Posted on 07/10/2015 2:03:15 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
As I protested Thursday afternoon in front of the Old Post Office Pavilion on Pennsylvania Ave in Washington D.C.—the building Donald Trump is turning into a hotel a few blocks away from another historical building he wants to take over, the White House—I thought about a meeting I had with Trump at his headquarters in New York two years ago to discuss my organization’s programs, including the Hispanic Heritage Awards.
Once the meeting was set, I called immigration activists Estuardo Rodriguez and Gaby Pacheco to gather some young DREAMers to crash the meeting and try and change The Donald’s mind on immigration reform and the DREAM Act. I didn’t mention the tactic to his assistant coordinating the meeting, and figured I’d simply sneak the DREAMers in as my associates. We were met with bewildered and not-so-happy faces at the top floor of Trump Tower, but to his credit, Trump waved off his concerned staff and graciously got up from his desk, welcomed us individually, and proceeded to have a civil dialogue about immigration reform and the important role immigrants have historically played in the United States.
For over an hour, Trump listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and gave us examples of Latino employees he held in high regard. He then asked each of the DREAMers to describe their journeys, which were compelling and mirrored every value each American shares: education, work ethic, community, faith and family. After I summed up the conversation with “immigrants are a value proposition to America,” he stood up, waved his hands in dramatic Donald fashion and exclaimed, “You’ve convinced me!”
It was a great moment, but that’s what entertainers do. They know their audience and give them what they want.
And now, this shameless opportunist is giving a very different audience what they want to hear—hate speech. An audience that has made him a cultural icon, a viable candidate for president and what is most worrisome, an audience that is responding favorably to his message. The no-filter, in-your-face, celebrity billionaire is now in second place behind Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker in Iowa according to a Quinnipiac University survey and in New Hampshire according to a CNN-WMUR poll. Apology from Trump? No way.
Yesterday, in defense of his now-infamous statement on Mexicans, Trump said he was simply “defending the people of the United States.” I applaud Univision for being the first to send a message to Trump by breaking off their relationship with the Miss Universe Organization. Then NBC, Macy’s, NASCAR and others including this afternoon my friend Chef Jose Andres sent a message. But the loudest message is being sent by many Americans who have supported Trump’s xenophobic diatribe. And that’s my biggest concern - he continues to pander to an audience that can potentially take his hateful words and turn them into hateful action.
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems. They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” That was Trump talking about Mexicans (let’s face it, Latinos) taking over the country.
“You are raping our women and taking over the country.” That was Dylann Storm Roof, the 21 year-old racist who murdered nine worshippers in cold blood at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Sound familiar?
Hate speech is the gateway to hate action and at some point in his life, Roof heard hate talk. Did he take it seriously? Sounds like he did. His words nourish myths of brown invaders crossing the border with hopes of ruining America like an updated Orson Wells prank. Or in Roof’s case, Black villains. This isn’t simply a case of the PC police attacking a spirited American as Trump-backers Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas, and, yes, Rep. Steve King of Iowa say. (Let’s not forget that King was the reigning champion of ludicrous remarks about immigrants way before Trump when in 2013 he blustered, “They weigh 130 pounds and with calves the size of cantaloupes because they’re hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert.” King is still a Congressman representing a district in America where the majority supports his stances about immigrants.)
Attacks against Hispanics have more than tripled in a year, according to an official report released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, The Hate Crime Victimization report. The Census-driven study shows an alarming rise in violent anti-Hispanic crime with anti-Hispanic crimes more likely in regions with higher immigration populations and new arrivals. Trump’s words are dangerous not simply offensive and should be treated that way.
About time somebody started to lying to these people instead of the other way around. Or is Trump lying to us? Right now he gets the benefit of the doubt.
Oh Boo hoo. A latino doesn’t get what he wants.
“Have you ever read about a hate crime against Hispanics?”
Travon Martin tried to beat one to death.
From Politico, enough said.
He lied. Eh?
I guess that makes him just another politician.
Oh the woe that lies ahead for the media..
Someone that actually ‘lies’ back at them.
FU Antonio. Shove it “dreamers”.
Given Trumps recent comments that he wants a path for those that are her to work hard and produce. I think Trump got the message.
But that didn’t negate the fact that many of the ones that come here are bad. Trump wants to deport them and block them from getting back end. He wants to keep the good ones.
That has always been in the back of my mind about this. Is he working with Ted Cruz or is he just saying all this stuff to make us believe him and prevent cruz from getting the votes or is he saying this so he can win and bring Ted Cruz on board.
My daddy always told me to keep your eyes open in the front but keep one open in the back.
I would not be surprised if the entire story is concocted.
Hate crime against Hispanics...increasing violence.
Those would be the rapes, assaults, and murders of illegals by coyotes. AND, the rapes, assaults, and murders of Hispanic Americans by criminal illegals.
The DREAM Act never passed Congress.
The fact is that it was implemented anyway illegally.
Complicit Republicans pretend they stand for the rule of law while they stand by and do nothing while illegal alien criminals are set loose on the citizens.
Shouldn’t Antonio be working on a Thursday afternoon, saving American agriculture or something equally impressive?
Its not about hate when you don’t want to be forced to work longers hours and receive less take home pay so that others who don’t contribute to the system can receive welfare while they are denied it. Why do leftists assume that white people earn more than they do? Why? Soap operas, movie stars media? Isnt’t that judging us. Be glad you have a foreign president who wants to give you a free welfare, healthcare, and education for your vote and paying for it out of our pocket...because we sure aren’t getting it. So now, who’s hating on who?
What did Trump lie about? Did he say if you like your doctor you can keep your doctor?
Trump isn’t talking about the angelic DREAMers and you know that Mr. activist. You ambush him, he listens to you politely and then you try and scam him.
Hate speech? You should be more opposed than Mr. Trump regarding the criminals he IS talking about, entering this country.
I am sure the stat is true only he forgot to mention that the perpetrators were blacks not whites.
Whites and Hispanics have BBQs, drink beer and eat carny asada. Blacks and Hispanics have wars.
Tijerino admits deviously sneaking in illegal aliens and lying to say they were his associates — then accuses Trump of...dishonesty. Hillary must be proud.
These folks continue to ignore the fact there are all sorts of really bad folks illegally coming over the boarder, but they want them all lumped together with DREAMERS.
We are with you DT
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