Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on November 16, 2007 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Readers,

Because the comments to the original refugee story have become so cumbersome, we've set up this separate forum for your use.

Gwen Larson
Managing Editor
larson@emporiagazette.com

Posted by minorityinemporia (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by minorityinemporia (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to give you a BIG AMEN ! I am so proud of you CREATE , I have read some of your early post and I would never call you a Racist or Bigot , I would call you a concern citizen of Emporia . I am African American and I can tell in your voice that God has truly spoken to you !!!!!!!!

Posted by minorityinemporia (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are right ! Big Corporation do not care what color , race religion , they only care about , how much money they can make. I learned that from one of the biggest scandals ever .
ENRON, I saw this guy on tv about early or late 60' years of age and he was crying saying that he was about retire and he had over 1.2 Million dollars in Stock and then Wall Street had kicked Enron off the stock market once it went under $1.00 his stock was worth $.00 , He was crying and saying They destroyed my life , how will I be able to start over at my age. Sad but true

Posted by minorityinemporia (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Until we get a Government that will make them responsible for their actions it will only get worse for us before it get any better. Stay focus and I will Pray for you to continue your fight. Please do not give up , too many of us don't try hard enough. I can remeber the last election and I think the turnout was only like 26 % voter turnout. If you don't Vote please do not complain.

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on November 16,

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If big corporations only think of $$$$$ what do big governments and big non profits think of?

Posted by minorityinemporia (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You got me !
Most Big Governments want more Power ! To control everything about our lives.
Big non Profits Should be to help out those who are less fortunate , but it's about the $$$$$
I remember when 60 minutes did that undercover segment on the girls scout where this one young lady was not allowed in do to she did not sell enough cookies to buy her then required uniform , so they went to the headquarters to ask question and they stopped and asked one of the office asssitance what was her salary and when she said $67,000 and this was about 12-15 years ago. and they had a scandal at the United Way when the Pres was using the foundation money to buy his wife those fur coats and private jet rides , I just give 10% to my church . But you are right !

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

minorityinemporia i really enjoy reading your comments ive learned alot from reading on here and yours are one of the best to read.

Posted by infinicat (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

K, I'm not going to belabor the point about the rancher quote. There are many levels of trust and information flow in a town like this one. You take it anyway you want, but I told you the truth, and I'm willing to bet that with enough trust, and perhaps more than a little booze, others would say the same thing, though I am sure you understand why none would say it publicly. There's a lot of subsurface tensions that reverberate for years here.

What is true for one economically, is true for most. If you ran a business here, you would know that in a town of 28,000, finding people to do menial jobs for rock-bottom pay is not always easy.

---Infinicat

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will also stand by my reply about the farmers and ranchers, I know very many of them very well, and many people that work for farmers and ranchers. I already have trust with many of them and, especially among the ones that rarely or never drink, booze won't make a difference.
I realize you think that farming and ranching are "menial jobs for rock-bottom pay", but many rural jobs involve operating very large, expensive machinery, and many people would take an outdoors job, even if it was a tough one, and paid less, over standing in a factory line cutting meat as it passed on the conveyor any time. Me included.
At least none of the farmers/ranchers I know have a no-rehire policy, nor do they discriminate against local help.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Growing up around there many of the people I knew and were associated with sold feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, equipment - in the rural community you can build up quite a network among farmers and ranchers. I can go to pretty much any farm sale and recognize a big chunk of the people there, or at least know of them, and who works for them. So that's where my knowledge comes from, and hence my statement. You said you heard this from one rancher, and from your statement about the jobs and pay, I would venture that is pretty much the extent of your knowledge. Again, I'm not calling you a liar. But I don't think your rancher friend is very representative of farmers/ranchers in Lyon County as a whole. Just as our elected representatives these days don't seem to be very representative of their constituency as a whole. I'm sure you can find someone, somewhere who will claim anything, and maybe for that particular person, it may have some truth, but in this case, I know better. But, each person if free to believe what they want.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's a bit of confusion here because there are comments referring to a post I made that was on the thread that was frozen. So with your indulgence, I will repost. I hope you all get a chance to rent and watch this film. It is well worth it, especially since it is based on a true story.

I have just finished watching the movie, "Amazing Grace" just out on DVD.

This is the true story of William Wilberforce and his quest to end British slave trade. As I watched this film, I began to put it all in terms of what is going on here in Emporia and other cities all over this country. This isn't the fault of the Somali people, not hardly. This is the fault of Big Business like Tyson. The Somali people have been victimized by Tyson and other companies like it, just as their African ancestors were victimized by the Big Business Planters of the 18th century. And this is no different than the same kind of slavery going on today, only it's legal because the Somali people fit into the category of refugees. In addition, Big Business is victimizing cities like Emporia too as they make their deals with labor contractors like Catholic Charities who are complicit in this entire sham and should also be held accountable as they milk the federal and state funds belonging to the tax payers themselves. The Office of Refugee Resettlement is also complicit in the legal slave trade. The more I research, the more I realize what is really going on beneath our very noses. So many have been willing to look and study and become informed; however, so many have allowed their bigotry to guide their reactions; so many have looked away, shielding their eyes as well as their faces; and so many have chosen to simply accuse others of racism -- they too are complicit. You know what? I'm sick of all this. Not enough to stop, but just plain sick.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone that has posted a comment here is basically correct in thinking that money is the driving force behind all the ills in all of the United States, including the small town of Emporia, Kansas, for instance a new city manager is hired and paid the sum of $100,000 dollers per year which is more than the former city manager (who missmanaged city funds to the tune of $700,000 or more) and the first thing the new manager does is convince the city commissionars to raise taxes. Then the City hires someone for $60,000 dollars to come in and try to tell the people of Emporia how to think positively about the CITY OF EMPORIA, but how are they going to convince the people of Emporia to think positive about the CITY when the streets are in dire need of repair, etc.
They try to convince the people of Emporia that in order to attract new industries, businesses, etc. to Emporia the people of Emporia have to think positive about Emporia, but I say that unless a prospective business or industry is going to look at Emporia for a possible location the first thing they are going to notice is how badly the streets need repair, unless of course they only see the northwest part of town, which I have no doubt that that is the only part of town they would be shown.
If we as taxpaying citizens of this country want to see change in the way things are done we as the life blood of this country are going to have to take the decision making of government out of the hands of the greedy, rich wealthy individuals and corporations.

