From One Man’s Journey from “Rule of Law” to Golden Rule, it appears as if
Robb Pearson himself has joined our conversation. Welcome Robb.
He writes, in part the following:
Greetings to everyone.
It was a colleague who informed me about this article, so I took a visit, read a number of the comments, and decided to offer my own.
The author of this article made mention that “what was clear to me, was that Robb Pearson expressed the feeling that he wasn’t even sure how he had been caught up in this anti immigrant frenzy initially.”
In many ways that’s quite true. At certain moments in our lives I think we all get caught up in something (sometimes benign, sometimes not) without realizing how we got there in the first place. But in retrospect, I can identify two factors which seminally contributed to the “seduction” which had captured me: (1) my own decision back in early 2005 to examine, experience, and participate in “politics” and (2) my close association with certain people whom I’d encountered as a result of my entry into “politics”.
I’m going to have to go to work early tomorrow and will probably not be able to touch a computer until late. G-D knows how the haters will try and hijack this new post to try denounce Robb, G-D knows the monsters revealed their true murderous thoughts on the last post. I had been feeling numb all day, but Robb, if you are reading this, I wanted you to know that upon reading your story, I was re-affirmed that indeed the light shineth in darkness, yet the darkness can comprehend it not.
Undoubtedly you have felt it by now, but you were given a great gift, a way to escape from the self destructive path of ignorance and greed.
I just wanted to say welcome back, welcome home. There is a big struggle set before us, but one by one the people are beginning to see and the Advocates of evil are becoming more desperate. Smugly they chastise us and shrug off our cause, but it is but petty self gratification, for the cultural Re-evolution will grind all opposing force into dust and salvage only that which is useful.
As Pete Seeger’s Banjo states
“This machine will surround hate and force it to surrender”
We Shall OVERCOME!!!
Indeed, we will, Rod. And the borders will be tightly secured, and only those willing to respect our laws and contribute to our great nation will be welcomed with open arms. The rest will be deported.
I actually hope that Robb doesn’t see some of the responses to his very thoughtful and illuminating post. If he does venture back, I hope he sees that many of us appreciate his bravery and I wish him well on this new journey.
Thank you Robb 🙂
Robb, I want to thank you and commend you for your courage. I see your emergence as a significant turning point. You have a valuable perspective which I thank you for sharing. As we continue a national debate on this issue, I feel that your words and your leadership can bridge the divide that has made it so difficult for fellow Americans to talk to one anther about our future. I see in your voice a great opportunity for us all.
Many of the voices on this blog have opposed the Immigration Resolution from the start, while others (including myself) were neutral in 2007, then in 2008 came to realize the law’s destructive impact on our economy, our public safety, our reputation, and our social climate. The combination of these two forces helped us to reverse the tragic course set out a year ago in a frenzy of hysteria and hate, and today we have returned to a policy that is both just and legally defensible. But the lessons we have learned have come at considerable costs … many of these costs can be measured in dollars and cents, but many beyond measure because they have struck us on a human level. The negative impact of this Resolution and the fight that accompanied it will be affecting this county for decades. The people of Prince William County would like to see other communities learn from our mistakes. We would like to see other communities avoid the prices we’ve been made to pay. We would like to help America heal.
With the courage and support citizens like you, I believe we can do just that. Thank you Robb Pearson for being a builder of the bridge our country needs to heal. And thank you Alanna and Elena for finding him!
‘wasn’t even sure how he had been caught up in this anti immigrant frenzy initially’
perhaps it was similar for German’s in the 1930’s.
RP and every other person who remembers humanity is cause for celebration.
I can respect that he had a change of heart and all that. That is certainly his right in a free society. But what I find outrageous is that Robb (or his poser here) would compare his anti-illegal-immigration work with the previously murderous Saul and Saul’s ultimate redemption as “Paul”. Was “Robb” out crucifying Illegal immigrants or throwing them into an arena for entertainment and execution? Hardly. And then to elevate himself to some kind of almost Christlike saintliness now is some of the most outrageous hyperbole that I have ever read on these pages. To imply that he left behind “politics” as something sinful and dirty, and he has risen above all that and left his colleagues who want to protect our borders and stem the tide of illegal activity back in the mud? I hardly would find that typical of St. Paul or whoever he is deciding he is now “One” with. Even Paul wouldn’t have dared to be so full of pride.
