Get Schooled

By Jennifer 3

November 13, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t think she should be fired or suspended. People make mistakes, they say things that are mean when they are angry. They don’t necessarily reflect their true feelings; they are words spewed out in anger, meant to hurt. She can’t take them back, but she can apologize, take a course in stress management, and take a mark on her record. I’m sure we’re all familiar with 3 strikes, you’re out?

Reprimand her, remind her, and return her.

By Monday

November 13, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

She just verbalized what everyone is thinking. That’s all. Return her. We are all fustrated with this immigration problem, and no one seems to want to do anything about it. Then when someone speaks up, they are deemed racist. This PC crap needs to end.

By Broken Record

November 13, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

The principal was correct to address the problem of gang memebership and off campus fights, but should have addressed the entire student body with her comments. She goofed, and probably should be reassigned. The latino community needs to openly acknowledge the gang problem and teenage fighting, and take steps to turn these kids around. Adopting a “victim” posture over the principal’s faux pas won’t solve the problems.

By J. Falk

November 13, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

We all make mistakes, but to have her be a decision maker in the lives of kids, puts too many kids at risk of intentional or unintentional discrimination and bias. I believe she needs to go permanently. Let her learn about her biases, and grow - away from the school system in any capacity. To take advantage of a students sense of security under her actions is not something I would be willing to take a chance on.

By EW

November 13, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

What a different song and dance people would be singing if it were black students and a white principle said they would be shipped back to Africa, the marchers would be marching today. Typical good old double standard.

By dl

November 13, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

I am latino and I agree with the principal. Growing up my dad used to tell us to act better than the rest because we’re not from this country. So represent latinos well, believe me there are enough trouble making latinos that cause me and my family to get dirty looks because people think of the bad element. Leave the lady alone, I’m sure those kids are pushing everybodies buttons. What those kids need is a good a* whooping! I’m sure we can add a few black and white students as well!

By Leia

November 13, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

EW - The difference in your ignorant scenario is that there aren’t any illegal Black, immigrant students! Read a book!

By Jim in Marietta

November 13, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

What a sad state of affairs. If the latino students in question are illegal immigrants we still have to educate them by law rather than deport them. That sucks for me and you as tax payers. It sucks for the principal because even if she knows they are illegal immigrants she has to put up with them.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Yes, she absolutely should be fired. The idiotic bloated bureacracy of Public Skoolz is no place for anyone who has the intelligence and guts to solve a problem head-on.

By Jim in Marietta

November 13, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Oh and by the way to answer the question I agree with Aquagirl. The principal needs to be fired. She can’t act that way under the current system.

By JC

November 13, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

Leila - I guess black students have ALWAYS been here, huh?

It’s the same thing and IT IS A DOUBLE STANDARD.

By the real EW

November 13, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

I don’t think she should be fired. I do think however she should be reprimanded. HOWEVER, what a difference in attitude and discipline if we could investigate and use deportation as a means of improving the quality of life for those students in that community. They are taking advantage of the American dream, and destroying it for everyone.

By the way… I’m the real EW that blogs, someone took my name… AHHHHHHHHHH

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Most African-Americans were born here, and are legal citizens. The Principal threatened to facilitate deportation of illegal immigrants. That she was fired for doing so is pretty astounding.

And if she had threatened to deport kids born to parents who were forcibly immigrated (as in the case of many African-Americans) that would be different too.

By JustMe

November 13, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

I feel for “good” principals. They have a lot of work on their plate and it is a very stressful job - not one that I would ever want for any salary.

And, I wonder why ALL hispanics felt that as a “threat?” Even if she said this, wasn’t it only a threat to the illegals? Why would anyone that is innocent feel this as a threat (hispanic or not)? If they are illegal, shouldn’t they be reported anyway? So then, did she really do anything wrong?

She should not be fired, and there should not be any official reprimand for her actions. Possibly she should get her proverbial hand slapped at the most. For the school system not to support her is the core problem with all of public education!

By Rod

November 13, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

These days everyone wants to be so Politically correct. Lost amongst all of this is the FACT that the Latinos in that area are causing gang-related violence. This principal was trying to SAVE LIVES by stopping this right now.

People - get a clue. Be politically correct all the time and be dead or do the right thing. In this situation, something had to be done.

You don’t like it? Let’s see how you’d feel if your child was killed by the violence.

By Richard

November 13, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

The decision by the Supreme Court that all children including illegal immigrants, have the right to attend k-12 public schools is absurd!!

Illegals have the right to go to public schools that my tax dollars pay for?!?!?! Absurd.

By Janine

November 13, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Even though I do not think she should be fired or reprimanded…Isn’t there a federal law that prevents schools from even inquiring about immigration status of students and/or withholding services, etc. on that basis…? Maybe this incident in some way falls under that …in which case, maybe charges could be filed and the system could be fined and the principal arrested…

By ChrisD

November 13, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

Were the students illegals? If so, I see nothing wrong with the statement. If not, the principal apologized, and everyone says something stupid occasionally. Let it go and quit the race baiting.

By Rod

November 13, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Janine - please actually read the story. She did not inquire about their status, only threaten. You don’t want the principal reprimanded - just arrested?!?! What an @ss.

I say the legal parents shouldn’t be upset. If some of the parents complain - they must be illegal so deport them.

Oh yes, I forgot. The Republican Supreme Court gives illegals more rights than the American Citizen Taxpayers.

By EW

November 13, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Leia, I would venture to bet I own as many or more books than you do. It’s a double standard, something certain groups have been afforded all their lives. Leia you coudn’t compete without quota’s and affrimative action; enjoy them…the doubale standards that is.

By Renee

November 13, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

Hey Janine, what in the world are you smoking there? You say the Principal shouldn’t be fired or reprimanded, but you think the Principal should be arrested? Nice little flip-flop. Are you a politician?

By Ms.LA

November 13, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

The principal should be punished and fired for what she said. To answer the question about why they would feel threatened is because she referred to all of them which means legal and illegal students. So just because they’re hispanic looking that does not mean she can say things like that to them. That’s called racism! How would you like it if a principal had a meeting with ONLY all the white kids and threatened them for having bombs at school? The illegal students if you think about it they’re children, they were forced to come here by their parents they didn’t have a choice and most of the time the illegal hispanics behave better because they know how hard it is to get an education in their country.

By Isaac P. Garcia

November 13, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

How are we worried about deportation latinos when you have to be an ignorant person to make a comment like this. First you should thank some latinos and other ethnic races that are not citizen’s for the freedom that you have right now. If that’s the case about illegal immigrant’s. Why do we not bring everyone that is not a citizen back from Iraq. To the retarded principal who made this comment. Thank a latino veteran that has served in Iraq 2 times. Because if it wasn’t for illegal aliens like me, your child may have to be a man and defend our country.

