October 14, 2009

Local group protests Ryan's Racine office over connection to hate group

About 100 75 people, including many high school students, protested outside Rep. Paul Ryan's Racine office on Tuesday over an incident they say showed the congressman appeared to support a hate group.

Ryan conducted a radio interview with the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has singled out for its anti-immigration stances. Ryan has since distanced himself from FAIR and clarified he only participated in a radio interview with the organization. (See the JT's full coverage of the issue here.)

We stopped by briefly on Tuesday for photos of the protestors in action. A good-sized crowd carried signs outside of Ryan's office and delivered a proclamation demanding Ryan no longer meet with the group. Ryan wasn't at the office, but Teresa Mora, an aide in Ryan's office, was there.

The event was largely peaceful. Police showed up briefly to keep protesters on the sidewalk (not in the street) and to ensure the crowd kept the door open as they walked into Ryan's office.

Horlick teacher Al Levie, known for organizing high school students in political movements, was part of the crowd. Here are more photos:

A protester holds a sign demanding Ryan cut any ties with FAIR. Ryan said in a statement his ties to FAIR were minimal. Ryan is listed in one article on FAIR's website as part of a list of U.S. representatives in support of preventing illegal immigrants from benefiting from health care reform.

The crowd outside Ryan's office.

Police (right) showed up briefly to keep the crowd on the sidewalk.


Update: Here's a statement about the protest released Wednesday from Voces de la Frontera:
Ryan Backs Away from FAIR, Students Push Him to Sign a Pledge Against Hate, Co-Sponsor DREAM Act

Yesterday, more than 75 protesters with signs reading "Hate has no home in Racine" and "No Legitimacy to FAIR" picketed outside Congressman Paul Ryan's office in response to his recent interview with the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a group which has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. As a result of the protest, Ryan has since issued a statement distancing himself from FAIR and clarifying that his name will be removed from their website.

Kennia Coronado is a sophomore at Horlick High School in Racine and a member of Students United for Immigrant Rights (SUFRIR). She and other members of SUFRIR and their partner group Students United in the Struggle (SUITS) organized the rally yesterday. She says, "It's a good thing that Paul Ryan backed away from FAIR and asked to be removed from their website. Now we need him to be a leader. Yesterday we brought a pledge against hate to his office, we want him to sign it."

Racine Voces de la Frontera coordinator Maria Morales also sees this as a victory. "FAIR is a thinly veiled hate group that too often gets into the mainstream media as a legitimate counterpoint of view. When Representatives like Ryan disassociate themselves from FAIR it helps to discredit them," she explains. "Now we need Ryan to do more. Many families in Racine are suffering because of a broken immigration system. We need him to work with us towards comprehensive immigration reform."

A delegation of youth and community members met with Ryan's staff during the rally to explain their demands. Christian Alvarez, a junior at Walden High School was part of the delegation and reports "I was really angry when I heard that Ryan interviewed with FAIR and it is great our rally got him to move away from them." However, he is not satisfied with just a move away from FAIR. "There are other important things I'm concerned about that I brought up to his staff. Congressman Ryan used to support the DREAM Act and now he has turned his back on it. My friends need the DREAM Act. I asked his staff why Ryan is not supporting those students. They promised a response from the congressman and I am eager to see it."

Congressman Ryan's office is expected to give a response on the pledge and to clarify his position on the DREAM Act and immigration reform within a week.

81 comments:

  1. Dustin - 100 according to the photo it looks like 30 at most. Furthermore Ryan was interviewed - representatives are involved in many interviews that does not mean the are part of the group. And lastly illegals are just that illegal, breaking the law. Should RUSD teachers really initiate a protest to support the 10 milion criminals in the U.S. I think the school board should look into this teacher's activities. Illegals should receive no government support no more than any individuals from any other country. Come into the country legally, become a citizen or we should put them in jail or send them back to Mexico.

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  2. He did an interview. The group is not criminal. You may not agree with the groups purpose but that does not make it a hate group. Fact is free immigration is illegal right now. People are sneaking in, The fact that they need to sneak tells you it is wrong. Not that I agree with the law but that is the challenge. Targeting politicians for interviews in goofy. Talk with him about changing the law.


