those words from Springfield Ward 4 counselor Dave Ralston in a e-mail regarding his opinion on illegal immigration
"I have volumes of documentation on La Raza, MeChA and The Nation of Atzlan. These people want to take over the Southwest of America. They want to invade and not assimilate…" Ralston’s e-mail reads. "Mark my words, this is a serious problem that we will have to deal with sooner or later and I am tired of being politically correct in order to not offend anyone. This is MY country and I have a right to stand up for it. Illegal immigrants are breaking OUR laws and getting away wit it…This ‘America’ and we speak English, love it or leave it."
Mark Molina, a prominent Springfield Latino businessman and former City Council candidate, said Ralston’s comments show a severe lack of sensitivity for a significant portion of the city’s residents.
"When he mentions La Raza and other groups, I have no idea what he’s talking about," Molina said. "He says he’ll share this information. Well, here’s his opportunity." "
Disappointing, was the statement from Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken. "I would like to emphasize that the remarks of Mr. Ralston are not a fair representation of the community we are trying to build here in Springfield. Personally, I cannot and will not condone the negative tone he used in attempting to articulate his points. I sincerely apologize to a vital segment of our community was left to question their place in Springfield." Said the mayor.
yes, we would not want illegal aliens to feel that they were not welcome in Springfield.
The mayor continues by emphasizing that it has been his goal to build a community where everyone feels welcome and safe and is asking the Latino population to not let them be negatively impacted in building a vibrant Springfield.
I was shocked and very disappointed when I heard this on Lars's show this morning. I agree with David Ralston that we need to keep this issue in the forefront and stop being afraid of talking about this issue.
Like it or not, this is our country and we welcome you [immigrants] if you come through the front door legally, however, we are getting very tired of government turning a blind eye to illegal immigration issues.
below are links to the e-mails and responses
Statement from Mayor Sid Leiken
Springfield City Councilor Dave Ralston’s e-mail:
update: the mayor, unlike sleepy Ted,did come on the Lars Larson show to talk about this issue. The mayor made some very good points and made the issue this e-mail should not have been prematurely released to the public before they had a chance to discuss the issues [which I agree], an issue that he said he will be looking into.
22 comments:
Go to Gully's blog. I believe he spells out very well without the emotion involved.
Josh
Gully wrote a great article I agree, and his point about the e-mail being released to the public prematurely.
you're correct however that there is a little bit of a motion involved in my article because it is frustrating why we are always turning our backs on this issue.
Anyway, thank you for the tip.
Robin
Mayor Leiken is a great guy and I have spoken with him the past about this issue. He is more interested in actually doing something about it than getting on a soapbox. Dave was on a soapbox but did nothing to actually deal with the issue.
Josh
Josh, I agree with you along with the excellent point that Golly made on his blog [and thank you for pointing that out] about that the e-mail was "leaked" and got picked up by the news media. Of course, hearing that our favorite mayor is supporting illegal immigration {true or not} would be a huge surprise and of course emotions run rapid.
I guess this is another issue of look what is behind the news, the mayor who just returned from vacation was forced to respond in haste to the situation with a response and like with any type of written material, it can be interpreted in many different ways from its original meaning. And I think that is what happened here.
I will also admit that there was some emotional my part in the post because I think that a lot of people feel the same way I do that they are so frustrated with what seems to be the lack of concern about illegal immigration from our government officials.
Hi Robin's nest
I don't have a password so I am posting this anonymously. I am going to discuss this current hotbed issue further with our council president and city manager on Friday. This is a hot button, but unfortunately we as a city have very little we can do to enforce the issue of illegal immigration. We are, however, building a new jail that will help with the criminal activity but that is about it. I have appreciated Peter DeFazio's stance on it, and he has been out in front and we heard next to nothing from Jim Feldkamp. In fact Peter has had stronger statements about this issue than Senator Smith.
