GUEST COLUMN: Frustrated with federal government

As Bob has tried to remind everyone, this is not an issue of discrimination or racism, it is a plain simple issue of breaking the law and being here illegally. Kudos to Bob for having the guts to follow through with what many Fremonters want. We are not a racist or bigoted town, but we are a law abiding city and if you live here you need to follow the law. Be here legally or get out. I tire of the bleeding hearts who try to make something of this that it is not. If anyone in this town knowingly broke the law would all of you come to their defense saying it was all right? Would the Methodist church sanction law breaking as okay? I doubt it, but when you attach cheap labor, high rents and other money making being done at these people or because of these people the powers that be seem to think it is okay. Does the Methodist Church think it is all right that pediophiles, drug dealers and criminals are being allowed to stay because of the actions of these do gooders. How about diseases brought into our country from undocumented people. I am all for someone coming here for the good life, just come here legally, plenty of people have.We need the documentation for the protection of our people as well as the people entering the USA. We need to make sure Fremont is no longer a sanctuary city. And that is neither racist or discriminatory it is just a fact,I don't care if you are from Mexico, Europe or Mars, if you are here without papers keep on going because you are not welcomed. I no longer want to spend my tax dollars babysitting you and other ungrateful people who wave the Mexican flag in my face but want American money and benefits to take care of them. Don't drop your burdens in my lap I have enough of my own. Keep up the good work Bob and keep on kicking butt until illegals are gone (you noticed illegal not legal immigrants, there is a difference).

Nancy and others who say this isn't about race. I really, really want to believe you. Then you throw in sentences like this: "and other ungrateful people who wave the Mexican flag in my face." I'm sorry, but that sure sounds like race has something to do with it.

I do believe Fremont has a high level of racism which is sad. However, I also believe the laws on the books should be enforced. Illegals used to be afraid of INS, they no longer are, only reason is, is that the laws are not enforced.

I for one am already sick of this debate. It's already divided this community even further. Is there racisim in Fremont? Yes. Is this issue about race? No.

Those of you who say that we are cold hearted and have no love for our fellow man because we want the laws of our land enforced, are wrong. In fact, think of it this way; Illegals are forced to live in fear every day, tend to live in subpar conditions in most cases at a rent far higher than any legal citizen would pay, typically work for wages far below what any of us would accept as a fair living wage, and worry that at any moment they could be found out. Condoning this substandard treatment, by turning a blind eye to illegal immigration, seems far worse cold hearted and unloving.

Some say we should help illegals to become legal. I say, I'm more than happy to do that if they want to follow the law, which means returning to their homeland and starting over.

I respect anyone that wants to come here legally to make a better life for themselves; To go after the American Dream and be successful. What I cannot, and what the rest of us should not tolerate, are those who think they are above the law.

We have laws in place for a reason. If it is the law you oppose than you should work to change that, not condone illegal measures to get around that law.

Before I get called racist yet again, I have a mixed raced family. I've dealt with racism. I know that it's alive and well here in Fremont as well as everywhere else you go. Contrary to what everyone thinks, however, not every issue is one of race.

This issue is one of law. Follow the laws or have a consequence just like everyone else in this society does.

To those immigrants in our community who are here legally I welcome you with open arms. I am thankful for the diversity that you bring, for the opportunity to learn about others that you bring, for your integrity in respecting the laws of this land. I am proud to call you my fellow American!

I see where email is required..when did that change, and why?

Are getting a email from everyone who makes comments....or just those people you select for whatever reason?

I do not see any email on the comments below...or is it that you want it internally for control...and will not
show or give out the email on line??

Thanks. EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, we now require everyone who wants to post a comment to provide their e-mail address. It is used for internal control, chiefly to answer questions about why a comment was not posted. We do not share the e-mail with anyone.

Hey Bobby:
For the sake of discussion I'll take you at your word when you say that you personally are not a racist. But here's why this is still a racial issue: You've stated on more than one occasion that you would have never proposed this ordinance if it weren't for your so-called constituents. Maybe so. But the bile, the ignorance, and the hate generated by them, your "constituents", can only be due to something as base and vile as racism. If you are not the bigot, then they are. That's what makes it a racial issue.

Fremont is and always has been known as a small-minded, ignorant, and prejudiced town. Thanks to you and yours, it will remain so forever.

My only hope is that as you and your kind begin to die off, then someday that might change.

¡Vaya con Dios!

