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By Kevin Johnson
Mayor of Sacramento
I’ve never said much about this, but there was deep personal sadness when I was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Phoenix Suns in February 1988.
The trouble had no connection with basketball. I was ashamed of my new state for another reason: A year before the trade, Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham rescinded the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Suddenly, I was expected to play my heart out for audiences proud to denigrate the civil rights victories won by Dr. King.
Arizona needed five years and the loss of an estimated $300 million in tourism dollars – including the removal of the 1993 Super Bowl – before voters finally gave Dr. King his day.
Today memories of those sorry days have returned.
Arizona is back at it, passing a law that allows police to demand ID from anyone who “looks” like an undocumented immigrant.
Don’t get me wrong. Our country must protect its borders. We are a nation of immigrants, and immigration must be managed with thoughtful, fair and productive protocols.
Government agencies must work diligently to respond to immigration issues. But our response must be appropriate and consistent with the fundamentals of our nation.
The Arizona law contradicts the foundation of American justice on multiple levels. Beyond the law’s discretionary bigotry, it stands as a hypocritical application of presumptive guilt, a violation of our essential Constitutional rights. Ultimately, it requires the most color-blind police officer to judge people based on their skin color.
I spoke with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon on Wednesday afternoon (April 28). He asked me not to call for economic sanctions and boycotts against Arizona.
As mayors, we share a common understanding of negative economic impacts. Damaging the good work of Mayor Gordon and the many honorable people in his city in retribution for the immigration law can become the equivalent of trying to make two wrongs equal one right.
But I strongly feel we must seek a positive resolution to Arizona’s injustice, hopefully with dialogue. I will go to Arizona and meet with leaders there if that will help. And at Sacramento City Hall, I will begin the process of seeking collaboration on this issue with my colleagues at City Hall.
As a resident of Arizona during the time of the struggle to honor Dr. King, I understand how collective pressures can bring our Southwestern neighbors to their collective senses.
I still have many friends in Arizona, and know the state is not a land filled with hatred. But sometimes Arizonans need a reminder of their foolishness.
If we open a dialogue with Arizonians and remind them of the consequences from the Dr. King holiday embarrassment, maybe they will get it.
46 Comments
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The school gate cropped up overnight like Adidas Panda Shoes
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0 agree
Its pretty much going that way in the UK now to, I can understand how you feel.
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0 agree
I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!
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Jim&Lois Finch
1 years 337 days ago
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We heartily disagree with your boycott of Arizona! Since you feel this way, we are boycotting Sacramento. No more Sacramento Kings, no more California Music Theater, no more shopping in Sacramento! What you have done will damage the economy of Sacramento in these trying times of recession. Get your nose out of what are the responsibilities of the federal government are work to make Sacramento the great city it can be. Thank you.
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Tom
1 years 359 days ago
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Somehow, I think you haven't read the Arizona law.
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Well said Mayor Johnson. I currently reside in Arizona and have lived here since 1995. I'm ashamed of this new law and fear what might come next. I understand the immigration problem we have here and I know that something needs to be done, but this is not the way to fix it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and hopefully our political leaders wake up and realize their "good ole days" are long gone.
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rob
2 years 14 days ago
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Wed 5/5 I listened to your coments on KFBK this afternoon I do not agree w/ your assessment. You seem to have touched all the bases as a good pol will do. The arizona issue is as follows. thousand of "ILLEGAL" immigrants pass through arizona every year. they use presious resources (social, monetary, infrastructure)without consideration to the citizens. In addition increase's in violent crime are documented. The law is an attempt to identify those individuals who are illegally in the USA. They will be identified (pursuant to the law) in the course of lawful contact. The issue is not about racism. Federal law is being broken. I am a 2nd generation removed from ellis island. my people came to the country pursuant to the rules and regulation as millions have done. We are a country of laws (rule of law)the issue has become very PC. Steve Nash of the Phoenix suns who is a Canadian, has a lawful permit to work in this country. I appreciate your concerns regarding civil rights, and the constitution, but 1st things 1st, secure the border, then address that situation.
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Anonymous
2 years 15 days ago
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Great article, KJ. As current Arizona resident, I couldn't agree more. It's absolutely embarrassing what's going on here right now. Thanks for all the years on the Suns. And if you ever get tired of running Sacramento, the state of AZ could use a new governor to right the ship. You got my vote.
