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 Billboards such as this one at the entrances of Shelbyville are part of the Welcoming Tennessee Initiative spearheaded by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. The group plans a cultural celebration with participation from the area's new arrivals later this year. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge] |
The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) kicked off its Welcoming Tennessee Initiative in Shelbyville by placing the billboards and is planning other events in the next few months to help bridge the wide gap that exists between the community and newcomers of different nationalities.
TIRRC was formed in 2001 around a campaign to support a bill that would increase immigrant access to driver's licenses. The group is made up of immigrants, refugees and U.S.-born supporters.
Catalina Nieto, public awareness coordinator for TIRRC, said the public relations campaign is being done "to educate the Shelbyville community about their new neighbors. There are many things that they contribute, to the economy and the culture and the city in general."
"They're really happy to be here and to make those contributions."
The purpose of the ad campaign is to let the community know that there are many things that immigrants and the local population have in common, Nieto said.
"We want to highlight and remember that."
Also on TIRRC's agenda is the planning of a "cultural celebration" later in the spring with the Somali community to share their music and culture, as well as participation from the Hispanic community.
The TIRRC has already been working in conjunction with the Somali Community Center of Nashville and members of Bedford County Sheriff's Department about what is expected of immigrants when dealing with law enforcement and Nieto said there are more endeavors planned for the future.
"There are many, many things going on."
The Coalition is also offering the opportunity to groups, churches to contact them for a presentation, a chance for dialog "and a chance for other education about immigration."
"I've seen it with my own eyes, that with dialog, just talking through some of these things, the tensions ... it really helps," Nieto said.
While the current billboards feature members of Shelbyville's Hispanic community, TIRRC is also trying to get photos of local Somalis for a similar public relations campaign, including other billboards and newspaper ads.
"I think with the Welcoming Tennessee initiative, our focus in here is going to be a great way to really put Shelbyville in the national spotlight and hopefully Shelbyville could become a model for other cities how our communities really work together to learn about each other and move forward."
For more information about the project, Nieto can be contacted at (615) 833-0384 or catalina@tnimmigrant.org.
I'm voting for "gottago". His statements are the closest thing to a logical and intelligent summation I've read (including "Ex-Shelbyvillian). I have asked many times why our city and county leaders or Chamber of Commerce representatives cannot help attract businesses and industries that can provide better pay and opportunities for Shelbyville's residents, especially our young educated residents. I have put 3 children through college, and only one has chosen to remain here to work and live. There are just not enough career and job opportunties to lure young, educated people.
We always read about our community leaders going off to conferences or seminars to learn about city and county growth, but where are the results? Do these people actually attend these conferences, or just take a vacation at the government or chamber's expense?
I also agree that these billboards are an embarrassment. Could I suggest that we treat these bigger than live advertisements the same way some of our buildings, signs and structures get treated? Maybe we could gather at the signs and spray paint a few of the latino gang symbols across them, that should really make them feel at home. What's the old saying, "fight fire with fire". Maybe a good dose of "see how it feels" to have something you care about defaced or destroyed could touch a nerve.
I believe they sure have left their mark on our fair city.
I'm voting for "gottago". His statements are the closest thing to a logical and intelligent summation I've read (including "Ex-Shelbyvillian). I have asked many times why our city and county leaders or Chamber of Commerce representatives cannot help attract businesses and industries that can provide better pay and opportunities for for Shelbyville's residents, especially our young educated residents. I have put 3 children through college, and only one has chosen to remain here to work and live. There are just not enough career and job opportunties to lure young, educated people.
We always read about our community leaders going off to conferences or seminars to learn about city and county growth, but where are the results? Do these people actually attend these conferences, or just take a vacation at the government or chamber's expense?
I also agree that these billboards are an embarrassment. Could I suggest that we treat these bigger than live advertisements the same way some of our buildings, signs and structures get treated? Maybe we could gather at the signs and spray paint a few of the latino gang symbols across them, that should really make them feel at home. What's the old saying, "fight fire with fire". Maybe a good dose of "see how it feels" to have something you care about defaced or destroyed could touch a nerve.
I believe they sure have left their mark on our fair city.