As for my statement that I issued, I probably could have worded it a little cleaner, but we had received reports about protesters coming to city hall and raising havoc. Springfield has so many positive opportunities happening that I did not want to see this happen. As for the issue of illegal immigration, it is a complicated issue where the federal government has failed us as citizens. These folks are here illegally and frankly should be deported back to their country regardless of where that is. They are braking the law. I did not have a beef with Dave Ralston about that. As an elected leader he can either climb on a soapbox or try and make a change. I feel that was a lost opportunity on his part.
Whoops!!! The last post was from Sid Leiken
Mayor, Springfield
Kudos to Dave Ralston. Perhaps while Mayor Leiken is apologizing for Mr. Ralston's comments he can explain why he has chosen to lump the illegal immigrants together with the entire Latino community. As far as I could tell Mr. Ralston was referring to illegal immigrants. It is this type of response that has made it impossible to have an intelligent discussion on this conflict. Race bating makes it possible for anyone concerned with a problem that is not politically correct to fear reprisal and recrimination.
Perhaps the quote from Mayor Leiken sums it up "(Ralston)is entitled to his conviction and his freedom of speech, but they contradict the views and agenda of the city." Since Mr. Ralston was referring to illegals I must therefore assume the views and agenda of Springfield is pro-illegal. In that case why build a new jail?
Jason said-Mayor Leiken is a great guy and I have spoken with him the past about this issue. He is more interested in actually doing something about it than getting on a soapbox. If that's true, what has he done about it in the years he was in office?
I don't know who "leaked" this memo but I have to assume from the response of his fellow commissioners that it would have ended up in the round file.
on the news last night to, was the protesters at Springville City Hall. I thought it was pretty pathetic because all of these people were protesting in favor of people breaking the law -- literally!
I also get tired of people saying that this is a racist issue, it is not, it is about legality.
you'd be the same as using the analogy of a burglar who breaks into your home and demand his rights for being there.
Mr. Mayor... thank you for your comments
it is refreshing to hear what Dave Ralston is saying. Straightforward, no BS, no political doublespeak, pure and simple we are a nation of laws and we are asking people to follow the laws.
the only thing that becomes complicated about that issue is that we have made a complicated by ignoring it for so long.
while Dave might be on a soapbox so to speak, it does allow a great opportunity to bring this issue into the public limelight for discussion at the very least.
bobkatt,
In all fairness, there is next to NOTHING that a Mayor can do about illegal immigration. Mayor Leiken is in a no-win situation here: if he takes a "pro-enforcement" stand, he will be pilloried for either failing to "do" anything or else acting outside the scope of his jurisdiction; if he doesn't, he will be labeled, rightly or wrongly, as "pro-illegal."
Gully
You are right and this is where folks don't seem to understand. It is actually illegal for the city of Springfield to enforce national immigration policy.
Bobkatt, we can however, arrest someone on a municipal offense and hold them and if the Office of Homeland Security wishes to do a check that will be up to them. That is one of several reasons for our jail. Please read Dave's entire e-mail and he clearly calls out the latino segment of our population by naming several latino organizations and referring invading in the southwest.
Sid Leiken
Mayor
I guess some of us are using a different dictionary. If you are here legally, you are an immigrant - if not, you are a tresspasser. I agree it is like having a burglar in your house that is demanding his right to your stuff.
I AM TIRED OF SEEING THE WORD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT!
It ranks right up there with hyphenated Americans. Either you are an American or you are not. MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
I don't live in Springfield, but I think building more jails to combat crime is stupid. If people had a decent education they would make better choices and crime would ease. As it is, without an education, a person can't get a job that pays enough to survive on. The option left to them is crime.
Teach a man to fish........
Anon 8:10 You do make a good point. Whether we call them illegal immigrants or illegal aliens, the keyword here is ILLEGAL. And one of the first things that we need to start doing is to stop sugar coating the issue by calling them "undocumented workers" and turning our backs to this issue.
In comparison, this is no different than being stopped by a police officer while driving while suspended and trying to convince the officer that it is okay because you are an "undocumented driver".
As far as illegal immigration being a complicated issue, it is only complicated because we made it a complicated issue by ignoring the problem for so long.