    I am missing the point of some of these activists.
    They go to forums and ask local leaders their stance on immigration and immigrants. It is illegal. Start with getting the law changed. It is bizarre to me that they expect an official who has to swear to uphold the law, to make exceptions to the law. CHANGE THE LAW. Otherwise it is illegal.

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  3. "Give me your tired, your poor,
    You're huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
    The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
    Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
    I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

    - Emma Lazarus, inscribed on the Statue of Liberty

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  4. WHY IS THIS TEACHER NOT WORKING IN THE CLASSROOM ?? FIRE him !! Why are'nt these "students" in school ?? Give them a ticket for being truant ?? The police had to be there , why no tickets ?? Its the law. 360 students from St. Cat's VOLUNTEER at 30 sites spent several HOURS cleaning & helping out.
    The differance between RUSD and private schools.TEACHING kids to get out and help the local community.
    Good job St. Cat's !!

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  5. My parents saw that statue as their ship took them to Ellis Island for processing as legal immigrants to the United States of America. They worked and waited years and years for the privilege to come here.

    Is there a similar statue at the Mexican border greeting the criminals who invade our country?

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  6. "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof"

    - Inscribed on the Liberty Bell

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  7. Randolph, you have a big house. How many refugees have you taken in, or are the fancy words that you quote just for others?

    Always the rich white elitists telling others what to do....

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  8. "Was a big high wall there that tried to stop me,
    A sign was painted, said No Trespassing,
    But on the back side, it didn't say nothing,
    Now that side was made for you and me."

    - Woody Guthrie, "This Land Is Your Land"

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  9. Once again the Racine Left Post shows their true leanings

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  10. I remember all sorts of immigrant friends living with us temporarily as my parents helped them adjust to the new country, learn the language and customs, get jobs, etc., just as others did for them.

    How many immigrants have you housed?

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  11. There is a legal process Randolph.

    Why do you show so little respect for the laws of this country?

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  12. What a slug. Mouthing other peoples' words while doing nothing to help.

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  13. White elitists are above the law.

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  14. "Everywhere around the world,
    They're coming to America.
    Every time that flag's unfurled,
    They're coming to America.
    Got a dream to take them there,
    They're coming to America,
    Got a dream they've come to share,
    They're coming to America
    ... Today"

    - Neil Diamond, "America"

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  15. Sell your expensive house, donate the money to Voices of the border, and join the movement, or shut up.

    There is nothing more disgusting than a rich white hypocrite pontificating on the plight of the downtrodden.

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  16. "There's a lady that stands in a harbor for what we believe,
    And a bell that still echoes the price that it cost to be free ..."

    - Aaron Tippin, "Where The Stars and Stripes and The Eagle Fly"

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  17. The Journal Times reports there were about 50 protesters and you say there were about 100 protesters. I think you're over estimating. In your last picture I count about 50.


    Randolph, the inscription at the base of the statue is a sonnet called "The New Colossus" written by American poet Emma Lazarus. It is NOT the law of our land. It's just a poem.

    My grand parents filled out paperwork and came here LEGALLY.
    We gladly welcome foreigners here, but they need to go through the proper channels. To come here illegally is disrespectful.

    There seem to be a lot of angry Mexicans. If that many are dis-satisfied, maybe they should be looking into changing their country first.

    Here is the entire inscription.

    The New Colossus

    Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

    With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

    Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

    A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

    Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

    Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

    Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

    The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

    "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

    With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

    Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

    The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

    Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

    I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

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  18. "We livin it mexican every day.
    Drinkin' coronas and smokin' some J.
    It's all good from Dago to L.A.
    Every day I put it down for my raza.
    The mexicans, drinkin' beer in my casa.
    You think I'm playin', but right now I'm flat broke.
    No estoy jugando,this sh#t ain't no joke.
    I need money and I need it fast.
    So I can rent-a-b*tch and she can suck it fast.
    When she's done I stick it in her *ss.
    And after that I do it una ves mas.
    Soy mexicano and I'm brown and proud.
    When I was little I used to dream of a crowd.
    Yeah, an audience.You know what I mean.
    I wanna sing so I can make some green.
    I'm talkin' 'bout dinero.Who cares about the fame.
    I want ferria. Everything else stays the same.
    Me gustan las hynas any way.
    I wanna f*ck them every day."