Ex-Shelbyvillian
And one more thing, "Disgusted", you think you and your family settled Shelbyville? I think you should read up on your American history.
No, my family and a whole lot more families like mine did and I don't need a history lesson from you! As a matter of fact you seem to be the hate monger (read your own comments) and I doubt whoever your looking for on here could care less about hearing from you if they're still around. You seem to think since you left here you are more educated and better off than those of us that have chose to stay. I hate to bust your bubble but your not, sounds like you have a major chip on your shoulder! I hope you get over yourself soon....
Wow . . . you are the first person to ever accuse me of being a hillbilly or someone that drapes myself in the American flag. Believe me, I have done my fair share of criticizing small minds in Shelbyville and stereotypes (Michael Bell could tell you that) and usually abhor small town thinking. In fact, I went to a college 4-5 hours away from Shelbyville just get away from here after high school but then you realize all towns are the same and same people exist in each one.
Anyway, my viewpoint changed when the Somalis moved into the area I was living in and in that year and a half I saw an apartment complex deteriorate. Not only were we dealing with foul odors and constant noise and yelling all hours of the night, they were also starting arguments and fights and using drugs in the hallways and hitting people's cars in the parking lot. The standard of living definitely fell with them moving in and eventually other people were forced like me to move. Tell me, what is fair about that? The apartment complex were I lived was considered one of the nicest ones in town until they started moving in and having ten of them living in one apartment while creating all types of problems. We even had one Somali who drove his car into the side of one of the apartment buildings.
So yeah, I base my opinion on experiences and dealings with them and not some preconceived notion of hate of stereotypes. Also, I am probably one of the most progressive people you will meet and have Indian and Hispanic friends and also support gay causes. So your stupid little argument has no merit with me.
Oh well, your attitude sounds as though you have a chip on your shoulder about Shelbyville anyway and your pompous attitude just goes to prove that.
I don't hate anyone that has a different opinion than me . . . I just don't take kindly to someone invalidating my experiences and opinions when they aren't here to see it first hand and lack proper perspective.
But hey. . continue to live wherever you are and remain bitter about Shelbyville. I am sure I went to school with you and probably felt the same way but then I became an adult and matured.
Ex-Shelbyvillian
I think you know what you can do!
Jaxspike, I have to agree with you in one respect. I don't know why I even care about the sad state of your hillbilly little town. I guess nostalgia brings me to the website of the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, hoping to catch the name of someone I went to high school with back in the day. Hoping that I will read something good about my old hometown.
But I'll tell you this, I always feel so much better about my decision to leave and start my life in a much more progressive and educated part of the world when I finish reading articles and blog submissions like yours and the rest of the closed-minded and hate filled residents of Shelbyville. If you hate it there so much, why haven't you moved on, with your "if you don't like it here then leave it" attitude?
You may not like my perspective of your situation, but too bad. If you could unwrap yourself from the American flag that you are using as an excuse to spew hate for one second, you would realize that same American flag allows me to speak my opinion just like you. I may not like what you have to say, but at least I can respect the fact that you have an opinion.
It seems like you and "Disgusted" don't take too kindly to folks who don't agree with you and the rest of the hate mongers who post on these message boards.
And one more thing, "Disgusted", you think you and your family settled Shelbyville? I think you should read up on your American history.
After reading and agreeing with all the blogs, I went to usatoday.com and they had a story about illegal aliens. Here is a blog that was posted. It sums up our frustations perfectly.
4/7/08 On the C.B.S. Evening News the story went something like this.
It was 5 a.m. and CBS News national correspondent Byron Pitts is with a woman who is nine months pregnant. She's rushed to a south Texas hospital to undergo a C-section - a $4,700 medical procedure that won't cost her a dime. She qualifies for emergency Medicaid.
She gave birth to a healthy, 8 1/2 pound baby boy - born in America. His Mexican mother gave him an American name: Eliot.
Eliot is one of an estimated 300,000 children of illegal immigrants born in the United States every year, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. They're given instant citizenship because they are born on U.S. soil, which makes it easier for their parents to become U.S. citizens.