By Janine

November 13, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Rod../Actually Read my post….I said nothing about wanting the principal arrested, just speculated about whether or not her actions in some way are included in that law and whether that may be why the system fired her!!!

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Interpretations of Plyler Vs. Doe (the case that gave illegal immigrants the right to schooling) generally say that school officials should not even mention immigration status, for fear of “chilling” the right of said illegal immigrants.

So yes, the principal did pretty clearly break the law. Like I said, fire her. Get her away from such an insane system.

If Republicans hadn’t spent years trying to constitutionally ban things like flag burning or gay marriage, they could have done something worthwhile. Like push a constitutional amendment restricting the right of illegals to schools, hospital care, etc.

All the Rebublican-voting kool-aid drinkers should meditate on that for a while.

By Leia

November 13, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Hey EW - you own books? Try reading them then. Your grammar skills are horrid!

In your 10:10 post, you wrote: quota’s and it should have been quotas - you incorrectly used an apostrophe (you know, the little mark - ‘). You also wrote: affrimative when it should have been affirmative. You also wrote: doubale instead of double.

You’re just showing yourself to be an ignorant uneducated fool. Did Daddy get you your current job?

By Rod

November 13, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

No Janine, you stated: “…and the principal arrested…”

Is your memory that short?

By ALECIA

November 13, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

I am married to a Latino, and have a child which is 1/2 Latina. My husband is a war veteran and college graduate (magna cum laude)In fact, quite a few Latinos are in the military. This lady’s comments were discriminatory and hurtful. She should be fired. If we were discussing another ethnic group, retention would not even be considered. This is one of the reasons why my husband and I are considering private school for our daughter. There is too much discrimination in the public school system. If this event happened in the corporate world, she would be fired. It is obvious that bigots are in control of the system. By the way illegal immigrants are not just limited to Latin America. Yes there are black immigrants here illegally. Blacks come from more places than Africa. Perhaps you should investigate the statistics from INS before making a blanket comment, or take a Geography class.

By Sgt. Wilkes

November 13, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Hey Isaac P. Garcia - you have stated that you’re an Illegal Alien. What’s your home address and will you be there for me and my unit tomorrow morning to pick you up?

By Renee

November 13, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Janine, you really are clueless!! Now, in your 10:18 post you’re talking about the reason the Principal was fired.

THE PRINCIPAL WASN’T FIRED - read the story again.

Damn, you’re a dense one.

By Mary

November 13, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Should she be allowed to return to the school? NO. Much less as principal! She should be kicked out of the educational system and not let back in anywhere! Regrets…it’s to late! She not only stirred the pot up amongst the divided community we live in but she started an uncomfortable environment at her school! For teachers and students alike! Get her out now!

By EW

November 13, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Leia, you actually know who your daddy is? Wow, a first. Stranger things have happened.

By Corey

November 13, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

Richard, I see your point, but can you imagine what our society would be like if these kids received absolutely no education?

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

For all you offended Latino/as, if you subtracted Mexican/Central American immigrants from the equation, we wouldn’t even be talking about a problem of overstressed systems.

An estimated 56% of illegal immigrants are Mexican. Another 22% are from other Latin American countries.

Get over your offendedness. The problem of illegal immigration is tied to certain ethnic groups. Duh.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/03/07/D8G6U2KO8.html

By Monday

November 13, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Tolerance-NOT……one strike & you are out. Aquagirl I see you have reared your Democratic head here……Then you had to bash republicans for the brief minuted you posted. You want to blame republicans for EVERYTHING don’t you. I guess the principal was a republican too huh? I wonder if you would have been so vicious if the principal was a democraP? HUH???????

By Ed

November 13, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Interesting story we have here. According to the people I know that are long time residents of Clayton Country, it is not the Hispancis that are responsible for the escalation in crime that Clayton Co. is experiencing in the past year or two. Frome the obvious racist sheriff Walking Small and now with principle, Clayton County is a place I want to avoid at all cost.

By Janine

November 13, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Rod and ReneeDrop by a reading class [private or public should be ok] and brush up on “using the context” as an aid to comprehension…. and about the firing..I heard from a Clayton Co. school system employee that her dismissal was in the works…probably jumped the gun and should not have mentioned it.

By lwa

November 13, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

As an African American I am not sure if she should be fired or not. I believe that she made a stupid and ignorant comment. I felt the same when white Americans say stupid things. A lot of times, people just don’t know how to handle things.

To ALECIA - private school is not always better when trying to run from “racially filled” comments. If you choose a private school, make sure there are a number (not 1 or 2) minority students through out the entire school.

By frank123

November 13, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

What she did was fine. Some kids need to be constantly threatened to stay in line and behave. If they are disruptive, the other kids can’t learn.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Well, seeing as how the Republicans had control of both congress and the presidency for the past decade or so, yeah, I blame them for the situation. They’ve been in charge. Is that news to you?

And I don’t care what political party the principal belongs to, she should be nominated for the next Supreme Court slot that opens up.

By Ms.LA

November 13, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

AQUAGIRL- Wow you really did your homework didn’t you? well for your information i know alot of asian and African ppl. that are not here legally either so maybe you should start doing more research and while you’re at it do some research on how much undocumented immigrants contribute by PAYING TAXES. I know it might be a new concept for you but illegal immigrants do pay taxes.

By Nikole

November 13, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Wow-you know this blog has taken a turn for the worst when people start commenting on grammar. I find the principal’s comments very offensive. Despite what many of you believe, it is RACIST to call people illegal immigrants just because they are Hispanic. People focus the illegal immigration subject only on Hispanics and my sister in law, who works for INS has let me know that that tunnel vision seems to allow other nationalities to just sneak in and stay beyone their visas with no worries of being caught.

By Fulton

November 13, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

The statement made by the principal(who is chosen to lead the student body) was DEAD WRONG regardless of the level of her frustration. Should she be fired? That should be up to the board of education but I know I wouldn’t want my child under her guidance. To the mis-guided (and fake) EW, stick to the issue!! Cause I’ll bet you couldn’t compete without the head start and additional luxuries that you’ve been luckily afforded. Yes, in some cases there is a double standard but you must first examine the reason why it exists !!!!

By Alecia

November 13, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Aqua Girl, why don’t you research how many members of our armed forces are from Mexico or Central America? By the way, my husband is from Nicaragua(Yes, that is in Central America), and he served in the Marines for 5 years and earned several achievement medals and promotions. He was only a resident alien when he served in Desert Storm. As you sit snug on your computer, embracing your 1st amendment, turn on the television and see how many hispanics,from Mexico or Central America are getting killed in Iraq. It is amusing that you consider these immigrants a problem. OF course Hispanics have the right to be offended!!!

