Will Tacoma Take A Stand Against Arizona?
The State of Arizona and its controversial new immigration law may be a topic of discussion in next week’s Tacoma City Council meeting. Councilmembers Walker and Mello introduced the beginnings of a draft resolution in today’s study session. Their resolution would oppose Arizona state law and call for the City Manager and Utility Director to boycott of the state of Arizona and Arizona state businesses. This could include contracts as well as travel, conferences, etc.
The reception by the rest of council was … tepid. Several councilmembers voiced concern about targeting businesses and the unknown economic impact that may result on our very own Tacoma businesses. Others wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the good things in Tacoma rather than point a negative finger at what somebody else.
It will be very interesting to see how this shapes up in the next week.
Filed under: General
84 comments
J JollyGreen May 11, 2010
They shouldn’t worry about this. They have other issues to deal with.
T the Jinxmedic May 11, 2010
Pursuing this would be a true waste of time for the city.
N NEAL May 11, 2010
This is good, and I appreciate our council taking a leadership role on this.
We’ve been Arizona.
From Historylink.org:
“On November 3, 1885, a mob, including many of Tacoma’s leading citizens, marches on the Chinese community and forces everyone out of their houses and out of town. Tacoma mayor Jacob Robert Weisbach deemed the Chinese “a curse” and a “filthy horde.” The Tacoma Ledger and its editor Jack Comerford, the carpenters’ union, and many workers and business people had spewed racist rhetoric against the Chinese for months. Mass meetings inflamed the hatred and the few dissenters, most notably Ezra Meeker and the Reverend W. D. McFarland, were ineffectual against it. The community was given a deadline to get out by November 3. In reaction to the threats, about 150 frightened Chinese persons left Tacoma before the deadline. The mob herded another 200 out on November 3. They lost their homes and most of their possessions, and they never returned”
At the time, we were facing an economic downturn, and so we blamed it on “the others”.
Arizona, and other parts of the country are doing the same. Their policies will not fix the issue, and violates human rights.
N NEAL May 11, 2010
Erik B,
It is relevant. I am sure some contracts that are paid to AZ businesses could be done by our city.
What’s wrong with supporting local jobs?
C CA May 11, 2010
sigh
The City Council has more important things to do.
J JollyGreen May 11, 2010
The council focusing on hiring local would be a good thing to spend their time on. If that hurts Arizona then whatever.
I’m Anti-Pothole.
C Cary N May 11, 2010
If they want to worry about anything it should be Tacoma
R RR Anderson May 11, 2010
how here is a topic for the TAcomic! If Jinx doesn’t beat me to it..
Tacoma should take this a step further above and beyond to absurd levels.. and declare war on the government of Arizona (not the people, we love the people)
John Brown style raids baby.
S Seriously May 11, 2010
It is unbelievable to me that Tacoma elected officials would think this issue is relevant to their job or that the people of Tacoma should pay them to grandstand about it.
Bravo to the members who offered the “tepid” response, who hopefully will continue to cost-effectively provide the essential services for which they were elected.
T Thorax O'Tool May 11, 2010
Maybe this is a god idea.
You see, the company that the city contracts to for the stoplight and school zone ticket cameras is based in Arizona.
…but I’m sure they’d be exempted (in typical fashion).
I’d much rather the people we elected to run Our city keep their focus at home.
R RR Anderson May 11, 2010
nationalize/annex the AZ traffic cameras! ha ha ha!
I inbloodyrise May 12, 2010
the chinese reconciliation park is coming along nicely, by the way. maybe we could just build more parks in the name of “sorry that happened to you”
J Jesse May 12, 2010
I agree with NEAL. But they should put time constraints on what they are doing with regards to this. There are plenty of big things to accomplish here in Tacoma too.
C CA May 12, 2010
SDS and the Weather Underground wanted to “live life like John Brown.” Is that what your talking about RR?
W West Ender May 12, 2010
I suggest they focus fixing the potholes and bringing jobs to Tacoma. When the accomplish those tasks then they can focus on world peace.
E Erik B. May 12, 2010
I am sure some contracts that are paid to AZ businesses could be done by our city.
What about AZ contractors which are performed by Tacomans? How many are there of those which we would lose?
Has anyone researched the economic impact on Tacoma businesses? Does anyone care?
C CA May 12, 2010
I’m not a fan of the new Arizona law. But I think the federal government and the judiciary will take care of it. Tacoma City Council getting involved just seems like grandstanding-and needlessly.
