Austin officials vote to boycott Arizona

[Peaches]

http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/austin-officials-vote-to-boycott-arizona-687503.html#postCommentForm

It wouldn't be difficult for me to boycott Austin. San Antonio, Cedar Park, Round Rock, or even Brownwood, or Killeen have everything I need that I can't buy in Burnet or Llano County.

Ok...it's official. Austin is now being boycotted by ME. Anybody else care to join me?

I sent the following to Mayor Leffingwell: (You can do the same at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/contacts.htm if you like)

Dear Sir,
Please be advised that I and a number of my friends and family members who live in Central Texas have made the choice to boycott Austin. Our decision is based on our belief that your boycott of Arizona will only be detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say in that state's new ILLEGAL immigration law.

[trashlady]

I join you in your protest of Austin and their idiot leadership. Our so called state 'capitol city' does not represent the state and should stick to its own business. Since when does the word 'illegal' gather such support. All of the folks I know who became citizens the legal way are losing respect for their (Austin's) leadership when they marginalize them like this. Here is another place I hope the voters use their ballots.

[lmam88]

http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/austin-officials-vote-to-boycott-arizona-687503.html#postCommentForm

It wouldn't be difficult for me to boycott Austin. San Antonio, Cedar Park, Round Rock, or even Brownwood, or Killeen have everything I need that I can't buy in Burnet or Llano County.

Ok...it's official. Austin is now being boycotted by ME. Anybody else care to join me?

I sent the following to Mayor Leffingwell: (You can do the same at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/contacts.htm if you like)

Dear Sir,
Please be advised that I and a number of my friends and family members who live in Central Texas have made the choice to boycott Austin. Our decision is based on our belief that your boycott of Arizona will only be detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say in that state's new ILLEGAL immigration law.
No big deal for me. I never go into Austin anyway!

[grumpy]

One thing sure about Austin, they will be on the wrong side every time.

[KINGCHIP]

I avoid Austin like the plague.

[tonigking]

I have two children living there with their children and I have refused to go for some time.

Austin is not run by true Austinites nor even Texans. It was taken over long ago by outsiders; both physical and moral.

I went to school there, raised my kids there but today's Austin resembles San Francisco far more than the Capitol of Texas.

"Keeping Austin Wierd" is a rotten shame and disgrace.:cry:

REMEMBER THE ALAMO !!!!!!!:pistols:

[manyoublah]

Our decision is based on our belief that your boycott of Arizona will only be detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say in that state's new ILLEGAL immigration law.

Peaches, it's your right to do whatever you please and I respect that. But wouldn't a boycott of Austin would be same ["detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say"] in the Austin officials decision to boycott Arizona?

[Peaches]

Peaches, it's your right to do whatever you please and I respect that. But wouldn't a boycott of Austin would be same ["detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say"] in the Austin officials decision to boycott Arizona?

Yes, it would. Which is exacty the point I am trying to make to the Austin City Council.

Do you think anybody on the Austin City Council read the Arizona Bill?

[manyoublah]

Peaches,
I don't know if anyone on the Austin City Council read Arizona SB1070 or not. I do know we need to do something about illegal immigration [in America]. Personally, I think it should happen on the federal level, but I don't blame Arizona for taking matters into their own hands and trying to resolve this issue. Overwhelmingly, most Americans support illegal immigration overhaul [as do I] (and the Arizona law), but I also think this law could lead to racial profiling which is illegal as well.

As for my Hispanic brothers, if your in Arizona and the police stop you :nono: and ask for your “papers,” say “scissors” and you win. :banana:Just kidding.

[Peaches]

Peaches,
I don't know if anyone on the Austin City Council read Arizona SB1070 or not. I do know we need to do something about illegal immigration [in America]. Personally, I think it should happen on the federal level, but I don't blame Arizona for taking matters into their own hands and trying to resolve this issue. Overwhelmingly, most Americans support illegal immigration overhaul [as do I] (and the Arizona law), but I also think this law could lead to racial profiling which is illegal as well.

