Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

FRNCC - "Fresno’s HRC Under Fire After Labeling Local Free Republic Chapter a “Hate Group”"
Free Republic Network/Townhall ^ | 9-15-03 | Bob J

Posted on 09/15/2003 10:24:26 AM PDT by Bob J

FRN Columnists' Corner

"Fresno’s Human Relations Commission Under Fire After Labeling Local Free Republic Chapter a “Hate Group” "

by Bob Johnson

The Chairwoman of Fresno’s Human Relations Commission came under fire Sunday after issuing an unapproved news release on City letterhead smearing the local Free Republic chapter as a “hate group” and urging city police to expect violence at the group's annual picnic and bar-b-que.

For months the Fresno Free Republic group has been conducting weekly “support our troops” rallies at the corner of Blackstone and Shaw, and had come under the scrutiny of local pacifist organizations. Several militant anti-war websites, including indymedia.com, called on readers to harass, intimidate and possibly injure picnic attendees by throwing “stale bagels” and “rotten eggs” at them from roving “affinity groups”. One member wrote, “They should have thought about this type of response before they organized all the counter-protests to the anti-war protests. They deserve anything that comes their way.”

After the “FReepers”, as they’re commonly known around the country, discussed the situation and possible defensive measures, HR Commission member and leader of the local “Peace Fresno” organization Nicholas DeGraff, told Commission members at last Thursday’s meeting that Free Republic members were armed and "extremely violent." HR Commissioner Cary Catalano says the issue was discussed but it was decided the commission would take no action. Later, HRC Chairwoman Debbie Reyes, presumably in concert with DeGraff, put out a news release on City stationary calling the Free Republic Chapter and website a “hate group” who planned a “hate rally” and violence against “minorities” disrupting their picnic.

In a Sunday Fresno Bee article, Mayor Alan Autry is quoted as stating “…there is no evidence that Free Republic is a hate group”, adding that the commission is "using the city of Fresno as a tool to attack people without cause. This is just something that has to stop." Mayor Autry accused the Commission of being "politically intoxicated" and described its news release as "inflammatory, reckless, irresponsible and dangerous." According to the Bee, Autry plans to meet with Fresno's city manager and city attorney to discuss suspending the commission "until we find out how this happened, who was involved with the press release and the reason behind it.”

This incident is the latest flap in an ongoing struggle between the Mayor and members of the Fresno City Council with the city’s Human Relations Commission, who have been accused of going far beyond their mandate and using the City group to attack critics and silence opponents.

Over the last several years, dozens of Free Republic Chapters have held hundreds of rallies around the country without a single arrest or incident with police. Meanwhile, the Fresno FReepers held their usual weekly vigil Friday and annual picnic on Saturday as they listened to country music, waved American flags and held signs asking drivers to honk in support of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events; US: California
KEYWORDS: debbiereyes; fresno; fresnosuit; frncc
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-44 next last
To: bk1000
According to the commission's news release, "The information on this group's website clearly indicates threats of violence toward any minority groups that interfere with their rally or picnic."

This is clear grounds for a lawsuit against the City of Fresno, and certainly against the director of the HRC.

21 posted on 09/15/2003 11:28:47 AM PDT by ppaul
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Bob J

"Chris, get away from that burning cross with those S'mores."

22 posted on 09/15/2003 11:29:39 AM PDT by AppyPappy (If You're Not A Part Of The Solution, There's Good Money To Be Made In Prolonging The Problem.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ppaul
Look at the link in post 18.

Mayor Alan Autry will try to suspend the city's Human Relations Commission after its chairwoman issued a news release labeling a local conservative organization a "hate group."

Don't FReep the Mayor for crying out loud. He wants to suspend this bunch of leftist trash because of their actions.

23 posted on 09/15/2003 11:30:15 AM PDT by GluteusMax
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
Over the last several years, dozens of Free Republic Chapters have held hundreds of rallies around the country without a single arrest or incident with police.