HQ rating: 10

It's about time this happened. If these illegals wanted to come here so bad they should have done it the right way and they would have been welcomed.

But they would rather break the law on a daily basis and then claim to be discriminated against, oh please! These people are by no means victims and I no longer have any sympathy for them because they don't seem to understand the meaning of the word criminal.

They have done nothing but damage this community and then expect to rewarded for it. It appears they feel they have some kind of right to be here, what's up with that? The law is the law and it is about time it gets enforced one way or another.

I certainly hope the communities around Fremont will follow Fremont's lead and begin developing similar laws so there is no chance for these illegals to just move a short distrance away and continue on like nothing happened.

Thank God for individuals like Bob!!! Pass the ordinance!!!

I truly find it amusing when pro-illegal's realize that they cannot possibly defend all the laws they break, so they resort to playing the race card. "The only reason illegal's are not allowed to break the law is because of their race." How pathetic...

When will Hormel's be held responsible for the explosion of illegals in Fremont? Where is the INS? Thank you Bob Warner for trying to enforce laws that big business doesn't seen to apply to them. Will the next city council meeting be held at the city muncipal building or some where else? I have a feeling like there may be a big turn out for this event.

Finally - Illegal is illegal - no way to use the race card on that - I want free medical and aid and subsidized rent and all the free help - but I'm just a retired woman on SS and I have to pay for all the illegal HELP
LETS GET HORMEL Raided ---- what would we find there ***********My cost of living hasn't gone up at all ------ Jan

Many of us work in the Health and Human Services line of work. We see on a daily basis illegals coming in to sign up for free services (Medicaid, WIC, Every Woman Matters)and they receive it. Those workers should be allowed to call NIS everytime an illegal walks through their office door. NIS will net more than one arest because normally Hispanics travel in groups. More than one person always comes to appointments.
Maybe that would teach the illegals to get documented if they realize they can't get free government services.

Do i not qualify for welfare because I am white? If I was brown I could---we see it everyday in our field of work.

Until we can step up without being afraid or allowed to call NIS, this behavior of illegals receiving free welfare benefits will continue. The goverment allows us to do so.

Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in
your house, you insist that I leave.

But I say, 'No! I like it here. It's better than my house. I've made all
the beds and washed th e dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors.
I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest
(except for when I broke into your house).




According to the protesters:



You are Required to let me stay in your house

You are Required to feed me

You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan

You are Required to Educate my kids

You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family (my husband
will do all of your yard work because he is also hard working and honest,
except for that breaking in part). If you try to call the police or force
me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs
that proclaim my RIGHT to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you
have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a
hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break
into your house and what a deal it is for me! I live in your house,
contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing
you can do about it without being accused of cold,uncaring, selfish,
prejudiced , and bigoted behavior.

Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE so you can communicate with me

I am a middle aged single women. I also live in fear. Myself and many like me have no insurance and the job market pays little.Even friends that I have with insurance have had to file bankruptcy because of medical bills. We are all one medical or employment malfunction away from the homeless center.We also know what it's like to live in FEAR.

There's something missing here. For those that are fortunate enough to "have money". If we get rid of all the the so called "illegals", who is going to clean your restrooms, pick your vegetables out in the hot sun and work in the blood and gore of the meat packing plants, so you can have your steaks ? You know you're above doing these things yourself, right ? Right ! Maybe you might want to think about these things, before you get so high and mighty. So a few tax dollars go to provide a little medical care, for some little kid from another country. SO WHAT ! Do you think for one minute our politicans would give that money back to us ? Ha, when donkeys fly ! Like it or not, we do need at least some illegals, if for no other reason, to do the lowly work that we thing we're too good to do.

If anyone has the email address of the federal government agency that is responsible for the illegal immigrants..
please share it with the rest of us.

Also would this be the same email address with which to forward illegal immigrant info in regards to Hormel?

Thank you....since it appears the next Fremont City Council meeting will result in a "NO" on the issue...perhaps it is time to deal direct with the Federal Government?

Hey Bob,

Why don't you worry about repairing our streets and the City of Fremont paying too much money on worker's comp insurance by not not bidding it out.

Good point about Hormels. WHY ARE THEY NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE????

