Daily in a dither
Gordon’s policy reversal calls “motives” into question
The daily Fish-wrapper is spinning, dervish-like, as it tries to sort out Phoenix “Sanctuary City” Mayor Phil Gordon’s motives in reversing his own policy barring Phoenix Police from inquiring about immigration status.
The new policy would allow officers to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they encounter a criminal they suspect of being an illegal alien. Seventy-seven percent of the Police Union membership support the policy change.
Mark Spencer, president of the 2,200-member Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, previously called the operations order “bad policy” and said he hopes Gordon’s panel develops a better plan.
Yesterday, the Republic editorially convulsed over Gordon’s about-face, writing: “Phoenix is a city shaped and enriched by Spanish-speaking immigrants. Latin Americans over the past two centuries helped build this community and give it so much of its flavor and fragrance.”
All immigrants to this nation have helped “shape and enrich” our country. The issue remains that previous immigrant groups coming to this country arrived legally. They became English speakers. They did not march by the thousands through our nation’s cities, waving their own national flags, demanding rights which are accorded to citizens. Other immigrants did not believe that the American Southwest belongs to them.
The editorial goes on to urge Gordon to “ lead.”
“To do otherwise” they write, “is to vacillate and appear weak. It’s a quandary for Gordon because his instincts run to mediation and reconciliation. He likes to pull adversaries together and encourage compromise. But there is no compromise on this issue for the foreseeable future. Restrictionists smell blood and continue their march to eradicate illegal immigration in Arizona.”
“Restrictionists?” That would be American citizens, tired of the illegal invasion status quo?
Then the Fish-wrapper concludes with this gem: “The mayor would do well to remind us that tough rhetoric and uncompromising politics can poison what has been good about this city for many, many years.”
And Gordon’s motives? How do you spell N-i-n-t-h F-l-o-o-r?
December 6, 2007 at 11:46 am
I am so sick of the AZ Republic. They have a blatant, left-wing perspective that precludes any journalistic objectivity. There is not even a veiled attempt to conceal it, which speaks to the issue of their arrogance. Anyone with a conscience would realize there are other vantage points and give equal space to opposing views. Even the smattering of letters to the editor that are in disagreement are cropped so as not to intrude on the order of the day.
It’s easy to see where they are on every issue from the liberal Cronkite polls they run to the editorial content. No wonder blogs are outpacing print media.
December 6, 2007 at 8:20 pm
The paper can’t believe Gordon is buckling to a pressure other than what they exert.
He’s a loser, no doubt about it. But with the abysmal voter turnout in Phoenix, he wins. He sees the handwriting on the wall as it relates to his run for governor.
I’m not so sure any of these moves will matter in the long run. He has a liberal panel making recommendations to him. Rick Romley? He’s a Democrat in disguise. Grant Woods? Didn’t he reregister? Jose Rivera and Paul Charlton? Both agenda guys. In fact, they ALL fall in that category. This is a stacked panel so don’t expect too much.