Posted by infinicat (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

open eyes said:

"I realize you think that farming and ranching are "menial jobs for rock-bottom pay""

I think no such thing. The rock-bottom wages are for immigrants, legal or otherwise, and I think everyone here knows it. Operating heavy machinery usually pays better, as we all know.

But only (3%) of the Emporia workers work operating machinery.

Here's the breakdown of labor in Emporia:

* Food (21%)
* Educational services (9%)
* Accommodation and food services (8%)
* Construction (8%)
* Public administration (4%)
* Machinery (3%)
* Transportation equipment (3%)

Wake up, 'open eyes'. Emporia is hardly a place for high wages.

Just look at the census figures:

Estimated median annual household income in Emporia, KS in 2005: $31,400

In 2005, the median annual household income according to the US Census Bureau was determined to be $48,201.

Why is it $17,000 LESS than the national?

That's a lot, my friend. We're talking over 1/3 lower. With all the high-paying farm jobs you mention, why isn't it higher?

This is a small, not-so-rich town, with a huge percentage of its citizens just getting by on far less than the national average.

While everyone here protests subsidizing the Somalis, I notice hardly anyone blinks at subsidizing Tyson, who gets $1/3 billion/yr just for chicken feed (!!!).

--- Infinicat

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never said farm jobs were high-paying. Since your post was about your ranching quote, I presumed that the statement "menial jobs for rock-bottom pay" was referring to that. If that was not your intent, I apologize - but your post was not very clear about that, perhaps you could have phrased it a little more clearly. We're all guilty of that at times.

But taking it as I did, the point of my post was that operating expensive machinery is not always not exactly menial, as compared to line-jobs at Tyson, for instance. (Not all jobs at Tyson, but many). I also pointed out that alot of people would prefer the outdoors jobs EVEN IF IT PAID LESS. So where do you get from anywhere in that I said high-paying farm jobs? The LAST thing I would ever do is call farm jobs high-paying!!! LOL

Your breakdown is of labor in Emporia. I thought we were talking about farmers and ranchers? What's somebody in Emporia running a lathe, forklift, or large machinery in the city got to do with what we are talking about in the country, running large farm machinery?

I'm quite awake.

Posted by infinicat (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think, in spite of some miscommunication, we agree.

--- Infinicat

Posted by wtrdog (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stickerbush, Create is right, We have beat this horse to death of the answers you seek. I am not defensive in nature, However I felt attacked. My apologies.

minorityinemporia, I really enjoyed reading your comments. They were very uplifting.

methusla, You are correct in your post. However it doesn't just stop there. That is why I such a critic of the commission & their actions. I am also a critic of the former city manager. There are many parts of this town that are neglected, And those that people see are eye soars enough, However, If you could see what the underground infrastructure was like in comparison you'd cringe. Most perspective businesses are going to pass on Emporia simply because there is a meat processing plant located here. Every town that has one has a similar history. The only reason a business would consider locating here is to take advantage of the already low wages & out of work immigrants.

infinicat,
I really admire that you have your facts straight. While I cannot disclose my employer, I can tell you I am in construction of sorts & operate many different types of machinery. My pay for doing my job is very low compared to the same job in other areas, Even just 50 miles away. However I stay here because of my family & elderly parents who are in bad health. If it were not for that, I would have taken my experience elsewhere by now.

Posted by wtrdog (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I should also point out that I worked at IBP in the late 90s. And although I make less in my current position, I am one of those that open eyes refers to. I would much rather work outside, Even in the winter, Than stand on a factory line.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Infinicat - I think you're right! Gotta quit chasing my tail around in circles so much... lol

wtrdog, I work inside now, (not on a factory line) - but I sure do miss being outside. One reason I still stay connected to the farm in part.

I also think what you said about your pay being low compared to the same job in other areas, ties in with what people have been saying/speculating/finding in studies. I think that by the largest employer in town (Tyson) keeping wages low, it has an affect on the rest of the local economy. No competition to lose workers to Tyson. If Tyson paid better (well, that's moot point, since they won't hire locals ANYWAY) - other employers might need to stay in line pay-wise to keep people there. Yes, that would raise the price of things and services, like has been discussed - but the studies have shown that labor is a minor part of the process, and isn't going to affect the price of meat that much. Other industries, however, who knows? Depends, each one could be different. But I don't see Tyson doing that so this entire paragraph is probably an exercise in futility....:)

Posted by mark_in_virginia (anonymous) on November 16, 2007 at 8:32 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by somali (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 4:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To Open-Eyes
Hi Ms/Mr Open Eyes

I just want say all Emporia people Sorry I didn’t aware that the real worries you facing in you’re City about many Somali Refugee coming everyday 365 days of the year, it is going to be big problem when they bring more refugee than you can host, I just did same research about US Homeless people, and I find out that more than 6.5 Million are living below the poverty line.
There is many Homeless camps in United States, in your city you are not queue yet in front of Homeless Centre or Church in order to get food and shelter, if you didn’t aware yet make your own research and find out how many Americans are look like Somali (IDP)Internal Displaced People in Somalia we have about 1.5 million(IDP) ask Oklahoma City's people. For Somalis, I think they have no choice but to go where US Government send them.
Finally my friend Open Eyes the real problem is not Somali Refugee in the United States or what you said about Somali Islamic groups, but you’re real problem is you’re policy makers, if you have few minutes to think click following link and tell me what you think. http://www.outfoxed.org

Posted by shamalama (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Emporia wants Somalians, then they can have em. I'll move!!!