That's because those babies can eventually sponsor their parents - when they turn 21 years old.
As for Eliot's mother, no longer as fearful of deportation, she told CBS News her name, Fabiola, and her story.
"So your son is an American citizen. What does that mean to you?" Pitts asked.
"I am very glad that he was born. That's why I came here - so my children, my husband and I could have a better life," she said through a translator.
Back in December, when she was six months pregnant, Fabiola, her husband and their two daughters - ages 4 and 11 - crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into the U.S.
Once on the other side of the river they walked for two hours in search of a better life and free medical care for their unborn child.
"Do many women in Mexico make the choice to have their children in the United States?" Pitts asked.
"Yes," she said through a translator. "I know people who have done that. Things are much better here in the U.S. because they help children so much more."
It's a "better" life ... that American taxpayers help pay for.
Take healthcare for example -- an estimated $1.1 billion per year for undocumented men, women and children, according to the Rand Corporation.
Joe Riley is the CEO of the McAllen Texas Medical Center near the Texas-Mexico border. Forty percent of the children born there, nearly 2,400 last year, were the babies of illegal immigrants.
Riley has seen and heard it all.
"Mothers about to give birth that walk up to the hospital still wet from swimming across the river in actual labor � dirty, wet, cold," he said.
But here to have a child?
"Here to have a child in the U.S.," he said.
McAllen is part of a large hospital system. Like all hospitals, it is mandated by law to treat all emergency-room patients, not verify citizenship.
"We have uncompensated care of over $200 million a year," Riley said.
"Of money that you'll never see again?" Pitts asked.
"Yes," he said.
Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said: "It is not fair to the taxpayers who have to foot the bill."
Congress has all but given up on comprehensive immigration reform. But lawmakers like Smith want to solve birth citizenship to illegal immigrants, in part by challenging the 14th Amendment, which guarantees U.S. citizenship to any child born in America.
"It seems fundamentally wrong that we ought to give the greatest honor of their citizenship," Smith said. "His or her mother came across the border illegally."
Many Americans who struggle to take care of their own families think it is unfair that they should take care of a family and they are not U.S. citizens.
"I don't understand the resentment," said. "I know that God will help them, too."
That's what Fabiola's doing for young Eliot. Relying on her faith, her family � and the U.S. government.
Read about the economic cost to America of immigrants (legal and illegal) in the Washington Times this week.... it is estimated to be $9000 per immigrant.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080409/NA...
mr.ipaytaxes
This is true we may not been have here first but there is one thing for certain. We were here before any Hispanic or Somali was here.
jtjustice30
Personally I will have to disagree with you on saying the Hispanics are more of a problem than the Somalis. I realize the Somalis are here legally but their attitude towards us is what makes me dislike them. It rubs me the wrong way when anyone ask for help then acts like I owe them something and that I am the one who should conform to the way of thinking.
And another thing, a single family home is for (one) family!
mr.ipaytaxes
I will say it again, I WAS here first! Right here in Bedford Co. My family has been here for decades, farmed their land and land for others, gave away land to build Churches and Cemeteries, gave people jobs (that weren't afraid of manual labor) so they could take care of their families, my grandmother cooked for 15 to 20 farm hands 6 days a week. I will say it again, "I WAS here first" and I don't care who likes it and who don't.
As for educating us on Shelbyville community! That's right you get educated, if you or anyone else thinks for one minute I or my family will learn Spanish or any other language to communicate with anyone you are mistaken. In the US English happens to be the first language.
I would like to know how you have helped this community grow? By keeping Body Shops, car rental, and tow companies in business, by making me a more cautious driver so I wont run over your kids running wild in Wal-Mart parking lot. You don't just assume everyone is going to watch out for them, I don't expect you to watch out for mine! How many American dollars that you earn are spent here in Shelbyville vs. how many of those American dollars go back to Mexico or somewhere else? How many of your (ancestors) not (siblings) have died for this country?
You wanna be here, fine! You adapt.
We don't discard our furniture on the side of the road, we keep our lawns mowed, we take down the Holiday lights, we carry insurance on our vehicles, and make our kids mind!
