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By Mayor Kevin Johnson
I know what it’s like to work in front of hostile crowds. Twelve years in the NBA will teach a person to handle just about anything in terms of cheers and jeers.
So I want to thank the Sacramento community for turning out in force and expressing heartfelt opinions at this week’s City Council discussion on the Arizona illegal immigration bill, SB 1070. I also want to thank the people who have made their voices heard from around the country.
The chambers were filled with overflowing emotion. People described passionate feelings on both sides. But in our city, residents are allowed to disagree without being disagreeable.
Let me share the evolution of my position. While playing for the Phoenix Suns, I lived in Arizona for a dozen years.
I witnessed the anger and animosity created by the state’s decision to rescind the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.
I saw how the power of economic boycotts – including the loss of a Super Bowl and about $300 million – eventually forced Arizona to pay tribute to Dr. King.
Personally, I believe the current debate is a civil rights issue. As for its relevance to Sacramento, I believe any injustice is relevant, no matter where it happens. If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Americans are born with a duty to fight against injustice.
The debate in our council chambers showed far more common values than opposing values. Both sides know laws are essential to a civil society. Both sides appreciate the history of our country, and the need to defend our borders.
Finally, I believe both sides know it’s foolish to think the U.S. can function without a comprehensive immigration system. That’s why the cry for immigration reform is so loud.
Personally, I support an economic boycott of Arizona. I have seen economic sanctions work. But if my colleagues on the council move forward with a resolution calling for a boycott, I want to make sure we know exactly what that action means and how it will work.
My goal is to send Arizona a message: Laws that discriminate against certain people because of appearance run against the spirit of our country. We must never forget we are a nation of immigrants.
My views are based not only on my own experiences, but after speaking with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and reaching out to members of the Latino community in Sacramento.
I know some people will disagree with me. They have an absolute right to disagree. All I ask is that the debate remains respectful.
In a nation of laws, the most basic law is respect for other people – and that’s a law that extends to property, personal preferences and opinions.
16 Comments
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I also want to thank the people who have made their voices heard from around the country.
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KJP
1 years 343 days ago
0 agree
Mayor Johnson, did you speak to anyone on the pro side of the issue in Arizona? Also, I see that both states' (AZ and CA)immigration laws are posted verbatim earlier in the comments. Did you read them? How different are they, in your interpretation? More importantly, please give examples referencing both laws of where there are civil rights issues? Finally, isn't "civil rights issue" political double speak for racism?
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Tom
1 years 356 days ago
0 agree
Learn the meaning of "RACIST" - ILLEGAL ISN'T A RACE, IT'S A CRIME!! When you start enforcing YOUR OWN immigration law then you can talk about other states!!! Calif. Penal Code Sec. 834b requires that "(a) Every law enforcement agency in California shall fully cooperate with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service regarding any person who is arrested if he or she is suspected of being present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. (b) With respect to any such person who is arrested, and suspected of being present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws, every law enforcement agency shall do the following: (1) Attempt to verify the legal status of such person as a citizen of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted as a permanent resident, an alien lawfully admitted for a temporary period of time or as an alien who is present in the United States in violation of immigration laws. The verification process may include, but shall not be limited to, questioning the person regarding his or her date and place of birth, and entry into the United States, and demanding documentation to indicate his or her legal status". http://www.americanpatrol.com/REFERENCE/PENALCODE/834b-CA_PC.html AZ SB1070 - "B. For any lawful contact stop, detention or arrest made by a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency of this state or a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency of a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state in the enforcement of any other law or ordinance of a county, city or town or this state where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who and is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person, except if the determination may hinder or obstruct an investigation. Any person who is arrested shall have the person's immigration status determined before the person is released. The person's immigration status shall be verified with the federal government pursuant to 8 United States code section 1373(c). A law enforcement official or agency of this state or a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state may not solely consider race, color or national origin in implementing the requirements of this subsection except to the extent permitted by the United States or Arizona Constitution. A person is presumed to not be an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States if the person provides to the law enforcement officer or agency any of the following: 1. A valid Arizona driver license. 2. A valid Arizona nonoperating identification license. 3. A valid tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification. 4. If the entity requires proof of legal presence in the United States before issuance, any valid United States federal, state or local government issued identification." If you can find ANYTHING unconstitutional about this law, let me know...