What a complete charlatan. And how predictable that the red carpet is now rolled out for him. Any false prophet willl do.
I hereby dub him “Gospel Robb.”
Feel better now, Emma? Have you ever heard the old adage about if you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all? There are many other threads you could have posted on but instead, you chose this one, apparently just to get in Robb Pearson’s face.
I have a great plan there, Miss Emma…go start working on the deportation process. By the time you get all 20 million illegal immigrants deported, you will be too tired and too old to run your yap. In the immortal words of the 4 Seasons, Silence is Golden.
Watch the spinning record as you listen to the words very very carefully.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NlNXd1XYhMI
Emma,
I see you’re hitting the wine bottle early this morning Emma. Dubbing this and dubbing that.
If you were secure in yourself, you wouldn’t be worried about Robb. Why are you so threatened by the fact that Robb changed his mind?
And while you’re contemplating the answer, have another glass on me!
Robb, thank you! Your story certainly helps to humanize both sides of the argument. I would like to hear your analysis of our local ring-leader, best captured in this video which he not only authorized but celebrated on his blog as an accurate depiction of his views:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAWEMOgAJw
(By the way, has anyone noticed that Emma never manages to come up with an actual argument to contend with the content of someone’s argument. Her only defense is to attack the messenger with some insignificant and hyper judgmental accusation about word choice, typos, spelling errors, metaphors.)
I suppose YouTube links make up for your lack of content, NGL. Let someone else think for you.
[…] Previous Anti-Illegal Activist Joins the Conversation at Anti-BVBL.Jason Riley, African-American Conservative Writes Pro-Immigrant Book at Eristic Ragemail. […]
NGL,
Did you see the thread where Emma accuses someone else of ALWAYS having to have had the last word? Pot, meet Kettle!
Kettle, meet Pot. You always make it more fun here, Twinad.
Emma, you attack everyone here but the malcontents. You came on this blog guns ablazing, got put in time out, got a little more pleasant, and now have schizo’ed back into just being as ass every time you write something. Enough of the ad hominem attacks. Attack the ideas not the person. The hissing and snarling and spitting is just tiresome.
I was out of town yesterday, so I just now see that Robb has joined our conversation. Thank you, and welcome!
I read some of the comments in response and all I will add is that I’m sure it’s nothing Robb hasn’t heard or seen before. I can assure you that politics in NJ makes what happens here in Manassas and PWC look like the minor leagues.
I did note the typical GOP tactic, though, of isolating a single thought that, when taken out of context, can be made into something controversial. That is the “talking point” the GOP will respond to and begin to hype. This, of course, means that they never have to respond to the substance of the writer’s position. Thus, we have the suggestion that the writer is comparing himself to St. Paul and, oh the blasphemy, Jesus Christ. Note that nowhere in this inflammatory rhetoric does the individual address Robb’s larger discussion point.
I think more of this are aware of this tactic, which will only make it less effective.
Robb, it is an honor to have someone here who has the strength and dignity to discuss real change and transformation. How you came to be involved in the anti-immigration movement is important. But what is even more important, I believe, is your journey to different thinking. The more information you provide, the more courage we might all have to be forthcoming about beliefs and process and how to better serve our communities. Bravo!
“The combination of these two forces helped us to reverse the tragic course set out a year ago in a frenzy of hysteria and hate, and today we have returned to a policy that is both just and legally defensible.”
However, the remaining, service-related segments of the resolution are mean-spirited and fruitless. How many times can people say, “No one has really been affected by the loss of services” meaning we aren’t footing the bill for “illegals” in the area the resolution targets? These manadates should be stricken from the books for practical, humanitarian, and perception reasons.