    -Sneaky, "Livin' It Mexican"

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  19. "Let those who defend the quota system read aloud the names of the winners of the Medal of Honor, and let them dare say that those of one national origin are less fit to be Americans."

    - Herbert Lehman, U.S. Senator, New York

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  20. Singling out one person and protesting them seems kind of hateful, don't you think ?

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  21. It would be nice if these same people would open up their homes to the US citizens that are homeless right here in Racine. Our unemployment rate is at 18% and Americans (Racine's)are loosing their homes. But instead of helping our "Citizens" they worry about bringing more people here to NOT WORK. That's right, not work and live off of those of us that are paying taxes. It's bad enough I have to support those that were born here that don't have jobs, I'm not about to support a bunch of illegal aliens.

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  22. "In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve."

    - Abraham Lincoln

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  23. Tim the Shrubber10/14/2009 1:33 PM

    And Randolph plays the typical liberal game of refusing to acknowledge that there is a difference between legal and illegal immigration.

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  24. Tim the Shrubber10/14/2009 1:45 PM

    "Ryan conducted a radio interview with the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has singled out for its anti-immigration stances. "

    Not sure the SPLC should be considered an authority in identifying 'hate' groups. The group is far to politically biased.

    Of course, if we are going to accept their authority, then I expect to see these same people protesting any politician that has had even the slightest connection to Lewis Farrakhan and/or the Nation of Islam. The SPLC also considers the Nation of Islam a hate group. However, I won't hold my breath.

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  25. Randy is a f --ing left winged liberal. He needs to get a job and quit ranting other's words. If it's left he loves it. He must also believe it is ok to break the law. Randy are you smoking dube's -is that why you are so out of it?

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  26. Dustin - are you sure it is 75 now? What happened to 100? If you ask me it looks closer to 35 - but then you would not be able to promote your liberal agenda. You guys disgust me.

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  27. The Translator10/14/2009 2:25 PM

    "Any alien who
    (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or
    (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers, or
    (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both."


    US CODE TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part VIII > § 1325

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  28. The Translator10/14/2009 2:26 PM

    "They are all welcome to immigrate here, LEGALLY!"


    The Translator

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  29. 2:35 - That about somes it up - back off Randy. You are the one that is illegal promoting such language. They should put you in jail for treason.

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  30. 100? Maybe not. 75? Maybe not. 40? who knows? Maybe they're counting the people who wanted to be there, but were unable to attend. The JT story with a link on this site, says around 50. In the style of reportage used on this site it doesn't really matter what the facts are. It's the intent of the subjects re-enforced by the intent of the author.

    In most other venues, this is labeled Op-ed.

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  31. Sorry s/b 2:25.

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  32. Wow,
    Randolph knows how to use a search engine.
    Holly

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  33. "Remember, remember always, that all of us... are descended from immigrants and revolutionists."

    - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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  34. Illegals are just that illegal and breaking the law. It is time we round then up and send them all back. We need to stop supporting the 12,000,000 law breaking, job stealing, economy killing illegals! supporting illegals is like supporting terrorists!

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  35. "History has shown that immigration encourages prosperity. Tens of millions of Europeans who made it to the New World in the 19th and 20th centuries improved their lot, just as the near 40 million foreign-born are doing in America today.

    "Americans object to the presence of around 12 million illegal migrant workers in a country with high rates of legal migration. But given the American economy's reliance on them, it is not just futile but also foolish to build taller fences to keep them out."

    - The Economist, Jan. 3, 2008

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  36. 35 comments, 9 from Randy. Actually a lot of cutting and pasting from Randy. Alas, more "hard-hitting" borrowed slogans put forward in lieu of anything substantial.

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  37. Tim the Shrubber10/14/2009 10:36 PM

    "Actually a lot of cutting and pasting from Randy."

    That is because he does not have a reasoned argument to present. At the core, he just does not like Rep. Ryan, so he is posting only tangentially related items to display his dislike.

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  38. “It almost seems that nobody can hate America as much as native Americans. America needs new immigrants to love and cherish it.”

    -Eric Hoffer

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  39. "I never met a man I didn't like."