Those billboards are totally misleading. They are trying to create the illusion that the vast majority of the immigrant population in Shelbyville are A)here legally & B) want to embrace our culture and become true Americans. The fact is folks...THEY DON'T!!! The Somali's are not as big an issue as the Hispanics. Although yesterday I witness a Somali woman nearly run three cars off the road on hwy 64 because she couldn't keep her car in the lane...of course she couldn't see over the steering wheel either, but I digress. I agree that we need to contact our legislature and let them know that WE (as in tax-paying Americans who can VOTE) do not want immigrants having a easier way to get driver's licenses or any other privilege that Americans have. We have worked to hard to build our country up to have it overrun and turned into a 3rd world wasteland.
Dear Ex-Shelbyvillian . . . I just loved your bombastic and pompous comment and your total lack of regard to anyone's comments in this forum. I am sorry that you feel embarrassed for our community and that you do not live here anymore . . . sounds like we are better off without you anyway. Some people may have valid points in their arguments and yet you want to lump them as "backwoods and ignorant" when in reality the only ignorant person is you because you assume you have a better perspective than anyone else in this forum. Maybe some people's houses are already clean and they just prefer to keep it that way and you should worry about your own house since you no longer live in ours.
How does one get in touch with our local officials? Ive never really thought about it before now, I write our state and federal reps quiet often, just havent on the local level. I wouldnt mind e mailing one or two and see what kind of response I could get.
http://www.bedfordcountytn.org/Bedford_County_Boar...
Shelbyville City Council (but some don't have contact info listed):
http://www.shelbyvilletn.org/council_index1.htm
dianatn, I understand your point now. I assumed most on this blog were referring to immigrants who the government allowed to enter; either fleeing from persecution or here on work programs. I was referring to immigrants on their path to citizenship, or here with green cards, and reaching out to them through non-profits.
This is a response to the comment posted by Disgusted. First of all "Disgusted" you were not here first, and what is this u say about educating us on Shelbyville community? We have helped this community grow, so next time anybody decides to criticize my people think twice because just like ur siblings, our siblings are dying for this country too.
Ok dooshie69 here's the deal.
I have no problem what-so-ever with LEGAL immigration I have a problem with ILLEGAL immigration. Illegal immigration not only hurts us as Americans it hurts the immigrates who have come into America legally. They have gone though the proper channels, they have done everything required of them to live in America. I know many many Hispanic Families who are here legally and you could not ask for nicer more hard working people than they are, then again I know many who are not legal.."most" of which are looking for the next freebie we are giving away.
I think every American and every person in Shelbyville would agree..that if you wish to live in America come in though the proper channels, work and pay taxes as we do. Learn to speak English and teach your children manners and English. The American Dream can be theirs just as it can for every other American but should be reserved for those who wish a hand-up instead of a hand-out.
Sounds like an argument I've heard on radio talk shows recently. I also highly agree with it. I will also say we do need to be cautious when we use the word "all", because not all our immigrants don't want to assimilate. My guess would be that those that want to learn English want to assimilate and improve themselves. I'm not sure of a solution, but I am for taking away the magnet that draws most illegals here, which is what states are starting to do. If someone is here legally they need to understand our laws and follow them.
Since are going with analogies, let's say a different homeowner has an unwanted guest in his house. This guest was also uninvited and took away certain privileges the homeowner used to enjoy. The guest worked hard, and he also refused to speak the language; essentially, he devalued the homeowner's property.
However, let's say that instead of complaining all the time, this homeowner decided to make the best out of his current living arrangement. He taught the stranger English and the laws of the land. Let's say this stranger learned everything he could from the homeowner and soon developed a great friendship. Let's also say this same stranger, one day, moved out and decided to help other strangers in their new home (ie. English and respect for their new country).
I wonder how much the landscape would change simply because one homeowner decided to reach out and help. My guess is that over time, this homeowner would no longer see strangers, but friends.
Dianatn
That it in a nut shell!
Let me see if I correctly understand this thinking.
Let's say I break into your house.
Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave.
But I say,'I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors.
I've done all the things you don't like to do.
I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).