Yes, it is very difficult to separate families because one of the parents is illegal. It would be very hard without having any feelings at all to enforce the law in this particular case. However, remember, that they CHOSE and KNEW the consequences of their actions if they got caught.
The worst victims of the illegal immigration situation are the children. The ones who are brought across the border at a very young age only to suddenly realize later in life that their parents came over here illegally and now the child is faced with deportation themselves to a country that they have never known. To me, that just makes me sick!
I agree with Lars about the easiest solution to the immigration problem is to take away the carrot that draws them here. As Lars has stated many times, Senator King's idea of comparing the names with the Social Security numbers at the end of the year, if the Social Security numbers do not match, employers cannot deduct the wages.
We don't need any special fancy secure ID cards, we just let the IRS to the enforcement.
Finally, a good point that one of Lars's callers made the other day, was the numbers of the Social Security cards themselves. The numbers are divided up into three parts, e.g. 111-111-1111. The area number, the group number, and the serial number. The first three digits of the card are determined by the zip code where the card is issued. In Oregon, it ranges from 540-544. 729-733 Enumeration at Entry.
And what can the mayor do... if it is not a city requirement already, is to require verification of all Social Security numbers for city and city contracted employees.
(Robin stepping down off her soapbox now, because it's getting too hot outside.)
Source:Social Security Number Scheme
Dear Mr. Mayor, thank you for responding and stating your opinion. While I agree that there is not a lot local officials can do about the problem, the most important thing they can do is have an open mind and accept that a large portion of the population is very concerned. While it is the responsibility of the Federal government to secure the borders and control immigration, as Dr. Phil would say, "how's that been workin' for ya?" Everywhere we look we see government agencies at all levels not only ignoring the crime but actively aiding and abetting and even championing it. How would you feel if in your effort to control the meth problem you saw government agencies actively supporting the meth manufactures and offering them support groups and incentives to move here, calling you a racist, a nativist, and a zenophobe. Well if I am, I think I'm in good company. The following quote is from Theodore Roosevelt: "We have room for but one flag, the American flag .....We have room for but one language here and that is the English language ....and we have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is a loyalty to the American people." Not exactly your right wing reactionary!
Please note what happened to a conscientious Oregon DMV employee when he tried to do the right thing
Concerning the email from Mr. Ralston, I have read and re-read the email and the only reference to anyone other than illegals is about "La Raza", "Mecha" and "The Nation of Atzlan" of which I provide a few of their quotes.
From La Voz De Aztlan"The Jews of California, about 3% of the state's population, have an overwhelming and disproportionate share of the state's wealth which they utilize effectively to wield immense influence on the state's political apparatus principally through dominance of the Democratic Party. Both U.S Senators of the state are ladies of Jewish descent and there is no sector of California society, either private or public, in which Jews are not significant policy makers. The sectors that they can not control directly, they will do it indirectly through the purchase of influence as well as the cunning manipulation of ethnic and other minorities."
Jose Angel Gutierrez, Prof. Univ. Texas at Arlington, founder La Raza Unida Party at UC Riverside 1/1995
"The border remains a military zone. We remain a hunted people. Now you think you have a destiny to fulfill in the land that historically has been ours for forty thousand years. And we're a new Mestizo nation. And they want us to discuss civil rights. Civil rights. What law made by white men to oppress all of us of color, female and male. This is our homeland. We cannot - we will not- and we must not be made illegal in our own homeland. We are not immigrants that came from another country to another country. We are migrants, free to travel the length and breadth of the Americas because we belong here. We are millions. We just have to survive. We have an aging white America. They are not making babies. They are dying. It's a matter of time. The explosion is in our population."
Mario Obledo, founding member/former national director of Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), former CA Secretary Health/Welfare on Tom Leikus radio talk show
"We're going to take over all the political institutions in California. In five years the Hispanics are going to be the majority population of this state." Caller: "You also made the statement that California is going to become a Hispanic state and if anyone doesn't like it they should leave - did you say that?" Obledo: "I did. They ought to go back to Europe."