As long as everyone is waiting for the second coming of Gospel Robb, let me expand upon my “story” that Cat Scratch has touched on.
You are right that I came on “guns ablazing.” I did have some preconceived ideas about what this blog would be about, and I was ready to challenge many of the viewpoints I saw here. But, believe it or not, I did actually start seeing “the human side” of the issues, thanks to some thoughtful, intelligent people who were willing to acknowledge what I was saying and offer some convincing insights. Moon-howler and Juturna come to mind, among just a couple of others.
But it is quite clear that anyone who is not in complete lockstep, anyone who might agree with some of what HSM has to say, anyone who values law wants to see this country advance economically while protecting its borders and limiting immigration in the fairest way possible is ridiculed and branded with some of the vilest names by people who profess to be loving and accepting of people who differ from them. Never in any of my postings did I call anyone an “ass” or any other foul name, for that matter. What I said to Twinad early on pales in comparison to the personal attacks leveled against me right now, but you will never see any of those attackers put in moderation, will you?
But I’m not all bent out of shape about that, I’m not insulted by basically anonymous people posting on a blog. It all just clarifies for me that what many of you hate so much about Greg, Corey, et al is present in your own hearts in spades. Some of you are as full of hatred and hostility as you profess “the others” to be, and you have found a perfect target in me.
And I have not simply posted a bunch of grammar corrections, etc., as suggested above. Many of my posts were thoughtful, some funny, some very much in agreement with you. I know you won’t bother to look back to verify that, but no matter. I have stated very clearly where I stand on the illegal immigration issue a number of times, but you will latch on to your “sound bites” and never let go.
I have posted some disagreements over on the “other side” on occasion, but gotten nowhere near the level of hatred here, despite what some of you claim to have experienced. I meant the Hispanic comment exactly as I explained. You can choose not to accept that explanation, because to do so would diminish your reason for hating me so much, and if you don’t have that hatred to hold onto, then I guess there isn’t much left for you to do with your day, is there?
Anyway, congratulations for doing to me what you did to Elvis, Laurie M. and some others who tried to connect with you reasonably. Robb Pearson may have been won over, but at least three people have been lost to your cause, because we have seen you for the revenge-ridden, hateful people that you really are, bitching about how stupid laws are, how corrupt elected officials are, how voters were just duped and cowed into voting for them, how horribly racist and backward your country/county/city is, all while enjoying the comforts of your middle-class life.
You’ve done a fine job of alienating me, and others, and I guess you are to be congratulated for your success. Keep up the good work.
Emma,
Why do you find even my name painful?
Emma, I posted this comment on the previous Pearson thread prior to discovering your latest post on this thread. Everything below still applies except for the mild praise I gave you for comparative brevity:
WhyHereWhyNow said:
Emma, I’ll be honest with you. None of us know you as a person. None of us really love you, or hate you for that matter, as a person. If you were a real person to us, we would not mock you so mercilessly, please know that. You may sound like Gospel Greg, but you have not done the damage that he has done to our community, not nearly.
But because you are anonymous, and you are, well, “Emma” you are very useful to us. For this, we love/hate … not really you … but the character you’ve created. After all, who knows if the outrageous things you type here are really your beliefs, or someone else’s regurgitated here just to test them out and see how you (the real person) like the response you get. I doubt very seriously that you would say most of these things in real life without at least testing them in a virtual public square. For you I imagine this is a form of intellectual experimentation, much they way teenagers experiment with social identities. In this endeavor, we are happy to oblige you.
In addition, for my purposes, and I imagine the purposes of many who contribute to this blog, you are the most useful emblem of the Anti-Immigrant Lobby imaginable. Of our resident trolls, you are by far the easiest to debunk. We don’t have to waste any time scrolling through eighty paragraphs hoping to find a point, we don’t have to contend with any amount of expertise or research, let alone wit. “Emma” is pure adolescent angst mixed with prejudice and partisan fervor. To have “Emma” be the loudest representative of the Anti-Immigrant Lobby on this blog is the gift that keeps on giving.