D dolly varden May 12, 2010
The City Council does have better things to do than this. I have better things to do than write this comment. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have time to write this comment, and it doesn’t mean the Council doesn’t have the capacity to take stands on important social issues (like this one) that are outside the scope of its normal business. I’m thankful to have Mello and Walker on the Council.
C CA May 12, 2010
I understand and agree with your sentiments dolly varden. But in our country we have governmental institutions in place to deal with these issues, and they DONT include the city of Tacoma.
N NEAL May 12, 2010
That’s the spirit, CA. Sit back and do nothing!
K kooper May 12, 2010
You have got to be kidding me. My faith in elected officials continues to decline. How in the HELL does it affect Tacoma that Arizona is going to enforce their immigration laws?
C Cleophus May 12, 2010
There are sidewalks downtown that have been “temporarily” closed for 5+ years…I don’t understand how the City has time to focus on the justice system in Arizona. Do Walker and Mello possess some qualification that makes them uniquely able to take a leadership position on this issue? Because lacking that I am confused as to why they should be spending their time dealing with something that has next to nothing to do with the business of the CITY OF TACOMA.
T Tim Smith May 12, 2010
@ Erik B The NWDC is privately owned and operated – it is not “federally run”. GEO Group has a contract with the feds but the feds don’t run it. Probably one of the biggest myths in Tacoma.
@Cleophus, kooper, and everyone else that doesn’t understand. Cross-loading of those citizens from other countries being held in administrative detention will result in the NWDC being packed to the limit. The already unfunded burden on our social services will be increased. This directly impacts Tacoma and our “business” of detention.
T Tim Smith May 12, 2010
For more on the impact and role Tacoma has in the immigration debate I suggest you come to this event:
Tacoma-Pierce County Progressive Roundtable and co-sponsors present a bilingual…
Forum on the Northwest Detention Center
Saturday, May 22nd at 1 PM
UW-Tacoma, Philip Hall
(Park up hill from 19th & Jefferson; follow signs down UWT stairs to Philip Hall).
Speakers on the NWDC and immigration issues include:
Gabi Cubillos—former detainee at NWDC
Tim Smith—Bill of Rights Defense Committee-Tacoma
Emily Ignacio—UWT Professor in Social Work
Diane Aid—New Sanctuary Movement
Antonio Flores—El Comite organizer
Christian Lopez—OneAmerican community leader
And more….
Co-sponsoring organizations include: UWT IAS, New Sanctuary Movement, Students for Sustainable Social Change, UWT Psychology Club, TahomaOrganizer.org
For more information contact: 253-250-9290
A Altered Chords May 12, 2010
I demand that city council take a stand against California schools that suspend children for wearing red white and blue on cinco de mayo.
I further demand that our city council force seattle gang unit police and seatles mexican gangs to take sensitivity training classes.
C captiveyak May 12, 2010
1. If this was the only issue the Council considers this month, it would be a waste of time.
2. Functionally, debate of such a resolution will have no effect on pot-holes and sidewalks. I’m sure everyone knows what the solution to the pot-hole problem is, and it requires even less discussion than this proposed resolution. It’s not as if some Messiah is going to stride into City Hall, turn over the moneychangers tables and force the Council to abandon its wholesale war on our asphalt.
4. From Derek’s brief description, it seems the chief problem with the resolution would be the unpredictability of its effects. That is concering. However, I do support the notion that the City can and should apply a socially responsible approach to the administration of business — especially since this is not some unbidden attempt to put words in the mouth of the citizenry.
K kooper May 12, 2010
@ Tim Smith…
Your list of “progressive roundtable” speakers looks VERY balanced. I’m sure both sides of the argument will get equal time.
A Altered Chords May 12, 2010
I demand that the city council boycott brittish Earl Gray tea and petroleum jelly in protest of the Brittish Petroleum’s oil leak.
N NEAL May 12, 2010
Y’all realize our city is a city of immigrants, right? Irish. Norwegian. Russian. Ukrainian. Latino. Nigerian. Cambodian.
Maybe living in a city that stands up to unjust policies is important to them. And maybe it’s important to the council.
That’s why we debate. In a civil manner.
No, it’s not going to delay the road and street repairs, but it will give a voice to those that are impacted by this matter.
D DavidS May 12, 2010
So when is it wrong to say racism is wrong? Apparently when it could potentially cost us jobs. I disagree.
R RR Anderson May 12, 2010
I would like to see the boycott extended against Seattle, Federal Way, University Place, and Ruston. Further I believe we should build a dome over tacoma… an even bigger tacoma dome… and we start checking papers of people suspected of being from Seattle… etc.
CRUSH THE INFIDEL !
T Tim Smith May 12, 2010
@kooper
ICE, DHS, GEO, EOIR have all been invited to be on the forum panel and have, as usual, not just said no but just didn’t reply. They don’t care to open up any aspect of the largest private prison in the Pacific NW up for any scrutiny. Even though they promised oversight and involvement when they first sold the City on its minimal impact, once the operation began all such transparency ended. The City of “yes” bought their snake oil and has done nothing to correct or control the effects.
I think it would be great for them to participate and respond to the long chain of broken promises, deceptive business practices, outright fraud, violation of local and state laws, and other concerns which have NEVER been addressed.
H Halley May 12, 2010
What on earth do they think a boycott is likely to accomplish?
C CA May 12, 2010
I think many here agree that Arizona’s new law stinks. But what’s being lost in the emotionalism is the fact that we have a federal judiciary in place that will tackle this when, inevitably, a case is brought to the court. The narrative presented here by some that we’re helpless to affect change is nonsense. Let the federal courts(which DO NOT include the Tacoma City Council) do their job.
If you personally want to boycott Arizona, or take actions similar to these in your personal life, then more power to ya! But this is not a job for the Tacoma City Council.
A Altered Chords May 12, 2010
If only the native americans had tough anti-immigration laws like this back in the day. I would have been a happy lithuanian lad instead of a Tacoman.
You would call me Altered Chordsky.
R RR Anderson May 12, 2010
dear boring people
Is nobody thinking about the political cartoon industry? Such an action as a boon to the industry
A Anders Ibsen May 12, 2010
You have to remember that this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.
In 1993, Arizona refused to ratify a state Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The NFL – which has a lot of black players – refused to play Super Bowl XXVII in Arizona so long as that state didn’t have an MLK day, and the whole thing turned into a nation-wide boycott of Arizona.
Arizona then adopted a state MLK Day the next year.
Our country did something very similar to South Africa in the 1980’s, when lots of countries took their assets out of the country until Apartheid was repealed.
Boycotts work, because racists care more about their wallets than their bigoted convictions.
C captiveyak May 12, 2010
It might be adequate for the city to issue some kind of statement saying that any and all business dealings with AZ entities will be under review. Commits to nothing, makes a statement. Protects against unintended consequences of a well-meaning boycott.
J JollyGreen May 12, 2010
There’s an article today about them spending $700,000 to make a new parking lot at Pacific and 14th when the road/sidewalks at 13th and Pacific (by the old Luzon and post office parking lot) are messed up/closed.
N NEAL May 12, 2010
JollyGreen,
The 700K is from state funds for specifically that use. Sidewalks, etc. would be beyond the scope of its usage.
R RR Anderson May 12, 2010
BreakingNews: Los Angeles City Council approves economic boycott of Arizona over its tough new immigration law – CNS tough immigration law.
J JollyGreen May 12, 2010
Just making a general comparison that we’re going to spend the $700k just to spend it because we’re getting it, while they try to find a buyer who’s going to then rip out those new improvements if a building is constructed.
J JollyGreen May 12, 2010
You could make a cartoon of a golden/brand new parking lot being torn out with a closed sidewalk/road in front of it
R RR Anderson May 12, 2010
uh. the parking lot thing is disgusting. Cant believe exit 133 or the Tacoma Urbanist let that one slide though.
N Nick May 12, 2010
Regardless of the issue, it seems like a waste of resources to me. Perhaps this particular issue does affect Tacoma, but I find it extremely unlikely that a cost-benefit analysis would find it worth pursuing. This is really about making a statement, and less about having any sort of effect on the situation.
Personally I’d rather have the city spending time/money actually doing things constructive for us rather than making statements (even when I happen to agree).
A Anders Ibsen May 12, 2010
This is more than an empty statement. Arizona’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, conventions, and other outside resources. That’s why the 1993 NFL boycott eventually got Arizona to ratify a Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
By taking our money out of a state that has adopted a racist law, we are doing more than making a statement. We are refusing to continue subsidizing the government that is enforcing it.
If that’s not a constructive step towards overturning it, I don’t know what is.
