2008 Woodie Awards
Vasquez brings a heated debate to Boise State
DARCIE NUTT & CEAN SIEGEL
Arbiter Staff
Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
| |
| |
|
Jon Waddell, a 14-year Boise resident and carpenter was among the protestors, but for the opposite side. According to Waddell, illegal immigrant workers have ruined drywall and painting trades. Waddell said he is not against immigration, but rather illegal immigration.
“Illegal people come to our country an steal our jobs and lower our standard of living,” Waddell said.
At first he stood alone, one against an estimated 50 protestors. About four people stood around him, quietly debating.
As more people joined the crowd, another man joined Waddell.
Scott Olson, from Meridian, stood by Waddell and walked up and down the line, holding a sign that read, “How to become an American: 1. Be here legally. 2. Speak English. 3. follow our customs.”
“I moved to Idaho to escape the Mexicanization of America as much as I could,” Olson said.
According to Olson, the students who stood in protest were a result of brainwashing by communists that have been taking over the judicial and other systems. Olson said that these individuals are communists because they believe that everyone is equal, whether they are black white or Mexican, which he said is not true.
Police kept a watchful eye on the protestors, and stepped in to talk to Waddell on several occasions, but Waddell insisted he had the right to free speech.
Mary Ellen Nourse is a member of a social justice committee for a local church. According to Nourse, when earlier generations traveled to America, they weren’t subjected to the same quotas that are currently in place.
“I agree there has to be an orderly system, but we have to look at the barriers,” Nourse said.
Keeping the peace
Boise Immigration Attorney Kathy Railsback was one of the many “Peace Keepers” who, according to Railsback, were trying to make sure the rally was a nonviolent event.
“I believe that there’s a strong need for comprehensive immigration reform,” Railsback said. “I think it’s important to send a message to [the legislature] that they need to deal with this issue.”
The rally ended with the crowd cheering, “Boise State is too great for hate.”
A house divided
As Vasquez took to the podium in the Ada Hatch Ballroom Thursday, a number of the audience members stood and applauded, while the majority looked on.
“I greatly appreciate the warm welcome,” Vasquez said. “For the first time, I am not outnumbered by people who oppose me – at least at the podium.”
Much of Vasquez’s lecture covered his background and his fight against illegal immigration throughout the years. He, at one point, called himself an “American culture war commando.”
“For the last 15 years, I have been the only force against illegal immigration,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez indicated that illegal immigrants bring with them gangs, drugs and diseases such as leprosy and tuberculosis. Many of the audience members muttered under their breath as this statement was made, some reacting with outbursts indignation.
“Illegal aliens will continue to cross the borders like ants, marching across the concrete [to a picnic],” Vasquez said.
According to Vasquez, new laws are not needed, but the ones already in place must be enforced.
“Those that say illegal immigrants only want to better themselves don’t tell you that they want to do it at your expense,” Vasquez said.
Several members of the audience were very upset by what was said during the speech.
Dwight Scarbrough, president of the local Veterans for Peace, called Vasquez a fascist to his face in the question and answer period following the speech.
He went on to say that there are a lot of Republicans who do not agree with Vasquez’s views.
“He’s an extremist,” Scarbrough said. “He’s clearly saying that people who disagree with him are the enemy.”
When asked about the controversial fliers promoting the event during the question and answer period, Vasquez said they were simply an advertisement for the issues that were discussed.
“They are not racial fliers. That is just your interpretation of it,” Vasquez said to one of his questioners.
Vasquez also thought the wire fence to the side of the podium with a hole in it to allow people to grab some candy and a flier was not racial but rather an example of what illegal immigrants do every day.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 11
Karen
posted 4/02/07 @ 4:56 AM MST
This is just more of name calling because they are unable to legally endorse the ILLEGAL aliens sneaking across our borders and demolishing our school systems, abusing our medical facilites so that hospitals are closing because they can't afford all of the free services and why should they? These illegal aliens use false I. (Continued…)
Isaac
posted 4/02/07 @ 9:21 AM MST
Thank you Mr. Vasquez!
All you people out there who think illegal immigrants from anywhere are ok should put down the Communist Manifesto and pick up a U. (Continued…)
Perfect Fairy
Illuminated Fairy
posted 4/02/07 @ 11:21 AM MST
This is a copy from my earlier post.
This "event" was well attended mostly by persons wanting to "hear" what was to be "said" and not have it filtered by the media or someone else's description. (Continued…)
tony
posted 4/02/07 @ 1:25 PM MST
i woud have to agree...yes, illegal immigration is a problem, but what about the other illegal activities occuiring in America today?
For Instance. (Continued…)
Dusting Fairies
posted 4/03/07 @ 3:28 PM MST
The John Birch Society has nothing to do Robert Vasquez, the College Republicans, or their views on illegal immigration. Stop smoking dope and doing shrooms--it's clouding your judgment. (Continued…)
Post a Comment