If you are interested in learning how the process works when a group of people becomes vilified, read the linked article from the Providence Journal.
Sometimes if you look back far enough you can find links you wouldn't have imagined. The Providence Journal presents an intricate story of how a group in Rhode Island helped move xenophobia to the forefront in their state. The article is long and detailed, but well worth the time to read...
_____Rhode Island group linked to controversial foes of illegal immigration
01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, June 29, 2008
In early 2006, the national Federation for American Immigration Reform sent an emissary to Rhode Island as part of a national grassroots organizing effort against illegal and mass immigration.
“Region by region, FAIR is helping to build a network of grassroots groups dedicated to fighting for immigration reform in their part of the country,” the organization stated on its Web site ( www.fairus.org). New England is emerging as a highly successful battleground, with a growing network of reformers and legislative successes under their belts.”
FAIR credited Sandra Gunn, then the organization’s Eastern field representative, with helping launch a host of such groups in New England.
Gunn came to Pawtucket, one of at least four similar New England stops within a week, at the invitation of William “Terry” Gorman, a 68-year-old retired postal worker and member of FAIR since 1997. Gorman, increasingly frustrated, wanted to organize his own local campaign against illegal immigration.
Gorman and his wife were among the eight people at the organizational meeting on Feb. 28, 2006, of Rhode Islanders for Immigration Law Enforcement. Gunn provided start-up strategy, literature from FAIR and advice to the new members, Gorman said. She kept the press out.
Gorman said the Rhode Island group has grown to 450 members. Gorman’s voice has become prominent in the rancorous local debate over illegal immigration. He lent vocal support to Governor Carcieri’s executive order, issued in March, to curb illegal immigration in Rhode Island. He testified at the State House on numerous immigration-related bills that failed in the General Assembly this year. He frequently speaks on talk radio programs that RIILE deems supportive of its cause.
But Gorman’s and RIILE’s association with FAIR, a controversial national organization that critics deem extremist, has received less attention –– until recently...
for complete Providence Journal article click here
No comments:
Post a Comment