Something the Liberals can't say .. they live to cause trouble

24 posted on 09/15/2003 11:32:59 AM PDT by Mo1 (http://www.favewavs.com/wavs/cartoons/spdemocrats.wav)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GluteusMax
Don't FReep the Mayor for crying out loud. He wants to suspend this bunch of leftist trash because of their actions.

Good.
But let him feel the heat until they're outa there for good!

25 posted on 09/15/2003 11:33:22 AM PDT by ppaul
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
Good piece, Bob!

I find it even more ironic that FR is being painted as a "hate group." I'm sure if you pointed them in my direction, they'd come up with something suitably nasty to say about me and my views, probably starting with the "cookie" word and heading downhill from there.

Heck! I got better treatment from the "human rights" commission in South Park!

26 posted on 09/15/2003 11:34:06 AM PDT by mhking (Laugh while you can, monkey boy...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: strela
I sincerely hope that FRN sues the pants off these morons.

While I agree with you in priciple, I don't even want to think about these twits without pants. Yuck!

27 posted on 09/15/2003 11:53:21 AM PDT by The_Victor
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: ppaul

Alan as Bubba

Birthday: July 31, 1952
Birth Place: Shreveport , La .
Birth Name: Carlos Alan Autry aka: Carlos Brown

Mayor of Fresno Ca. 2001 - 2004 Commentator/color analyst for the Fresno State University Bulldogs for the 1998 and 1999 fall seasons.- Played NFL football for the Green Bay Packers during the 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons.- Played in the Canadian Football League for the B.C. Lions in 1979.

Movie Credits

The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) - Writer
The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) - Director
The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) - Producer

Acting Appearances

Starring Roles
Sons of Thunder (1999) - Butch McMann
Style and Substance (1998) - Earl
Grace Under Fire (1993) - Rick Bradshaw
In the Heat of the Night (1988) - Captain Bubba Skinner

Guest Starring Roles

Style and Substance - Earl - I Went to a Garden Party (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - Chelsea's First Date (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - The Plate (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - A Recipe for Disaster (1998)
Style and Substance - Earl - Pilot (1998)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - The Show-Me State (1996)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Positively Hateful (1996)
Grace Under Fire - Rick - Thanks for Nothing (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Daycare (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - The Breakup (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Grace and Rick and the Dance of Doom (1995)
Grace Under Fire - Rick Bradshaw - Movin' on Down (1995)
The Facts Of Life - Clark Darrin - Peekskill Law (1988)
The A-Team - Mike "The Hammer" Horn - Quarterback Sneak (1986)
St. Elsewhere - John Corzinsky - Out on a Limb (1986)
Newhart - Ed McKendrick - Will the Real Dick Loudon Please Shut Up? (1986)
Hunter - Whitey McVee - High Bleacher Man (1984)
The Dukes of Hazzard - Hurley - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Duke (1984)
The A-Team - Gary (as Carlos Brown) - Labor Pains (1983)
The Mississippi - - Murder at Mt. Parnassus (1983)
Cheers - Tom Kenderson - The Boys in the Bar (1983)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - J.T.(as Carlos Brown) - Gold Fever (1982)
Best of the West - - The Funeral (1982)
The Dukes of Hazzard - Dawson (as Carlos Brown) - 10 Million Dollar Sheriff (2) (1981)
The Dukes of Hazzard - Dawson (as Carlos Brown) - 10 Million Dollar Sheriff (1) (1981)
Style and Substance - Earl - Do Not Go Squealing Into That Good Night (0)