According to the protesters:
You are Required to let me stay in your house
You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan
You are Required to Educate my kids
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me and to my family
(my husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).
If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there.
It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself.
I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house.
And what a deal it is for me!!!
I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.
Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE!!! so you can communicate with me.
Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?! Only in America
I really don't think ex-Shelbyvillian was off target too much. Many of your comments come across racist and backwoods, whether you realize it or not. You get mad at him/her for saying what he/she believes yet the rest of your comments are bashing almost every culture in Shelbyville. Whether you agree or not, that type of attitude is racist. And please stop using the argument that simply because someone doesn't live in Shelbyville, they don't know what the problem is like. Sounds like an excuse so you can complain more.
Yes, illegal immigration puts a burden on tax-paying citizens in Shelbyville, but it also puts a burden on almost every city in America. The real issue is how do we move forward, not how much we can complain how Shelbyville is changing. Face the facts, Shelbyville is different so you have to move forward or move out. Many cities aren't waiting on the local government to pass a law but doing it themselves by starting non-profit organizations that educate immigrants on life in America. Other non-profits are teaching English and local laws in order to address the communication issue and cultural differences.
Ex-Shelbyvillian
Just what does your comment bring to this board that is of any importance? Nothing other than an insult to someone. No, let me take that back! To insult everyone... Please do not waste your time being embarrassed for us ignorant and backwoods Southerners.
JOHN CARNEY...I AM SORRY I USED THE D----- WORD..IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN...I WAS JUST SO UP-SET THAT I TYPED IT AND HIT SAVED BEFORE I PREVIEW MY COMMENT...SORRY
ANOTHER THING WE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THIS ARE NOT BACKWARD SOUTH PEOPLE....WE ARE NOT IGNORANT PEOPLE EITHER..YOU DO NOT LIVE HERE OR HAVE TO PUT UP WITH WHAT WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH...KNOW THE WHOLE STORY BEFORE YOU GO PUTTING YOUR 2 CENTS WORTH IN....
To X Shelbyvillillan...How would you like to be carring your Godchild in your arms and be hit by them over and over tring to get in front of you or passing you ???? You are telling me that you would not be up-set...OR when I had her in her stroller there children kept tring to take her little stuffed toy from her over and over again...When I went to the car to leave there were at least 10 of them hanging around your car because they had parked next to you and they were just standing there and one was even sitting on my hood..When I was tring to get into our truck I could not even open the door all the way because they would not move....YES I WAS D****D MAD...
Man am I glad that I don't live in Shelbyville anymore. Not for the reason you think though. I enjoy coming to the Times-Gazette website to catch up on my old hometown, but when I read message boards like this one (and they all have about the same tone regardless of topic), it makes me embarrassed for the entire community. When you folks praise and encourage contributors like "rebelrose", who is so upset because she got "runned over" at the fair, you are exemplifying the stereotype of the ignorant and backwoods South. Instead of blaming all of your social ills on the immigrant population, I would humbly suggest that you take a long hard look in the mirror and realize that you are just as much to blame, if not more. Clean up your own house first is my recommendation.
Bob M... sorry but I was not sure I could use D****d. Right now I am not sure what RIGHTS I have any more..Thank You for letting me know I can use it...But I am still D****d Mad .How do we know which ones are illegal...Surely they are not all illegal.There were 2 very nice boys at my son school last year..They finished school last year. They spoke english very goood and dressed very nice. My son said they were cool.But it is the ones that trash our town and have baby after baby and are rude..I know I can not be the only one that see's this ..But as a family we can not do things together like the Christmas Parade this past year we did not go because the year before they were all over the place their children were running around in the road and all under us...they were all around us and could not understand a thing they said..The same for the little Fair that was here a few weeks ago...Just were do we really have to eat here in our town any more..Mexican...Mexican...Mexican....Enough is Enough..Just look at our town...It looks terrible now....
As a nation for centuries we have welcomed those who desire to come here with open arms.
The illegal alien ICE reporting number is 866-347-2423.
WE have allowed those who represent us, like Senator Alexander, to not do their jobs.
6+ years after 9-11, our southern border is virtually non-existent. How long has Alexander been in office ?
