. He went to a specialist and when they did an MRI they found nothing, so they contacted the hospital. After an investigation they discovered the error, an illegal had mixed up the MRI films. By this time, 3 weeks had passed and they called the young woman immediately but the tumor had grown so much it was then inoperable. She died 8 weeks later. That happen all too often.
The hospitals pay the lab people about the same money but not benefits so they save very much. It hurts American jobs, even skilled jobs, and it hurts people.
Illegal immigration is wrong for many reasons but one of the most important I think is that instead of fixing the problems in their home countries illegal immigration allows people to run away and the bad situations continue. If they did not have the option of illegally working in the United States maybe they would insist their government change.
Posted by Ariel (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I must say one or two more things. Mexico is a very beautiful country. I have been there many times. They have many natural resources, petroleum, silver, gold, natural gas and they have many beautiful beaches and could be one of the most wonderful tourist destinations in North America. There is no reason at all that their people should be desititute and living in poverty. Mexico is not like some African countries where they can not feed their own people.
The United States has even opened auto factories in Mexico and is providing jobs in Mexico for Mexicans. The U S is spending millions to help Mexico fight the drug problems and hoping it will stop some of the drugs coming in to the U. S. but Mexicans and Mexico must help themselves. The Mexicans who come to California do not want to assimilate. They do not want to be Americans and they do not want to learn English. They march in the streets and waive the Mexican flag in our faces. They cling to their "cultural" ways that include animal cruelty in the form of dog and chicken fighting. They have little regard for life or the rights and property of others.
Mexicans should stay in Mexico, and get rid of their corrupt officials and police and then focus on education in their own country. They should focus on making Mexico a safer place for tourists. Maybe at that point they won't have to burden other countries and their own country will be better off. If they have so much Mexican Pride, then let them build a country to be proud of instead of taking this country down to the level they are use to living at.
Posted by Mallory (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ariel, thank you for your comments and thoughts. It is nice of you to participate and your experiences are insightful. So often, people who transfer in to a small town think they are so worldly and have a superiority complex. They think of "locals" as "yokels" (see comments by Marvelous Misadventures insinuating that I live in the past on "Video: Immigration debate hot" ). Austin Minnesota was an amazing place to grow up in the 50's and the 60's and the high school education provided at both the public school and parochial school was second to none. Some of my classmates went on to be an FBI agent, a Broadway actress, a legislator, and a diplomat. My classmates attended West Point, The AirForce Academy and Harvard.
We do not deserve to be treated condescendingly or patronized. We are not stupid. Our home town does not have to be a part of the past. We can make it a city to be proud of again. We need to find candidates who are on the right track locally and work our way up.
Posted by ktdalage (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Legal issues aside, the folks who post their diatribes anonymously are chicken. If you say something, stand behind it with your real name.
Since the influx of immigrants, Austin has become a more interesting place to live. The parks are being utilized. There are more parties to go to. You see young families on the sidewalks. There is more variety of food to try out.
My life, personally, has improved. I'm glad they have come.
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ktdalage what's your name and address? Of course you'll be willing to give it out right?
Posted by 2madmamas (anonymous) on October 3, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How interesting ktdalage that you can so flipently say, "Legal issues aside!". That is what this whole thing is about. It's not about who makes the best tasting taco or buritto, it's about having law-abiding citizens in this town!
I like a good taco or burrito too! Diversity is good, as long as the person who is making it is not an illegal alien. Does that make any sense to you?
Illegal aliens are not immigrants..they are ILLEGAL (meaning breaking the law)
As far as being chicken goes..I think a lot of citizens who have sat back for years and watched the crime rate and their neighborhoods go to pot are being courageous and forthright with the people who have done this to Austin!
It doesn't matter what the names are as long as the message is coming across to those of you who can so flipently throw illegality aside!
Posted by upset66 (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ktdalage
Yeah there in the parks, there in the stores, there all over. My son use to play frisbee golf at Todd Park. That ended when his frisbee was taken by a group of hispanics. He asked for it back and they told him and his friends this is there park to leave. He was surrounded. I dont ejoy being out and followed by the hispanic men making rude sexual comments, I cant even go to the store on a weekend. They have no respect for the law or any other people, they say what they want, do as they please. They know the police arent going to do anything they think they run this town. For example I was out with friends, 3 hipanic girls came up to me while I was leaving the bar with friends. The one was mad because her man was bugging me, I didnt want anything to do with him. When I left they jumped me from behind. In seconds i was surrounded by at least 60 hispanics. The police came and broke it up, about 4 cars came. They asked what happen I told them. Ask me for ID. I have dark hair brown eyes and dark skin I get mistaken all the time for being hispanic. When he seen on Id that I was white he said oh crap youre white?Then he went talked to the other officers and said to me we take you both in or let you both go home. I said I want to press charges they attacked me. Oh no they wouldnt let me. So maybe you enjoy having them around but to others its like living in a prison you cant shop, you cant go for walks, play in the parks, or go out for a few drinks with friends. What a joyful life they bring isnt it??
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