The Arizona bill specifically prohibits racial profiling (in at least three places of the bill) and sets out specific penalities for any officer or law enforcement entity that engages in racial profiling. The bill very clearly states that probable cause is required - for example, the suspect is pulled over during a routine traffic stop, or is suspected in the commission of some other crime. The bill also specifically states that final determination of citizenship status will be decided by the Feds, but proof of citizenship can be any ONE of the following - State DL, State ID, Passport, Birth Certificate, or Green Card. ONE form of ID - Not all of the above. The bill also sets out stiff penalities for employers who employ illegal immigrants, and for those who smuggle human beings for profit.

Here's my thought on leaving immigration enforcement to the feds - the feds aren't out making routine traffic stops and answering citizen's calls for help. How do they develop suspicion that a person is in this country illegally? Are they relying on racial profiling, or are they only catching and detaining those they witness crossing the border? Is it just possible that could be a contributing factor for the number of illegal immigrants we have in this country?

If this administration had taken the time to actually read the bill before spouting off about it, you'd probably find that US Border patrol officials would be in favor of this law. They would probably tell you that this is the kind of state-level assistance they need to help fight illegal immigration.

[lmam88]

The Arizona bill specifically prohibits racial profiling (in at least three places of the bill) and sets out specific penalities for any officer or law enforcement entity that engages in racial profiling. The bill very clearly states that probable cause is required - for example, the suspect is pulled over during a routine traffic stop, or is suspected in the commission of some other crime. The bill also specifically states that final determination of citizenship status will be decided by the Feds, but proof of citizenship can be any ONE of the following - State DL, State ID, Passport, Birth Certificate, or Green Card. ONE form of ID - Not all of the above. The bill also sets out stiff penalities for employers who employ illegal immigrants, and for those who smuggle human beings for profit.

Here's my thought on leaving immigration enforcement to the feds - the feds aren't out making routine traffic stops and answering citizen's calls for help. How do they develop suspicion that a person is in this country illegally? Are they relying on racial profiling, or are they only catching and detaining those they witness crossing the border? Is it just possible that could be a contributing factor for the number of illegal immigrants we have in this country?

If this administration had taken the time to actually read the bill before spouting off about it, you'd probably find that US Border patrol officials would be in favor of this law. They would probably tell you that this is the kind of state-level assistance they need to help fight illegal immigration.


They have laws in Austin protecting Illegals from being arrested when they make 911 calls and report crimes. I have heard it more then once on tv. They said there were too many crimes being committed against illegals going unreported because of deportation fears. Just saying...

[hopeful200856]

What is Austin thinking about? Not Americans, that is clear! I have a son, daughter in law and grandson living there and that would be the only reason I would go. Arizona is right in their beliefs! Illegals are taking over this country and it's not right! All the laws are for illegals and against whites!

[curious]

They have laws in Austin protecting Illegals from being arrested when they make 911 calls and report crimes. I have heard it more then once on tv. They said there were too many crimes being committed against illegals going unreported because of deportation fears. Just saying...

Then maybe the illegals (criminals) should stay home, where they belong!!!!!!:banghead:

[lmam88]

Then maybe the illegals (criminals) should stay home, where they belong!!!!!!:banghead:

I fully agree! It's next to impossible to deport as long as there are laws protecting them though.

[manyoublah]

The Arizona bill specifically prohibits racial profiling (in at least three places of the bill) and sets out specific penalities for any officer or law enforcement entity that engages in racial profiling. The bill very clearly states that probable cause is required - for example, the suspect is pulled over during a routine traffic stop, or is suspected in the commission of some other crime...Here's my thought on leaving immigration enforcement to the feds - the feds aren't out making routine traffic stops and answering citizen's calls for help. How do they develop suspicion that a person is in this country illegally? Are they relying on racial profiling, or are they only catching and detaining those they witness crossing the border?....If this administration had taken the time to actually read the bill before spouting off about it

Just because the bill prohibits racial profiling from law enforcement officers doesn’t mean this will prevent them from doing so. Can we agree not all law enforcement officers are honest? (although it's only a small percent). What happens if a law enforcement officer pulls someone over because he/she thought a turn signal wasn’t working (probable cause), and then it’s found that the turn signal was working properly but from the officer’s view it seemed as if wasn’t (no probable cause). Does the officer proceed with checking the legal status of the individual because of a probable cause that didn’t exist? The bottom line is this law isn’t perfect, and honest, legal, hard working Hispanic citizens are going to be caught in the cross-fire mistakenly. Do you honestly think law enforcement will pursue Chinese, Irish, Blacks, Whites and other nationalities with the same fervor as they will Hispanics under this law? Remember, this is an immigration law not a Hispanic/Mexican immigration law. Therefore, it has to be applied ot all people regardless of color when a probable cause is met.