Movie/Mini-Series/Special Roles

The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) (2002) - Jake Kincaid
Intruders (1992) - Joe Wilkes
The Big One:The Great California Earthquake (1990) (1990) - Matt
Street of Dreams (1988) (1988) - Maury Fields
World Gone Wild (1988) - Hank
Amazing Grace & Chuck (1987) (1987) - George aka:The Silent Voice (as Carlos Brown)
Destination America (1987) - Larry Leathergood
Proud Men (1987) (1987) - Brian
At Close Range (1986) - Ernie
Blue Deville (1986) (1986) - Sgt. Auggie Valentine
House (1986) - Cop # 3
Nomads (1986) - Olds
Brewsters Millions (1985) - Biff Brown
Eagle and the Bear (1985) (1985) -
O.C. & Stiggs (1985) -
Roadhouse 66 (1984) (1984) - Hoot
Dangerous Company (1982) - Donald Robinette (as Carlos Brown)
Southern Comfort (1981) (1981) - Cpl. (Coach) Bowden)
Rage! (1980) (1980) - Man # B
North Dallas Forty (1979) (1979) - Balford ( as Carlos Brown)
Remember My Name (1978) - Rusty ( as Carlos Brown)
Get Away Right Away Child Safety Video -
28 posted on 09/15/2003 11:53:31 AM PDT by jgrubbs
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
Don't worry, in a few years President Chelsea will use U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T act VII to clean these terrorists out.
29 posted on 09/15/2003 11:57:49 AM PDT by jordan8
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: The_Victor
While I agree with you in priciple, I don't even want to think about these twits without pants.

Ah, good point. (Talk about your gouging out your mind's eye with a rusty file to retain your sanity ...)

30 posted on 09/15/2003 12:17:56 PM PDT by strela ("Piffle, dear, I don't have morals, just customs." Hilda Burroughs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: mhking
Where did you come up with that? It favors you a lot.
31 posted on 09/15/2003 12:22:32 PM PDT by Vigilantcitizen (Game on in ten seconds...http://www.fatcityonline.com/Video/fatcityvsdemented.WMV)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
cross linking: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/982599/posts?page=1

I support a class action suit. Include me into the ping list please if it is decided upon.
32 posted on 09/15/2003 12:55:24 PM PDT by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
cross linking again: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/982853/posts?page=1
33 posted on 09/15/2003 12:59:53 PM PDT by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
In case anybody missed it:

VIDEO OF NEWS STORY ON FRESNO "HATE" RALLY AND PICNIC HERE!!!

34 posted on 09/15/2003 1:07:11 PM PDT by agitator (Ok, mic check...line one...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Trteamer
Dang, I think Fresno's peaceniks have whupped ours in being stupid. I tip my hat to FResno's FReepers.
35 posted on 09/15/2003 3:17:00 PM PDT by zip
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: martin_fierro
Yeah, it was a VERY good piece. We all just about ROFLAO at how the HRC was made to look like utter fools!
36 posted on 09/15/2003 4:45:13 PM PDT by gracie1 (Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
HRC Chairwoman Debbie Reyes is a member of the California Democratic Council and the Fresno Stonewall Democrats.

http://www.cdc-ca.org/committees.2.htm

37 posted on 09/15/2003 8:43:23 PM PDT by HAL9000
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
Cross linking another related thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/983523/posts?page=1
38 posted on 09/16/2003 8:16:21 AM PDT by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: HAL9000
Good catch!
39 posted on 09/16/2003 8:40:13 AM PDT by Bob J
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
Apparently Debbie Reyes classifies all Republicans as a "hate group".

I'm trying to figure out what I'm supposed to hate. Let's see... I hate Hitler. I hate Stalin. I hate Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong Il. I hate communism. I hate Bill Clinton's rape of Juanita Broaddrick and his sale of pardons in return for presidential library contributions.

But for the record, I don't hate gays or immigrants or anyone else that Debbie Reyes claims. Her claims are false and offensive and show her reckless disregard for the truth. She is a sleazy, obnoxious liar who should be sued for slander and libel, and removed from her position on the Fresno HRC.

40 posted on 09/16/2003 10:02:34 AM PDT by HAL9000
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-44 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson