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FYI, in The Washington Times. Inside Politics

By Jennifer Harper

Hate-free zone

Things are combative in Fresno, Calif., this week after the city's Human Relations Commission issued a press release describing "the Free Republic" as a "hate group" and warning of plans for a "Free Republic Hate Rally Picnic."

The Free Republic is a news Web site operated by Jim Robinson of Fresno, described as "an online gathering place for independent, grass-roots conservatism on the Web."

Mayor Alan Autry seemed to agree with the more moderate description. According to yesterday's Fresno Bee, he plans to suspend commission Chairwoman Debbie Reyes and accuses her of being "politically intoxicated."

Mr. Autry called the commission's news release "inflammatory, reckless, irresponsible and dangerous," adding that "these comments are not a reflection of the city of Fresno."

"It's one thing to say someone's a jerk or to say someone is off base, but the worst thing you can say is that they're a hate group," he said.

Mrs. Reyes said she had has seen evidence that the Free Republic was "antigay and anti-immigration."
"When intolerance comes to the table, we need to answer that call," she said.

And the big "hate rally" itself?
According to the Bee: "About a dozen people met at Shaw and Blackstone avenues Friday. They listened to country music, waved American flags and held signs asking drivers to honk their horns if they support U.S. soldiers."

Based on Reyes & her Commission's Press release it appears that anyone who doesn't agree with her on issues such as gay marriage & immigration is labeled a 'hater'.

What ever happened to the First Amendment which protected the free speech right to express one's opinion?

I know these Fresno people & their ongoing Rally is held to show support for US Military serving in the War on Terror!

FR is a Forum where many diverse opinions are expressed but most members are Conservatives. It appears to me that Reyes & her Commission are projecting their own hatred of Conservatives on this Fresno FR Chapter.

Julie

Thanks for your post and comments Julie. People on this forum are for the rule of law. They do not approve of illegal aliens. They do not disapprove of legal orderly immigration.

Citizens of this nation have every right, in fact a duty to review and advocate immigration policies that see orderly, safe and productive immigration to this nation.

It would be suicidal for the US to allow terrorists to enter this nation, or allow the nation to be flooded with so many foreign nationals that our own language, culture and cohesive nature be destroyed.

That being said, foreign nationals from every nation on earth come here, are welcomed here and will continue to be welcomed here, as they should.