The administration didn’t say they didn’t read the law, AG Holder did. There are those that have read the law and still disagree with it. Pima County Sheriff, the Arizona Association of Chief of Police and numerous law enforcement officers in Arizona disagree have come out against this new law. I know there’s an overwhelming majority for this law, but that doesn’t make the law right. Maybe law makers in Arizona should have taken more time to think this law through. I bet they never thought they would have such an uprising over this, even though most people support it.

[tonigking]

The law mirrors the Federal Law.

The Feds are breaking the law by not enforcing it.

And what's so terrible about profiling for crying out loud ?

Just show your D.L., Insurance card (both of which your required to have) and be on your merry way.

[manyoublah]

All the laws are for illegals and against whites!

We have laws that are in place that are "against illegals", but they aren't being enforced. Not the Obama, Bush (41 & 43), Reagan or Clinton administrations have done anything about this. This didn't just happen over night or within the past two years. We have come to this issue on numerous administrations watches. This has been in the making for quite some time.

[curious]

We have laws that are in place that are "against illegals", but they aren't being enforced. Not the Obama, Bush (41 & 43), Reagan or Clinton administrations have done anything about this. This didn't just happen over night or within the past two years. We have come to this issue on numerous administrations watches. This has been in the making for quite some time.

Just because it has been building up for a long time doesn/t make it right. Arizona (like El Paso and the Texas Valley) has become a war zone. It is being invaded by Mexicans with the sole intent of taking it over and claiming it as their own! If it were only the "poor people" trying to feed their families, t might be different; but now, they are killing land owners and taking whatever they want. This is tantamount to an attack, which the Mexican government supports! Mexico has demanded the US pay Mexico to keep their people home. This is extortion!!!!!!!!!!:banghead:

[manyoublah]

And what's so terrible about profiling for crying out loud ?

WOW!
[racial profiling] It's illegal. Therefore it's breaking the law, thus making it a crime and it's also a violation of the Constitution.

[manyoublah]

Just because it has been building up for a long time doesn/t make it right.

Just stating the fact of how long this has been happening [to another post], never stated it was right or wrong.


Mexico has demanded the US pay Mexico to keep their people home.
Huh???

[lmam88]

Just because it has been building up for a long time doesn/t make it right. Arizona (like El Paso and the Texas Valley) has become a war zone. It is being invaded by Mexicans with the sole intent of taking it over and claiming it as their own! If it were only the "poor people" trying to feed their families, t might be different; but now, they are killing land owners and taking whatever they want. This is tantamount to an attack, which the Mexican government supports! Mexico has demanded the US pay Mexico to keep their people home. This is extortion!!!!!!!!!!:banghead:

Yes, I have heard the same reports concering Mexico wanting money from the US. I believe they are saying it is for their war on drugs though.

[Peaches]

Just because the bill prohibits racial profiling from law enforcement officers doesn’t mean this will prevent them from doing so. Can we agree not all law enforcement officers are honest? (although it's only a small percent).

What makes you think only the Federal agents are capable of enforcing illegal immigration laws without profiling? Border Patrol agents don't conduct routine traffic stops, so how do think they have any power to enforce the law unless they're using some form of racial profiling? Do you suppose they're sitting at the border looking for illegal Chinese immigrants? ...Or illegal Irish immigrants? ...Or illegal Al Quida immigrants? No, they're looking for illegal Hispanic/Mexican immigrants.