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Does the fact that you know “alot” of Asian and African people are here illegally mean anything? Is there a point to that statement? If so, I’d love to hear it. Get yourself together, Ms LA.

Illegal immigrants pay some taxes. They also consume a lot of resources too. The difference is I pay taxes in all categories. I also don’t send billions of dollars back home, instead of putting it into our economy.

By Renee

November 13, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Janine, just learn to be at peace with yourself and admit it - you’re an idiot.

By Richard

November 13, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Hey Nikole - your grammar’s horrid! Ever check your spelling before you hit enter? You’re what’s wrong with grammar today - people count on spellcheck and don’t bother to actually know how to spell correctly. You made several mistakes.

By Rod

November 13, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, Janine - what was that stupid “context” comment about? Bottom line - you said the principal shouldn’t be fired or reprimanded, then mentioned arresting. Get over yourself.

Also - you stated: “..I heard from a Clayton Co. school system employee that her dismissal was in the works…” BULLSH1T!!! You’ve been busted as an idiot and now you’re lying. You didn’t “hear” anything from a “Clayton County school system employee” about this. What are you - unemployed just sitting around your computer blogging when you should be looking for a job? Go back to bed and wake up next year.

By Sgt. Wilkes

November 13, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

I notice the illegal alien Isaac P. Garcia ran and hid after I called him out!

By Richard

November 13, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Hey Aquagirl - you’re committing a FEDERAL CRIME right now. You stated that you know some illegal aliens right now. By knowing that and not reporting them, you’re committing a felony.

You’re nothing but a crook and are actually living out in public illegally right now! Since you should be in prison.

By Anonymous

November 13, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

As a teacher who has worked under this principal in the past (not at Forest Park), I know that she is extremely capable and guilty of not thinking before she speaks. She has done it many times before and has offended multiple people. As an administrator, she is in the public eye and she needs to realize that she needs to speak in more politically and culturally correct terms.

I think she is in serious need to “re-training” before she is allowed in a position of power again if at all.

By MA

November 13, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Rod and AquaGirl: What is offensive is the assumption that if you are Hispanic you must be illegal. My daughters were born in El Salvador (that’s in Central America) and have been legal citizens for over 25 years. They don’t even speak Spanish! Yet they still have people ask “where they are from”, “if they are on welfare” and make remarks like — “I want a salesclerk who can speak English” before my daughters have even spoken the first word. If a principal ever called an assembly of black students and threatened to “send them back to the jungle” they would be looking for a job in another state. This is no different.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

Okay, for the simple-minded, here it is by the numbers:

Not all Hispanics are illegal immigrants. Just a pretty sizable minority.

Illegal immigrants are causing considerable financial and social problems in this country.

Addressing the issue illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central American might be a good idea.

The fact that a resident alien from Nicaragua has served in the Marines is not connected to the discussion. BTW, good for him. I spent several years myself not sitting smugly in front of my TV and defending our 1st amendment freedoms. I don’t think that entitles me (or any member of my family)to play race/ethnic/feminist/other “victim” minority cards.

By Taxpayer

November 13, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

I couldn’t do this principal’s job so I don’t think I should sit in judgment of her.

By john van

November 13, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Ok look, knock the PC crap and lets face the facts. They should be deported without question. The gang members are a direct threat to the school and the children it serves. I’m sorry if the turth hurts. Heck I say give that teacher a metal.

By Patti Ghezzi

November 13, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hi all, I want us to have a good discussion. There is no reason to attack others for their spelling and grammar. This is a blog, not a thesis. No need to call anyone names either.

Thanks

By joyce

November 13, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

I’m sure she was frustrated, as we all are, with gang problems. She got a little carried away. When people come to this country - legal or illegal - they should realize it is important to become a working part of their new country if they want to be accepted. Forgive her and restore her to her qualified position.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Richard, I know some illegal immigrants? I may know of some, there’s a difference. Despite MA’s squawking, I don’t assume all hispanics are illegal, and I don’t quiz people on their legal residency status.

Nikole’s spelling may be horrid, but you may want to lay off of her and brush up on your reading comprehension skills.

By JustMe

November 13, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

I fail to see how the principals comment was hurtfull to all hispanics.

I am white. If someone made a statement that “all white murderers will be arrested”, I would not be offended at all. In fact, I would applaud them. I am not a murderer and so that statement has nothing to do with me, as a legal white law-abiding citizen. And, I would be very happy that the white murderers are going to be arrested!

Hispanics/Latinos would only be offended if they are truely illegal!!!

This has nothing to do with hispanics that serve in the military, hispanics with legitimate full time jobs, hispancis that are here legally, and so on. Why would they be offended?

By Dick

November 13, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

I SAY LET’S MAKE THE PRINCIPLE IN QUESTION THE STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. AT LEAST THIS ONE AHD THE GUTS TO CALL A SPADE A SPADE, A HEART A HEART, A CLUB A CLUB.

By Melody

November 13, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

We all make mistake, and sometimes when we get angry we say the wrong thing. I admire all teachers, because you have to walk on egg shell all the time, and i know that is hard to do. I know you really have to bite your tongues, deal with parents and students.

By Melody

November 13, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

We all make mistake, and sometimes when we get angry we say the wrong thing. I admire all teachers, because you have to walk on egg shell all the time, and i know that is hard to do. I know you really have to bite your tongues, dealing with parents and students.

By Cambe

November 13, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I think she should be fired for her racist remarks. If the students were black and she used the N word it would not be up for discussion. The Latino community needs to stand up and not take this. She should be deported to her couch.

By Ernest

November 13, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

This is a sad case of a good administrator having a laspe of judgment and doing something unfortunate. If as alleged by several in this blog, this broke FEDERAL law by meeting with the children and saying what was reported, she should be reprimanded accordingly. I personally hope she does not lose her job. She will carry this with her for the rest of her life and that is a lifelong punishment. At a minimum, she should be reassigned to a different school (assuming CCSC elects keeps her).

By Hiding

November 13, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

If this truly is a “pattern” and not the first time—-then I think something more than a slap on the hand is in order.

Some people can’t be trusted with a leadership position and not everyone feels the appropriate sting with a reprimand.

Oh, by the way—these remarks apply to both the principal and the individual students causing problems in the school

By Meme

November 13, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

I think the principal hit the nail on the head. I totally agree with her. Get a job in the school system and you will see what we see.

By dlaw

November 13, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

Yes, JC, Black students HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE!!! Where are you from? Oh, I guess from an all-white school system who thought Blacks just popped up out of nowhere.