I think that all this is racisim. It's pathetic to know that people in Fremont can be so RACIAL. Why is it that we are only bring up aliens from Mexico? And Mexican flags? Is it wrong to show pride in where you're from? There are plenty of other people from other places that are illegal here but no one's talking about them..weird. THIS IS DISCRIMANATION. Bob i hope everything that you want to happen with this issue is terminated like it should be :D

Hey Bobby:
Here's another reason why this is a racial issue: There's a myriad of laws, whether federal, state, or local, that are ignored and broken each and every day that cost the US more money than 20 million illegals ever could. Where was your outrage then? Why are you not championing an effort to allow more immigrants to enter the US if you're so outraged over the unfairness of federal policies?

This only became an issue for the pasty-white "genteel" people of Fremont when they could actually SEE (but God forbid touch) a brown person for the first time. You don't know who's a tax cheat. Or where the meth lab is. Or who's ripping off welfare. And on and on and on. So don't give me this "illegal is illegal" garbage. If it can't be seen, it doesn't exist to you. If the illegals were from Canada, there'd be no uproar.

Fremont's new motto:
If you're brown, get out of town.
If you're black, sorry, go back.
If you're yellow, good-bye fellow.

To Dave:
Bingo! Last I heard, anybody can still apply at Hormel. But it's easier to work for less at OTC.

One last word for Bobby W: It's becoming clearer all the time that this is more about you than anything else. You've become a big fish in a small, stagnant, and polluted pond. You like the attention. Enjoy your 15 minutes.
¿Porque no te callas?

B Bob- Nice example but it's going to be lost on so many who can't remove their racial blinders for half a second. Because you know, everything is about race.

Dave-I'd be happy to do any of those jobs if it meant being paid a fair living wage. Oh, and if they'd be willing to hire me because, after all, my skin is white. They shouldn't automatically assume since my skin is white I won't work as hard, I won't cooperate as much, I won't stay with the company/employer as long. (See, everything can be about race if we really want to make this city divided!)

John- Anywhere you go you'll find racisim. I have posted on this board a few times and have never used the words "Mexican", "Hispanic", "Spanish", "brown", or any other identifier other than ILLEGAL. (Until just this post where above I said I'm white and here to tell you which words I hadn't used.) I don't care what color you are and since all would be required to pay the $5 to get the occupancy permit, and all would have to show it, it shouldn't change the renting process. Anyone can still rent regardless of race which means that it would not discriminate. Unless by discriminate you mean not accepting those breaking the law.

Something else, in general, that I've noticed on these boards are that those who are shouting racisim the loudest also tend to have their posts filled with stereotypes about white people or racist remarks directed at white people. As has been pointed out by so many people, illegal immigrants come in all colors. Let's not forget that supporters of this also come in all different colors. For those of you who cry racisim then use your own racist words you're not any better than those you are pointing the finger at.

to bob warner
well there you go again trying to show off....ja,ja,ja, hot shot ,so...you went to the radio, manycalls from all this so call respectfull fremonters and so on an on and on,for sure the calls you dream of or in deed might of got are from the same racist people who are trying to get us out of here,please dont try to cover your selfs with the card of ....we want you legal in our country!we welcome you if you are a legal person that's BS,plain and simple I went to a pharmacy along with my kids and one so call well educated lady ask my kids dont take nothing !! my 15yr old told her she was waiting for mom and she was only looking not to worrie!..!!!!now dont you give me your MEXICAN attitude that's what this so call not racist well educated answer my dughter....we are legal here in fact we are citizens but that did'nt matter ....it was the factwe are hispanics, then the other day one of your council guys came to a bussines last week and out of a joke they ask him for his papers if he wanted to buy something, he said he was not on favor of the ordinance but he had to vote on favor but the elections were comming and that he felt between a rock and hard place. So.....help me undrestand you bunch of hipocrits how this kind of trash politics work!

nad for those that are asking for the Federal e-mail adddress ...what" you cant do that on your own? maybe you should hire a hispanic to do that for you!!

ps: Health and Human Services
you are doing a great jpb on training you staff on keeping confidential all info that you have!.."private policy" ...yeah right!!

Racisim is alive and well all over the country not just here in Fremont. It is sad that you, your daughter, anyone has to experience it. Sadly, though, it will always be with us.

The difference is, when you went to the pharamcy your daughter was dealing with one individual based on stereotypes that person had. Shame on them! When it comes to this issue however, everyone will have to follow the same rules. As such, that takes the race issue out because it's not just one race that will have to apply for and show proof of an occupancy permit. It won't matter if you're brown, black, white, yellow, blue, or pink with purple polka dots; Everyone will be expected to file for, obtain, and show proof.

As for the person from the Council, again you were dealing with one individual. They are the one being a hypocrite if they say they would vote against it but feel that they can't or they won't be re-elected. Or they were lying to you because they didn't want to admit that they really do want to vote for it. I don't know. The point is, either way, you were again dealing with an individual, not every person on the Council. Although, I will admit, that ones desire to be relected does play a role in how they vote. However, answering for that lies with the individual.

As for your comment about Health & Human Services, I don't want to start another big debate but I'd have to disagree. Just as doctors have confidentiality between themselves and individual patients, they are at liberty to discuss how they do certain procedures. To discuss procedures (which by the way, you can find HHS policy's and procedures online) is far different than discussing an individual case, which would be a breach of confidentiality. To my knowledge the poster was commenting on the policy/procedure of HHS to not turn over information on illegal immigrants, not on any one specific person.

It's funny to watch the city council so diligent on this issue - where have they been regarding enforcement of slumlords and the awful looking slum apartments that pollute our neighborhood? I don't think anyone from the city ever goes into these slum houses/apartments run by slumlords and checks for safety and code violations inside and out. Maybe you should take care of those matters first, before moving onto something new?

The letter "3" should be added to the next comment instead of just "Ward Resident"

LOOK WE ALL NEED TO STOP THE WHO'S RIGHT AND WHO'S WRONG,(NEGATIVE)REMARKS!WE ALL KNOW THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR,SO WE AS PEOPLE NEED TO FOLLOW THEM.IF NOT THEN YOU WOULD PAY THE CONSEQUENCE.LET'S DEAL WITH THIS WITHOUT RACIAL "REMARKS".AND DEAL WITH THIS IN A PROFESSIONAL WAY.CITIZEN OR NOT WE ALL NEED TO RESOLVE THIS SOLUTION:D.......GOD BLESS!

Bob, The vast majority of the city commends you for what you are trying to do, rid our city of people who commit crimes. As Americans, we cannot pick and choose which crimes we break, and the illegals in the community have committed a crime simply by physically being here. To those opposed by compassion, you are a good person by heart, but are lacking responsibility for your actions. I am sure there are plenty of good hard workers who deal drugs in this city, should we let them slip by too. The problem at this moment is controllable and should be addressed before it is not.

Bob needs to follow the 'rule of law' which says immigration is a federal matter.

Many such attempts by states and local governments to regulate immigration have been thrown out by the courts, after expenditures of hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions in legal expenses by localities.

True Watchman. So perhaps it should be rewritten to go after the businesses that hire illegal immigrants. Such ordinances like those have been upheld. Once the jobs are gone it's less likely that renting to an illegal immigrant would be an issue.

Cg:

Which part of my letter violated confidential patient information? It is a known fact illegal's of every race can get welfare benefits. HHS will cover free insurance for the "unborn" of a illegal pregnant woman--a.k.a. FREE INSURANCE FOR 9 PLUS MONTHS--FREE DELIVERY. My delivery cost $14,000. Government didn't pay for me to have a child; i went back to work and paid that bill off after 6 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Then, illegals have that child(ren) and receive free WIC for 5 years (free milk, cereal, peanut butter and more).

Then they turn 40 and receive free mammograms, paps and lab work at the hospital thru Every Woman Matters program.

FREE FREE FREE is what these illegals get! How is that fair? I work 50 hours a week and still live pay check to paycheck. I don't receive government benefits.

I know in the Hispanic culture you produce a lot of children. Welcome to America--we don't do that here. Quit after 2 or 3 so we tax paying Americans can stop paying for you to breed more babies.

I am not a bleeding heart liberal and I think the rule of the law should be enforced.

I have also always believed that "innocent until proven guilty" was a great way to treat people in our judicial system. In the case of Hispanic immigrants, however, it seems that they are "illegal until proven legal."

Is their any estimate of how many legal versus illegal immigrants there are in Fremont? Before the council votes on this, there should be hard facts about the extent of the problem in our community.

I fully support any Hispanic who is here legally and the color of your skin is not the determining factor of who is legal and who isn't. I love to see people here working and making a better life for their families. I love to see them buying homes and starting businesses that help our economy. Someone has to tell me what percentage of our Hispanic population is illegal before I get excited about this.

I have sat in various restaurants where people gather for coffee and have heard some absolutely racially motivated garbage come out of many mouths.

Do we have illegals in our community? Probably.