    - Will Rogers

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  40. Anon, 2:38:

    "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."

    - Constitution of the United States of America

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  41. Randolph seems like a douche.

    I also agree, fire the teacher who isn't at work and fine/suspend the students for being truant.

    This city sucks monkey nuts.

    Party on!

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  42. Randy - those that break the law are our enemies so your statement supports my comment about you commiting treason - adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.Thanks for the definition. You just proved my point.

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  43. "'I never met a man I didn't like.'
    - Will Rogers"

    A quote like that pretty much just discredits Will Rogers.

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  44. “Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.”

    - John F. Kennedy

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  45. Randy let's see a response to my 8:32 comment instead of spewing other's words. Can't you think and speak your own words. Pretty said that you have to rely on others.

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  46. "We have met the enemy and he is us."

    - Pogo

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  47. We've met an idiot and it's you.

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  48. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  49. "A Nation of Immigrants"

    (book title) John F. Kennedy

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  50. Randy respond to - 8:32. What did you call daddy (Pete) and have that bad comment removed. Daddy they are being mean to me. Are you going to go home with your toys also - get a job you liberal nut.

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  51. Tim the Shrubber10/15/2009 11:43 AM

    "Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life."

    Agreed. But, what JFK did not say was "Everywhere illegal-immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life."

    Now, if you can provide some contextual evidence that JFK was also referencing illegal immigrants, then this quote might be relevant. I doubt you can find this evidence. (And given your journalistic background, I doubt you will try.)

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  52. “My ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but they were there to meet the boat.”

    - Will Rogers

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  53. “The book was originally written by Kennedy in 1958, while he was still a senator. It was written as part of the Anti-Defamation League's series entitled the One Nation Library. Subsequently, after gaining the presidency, he called on Congress to undertake a full reevaluation of immigration law; and he began to revise the book for further publication. In August 1963, excerpts of the 1958 pamphlet were published in the New York Times Magazine. He was assassinated before completing the revision, but the book was nevertheless posthumously published in 1964 with an introduction by his brother, then Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

    “The book contains a short history of immigration in the United States beginning in colonial America, an analysis of the importance immigration has played in American history, and John F. Kennedy's proposals for the liberalization of immigration law.”

    - Wikipedia

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  54. "I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and heart to get here."

    - Ronald Reagan

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  55. Pete and Dustin - are you going to run a follow up story on Ryan's response to your allegations or are you going to continue your biased left wing distortions.And Randy I'm done with you. You are dismmised - you are guilty of treason in your own words.

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  56. Who is paying these illegal immigrants to be here? I'm sure it's the capitalists.

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  57. “New opinions often appear first as jokes and fancies, then as blasphemies and treason, then as questions open to discussion, and finally as established truths.”

    - George Bernard Shaw

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  58. Tim the Shrubber10/15/2009 2:02 PM

    "...and John F. Kennedy's proposals for the liberalization of immigration law."

    Ah, yes...the proposals that became the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. A great bill...it changed the quota system so that immigration numbers were not heavily biased in favor of European immigrants, but it did not do away with the quota system. This still tells us nothing about Kennedy's views toward illegal immigration.

    Randolph, you are still avoiding the illegal versus legal immigration distinction.

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  59. " ... And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and heart to get here."

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  60. Randy just babbles. He is not smart enough to respond to any questions.

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  61. Pete and Dustin - what about 12:56 - you cowards.

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  62. Can you imagine the furor if Ryan attending a listening session designed to hear the concerns of white citizens?

    Yet he did and has done exactly that with Ken Lumplin organizing listening sessions to listen to concerns over black citizens.

    Now we have a known socialist school teacher rabble rouser working with his pals at Voces de la Frontera who are known for their own bad behavior.

    Fact is there is a double standard on race and it is coming from the Hispanic and African American communities (and the liberals at the Racine Post)

    This protest was absurd, he talked to someone who sought out an elected official and the whiners at VDLF are ticked off?

    Who cares. I'm not surprised ar the reaction of the Racine Post and their initial over-estimation of the crowd.

    That's what we have come to expect.

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  63. 4:02 - the bottom line is Ryan did not even do what this rags article states. See the JT's response from Ryan. Pete and Dustin won't report on this however because they are leftists and they like to skew the news. They must be ready for another commentary from their liberal friend Randy!