WE are at fault locally too. Somehow WE cant even elect officials who can even affect traffic light timing.
From the modular home construction firm that was trying to move here and locate on Horse Mountain Road to so many others, we seem to be failing miserably.
Sheriff Boyce is strongly in favor of 287G but ICE is dragging their feet. Calls to Senator Gordons office are full of platitudes but no action. Calls to ICE go unanswered and unreturned.
RebelRose... its 'd****d mad'. Seems like our local officials are willing to wait until we have our own contingent of MS13 before any action is taken. Too long illegals have been allowed to just move into our once fine town.
Use the toll free number, report illegals, over and over and over. Have your friends report the same illegals. If nothing happens start hounding Senator Gordons office for help.
Sure no reason to try to reach our current mayor. Both calls and emails go unanswered.
Maybe you don't need to shell out money for a billboard (those things are expensive). Maybe just buying a whole page in the newspaper with an ad stating something like "Support American workers and citizen rights . . . end illegal immigration and refugee settlement in Shelbyville" would do the trick. Maybe that would get our local leaders attention and then maybe something could be done? Also, have a website that would collect signatures for a petition and information on what organizations like the TIRRC are trying to get away with and links to local and state government officials to contact.
Nothing is going to happen on this issue until we the citizens decide to do something about it.
Our country is being sold out right from under us and the American people seem blind to it. HELLO PEOPLE!!! WAKE UP OUT THERE AND TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!!! MAKE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!! GO TO www.numbersusa.com AND SIGN UP. Once you sign up for free, It will alert you to any Legislature that may be coming up and automaticaly set up a free fax to your Congress men and woman to let them know how you feel. It's very easy to do and only takes about 5 minutes to check. I check mine daily as it has up to the minute news for fighting illegal immigration.
We should take up a collection with everyone on this blog and get our own billboard, with our views on it and see how they like that. I think we could all raise the money pretty quickly, but im not sure what something like that costs.
Where are our city and county leaders in all this mess, and why is our law enforcement not sending these lawbreakers back home. I know it can be done, just look at the sheriff up around Nashville, he is steadily sending them back, with the funding and support from the federal govt. so why cant we.
I doubt there is enough room in this paper for me to voice my complaints about the immigrants here or anywhere in the US. they are rude and demanding and they want and get everything handed to them for free. If they are so hard working then why are their wives and children all on Tenn Care and welfare and food stamps. The women don't work but they don't raise the kids either and the American women have to work to make ends meet. They get everything they pay in taxes back at the end of the year. Their money is spent in their stores and what is spent in ours is from the welfare and the food stamps. They do keep the beer companies in good business so is that for religious purposes. They don't have respect for this country or for their neighbors. Listen to some of their comments and if you can understand spanish it would blow your mind to hear some of the comments made and they say they come here and take because they can. If the people of this town were not so greedy and would not give them somewhere to live or jobs or permits for business's they would have to go somewhere else. So it is our fault as much as theirs. They still work even though they are illegal and will steal or buy another idenity to get a job.
What I wonder is where do they plan on all these people working that they are "Welcoming" into Shelbyville ?
I think it is ironic this is in the same paper as a factory closing and having to let go 70 people.
Gesh...How many more people can Tyson Foods hire anyway?
Somehow, I feel like we need to look closer at who we are voting for in this Presidential election in hopes that whoever is elected will do something about immigration reform.
Ok, here's how you combat this thing. Go to the web-site that this organization has setup so that the immigrants will have an avenue to contact OUR representatives. Use their links ( http://www.tnimmigrant.org/news.php?viewStory=130 ) to view the legislation, then contact the legislature and let them know that YOU are a citizen, therefore one of their constituents, and you are for the anti-illegal measures and against the pro-illegal measures. If the representative responds by telling you that citizens and non-citizens alike are their constituents, then let them know that the definition of constituent is: "one who authorizes another to act as agent". Since non-citizens are NOT voters, then they have not authorized the representatives to act as their agents. I'm getting sick and tired of the people that WE elect catering to the illegal immigrants and the corporations that hire them. If they want to represent them, then we don't need them representing us, the people that elected them. Contact your representative and let them know how you feel about these issues.