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Truth In Voting
2 years 15 days ago
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Mayor Johnson,
I had no idea you felt that way. I was only in elementary school at that time, and oblivious to current events back then, but I remember watching you play and cheering you on. How regretful to hear you were playing with a heavy heart some of those days.
As I'm sure you've heard, the Suns have taken up a peaceful protest against SB 1070.
As an Arizonan, I couldn't be more proud of them than I am right now. Whether they had good reasons for supporting or opposing the bill, the fact that they DID take a stand and they let fans know where they stand, speaks volumes about the character and integrity of the team and management. At a time when MLB players, unions, and staff have spoken, the most deafening silence is what is coming from the Diamondbacks. Not a word from the players or staff. Just a press release attempting to absolve them of political responsibility. Ken Kendrick should have stood behind his convictions rather than hide behind a publicist.
Everyone is watching the Dbacks; even if they have differing views, we want to know how they feel. Don't say sports isn't political after how much Chase Stadium received in our tax dollars. But moreover, these are our heroes, these are our role models. To get a sense that they are being silenced or cannot speak freely in fear of political repercussions, makes people on both sides of the issue think the Dbacks don't stand for anything. That is the image that is starting to emerge: the Diamondbacks don't stand for anything.
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Chad
2 years 16 days ago
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I really admired you growing up. You were one of my favorite basketball players. To take words from you're own mouth, "I am saddened" to ever have cheered for you on the court. You have just demoralized and disgraced the citizens of Arizona and turned us into a bunch of White Power lovin, hatred filled, bunch of racist punks. What you said about Arizona and it's citizens was about as hatred filled as it gets. And you're worried about somebody being asked to prove if they are a citizen. Disgusting. So many people put they're heart and soul into you as a player/role model. Now I wonder why. Worry about your own city, especially since it is so much less filled with citizens and their "foolishness."
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Daniel
2 years 17 days ago
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KJ - I find your stance misgiuded. The Arizona law mirrors Federal Immigration law. So, are you saying you are against Federal Law and going to boycott the USA? Absurd, but I made my point.
You need to shut up and deal with your own problems at home, in the city and in the state. The lack of leadership on all levels of government in CA is one of the myriad reasons I left. You are too busy telling others what they should and shouldn't do, when you're own 'house' is a mess. Arizona did what they had to in order to combat a very REAL threat - news stories day in and day out about violence and the negative impact upon the law abiding citizens and Law Enforcement officials. I know by your past, you don't think the laws apply you by your actions, but they do.
You, sir, are an embarrassment.
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razor
2 years 19 days ago
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kevin -
please tell me where in the AZ law it suggests that police can, "demand ID from anyone who “looks” like an undocumented immigrant." that is a lie, and that makes you a liar. do you think you're invincible because you are protected by obama? i guess he did remove gerald walpin for you, after discovering how recklessly you were spending money. what do you have to say for yourself about that, kevin? maybe if i open a dialogue with you and remind you of the consequences from the americorp embarrassment, meybe you will get it.
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AZ Granny
2 years 20 days ago
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Mr. Johnson, I am so disappointed in your comments about AZ. When you came here to play with the Phoenix Suns, people of every race and color welcomed you with open arms.
There has been no outrage about the Federal Law that the AZ law mirrors. I don't understand this.
The illegals themselves are being victimized and many are held for ranson by ruthless coyotes(smugglers). Yesterday police found 12 severely beaten illegals who had been held at a drop house for one week. Two days ago, coyotes threw a 15 year old boy and his mother out of a crowded vehicle as they made their illegal journey into AZ. The boy's mother was sick and the coyotes abandoned them in the middle of the desert. The boy survived but his mother died.
That same day another 70 hostages were rescued from a drop house. The night before, 24 hostages rescued.
Where are the protestors when the illegals need real help? They're busy smearing the state capitol with refried bean swastikas, they're holding signs in the street, they're sitting in their comfortable homes - but they are not out in the desert providing real support.
