HRC Under Fire (Fresno Mayor expects litigation as a result of HRC smear of FR?)

KFSN-TV ^ | September 14, 2003

[Timesink]

HRC Under Fire

A pair of controversies could mean double the debate inside Fresno city council chambers this week, while a special city commission and some council members are feeling the heat.

A lot of the political tension has centered around an upsetting e-mail, and more recently, a news release that calls a local conservative organization a, "hate group."

Now, the future of Fresno's Human Relations Committee is on the line.

Fresno mayor Alan Autry went on TV for "Ask The Mayor," but Autry says he has questions of his own for the city's Human Relations Commission.

It sent out a news release about rallies planned by the "Free Republic," Calling the local conservative organization a hate group.

Now, Autry wants the HRC out of commission, at least for now, "I'm going to do my best to suspend operations until we find out who thought it appropriate to send out a release with city staff ... to call a group a hate group."

The HRC's chairwoman, Debbie Reyes wasn't available for an interview. But, in a written statement, Reyes said, "The intention of the alert was to merely alert the public to say away from a potentially volatile situation."

Still, Autry says the HRC release was irresponsible, "Factor that in with the fact that you spend $193,000 to fund this, liability issues, litigation ... all of those things come into play."

Council president Tom Boyajian supports the HRC, "It was bad information ... they should've done their homework ... but I don't think that warrants wiping out the Human Relations Commission."

Boyajian may also butt heads with conservatives at city hall on another issue. As Action News first reported, he'll present a resolution Tuesday regarding council members conduct. This, after Jerry Duncan wrote what some considered a threateing e-mail about the Human Relations Commission.

Duncan declined to comment Sunday, but he has apologized for the e-mail.

Boyajian says his resolution will not go so far as to officially censure Duncan. He says legally, the council can't force Duncan to resign.

Boyajian will suggest a possible seminar to improve sensitivity to minority groups.

[Timesink]

I'm guessing this is mostly just transcribed from the video news report that was posted yesterday...

[William Tell]

From the article: "Factor that in with the fact that you spend $193,000 to fund this, ..."

$193,000.

Hey, Fresno. Your tax dollars at work !!

[Young Rhino]

Thanks for posting this...but you had my hopes up that HRC stood for Hildabeast Rodham Clinton.

[jimtorr]

Boyajian says his resolution will not go so far as to officially censure Duncan. He says legally, the council can't force Duncan to resign.

Boyajian will suggest a possible seminar to improve sensitivity to minority groups.

So, Free Republic is now officially a minority group in California? I was posting on FR for nearly two years before I fled the state. When do I get my check?

[Amelia]

Council president Tom Boyajian supports the HRC, "It was bad information ... they should've done their homework ... but I don't think that warrants wiping out the Human Relations Commission."

Not that I'm anywhere near Fresno, and I suppose this is a pretty self-evident statement, but by definition a human relations commission must "do its homework"....if it doesn't know what it's talking about, it's going to harm relations, not help them.

[SAJ]

...it's going to harm relations, not help them

Why would you bother assuming that their (or any similar organisation's) purpose is in any way to help relations? That'd be a first! They exist only to pander and whine and occasionally bring suit, all on the taxpayers' dime, of course.

[MamaTexan]

It sent out a news release about rallies planned by the "Free Republic," Calling the local conservative organization a hate group.

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't this libel?

[Grampa Dave]

Sounds like the left wing HRC in Fresno is guilty of hate crimes with their issuance of this outrageous charge against Free Republic.

It appears that by Free Republic and Freepers using their/our first amendment rights are just too much for these left wing censors of HRC/Fresno.

[MistyCA]

Just another pathetic example of the way liberals distort and manipulate. I hope you don't allow this activity to stand, and I hope Mayor Autry has whatever it takes to call a halt to the commission. I agree! Sue them!

[Chad Fairbanks]

Boyajian will suggest a possible seminar to improve sensitivity to minority groups.

Oh, ok. That will certainly fix the problem. Why didn't WE think of that?

[concerned about politics]

Boyajian will suggest a possible seminar to improve sensitivity to minority groups.
.....When do I get my check?

LOL. Cool. Let's all call a class action lawsuit , being victims of a hate crime and all.
Let's ask for 10 trillian in damages! Ching ching $$$
Freepers could have just won the liberal lottery! Whooo HOOO!!

[concerned about politics]

Council president Tom Boyajian supports the HRC, "It was bad information ... they should've done their homework ... but I don't think that warrants wiping out the Human Relations Commission."

Boyajian will suggest a possible seminar to improve sensitivity to minority groups.

I don't suppose he stuck up for Trent Lott. He's not sticking up for us either. Hate crimes are only for "some people", aye Tom?
(Hey, we could really use this! Heh heh heh)

[mathluv]

My thoughts, also, until I saw Fresno in the title.

