Bravo Mayor Paul Johnson. Bravo.
Until immigration reform is enacted that reflects the real demand for immigrant workers, who make a critical contribution the U.S. economy, then undocumented workers deserve to be treated with respect.
Meanwhile... congratulations and thanks to Mayor Johnson for having some guts and principle.
Ga. Locals Criticize Mayor on Flying Flag
TIFTON, Ga. - A south Georgia mayor said Friday he will continue flying a Mexican flag at city hall for the six immigrant farmworkers slain in robberies despite complaints from residents.
Seven people called WTIF radio station Thursday, saying the gesture was inappropriate and that the Mexican and U.S. flags should not fly together.
"I did that as an expression of sorrow to the Hispanic community," Mayor Paul Johnson said. "For those who we offended, I apologize, but I think it was the right thing to do."
The red, white and green Mexican flag, donated by the Colombian-born priest of Tifton's only Roman Catholic church, was first raised Monday and taken down Thursday because it was damaged by Tropical Storm Tammy.
The mayor has requested a new flag and pledged the display would last six days, one for each man slain.
Johnson said he considers immigrants to be a part of the community, who do very important work. "They're here to find the hope of America," the mayor said.
WTIF station manager Chris Beckham said the callers who opposed the display "just thought it was the wrong thing to do."
The six men were killed with guns and baseball bats during a crime spree authorities blame on an armed-robbery gang that preyed on immigrants. Three people have been charged with first-degree murder.
A service of the Associated Press(AP)
Mayor Paul Johnson decided to show some decency and set an example that I hope the Democratic Party candidates absorb in the coming year.
Since undocumented workers are unable to come out into the open and speak for themselves they have become fair game to political demogogues and bullies playing to an uninformed electorate.
We can expect in the coming year, even more than in the past, to see the plight of undocumented workers made into election year scapegoats... as usual to distract us from the real failures of government to implement meaningful immigration reforms.. reforms that would force businesses to pay a just wage and just benefits for a days labor to these workers.
It will take some backbone on the part of Democratic Party candidates to present a real alternative: for real immigration reform and immigrant rights.
We need to speak up on this and give them that backbone.
I'm so f*cking sick of people who won't even allow a hiring hall in thier precious little town, but sure like it when someone cleans thier house for $4 bucks an hour.
GodDamn!!!