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MinorityinEmporia, I remember what you said about this and apparently someone else saw it too. Our voices are being heard, folks. Keep it cool.

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres...

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

shamalama, you are the perfect example of those who come to this website without having read one word of what has gone before. You have a preconceived notion of the issues and nothing will ever change that. I feel sorry for you. But, we need you. Yes, we need you so we can demonstrate the stupidity of racism. As I have said over and over again, the issue here has nothing to do with racism, but people like you keep taking it there, even after some of us have put the explanation of what is going on neatly in a nutshell. You didn't even stop your racist muttering long enough to read that. You say you want to move? Oh, I hope so.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a bit of information for thought, Africa has the highest incidence of AIDS and HIV in the world and that means the entire continent of Africa including Somalia.
Now does anyone remember that a few months back when the citizens of Emporia abruptly found our that some of the Somalians that TYSON imported into Emporia have TUBERCULOSIS, lets face the fact that by not controlling how many, who, when, where, how, why and what potential diseases all immigrants have or carry with them this country is going to experience health and disease problems that haven't been seen in this country in decades and you may be assured that the large corporations such as TYSON, the City, COUNTY, STATE and FEDERAL government legislators who recieve favors from the rich, wealthy individuals and corporations either are not going to care or just pass the responsiblity of any problems caused by immigrants on to someone else and won't care about the added burden that runaway immigration will cause on rightful citizens of the country.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

create that was not fair.how do you know whether or not shamalama has been reading this or not? some people dont have the ability to write things in long descriptive ways, i did not see any reference to race in that one. ill put in a different way, longer than one sentence. i grew up here, the downtown area is where my siblings and i rode our bikes, shopped (we loved Daytons) we played in the parks and in general we have alot of good memories here, but it seems emporia has changed in too many negative ways, they schools are not able too keep up, the crime rate is going up, i cant believe we had a drive by shooting, a mugging, the torture and murder of an elderly person, people keep moving here and there are not the jobs to support everyone, now the social service agencies want a little more money, and are going to import more people, where are the jobs all these people will need? where are the jobs there dependants will be looking for? im sick and tired of the vandelism, im sick of seeing the east side of town turining in to the ghetto of emporia and who ever thought there would be a day that emporia would have a ghetto??? i never would have foresaw that in emporias future. this is the city who thinks they cant enforce a landlord/tenet code. this is the city where tons of cheritable people give to the needy every day, every holiday. there is so much charity here it overwhelming, and sometimes there is a need for more, there just isnt enough charity to help everyone. this is a giving town and still i always seem to have a neighbor or aquantice who cannot provide themselves with the basics food housing,clothes,school supplies,transprotation, medical care, there are so many folks without here and emporias disgusting social services and tyson are going to advance themselves and the expense of others and create more poverty here?? i am leaving, when my kid is done with school in the near future, we are leaving, then i will be one who checks in on the emporia gazette online, thinking " those people are such fools, emporia is sure going downhill, too bad" remember not everyone has the gift of gab or the gift of writing and can put things into more than a one sentence. emporia needs to wake up !!

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

somali, I'll agree with the first part of your post. We have many homeless and people here already living below the poverty line, it seems we would rather add to that number just so our corporations can get richer before we take care of the problem. And unfortunately many of your people are being used as pawns.
As for the second, I'll agree America has many policy problems. But your link brought a good laugh to me. I'm used to hearing Fox News attacked by the left. I've said many times media is slanted. Most to the left, Fox I will admit slightly right of center. But I will say one thing - at least the majority of discussions on Fox bring in 2 opposing viewpoints and let them hash it out. Hannity and Colmes for instance, nearly every discussion on Bill O'Reilly has someone from both the left and right side of the argument. Do any other major media outlets do that? I remember a few years complaints that reporters were wandering thru Iraq polling/interviewing Iraqi's, and they would ignore or brush aside people that were pro-American. They would only talk to and poll people that were against the US toppling Sadaam. Does that sound honest to you? I'll give you a hint: It wasn't Fox News....

All the major media outlets constantly point fingers at each other and making accusations of bias. Nothing new. Welcome to America. Probably alot of this 1st Amendment/freedom of the press stuff is new to you. You will learn over time that there is alot of trash floating out there, from BOTH sides. The thing for you to do, somali, is to always try to hear both sides and verify if you can what is being thrown back and forth, and make the best decision you can from what you have found - based on your own experience and understanding. Just like many of the claims people have made on these boards. But we're getting off topic. Just don't believe everything you read, hear, or see. Lots of Americans practice their own little perverted form of "taqiyya" also....

Here's a few more links to some "hard" news. Tell me what you think of these?

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km...

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km...

or this one is more political:

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrit...

