Posted on 04/19/2005 6:18:13 AM PDT by kahoutek
The News-Times/Carol Kalif Maria-Cinta Lowe, right, executive director of the Hispanic Center of Greater Danbury, confronts Peter Gadiel, who was speaking for the Connecticut Citizens for Immigration Control. Lowe was escorted out of the meeting.
DANBURY — They packed the long, wide room, squeezing into folding chairs, standing against the walls and brimming with passion over one of the city's most burning issues. Illegal immigration.
At times, the more than 170 people — men and women, young and old — applauded the speakers, shouted encouragement and even booed when one dissident walked out in protest.
In a crowded American Legion hall on Triangle Street on Monday night, a fledgling group calling itself the Connecticut Citizens for Immigration Control recruited supporters and asked for their help in cracking down on illegal immigrants.
"No amnesty tomorrow. No more amnesty ever,'' said Peter Gadiel, one of the group's organizers, drawing a rousing ovation. The News-Times/ Carol Kaliff Protesters gather outside the anti-immigration meeting at the American Legion Hall in Danbury, which drew about 170 people.
Gadiel, 57, a Kent resident whose son, James, 23, died in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, blamed gaps in U.S. immigration laws for the terrorist attacks.
"If those laws had been properly enforced, our loved ones would have been alive today,'' Gadiel said.
As he spoke, Maria Cinta Lowe, executive director of the Hispanic Center of Greater Danbury, rose from her seat in the front row only feet away from Gadiel and angrily told: "You're speaking a lot of garbage. You're not well informed.''
As some members of the audience booed and yelled, "Go home,'' Lowe left briefly. She tried to return but was escorted from the hall by two Danbury police officers.
"I cannot believe there are people in there from Danbury sitting and listening to such garbage,'' Lowe said outside. "We have two people like that coming from wealthy towns to cause trouble.''
The Manchester-based group, formed only a month ago, chose Danbury for its inaugural meeting. Founders said the city is a good example of a working class town hit hard by an estimated 15,000 illegal immigrants.
The group is promoting a nationwide drive to get public officials to secure U.S. borders and enforce immigration laws.
Gadiel and a co-founder of the group, Paul Streitz, of Darien, said that most illegal immigrants don't pay taxes and that they put a strain on social services. They drew further applause with calls to stop illegal immigrants from obtaining drivers' licenses and cheaper in-state college tuition.
"Illegal immigrants who break the law should not get the privilege of getting a driver's license,'' said Streitz
Once, when Streitz said the issue was "not about race,'' a man at the back of the hall shouted: "You don't have to apologize.''
Streitz, a Vietnam veteran, is a writer whose next book advocates closing America's borders and revitalizing domestic job opportunities. "Times are changing,'' Streitz told the meeting. "Don't give up.''
Streitz described Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton's recent request that Connecticut State Police be deputized as immigration agents as "tremendous...a break in the dam.''
People in the audience were asked to sign up for the group's e-mail list. They said they came to the meeting to find out more about the new organization.
Still, even before the meeting began, many had already made up their minds about supporting the cause.
"I hope to find out some more information about ridding the city of illegal immigrants,'' said Regina Sautner, 67, a retired Danbury resident. "There's a reason they're called illegal. It's against the law not to pay taxes and use the services I pay for. I object to that.''
An impassioned Louise Scalzo, 43, of Brookfield, whose grandfather emigrated from Italy, said she had "no problem'' with people coming to the United States but she was opposed to them coming illegally.
"I don't want them telling me to speak Spanish in my own country,'' said Scalzo. "My grandfather had to learn English. I don't have a solution to the problem of illegal immigrants. I think it's up to the government.''
One 47-year-old Danbury man named Mark, who declined to give his last name for fear of possible reprisals, said he was opposed to all illegal immigrants and supported the concerned group's agenda.
"Once you enter the country illegally you are by definition a criminal,'' he said. "I don't understand why the United States, as the only remaining superpower, cannot have secure borders.''
As people drifted out after the 80-minute meeting, Franklin Pena, 37, a Danbury resident and a native of Ecuador, said the speakers had wrongly linked the Sept. 11 attacks with illegal immigrants.
One had nothing to do with the other, at least in Danbury, Pena said. "They attached things that had nothing to do with each other. I feel deeply sorry for that man's loss, but it has nothing to do with Mexicans, Ecuadorians or illegal immigrants who came here to work in this country," Pena said.
Pena said illegal immigrants who are willing to work should be given a chance to become legal residents.
"We have to give some breaks to the new people. We can't just say you are illegal, you are breaking the law and you are a criminal," Pena said. "It's not that simple."
Among the last to leave, Derek Moots, owner of Estrella Del Norte, a Danbury Spanish-language newspaper, described many at the meeting as "extremely ignorant.''
"Immigration reform is needed but many immigrants fought to come here and then fought for American when they go here,'' said Moots. "Let's not forget about the America dream, which promised a land of opportunities for everyone.''
Streitz, the co-founder of the Connecticut Citizens for Immigration Control, was not upset that there were some dissenters in the crowd. Instead, he saw the size of the gathering as a victory for his cause.
"When we started out, there were only five people" in the group, he said. "I was surprised by the turnout of people, both pro and con."
Neighboring Brewster, NY, one of the most picturesque villages in the area is now looking like a slum after 15 years of illegals congregating there.......looks like Danbury is not willing to let it happen there.
It is just. That. Simple.
Whoa, I grew up in Carmel (well, Kent actually) and, yeah, Brewster hasn't been particularly pleasant in ages--guess it hasn't changed since I left (for the most part) in '92.
Pinging you!
I think we will see more and more American citizens rise up and fight the illegal alien issues. If our government won't do their job, the citizens will. The Minutemen have been very successful in their efforts and have brought a great deal of attention to the problems as well.
No apologies. No concessions. They are illegal.
"Go home".
Empty store fronts is what it is now. A shame.
Main St is a barrio.
Amen to that! And that's just ONE "privilege" these CRIMMIGRANTS are being given over hardworking, law abiding citizens.
Take the time to look at that paper's website and check the 'Police' section........75% of the crime in Danbury is illegal aliens.
15,000 illegals is putting an enormous strain on all the services......medical, police etc. No one in Danbury goes to what was an attractive beach on the lake.
About twice a year the fecal count at the south end of the lake gets so high the beach must be closed down.
Is this man advocating for law breakers to be exonerated from the lawful?
It is that simple; if you are here illegally, you have broken the law.
Yes, it IS that simple.
George Bush is sure missing the departing train on this issue. Look for the flailing Dems (and Hillary) to pick up it up and run with it. They won't mean it, but they'll succeed in co opting it and demogogue it to death on their way to regaining political power, leaving the GOP looking like the chumps they are insisting on being!
Bump for the evening crowd.................
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