C Common Sense May 12, 2010
This is ridiculous… Mello and Walker are really going to waste the city’s time (and probably money) dealing with an issue in Arizona where 63% of the state’s population agrees with. It’s not our problem. Are we going to boycott Louisiana because they had an oil spill?
Mello and Walker need to go!
A Altered Chords May 12, 2010
An anti-Arizona immigration law of our own would show ‘em.
If you look like you’re from Arizona – (old w/ a leathery tan), then you can expect a pasty white Tacoma cop to pull you over and you better have up to date papers or we’re throwing you in our detention center!
T Thorax O'Tool May 13, 2010
Every year, China jails, tortures and kills thousands of political dissidents who simply want freedom.
We need to boycott China!
B Benito May 13, 2010
I hope that every American, regardless of where he lives, will stop and examine his conscience about this and other related incidents. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened. All of us ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated, but this is not the case.
I know the proponents of this law say that the majority approves of this law, but the majority is not always right. Would women or non-whites have the vote if we listen to the majority of the day, would the non-whites have equal rights (and equal access to churches, housing, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, schools, colleges and yes water fountains) if we listen to the majority of the day? We all know the answer, a resounding, NO!
Today we are committed to a worldwide struggle to promote and protect the rights of all who wish to be free. In a time of domestic crisis men of good will and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics and do what is right, not what is just popular with the majority. Some men comprehend discrimination by never have experiencing it in their lives, but the majority will only understand after it happens to them.
C Common Sense May 13, 2010
Benito,
This is not a white versus color issue. I am brown myself. The important word that everyone forgets is the word “Illegal”. Do you support “illegal” abortions or “illegal drug use”?
When states are going bankrupt and cannot provide services to its own citizen’s, do you think its ok for someone to cut in line and use up services. This is why California is going bankrupt…they spent too much money on entitlements with a good chunk of that money going to individuals who are not even citizens of this country. In California, you don’t need to show citizenship to receive benefits. I am a former auditor for the state of Washington and I can tell you that millions of dollars go to services for illegal immigrants and state agencies just turn their head.
Until the federal government figures out a solution to protect our borders and some how fuse productive illegal immigrants with no crime history into citizenship, you can not blame the Arizona’s state government trying to protect the current citizens; that’s the purpose for the government.
People love to be the victim and in this situation, “illegal” immigrants are not the victims…the American people are.
We need to ask why Walker and Mello are in favor of supporting illegal activity. I don’t want them representing me in Tacoma City Council.
C CA May 13, 2010
“This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds.”
Actually, it was founded by a bunch of white Englishmen, and later settled by men/women of many nations and backgrounds. But I still get your point:)
N NEAL May 13, 2010
Common Sense,
Well, someone knew they were here, you can’t really have a couple million people go unnoticed.
But of course, when the housing was going up in AZ at break-neck speed a blind eye was turned to the companies and contractors who were hiring.
But of course, they can take a back seat in this issue and get away scott-free because, well, they’re a company and all, and it’s much better to marginalize an individual person who is already marginalized.
They are our neighbors here in Tacoma just as much as they are residing in Arizona. They have families, they work hard, they earn money, they pay taxes.
Give them a path to citizenship, and work on fixing the problem. Go after illegal employers who treat labor like a commodity and circumvent laws to hire the lowest-wage workers. Stop giving exceptions to large companies for work permits and hire workers out of our schools.
M Marcus Aurelius May 14, 2010
@Common Sense
You fit right in with the crowd from 1885, blaming our financial ills on others. Shame on you. I’m glad you are a former auditor for you failed in your task of accountability. The word and term you fail to understand and misuse – like other racists and xenophobes – is “illegal”.
A Andrew May 14, 2010
I’m disappointed in you all.
56 comments in, and not ONE mention of Hitler, Nazis, or fascism?
The Internet has let me down today.
J JJ May 14, 2010
I’ll make Andrew feel better.At my mom’s house we have a tapestry of Adolf Hitler as war loot.One of my uncles brought it back from Germany after the war.Actually I liked the Pickelhaube (Spiked WW1 German helmet) better as it fits my head perfectly.Dad had bombing missions against NAZI Germany.
Hope you feel better.
A Andrew May 14, 2010
Thanks JJ. I was starting to fear I’d stumbled upon the first internet discussion of Arizona’s immigration law that was void of any references to Nazis or fascists.
