Posted on 5/20/2007, 10:01:05 PM by Baladas
May 20, 2007 - Bob Phelps, now serving his fourth term as mayor of Farmers Branch, used to be quite popular among the 28,000 residents of this Dallas suburb. But that was before the nation’s debate over illegal immigration hit home, literally, last week when a rock smashed into the window of his house. Traces of paint and new security cameras mark the spot where someone spray-painted the brickwork with “Viva los Mexicos” in large red letters. Hundreds of hate email messages have flooded the mayor’s inbox, and while Phelps says he can take it—“I’m a big boy”—his wife is upset by the assault. “I don’t like what they’re saying about him,” Dee Phelps says, beginning to cry.
The reason for the rancor: Mayor Phelps is opposed to a law overwhelmingly endorsed by Farmers Branch voters on May 12th that banned landlords from renting to most illegal immigrants. “I’m not for anything illegal, and I don’t know one citizen in Farmers Branch who is,” he says. “But I think we’re wasting our money and time. It’s a federal issue.”
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
The mayor of this town is boo-hooing about the bill the citizens passed, and he's called the ACLU on them while praying for the amnesty bill.
Not anymore, Mayor Phelps. The CITIZENS made it a local issue.
The feds made it a local issue through inaction as well.
Amid record turnout, 68 percent of voters approved Ordinance 2903
68% is a pretty WIDE split.
I wonder how Mexico would react to a contingency of Americans throwing rocks at the houses of Mexican officials.
The recent history of illegal immigration is a fascinating look at an inept, out-of-touch federal government failing its citizens and the citizens responding.
Look at Simcox and the Minuteman organization. Look at Tom Tancredo. Look at the states that have taken action, like Georgia. Or the communities like this one that have stepped up.
Ten years ago, I wouldn't have rated illegal immigration in my top 10 priority issues. But the inactivity of our federal government put it in the top 10 about four years ago, and the amnesty deal they struck this week makes it priority Number 1 for me now.
Everytime you are in a parking garage and step out of your car and into a pile of cr@p left there by some guy from TJ, it becomes a local issue.
No, it's an American Citizen issue. BUMP for Farmers Branch Citizens leading the way!
68% to 32% rent ban on illegals. What’s so dividing about that? Sounds like a overwhelming vote to me. I guess the ACLU or LULAC will try to overturn the people’s choice.
Look at what happened in the immigration raid in Minneapolis they started protesting, grabbed their camcorders, starting yelling at ICE and the police and the church starting hiding them inside. It is time folks. It is time to take these criminals out of here, keep them out and reclaim our country if we wait to long it will be too late.
Is it my imagination or is “illegal” being mentioned more than ever instead of “undocumented”? Is it because you have to admit your illegal to get amnesty?
Although this mayor should not have his home damaged, he is definitely out of touch with his own voters.
Someone should tell him that it is not prudent to emulate John Hermann McGoring (John McCain). Bad for re-electability
The mayor says the ordinance is unconstitutional. Where does the constitution say that laws can not pertain to law breakers?
The difference between illegal and undocumented. Undocumented is a euphemism. Illegal is plain talk ie. calling a spade a spade.
“I wonder how Mexico would react to a contingency of Americans throwing rocks at the houses of Mexican officials”
Dead!
So is "immigrant", "border-crosser" and "migrant worker". In fact, just about any phrase the press uses for Mexicans is a PC euphemism. I prefer "colonistas" myself.
The Voters of this Texas Town are far brighter than the National Media or the Major Parties!
What you say about slumlords may be true, but they are far less influential than the AFL-CIO, and that’s where the money and power is behind the illegal immigrant deal.
I guess he doesn’t understand that a mayor is not a little czar, but an elected official who serves at the pleasure of his constituents. Idiot.
susie
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