I was born in AZ and have lived here nearly 60 years. Many of the illegal aliens today are not the same type of people that used to immigrate here. Gov Brewer says each day we have 1000 illegals cross into AZ. Of those illegals 87% have a criminal history in Mexico. 63% of the crime is committed by illegals. Phoenix, a sanctary city, is the kidnapping capital of the world. This is not the AZ that you left.
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0 agree
Congratulations Mayor Johnson! As a longtime Arizonan, I too shared your feelings when then Governor Ev Mecham made a mockery of Dr. King's achievements and a laughing stock of the State of Arizona. None-the-less, we were glad to see you in a Sun’s uniform.
Now, a fresh wound in Arizona's reputation has been cut by a Governor that NO ONE in Arizona voted for. While we are fortunate to have Secretary Nepolitano serving at Homeland Security, her replacement, Jan Brewer is as evil intentioned as Mecham and equally blind to the blowback her decision would generate. Now the whole world is watching and grimacing everytime Joe Arpio spews his venom. Unfortunately, his bite is even worse than his bark, and the pain he causes is very real.
My small business created an active adventure at Grand Canyon that is utilized by local, regional, national and international NON-PROFIT organizations as a fundraiser. Since 2003 we have helped raise more than $18,000,000 for charities fighting everything from cancer to diabetes, and even homelessness in your state. A boycott of AZ as a tourist destination would only serve to further hurt our program, our employees and the charities we support. Believe me, it will be hard enough for us to overcome the black eye the passage of this new law has caused without having to sell against a boycott too. So thank you for supporting Mayor Gordon's lead.
On a personal note, this law is repulsive, offensive and at best un-American. I believe that through proper legal challenges it will die a quick death.
In the meantime, life goes forward and even though you are now, I'm sure, a Kings fan, I hope you will find joy in the Sun's victory over the Trailblazers earlier tonight. Look out Spurs!
Healthiest Regards,
Gene Taylor
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tony
2 years 20 days ago
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Well,KJ,I must say I'm very disappointed with your decision to not boycott arizona.You as a black man must understand what these people must go through each and every day living in the shadows like your ancestors did.You need to hurt arizona where it hurts and that is its pocket then they will come around.A famous philosopher once said a society is measured by how it treats the people least able to take care of themselves.Now,I must ask what would jesus do?
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Francisca E. Godinez
2 years 20 days ago
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Dear Mayor Johnson, As a registered voter in Sacramento, district 6, I am concerned about the position of withholding economic support or exchange with Phoenix, AZ and the state of Arizona. What we are faced with in the passing and signing of the new Arizona legislation is the ramifications of policy on the lives of all people and all aspects of daily life and society. We are all affected by the new law. A constant message and in all forms of communication with the Arizona state, county and city policy makers is what is needed, with the strong and clear statement of the damage to everyone. Place the focus on asserting a broad analysis of what has happened as a result of this new law, what will happen, and the imperative for the legislature and governor to change their policy and positionality. The courts will address this matter that lies in an legal analysis of immigration policy that is the business at the federal level. The Arizona policy makers were not thinking with depth or multifaceted when the eurocentric proposal was written into law. I look forward to seeing how the City of Sacramento and the Council move forward in support of dignity and respect of human rights. Francisca E. Godinez ALL OUR RELATIONS fegodinez@gmail.com 916 832-8029
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Jackie
2 years 21 days ago
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Does anyone but me see the clueless irony behind boycotting AZ business?? Businesses in AZ EMPLOY the CITIZENS!! How many Mexicans (legal and Non-legal alike) are going to lose their jobs when businesses begin go under because of polically fueled boycotts?
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Mary Kay Bachman
2 years 21 days ago
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What exactly should Arizonans get Mayor Johnson? What they have is a totally unresponsive federal government, Pres. Obama specifically, who repeatedly ignored, do you read me? Ignored Gov. Brewer and her request for assistance. He didn't have enough respect to respond to any correspondance. So in the meantime, Arizona citizens live in fear and DEATH, from illegals crossing the border. You are a politician Mayor Johnson, you have easy access to the statistics of the crimes involving illegal immigration in Arizona. And yet you have the audacity to use Dr. King in your dialogue on bigotry against Arizona. How irresponsible of you to whine about your unhappiness over a totally unrelated issue and tie it into one that deals with citizens lives and livelihoods. You should be ashamed. Clearly you run your title of Mayor on emotions, not the laws that were written to protect this country.