C Common Sense May 14, 2010
Marcus,
You continue that ignorant attitude that if I stand for government taking financial responsibility and individuals taking personal responsibility that I must be a racist. You must have missed that statement that I said I am brown. My mom is from Haiti and my dad is from Guam…so go head and call me a racist. If that’s the only argument that you have so be it…it just won’t get you very far.
My job as an auditor was to ensure that agencies worked in the best interest of the tax payers. If you concluded that ensuring state and local governments are not wasting tax payer’s dollars and being financially responsible as a failure in my task of accountability then so be it…I can’t argue against a lack of common sense. I don’t want to be Europe (who is on the verge of collapse) and that’s exactly where we are headed if this country does not start become financial responsible.
If anyone needs to be blamed it’s the federal government. They continue to kick the can with this problem because they are worried about the next election. So, states are required to deal with the problem and then everyone gets pissed. And the only thing states can do is kick people out; they don’t have the ability to grant citizenship.
M Marcus Aurelius May 14, 2010
@Common Sense
Unfortunately, you continue to believe the shallow and harmful notions about people from foreign countries. Racists and Neo-nationalists have always come in a variety of colors and from a variety of places. All of the Tacoma 15 were recent immigrants dumping their economic conditions on the very labor force which gave them the status they enjoyed. What is racist and Neo-Nationalistic about your target is blaming “them” for “cutting in line” and somehow draining our coffers when they clearly contribute to the pot as well.
As for the failure of auditors in this State one only need to look at the “triple-overtime” paid to ferry boat Captains to see but one group draining resources. But I digress.
This law does not target just those here “illegally” whatever you intend to mean by that phrase. Hopefully you and your mother are not stopped in Arizona and asked to prove your right to be here. Sadly immigration law and the reforms needed are not so simplistic as the Malkins and Coulters of the world would have you, and you do, believe.
Immigrants are hardly the burden on our system you describe. Here are some real statistics about the impact of immigrants on our State economy:
The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in Washington
Immigrants and their children are growing shares of Washington’s population and electorate.
■The foreign-born share of Washington’s population rose from 6.6% in 1990, to 10.4% in 2000, to 12.3% in 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Washington was home to 795,179 immigrants in 2007, which is roughly the total population of San Francisco, California.
■41.8% of immigrants (or 332,755 people) in Washington were naturalized U.S. citizens in 2007—meaning that they are eligible to vote.
■7.5% (or 231,755) of registered voters in Washington were “New Americans”—naturalized citizens or the U.S.-born children of immigrants who were raised during the current era of immigration from Latin America and Asia which began in 1965—according to an analysis of 2006 Census Bureau data by Rob Paral & Associates.
Nearly 1 in 6 Washingtonians are Latino or Asian.
■The Latino share of Washington’s population grew from 4.4% in 1990, to 7.5% in 2000, to 9.4% (or 608,032 people) in 2007. The Asian share of the population grew from 4.0% in 1990, to 5.5% in 2000, to 6.6% (or 426,916 people) in 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
■Latinos accounted for 4.8% (or 148,000) of Washington voters in the 2008 elections, and Asians 4.3% (132,000), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Latino and Asian entrepreneurs and consumers add tens of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs to Washington’s economy.
■The 2009 purchasing power of Asians in Washington totaled $16.6 billion—an increase of 454.6% since 1990. Latino buying power totaled $13.4 billion—an increase of 552.2% since 1990, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia.
■Washington’s 26,890 Asian-owned businesses had sales and receipts of $7.1 billion and employed 44,938 people in 2002, the last year for which data is available. The state’s 10,261 Latino-owned businesses had sales and receipts of $1.5 billion and employed 15,852 people in 2002, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners.
Immigrants are integral to Washington’s economy as workers and taxpayers.
■Immigrants comprised 14.2% of the state’s workforce in 2007 (or 479,161 workers), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
■Immigrants contributed $1.48 billion in tax revenue to the Washington state economy in 2007, accounting for 13.2% of all taxes paid in the state, according to a 2009 study by OneAmerica.
■Unauthorized immigrants comprised roughly 3.5% of the state’s workforce (or 120,000 workers) in 2008, according to a report by the Pew Hispanic Center.
■If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Washington, the state would lose $14.5 billion in economic activity, $6.4 billion in gross state product, and approximately 71,197 jobs, even accounting for adequate market adjustment time, according to a report by the Perryman Group.
Immigrants are integral to Washington’s economy as students.
■Washington’s 15,943 foreign students contributed $384.8 million to the state’s economy in tuition, fees, and living expenses for the 2008-2009 academic year, according to the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA).
Naturalized Citizens Excel Educationally.
■In Washington, 31.6% of foreign-born persons who were naturalized U.S. citizens in 2007 had a bachelor’s or higher degree, compared to 26.8% of noncitizens. At the same time, only 17.6% of naturalized citizens lacked a high-school diploma, compared to 36.1% of noncitizens.
■The number of immigrants in Washington with a college degree increased by 46.8% between 2000 and 2007, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute.
■In Washington, 70.6% of all children between the ages of 5 and 17 in families that spoke a language other than English at home also spoke English “very well” as of 2007.
R RR Anderson May 14, 2010
Thanks Davids.
AZ is home of the normals… the pink boys.. an enemy of “bob” and slack lovers everywhere. It is us, the beautiful mutants who will inherit the earth. FIGHT THE CONSPIRACY!
T Tim Smith May 14, 2010
@Marcus
I appreciate all the statistics and the fervor you have for the subject, but the scope of immigration reform and policy changes needed are vast and must be open to the concerns, valid or extreme, held by folks like Common Sense. Using the perjorative phrase “illegal alien” also completely ingores and pigenholes true consideration of the breadth of the challenge. Unfortunately, the scope of such a discussion is lost on the fear of the evil alien reinforced by major media, myths, and national sterotypes.
As the Walker/Mello resolution is watered down to exclude any real financial impact for the City (we will continue to collect money from the Arizona based company giving out red-light camera tickets and collecting taxes from the international private-prison corporation processing humans on the Tideflats)it almost becomes pompous hypocrisy to attempt to penalize Arizona financially while we still reap the financial benefits for a broken immigration sytem. Especially from the only west coast City without a Chinatown.
More public input was taken on the building of a parking lot at 14th and Pacific than has ever been taken regarding the NWDC. Our major contribution to helping the economy had been the removal of over 30,000 persons since 2005 (think removing everyone from the City of Bothell).
Now consider that for every 1 of these persons, on average, 5 U.S. citizens have been impacted (wives, husbands, children, parents) the resulting burden to society is increased through the dissolving of family units and support structures.
If we intend to fault others for their method of dealing with the significant issues surrounding the arrival, integration, and ability of others to come here then we should be sure our own house is in order.
M Mofo from the Hood May 14, 2010
From my Inbox:
“If Arizona builds a chain link fence around the whole state, we will find a way to do an end run to get to Tacoma. Tacoma’s mayor has big plans for lots of community gardens and those gardens will need field workers.”—-Mofo from the Barrio
C CA May 14, 2010
“Using the perjorative phrase “illegal alien” also completely ingores and pigenholes true consideration of the breadth of the challenge.”
IF “illegal alien” is a perjorative, then “undocumented worker” is an intentional obfuscation.
T Tim Smith May 15, 2010
@CA IF “illegal alien” is a perjorative, then “undocumented worker” is an intentional obfuscation.
Agree. I don’t use either term. A citizen from another country is not illegal. Their actions may be.
S Star Angelina Murray May 15, 2010
While I appreciate the people who are immigrant rights advocates ( I am one myself) it is important that we voice our concerns against racism.
**SB 1070 is a racist law and we must not lose track of this fact. ***
I wrote some of the following on the TNT article as well. I was attacked by racists on that blog. I am disappointed by such ignorance.
-
As a brown woman, a third generation immigrant, I stand up against Arizona.
Tacoma City Council has an obligation, symbolic or direct, representing its widest community of brown and black folk, Tacoma and abroad, against racial profiling in Arizona and in Tacoma. It is apparent from this article that Mayor Strickland’s caution is for city of Tacoma; its primary interest, the economy. However, the economy is not without its residents; all tax paying.
It is no surprise Tacoma residents would like to see this resolution passed. Council members Ryan Mello and Lauren Walker are leading us in the right direction, since anyone who agrees with Arizona’s racist SB 1070 law are in for a much larger dip in the economy if laws like SB 1070 were to happen in Tacoma.
Tacoma businesses know how to market and will work with the community, as they have been, to stand in solidarity with the resolution. Tacoma businesses need to hear the concerns of their customers.
Tacoma businesses might start by posting solidarity signs in their windows. As customers, we should spend our money in these shops, versus the ones who are apathetic or ambivalent.
Finally, what matters in life it is not just business in Tacoma. We have community here and we must convey this to Tacoma City Council now. For some reason the council members are too worried racial profiling is a back burner to the (perceived) “costs.” That is backwards thinking with dangerous consequences.
WE must NOT stay silent.
Star Angelina Murray
S Star Angelina Murray May 15, 2010
While I appreciate the people who are immigrant rights advocates ( I am one myself) it is important that we voice our concerns against racism.
**SB 1070 is a racist law and we must not lose track of this fact. ***
I wrote some of the following on the TNT article as well. I was attacked by racists on that blog. I am disappointed by such ignorance.
-
As a brown woman, a third generation immigrant, I stand up against Arizona.
Tacoma City Council has an obligation, symbolic or direct, representing its widest community of brown and black folk, Tacoma and abroad, against racial profiling in Arizona and in Tacoma. It is apparent from this article that Mayor Strickland’s caution is for city of Tacoma; its primary interest, the economy. However, the economy is not without its residents; all tax paying.
It is no surprise Tacoma residents would like to see this resolution passed. Council members Ryan Mello and Lauren Walker are leading us in the right direction, since anyone who agrees with Arizona’s racist SB 1070 law are in for a much larger dip in the economy if laws like SB 1070 were to happen in Tacoma.
Tacoma businesses know how to market and will work with the community, as they have been, to stand in solidarity with the resolution. Tacoma businesses need to hear the concerns of their customers.
Tacoma businesses might start by posting solidarity signs in their windows. As customers, we should spend our money in these shops, versus the ones who are apathetic or ambivalent.
Finally, what matters in life it is not just business in Tacoma. We have community here and we must convey this to Tacoma City Council now. For some reason the council members are too worried racial profiling is a back burner to the (perceived) “costs.” That is backwards thinking with dangerous consequences.
WE must NOT stay silent.
Star Angelina Murray
H Heidi May 15, 2010
I appreciate the intent of Walker and Mello, although this resolution is also ironic considering the past and present of Tacoma’s own actions. As much as I’d like to see this passed on sentiment, I don’t want it to be another un-enforced superficial stunt.
We should absolutely oppose racism and follow-through 100% but I doubt Tacoma will really boycott all Arizona business (which would include the intersection camera system – big revenue).
So in order to pass something which would both do some good and may actually be enforced; instead of reacting to Arizona, Tacoma could make a strong statement of our own, declaring we will NEVER allow such a racist law to exist within our city.
T Thorax O'Tool May 15, 2010
In the actual wording of the resolution, it specifically exempts the red light camera company, who is based in Arizona.
Unless this boycott is 100% across the board including their precious cameras, the city council are acting as a group of hypocrites. That is much worse than just keeping their noses out of the issue.
You can’t pick and choose AZ companies when you’re trying to boycott the whole damn state.
H Heidi May 15, 2010
I’ve just read the city’s resolution and am in the process of reading Arizona’s law (which discourages racial profiling, but really, how is that possible?)…
I’d like to see Tacoma take stronger measures to decline future expansion and eventual dissolution of the Northwest Detention Center (where do you think the people being rounded up go, after all – - many come to be detained and deported from right here in Tacoma!)… Other cities should be boycotting us for our blithe participation in this broken process.
So, thank you Lauren, Ryan but please take the next step to do something really constructive by opposing the horrible detention center here in our own town!
A Altered Chords May 17, 2010
Heidi – I am curious about how we can take a stand on an issue where we have not even read the law that we’re objecting to?
I’m not attacking you. I havn’t read it either. As I understand it police in a traffic stop already are able to make sure you have no outstanding warrants. This law gives them the right to see if you are in the US legally or illegally.
Is the real objection to this law
1) the fact that we have a detention center in Tacoma.
2) the fact that we don’t have open borders
3) we think this law is racist because we have not read and understood this law.
M Mofo from the Hood May 17, 2010
Arizona doesn’t have the right to protect its citizens within its borders?
Get real. The federal government is not fulfilling its obligation.
Arizona is operating legally.
The ACLJ is preparing to sue the ACLU.
R rick May 18, 2010
@75 What much needed perspective did O’Connor provide? Aside from the link you provided, other news sources highlighted some of her additional comments:
“Still, she said, Arizona “may have gone a little too far in its authority, in encouraging local law enforcement officers to take action” against anyone they reasonably suspect of being an illegal immigrant.