MEChA (student wing of the Aztlan movement) - motto: "For the race, everything, for those outside the race, nothing." - Chants at national conference, Cal State Univ., Northridge, 6/1996
"Viva la raza (long live our race)", "Chicano power" "We didn't cross the border, the border crossed us" "Long live the revolution" "Esta es mi tierra, esta es mi lucha (This is my land, this is my fight)"
This is not about immigrants as a whole it is about "illegal immigrants" The state sponsored invasion (of up to 20 million people ) the likes of which no other country has endured. While recognizing that most of these people are only doing what they deem necessary, they lower the earning ability of those hardest hit by this, the least educated, least insured, least upwardly mobile Americans. I'm sure you are confronted daily by the governments struggle to fund the necessary safety nets, education, mental health, health care, public security, etc. we can't continue to absorb the burden.
Bobkatt
Thank you and I appreciate your comments. We want stronger immigration policy elect stronger federal leaders, period. If I ever decide to look seriously at running for a federal office you will hear my stance as candidate clear and strong. Now I have to uphold the laws set forth as mayor of my city.
Sid
And what do those laws say?
Be prepared for a wave of more illegals because other cities are closing the door. If you don't required documentation to work or live in Springfield, every illegal in the state will be in your city. The result - everyone else will move out. And it isn't about race.
Real American
Please read ORS 181.850. Every city in the state is beholden to this statute. It is very clear on what we can or cannot do. If you want this changed contact Speaker Minnis and Rep. Scott.
Sid
Federalism is what this country is built on and this is a perfect example. There are some things that the Federal Government has sole jurisdiction over and immigration is one of them.
However, I was always taught that if someone closes the door go through the window, there is always another way.
Bobkatt,
You say it isn't about racism and then post a quote from a very well known racist, Theodore Roosevelt. Among his other quotes are his statement that the failure to annex Hawaii, was a "crime against white civilization" He also wrote his sister a letter in which he praised the lynching of Italian Immigrants as "rather a good thing". Now while Teddy did not support school segregation and did invite Booker T. Washington to the White House, he immediately shut up when the rest of the racists got on his case about it.
In that very same vein I would urge Mayor Leiken to stick to his original statement and ignore the rabble that is grousing about something they can't change and that fear it rather than try to understand it.
And really, what makes someone illegal? If it is failing to fill out paperwork, or jumping ahead of the line unfairly then how much of a threat to the US is that? Is the fear rather of a great brown horde and disguised as railing against that small minority that chose to break the law? Guess what, if the assembled xenophobes solve illegal immigration they will still have millions of latinos migrating legally into the country and reproducing. So I say close the borders and lets see these racists show their true colors when they next begin ranting against 1st generation Americans causing all these problems.
And to categorize all latinos as members of La Raza or Atzlan is just as silly as me saying all white people support the racist propaganda of Volksfront or the Aryan Nation (on whose websites, by the way, I found statements almost identical to Mr. Ralston's.)
And yes, Mr. Ralston was most definitely lumping legal and illegal latinos in the same vat when he declared that English is OUR language. There are plenty of LEGAL immigrants and even CITIZENS who do not speak English. Ever hear of the Russians in Woodburn?
There are also plenty of you on this blog that can't type English correctly.
My mother lives in Kansas City and sends me articles from the Kansas City Star. The most recent one was about an American vacationing in Mexico. He was angry ( and so am I) when the tour guide proudly told the group that American dollars from legal and illegals in our country has become their number one source of revenue, surpassing tourism and petroleum. It isn't about race, it is about economics. Stop comparing the issue to other problems, as this one stands alone.
It is a requirement of citizenship to be able to read, write and speak English. I would suggest that if someone cannot - they are not a citizen.
Its not about "can", its about choosing not to. And in this country, freedom of speech includes languages other than English. English only laws are backwards and serve to only bolster nativist thinking. Plus, since legal immigrants are not citizens they don't have to meet this requirement - or are you proposing to ban all immigration? Which then subverts the point about being outraged about illegals, and reveals a true 1840s type of mindset.
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