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T Eudy
2 years 21 days ago
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This bill just parrots the federal law already on the books. Racial profiling is not allowed. Documentation of citizenship will only be asked for when there is probable cause that a crime has been broken. To enforce the law is a civil right we all want and need for the safety of everyone. Thanks.
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Dan
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
You write: Arizona is back at it, passing a law that allows police to demand ID from anyone who “looks” like an undocumented immigrant. No it doesn't. The Arizona law simply requires police officers to inquire into the immigration status of people who THEY HAVE ALREADY LAWFULLY stopped for some OTHER reason if the officer has a reasonable belief [which must be based on objective evidence that cannot simply be race or ethnicity] that the detained person is not a legal resident. Which is the SAME inquiry requirement that's existed, and been enforce, in our federal law for over 75 years. And which, by the way, exists in ALL other countries [e.g., if asked by Mexican authorities, Americans must prove they're in Mexico legally]. You write: Beyond the law’s discretionary bigotry, it stands as a hypocritical application of presumptive guilt, a violation of our essential Constitutional rights. Huh? Step one is to assume that the state law will be enforced as the provisions of the law requires [just like federal law enforcement officers have done for decades with the law they must enforce]. If you reject that premise then what you're saying is that you think the state law enforcement officers will disregard the law, are bigoted, and will harass folks just because they look like they might be here illegally. What a disappointing attitude for a Mayor to whom our police look to for leadership. Mayor, I've been a supporter of yours and really appreciate your passion and energy. But there's much to commend thinking before speaking. It's a civic disservice when elected officials mischaracterize the law for political ends.
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Dale
2 years 21 days ago
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What part of illegal don't people understand this law is to protect legal citizens and law enforcment. The first thing everybody yells is racism. If your here legaly then you should have proper id and have nothing to worry about.
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Valerie
2 years 21 days ago
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I have been a resident of California for 22 years. My parents came to the U.S before I was born so that they can work and bring my brother, sisters and I to have a "better education". We didn't live poor in Mexico but the housing market was going down and my dad was in realestate. My sister and brother were born in Bell Flower and Anaheim, Ca. Myself and two other sisters were born in Mexico. Both of my parents are now u.s citizens and I'm still a resident, but now with the Arizona issue I feel more obligated to become a u.s citizen ASAP before they start implementing racial profiling in california. I can't go back to Mexico, I have my own business and have been paying taxes for the last 9 years. I'm only 27yrs old. It's very sad to experience what Arizonian immigrants are going through. SOME PEOPLE JUST HATE TO SEE OTHER PEOPLE SUCCEED IN LIFE. Specially when they think we don't belong here in the first place. I do agree on getting all the criminals out of here but not the hardworking people like myself.
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Robert
2 years 21 days ago
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I am pleased that you have backed off of sactions against Arizona as you as our Mayor and the City Council need to not take unilateral positions regarding any issue. You may disagree personally regarding the issue but it is not the City Council's place to represent that it is the belief of "We the People". You are elected officials that should not declare individual beliefs as representation of the citizens of Sacramento.
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Dan Brown
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
http://rightwingnews.com/2010/04/12-of-the-worst-signs-from-pro-illegal-immigration-protests/ The link above will show you the mind set of the illegal aliens in Arizona. And you are calling Arizonans foolish? 70% of the state (the majority of the people) support this bill. They live there and deal with border insecurity daily. The only reason we should care that Arizona implements this bill is to monitor it's success and follow it's example.
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Dan Brown
2 years 21 days ago
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The law does NOT give the police "Gestapo" like authority to arbitrarily stop people based solely on the suspicion of being illegal. The law states contact must be lawful. Suspicion of being illegal is NOT PC or RS for a lawful stop. Only during a lawful stop can they attempt to confirm citizenship. I seriously think a lot of public figures haven't read this law. I really hope you didn't let R.E. write that for you. I was embarrassed to be affiliated with Sacramento when I heard your statement this afternoon. Why is it so easy for Liberals to call for a boycott on a section of their own country before calling for the same on Mexico. I know you won't stand up to Obama and ask why hasn't he done more to secure our borders which would show only indirect support without completely taking Arizona's side and maintaining your distance at the same time. But you jumped right onto that Liberal band wagon with Darrell Steinberg,your torch and pitchfork. Thank you for retracting your call for severing economic ties with Arizona. Are you aware of the illegal immigration problem in your own city or county? Try driving through the intersection of MLK Jr Blvd and 47th Ave at about 7:30 - 8:00am any day during the week. I know it's in the county but it would give you an idea. We have big illegal immigration problems of our own which we have ignored for years. The laws are already in place Mayor. All we have to do is find the fortitude to enforce them.
