What did he do for the displaced American workers who lost their jobs?
Last year, federal agents raided a factory in the old whaling town of New Bedford Massachusetts, arresting hundreds of illegal immigrants working in a textile factory.
Most were shackled and sent to a detention center in Texas, where they faced rapid deportation unless they could post thousands of dollars in bail—money they didn’t have —to buy time to mount a defense.
Then, according to the Wall Street Journal, a mystery benefactor appeared. The anonymous donor ponied up more than $200,000 to spring 40 people from detention. Robert Hildreth is a multimillionaire who built his fortune trading in Latin American bonds during the 1980s debt crisis that gripped the region. He was infuriated by the images he saw on his television screen of the about-to-be-deported illegals, and thought it was. “un-American.”
The article described the illegals need for “thousands of dollars…. to buy time to mount a defense.” What exactly would that defense be? I snuck into your country, was responsible for Americans losing their jobs, and now, I like it so much that I want to stay?
As you read this story, perhaps your mind will drift to contemplating the fate of the American citizen workers who were displaced by the illegal workforce of hundreds.
What of their families, lives and homes? Factory workers are on the lower end of the pay scale. Finding alternative employment in small communities is difficult, if not impossible. How did the owner of the company feel giving pink slips to loyal and longtime employees, enabling himself to save a few bucks? How “un-American” was that?
That should have been the story here. There is no benevolence—either from Robert Hildreth or from the Wall Street Journal.
March 19, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Just read the WSJ article. What a sappy, heartbreaker that was.
The take here on Seeing Red is the correct one. The damage was done to the American workers–not the illegal aliens.
March 19, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Robert Hildreth should hook-up with Mac Magruder and his cabal of illegal alien boosters. Rich elites undermining our whole society and culture. What a pathetic upper class we have birthed. Too bad we could not go back and abort these miscreants instead of the Downs syndrome children. The rich elites are more dangerous to the country, truly ethically and mentally defective, and society would have been better off without them.
March 19, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Great.. just what we need.
March 19, 2008 at 9:48 pm
The Wall Street Journal has more or less always been pro-immigration. However, today’s paper, between the story on Hildreth’s bailouts and the gushing editorial over NFAP’s two new badly researched papers on the H-1B visa marked some kind of new low.
Please, tell the Wall Street Journal EXACTLY what you think about their reportage on these related issues.
March 19, 2008 at 9:57 pm
American workers don’t matter to the elite.
March 20, 2008 at 11:55 am
This multimillionaire providing bail for illegals is treated like a hero in this article. He is anything but. As the post so rightly pointed out, the American workers took it in the chops from the factory owner and this cad facilitated his self-serving actions.
This is a shameful account of liberals at work—the factory owner, the “hero” providing bond for lawbreakers, and the Wall Street Journal for the sob story, passing as news.
March 20, 2008 at 6:56 pm
What if they gave a Border Watch and everybody who is sick and tired of this drain on America showed up?
http://www.borderops.com
March 23, 2008 at 1:05 pm
CARRIE: What makes it right for your though process to use abortion so losely? If you are against abortion, you should lead the example of no death is justified. It amazes me how hypocrites can flip flop on their beliefs. This is why people can’t take you seriously. What bitterness has crept into your hearts? We are all from immigrant families. Whether it is from Irish descent, Italian, German, French, Spanish, African, etc. We have no right to claim this land as original natives. Thank your parents, grandparents who risked it all to give you a better life (whatever that means). If you read your history books, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I don’t see you working on our highways on a hot, blistering day. Or kneeling 12 hours a day so your floors will be fashionably tiled. We complain about our economy’s inflation but we don’t hesistate to buy cheap products that were made in China or other neighboring countries. Get educated, immigrants aren’t the problem of this nation. It’s the out-sourcing to other countries so we can pay 20 dollars for a shirt that was made in a FACTORY over seas at cents an hour. I commend Robert for stepping up and doing something for a fellow human being. Look into our immigration laws and find a way to fix them.
March 23, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Wow! What a tirade–and on Easter of all days.
Being anti-abortion and supporting the death penalty have no correlation and is in no way hypocritical. Imposition of the death penalty is biblical, and is given in cases when life was taken in a heinous manner. It is a correct remedy for criminal actions.
Abortion takes the life of an innocent pre-born human being. There is no rational way to equate the two. Life is a God-given gift and is Constitutionally protected.
As to your skewed thoughts in favor of criminal illegal aliens invading our nation, what’s the use of trying to anwser more liberal balther?
March 24, 2008 at 8:22 am
Beth, Immigration is not even a controversial issue. Immigration is how this country was built. Notice I said “country.” Countries have borders and smart ones, like the U.S. have a method of logical, tolerable immigration proceedures. The insanity taking place on our southern border is an intolerable invasion. National Security demands we identify those entering our country and kicking out those without a right to be here. When did we start rewarding law breakers? Read up on mecha, la raza and the other mexican racist organizations. Too many of your “immigrants” look to hijack the culture of the country they are “immigrating” to instead of building up and assimilating into the U.S. culture. Previous generations of lawful immigrants built up this country. Nobody argues they are the “native race” in the U.S. As far as the mexican work ethic goes, how did we ever manage to build a country without that labor? Leave our country to US. I think we’re going to be just fine without the illegal mexican “work ethic.” Why don’t they put all that “hard work” into building up mexico? It’s this simple, they broke our laws to be here. We’ve had enough of all the ills they bring on our society. You’ve worn out your welcome. Get the hell out.
May 13, 2008 at 8:46 pm
He did that, because he has been in Latin American countries and he knows exactly how we immigrants live our lives there. It is not a fairy tale there, but people do not know about it until they have seen it. I know many of you are going to say, it is not our fault and you guys must not come here but I can just tell you that we are here because there is not other choice for many of us.
Thanks Mr Hildreth, you are definitely an angel even though you do not want to be seen like that. Thanks for what you did and I know that the majority of latinos living in this country will appreciate what you did for that people.
God Bless you!!
May 13, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Mariza:
There certainly is a choice for you–actually two choices:
1. Do what you can with your countrymen to elect better, less corrupt, national leaders and make your own country habitable. Get educated so you qualify for better jobs in your own county.
2. Stop breaking our laws and making excuses for it. American taxpaying citizens are very tired of bearing the additional burdens imposed by lawbreakers who require health care, schooling for their children and all too often the high costs involved in the criminal justice arena. Many who come here illegally purchase stolen or falsified documents to gain employment, enroll their children in school and obtain a driver’s license. These often include stolen social security numbers. Do you have any idea of the nightmares being caused innocent Americans when their credit is ruined and their documents are being fraudulently used by another person?
May 13, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Marianne, I’ll answer your questions, as it is obvious you live in a make belief world.
1. Funny you mention corruption in other countries, have you taken a look at your own? It is these same type of corrupt politicians who are to blame in all of this, not the illegals(most) who are here to work. Dont you think some of these politicians get money from lobbying groups who do so for cheaper labor? Also, you seem to think its as easy as saying, “guys, lets get togeather and elect someone who cares”. Look at our very own election, its come down to the lesser of the two evils, not who the best candidate is. Why dont YOU fix that aspect of the country with YOUR vote?
2. American tax payers? How much did YOU pay in taxes? its the 1% of wealthy Americans who should be complaining as they pay the majority of the taxes, but you know what? these same individuals are the ones that benefit the most as they are the owners of these companies/corporations who hire the illegal workers. Technically I’m sure you’re breaking the law as you go above the speed limit daily, does that make you a bad human being? Of course not. These people gaining entry here are here for the most part to work and give their sons and daughters a better future. Unfortunately some of them do come here for other motives, criminal ones. For them I have no sympathy as well. But for those who are here to make a living, in a their own way contri buting to this country, I have no problem with them. having said that we DO need to do a better job at the border. We simply cannot keep taking people in for ever. IMO we need to address that before we can do something about those who are here illegaly. Only after we’ve sealed off the border can we take care of the problem within. In my opinion also those who are here already and who have kept a clean record(felonies, not driving without a license) should be given an oportunity to be legalized. I realize its much easier to question why they should be rewarded, its not a reward, its fixing a problem. If they’ve proven they’re good “citizens”, no worse than you or I, I dont see why they should be perceived as criminals, someone who killed 100 people is also considered a criminal, do you really think most of these people are in the same realm as that?