Of course there are more sophisticated arguments to be made on behalf of the Anti-Immigrant Lobby, but you conveniently convey none of them. This is why we love “Emma” the character. As for the person behind the keyboard, we are indifferent until we have some way to truly know you.
Emma,
OK OK…so no answer for now. Just let me say that I have tried to be reasonable and not hateful. I enjoy talking about the issues with people on all sides.
Maybe I’m wrong, but wasn’t one of those names who tried to reasonably connect with us calling people names like “stupid” and “fat broads” in their posts?
In any case…gotta go. Will be back later tonight…
Emma, I have a real problem with some of the misinformation being put out by various elected officials and hsm. I have a real problem with someone attacking our chief of police, putting their own spin on his efforts, and I have problems with bloggers calling our LEOs names.
I have very mixed feelings about illegal immigration. I am middle class, I live in what once was a middle class neighborhood (I still consider it middle class), so I am not far removed. I have worked closely with immigrants, both legal and illegal.
What drove me to the position I take was the hatefulness and lies that were put in place to achieve a political end. Those lies push, and continue to push me to the anti blog, where many people might be more liberal than I am, but they have better manners and are more truthful than the rank and file on the dark screen blog.
None of us have to live in squallor to be able to have an opinion. Those living in Haymarket have just as valid of an opinion as someone living in Irongate if they back up what they are saying with facts.
Emma, one more thing…let me provide an example of what I am talking about. Diversity Girl attempted, very politely I might add, to contribute to the discussion on the dark screen blog. She was ridiculed and personally attacked by the grand dragon man himself. You can still see it.
If she had been rude to him or others there, perhaps I would understand the nastiness. She wasn’t. Therefore, I just see the behavior as rude and low class. I can’t understand why you want to lump yourself in with those folks. We can all agree or disagree without sorting to that kind of behavior. I know it can happen. You and I have done it and so have you and Juturna. Probably others. I am sure you could converse with Diversity Girl. She is never rude to anyone. I bet she would even let you call her DG if her name bothers you that much.
As I have said several times, most of us are on the same page regarding illegal immigration. Taking Greg out of the picture (his influence and positions are almost comical at this point) we still have angry people. We need to manage the anger that is preventing action. I think it’s fear of that anger that prevents our BOCS from speaking up. I think it’s anger that makes people think handcuffing an illegal woman during delivery. Thanks to talk radio, we are an angry nation.
It’s not getting us anywhere.
Hello everyone.
For starters, I left a comment in the other thread stating that yes, indeed, I am the real Robb Pearson. Short of giving out my email address, feel free to contact me through my blogpage at the DailyRecord.com website:
http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=pluckpersona&U=6238168de8384150af0d3e52ebe0c865
Secondly, thank you to whomever heads this website for dedicating a post re: my comments. It was quite unexpected, though in whatever way I may participate here I hope it will add something to the conversation.
I’ve quickly scanned most of the comments on the other thread and the comments here as well. There’s much to digest, and later this evening I will devote some more time to reading in greater detail, and in offering some more relevant remarks.
In the mean time, I thank all of you for the warm welcome.
Until later,
Be well.
ROBB PEARSON
Robb,
We certainly welcome more of your thoughts and experiences!
Emma,
I have friends and family who do not necessarily see eye to eye with my belief that those that are here, undocumented, having met a specific criteria, should be required to earn legal residency. But it is your tone and your inability to give value to our concerns. Your arguments are often not even relevant to the topic and often have personal attacks associated with them. I do not deny that we can all fall into that trap, but to give “elvis”, as an example, of some innocent who was “run off” this blog, is just simply disengenous. Elvis tried to connect, very briefly, and then something snapped in him, and he became a vicious attack dog. The comments he has made to me, most people would have reacted with the same virulent hate back, I chose not to. I might add, that you also made some very cruel and insensitive remarks to TWINAD, and yet, she NEVER responded in like. You can twist this to your world view, I imagine you resolve most conflict this way, but that is your problem, not ours.
