Posted on 05/31/2007 10:30:32 PM PDT by Politicalmom
The placards reading "Secure Our Borders" and "Stop the Guest Worker Amnesty" may have been pointed at motorists Thursday.
But the midday protest outside the Galleria Office Park in Cobb County was really designed to grab attention 13 floors above, in the office suite of Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).
"That turncoat sold us down the Rio Grande," east Cobb resident Maria Litland said, waving an American flag in the direction of the curved glass office building.
Organized by anti-illegal immigration activist D.A. King, the protest was designed to turn up the heat on Chambliss and fellow Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson. They are among the Senate leaders backing a controversial immigration reform compromise with President Bush.
The bipartisan measure has absorbed a barrage of criticism from both the left and the right since being unveiled earlier this month. Hardliners say it's too soft on border security and the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently in the country. Immigrant advocates say it would break up immigrant families and give illegal immigrants incentive to remain in the shadows.
Chambliss and Isakson have acknowledged that the plan isn't perfect, but say it's far better than the status quo. They insist the measure would require that the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border be secured before the other reforms, such as the creation of a temporary worker program, could be put in place.
Melanie Williams of Duluth was among the roughly 60 protesters who say that's not good enough.
No matter how it's dressed up, the Senate compromise would send a clear message to other people considering illegal entry into the United States, said Williams, who held a banner that declared "We are America — Attrition Through Enforcement." "People will sneak in and think 'Oh, I'll just wait for the next amnesty,' " she said.
Williams, participating in her first protest, said she's fed up with the families who have crammed into the home across the street from her in Gwinnett County and suspects they are in the country illegally. At one point, she said, there were 30 people in the house and 10 cars in the driveway.
A few counter-protesters gathered across the street with "Welcome, We Are All Immigrants" signs. Mableton resident Rich Pellegrino, who organized the group, said considering the lack of immigration enforcement over the past two decades, it's disingenuous to suddenly expel the people who build houses and pluck chickens in Georgia. Pellegrino said he's gained new respect for the Georgia senators.
"When a politician takes a stand that's not popular with his constituency, that is a statesman, not just a politician," he said.
But most of those standing at Akers Mill Road and Galleria Drive had soured on the senators they once backed. They held signs such as "No More Anchor Babies" and "Illegal aliens displace U.S. workers."
"If they vote 'yes,' " said Georgia Minutemen organizer Todd Walker, "it's political suicide."
In response to the protests, Chambliss released a statement saying he and Isakson are working to secure the border first, prohibit a new pathway to citizenship and end illegal immigration.
"If the final bill does not meet our key criteria we will not support it," Chambliss said. "I will continue to dialogue with Georgians on this important issue as debate on the bill continues in the Senate and I appreciate hearing from my constituents."
DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, who plans to run against Chambliss, joined the unrest Thursday, shaking hands with the demonstrators and telling them he wanted to personally hear their concerns. Pressed on what he'd do differently by several dubious protesters, Jones said he'd insist on the enforcement of existing immigration laws.
King, the protest organizer and president of the Marietta-based Dustin Inman Society, exchanged business cards with Jones before accompanying about 30 other demonstrators up to Chambliss' office. The senator was not there, but they met with one of Chambliss' field representatives.
Many wore bumper stickers on their backs. They read "Kick Me! I am a Citizen."
"Kick me. I'm a citizen."
Bwahahahah!!
B T T T
ping
Got to hit the hay and haven’t even read all the threads today. You have really been busy!
WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! TILL YOU RUN OUT OF INK IN YOUR PEN!
Bombard the Democrats as well, especially the ones that ran on an anti illegal immigration plank and the ones in marginal districts who could be vulnerable. keep pounding on them. This is a bipartisan issue not a Conservative or Liberal issue BUT AN AMERICAN issue.
Those of you in Atlanta, mark you calendars. There is going to be another protest, this time on Thursday, June 7. With the help of WSB Radio’s Cris Krok, this new protest will be to put further pressure on the two Georgia turncoats, Chambliss and Isakson. If you are in the Atlanta area, tune in Chris’ show at 10 PM weeknights for further details.
I will not miss this one!
Those aren't the only two choices!
I am with you.
bttt
All of the D.C. traitors keep saying that it’s better than doing nothing, we need to act on it now, yadda-yadda-yadda.
What they do not get, or choose to ignore, is that we would rather have NOTHING than the proposed bill. All of a sudden it is a big priority? It has not been urgent to them since the last amnesty that was foisted on us. The anger at the proposal is the first time in God knows how long that any issue has been bi-partisan. That alone should tell the D.C. morons something. I spend a lot of time reading DU postings. On this issue (amazingly) they are against it. Never thought I would see the day. While the Senate may be a done deal, the real fight will be in the House.
The Senators may need armed guards or SS protection, judging by the emotions on this issue. I wouldn’t support or suggest violence, but if we normal people are upset, there may be some real problems out there.
None of that will be needed. We just have to not forget who they are on election day.
All this will be forgotten by election day.
“All this will be forgotten by election day.”
Not a chance. Or are you speaking for yourself? And if so, let me know how American Idol does in the 08 ratings wars, I’ll be too busy to watch. LOL!
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