I CAN TELL YOU WHAT IT IS GOING TO BE CALLED...LITTLE MEXICO....OR TOWN OF THE IMMIGRANTS.........I AM SO DARN MAD !!!!!!!!!!
TIME TO FLY MY AMERICAN FLAG AND TENNESSEE FLAG AND MY REBEL FLAG HIGHER........I AM SO ASHAMED....I AM SO MAD....WHEN THE LITTLE FAIR WAS HERE A WEEK OR SO AGO WE DID NOT EVEN GO ..BECAUSE LAST YEAR WHEN WE WENT WE WERE RUNNED OVER BY THE IMMIGRANTS...WE CAN NOT EVEN ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT ANYMORE...WE ARE BEING PUSHED ASIDE..AND IT IS NOT RIGHT !!!!!
JUST GREAT- A sign that says "ALL COME HERE"! It's like a big huge flashing sign in the sky. I can't believe the CDC is wondering why TB has doubled from last year! WAKE UP Shelbyville Representatives and protect us from this. How can you think we want all of this in our town????? You've heard of "China Town" in bigger cities; what is Shelbyville's name going to be in the near future?
Before we know it there is going to be more Billboards up with photo's of the Somalis on it.. WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP THIS...Soon we the locals will be answeing to them.. I DO NOT LIKE IT. They have come to our town. Why do we have to start changing things...It sounds like they are planning something this spring for them also..They are calling it A Cultural Celebration for the Somalis to share their music and culture....What is happening to our town?????
This is the email response I received when I voiced my concern and objection to their billboards.
"Dear Jax Spike,
Thank you for your thoughtful e-mail. I always appreciate receiving input and feedback from people like you.
The Welcoming Tennessee Initiative has a local welcoming committee in Shelbyville with representatives from the Shelbyville community. We are all working together to help build bridges within the Shelbyville community and to facilitate dialogues where all opinions and perspectives are represented. We are also working together to bring a more positive image of the wonderful communities represented in Shelbyville.
Our organization is not for illegal immigration, but for a system that works and benefits the US economy and all Americans. Unfortunately, the system that is in place right now is not working. We are the first ones to come out and ask the Federal Government to reform the immigration system, which hasn't been reformed in over 20 years.
I would be more that happy to talk to you more about our work if you are interested.
Thanks again for your thoughtful e-mail.
Catalina Nieto"
Is it me or did this seem like a generic response which basically stated thanks for emailing and here is a generic response and will we continue to do what we please. I would advise anyone that disagrees with this issue to email the above email address and voice your concerns. If they want to dialogue then give it to them straight up.
Like Thom also, I was appalled at some of the things I read on their website and they are definitely not concerned with assimilation or following the law(more like bending it to their will). Sad really!
Oh you know what really p****s me off? They want to charge $25 dollars to listen to them speak.
Well said Thom.
This is hilarious! On the web-site for the TIRRC they have a "know your rights" page where they tell the immigrants and refugees about how they're going to have classes explaining their "rights". Like their "rights" when the ICE man comes to raid them. Their "rights" when they're pulled over and are (I swear these are the EXACT words) "often cruelly separated from their families". They also have the following sentence on their site. "TIRRC's 'Know-Your-Rights' trainings also educate immigrants across the state about the food, medical and income supports to which they and/or there are entitled." I'm not even entirely sure what they were trying to say there, but I'm pretty sure they screwed it up. Regardless, immigrants (the LEGAL kind) aren't allowed to apply for public assistance of any kind for five years from the time they arrive. I guess that doesn't apply to refugees or illegals.
Anyway, take a look at their site, it's really rather sad that they're listing legislation that the IMMIGRANTS should oppose. The LEGAL immigrants who have gone through the proper procedure for becoming a U.S. citizen are the only ones that CAN VOTE. If I were a state representative or senator I would simply ask the person calling if they are a citizen. If not then, as a legislator, I would tell them thanks for their input, but they are not one of my constituents. PERIOD.
I have simply had it with this immigrant nonsense.
