Somalis meet face to face with mayor

Boston.com ^ | 11 October 2002

[SheLion]

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) Somali leaders and Mayor Larry Raymond pledged Friday to work together to resolve friction after the mayor warned of a strain on resources if more Somalis moved to the city.

The meeting was behind closed doors, and Somali leaders said afterward that they understand the social and economic pressures facing the city.

[SheLion]

State officials eye friction in Lewiston

''Members of the office of the attorney general will do everything within our power to work with local law enforcement officials to ensure that the civil rights of all Maine residents are protected.''

Somali community to file complaint with Justice Department

Attorney General Steven Rowe sent a letter written in both English and Somali Wednesday to members of the Somali community in Maine, pledging his protection and support. He said the ''vast, vast majority of Maine residents want you to feel welcome and safe.''

''Members of the Office of the Attorney General will do everything within our power to work with local law enforcement officials to ensure that the civil rights of all Maine residents are protected,'' he wrote.

[SheLion]

Maine Ping

[Traffic_Can]

Like Michael Savage put it:

"Me Immigrant, You racist, I sue, ACLU"

[goodnesswins]

Since when should any ole "resident" have civil rights these days - ONLY citizens should have civil rights....IMO

They may have "certain rights" but, CIVIL RIGHTS? Oh, pullleeeaaassee......they can go back to Somalia for those /sarcasm

I am REALLY sick of people coming here and EXPECTING to be coddled....

[Tripleplay]

'We believe that we are part of Lewiston's future. We believe this is a city where we and our children can prosper. T the elders wrote

Translation..............We will stay since the welfare we receive here is much more than in Somalia.

[goodnesswins]

"elders?" Now we are negotiating with tribal "elders?" (They are not Presbyterians, that's for sure.)

[SheLion]

I am REALLY sick of people coming here and EXPECTING to be coddled....

And the AG Rowe sent out thousands of letters "assuring them that Mainers only want the best for them?"

Oh sure. Tax us to death to carry most of the immigrants who can't find decent employement in this state. How about jobs for our OWN people first?

I'm all for helping people out, but I believe charity starts at home (Maine) first!

[SheLion]

We will stay since the welfare we receive here is much more than in Somalia.

Exactly.

[metesky]

Pray for snow.

Lots and lots of snow...

[Tancred]

How about a repeat of the big ice storm of 1998? I only lost power for one day, but others had it much worse. Now, if we could get one of those storms centered right on Lewiston.......

[metesky]

When it snows, it's fairly warm.

Maybe, maybe not...