Emma, if you don’t mind, I would like to tell you how I view your online persona (because that’s really what it is…..we do not know “Emma” per se).
I see myself in you because some days, you are right on with commentary and logical discussion adding much to the debate including your perpective. And like me, you have days when you are irritible and pissed off. People here get to you and you lash out.
“Emma” does not act like “Elvis” whose sole purpose some days seems to be to irritate, inflame, and troll. I can’t comment on Laurie because she doesn’t post that much. I have heard her get “pissy” though. We all do to some extent.
WHWN points out something very important, something I’ve discussed on my blog: http://luxuriouschoices.blogspot.com/2008/07/blogging-while-bothered.html Blog entries and comments capture one particular mood or thought in a vaccuum (like a photo). They don’t represent the full person. There is a difference between how people present themselves here and how they do in real life. Most of us have problems with Greg and many from HSM because there ARE no differences. They really are as mean in real life as they are on their blogs.
That’s the whole thing. How much of what you present here is really YOU? Only you know that. We might guess or lash out or whatever, but again, how much of what you reveal is YOU? You don’t need to answer that question. It’s just a thought.
Elena,
After Emma made her gleeful post about how “it was only a matter of time until my husband would get a traffic ticket and be deported” (this was right after the implementation of the Rule of Law went into effect), thus destroying our family, there was an outpouring from people believing she should be banned or not be banned. I fell into the camp that she should not be banned and I certainly did not expect her to go into a “time out”! I have subsequently ignored her until the the post she made the other night, which just completely bowled me over. I actually went on to the next few posts, and I couldn’t stop thinking about what it was that she had actually said! I really just couldn’t believe it, that in this day an age, someone has that world view. So I went back and looked at it again and that comment is actually worse than her hope that my family would one day be destroyed due to the rule of law. So I decided to post my thoughts on her comment, which several other people also weighed in on. She has steadfastly maintained that the only reason she posted it was in response to the gay conversations earlier in the day. She absolutely does not acknowledge that her post was offensive in any way, so I just take it that she is a shrew through and through. After her “banning” ended, she never deemed it necessary to say that what she said about my husband was unnecessary and in fact, quite nasty. In fact, she thinks what some people have said to her over the last few days are worse than her hope and wish that a family would be torn apart. I simply will no longer engage her no matter how ignorant her post is. I’ll just let her posts speak for themselves.
And with that…I’m going on vacation! Have a great week everybody! Even Emma!
We need to control the anger. It is coming from personal experience and it is coming from the top of our nation all the way down the “chain”. We have so many groups feeling disenfranchised and angry and seeking reparations or just wanting to ‘get even’.
I can’t stand it anymore. Everyone needs to take themselves less seriously.
KG – I agree with you absolutely. They are simply cruel people and as you say it is not limited to blogging. As we all pretty much agreed, the situation in Nashville was less than professional. Some of the HSM/BVBL displays at McCoart have been horrible. The dog food thread, Taco Go Home, calling children cockroachs…. that’s a long way from calling people Nazi’s which has simply become a “derogatory term for a person who is fanatically dedicated to, or seeks to control, some activity, practice, etc.” Today I see that someone is now saying that Africans are predisposed to AIDS and we should limit immigration. As someone said to me, what’s next, deportation of Africans?
Good manners, good consistant ethics and love thy neighbor goes a long way toward reducing the anger. No one said you have to be a martyr to love your neighbor. Good manner and good ethics aren’t qualifiers for martyrdom either. Have some dignity even in the face of disaster. It will get you farther…
“So I went back and looked at it again and that comment is actually worse than her hope that my family would one day be destroyed due to the rule of law.”
Twinad, that is unacceptable. I missed that comment, obvioulsy.
Emma, you have the opportunity to clarify or apologize. Do you really wish that kind of evil on someone’s family? If so, WHY? Do you think creating more hurt will fix whatever hurt/fear/whatever you have? It WON’T!