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Edward
2 years 21 days ago
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It is a shame that our local leaders are ganging up on Arizona for doing what our Federal Government does not have the courage to do. Any other country in the world would ask for papers if someone did not appear to be from their country. There are drugs, guns and people being trucked into this country daily through Mexico with little or no opposition from authorities in Washington, This is a Homeland Security issue, This is not a time for political grandstanding. We supported you in the past Mayor Johnson, you should be talking to Washington not threatening Arizona, if you value our support in the future please dispense with the political theatrics.
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James
2 years 21 days ago
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Mayor I will say to you the same thing that said to Senator Steinberg and that is, there is more than enough problems locally for you to focus on without getting involved in Arizona Politics. We have nearly 13% unemoyment locally. I voted for you to focus on local problems. Economic development, flood control, support for fire and law enforcement and to lead the effort on a new arena. If you want to debate Arizona's immigration policy then resign and run for the U.S. Senate.
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Christine
2 years 21 days ago
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Leave Arizona alone. Our state, counties and cities have enough problems to keep you and all the other politicians busy. It is absolutely arrogant to think you should tell them how to run their state. Mind your own business and work on our problems.
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T. H.
2 years 21 days ago
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Mayor Johnson It's not the same thing comparing Martin Luther King like illegals from other countries. MLK was an American fighting for American rights and I do understand the reasoning. But to Boycott a State of the United States for illegal's from other countries who rob Americans ( Americans of all colors and backrounds)of tax dollars to take care of them, I do not think so. We are in a reccession My child is suffering at school because of the budget cuts I suffer pay from furloughs and pay freezes and so on and so on and so on etc.
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Tristan
2 years 21 days ago
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Wow, when the economy is already tough , you want people to stop doing business with Arizona. I hope that you can actually stop and think a little before writing your next blog. Not everything needs a comment from a Mayor. I feel ashamed to know that you are representing Sacramento in such a way. Thank you!
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Maria
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
I would hope CA would follow in the brave steps of the Arizona Governor. She deserves to be commended on doing something to rectify this problem.
Everyone should follow the law and these people broke the law as soon as they walked over that border without going through the legal process. My parents immigrated legally after waiting for years in a Displaced Person's Camp in Austria after WWII. They had to have a sponsor, my Uncle gave them a home to stay, and my father had a job lined up. They learned the English language.
This should apply to all immigrants wanting to come to our country. Our state, California is no longer diversified if the ruling minority is Hispanic. Arizona is 30% Hispanic. This is happening in many states. I am not against immigration. I am against illegals who abuse our laws.
When we go to Mexico we need to show our papers. It is called a Visa. American's or others cannot buy property in Mexico, yet they come here and do what they want...because no one is doing their job, under the law as it stands.
I see nothing wrong with having to show their Green Cards since CA Driver's Licenses' are so easy to reproduce illegally. The same with Social Security cards.
Illegals take more than field jobs, they take construction, manufacturing and other jobs. If given amnesty their income would still not cover the costs of the free services they take from our state. American Citizens should come first.
I wish one strong politician would stand up and speak the truth, and not care about re-election. You Mr. Johnson just care about re-election because otherwise you would agree and put citizens of Sacramento and California before illegal immigrants.
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Anne Schneider
2 years 21 days ago
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Dear Mayor Johnson,
With all respect, your comparison to Dr. Martin Luther King day and Arizona SB1070 is apples to oranges.
Recognitition of MLK day was an observance of his accomplishments, and Arizona(for whatever reason) decided not to partake in it. I don't agree with them on this issue.