What are you thinking?

By Dean Gray

November 13, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Great idea!!Lets fire the principle!If I make a decision not to study and fail math,science and everything else,who do we fire next?Lets address the real issues here.

By the real EW

November 13, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Ok,

MA~ The notion to compare this situation to telling all “African American students to go back to the jungle” is absurd. African Americans or Blacks, (which ever we decide to call ourselves on any given day) is totally different. No black students are here illegally. There’s a difference in Black, or African American compared to African students.

Like I said before, she should not be fired, however she should be reprimanded. Now, lets be real we are educating African, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean students who are here ILLEGALLY and have proven to be a burden to the system at large, if you are not in education, go to a heavily populated school of immigrants and you can see the burden. These are facts; however we must come up with a moral and appropriate solution to the problem. I promise you, when it affects your child then you will be ready to be an advocate for change.

By DebbieDoRight

November 13, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

The principal should be fire PERIOD. If she had made the statement to ALL of her students, and not just a select few, then she could’ve gotten away with the remark, but since she didn’t, since she deliberately singled out ONE group then yes, she should be fired.

PS: Blacks have been in America since the 1700s — about the same time as some whites, I think we’re legal now. If not, then the ONLY legal residents are the Indians.

By DebbieDoRight

November 13, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

It’s a double standard, something certain groups have been afforded all their lives. Leia you coudn’t compete without quota’s and affrimative action; enjoy them…the doubale standards that is

oh booo hooo!! The Poor little white american male/female crying because someone else wants a piece of their pie! Oh boo hooo!!! Woe is me!!!

By Nja

November 13, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

I think her comments were offensive and I would be p** if my child was a part of that group. Especially since she cannot deport these students even if she wanted to. Even if she was white and the students were black I would not recommend that she be fired (I’m black). I would recommend that she undergo multicultural sensitivity training. I think the topic of illegal immigration is a passionate one for most people. However, as American Citizens we must still obey the law. And that means we who work in the school system cannot threaten or even make mention of a students immigration status. TAKE IT UP WITH YOUR LAWMAKERS AND THE BUSINESSES WHO HIRE ILLEGALS. I don’t have a problem with immigration but I do have a problem with ILLEGAL immigration. Also, some people need to check their statistics- the largest illegal population is Hispanics.

By NoMorePC

November 13, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

It is about time people get past the fear of saying something that is not politically correct. If you are here illegally (and I don’t care where you are from), don’t expect the same social services that the tax paying legal citizens have access to. I pay school taxes and am a citizen, therefore my children have the right to attend public schools. what is so difficult about that? You don’t like it? Then feel free to go back to where you came from. You like living here? Great, come into this country legally and become a tax paying citizen. The principle simply had the nerve to say what many feel. Too bad she is being punished by the PC fanatics for saying it.

By Janis Ian

November 13, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

I wonder what Ernest would say were it a white principal doing something similar to black students. Anyway, were that the case there probably already would have been marches in the street and national news coverage. All-black Clayton County School District allows this kind of racism because the majority black population of Clayton County could care less about civil rights for any other ethnic group. It is quite sad and, sadly, all too common in the metro area.

By DeeJay

November 13, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

“…EW - The difference in your ignorant scenario is that there aren’t any illegal Black, immigrant students! Read a book!…”

..au contraire, there are plenty of illegal black immigrant kids in highs/middle schools just as there are also quite a number of illegal white kids from Europe(mostly Eastern Europe)just as there are a number of illegal Asian immigrant kids! The thought/notion that illegal immigrants are only Latino is laughable!

By DebbieDoRight

November 13, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

how much undocumented immigrants contribute by PAYING TAXES

If they are undocumented and without an SSN# how do they pay taxes? Or do you mean they pay sales taxes when they buy an item?

By DeeJay

November 13, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

She should be fired. If she was white and made the same move on black kids she would have been long gone. I am black and I understand she could have made a mistake but the double standards thing has to end, she’s gotta go! SEGREGATION.SHE should know better being a black woman!

By Ernest

November 13, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Janis, good question! Those on the blog that know me would say my answer would be the same.

In this case, I believe I know the principal, her background, and her desire to help children. Without question, she made a mistake. While I personally would hope for compassion with regards to her reprimand, I fully support whatever decision CCSC makes!

By TLW

November 13, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Something needs to be done about the illegals. Ever since they arrived, graffiti is everywhere and I wonder if it is from children of the Hispanics because of all the gangs they belong to. Look at what they have done to Los Angeles.

If the Government will not obey our laws and deport illegals, I say run them out of office.

By HB

November 13, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

But, EW, I think that MA’s point is valid, even if the analogy is off. The principal has stereotyped Latino families as illegals and their children as gang members and stated if one Latino student (quite possibly one legally in this country, who could in fact be a U.S. citizen ) caused a problem that she would call in immigration officials. A better analogy would be this. Let’s say two African-American males were arrested last weekend for a drug-related robbery. Now what if she called a meeting for only Africian-American students and stated that if one black student caused a problem in the future, she would call in the police and facilitate searching their lockers for weapons and drugs. It’s just bad in so many different ways. First, there’s the obviously racist implication that black students are likely to have drugs/weapons in their possession (or that Latino families are most likely illegal residents). Then, there’s calling the meeting based on skin color/ethnicity, not on any suspicion of specfic students’ actions. It’s just unacceptable.

Someone earlier stated that if you’re not guilty, you won’t be offended by such remarks. I really find that hard to believe. Few innocent people would feel comfortable with being under a cloud of suspicion based on only their race/ethnicity.

I believe the principal should be fired as she has clearly demonstrated poor judgement. It’s not just a matter of making one inflammatory statement without thinking. Calling a meeting focusing only on Latino male students was wrong to begin with, and she should not be leading a school.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Yes, there are illegal African, European, and Asian students. There are probably illegal Inuit students here fleeing the tundra. But right now, about 3/4ths of the illegal immigrants in this country are from Mexico and Central/South America. As a group, they are overwhelming our systems and causing enormous problems.

How would you like to be in charge of disciplining students who aren’t even here legally? You think they have respect for authority, or the belief that they can be punished for breaking a rule?

By Freedomofspeech

November 13, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Isn’t freedom of speech one of our Constitutional Rights. I guess that one is getting stripped away from us too. Because of this PC crap and the illegal immigration, and the democrats now controlling congress, all of our constitutional rights are slowing being taken away from us. Just watch, Spanish or Arabic will be our official language within the next 5 years. Mark my word.

By Ed

November 13, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

We all know there is a overwhelming problem with illegal immigration and the social and financial impact the probelms are causing tax payers. The issue is double standards,and how some races are given a break on just about anything they say. Case in the point, the racist scare tatic ad Mayor Franklin, Andrew Young and John Lewis made for the Fulton County Commissioners seat. Had three white men or women made that ad Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, bullhorns in hand, would be marching on the dome in hoards. Alas, Georgia is seeing a new RED day; we are Republican now, other than downtown Atlanta and that very well may change soon. We won’t sit idle and let this state be run into the ground from Auburn Avenue. She should be fired, she knows she made a huge error in judegment and it is not her first, she is a loose cannon.

By Figii67

November 13, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

(Where are Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton now? Oh I forgot, they’re with Chris Rock’s mother because she waited 30 mins at Cracker Barrel with no service.) This is being downplayed by the black community because the principal is black. Had this been a white principal and the group of students were black, I believe they would have even tried to bring Hosea back to life and national media would have been involved. The principal was on the right track but should have addressed the parents of these trouble makers whatever the color of their skin.

By the real EW

November 13, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

HB you have a point and I agree with your anology.

By DebbieDoRight

November 13, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

This is being downplayed by the black community because the principal is black. Had this been a white principal and the group of students were black

Oh get real!! Half of the people saying she should be fired have identified themselves as BLACK. sheesh!

By Monday

November 13, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Figii67 Very well said….. However, I doubt she would have been able to “communicate” with the parents of the offenders. They probably do not speak english.

By young lady

November 13, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

I am hispanic and I understand that we have a high potential of being in a gang, but the way the principal dealt with the situation was incorrect. She holds a high postion and she should be well educated to know how to handle certain situations. I believe she holds the principle position because she supposly knows how to deal with kids. I beleive that we are all letting the whole illegal crap get the best of us. We all know that she did wrong. I guess we/you all dont want to admit it because it was not done to an american.* Do you believe it would be right to have a class full of white americans and tell them they are not allowed to listen to rock and wear black because they will be sent to jail in refrance to shooting up a school….Or a room full of african americans and tell them you are not allowed to be in a room by yourself full of tv’s because we will call the cops in refrance that they will steal them..* I know you guys would be mad and want the principal fired. So please dont be hypocrites…**If you are going to make an opinon make a far and make it legit.

By DebbieDoRight

November 13, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Case in the point, the racist scare tatic ad Mayor Franklin, Andrew Young and John Lewis made for the Fulton County Commissioners seat

They made the comments about republicans. Now unless you think ALL REPUBLICANS ARE WHITE, how is their comments considered racist?

By SET

November 13, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

We really have several different issues here. One is the ability or non-ability of a management staffer of an organization to make public statements about what is being done in the organization without permission or directly against the wishes of the organization.

Guess what, you don’t get to run your mouth in public if you are an executive about what your agency is doing or thinking of doing against the wishes of your employer. A business or an agency has the right, ability and duty to control such information and it’s presentation.

So on that basis, the principal and the school district have a face to face coming about who is the tail and who is the dog - and whether or not the relationship is viable in the future.

Now having said that - the Mexican Invasion of the USA is dangerous. It threatens the viability of local government - the ability to provide safety and services to the citizens of this country. Invaders should be hunted down and interned until such time as we see fit to deport them - which is what happens in most civilized nations who take their territorial integrity seriously. (Such as Mexico or Switzerland)

Our failure to do this will bring increasingly more serious misery to out nationals in our own country. The misery will affect some people (the poor) more than others (the rich).

A school district principal is simply not free to engage in public statements or debate about all this in their official capacity no matter how they personally feel one way or the other.

Freedom of Speech like a lot of the constitutional provisions - does not work the way people fantasize it does.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

The reason hispanic students were called in is because of off-campus problems involving hispanic gangs.

Apparently PC correctness hasn’t filtered down to gangs, which organize themselves around racial/ethnic lines. Y’all want to sit here and bash this school administrator for acknowledging reality and trying to deal with it.

There’s nothing like the self-righteousness of limousine liberals.

By NoMorePC

November 13, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Young Lady,the whole illegal crap is simply not crap. It is a situation in our country that has gotten way out of control. It needs to be controlled, now. If the majority of the illegals are Hispanic, so be it. It is a drain on resources. How much taxpayer money is being spent to teach illegal people to speak English?? Alot, based on converstations I have had with friends in the education business. Perhaps the principle could have phrased it better, but I have no doubt she nailed it on the head.

By Monday

November 13, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl Do you hate everyone who isn’t democrat? First you bash the republicans, now the liberals? Is your last name Pelosi or Murtha?

By Sylvia R. Williams

November 13, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

This principal had the guts to say what needed to be said. This is going on in so many schools in the metro area. . A survey needed to be taken then you will see that this is a problem everywhere.

By Producer

November 13, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

A stuck pig squeals the loudest! No way in hell should she be fired. The illegal kids and their families should be deported.

By Vince Wilson

November 13, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Nothing should be done to her. It’s already difficult to attract and keep quality people in education as it is. One of the reasons is that they have to discipline with one leg in quicksand and both hands tied behind their backs. I agree that she should have used more restraint, self-control, and creativity in dealing with her students. However, sometimes the only way to get a teenager to behave is to get them where it hurts. The principal in this case was merely using a tactic that educators have used for decades to maintain order and discipline in schools. Those of us who have never taught are grossly unqualified and unentitled to judge how educators do their jobs.

By Just My Thoughts

November 13, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Like it or not there is a double standard in the way this principal is being treated. If this were a white principal racial profiling all African American students and accusing them of gang activity, then that principal would be tarred and feathered. She may have beeen following her heart and doing what she thought was best, but her actions have cast great doubt on her ability to lead and a major trust barrier aong the parents of legal hispanic students.

By ronda

November 13, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should show a little forgiveness. Being a teacher is an amazingly difficult job so imagine how much more is on the principal having to manage parents, students and teachers. She definitely needs a sensitivity training course and probably talk to a counselor to help her sort out her frustration.

By k

November 13, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

As one who has had the displesure of working with this principal in the past, I was not surprised by her prejudicial and inappropriate comments. At her old school, she was famous for making comments that offended not only students but parents and faculty as well. Thinking before speaking is something this principal has not been able to learn.

I appreciate that she is concerned with growing gang violence in her community. It shows she cares what happens to her students. Singling out a specific group of people to chastise and threaten is just plain wrong and she should have consequences. I do not think that at this time she should be allowed to be principal until she has been “re-educated” and even then I do not think that parents and students will necessarily feel comfortable with her regaining leadership of the school. Perhaps another assignment is necessary. As adults, we should know that some actions require serious consequences and I believe this is one of those times.

By k

November 13, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

As one who has had the displesure of working with this principal in the past, I was not surprised by her prejudicial and inappropriate comments. At her old school, she was famous for making comments that offended not only students but parents and faculty as well. Thinking before speaking is something this principal has not been able to learn.

I appreciate that she is concerned with growing gang violence in her community. It shows she cares what happens to her students. Singling out a specific group of people to chastise and threaten is just plain wrong and she should have consequences. I do not think that at this time she should be allowed to be principal until she has been “re-educated” and even then I do not think that parents and students will necessarily feel comfortable with her regaining leadership of the school. Perhaps another assignment is necessary. As adults, we should know that some actions require serious consequences and I believe this is one of those times.

By Shh!

November 13, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

When are folks gonna learn? If this poor principle woman had shut her mouth and simply placed an anonymous call to INS regarding the families of the little hoodlums, everything would be hunky-dorry right now and we wouldn’t be debating this at all. Two sayings apply here:

Keep your wits, shut your mouth and do your biddings in silence…with a sideways smirk on your face. Plus, by letting others do your dirty work, no one can blame you. ; )

By PC has VD

November 13, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

For those of you who are so disturbed by racially insensitive comments made in a public school setting: How about last week’s politically/racially referenced comments provided by Mayor Franklin and her cronies? Shouldn’t she be fired? They certainly seemed out of context for the 21st century. I’m sure the feelings of many of her taxpayers were hurt. A couple of years ago, I had a student enrolled in my 10th English class (due to his age) who could not speak English and had not even attended school in Mexico since the 4th grade. I see no reason for frustration among educational professinals at all!

By Hmm

November 13, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

She’s sorry, no real harm caused. It was a remark she knows full well shouldn’t have been made, she openly regrets it. She should be allowed to return to the school, or another school, if the community is truly that uncomfortable.

We’ve had issues like this at schools before. Pine Ridge Elementary in Dekalb pulled a similarly disgusting stunt a few years back. They had a rash of property damage to some trailers. In response, they pulled grade school children (by gender) into separate cafeteria meetings. The children didn’t know that the whole school was affected, all they knew is all the boys or all the girls were suspect. It was a blatant attempt to intimidate them into admission, complete with threat of law enforcement. I’ve forgotten if the officer was already there, or if only the school resource officer was there. I remember they told the kids this was their last chance to step forward, without legal repercussion and all that. Now, given that the police were already involved (due to major property destruction), if a kid had stepped forward thinking “immunity is good at least, ugh” only to find out that it was all a trick and he (or she) didn’t even have a lawyer present (or a parent for that matter), how do you think that would have gone?? Well, I think we’d be reading about another hefty lawsuit against Dekalb. I found the whole experience disgusting, but that’s it. Take a few steps back, look at it for what it is, and move on. It is a 95% black school, so I suppose further groupings (by race) would be impossible.

There are bigger things to address in this day and age, which practically make this “incident” comical. It would help if the community could all just Grow Up.

By Janine

November 13, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Speaking of this kind of thing happening before….there was a case , I believe in Fulton County, or perhaps Atlanta City, in which an African Am.assistant principal called a group of African Am. males to the library in order to address some issue [can’t remember the issue, but it was negative]that she felt concerned only them. There was a big uproar from parents and she was re-assigned…there was some media coverage, but it blew over.

By Denese

November 13, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

My daughter is a Black senior student at Forest Park High, and even though she was not affected by Ms. Young’s LATEST stunt, she has proven before that she does not have at heart the best interest of ANY student at Forest Park High School.

My daughter has shared several stories of comments she has heard Delphia Young make to STUDENTS IN GENERAL that she, my 17-year old daughter, believed to be offensive AND inappropriate.

Ms. Young has proven without a shadow of a doubt that she should not be the principal of ANY school in Georgia. She does not seem to have a passion for helping children nor does she even appear to LIKE children of any age, which I believe is fundamental if you are in a job that involves CHILDREN.

I would be very disgusted for her to return to Forest Park High, or any school for that matter.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

When schools are run by 17 year olds, then they can fire the principals. Until then, maybe they should concentrate on learning instead of evaluating administrators comments.

By Archie Hall

November 13, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Principal Delphia Young should be applauded for addressing the Illegal Immigration and Latino Gang Problem in her school. The Board Should be ashamed of suspending her. GIVE HER BACK HER JOB!
If anyone here wants to know how the Georgia Public School system will end up if we keep allowing illegal immigrants to dictate policy in our school system. All you need to do is go to California and check out their public schools and see how it is nearly 100% overrun by an illegal Hispanic Immigration population. Seriously, GO TO LOS ANGELES, visit their public schools and SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES how this illegal Immigrant problem in public schools will end up in GA if left unchecked and Unchallenged. I have a child at Forest Park HS and she tells me that Mrs. Young has often blasted “African American” students with the same candor and straight forwardness if not more. The Hispanics on one hand now want to be seen as VICTIMS but on the other hand they are throwing up Gang Signs in school and causing disturbances all while being in this country illegally. The meeting on last THurday was packed with rowdy Hispanic Parents demanding Mrs.Young’s head on a platter. But when asked by teachers and Mrs. Young why their children are causing problems in the school system and failing in the classroom the response given is the ancient Hispanic classic “NO HABLA ENGLES”!

I relocated to Atlanta from LA to get away from this same problem which has all but saturated the entire LA public school system. I’ve heard the same oburd accusations in LA from Hispanics in the past whenever a school “leader” would even dare to mention INS, Illegal immigration,Speaking English, etc… the same repremand,suspension or firing would happen to each Principal,teacher, Elected official as what happend to Prinicipal Delphia Young, until eventually over time as the illegal Hispanic population grew larger, they were all replaced by Hispanics.

Its like they have it all scripted or something accross the country. So when I heard about the issue at Forest Park and I heard the Hispanic students complaining, I was like DEJA VU!

Anyway, I went to the meeting on last THURSDAY and the “real” comments came after the meeting in the Parking lot where many Hispanics openly declared that they are going to one day be the majority in Clayton CO. and then the’ll be in charge of the Board of Ed.
LIke I said folks debate if you will but PLeez, Pleez visit Los Angeles if you really want to know what we are in for as Tax paying citizens of Clayton Co. Ga.

By Hamilton

November 13, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Zell was right. Georgia IS the envy of the nation. And that nation is Mexico.

By Archie Hall

November 13, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

To Denese,

CAN U SAY CRABS IN A POT?

