‘Picnic/protest’ set in Shen
BY LESLIE RICHARDSON
STAFF WRITER
lrichardson@republicanherald.com
Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:17 AM EDT
SHENANDOAH — Save Shenandoah, a group with a Web site and forum devoted to problems in the borough, will discuss illegal immigration and crime at a picnic/protest scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday in Bicentennial Park.
“I believe this is an effective way to get people out and involved,” Save Shenandoah spokesman Joe Miller, Shenandoah, said Tuesday. “I am not sure that a lot of people know what illegal immigration is doing to our community.”
On Aug. 30, Voice of the People USA, a group opposing illegal immigration and rights for illegal immigrants, sponsored a rally in the borough. The event came at a tense time locally following the July 14 death of Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who died from wounds he suffered in a beating two days earlier. Some have alleged the beating was racially motivated and four teens have been charged in connection with the incident.
Shenandoah borough Manager Joseph L. Palubinsky said Tuesday the group has permission to use the park — formerly the Babe Ruth Field — Saturday and borough officials were invited to attend.
Borough officials are always invited to attend!
Mayor Thomas F. O’Neill said he will not attend.
Big surprise ...
“I was not personally invited. Joe Palubinsky showed me the e-mail he received,” O’Neill said. “I will be out of town that day with family. Family comes first.”
So his town is not his family? The picnic protest is meant to create more of a family atmosphere between neighbors. He has no clue.
O’Neill said he spoke with Police Chief Matthew Nestor about increased police patrols.
That's great! What did the chief say about it?
Some Hispanic activists expressed concern about the first rally, alleging the groups involved incited hatred. O’Neill said he informed representatives of the Department of Justice and the Anti-Defamation League of this weekend’s rally.
There you have it folks! Mayor O'Neill STILL hates you, STILL hates Shenandoah, and STILL feels the need to contact anti-American groups.
Arnold “Art” Delin, of the Anti-Defamation League, said his organization does not have any plans for a counter rally.
Even the ADL realizes there's no need for a "counter rally" to "steal the thunder" from the hearts of people who care.
According to fliers posted around Shenandoah, speakers will include Dan Smeriglio, president and founder of Voice of the People USA; Dan Amato of Diggers Realm, a Web site that covers illegal immigration and immigration reform; Ruth Miller of Illegal Protest, a Web site for “American Citizens who are tired of the illegal alien invasion”; Wendi Medashefski, a member of Voice of the People, and Miller of Save Shenandoah.
Miller said U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17, was invited to speak but his appearance has not been confirmed.
“Holden’s record is good on illegal immigration so we invited him to speak,” Miller said.
Information about the appearance requested from Holden’s office was not received by press time.
I believe that Rep Holden is unavailable for this weekend's event. However, Toni Gilhooley might be willing to come .. let's ask her, shall we?
Miller said a borough crime watch would also be discussed Saturday.
“There is a lot of crime in town and we need to come up with ways to stop it,” Miller said. “We have people interested in a crime watch but we have to have it approved by the borough.”
The Voice of the People group facilitated a meeting Sept. 20 at the Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792 to set up a crime watch. During the meeting, Miller agreed to take charge of setting up the next meeting and addressing the council.
Miller said Tuesday he is planning to attend the borough council meeting Oct. 20 to ask about the crime watch.
GO JOE!!!! You are a true American patriot! Our forefathers would be so very proud of you! Keep up the great work!
Pottsville Republican and Herald
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