SB1070 is a law to empower the State to enforce existing federal law that ICE is not enforcing. The Arizona law is virtually identical to existing Federal law, but ICE has chosen to ignore Arizona's requests for assistance for almost two years, thus requiring Arizona to take action themselves.
Nothing Arizona is doing violates Federal immigration law, and is actually quite humane compared to Mexican laws on illegal immigrants.
I ask you to research this topic and make a thoughtful recommendation. Imagine Sacramento under attack by drug lords, killing Sacramento citizens and taking over the city.
I look forward to your educated response.
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Skip Smith
2 years 21 days ago
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Mr. Mayor,
While I appreciate your comments about the Arizona Immigration laws, I also have to challenge them. We are inundated with spending to support illegal immigration. We as Californians need the assistance in our farms, and businesses, but at what price? There are so many ramifications to creating an environment where we profile anyone who could be an illegal immigrant that it creates challenges on many personal rights issues. Yes the law is draconian, but there has to be a place to begin separating, and creating a more organzied entry into our country. I am not advocating a complete stoppage of entry into the country just a more organized way of doing so.
I believe that we should expedite the process. I think that we should allow a working pass that will allow workers to come over to the US, and would allow the taxation of the wages to cover the expenses generated by immigrants going to the hospital, using our services, and enjoying the freedoms that are available to all in this great country. It is my hope that the great state of Arizona revisit their law to find a way to create a conversation, and not a witch hunt that challenges anyone that looks even remotely like they might not belong here... somehow I would like to think that we are a land of compassion, understanding, and assistance. A land of accountability, but that accountability has to go both ways... severing ties with a state that provides services to us as Californians is a lot like profiling brown skinned people, and then asking them if they have the right to be here. We are punishing Arizona residents purely because of residence, because we don't like the states politics and laws not necessarily because the business owner supported the law, or fought against the law. I think we should step back take a deep breath and make sure we are not being just as prejudice as we perceive the law of Arizona to be.
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Stacy Jastram
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
When will all of you guys get it? This isn't about their appearance, the color of their skin, their nationality, their race, etc. It is about their breaking the laws of the United States. They take our jobs, and in this economy they are desperately needed by citizens! This is about the drain on the taxpaying citizens. Enough is enough! The only foolishness is by people like yourself who are encouraging lawlessness.
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Joe
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
You know it is and has been a law for a long time and our Federal government has failed to enfoce it so what is the problem with you people.
IT IS THE LAW....I guess you political people want all of their free loaders. Look at our jails and prisons and see who is in there...
IT IS THE LAW quit bashing those that are trying to follow the LAW....is it ok for me to drive without a liscens....DUH!
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w ball
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
I strongly disagree with you. Arizona is the only state that has the guts to deal with this problem!
What I hear you saying is when you go to Mexico (or any other country for that matter) you will not show them your passport, your drivers license or other papers you are asked for? I guess when they throw you in jail you will think they are being unfair and violating your fundamental rights?
We need to stop illegal immigration NOW. What better way to do the right thing and not worry who's feelings are hurt. It has nothing at all to do with race and you know it! It has everything to do with the United States of America and the rights of it's LEGAL citizens.
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Brenda Bell
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
If the news in AZ is the same now as it was a few years ago, Joe Citizen will have a hard time "getting it". The news in AZ highlights crimes by hispanic surname criminals, and by passes stories about white criminals. Joe Citizen is terrified of hispanics! Eventually, Arizona lawmakers will cave because they won't be able to afford not to, but the lesson will only be learned when the brainwashing stops. As a white woman, I was screamed at for pronouncing "Casa Grande" the way I was taught in Spanish class. Not corrected to the Arizona pronunciation, but yelled at and told not to "talk Mexican"! There are so many functional illiterates in that state that it is ripe for this type of fear mongering. As long as they push others away, they will never be enlightened. I pity them.
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Jon Pearman
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
To compare this to the accomplishments of Dr. King is outrageous. I understand that the law mirrors that of our federal immigration law that is not being followed by the feds. I am proud to be a legal citizen of this country and have no problem proving that if asked. Arizona's citizens are fed up with having to support so many non citizens who have all the needs and do not contribute a dime. We in California have the same problem. Why condemn it right away... see how it goes because this would be a great thing for California. If you support amnesty, your crazy!! If you feel this way because you want the hispanic votes for future elections then be a sellout... it's to bad because I am a huge basketball fan and held you in high respect. We cannot expect the feds to help control immigration so this seems like the only step available. PLEASE THINK IT THROUGH AND STOP FEELING EVERYTHING THROUGH!!! What part of ILLEGAL do you not understand. Please protect MY rights!!!!