Do we have racists? Most definitely.

I don't think Mr. Warner is and I don't think many of his supporters are either - they just want to see Federal Immigration laws enforced. But there are others who just want anyone of a different hue out of our community and that is so wrong and sad.

I do believe that Mr. Warner is trying to draw attention to this problem. And I don't see how Washington can solve this because whenever anyone comes up with a plan that acknowledges we have a mess, offers amnesty to those already here as a practical solution (you can't send 12 million people without drastic draconian measures)and then seal the border, everyone throws a fit. We are polarized as a nation and we will never comes to terms with this problem until we can get people to come to the table and compromise.

There is no politician who can deal with this without being crucified in the public and the press.

Can someone tell me why we are not going after meth labs and serious things like that? Instead the city of Fremont is wasting its time trying to get illegals out of town. How many other cities have tried to do this and has ended up failing? This city is way to worried about illegals than things we really need in this town. All these old people think they run this town, in which they dont! Just because you are old does not give you the right to have ur nose high in the air like you're better than everyone else and know all the answers. i gurantee that if you would raid Hormel that plant is going to close down because we all know that other people arent going to work in those conditions and have to do the work they do now.

There's a really simple answer to this:
It's a federal issue, not a city one.
There, problem solved.

Thank God we still have a true patriotic councilman in Bob Warner. Too bad he will be leaving this position. Now it is time for others to man up and do the right thing! Council members need to remember that they are only representatives of their districts and should not make decisions for personal purposes! This illegal immigration proposal is a no brainer. Illegal immigrants should not have a voice in the matter, but instead should be in jail just like any American who breaks the law! This system is messed up and we need to man up and show that we will not tolerate the Federal Governments lack of enforcing our laws. If you truly care about our city and the and want your children and grandchildren to enjoy the comforts that we have shared in growing up in Fremont, then you need to do the right thing and support this proposal at any cost! United we stand, divided we fall.

John-- first of all, before we had immigrants working at Hormel it was a big boost for any family member to work there. There was never a shortage of applicants for any position at Hormel Foods. So the fear of Hormel closing is very irrational. People will work there if given a living wage. Most legal citizens have been sold out by those willing to work for less. Why will illegals work for less? Because it is more than they were making in their home country and they will not ask for more in fear of losing the job or being sent "back home".

Second, do you really think that people who are already here illegally and hiding from the law are above additional crimes? Have you not heard or been made aware of the new gang making themselves at home in our town? This gang is made up of mainly Hispanics, a great majority of them being illegal.

I do not think that we need to ignore any crimes, and I don't see where anyone is saying we should not keep going after the drug dealers, drunk drivers, vandals and other crimes going on in our town. People just want to have all crimes dealt with, including illegal immigration. Those people saying the city council is focusing more on one crime than another is just trying to divert attention from the matter at hand. Our police force has never stopped looking for the drug dealers and meth labs in town. And for the record, most of these crimes are committed by white folks in town.

I agree with those saying we are all created equal in the eyes of God, but we are not talking religion here we are talking politics and laws. Laws have nothing to do with religious beliefs. Those arguing against this should be yelling at the right people, the federal government. They are the ones who need to change the laws to make it easier for those already here to become legal and enforce the laws already on the books to make sure those wanting to come here do it legally.

There are a reason we have laws concerning immigration. They deal with over population, immunizations/ disease prevention, and criminal background checks, it is not because we do not want them here, it is for the protection and safety of our country and its citizens. This is something, in my opinion, that should be taken seriously and not turned a blind eye too. Just because we are a small town does not mean we should ignore the laws.

As for the question on training our police and the cost to Fremont taxpayers, there are government grants that will pay for this training and it would cost us little to nothing.

After reading the comments posted on this article I wanted to address a few of the comments and pretend facts that people are tossing around.
First of all to "Nancy" I would highly doubt that you actually had someone literally waving a Mexican flag in your face. People that display their flags often do so as stickers on their vehicles or ornaments on their rearview mirrors. Being proud of where you come from enough to display a flag of your country is not a crime or something that only an illegal person would do. Even if you are a naturalized citizen you are still originally from another country and being proud of that is respectable.
To several others that have made comments about Hormel. I hope that you are aware that Hormel is outside city limits and therefore will not be required to follow the proposed ordinance should it go through. And on another note those people who like to talk about the wages and benefits earned at Hormel should probably check their "facts" and stop creating their own truths. My family earns the wages and benefits from Hormel and let me assure you they are very good.
I would also like to say to those who believe that this ordinance needs to be passed because of crime and disease that there could be better ways of dealing with that issue then what this ordinance proposes. If you want people to undergo medical checks and criminal background checks than how can you do so with an ordinance that keeps illegal immigrants from wanting to come forward? You can't push people away and try to help those issues at the same time. You have to decide what is most important to you. Complaining because illegal immigrants are here or finding a way to work together for the benefit of everyone.
And to those making generalizations such as "the vast majority of us" or "most Fremonters" you need to stop. Don't include me in on your comment just because I live in this town. Nobody has come to my door asking my opinion and I have never heard about a public poll being taken. You may wish to say in your next comment something such as "my small group of friends and I think..." or something like that.

I can't agree with you more. You are so right. Keep up the good fight. You have the support of most of the individuals in the community.

Now that I have a digital tv, I will be able to be ready for the switch in Feb. of next year. I now get 15-2 which is a spanish station. If all the instructions we get for merchandise are both in english and spanish, why can't the tv have normal spanish sound with english as a closed caption translator? Is this not reverse discriminaton?

Immigration is clearly a problem. Who could arugue that. The Feds have let us down. But, to make this a proiority measures in Fremont Nebraska makes no good sense. Is this really the top "crime" issue in our community? Is this really the most pressing issue for us? I don't think so. And if so, Mr. Warner so me the facts. Don't just raise the questions...you got this started...you show us this is worth our time and tax dollars.

The reality is that when people live in poverty you have crime. You have neglect. You have abuse. You have folks seeking a way out. Fremont has a poverty problem and folks should get the facts to find out that there are far more people living in poverty in our community than we have total minorities (legal and not legal). We can bury our heads and blame immigration on the issues of our community but the reality it is an issue of people living in poverty.

So...while we are busy as a community fixing the country's immigration issue -- why don't we focus on the issus impacting a far higher percentage of people in our area...poverty.

And, if you don't think that poverty is a problem that take a look at our school kids...there are so many on free and reduce lunch -- and the total number of families eligible for this is far more than the total number of hispanic kids in our schools.

Why can't we all get so excited about working on that issue? Maybe becuase it is hard to admit that poverty hits all races -- not just those with dark skin?

I know that many folks wanting this ordinance are not focused on race alone...but many are. And sadly this just gives racists more room to spread thier mistruths.

to LSB--
Don't pretend to know all about the jobs or wages at Hormel. Do you work there? What is your view of a "living wage" -- fact of the matter many folks don't want to work on the line regardless of the wage. And furthermore -- why do you assume that all these workers are illegal?

Where did you get your facts...oh, you just seems to know these things. Sorry- not a lot of credibility -- just lots of time on your hands and lots to say...always.

Hormel isn't even in the Fremont city limits - there's nothing this ordinance could do about Hormel.

Did you bozos even finish high school? They say the uneducated tend to be racist and afraid of change.

BOZO, Check your local facts.Last I knew HORMEL'S WAS IN THE CITY LIMITS.

to LSB--
"Don't pretend to know all about the jobs or wages at Hormel. Do you work there? What is your view of a "living wage" -- fact of the matter many folks don't want to work on the line regardless of the wage. And furthermore -- why do you assume that all these workers are illegal?"

First off, no I do not work at Hormel but have had family that did 10+ yrs ago and know many that work there now on the line and in management. I can tell you that those I know that worked there years ago made more than people start at today. In most jobs wages increase over the years, not the opposite. I guess I don't have any hard facts, but I know enough people to have a pretty good idea about what I am talking about.

Second, I never said ALL the workers at Hormel are illegal, but I could assure you that some are.

As for a living wage, I would classify this as above the poverty level to support a family of 3.

To all you Bozos-- Hormel may not be in the city limits, but they are still in the jurisdiction of the City of Fremont. If the city can tell someone they cant have a strip club that is right on the boarder of that marker why would they not be able to enforce anything at Hormel? Anyway, they are not even talking about holding employers responsible in this ordinance so it is a mute point.

It sounds like you are the one that is uneducated and a racist. FYI--I have a college degree and I know if the employers stop hiring illegals, the problem will be solved. What about the email addresses of the federal government agencies that are suppose to be enforcing these laws--Hormel's needs to be reported ASAP. Then we will find out how many illegals work there.