Posted by infinicat (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

open eyes, what does one particular news outlet have to do with any of this? It sounds like you're recruiting viewers for your personal favorite. Let's not derail the topic, please.

--- Infinicat

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

open eyes, I have to agree with infinicat comment, but I would also like to add, that if you think that any news organization in this country is not politically biased one way or the other you are sadly mistaken!

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wow, people don't read very well.

"what does one particular news outlet have to do with any of this?"

If you clicked on somalis link, you would have discovered that it was a propaganda attack aimed specifically at Fox News. He asked me what my thoughts on that link were. I replied.

I'm not recruiting anyone for my personal favorite.

"All the major media outlets constantly point fingers at each other and making accusations of bias. Nothing new"

That INCLUDES Fox News pointing fingers.

"there is alot of trash floating out there, from BOTH sides"

That INCLUDES Fox News.

"I've said many times media is slanted. Most to the left, Fox I will admit slightly right of center."

Where in the world would anyone get from those statements that I think "any news organization in this country is not politically biased one way or the other "??????

I gotta learn to be more like a politician, and when someone asks me a direct question, deflect it and double-talk my way around and out of it.

Apparently I offended some Fox News haters, well, I can't help that.

Please people, read before you attack. I even said I had said enough as it was getting off topic. But if someone directly addresses me on this topic and asks me a question, please allow me to respond.

Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WHERE IS TYSON? They are COWARDS and dont give a crap about the city or the residence here.

Do you think if we ask the City to pay for us to relocate they would be as open to us as they are the Somali's???

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been reading the Forum this morning, while I plan my menu, and make my shopping list for Thanksgiving...and, its just my opinion, but I feel that maybe some of the postings on this forum are becoming a little repetitive, or getting off track...

On November 28th, there is a meeting. We are all invited to attend...at 7:00PM at Little Theatre...White Auditorium.

I hope you are all planning to attend. Bring your questions,please, but be aware, that we will not all be able to speak...and, maybe only one question each. So, we need to make sure we make each of them count.

Of course, I'm not suggesting we should stop posting our opinions.....but, I'm beginning to get concerned that between now, and the 28th, something will be said on here, and we will lose the right to keep this Forum. I see that there's already been deletes.

Slipandslide...I agree with what you said....Maybe, we should keep our remarks a little shorter as well...(hmmm, I'll start....

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!)....

P.S. I'm Thankful for having the Freedom to stand up for what I believe ...and, for my first Thanksgiving in Emporia with family....and, for the new friends I've met here.... Even, if only by Screen names. :-)

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Same back to ya,renegade!

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Low pay? Get educated and take the better job. Do not whine, whine, whine!!

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditto, renegade and bluelite!!!!! :)

Lord knows I've hard a hard enough time getting somali to answer some direct questions, and there are still some I haven't heard from him on, and doubt I ever will. I thought it was only fair to reply to him when he asked me a direct question. Off topic or not, but I did say myself it was getting off topic.

And I did read the post(s) here that got removed before they disappeared. Please people, heed what Renegade said.......

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I did not know about the upcoming public meeting on Nov. 28 at the little theater at 7:00 P. M., I guess I missed the notice of the meeting in the Gazette. I do remember seeing a notice about a public meeting at the Emporia Country Club on Nov. 29th, which as I understand Rep. Jerry Moran is planning to attend, but I do not remember the time of that meeting. If someone can inform me of the time of the Country Club meeting I will make every effort to attend that meeting and the one on Nov. 28, please email the time info to (giblelachter@yahoo.com).

Posted by terrye (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

After spending a great deal of time catching up with this forum I am going to “jump” in here and give my comments. It may seem as if I am going off track here but not really as there are people who still don’t understand that the refugee event taking place is just another event following too many that the American people have had to deal with.

For those of you who were not living here at least 18+ years ago or those of you who have forgotten….male and female young people from Emporia and many surrounding communities worked at IBP and many were enrolled at ESU and were afforded flexible work hours in certain jobs to attend their classes. Some worked afternoons and nights on full shifts and went to college during the day. It was hard but it afforded them the education to go on to wonderful careers. I have a bad memory of approximately 18 years ago of a young person attempting to pay for an ESU education by working in a position at IBP which required painting & maintenance cleaning. Worked mornings, then classes and returned for evening work.

This is not a pleasant story but true. The job eventually had to end, not due to the reduction in pay, hiring of illegal workers, layoffs nor the inability to converse due to language barriers but because fecal matter was being thrown on the employee and smeared on the bathroom walls on a regular basis even as cleanup was in process. This never occurred with one individual alone but usually in groups of three or four with meat knives on their bodies. Intimidation at it's worst. They wanted the jobs and they got them. A win for them and a real financial win for IBP. Events like this and much worse went unreported most of the time as if it became known a complaint had been filed (and more than not…it did) it only produced more financial burden with slashed car tires in the parking lot and threats. This was a trivial matter compared to other stories I have heard about. Whenever I hear the statement that “illegals or refugees are in this country because they are willing to do the work the Americans will not do” I am so angered.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

methusla....I have your address on the contact list...and I will send you a reminder of the meetings.

If anyone else needs a reminder, and is not on the contact list, please send me an e-mail, and I will notify you.

im.renegade@yahoo.com

thanks blulite and open_eyes for your post.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

slipandslide, if shamalama's statement is not racist, then I will apologize. This just sounds like it to me. "If Emporia wants Somalians, then they can have em. I'll move!!!" If that isn't racist, then shamalama, I apologize. Maybe shamalama will post again to clarify his or her position.

Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I copied this from "funston" a while back - sorry to interrupt the current strain of thought...