After moving back to Shelbyville from Murfreesboro 6 months ago, I was stunned by the increased number of immigrants. I understand that an agrarian economy (most notably dominated by the horsey people and the chicken people) is going to have a heavier immigrant poulation than a technologial economy. However the lack of concerted effort by the town's leadership to attract a more professional crowd is simply disturbing.
This billboard is an embarrassment. These people should be bending over backward to assimilate, and not expect things to be the other way around. Some of the projects that I have been involved with in the community have spent way to much time worrying how these groups will be accomodated and less time with the real matters at hand.
With the boro busting at the seams and with the opening of the new medical facility, Shelbyville would be well served by trying to promote a more professional atmosphere. There is potential here, if the leaqdership can get past the catering to the industries that perpetuate this problem and become more progressive in its entire outlook. The conversion of the old middle school to a MTSU satellite is a great beginning, but employent opportunities for graduates MUST be here. Otherwise we will only continue to get refugees from the world's third world cesspools.
Oh sorry I know they pay taxes at Walmart and Krogers and Goodwill...LOL LOL
I just noticed that the sign say's we pay taxes. I must be the stupid one because I thought that the money they make is tax free...I thought that when they work 40 hours at 8.00 an hour they bring home 320.00. No taxes are taken out of their checks...Is that wrong or right...It should also be on the sign we have our babies free also...
Why didn't they use the money they paid for the billboard to pay for some courses in english or american mannerisms. What this billboard is doing is forcing the citizens into complacency.
Why do they get special treatment for getting drivers licenses? They require us to jump through hoops and get good grades to get ours. Honestly, What really gets me is how do they get cars and tags for the cars if they don't have a valid license and insurance?
That billboard is a slap in the face to all of the residents of Bedford County. Why did they need to do an Ad campaign when they can TALK to us instead of getting Smiling faces of people we don't even know. And, when do these community talks take place and where? I thought these meetings are supposed to be public? I haven't seen one single public notice about any upcoming meetings, I really thing this is all smoke and mirrors to hypnotize us with mass media efforts.
So damn sick of being a patsy towards people that hate us more each and everyday.
As long as they keep doing the work that nobody else there wants to do, it will be good business for the wealthy. Those same jobs that they do now is what I used to do when I was back home. I know it's hard work but that's just the way I was brought up and even back then it was cheap labor, (a nickle a bail to haul hay). You name and I did it to keep money in my pocket and help out around the house.
Shelbyville in the national spotlight!
Did anyone bother to ask Shelbyville what Shelbyville wanted??? I don't recall getting to vote on that...
The above article also explains why no one in Shelbyville can drive.
TIRRC was formed in 2001 around a campaign to support a bill that would increase immigrant access to driver's licenses. The group is made up of immigrants, refugees and U.S.-born supporters.
It shouldn't have been done at all . . . it basically says for all illegal immigrants to come to Shelbyville and we will embrace you and adapt our laws and culture to yours.
I think this is a very negative situation for Shelbyville and it's future.
Personally I haven't seen a lot of the other nationalities reaching out to embrace our community and to learn from our community! Instead most seem to only want to know what next "free" thing is to be given to them and oh, yes, lest we forget....how many more Newborn Citizens do the United States tax dollars have to pay for? Medicaid is there instantly to pay for their child's birth and have any of these women actually ever contributed one cent into the U.S. Medicaid system? Not likely! It seems we bend over backwards to take care of all these foreigners and when one of our TRUE citizens needs assistance they have to go through an enormous amount of red tape to perhaps get a measly helping hand.
Come on, people, wake up and speak up! It's time to take back our country back for OUR citizens and close the borders to the others!
Enough is enough!
What is next a Shelbyville Holiday for them too.....
I can not believe it...I am shocked...Do they think that putting up a Bill Board is going to make a difference....I thought they should be learning our ways....Don't we need to be spending our money on something good for the town..A Bill Board come on now that is just stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We should have known there was more going on than we were being told!
How about educating the new neighbors about the Shelbyville community, not the other way around! How about putting up a billboard of my family that says, "I was here first"
Should this not have been done a while back?
I guess we arent welcoming to anyone else. LOL!
This just makes me laugh really . . . the irony of it all.