Scoop: Dig out a city map before you tell someone the "facts" about Hormel's location. See how there is an area were Hormel, Fremont Beef and other industrial property sits OUTSIDE the city limits? They sit in a county industrial tract so they will never be inside the city limits.

LBS: The city has a 2-mile ZONING jurisdiction. It can enforce ZONING laws but not regular city ordinances. In the case of the strip club, the person wanted the ZONING changed so she could open a club near State Lakes. Besides, if you remember correctly, Mr. Warner wants a hiring component added to the ordinance. But you're right, with Hormel outside the city limits, it's a mute point.

LBS, you stated that a "living wage" would be one that would support of family of three above the poverty level. The poverty level for a family of 3, assuming just a single parent and two children at home, was 16,242, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's about $7.80 per hour. When Hormel workers approved the latest union contract, the average wage for production workers was $15.75. Yes, that's an average, but I would guess the starting pay is above $7.80. That would mean Hormel DOES pay a "living wage."

Just out of curiosity, since Hormel's is being discussed, as is racisim, I'd like to know their employee ratio of whites to non whites in a community that is predominately white.

Also to LBS...
Does supporting a family of three also include multiple cell phones, full blown cable service, eating out regularly, going to concerts, movies, etc. ?? You talk about how it used to be way back when...I would suggest that "way back when" supporting a family was a little less lavish. Maybe not for you but so many seem to expect to sun, moon and stars -- and when they can't afford it they blame thier employer.

$7.80 a living wage? try to pay rent in Fremont making only $7.80 an hour. That wage comes to less than $1248 a month before taxes. After taxes you are looking at around $800-$900. A 2 bedroom home in Fremont rents for between $500 and $800. Then how will you pay utilities, groceries, gas in your car, car payment and insurance, clothing, school supplies, toiletries, etc. If that is above the poverty level I would hate to see what they consider poor. I wold not consider $7.80 an hour above poverty level.
$15 an hour comes to about $1600 after taxes. That is still using about 50% of your wages for rent alone. Still not a "living wage" when half your income goes for housing especially now with the increase costs of gas and groceries.

EVERYONE KEEPS THROWING THE PREDJUICE WORD AROUND. AM I? MAYBE. WHEN I AM WORKING TO PAY MY HOUSE PAYMENT, UTILITIES, AND GROCERIES, YES MAYBE. WHEN I AM PAYING FOR INSURANCE THAT DOES NOT COVER ALL MY MEDICAL BUT STILL HAVE TO PAY THE BALANCE WHEN SOME USE ER AS AN OUTING. THEN AGAIN I GUESS I AM. FAIR IS FAIR. WE ALL WORK FOR WHAT WE NEED AND THEY SHOULD TOO. I THINK SOME GOT A LITTLE CONFUSED WITH WHAT "LAND OF THE FREE" STANDS FOR!!

Prejudice means to "pre judge". If we're talking about prejudice we are all guilty of that. We all look at people and make first impressions based only on what we see. (How are they dressed, how do they behave, how do they speak, etc.)

Racism means to be intolerant of or have hatred towards another race, based solely on their race.

The difference is being prejudice does not mean that you direct it at one specific race or group of people. Most of the time these views probably change once you get past the first impression. They also typically do not involve hate, just impressions.

My family is struggleing and we have been for quite a while now. We have had to cut many things to keep food on the table and a roof over head. One of those things is health insurance. The tax payers pay for illegals to get medical attention but my family is left out in the cold because we are citizens and they have a different more strict set of regulations as to whether we qaulify for aid thant he illegals. Maybe if they weren't already helping those people they'd be able to help the families like mine.

Wake up people. A fortune 500 company wouldn't put themselves in that type of liability, let alone want their name associated with illegal immigration. They are required to verify all paperwork, and if it comes back good, they can't not hire the person because they are hispanic. THATS AGAINST THE LAW. Its a federal government problem that FREMONT NEBRASKA is not going to correct with a dumb ordinance.

Anybody remember a couple State Senators, the kind in Washington, saying Nebraska was being picked on, when packing houses were being raided by INS?

Would that be an indication of where our elected officials stand?

The 'rule of law' applies not only to illegal immigrants but to states and local governments as well. A local government cannot regulate immigration or enforce immigration laws unless Congress delegates that authority.

How ironic that anti-immigrant xenophobes invoke the 'rule of law' when it comes to those they dislike, but when it comes to obeying our constitution and judicial system the 'rule of law' doesn't apply to them. How hypocritical!