"Am I the one that's crazy here or is it Emporia? I came back to be safe so don't screw up Emporia! My guess is that you won't hire me because I'm white with way to much education. Emporia can't stand someone who knows more than they do and has actually lived outside of Lyon County for a long time.. Advanced knowledge means nothing to a bunch of uptight, short sited, narrow minded, condescending, neurotic, hypocritical, tight lipped hicks. Especially the guy who runs this newspaper."

Well, I disagree that Chris Walker does not have valid stake in this community. His wife--I'm not so sure, she's a little on the neurotic right-wing-fringe. I really want to THANK the Gazette for dragging most of this into the open. I would like to see whole lot more "Sunshine" shined onto this process.

Why should a community that is poor, downtrodden and doing its best to pull itself up by the bootstraps be saddled with huge, violent, uneducated, non-Western culture populations that practice HEINOUS crimes based on sexuality and religion? My GOD! Emporia still hasn't made its peace with the Mexican immigrants of the early 20th century!

I'm pretty sure that I have no choice but to make my life in Emporia, attached to ESU. THEREFORE, I am declaring open war on anything that prevents Emporia from becoming the kind of place I want to live in.

I'm sick of the local "4th generation don't-wannabees" and the "I've been here 2 years wannabees". I want a professional, stable, forward-thinking town that is well grounded, has decent shopping without looking like another Jo-Co strip mall, and decent places to eat...kind of like Lawrence! How is a massive influx of Eastern African refugees going to support that? Why do we have to risk diseases and horrific traffic accidents (and higher taxes and insurance rates) for these people?

Wake up EMPORIA, Destiny is knocking! Control your future!!!! If there's a march, I'll bring my placard..

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's some more food for thought-as if the rising taxes,insurance,and bankrupting all the community services wasn't enough.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm...

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/...

http://www.vdare.com/misc/tyson_complain...
Plaintiffs, v. TYSON FOODS, INC. a Corporation

Posted by mark_in_virginia (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 7:11 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create you dont need to apologize, i could have just said it simpler, im from america so i m called american, someone from mexico is called mexican, someone from somalia is called somalian, i have seen more than a few folks post on here wanting to move from here not wanting to support an influx of people, maybe they put it more eloquently than salamalama anyway you put it is the same thing calling a group of people somalians is not racist

Posted by cheerup (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mark_in_virginia-- It is funny that as much money that you are making there that you can't afford to take your family to saftey. All you talk about is what you here-no facts. I just talked to a friend that is a detective and he stated that all that you have listed are rumors-no truth to it. May you need to get the facts before you run down someone that you don't know.

Posted by mark_in_virginia (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everything is a rumor huh? So you are telling me that somalians are polite and courtious people. And by the way my family is safe but that dosent mean we dont have to deal with them.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kstrebuchet- RIGHT! The Gazette got put on the "inter-map".Maybe on the hot-seat with the political machine! At least our posts may still turn up in a search engine.They come up now on the first page of results.Too much Tyson money is going to both sides of the isle for comfort.Check out the NY Times archive I posted above.You can find all kinds of dirt.This company "smells" like money-if you're inside the DC beltway.Why would they care about a bunch of dumb hicks,refugees,and illegals?

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

blulitespecial, thanks for the links you offered. Good reads, and I especially appreciated the Vdare pub on the Tyson illegal hiring scheme lawsuit in Tennesee. That's going to be interesting to follow. I have said before that hiring refugees is allowing Tyson to escape the legal problems involved with their earlier practice of hiring illegal immigrants and depressing wages. Notice the word used in the complaint -- that hourly wage earners were VICTIMIZED by that practice. Good stuff blulite. The deeper we look into all this, the more we see, the bigger the can of worms. But that's why we're here talking about it now, isn't it? Lotta worms.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bluelite if you like searching the internet, have you found the iboogie search engine yet, it seems to bring up more than yahoo and google.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iboogie..I'll check it out! I tend to surf and wield a soldering iron a lot-too much time on my hands! Seems Ohio(Sebelius's home state) has a similar problem to ours- And it looks like the Ohio Guv got told to shutup! This is from May07

begin article-
-COLUMBUS (AP) - Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius tried walking the fine line last week between criticizing the president over the war in Iraq and appropriately representing her state's interests.

As Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland learned earlier this year, the precarious journey sometimes requires backpedaling.

Democrats like Strickland and Sebelius have been vocal when they perceive a vulnerability related to the war, seeking to bolster their party's message in Washington.

Yet observers say they are rightly cautious in how far they take their public attacks - because the Republican White House has partial control over their budgets and because finding fault elsewhere may appear to reflect on their own leadership at the state level.

Strickland got his first taste of the balance that must be struck in February, when he attempted to criticize President Bush's handling of the war by lashing out over a proposal to bring 7,000 Iraq refugees to the United States. He first said in an interview with The Associated Press that he wanted no part of cleaning up Bush's mess and that he wasn't interested in Ohio absorbing more of the war burden than it already had.

Facing sharp criticism, Strickland quickly reversed himself, saying that Ohio would certainly welcome displaced Iraqis.

For Sebelius, the daughter of former Ohio Gov. John Gilligan, the issue was her state's preparedness to deal with the damage from a tornado that razed the town of Greensburg. end article-

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you are finding alot of good readings

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

haha- I try- been following all this for 20 years.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good work, it must keep you busy!

