Andrew Friedman

Beat Down for Immigrants

Last year, advocates of comprehensive immigration reform and a full legalization for undocumented immigrants were roundly criticized for exercising constitutionally-protected free speech rights by carrying flags from their home countries.

This year, they were physically assaulted with rubber bullets and batons for exercising their constitionally-protected right to assemble. Shockingly, they were attacked by the Los Angeles Police Department. Once again the brutality of the LAPD was caught on video tape.

The LAPD also attacked reporters from Fox News.

While the debate about immigration reform is couched in innocuous debates about economics, culture and social policy, the violence in Los Angeles rips the mask off the hatred and racism that lies just beneath the surface of the anti-immigrant policy proposals. What we witnessed on May 1st was a clear example of the state manifesting its disrespect for immigrants' humanity.

Last year, Lou Dobbs' got very agitated about how offensive it was for immigrants to exercise free speech. We did not hear anywhere near the same level outrage from him this year about widespread police violence.

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Posted at 8:09 AM, May 07, 2007 in Immigration
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