Pubdate: Mon, 07 Nov 2005 Source: Greeley Tribune (CO) Copyright: 2005 Greeley Tribune Contact: http://www.greeleytrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3165 Note: Note: typically publishes LTEs from circulation area only PROPOSAL DEEPENS RACIAL DIVIDE COMMISSION STEREOTYPES FACTS BEHIND WELD'S CRIME Sometimes good intentions do nothing but stir up trouble. That's what has happened with the Weld County commissioners' recent effort to draft a resolution supporting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Greeley. Upon introducing this resolution, endorsed by the commissioners and Weld District Attorney Ken Buck, the commissioners stirred up a hornet's nest with apparent blanket assumptions that smack of racism - -- even though they probably didn't mean it that way. After citing that violent crime, methamphetamine distribution, alcohol-related offenses and structured gang activity have become serious problems in Weld, the resolutions states: "Whereas, some of the foregoing crimes are committed by illegal aliens and removing criminal illegal aliens from Weld County would ease the burden of law enforcement resources and promote the safety of Weld County's citizens." That burden really isn't that big, though. Only about 15 percent to 20 percent of inmates in the Weld County Jail are considered foreign-born, and not all are illegal. We know the commissioners and the district attorney didn't mean to say all crime and violence and drug use are perpetrated by illegal immigrants. But it sure sounds like it, and it has offended many Weld County Latinos and Anglos alike, and rightfully so. Those who attended a meeting last week with the Greeley police to draft a city version of the resolution felt the measure as stated was just another brand of terrorism against their race in this city. They felt as if they were easy targets once again. An immigration attorney said the resolution "plays off stereotypes and people's fears and biases." We agree. We are aware of the hype surrounding illegal immigration, an issue that has become the constant battle cry for many in politics. We agree illegal immigration is a problem nationally. In fact, we backed President Bush's plan he introduced in January 2004. Basically, Bush wanted a program that would provide incentives for immigrants to return to their home country, that would protect the homeland by controlling our borders and that would serve America's economy by matching a willing worker with a willing employer, among other concepts. But to pin society's ills on one population is wrong and leads to racial profiling, which is an even more tragic -- and dangerous -- statement on race relations in any community. The commissioners' resolution is unacceptable, and it's troubling that none of the members understand what it is that people are finding offensive. The commissioners' actions only serve to aggravate the problem of racism that, unfortunately, continues to exist in our community. Contact Weld County Board of Commissioners: 915 10th St., P.O. Box 758, Greeley CO 80632; call (970) 336-7204 * Dave Long, District 1; Glenn Vaad, District 2; Rob Masden, District 3; Mike Geile, at large, and Bill Jerke, at-large - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman