Breaking: Protesters Confront Sen. Russell Pearce At Shin Dig
From Puente Movement
There is a new sheriff in Phoenix town and his name is not Joe Arpaio. After a stinging set of defeats including the Dream Act on a national basis and the election of anti-immigrant legislators on the local scene, immigrants are taking action. Pearce action.
Actually it is called Pearce Watch. It is a group of activists who have decided to hold Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce’s feet to the fire. It is organized by a civil rights group called Puente Arizona, representing migrant and day laborers and others adversely affected by SB 1070, the most vicious anti-immigrant legislation in the history of the U.S.
Today is Sen. Russell Pearce’s day. (R-AZ). The captain of the state senate hopes to raise big money to continue his anti-immigration fight. He is hosting a high end shin dig for the well heeled. Let’s just say, if you didn’t quality for the $139,000 tax cut the Republicans gave themselves and every millionaire during the lame duck session then you are not invited to come. Some of the guests, accoriding to the Phoenix News Times include Mark Spencer, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and Chuck Coughlin, Governor Jan Brewer's lobbyist for private prisons giant Corrections Corporation of America, which supports conservative candidates who in turn support imprisonment of undoucmented workers.
That is not stopping movie producer Dennis Gillman and the activists from the Puente Movement. They plan to meet with Senator Pearce at a mansion in exclusive Paradise Hills to ask about some of the unfriendly legislation he has been passing. It has been agreed the so called meeting should take place in an extrodinary peaceful way so as to not disturb the neighbors! Nevertheless, since the protesters are not popping for $250 a plate, they probably won't get in the door. Besides, they didn't qualify for the $139,000 tax cut.
This is round one in the next generation of battles bewteen conservative law makers and an immigrant community which considers it's self under attack. On Monday, January 10th, some activists plan to meet with the T-Party and ask similar questions.
Later in the day activist plan to meet at the state capitol to help Russell Pearce and a majority Republican congress convene for the 2011 year. The Activist want the law makers to remember them next time they vote for legislation which advocates racial profiling, harassment of undocumented workers, deporting of Viet Nam vetrans and other alleged abuses.
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