I’ll end this with saying that its much easier to say people need to get out, it is much easier to say you were born here therefore you are a better person than one who wasnt, it is much easier to say these are invaders, just think how my ancesters, native Americans felt about yours. They were done more harm and damage than these illegal aliens have done to us, by a long shot. Does that mean you should all go back? Not at all, its in the history books now, but what it does mean is dont go through live giving this better than thoug attitude, because if you are a christian(someone used a bible reference), just remember this verse “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
May 14, 2008 at 12:02 am
This is more then GREAT, thank GOD we have an ANGEL on earth who cares for people who are hard working and comes to USA to have a better life for their kids.
Thank you MR>ROBERT HILDRETH for being such an ANGEL. God is watching you and no matter who gets on youre way he’s protecting you. Specially from jelous people and worst of all a big % are hispanic who’s against in what youre doing.
I’m going to be praying for you MRROBERT HILDRETH, and once more thank you and GOD bless you and youre family.
May 14, 2008 at 7:39 am
It’s funny how so many people talk about immigrants as un-educated people and you know? everyone in this blogs (except Mariza and Beth) are very ignorant. 1. The immigration issue doesn’t only involve “Mexicans” 2. Many Immigrants from Latin America are people well educated with professional degrees that because there was NO OTHER CHOICE moved here to clean your bathrooms and serve your food. 3. The jobs that immigrants do are those that many Americans won’t do anyways, because many of you “Americans” (which really means new-born Americans because you all come from immigrant families, just fucking face it and quit being so irrational) choose to file unemployment before going to work at your local Mc Donalds. 4. Have any of you even look at how many “American” homeless are in the street and shelters of this country? And many of them are homeless by choice, you pay for them to be lazy!! Immigrants actually come here to WORK!! and 5. Marianne, are you f-ing kidding me? “Do what you can with your countrymen to elect better, less corrupt national leaders” are you even from this planet or are you plain stupid? If doing that is so easy why dont’ you do that for your country and better U.S economy, end the war, get rid of poverty and corruption! 6. Over half of immigrants pay taxes that they take no benefit for. Do a little research!
Oh and I can’t believe you all think you are so right, yet you see abortion as something good. Killing an innocent and unfenced unborn child is just KILLING that is criminal, not coming to this country and asking for the rights that your parents or grandparents were given.
In conclusion, if you all don’t open your mind WOW America will be full of a bunch of ignorant, heartless people.
Thanks Mr. Hildreth!!!
May 14, 2008 at 2:25 pm
These letters look like what Rush identifies as “seminar” callers. I think you are all “seminar” writers. Each of you has numbered your points. No one else does. That’s a giveaway.
Eddie: If you are so unhappy here, why stay? You are spewing the Democrat party line about the wealthiest 1 percent. We ALL pay taxes here and they are not being paid to support a group of people who have no regard for our sovereignty and our laws. This would never be tolerated in the countries from which you come. You write as though it’s okay to break into our country because things aren’t’ good in your own. FIX THEM. You are here ILLEGALLY. It is not your right.
Your reasoning is flawed.
Mr. Hildreth is exploiting illegal workers by paying sub-standard wages. He would have to pay America workers far more. He’s not doing YOU a favor, he’s doing one for himself!
May 14, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Ms. Immigrant:
Your ignorance, arrogance and rudeness is showing. Clean up your language and your attitude and leave this country you so despise. You do LEGAL immigrants a real disservice.
May 15, 2008 at 10:24 am
Thanks Mr. Robert Hildreth.
Sorry for the ones are against immigrants, because they against themselves (where are you came from? what is your nationality?) can you answer that simple question? because I’m 100% Mayan (Central American). Please make sure you read the history of AMERICA before you make any comments. The freedom from this country is the reason why we all are here.
God Bless America!
May 15, 2008 at 11:00 am
There are so many Americans who talk about immigrants in a rude and demeaning way that I don’t see why they need to express about us Americans like we all are great people . Plus Joe maybe you need to clean up your mind from the real ignorance that you live in. And hey, no one here has said that they despise this country, but mention the realities in which we live here. America can be an amazing place, but it’s for people like you, who are selfish, envious and ARROGANT that our country sadly is going down the drain. Accept reality, a country build by immigrants is always going to need them!!! And so you know Bill, Mr. Hildreth has supported immigrant students to go to college and get an education; how is that exploiting? Really all of you, do yourself a favor and think before you talk. Not only you are miss inform, but also all of you sound so jealous that there is someone out there that is a better human being than you. Thanks Mr. Hildreth for showing that our country still has a few good people.