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

im going to sleep for the night , good night bluelite

Posted by jasonandashley (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cheerup....you done started a war!! I'm sorry but i happen to know mark_in_virginia AND HIS FAMILY!!!!! Yeah they started out in emporia and as soon as the "refugees" moved in, he moved them the heck out of town. However, his fiance still held a job in town. it was awful going to work sometimes because the somali men would come into the store and make crude and derogatory comments towards her as well as other employees. I will not say where she worked b/c i don't want to involve the company and possibly spoil business. I have to give his fiance credit for continuing to go to work at this certain place of employment....she never knew what she was going to be faced with or whether or not they would have to be calling the police because of a somali man trying to get out the door WITHOUT PAYING! Fortunately, things worked out for her and she no longer had to work there. But like mark said we ALL still have to deal with them on a day to day basis IF WE CONTINUE TO SHOP good' ol emporia!

Second of all, he didn't directly say that he was going to run someone over, or rather that if they ran a stop sign in front of him or walked out in the street in front of him, it wasn't going to be his fault if he didn't get stopped in time....but wait?!?! It probably would turn out to be his fault that they didn't look before they crossed the street and one of them got ran into, because after all they are refugee's and we must accomodate to their needs....well i'm sorry but WE should not have to accomodate to their stupidity. And I can atest to this.....Friday, November 9th, 2007 at approximately 3:00 PM i was driving down 12th ave near the old DQ. and a somali man just walked right out into the street in front of me and i was less than 75 ft away!!! AND HE NEVER LOOKED BEFORE HE CROSSED!!! NEVER!
and a final note...obviously you've never had to interact with these people on a regular basis because the stuff we know is not RUMORS!! Because we've had to experience it and deal with it!! And frankly WE'RE TIRED!!
And the only reason that mark is in virginia...if you must know...is so that he can save enough money to move his family even farther away from emporia!!!

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From blulite's post, "Tyson attorneys contend there are problems with the data and are seeking to have Dr. Borjas' testimony excluded from the trial"

So, according to Tyson, those champions of truth and justice, apparently everything Dr. Borjas (an economist) says is just rumor, or at least has no factual basis........

Wonder how much of what our police claim is "only rumor" really is?

Have they been instructed to look the other way?

Seems some storeowners in this town look the other way when shoplifing occurs. Is that shoplifting by anyone, or just a certain group?

Just asking questions that pop into mind when reading these posts and links.....

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and by the way, my take on the new link to this page set up by Ms Larson, is that it WAS getting a little difficult to follow 3 or 4 different threads at once. I got to the point I started getting some posts and quotes mixed up, and/or attributed to the wrong person (well, more mixed up than usual :). I think she believes it is simpler to just have 1 thread now. That's fine with me, but I think the webmaster needs to modify things so that this shows up (correctly) on the most active discussions. Those other stories aren't the most active if nobody is posting on them, they are posting HERE. Don't make us continually have to go thru another thread to get to this one, please. Those threads are still there for anyone wishing to search back thru them (type in some key words on the search field) - but BE ACCURATE, and if THIS thread is one of the most Active Discussions, then, please, Gazette, LIST IT THERE! Thanks!!!!!

Posted by ANativeEmporian (anonymous) on November 17, 2007 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the earlier postings about how they have to integrate immediately. Would this be the same as how long it took the Irish, Cornish, Manx, or other off-speakers? There was a few snide readers who chided the 17 year old to go back and learn some american history and economics and painfully few of the grown ups on this list have half a clue. They're reacting the same as the people already here did for the past 150 years or so. Who needs the history lessons? I think some Emporians could stand a few. Its still patently silly how exactly the same lines are used now as there was when any new ethnic or racial group showed up. It's an example of how people haven't learned a thing - only to continue to be afraid of anything new.

I still love the notion that Fox news is a "little" right of center. That's like saying Bush is a "little" short sighted.

Do you even have the slightest clue as to the annual numbers of new mexican immigrants coming in (illegals mostly) to the county and city? I'd ask if anyone here can cite an actual census number, especially on the seasonal farm migration patterns. Because those numbers pale by comparison to less than a thousand Somali's, but you don't see anyone burning a cross on their yard the way the lot are of you on the Somali's. (and before any of you start attesting how noone's talking about cross burning, how many times are inflammatory terms about them are used like criminal elements, savage cultural habits, or how they'll just mistreat our women and children, or damage our own children's education).

I'd always seen Emporia as a rather forward thinking place, not one to be frightened of something different or new. It's a sign of lack of security in your own identity, which isn't the Somali's problem.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps Ms. Larson could, at the beginning of this thread, post links back to the threads which have been redirected here?

Native, I'm glad you love the notion that Fox is a "little" right of center. I think the majority of the media is not even NEARLY THAT close. I suppose now I could start making some snide remarks about how some Dems flipflop "a little", or how Dan Rather didn't check out his story first "a little", but, we all have our own opinions, and we're all entitled to them. For alot of people those "opinions" are set in stone, and no amount of facts and reality will ever change their mind. And this ISN'T the topic here anyway. I answered it earlier because it was a direct question addressed to me by somali.

My questions to you: Did IBP refuse to hire locals, just so they could hire Mexicans only? Did they come here as part of a refugee resettlement, all on the taxpayers dollar?.
Yes, I will start attesting that nobody is burning a cross. When I see that story on the front page of the Gazette (and I'm absolutely 100% certain it WILL be front-page news if/when it happens) - then I'll believe it.
In the meantime, people do have a right to complain when things are happening that should not be ignored. If somebody throws an elbow at YOUR wife in line at WalMart (and that DOES and DID happen) - I'm sure you'll just look the other way, because if you went up and complained about it, or confronted the person, you would just be being "inflammatory".