When pointed out that opponents say the provision invites racial profiling.
“It doesn’t read that way, but it might work that way,” O’Connor said
She provided no additional reasoning relative to her “Don’t boycott us” comment.
So, if the much needed perspective is that despite her personal feelings that the state may have gone too far, and that there exists the risk that practical application of the law may result in racial profiling, she is still opposed to a boycott of the state where she has spent much of her life. An enlightening perspective indeed!
R rick May 18, 2010
Thankfully, O’Connor’s comments were supplemented by Miss Oklahoma last night who provided much needed perspective when she stated, “So I think it’s perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law, and I’m against illegal immigration but I’m also against racial profiling so I see both sides in this issue.”
B Benito May 18, 2010
“All Men are created equal”! The founders had it right, when attempting to form a perfect union and they also knew that they were not there yet but knew we one day would get there. Lincoln moved us forward as did JFK and LBJ. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.
It is my contention that this AZ law is not constitutional and will fail when challenged (unless, of course, they keep adding more amendments), pretty funny for this so called perfect law.
A Altered Chords May 18, 2010
Glad Rick brought up the miss USA pagent. Check the papers of the winner w/ the funny name and the white guy host who looks like he’s australian or something. Get them both outta here!
And is Schwartzenegger legal? I don’t think so. Gotta go Arnie.
R RR Anderson May 18, 2010
sounds like a bunch of wafflers to me. I’ve always been a pancake man myself. It’s time to consider a preemptive first strike. enough of this talking. Time for action. We will be greeted as liberators! Do we know if they have oil?
T Tacoma Joe May 18, 2010
What makes the King 5 poll so scientific? Yes, they used a private survey group, but the demographic simply says “City of Tacoma” and all data was collected in one day, the same day they published the results. Did this only include King5.com websurfers who happened to stumble upon it? I certainly didn’t get to offer my input… and how objective is a survey group who’s banner says “Kick Harry Reid Out of Office”…
H Heidi May 18, 2010
Breaking News: *** Updated Arizona Resolution ***
As an outcome of today’s City Council Study Session, there will be a different resolution presented at the council meeting tonight.
The resolution addressing the Arizona law will still be brought forward for a vote (as of this moment… this may change pending another meeting this afternoon) but the newly drafted resolution will NOT include verbiage regarding boycotting.
Instead, it will more strongly address: * Tacoma’s condeming of policies such as were put forth by Arizona, * calling for comprehensive change to national immigration reform * ensuring we will not support racial profiling or discrimination of any kind in our city.
This resolution is now more a statement of the city’s position on immigration and racial profiling, but it still needs to pass and will be facing incredible opposition (largely because many will not know of the changes).
M Mofo from the Hood May 18, 2010
“Absurd times require absurd action. If we talk like we’re politically correct then people will like us.”—-Recent comment by PC Tacoma City Councilmen leaked to neighborhood media.
H Heidi May 19, 2010
Interesting that the percentage of speakers, who appeared in person at the actual council meeting Public Comments period, are by far (BY FAR, as in dozens and dozens) in support of the resolution, compared to about four (that’s right, FOUR, so far) against.
H Heidi May 19, 2010
The Arizona Resolution will be considered again next week with a full council.
E Erik B. May 19, 2010
Motion fails. Only 4 votes obtained.
Expect a multi hour comment period next week and more drafts of an anti Arizona amendment or perhaps as some councilmembers have suggested: a pro Tacoma centric one.
R RR Anderson May 19, 2010
first time i’ve seen Minute Men show up to a city council meeting.
B Benito May 20, 2010
As for the undocumented workers, as Ronald Reagan said “It’s the Economy, Stupid”. When the economy is good we say let’s all celebrate “Cinco de Mayo, my brothers” but when the economy is down “it’s all your fault, you damn immigrant”. This too will pass. The real problem is the narcos/drug and people smuggler that’s what the focus should be on.
Don’t you find it funny that no one ever voted for Governor Brewer, it’s all about politics, do not be fooled. Busy Brewer has passed S.B. 1070, no permit conceal weapons law, the famous Birthers law banning Ethic studies law, and if history is a lesson their House Bill 2779 from two years ago (which failed when challenged) and the one that was the funniest the boycott of Martin Luther King Day, not wanting another holiday. I believe there is an undercurrent to their enactment of new laws, they real love following a distinct pattern.