Juturna, you are right. It’s about anger and where it is coming from. It’s so destructive.
“Today I see that someone is now saying that Africans are predisposed to AIDS and we should limit immigration. As someone said to me, what’s next, deportation of Africans?”
Good Lord. Predisposed?
The next great conspiracy…… and folks were mocking that poem about when they came for me there was no one left…. Even I thought that was a bit extreme – at the time. 🙁
“and folks were mocking that poem about when they came for me there was no one left”
I’ve never mocked it but that doesn’t make things like lynch mobs any easier to understand or stop.
Welcome Robb Pearson. We are glad you found us. I keep thinking our community is unique, but I fear it is not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8zWb0-pCbQ
Is it me, or does that guy singing kind of look like Corey Stewart???
On 18 July 2008, 22:55, rod2155 stated:
Those whose words, witness, and action oppose mass self-interest and advocate Oneness, compassion, mercy, and our common humanity, will always be ridiculed.
As to “cultural Re-evolution” . . . I am more disposed to refer to it as “transformation”. But no matter what you choose to call it, it can never occur unless we each individually choose to transform inwardly and recognize our common humanity.
I’ve stated the following on a number of occasions: “We need to pursue the great challenge of allowing ourselves to be transformed so that we can genuinely and authentically move forward together, especially when we are at the greatest odds with those whom we might consider our enemies. It starts with humility, then walks the path of human honesty, and finally ends up with unity and Oneness. It’s not hard to do. We just need to be committed to taking that most challenging first step.”
On 18 July 2008, 23:54, Elena stated:
You’re very welcome Elena, and thank you as well. And I’m not concerned about some of the contrary reactions to my sentiments. At the end of the day we need merely shake the dust from our feet and continue moving forward, and in doing so remembering a wonderful maxim: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine.”
Some are not interested in dialogue but only in contrariness and conflict. Such is their prerogative. But attempting to offer them reason and vision (i.e., “pearls”) under such conditions is a waste of precious time and distracts from the objective of reaching those who actually are disposed to listening and learning.
My head is spinning….. earlier a friend sent me a post from THE ASYLUM – no longer THE OTHER, no longer THE DARK SIDE, they have evolved finally to THE ASYLUM –
anyway, now Africans are predisposed to AIDS and we should limit immigration accordingly, now I have been told by a second friend that a post states [all] illegals are Catholic. Should I worry? Should I skip the 8:00 tomorrow??!!! Will we be rounded up before or after Mass?? Someone please call Charlie Dean for me tomorrow if I don’t post by noon……..you have my email address.
In the future, THE OTHER will hereby be referred to as THE ASYLUM…….
On 19 July 2008, 3:4, WhyHereWhyNow stated:
WhyHereWhyNow, I can certainly identify with learning certain lessons at incredible costs.
Your mention of certain costs having “struck us on a human level” is a powerful point that each of us must be ever mindful of. The human factor, moreso than political or national factors, is paramount above all. Solutions to any human crisis — be it the “immigration issue”, child abuse, hunger, poverty, crime, etc. — can only be achieved from the foundation of our common humanity.
I mention the term “common humanity” with great frequency because it is a core principle that is at the heart of where all solutions to human crises lay, and is also the first principle always rejected by the spectre of mass self-interest. Common humanity rejects division, rejects barriers to Oneness, rejects walls to unity, and particularly rejects all those mechanisms and systems (political, cultural, social, etc.) which exist to perpetuate division, barriers, and disunity.
Recognizing our common humanity, and then moving forward in accordance with it, requires a radical transformation, a radically new and revolutionary way of seeing not only the world, but our neighbors within it. And as to the question, “Who is my neighbor?”, the answer is: everyone. Especially the one whom we might be inclined to despise.
The notion of “common humanity” ultimately isn’t a religious one. It’s simply a human one.
A lot of people in Prince William County have sure cast their pearls before swine.