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OH, I just remembered Native, you're the person that stated "the states with the highest immigration rates also have the highest per capita revenues in the country."

Oh, now I get it, now I know where you get your "news". That explains alot!!! LOL

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This thread isn't about news channels, nor is it about one's general political views or leanings, except to the point that it affects THIS CURRENT TOPIC. Frankly, I don't care who likes what news, or who likes what politician, or political party. Myself, I'm a registered INDEPENDENT, I'll vote for whoever I d**m well please, regardless of party affiliation. If things we are talking about here are as a result of a certain politicians policies, then that merits talking about. But if you're going to do that, you need to include an awful lot of politicians and administrations, and go back quite aways in time, and pretty much include all in power along the way. Yes, both national and local policies affect what is happening (or trying to be forced to happen) here. Let's concentrate on them.
As I have said repeatedly in many other threads, we need to hear both sides of stories, and get the facts. What upsets me is people throwing out statements as fact that have little or no basis in reality. We are all here to INFORM each other, try best we can to separate the FACTS from the BALONEY, and work TOGETHER to find and do what is BEST for Emporia and its citizens.

Posted by been_there (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 2:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a fact that you can think about. It has been reported in our newspaper that the Somali population is around 750, but has been as high as 1000. Guess what! They don't really like being in Emporia anymore than the people that are on here complaining about how sad our city is these days. You say there are no good places to shop, eat or go for entertainment, well, there's pretty much nowhere for them to go. Most of them make a the trip back to Minnesota or Ohio or Kansas City every weekend to visit their friends and family and be in an environment where they fit in. They have come here to work. Those that work at Tyson have health care, a requirement to be employed there unless you can prove you are covered under a policy elsewhere. They pay taxes, I've seen their checks! Most of them would like to fit in to our society if they are just given the chance. Yes, they are still going to practice their religious beliefs as you will still practice yours. They don't try to convert everyone to be Muslims and most won't even discuss religion outside of their community. If everyone on here truly wants to make Emporia a better place to live and raise a family, then I agree, we DO need to work together!

Posted by infinicat (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Somalis that are here are not going away. The Christian thing to do, yes, even if they are Muslims, is to welcome them and integrate them into the community. Ostracizing them will only lead to future trouble and we will carry the burden of being unkind in our hearts for years.

After doing some reading furnished here on how other communities have managed to turn people away, I do not see it as a viable alternative to act up in a hostile manner in an attempt to be designated "unfriendly".

Is that who we want to be? Who we are? This so-called crisis is not exclusively about the Somalis. It is ultimately about us, and what we do now will define us for years to come.

--- Infinicat

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Barry Levine, a lawyer for Tyson, said yesterday that it would demonstrate in court that executives in Springdale had no knowledge of the recruiting of illegal immigrants."

hottopics, you asked where Tyson is. Right now they're in Tennessee in federal district court on trial. See above. The trial started last week. Read the articles posted by Blulitespecial, Nov 17, 6:32 p.m. You'll see how much trouble they're in, but denying it. Blaming company managers -- sent those managers right to the slaughterhouse.

Thanks again, Blulite, this shines a light on those accusations and rumors we've been hearing for years and years.

The answer to your second question, hottopics, is that Tyson cares about themselves. I know your questions were rhetorical, but they bear discussion anyway. I'm glad you brought them up.

ANative Emporian: No, no one knows how many "new mexican immigrants coming in (illegals mostly) to the county and city?" If they're here illegally, I assure you, they didn't check in to participate in a census. Is this your answer to the fact that you don't know how many refugees are in town? Those refugees didn't sneak in at the border, sweetie, they were brought here intentionally. I'd say there is a difference, wouldn't you? Also, I see you're still not reading the posts. Very few inflammatory remarks have been made in comparison to the "forward thinking" ones since the beginning. You, however, choose to pick out the few bad ones and make a case for "cross burning." Bad research, lady! Again, this isn't about the Somali people themselves, this is about our concern for Emporia becoming as bankrupt as Lewiston, Maine was. BUT, since you are so worried about the Somali people, and since you sound like you might even sit on the Human Relations Council, have you bothered to check with lawyers' offices in town to see how many cases of Workman's Comp claims are being filed for on the job injuries at Tyson's by Somali people? Huh? Wanna check? Go for it. You don't care about the Somali people; you only care about your own personal appearances of political correctness! If you did care, you'd be helping them file their claims. They are being exploited, just as the illegal immigrants were, and you're doing the political correctness dance which requires that you not look at your partner because you have to LOOK THE OTHER WAY!!!

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ANativeEmporian: I for one was wondering from your comments just how Native you actually are! I was born in Emporia in 1942 and still live in Emporia and can also trace my fathers family history to Native American heritage specifically CHEROKEE, now I don't know wheather or not that makes me a Native or not, but I think it does and I for one do not support bringing in any more immigrants or refugees of any color, religion or creed. I for one don't know why we as taxpayers are allowing the present political machine be it local, county, state or federal to continue to fund and support HOME LAND SECURITY when it is fairly obvious by the number of legal and illegal immigrants and refugees coming into the country continues to increase unabated, its time for the AMERICAN people to wake up and start making all government agencies etc. from the top (PRESIDENT, CONGRESS) to the bottom ie, CITY MANAGERS, COMMISSIONERS etc., accountable and get rid of the CORRUPTION, GRAFT AND GREED that dictates the will of OUR elected officials, after all do they not work for US the people who elected them.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, methusla. From Marc Antony in the play, Julius Caesar: "...Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!"