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  64. Disclosure time? Back a couple months ago the Post put out the word it needed money. My questions to Dustin and Pete are 1)did Randy step up? 2)has this influenced your content? Thanks.

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  65. Anon 5:12. No disclosure is needed. Randy is not a contributor; he submitted a couple of Op-Eds, and we thought -- and still think -- they were worth printing. Beyond that, he's a commenter, like yourself; he just doesn't hide behind anonymity as you do.

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  66. Thanks for your reply Pete. Question #3. Where is your money coming from?

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  67. Where are the protesters outside ACORNs offices? They thought it was okay to help someone bring in minor girls for child prostitution. They went on to help them hide the money and claim the girls as dependents. I am far more concerned with that story. Have they been put in jail yet?

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  68. 10/15/09 12:56 pm. What distortions are you talking about? Please explain. It seems like a factual report to me. Really, please explain. Am I missing something hidden between the lines?

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  69. 9:49

    This is the article that Dustin refuses to link to, or even mention:

    http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_c6da2c02-b81f-11de-93cb-001cc4c03286.html

    It is Ryan's statement, in which he points out that he did not attend the event, as the protesters accused him of doing.

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  70. Dear OrbsCorbs, Regarding your 12:59 comment, obscene song lyrics don't promote respect for the immigration laws of our land. We can demand the enforcement of these statutes without publishing the words to dirty ditties.

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  71. Annon 11:49 pm.

    The link that you provided is the same link in this Racine Post story. What are you complaining about? You are making an issue out of a non-issue.

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  72. The photos show people outside of the office. There are several more people inside of the office. I counted about 40 outside of the office and it looked like another 30-40 inside. My first estimate of 100 was high, but I think the JT's estimate of 50 is low. So, splitting the middle seems about right.

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  73. Dustin how about posting Ryan's response you slime bag?

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  74. detectivepi2@yahoo.com10/16/2009 9:51 AM

    As a professional genealogist, I have done the family trees for 1000's of families over the years...I am going to guess that well over 75% of the immigrants involved did not actually become US citizens for many years or decades after they came to America-and these were the immigrants that arrived in the 1800's and early 1900's. I would have to say it would be a safe bet that those that are proclaiming so vociferously that their ancestors were immediately legal are just plain wrong, and probably racist. Open your arms, open your heart, and let the hate escape...

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  75. detectivepi2 you are so right.
    My grand parents came over and had to learn english,study about the government at night school and take a test before they became citizens. It took several years.

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  76. Anon 10:29. How did your grandparents get here? Did they come through Ellis Island, where they were registered? Did they come through another port of entry with the permission of immigration authorities? Or perhaps they came across in a van with a false compartment at Nogales. Or perhaps they came across for a day at El Paso/Juarez and just stayed for another 20 years.

    Maybe our expert on genealogy could help us with those questions. His/her response without calling me a racist for mentioning the Mexican border is greatly anticipated.

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  77. Pete and Dustin - print the "TRUTH" for a change in reference to this story. As it stands now it is slanderous. If I was Ryan I'd sue your ass.

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  78. Acorn workers were encouraging trafficking in child sex slaves from a Latin country. Yet I bet these same people didn't make a phone call or write a letter.

    This is because Ryan is a republican. Plain and simple and double standards have no credibility in my book.

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  79. Tim the Shrubber10/16/2009 8:29 PM

    "I am going to guess that well over 75% of the immigrants involved did not actually become US citizens for many years or decades after they came to America-and these were the immigrants that arrived in the 1800's and early 1900's. I would have to say it would be a safe bet that those that are proclaiming so vociferously that their ancestors were immediately legal are just plain wrong, and probably racist."

    What is you point about how long it was until people became citizens? Citizenship and legal immigration status are not the same thing at all. All you have to do to understand this is go to an office like mine filled with tech workers. Half the people I work with are not citizens, but they are all legal immigrants (some temporary and some permanent), and where legal the moment they arrived.

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  80. We don't have a ACORN office in Racine do we? Oh, but we have a SEIU office. Thats where they came from.

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  81. Hate your government. Love your country.

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