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Kgotthardt, groan. yes. And I hope you know that you have forever ruined Rascal Flatts for me. Heretofore, they were one of my favorites.
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I have been thinking about how many people on this blog have been slammed and denigrated for having an opinion AND living in HAYMARKET. Actually all of us have been accused of wearing the scarlet H at one time or another. The dark screen blog continually takes cheap shots at those of us wearing the scarlet H.
No more apologies for not living in ‘lesser neighborhood.’ I am just going to accept that it must be a class thing and move on. I didn’t bring it on. Before tonight, I would have probably never said such a thing. I have just heard it once too often today. After all, perception is reality. I might as well be hung as a wolf and proudly wear the Scarlet H.
“And I hope you know that you have forever ruined Rascal Flatts for me”
Heee heee heee. Sorry. But I’m glad I’m not the only one who saw the resemblance. 🙂
I like that:
The notion of “common humanity” ultimately isn’t a religious one. It’s simply a human one.
It’s all about doing right NOT about being right.
Juturna, I will report you missing if I do not see you around. I wonder if wives of ex-catholics are going to be part of the round up? How about off-spring of ex-catholics?
Be careful out there, girl-friend. I’ll be here keeping the home fires burning, stitching the Scarlett H on my T shirt just in case I see any folks from the THE ASYLUM roaming about these parts.
Shouldn’t that be a polo or is it a twinset?
Robb Pearson, I agree with you that most of those who reject the pearls are never going to accept them. But we know that their numbers are few. And, their numbers are dwindling, no matter how much noise they make, electronically or otherwise. (In Prince William County, our local officials were intimidated by a deluge of emails and faxes orchestrated by a national org. called NumbersUSA, mistakingly believing the thousands of emails they received were from their constituents and justifying their infamous votes accordingly).
But with a little bit of courage and leadership, the silent majority can be inspired to participate in the democratic process, and demonstrate to elected officials that the Anti-Immigrant Lobby is not the only voice in our democracy; it is one of many.
That, in a nutshell, is what happened in Prince William County during the past year. On April 29th, 2008, our community came together with our public officials and brought local policy much closer to your ideal of “common humanity,” and back within the framework of our Constitution. (KGotthardt, I hear you that there are some disgraceful, if mostly harmless, measures remaining on the books).
The tragedy that unfolded here should never be repeated … not on a local level and certainly not on a national level. Thanks to the victory of John McCain in the GOP primary, we now know that such a tragedy is impossible on a national level, or nearly so. I wonder if McCain’s victory was a factor in your change of heart. In any case, with or without a Presidential candidate, the Anti-Immigrant Lobby is bent on spreading the disease to as many localities as possible. This, sadly, is now the primary mission of our County Chairman Corey Stewart, who has abdicated all interest and responsibility in leading this county out of the mess he has created for us, and devoted himself to shamelessly lying about his “victory” in Prince William and the lack of “brown faces” at our schools and bogus crime statistics that defame the Hispanic community.
… more later…
We also have bogus real estate statistics being spun also, WHWN. Our area is one of the hardest hit areas in the United States. Yet it is being spun as the land of milk and honey and a good place to pick up a good deal.
One reason we have been hit especially hard is because of the military and government people who have had upside loans. No one seems to want to mention these.
Robb,
I wrote a letter to the editor, several months ago, and my message was “do unto they neighbor what you would have done unto yourself”, that the golden rule is the first and most important rule that we all must abide by. I recalled the times, throughout man’s history, that humankind has perpetrated heinous acts upon one another. I likened this time, this struggle with illegal immigration, to one of those times. Throughout my life, I have wondered, what would I have done had I been born in another era, where the persecution of my fellow man was blatent, what would I do? Would I remain silent or would I stand up and make my voice heard.
This is one of those times, and your decision to stand up and share your story has truly been amazing. I don’t know what the solutions are to immigration, but I do know that scapegoating all of our ills as a nation and promoting hate, are not the answers.
Did F.A.I.R ever reach out to you Robb?