That small percentage of non-honest police LEOs are probably going to violate somebody's rights somewhere along the line. At least Arizona's Illegal Immigration bill addresses the issue of racial profiling and imposes penalities. Laws should never be written (or enforced) based on what a few less-than-honest LEOs might, or might not, do. In my opinion, the possibility that some LEO might commit racial profiling is a really lame excuse to oppose the bill.

What happens if a law enforcement officer pulls someone over because he/she thought a turn signal wasn’t working (probable cause), and then it’s found that the turn signal was working properly but from the officer’s view it seemed as if wasn’t (no probable cause). Does the officer proceed with checking the legal status of the individual because of a probable cause that didn’t exist? The bottom line is this law isn’t perfect, and honest, legal, hard working Hispanic citizens are going to be caught in the cross-fire mistakenly.

It's my experience that LEOs rarely pull anybody over without true probably cause...and they are generally careful not to make such mistakes. But, if an officer pulls a person over and that person can't show his or her driver's license, wouldn't that establish probably cause to find out more about that person and why that person is driving illegally?


The bottom line is this law isn’t perfect, and honest, legal, hard working Hispanic citizens are going to be caught in the cross-fire mistakenly. Do you honestly think law enforcement will pursue Chinese, Irish, Blacks, Whites and other nationalities with the same fervor as they will Hispanics under this law?

The real bottom line is that legal Hispanic citizens (and any other citizen of the US) are supposed to be prepared to show some form of ID at all times. A driver's license, a state issued ID, a passport, a birth certificate, or a green card serve as valid proof of legal citizenship. Yes, I do believe LEOs will pursue Chinese, Irish, Blacks, and Whites who can't show valid identification. I do believe Arizona is more affected by Illegal Hispanic immigrants because Arizona sees a greater number of illegal immigration from Mexico and South America.

The administration didn’t say they didn’t read the law, AG Holder did. There are those that have read the law and still disagree with it. Pima County Sheriff, the Arizona Association of Chief of Police and numerous law enforcement officers in Arizona disagree have come out against this new law

Eric Holder is a member of the Administration, and as such, should have read the bill before passing judgment against it. Holder also said he has not been briefed on the bill. He basically got his information about the bill through the media.

I haven't seen any evidence to suggest that Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik has read the bill. Dupnik has been urged by fellow Democrats to apologize for some comments made regarding the illegal immigration law. AACOP's feeling is that officers will spend longer on calls and traffic stops, and their response times will increase. They did, however, say they would enforce the new law "to the best of their ability."

I know there’s an overwhelming majority for this law, but that doesn’t make the law right. Maybe law makers in Arizona should have taken more time to think this law through. I bet they never thought they would have such an uprising over this, even though most people support it.

The thing that makes this law "right" is the simple fact that the Feds have failed so miserably at doing their job. How long, and how much consideration is needed before the state steps up and takes action? I think Arizona Legislators did everything right in drafting and adopting this bill.

The thing I see "wrong" here is that the mainstream media has the power to so adversly affect public opinion by not reporting all the facts and allowing people to make their own decisions. It's sad that so many have bought into this lie about racial profiling as a reason to protest the illegal immigration law.

[manyoublah]

Peaches, you have your opinions and I have mine...They [Arizona] even had enough sense to amend the law after people complained about it. That alone tells me that this law wasn't thought out very well, or the impact it could possible have.

I wonder if you know how it feels to be racially profiled? I wonder if you even care? I'm sorry, you've already expressed how you feel in your comments. All of my posts have looked at this issue objectively. If others on this forum were to look at both of our comments [posts] on this topic they could judge for themselves. Arizona is being boycotted [and has] and will lose millions of dollars over this which is sad...But you've posted,

"Ok...it's official. Austin is now being boycotted by ME. Anybody else care to join me?...Our decision is based on our belief that your boycott of Arizona will only be detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say in that state's new ILLEGAL immigration law."

This is your choice and opinion, but I can't understand how you think that those who choose to boycott Arizona are wrong, but you boycotting Austin isn't just as bad, because it's "detrimental to businesses and individuals who had little or no say" in what the Austin City Council has decided to do [the pot calling the kettle black].
...But it's not for me to understand. It's your choice. You can continue to :deadhorseif you choose.