[drjimmy]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't this libel?
No. No more than someone here calling the ACLU or NAACP a hate group.

[Teacher317]

Ah, good ol' liberal reporting... no need to bother contacting the offended group for input if it is conservative. Had it been a "protected" minority group, then you'd have at least 2 national talking heads getting some good column-inches.

[concerned about politics]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't this libel?
No. No more than someone here calling the ACLU or NAACP a hate group.

Has any government official ever called them a hate group? Seeeeee?
Key words : Government official.
That makes it a "tad" different. Not to mention they called in the government soldiers - the police.

[ppaul]

FReep 'em good!

Contact the Mayor of Fresno:

Fresno City Hall
2600 Fresno Street
Second Floor
Fresno, CA 93721-3600

Phone 559-621-8000
FAX 559-621-7990

Mayor@fresno.gov

Remind him of his promise...

"It is apparent that the city wants leadership and direction, not politics.
Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation.
I promise that kind of leadership."
Alan Autry
Mayor, City of Fresno

[Bernard Marx]

It seems to me that's exactly the kind of leadership Autry's offering. I think FR can do itself a world of harm by sending nasty emails to any Fresno official that could be twisted by the "human rights" commission into what it considers "hate speech."

Blow them imaginary kisses instead and show them we're all just the lovable little fuzzballs we truly are. (Even fuzzballs are protected by 1st and 2nd Amendment rights; we just happen to honor the Constitution more completely than they do).

[drjimmy]

Has any government official ever called them a hate group? Seeeeee?
Perhaps you can help me see where libel laws say it makes it a "tad" different whether a statement is made by a private person or a government official.

[Celtic Conservative]

didn't this guy co- star on "in the heat of the night" for several years?. When did He enter politics?.

CC

[socal_parrot]

[piasa]

What's a city doing with a "human relations commission," anyway?

What a waste of money!

[LanPB01]

If the lawsuit is successful, will the award be used to help fund this site, and limit the pledge drives? If so, ask for all the punitive damages you can get!

[Celtic Conservative]

sorry, I got the dreaded "red X" . what was it?

[socal_parrot]

Hmmmm...must've reached their bandwidth limit.



It's a pic of Alan Autry in his sheriff's uniform.



Just use your imagination.

[Celtic Conservative]

okey doke!

Just looked him up on imdb.com

[jgrubbs]

Alan as Bubba

Birthday: July 31, 1952
Birth Place: Shreveport , La .
Birth Name: Carlos Alan Autry aka: Carlos Brown

Mayor of Fresno Ca. 2001 - 2004 Commentator/color analyst for the Fresno State University Bulldogs for the 1998 and 1999 fall seasons.- Played NFL football for the Green Bay Packers during the 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons.- Played in the Canadian Football League for the B.C. Lions in 1979.

Movie Credits

The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) - Writer
The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) - Director
The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) - Producer

Acting Appearances

Starring Roles
Sons of Thunder (1999) - Butch McMann
Style and Substance (1998) - Earl
Grace Under Fire (1993) - Rick Bradshaw
In the Heat of the Night (1988) - Captain Bubba Skinner

Guest Starring Roles

Style and Substance - Earl - I Went to a Garden Party (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - Chelsea's First Date (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - The Plate (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - A Recipe for Disaster (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - Pilot (1998)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - The Show-Me State (1996)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Positively Hateful (1996)
Grace Under Fire - Rick - Thanks for Nothing (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Daycare (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - The Breakup (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Grace and Rick and the Dance of Doom (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Movin' on Down (1995)
The Facts Of Life - Clark Darrin - Peekskill Law (1988)
The A-Team - Mike "The Hammer" Horn - Quarterback Sneak (1986)
St. Elsewhere - John Corzinsky - Out on a Limb (1986)
Newhart - Ed McKendrick - Will the Real Dick Loudon Please Shut Up? (1986)
Hunter - Whitey McVee - High Bleacher Man (1984)
The Dukes of Hazzard - Hurley - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Duke (1984)
The A-Team - Gary (as Carlos Brown) - Labor Pains (1983)
The Mississippi - - Murder at Mt. Parnassus (1983)
Cheers - Tom Kenderson - The Boys in the Bar (1983)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - J.T.(as Carlos Brown) - Gold Fever (1982)
Best of the West - - The Funeral (1982)
The Dukes of Hazzard - Dawson (as Carlos Brown) - 10 Million Dollar Sheriff (2) (1981)
The Dukes of Hazzard - Dawson (as Carlos Brown) - 10 Million Dollar Sheriff (1) (1981)
Style and Substance - Earl - Do Not Go Squealing Into That Good Night (0)