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slinebarger
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
You are looking at this from a very simplistic view. As a law enforcement officer I would not suspect everyone with brown skin as an illegal alien (they're not immigrants). If, however, I came across a suspect who also could not speak English well, if at all, then of course I would question their legal status in the US. You seem to think that anyone with brown skin will be stopped and questioned. This is not the case and any officer found doing so would be dealt with by his department. How about this...we let law enforcement do their job, which includes catching and arresting felons.
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Andy
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
The insight and potential problems with illegal (and legal) immigration was clearly a concern over one hundred years ago. That the media promotes the current immigration reform as racist literature is biased (as usual) and does not reflect the 70% of American (who were polled). The liberal agenda is disgusting and predictable, the masses have had enough of this....California has become a mockery...a perfect example of what not to do... Hundred Year Old Explantion of America's Immigration Policy by Teddy Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907. "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. 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." Theodore Roosevelt 19
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DJ
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
Mayor- With all due respect, your blog-based commentary seems to be at best a emotionally-conditioned response packaged in political rhetoric. First and foremost, while we understand you disagree with Arizonan law, you haven't offered up a legitimate alternative that you would support in Arizona and for that matter, California. Second, yes, the Nation should protect its borders and that's the responsibility of the federal government. But when the government fails in its primary responsibility in protecting its citizens, what should the individual states do? Sit and continue to wait? Of course not. The state government has to do what it must, within the bounds of the state constitution to protect its citizens. Third, what's discretionary bigotry? The law says that an officer can ask for identification and proof of citizenship under "reasonable suspicion" and has little to do with color as the basis. For example, either one of us can go to a local Home Depot and with reasonable suspicion, point out people who may not be citizens. Race or color only matters because of the proximity of the country in which these immigrants come from. Back to the law. The law has within it clauses and provisions to guard against racial profiling, so the comment about "color-blind police officer..." is meaningless. Further, when you mention Constitutional rights, to whom do you refer? Illegal immigrants, whatever their origin (or if you prefer, hue), don't have those rights: they're not citizens. Please clarify that position for us. Fourth, to participate in and support an economic boycott of Arizona seems to have effects that are missed by the forethought of our brilliant Senator, Darrell Steinberg. By temporarily suspending business relations with Arizona will this not contribute to California's growing budget deficit, which he and his colleagues seem impotent in fixing? Lastly, Mayor, I have a difficult time hearing and seeing you applaud San Francisco in support of this boycott. San Francisco actually considers itself a sanctuary city which means that they openly disregard Federal law in relation to illegal immigration. Do you support this as well? Please, communicate as Mayor what you would deem a worthy action by the government of Arizona in dealing with this problem.
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Janet Schultz
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
Why do you perpetuate prejudice and racial bigotry? our role is to foster progress and solve problems. Whining is what I see here. I am sad for you - you've not been able to break free of your own struggles with your own prejudices. The law passed by AZ is applauded by many as the first step in getting immigration reform ON THE TABLE. Your many trips to Washington did not seem to do that.
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Carole Barton
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
Mayor Johnson
Does the word "ILLEGAL" mean anything to you or Darrell Steinberg. Wake up and listen to the people. Arizona needs help not a boycott.
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Al Hunzicker
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
Hurray for Arizona taking the step to implement immigration regulations. The Federal Government has failed to be in compliance with the Regulations they develop for all citizens and the States to adhere to. The news media has picked up on Arizona's action as racist, but this is just a fabrication developed to hype up the population. So now the RATS OF AMERICA (POLITICIANS), render their opinions for their own self interests.ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL!
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Cameron
2 years 21 days ago
0 agree
Living in AZ, i can say that i 100 percent agree with you KJ. The new law is absolutely outrageous, and sets up for a big discrimination law suit anyway. "Looking" like an illegal immigrant is not something that is real, and is incredibly sterotypical. The path that leads to is surely not somewhere we want to go.
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