THere is a larger issue at hand and personal feelings should be put aside in certain instances. To my understanding Mrs. Young has lifted Forest Park HS above its status of a “NEEDS IMPROVEMENT” school and implemented new programs at the school in order to improve Test scores and the senior graduation rate wich in the past was dismal at Forest Park. You see that is whats wrong with “US”, Hispanics can be over here illegal and wrong as two left feet and yet still support each other as a community, however we on the other hand can’t see past our own petty personal pet peeves long enough to look ahead down the road and see how things may change to our detrimate. My question to you is while your talking about your child, how many Advanced level courses does your child take at Forest Park, is she in her right grade, is she a problem in the classroom,is she a teenage mother? If she is doing well then Kudos to you, if not I think that is part of the problem as well.

By Denese

November 13, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

I think AquaGirl is an AJC plant to keep the blog going!!! What do you guys think? (just kidding AquaGirl - that’s called a light-hearted joke - ever hear of those?)

By Dan

November 13, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

The only question was whether or not the kids in question really could be deported. If so and she is aware of it should be her responsibility to report them.

By Aquagirl

November 13, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

My job to keep the blogs going doesn’t pay enough to acknowledge light-hearted jokes.

:)

By def

November 13, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

I say promote her! I only wish it hadn’t been just a threat to call immigration authorities.

By holdingAJCaccountable

November 13, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Come to school respectful, prepared, and ready to learn, and nobody will give a rat’s @ss about your immigration status. Once again, we miss the point. This isn’t about immigration, it’s about discipline, the 500 lb elephant sitting in the middle of virtually every classroom, that no one wants to do anything about.

If we would address that perhaps this administrator wouldn’t have been put in the position of acting out of sheer frustration.

I can certainly appreciate the point of view of those upset in the Hispanic community. But I have to ask; where are the voices in the Hispanic community (and there may be, I haven’t followed the story intently) saying “While we disagree (strongly even) with the way it was handled, we must focus on the bigger issue of what kind of behaviors are coming from our community that would lead an administrator to take such an action? What can we do as a community to address these behaviors?”

I can only hope the new members of the Clayton Board of Education will address the discipline issue, and that it will have a carryover effect on the rest of metro Atlanta

By thomas

November 13, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

113 responses in less than 8 hours….

Stuck as nerve, huh? Amazing. I simply don’t understand.

You allow millions of people to flood the country (for the benefit of some rich pigs). You made justifications as to why these people should be allowed to come over in waves (“they do jobs Americans won’t do”- A LIE).

Now everybody wants the Mexcians go. Why? Atlantans- look at Los Angeles. Your future mirrors L.A. We haven’t seen anything yet.

By TLW

November 13, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

We came to Georgia a couple of decades ago to escape the Hispanic problem of Los Angeles. It caught back up with us. It was nice while it lasted. More and more will come to take over and you will have to move farther and farther to escape the crime they bring. My family moved several times and finally left the state because elsewhere in CA was just too expensive.

By lol

November 13, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

I’d don’t see the problem, if they’re illegal, ship em back. If they’re not, who cares about the statement. I’m tired of this double standard bs here in Atlanta.

I’d also be emberassed to be a Fulton County resident after Shirley Franklin’s remarks in last weeks vote.

Minorities are just digging a hole for themselves with crap like this. You want respect, but at the same time you p** off the majority.

Same crap goes on in T.V. Black and Latino comedians with racist remarks, but a white does it, all Hell breaks loose! GET OVER IT OR GET THE F$CK OUT!

I’m tired of your SH!ot!

By crazy

November 13, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

A friend, who’s a teacher, said they can’t say sit ‘Indian Style’ in school anymore.

LMAO, Ship em out, they’re illegal. I’m curious where you have to try to figure out if they’re illegal or not. There weren’t any Mexican here 10-15 years ago, guess what, they’re illegal. And if, somehow, they’re not…. who cares, it’s a legit statement.

Just like Shirley Franklin saying Whites will hose down blacks! I don’t hear AJC, or anyone else, calling for her removal. P** OFF!

By j d

November 13, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

give hr a meadel and a big raise

By crazy

November 13, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

A friend, who’s a teacher, said they can’t say sit ‘Indian Style’ in school anymore.

LMAO, Ship em out, they’re illegal. I’m curious where you have to try to figure out if they’re illegal or not. There weren’t any Mexican here 10-15 years ago, guess what, they’re illegal. And if, somehow, they’re not…. who cares, it’s a legit statement.

Just like Shirley Franklin saying Whites will hose down blacks! I don’t hear AJC, or anyone else, calling for her removal. P** OFF!

By figii67

November 13, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

Report em and deport “em! The issue is much bigger than the discipline problem at the schools. The illegals think that they are above the law. If they commit a crime as heinous as sexual assault or even murder, they can simply fade back into their “homeland” without repercussion. They refuse to assimilate into our culture so provisions are made for them. How often do you see a sign anymore that doesn’t contain a spanish translation, or go through a phone prompt and not have to push 1 for english-2 for spanish? This service wasn’t provided when the onslaught of Vietnamese, Haitian, or any other immigrants showed up in the 80s & 90s. How often have you taken your 11-17 year old daughter to the mall to have her leared at, lewed gestures made, and comments made (in spanish)obviously about her? The immigrants are being empowered to live the way they currently are. Nothing is being done to stop them from sending 85% of the TAX FREE dollars they earn back to Mexico. It’s up to us to take our country back. Stop using any business that employees illegals,, don’t employee them to be your housekeepers, lawn maintenance, etc. Any reputable company requires a social and will conduct a background and credit check that fake documents shouldn’t be able to pass. Don’t rent to them. Don’t sell to them. Stop empowering them.

By Becky Mattix

November 13, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

I agree with all of the above except firing that principal. I am sick and tired of paying more taxes. This country better start standing up for themselves. Put pressure on your elected officials and make them do what you elected them to do. Personally, I think that all teachers and administrators should have a walk-out at the same time - then see what happens. If the illegals became legal before they put their kids in school, we would have a different picture here.

By MMM

November 13, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

Many of you scare me.

When did we roll up the American Dream?

So you were lucky enough to be born here and that means????? for the unlucky ones envious of our stuff, freedom, and relatively corruption-free government?

The wretched masses yearning to be free need not apply anymore.

Yes I know Ellis Island screened the immigrants and refused those with diseases—-but this concept of “illegals” didn’t exist until the early 1900’s. One of the main reasons political arguments for publicly supported “common schools”succeeded was that most taxpayers felt German and Irish Catholic immigrants needed to be assimilated and taught English.

So sad that we have lost that generosity of spirit so that we don’t have to “share” the luck that came of being born in the richest country on earth.

By Leia

November 14, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

Hi - I just want everyone to know that someone is posting under my name. I made the original “Leia” post at 9:09 am yesterday. All subsequent “Leia” posts were not from me.

By Taco

November 14, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

And the Republicans think that they lost Congress because they were too hard on illegals. The whole thing is ridiculous.

