Posted on 12/13/2006 3:02:07 PM PST by CrawDaddyCA
MIAMI -- Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo's trip to South Florida ran into trouble on Tuesday because of several threats.
Tancredo sparked controversy recently when he likened Miami to a third-world country.
The Republican representative was invited to speak at the Rusty Pelican restaurant on Virginia Key. But the restaurant canceled the appearance when the Miami Police Department received word that someone contacted the Miami Herald and said there would be trouble if Tancredo showed up.
Miami police are investigating the threat.
"We're trying to determine where that information came from and we're trying to determine if it's a credible threat or if it's just someone doing a mean prank," said Delrish Moss of Miami police.
A representative of the Rotary Club of Miami said the group invited Tancredo to speak about his views on the assimilation of diverse groups in the United States.
"I'm sorry that a United States congressman can't come to Miami and speak to a non-political group," said Doug Oppenheimer of the Rotary Club.
Brownshirts on the march.
"I'm obviously disappointed that a radical element in Miami was able to intimidate the hosts into rescinding their invitation for me to speak.
"I can understand the decision of the hosts to put public safety before public discourse today. But it is regrettable in 21st century America that they were forced to make that choice.
"One of America’s most important values is the right to free speech. It’s unfortunate that threats of violence were successful in trumping that right today.
"I knew speaking your mind could be dangerous in Havana -- I guess it’s equally dangerous to do so in Miami. Apparently there isn't much of a difference between the two anymore.
"I wish everyone in Florida a Merry Christmas. I hope that someday in the future there will be an opportunity to engage Miami in this important dialogue about protecting and preserving the unique values and culture that make America.
What's amazing is that he's surprised.
And some people think this putz is Presidential timber? He just managed to p.o. the entire Cuban-American community, who mainly vote Republican, by comparing their Miami to Castro's Havana. He'd have a snowball's chance in Hialeah of taking Florida.
What an ass. Attack the only Hispanic community that overwhelmingly supports the GOP.
Hey Tom, there are plenty of anti-Cuban-American talk show hosts here like the arch-liberal Neil Rogers and the Pro-Castro Francisco Aruca and they still have managed to survive. So please, Tom.
If only 'legal' voters vote in the election, he should have no problem winning Florida.
We ARE athird world country where no conservatives can speak freely.
Darn it...you stole my next post!!
Spot on, BTW.
Their behavior proves him right. Personally I would prefer that these supposed GOP supporters didn't behave like thugs.
Whose behavior? How do you know it was Cuban-American GOP supporters?
It was the legal Cuban-American GOP vote that always helps the GOP win Florida. So attacking that strong bastion of GOP support in South Florida is not very smart when he starts comparing Miami to Havana.
The Cuban-American community, with few exceptions, is "legal." Tancredo didn't restrict his remarks to illegal immigrants, but insulted all of Miami by calling it "third world." This whole episode reveals Tom's problem is with immigrants, not just illegal immigrants.
Tancredo isn't a conservative, he's a Know Nothing.
You don't think he is attacking Cuban-Americans by comparing Miami to Havana?
True, but people THINK he's a conservative.
No. Have you left a trail of comments about Detroit, San Fransisco or New Orleans?
Tom's fighting for our sovereignty against a flood of unchecked illegal immigration.
The GOP WANTS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION...
There are still a few honorable Congressman who do more than play party politics.
GO TOM!!!
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