[Peaches]

Manyoublah,

I'm personally offended by your comments that I don't care about racial profiling. I've expressed time and time again that the Arizona ILLEGAL immigration law provides penalities for those who racially profile. I've also said that Arizona simply adopted a federal law that allows them to enforce illegal immigration laws at a state level - a move that's necessary for local law enforcement to enforce a Federal law. Since the bill addresses racial profiling, I feel racial profiling is a non-issue.

I wonder if you understand the seriousness of the drug cartel problem at our border. I wonder if you understand how dangerous it is for a Mexican citizen to put his or her trust in a person who transports human beings across the border for profit. I wonder if you understand how it must feel to be a LEO and be constantly accused of not being able to abide by the laws you are sworn to uphold (Seriously? A faulty tail light that isn't really faulty? You've got to be joking!) Do you even care about these issues, or have you been so traumatized by racial profiling in your lifetime that that's all that matters to you?

Google and read a few of reports about the Mexican drug cartels and maybe you'll have a better understanding as to why Arizona passed this law. Here's one for you:

On April 12 Kimberly Dvorak of the San Diego Political Buzz Examiner wrote this:

"After a week marred with violence along the U.S./Mexico border sources admit the Mexican drug cartels have placed a $250 thousand bounty for the kidnapping or murder of Border Patrol Agents.

U.S. agents are taking the threat very seriously and say officers in the field should use extreme caution when approaching the border fence area. The threat comes after an Arizona rancher was murdered on his own property last month by an alleged illegal alien.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a warning to law enforcement officers in west Texas due to retaliatory killings by a Mexican gang. The agency has suggested agents’ change up their routes and wears body armor while on duty.

DHS headquarters said gang members might issue a “green light” to murder law enforcement officers in the Texas and other U.S. border areas. The report also suggests that the law enforcement officers pay special attention to any unusual activity.

The elevated warning comes amidst a crackdown on the Barrio Azteca Mexican gang following the brutal murders of three Americans with ties to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez on March 13. Law enforcement in the region has begun a broader crackdown, known as “Operation Knockdown.”

The spike in violence along the border transcends state lines and Border Patrol Agents in Arizona and California must now look over their shoulder and be prepared for possible attacks near the U.S. border region.

One agent said it this way; “We were warned about this recently at several musters and we were advised to take this threat seriously and to take precautions. This is the life we chose and it is certainly not our first threat. Over two years ago we received intelligence that a $2 million contract was put out for the assassination of a Border Patrol Agent. Last year, Agent Rosas was murdered. Coincidence? I doubt it. If they are willing to pay two million for a hit, then they have enough money to pay for a fall guy. The cartels don't need to prove to America that they can pull this off. They only need to prove it to other cartels, for credibility in the fight amongst themselves.”

As the war south of the American border continues to rage, it is only a matter of time before another life is taken and another family mourns the loss of a loved one. It is time the U.S. government takes the threat of violence seriously, steps up its surveillance on drug cartels and protects all Americans along the U.S./Mexico border."

Federal agents have been in charge of taking care of our borders for years. How do you suppose the problem has gotten so out of hand? Do you think maybe the Fed's need some help in getting illegals identified and out of this country?

By the way, my threat to boycott Ausin doesn't amount to a drop in the bucket. I haven't stayed in an Austin hotel more than 14 years, haven't eaten at any place more expensive than Burger King, and I can't remember the last time I went to Austin for any reason other than a Doctor's appointment. As a matter of fact, I even said in my original post that it wouldn't be hard for me to stay out of Austin (as did others who responded in agreement.) My point is that Austin has its own problems and should stay out of Arizona's business...and not take more than $45000 out of that state's revenue in retaliation for their tough stance on illegal immigration.

If Austin leaders can dish it out, they need to be ready to take it.

[Peaches]

In a nutshell...I'm really bothered by the fact that oponents of the Arizona Illegal Immigration Bill (mainly the media and the nation's top LEO, Eric Holder) are making people more afraid of the men and women who put their lives on the line day-in and day-out in order to provide better, safer living conditions for us than they are of those who pose a threat to our national security.

THAT is totally despicable!