The only way to get rid of illegals is to stop providing them with jobs. Until someone has the cahones to enforce the existing immigration laws, no fence, no increased border security, no denial of services… nothing else will work to stop them.

The solution is so simple, but all of our politicians are too power hungry and greedy to make it happen.

If we could get some serious campaign finace reform, we might be able to get politicians to listen to their constituents.

Oh… and don’t fire this principal.

By JustMe

November 14, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

MMM -

I think that you have completely missed the point. No one wants to turn away immigrants that are LEGAL. It is the large amount of ILLEGAL ones that are messing everything up.

There is no need for you or anyone to wave the flag or quote from the statue of liberty. Everyone agrees that we still have the American dream for legal immigrants. It is the people that do not want to follow the rules and laws that mess things up.

By MMM

November 14, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

JustMe

There is a member of our church who fell in love and married a guy from Hondurus about 5 years ago after meeting him on a church mission trip. They have done EVERYTHING INS has told them to do.

Her husband had a son by an earlier marriage. They have been trying for 5 years to bring their child/stepchild home with them. They have just recieve word after filing out the “final” paperwork that there is a 3-4 year wait for “processing”. The child will be in high school before they can reasonablly expect to get him here, and their only recourse is to move to Hondurus if they want to be together, because if they visit more than once a year, the husbands application for citizenship will be forfeit.

My point is that the policies we have are so broken and badly adminisered that, in effect, we have “closed the door”.

Most refugees—who the UN has documented have no home to safely return to—wait 8-10 years in camps before being sent somewhere(they don’t choose where.)

IF LEGAL is IMPOSSIBLE for most people—the temptation to use a coyote will grow.

By PC has VD

November 14, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

The Southwestern States have had problems with illegals since the 70s, but now the damn has completely collapsed. In the late-70s, the faculty of my Ft. Worth middle school was told that their numbers must reflect the actual student body ethnicity. Guess what? About 15 permanent subs were hired as no Hispanic teachers were available. I am all for increasing the prosperity of those less fortunate, but that has meant a significant decrease for the evaporating middle class. Just think- we are all only a step away from medical bankruptcy whether we have insurance or not. After being hit by an uninsured driver, my medically-insured daughter is about to lose her home over exorbitant uncovered bills. Oh yes, there were several large, extended families in the ICU who spoke no English. I have to wonder how their medical expenses were collected.

By hs sped

November 14, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

It’s really sad that CC has turned out like this. I have heard that, at one time, it was a desirable place to live.

By JustMe

November 14, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

MMM -

That one experience that you share would be very rare indeed. No one could ever convince me that the thousands/millions of illegals are in the US because they are a single child of a foreign born that is married to a legal US citizen.

Sure, there are problems with the system. There are problems with any system. But you still should not drive 60 mph when the posted speed limit is 45 mph regardless of your excuse!

By MMM

November 15, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

JustMe

Yes I’m sure this experience is rare, but it makes my point that if timely legal immigration cannot happen under our system even in such an obvious humanitarian circumstance as this, than what we are REALLY saying is not we “want you if you just will drive at 45” it is “to bad, so sad, starve on your side of the border where we won’t have to notice”.

By Joyce

November 17, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

As disturbing as this principal’s”impulsive” stupid threat was, I find it even more disturbing that she corralled all of the Latinos for a meeting. Unless my memory of 15 years’ high school teaching is faulty, it takes effort and planning to call a meeting like that in the middle of the school day. The students have to be identified, (yearbook pictures? surnames?)then they have to be pulled out of their classes and all of their teachers notified, an empty place large enough to hold them has to be found and reserved and finally teachers who are on their free periods have to be notified to help with supervision and crowd control during this meeting. In other words, this action was NOT impulsive. If my son were pulled out of his class to go to this meeting for no reason other than the color of his skin, I would be the first in line demanding an explanation and some consequences for this administrator. It’s racism, pure and simple.

By Lee

November 17, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Just read in the AJC where Cherokee County (near Atlanta for all you out of state bloggers) enacted an ordinance to levy penalties (fines, revocation of business licenses, etc) against landlords who rent to illegal aliens.

But if the child of that illegal alien shows up on the door of the schoolhouse, we are supposed to provide a free education to them and heaven help the teacher or administrator who questions it.

Does anyone besides me see the irony in this situation?

By Joyce

November 17, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

If that child was born in the US, then s/he is a citizen, with the same rights as your children, even though the parents are here illegally. How does a school handle that?

By Ernest

November 17, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Patti, please let us know how this story turns out when a decision is made. The results will probably make another interesting blog topic.

By squitoo

November 17, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

In the 60’s we fussed, hollered, and screamed about the blacks moving into our neighborhoods. In the 2000’s we are fussing about the Latinos and other non-white immigrants moving into our neighborhoods. Remember what happen to the American Indians in the late 1700’s and 1800’s. Mayby all of this immigration problem is our payback for the the way we treated the American Indian. Will we ever solve the problem of racism in this country. Don’t get excited. Just food for thought.

By SET

November 17, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

squitoo:

Over 45,000 Russian immigrants have moved into Northern CA. I have experience with Irish, Italian, and Eashern European immigrants. With some ups and down these groups have learned to fit in. Ditto the Chinese and Jews.

They don’t have the pathology of the 3rd world immigrants. The reason we don’t want 3rd world imigrants and their culture in this country is because we don’t like their pathology. We don’t like their crime, alcoholism, promiscuity, diseases, and illiteracy. And their refusal to learn English and to assimilate. It this clear enough for you?

No amount of babble about “racism” will ever change a thing. Nobody wants to see the US and the various states and cities of this country turn into 3rd world cesspools.

We’d have less difficulty is the US would shut down all welfare hand-outs for immigrants and their children (not to mention the home-grown trash) and let them live or die as best they could. You can’t run a welfare state with open borders - like we are trying to. It’s like feeding Cancer.

The people most angry about what is happening to this country are those old enough to remember when we had low crime and good schools and hospitals. Educated people realize that we are headed for an endless high tax - war zone - with a police state to keep it going. That’s what open borders is bringing to us. Cheap labor for the Rich and Depressed wages and services for the middle class.

As far as the Indians - well no one poured liquor down their throats. The real problem with that group is morbid alcoholism. And related inability to assimilate with civilization. Now having said that, all my relatives have Indian ancestors. You have Indians all around you. Some run casinos, and some don’t identify as Indians due to years of intermarriage. Is this a problem? Freedom bites. People do what they want. And educated blacks don’t want to live in black neighborhoods. Is that a bad thing? It’s called “freedom” and Free Markets”. They teach it in school now.

And you think it’s just “racism”. Save your pity for cancer patients.