Movie/Mini-Series/Special Roles

The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) (2002) - Jake Kincaid
Intruders (1992) - Joe Wilkes
The Big One:The Great California Earthquake (1990) (1990) - Matt
Street of Dreams (1988) (1988) - Maury Fields
World Gone Wild (1988) - Hank
Amazing Grace & Chuck (1987) (1987) - George aka:The Silent Voice (as Carlos Brown)
Destination America (1987) - Larry Leathergood
Proud Men (1987) (1987) - Brian
At Close Range (1986) - Ernie
Blue Deville (1986) (1986) - Sgt. Auggie Valentine
House (1986) - Cop # 3
Nomads (1986) - Olds
Brewsters Millions (1985) - Biff Brown
Eagle and the Bear (1985) (1985) -
O.C. & Stiggs (1985) -
Roadhouse 66 (1984) (1984) - Hoot
Dangerous Company (1982) - Donald Robinette (as Carlos Brown)
Southern Comfort (1981) (1981) - Cpl. (Coach) Bowden)
Rage! (1980) (1980) - Man # B
North Dallas Forty (1979) (1979) - Balford ( as Carlos Brown)
Remember My Name (1978) - Rusty ( as Carlos Brown)
Get Away Right Away Child Safety Video -

[Redbob]

Played in the CFL under the "nom de guerre" of 'Carlos Brown'

Related to Gene Autry, of Pilot Point, Texas?

[Rays_Dad]

Boyajian will suggest a possible seminar to improve sensitivity to minority groups.


_______________________

Did I read this right? Does this mean we are a minority group now? Hell yes I want reperations. The FreeRepublic is now a force to reakon'd with. We are an official voting block that must be pandered too.

[Free_at_last_-2001]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't this libel? - Good question can we all sue them? In fact this is an international incident I’m calling my embassy!

[meyer]

Still, Autry says the HRC release was irresponsible, "Factor that in with the fact that you spend $193,000 to fund this, liability issues, litigation ... all of those things come into play."

The HRC needs to retract its statement, then repay (from its members' pockets) the $193,000 that it stole from the taxpayers. Then, prepare for the slander suit.

[MistyCA]

LOL! Awesome!

[isthisnickcool]

They called FreeRepublic a "hate group"?

Oh boy, I realy hate that! /s-casm unlocked

Has Jim Robinson said anything about this?

[Saundra Duffy]

The Human Rights Commission has the nerve to call us a hate group. If it weren't so tragic, it would be funny. THEY are the ones fostering hate.

[Saundra Duffy]

Channel 26 showed up at the tailgate party and interviewed jkphoto. Did anyone see jkphoto on ABC local news Saturday night?

[Humidston]

I've been giving this some thought since last night when I first heard of it....

I would think this Reyes bat has the right to call us anything she wishes ..... in PRIVATE.

But once that silly commission dropped their BEWARE - HATE GROUP MEETING fax in the machine to the media, they made this entire issue very PUBLIC by smearing and slandering us all.

Go get 'em, JimRob.

[Humidston]

AUTRY IS A GOOD GUY! FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD, HE'S AS MAD AS WE ARE!!

[Calpernia]

cross linking: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/982868/posts

I really think a class action suit should be filed. I can care less what anyone thinks of me (boo hoo, I am accused of belonging to a hate group). But it is high time the left is stood up to on their own dirty terms.

So if this is followed up on in a class action suit (wow, 100,000 freepers vs Fresno?), write me into the ping list.

[Calpernia]

cross linking again; http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/982853/posts?page=1

[Calpernia]

Another related thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/982383/posts?page=1

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

By what conclusive evidence is Free Republic a hate group?Should'nt this evidence be made public?Should'nt this woman be held to account for making erroneous judgements?

[jkphoto]

Channel 26 showed up at the tailgate party and interviewed jkphoto. Did anyone see jkphoto on ABC local news Saturday night?

I saw him on 26News. :-)

[Tijeras_Slim]

If you decide to sue these guys, please don't retain Larry Klayman as your attorney. :)

[Humidston]

And just think of the damages we'll suffer. How many people will believe that witch and avoid us like the plague?

What value does one place on that??

[JustAmy]

You would have to put up that link to the news broadcast!!! LOL

[Madcelt]

Are you going to rename Fresno Freeperville?

[vetvetdoug]

I used to work for Bob Blythe on his farm at Pilot Point. Now the farm is under water.

[Calpernia]

I really think we should do a class action suit.

[tpaine]

If you decide to sue these guys, please don't retain Larry Klayman as your attorney. :)
43 -T_s-


Perhaps we need more clarity on the issue... ;-p

[JustAmy]

I don't think it has been decided what our next step is going to be. Will keep you informed.