[nosefornews]

Peaches, why would you be insulted?

I find it interesting that not a single, solitary supporter of Arizona's bill on this forum took even the slightest exception to this statement "All the laws are for illegals and against whites!" NOTHING, a blatant racially motivated statement didn't even seem to bother any of you.

In fact, the supporters try to maintain that it isn't about race, it isn't about racial profiling (except Tonigking, thank you for your honesty) and yet it HAS to use profiling; because unless the officers are willing to ask every single person they encounter about their citizenship status there is no other way for this law to be used. What on earth is a 'reasonable suspicion'? There can't be one.

So deny it all you want, phrase it anyway you want, the truth is that for border states, it's not about catching illegal Canadians, French, Germans, English (and yes there are illegals from all those countries), It's not about stopping terrorists, this is about catching and shipping out Hispanics (mostly Mexicans) who entered this country illegally; so that native born Anglos (mostly) who are tired of seeing them around can sleep soundly at night and all will be right in their world.

So Arizona peace officers will use racial profiling, they will make assumptions based on their experiences and some will make decisions based on their own prejudices because in the final analysis you are asking normal everyday human beings to come to a 'reasonable conclusion' based on nothing.

And in the meantime those who don't want to visit Arizona won't and those who don't want to visit Austin won't and those who do will......and in the mean time this is truly :deadhorse

[manyoublah]

Nosefornews, that’s all I've been stating all along. Is there something that needs to be done about [all] illegal immigrants, you better believe it. Will this law possibly lead to racial profiling? It sure could.

I'm personally offended by your comments that I don't care about racial profiling...have you been so traumatized by racial profiling in your lifetime that that's all that matters to you?

Peaches, I apologize if I've upset you. That was not my intentions. I never accused you of not caring about racial profiling. I stated,

...I wonder if you know how it feels to be racially profiled? I wonder if you even care. I'm sorry, you've already expressed how you feel in your comments.

I'll let others on this forum decide for themselves based on what you've posted.

Prior to the Arizona law, there were/are laws that prohibit racial profiling and yet it still happens. I haven't been traumatized by anything, I just know racial profiling is wrong, illegal and a crime. Therefore those that do it [racially profile] break the law and are criminals just like [all] illegal aliens that break the law by entering this country illegally. I know the following example isn't the same, but I'll go out on a limb to make a point. I wonder how you would've felt if after Timothy McVeigh bombed the federal building in Oklahoma, all whites were profiled? Yet profiling did happen in this case because prior to knowing who committed this heinous act, law enforcement immediately focused on Islamic suspects.

In closing, you getting upset with me and us talking about this isn't going to solve any of this. Those that have the power to make/change laws are not beating on your door or mine seeking counsel from either of us. This issue needs to be looked at objectively without any biases or lawmakers thinking about their political futures. You can have the last word if that makes you feel better. I'm done with this issue.

[tonigking]

Man, you blah,

You seem to have experienced racial profiling. Why don't you tell us about it.
Also be sure and tell us what you were doing when you got profiled :brows:.

Peaches, you just keep on keeping on. You got my vote!

[manyoublah]

And what's so terrible about profiling for crying out loud ?

WOW! [racial profiling] It's illegal. Therefore it's breaking the law, thus making it a crime and it's also a violation of the Constitution.

Toni G King,

After making a statement like this [above] (and me responding telling you why "it's so terrible" to profile with no response from you), I find it very skeptical that you would be interested in my particular profiling situation. From your statement,

Also be sure and tell us what you were doing when you got profiled.

I could be wrong, but I bet you believe I did something to warrant the profiling. I don't think there's anything I can say that will make you reverse your thinking as to why racial profiling is wrong, illegal, and a crime, but here's a few. How about riding your bike [as an 11 year old kid] with your white friend (whom you were spending the night with) and being harassed by law enforcement that "you’re in the wrong part of town, and if I see you around here again..." Even my white friend was confused and asked his parents about why I was treated that way. How about walking into a store and being followed around while white customers shop freely...Just to name a few. I have others but can't discuss because of non-disclosure reasons, but let’s just say I’m please with the outcome. Have I changed your mind yet, I doubt it. We have some of the best LEO's in the US and I support them. They lay their lives on the line to serve and protect on a daily basis. Most of them are well underpaid, because they are "in the war zone" daily. As I stated before,

...Can we agree not all law enforcement officers are honest? (although it's only a small percent).

