Hispanic Leaders Call For Board Member's 'Immediate Resignation'

FOX 4 News ^ | 06 Sep 2007 | Linda Wagar

[Baladas]

A controversial Parks Board appointee called police when a group of protesters showed up at her home. They were there to demand Frances Semler's resignation and they're not alone. Both the Hispanic activist group La Raza and the NAACP said they're considering pulling national conventions out of Kansas City if Semler stays on the Parks Board.

A neighbor said that Semler, 73, was worried about her safety when a group of people stood outside her door at 9 p.m. wanting to speak to her and that's why she called police.

Semler's a member of the Minutemen, an anti-illegal immigration group that some see as racist. When her opponents tried to pay her a personal visit, she called police.

"It was myself, two other women and three men. It was not meant to be intimidating," Rita Valenciano with the Hispanic Coalition said.

A police report filed by Semler said the group rang her "doorbell several times and after she didn't answer the door they started banging on the door."

A member of that group said it was trying to hand deliver a letter asking Semler to "immediately resign."

"We wanted to make sure she personally received the letter," Chere Chaney with Interfaith Justice said.

Semler's neighbor Helen Richmond said as an older woman she understands why Semler didn't answer the door.

"Because I don't know who is on the other side," Richmond said. "We have had several break-ins."

Semler wouldn't talk to us in person, but told us on the phone that she has no intention of resigning from the Parks Board or from the Minutemen. Mayor Mark Funkhouser is sticking with her.

"The volume at which they yell at me on something doesn't really change my mind on something. I don't see anything about the debate that is new or different," Mayor Funkhouser said.

But civic leaders said they will keep on making noise until their voices are heard.

Semler said she's not opposed to the Latino community. She's opposed to illegal immigration, but others said groups like the Minutemen encourage discrimination against all Latinos, even those who are citizens.

[Baladas]

Unbelievable. I don't lived in Kanas City, but you know what La Raza can do with their little convention - on the other hand, it IS a prime opportunity for mass deportation roundups.

[3AngelaD]

I keep reading about the NAACP going along with this, but it’s always La Raza saying that they are. I have yet to see an actual statement against Semler from the NAACP. Has anyone?

[popdonnelly]

Well, they can kiss off.

[hiredhand]

ICE should simply follow around the people like those who were banging on the door. It seems to me that they would provide a "target rich environment".

[Texas_Jarhead]

Certainly sounds like intimidation on a personal level to me.

[goldstategop]

The La Raza thugs get their jollies harassing an old lady. The limits of their extortion knows no bounds. Her crime? Wanting to see our country's immigration laws enforced.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[OpusatFR]

This looks like a RICO charge against those intimidating her.

I think the Feds need to be involved.

Being intimidated because you express opposition is unacceptable.

Who is the Congresscritter from that district? Who is the Senator?

[Man50D]

Unbelievable. I don't lived in Kanas City, but you know what La Raza can do with their little convention - on the other hand, it IS a prime opportunity for mass deportation roundups.

If you think that is unbelievable then you will be shocked to know Congress is considering funding La Raza through the following bill:


110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1999 To authorize appropriations for assistance for the National Council of La Raza and the Raza Development Fund.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 23, 2007 Mr. HINOJOSA (for himself and Mr. RENZI) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A BILL To authorize appropriations for assistance for the National Council of La Raza and the Raza Development Fund.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Hope Fund Act of 2007'.

SEC. 2. ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LA RAZA AND RAZA DEVELOPMENT FUND.

(a) Use- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to the extent amounts are made available pursuant to subsection (b), make a grant to the National Council of La Raza for the purpose of providing technical and financial assistance to local non-profit organizations to undertake community development and affordable housing projects and programs serving low- and moderate-income households, particularly through organizations located in neighborhoods with substantial populations of income-disadvantaged households of Hispanic origin. Assistance provided by the Secretary under this section may be used by the National Council of La Raza or the Raza Development Fund to--

(1) provide technical and financial assistance for site acquisition and development, construction financing, and short- and long-term financing for housing, community facilities, and economic development;

(2) leverage capital from private entities, including private financial institutions, insurance companies, and private philanthropic organizations;

(3) provide technical assistance, training, support, and advice to develop the management, financial, and administrative capabilities of housing development organizations serving low-income households, including Hispanic households; and

(4) conduct such other activities as may be determined by the Secretary and the National Council of La Raza .

(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section--

(1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and

(2) $10,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.

[Ben Ficklin]

Not to change the subject, but have you noticed how hispanics extensively utilize public parks?

[Ron in Acreage]

btt

[Man50D]

I think the Feds need to be involved.

I wouldn't count on it considering post #8.

[Clock King]

Stand on her front porch with a shotgun.

[Andy'smom]

This guy, I guess: http://www.house.gov/cleaver/index.shtml#

[Ron in Acreage]

damn democrats

[OCC]

others said groups like the Minutemen encourage discrimination against all Latinos, even those who are citizens.

Groups showing up banging on your front door at 9pm trying to "serve" you a letter may encourage discrimination as well. Idiots.

[EGPWS]

Semler's a member of the Minutemen, an anti-illegal immigration group that some see as racist.

Houston, we have a problem.

If having a lawful mindset is considered being racist and is accepted as such, laws no longer are worth upholding.

[Baladas]

Parks are a great place for the criminal element to congregate in.

Thanks for the info - off to research/cross-post/bitch...

[OpusatFR]

“This guy,...”

Oh. Well, she needs to move then. No help there.

[goldstategop]

The Minutemen seek to secure our borders. There's nothing racist or illegal about that objective. The Open Borders Lobby hates public officials who stand up for American sovereignty.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[bboop]

It was ABSOLUTELY meant to be intimidating. She did the right thing. They are out to get her, and if she caves to the intimidation, they will win.

B*(^%^&rds!