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AJ Clark
1 years 356 days ago
0 agree
In concern for the debate in Arizona, we live in California and just like business is avoiding this area we should avoid being involved in this dilemma. I believe that there was a vote taken and the majority won. Yet in California there are so many laws that go against the minority and the majority that come on the books every year that it has become a running joke. Currently this state is facing an economic crisis, the immigration LAW in Arizona is nothing to waste precious resources on. Its the law much like the overturning of the Affirmative Action Bill here in California so before we all go throwing stones look at the walls in this glass house. PLEASE!
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Mr. Johnson I can appreciate your position. I too agree we need to stand up for and show respect for other people. This law has noting to do with race. The law specifically says you cannot use race. You have not read the law so how can you be against something you have not even read. The Sacramento City Council should not be dealing with this issue at all. You said "any injustice is relevant, no matter where it happens". If that is the case why are you not dealing with the countless other injustices that go on around the world? Why this one? You are playing political games which would not be as big of a deal if you were not spending public money to do it. Why was city staff directed to prepare a 71 page report on Arizona for your council meeting? Why is city staff now compiling lists of all Arizona related contracts? Why did you allow 1 hour to this issue during the meeting and only 20 minutes to flood control. Are you telling us Sacramento flood risk is less important to you than supporting illegal immigrants in Arizona? Mr. Johnson you have a huge deficit to deal with, please work on Sacramento issues. You were elected to serve the people of Sacramento, not Arizona.
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Cindy
1 years 356 days ago
0 agree
I am confused by this whole thing. I do not understand where another State has a right to say anytyhing about another States laws. I totally agree with checking for proper ID and following the proper laws to remove Illegal Aliens. They have cost our Country so much. I do not say this to be called a racist - since I am not, and most Americans today are not. They are tired of the "Free Loaders" no matter the color of their skin, etc., - but Americans should never have to take on the burden of another country's citizens. I have been told that CA has a similar law to AZ, but they choose to ignore that law. I am a proud Texan, but if my Governor and our Reps decide to "boycott" another state for their laws I will not feel so proud any more. I hope our state soon adheres to the laws regarding Illegal Aliens also. I myself was hit by an Illegal Alien and was astounded when the officer on the scene told me he could do nothing about them. They didn't even own the vehicle they were in. If I had been at fault I would have been ticketed. I am ready for this Country to get it's head on straight again and stop these liberals from destroying us.
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Tim
1 years 356 days ago
1 agree
I continue to challenge you, Mayor, to debate me, an ordinary constituent with no political agendas, in a public forum. I am interested in what is best for the city/state/country, as opposed to any campaign "contributors". Clearly, the majority agree with my position as your position lacks merit and is factually flawed. You work for us... your boss would like to have a word with you.... that would be me... and I believe I have the support of the majority of Sacramento citizens.. which can be shown in responses to this email and on your Facebook page. Tim
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Ruth
1 years 356 days ago
1 agree
This is the worst kind of political grandstanding. How can you live in this country and reap the rewards as you have and then turn around and condemn a state that is attempting to follow the law to condone those that expect special treatment that are not even citizens of this country. It's mind boggling. You have flipped flopped on this issue and you need to look into your soul, sir and think with your brain and not your misguided heart. The behavior that I have seen by the Latinos has been heartbreaking. Hanging our flag upside down, hanging the Mexican flag above the American flag. Where is your outrage about that? This is the United States of America, not Mexico. And we are the racists....ok. Your vote encourages this kind of behavior as do the other council members. It makes it ok. And it's not. You and the council are no better than the people you are trying to condemn.
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Francine Brown
1 years 357 days ago
0 agree
Have you read the Arizona law? It states that they can't stop and check someone based on race! You say it's a civil rights issue... Illegals don't have civil rights. They haven't earned them. Those who have, shouldn't mind showing proof of their citizenship because they earned it.These same Americans should fight the injustice of allowing illegals of any nationality to come here and hang their flag above ours, and hang ours upside down. If they won't assimilate to the AMERICAN WAY, then they aren't truly Americans! I will boycott anything with the name Sacramento or anything with California on it, and suggest my friends do the same. Maybe when an illegal causes you or yours harm, you'll change your opinion. So glad I don't live in a state where they won't protect their legal citizens!!
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Leslie
1 years 357 days ago
0 agree
I agree the AZ law is misguided and unconstitutional. But boycotting businesses and workers for the Legislature's folley is also misguided. When I go to Scottsdale, I know the tip I leave for workers and local businesses I patronize put my money to good use. People who live and work in AZ shouldn't be victimized by grandstanding via a boycott.
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