Just about [not all] everything I need to know about you can be summed up in one statement, "And what's so terrible about profiling for crying out loud ?" Have a great day.

[Webmaster]

Peaches, why would you be insulted?

I find it interesting that not a single, solitary supporter of Arizona's bill on this forum took even the slightest exception to this statement "All the laws are for illegals and against whites!" NOTHING, a blatant racially motivated statement didn't even seem to bother any of you.

In fact, the supporters try to maintain that it isn't about race, it isn't about racial profiling (except Tonigking, thank you for your honesty) and yet it HAS to use profiling; because unless the officers are willing to ask every single person they encounter about their citizenship status there is no other way for this law to be used. What on earth is a 'reasonable suspicion'? There can't be one.

So deny it all you want, phrase it anyway you want, the truth is that for border states, it's not about catching illegal Canadians, French, Germans, English (and yes there are illegals from all those countries), It's not about stopping terrorists, this is about catching and shipping out Hispanics (mostly Mexicans) who entered this country illegally; so that native born Anglos (mostly) who are tired of seeing them around can sleep soundly at night and all will be right in their world.

So Arizona peace officers will use racial profiling, they will make assumptions based on their experiences and some will make decisions based on their own prejudices because in the final analysis you are asking normal everyday human beings to come to a 'reasonable conclusion' based on nothing.

And in the meantime those who don't want to visit Arizona won't and those who don't want to visit Austin won't and those who do will......and in the mean time this is truly :deadhorse

Actually, as a peace officer, I find your whole premise that officers WILL use racial profiling insulting. That's like saying that pastors that spend time with little boys are going to sexually abuse them. It's an offensive generalization based upon a few bad apples. That's an extreme example, but you get the point.

And to address another issue that has come up:
Profiling is NOT illegal. It is a tool that allows law enforcement to focus their efforts. For example: the Behavioral Sciences Division of the FBI develops profiles of serial killers, bank robbers, etc. Profiling solely on the basis of race is what is illegal.

I respect that Arizona has chosen to enact this law and the reason behind it. My concern is that now those persons that are here illegally will be hesitant to report crime or seek help from law enforcement. So, the result of this law may be a reduction in 'reported' crime and may not accurately reflect overall crime.

However, I feel that there needs to be a mechanism for local law enforcement to deal with people in this country illegally. Simply telling law enforcement officers that they cannot inquire about a person's citizenship and act upon it is ridiculous.

[nosefornews]

Actually, as a peace officer, I find your whole premise that officers WILL use racial profiling insulting.


I don't understand why you would find the idea that 'some' not all but some officers would and will use racial profiling to be insulting. If history has shown us one thing it is that there are bad actors in all professions and peace officers aren't immune and Arizona peace officers are no different. LA, NY, Houston, Dallas and yes Phoenix have all been the center of corrupt officers and have all been the targets of investigations into abuse of power with allegations against some (again not all) officers.

At azcentral.com (the Arizona Republic Newspaper website) in an article on the subject this is written

""Arizona courts describe (reasonable suspicion) as requiring only a minimal, objective justification based on the totality of circumstances," she said. "These can include such basic factors as a person's conduct or appearance, the characteristics of the area, the time of day and the experience of the officer."
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/17/20100517arizona-immigration-law-scenarios.html#ixzz0oDfbIfO6

And you can't honestly say that you approach all traffic stops in the same manner, you have to profile every person, every vehicle you come in contact with otherwise you are risking your life. What I find to be 'reasonable' may not be what you find to be 'reasonable' and that is why this law won't work. It won't stem the flow of illegals, and it will place AZ officers under a microscope where everything they do will be examined over and over again.

And I personally am boycotting Arizona until they figure out a way to air-condition the entire state south of Sedona....

[Webmaster]

So because some officers may abuse their authority, all officers should be deprived of a tool that allows them to protect their communities? This topic has run its course.