For our Sunday morning reading pleasure:

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers...

http://vdare.com/allen/060719_bad_samari...

http://www.cis.org/articles/2003/back130...

http://www.johnsonandbell.com/attorney/b...

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Especially liked your 3rd link, create. Sadly, the Somalians are just pawns in the big boys game of $$$$$ chess..... fat cats are making the $$$$, and GUESS who gets to pay it??????!!!!!!!

Posted by just_a_concerned_emporian (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I haven't read all the comments posted so if I repeat other people I apologize.

I look at Emporia's problems as several. First of all it’s like most Kansas towns that are away from the outskirts of a major city. We struggle to just maintain population! Over the last 30 years we have seen little growth. At the same time we have seen a lot of good jobs leave the area. Wolf Creek construction during the 70’s was huge for Emporia. Sante Fe’s Eastern Division offices left. Lots of blue collar Sante Fe train workers were transferred to other locations. IBP workers took a pay cut. Merchants closed due to Wal-Mart’s growth in the retail market. Didde’s shut down. Modine now has shut down. Etc. etc.! A lot of good jobs have left and have been replaced by a lot of unskilled low pay jobs. (Speaking in general here.) I wonder now how many companies that look at Emporia to possibly relocate and think…Emporia may not have the skilled labor pool that we need to operate.

While Emporia needs to continue to recruit and give incentives for new and existing businesses, it needs to be selective and give the incentives to businesses that enhance our community, and not to the ones that put a strain on our community services. The businesses that now are recruiting unskilled labor, so they can get federal subsidies to help pay the wages of that labor, should not get any tax, utility, or any incentives from our local community. The Emporia labor pool, who helps pay for those incentives given to employers, are in competition with the employer’s wage-subsidized recruits.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just_a_concerned_emporian:

Kudoos to you for being absolutey right and insightfull into just a few of Emporia's growing financial woes. I don't want to be perceived as an alarmest but there is also a very real possiblility that Interstate Bakeries may close the DOLLY MADISON plant and from what I have been reading in the Gazette, Menu Pet Foods is having a real problem also, so GOD forbid if these two plants happen to close there goes more paying jobs from Emporia. Oh sure people will say, but there is a Bio-Diesel and pet food plant being built here in Emporia, that is true, but how many years down the road are these two industries going to be up to full capacity and full employment. I don't think either one is going to employ enough people to make up for the work force of either DOLLY or Menu if they should happen to close.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some good reading in there! Looks like Brownback thinks we need much more of a financial burden here in Kansas,not less.This guy has thrown us(yes,"us",and the"US") away.I don't think the state will EVER recover and have a chance at a decent tax rate.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks for the good readings everyone

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OPENEYES: Yes, you are so right. "Sadly, the Somalians are just pawns in the big boys game of $$$$$ chess..... fat cats are making the $$$$, and GUESS who gets to pay it??????!!!!!!!"

Isn't it too bad that folks like NATIVE EMPORIAN refuse to read deeper and see that these refugees they seek to defend are really "just pawns," nay victims, of the fat cats. But they don't want to see that because it's easier to accuse others of racism than to read articles. Unless they too stand to profit. Oh no, say it ain't so.

JUST A CONCERNED...: Excellent post! I hope others are paying attention. I particularly agree with what you say here:
"The businesses that now are recruiting unskilled labor, so they can get federal subsidies to help pay the wages of that labor, should not get any tax, utility, or any incentives from our local community. The Emporia labor pool, who helps pay for those incentives given to employers, are in competition with the employer’s wage-subsidized recruits."

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just_a_concerned_emporian - You hit it the nail right on the head.But I think we do have a good number of skilled people.Some I know are pretty close to the "rocket surgery" level!

Posted by just_a_concerned_emporian (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

blulitespecial- You are right! We do have a lot of skilled people here in Emporia. And a lot of good citizens!! I do think though that our percentage of unskilled workers is a little high overall. Am I saying that we have a high percentage of dummies? No! The problem I see is our young people that earned a skill or a degree are not staying, or are new skilled people coming. (in general.)

There's not an easy answer, but we need to do something to make Emporia more attractive, to recruit more skilled jobs and get the average household's buying power up. One thing...get the wages of existing jobs up...so locals want to work and stay here. Make it not so inviting for employers to recruit unskilled federal-subsidized wage earners.

Posted by cheerup (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jasonandashley--Why don't you move???? I'm not sure why you would want to live in such misery.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just_a_concerned_emporian - haha... no argument here! I agree with you on the somewhat high numbers of unskilled workers.But that's a guesstimate from me.The factories always draw numbers of people to the area that need a paycheck and insurance,but just don't happen to be highly skilled.Here's an interesting read I found this morning-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071117/ap_o...

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good read, BLULITE. All those names, telescoped into each other and stuffed into the can of worms. Wow!

Posted by been_there (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Could someone please point me to the link that explains this federal subsidization of refugee wages, specifically what Tyson is getting out of this? I'm not being sarcastic in my request either. I truly would like to read up on this and understand just how much money we are talking about so I can be more informed on the subject.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

can..open.....worms..everywhere...

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

been_there- Wish it was that easy. I'm looking for one simple answer myself! It's all intertwined,but maybe someone here has found a single source.Some of the links to the class action lawsuit demonstrates how Tyson has garnered far reaching influence.Some is payed as"soft" money-Like the 100K Hillary made on Tyson insider trading.Also check into the various"charities".They make millions off this scam and Tyson gets the cheap labor.We get the tax bill.They spent a lot of money, time and effort to get low wage slave labor imported.The best guess I've heard is for every dollar per hour you can cut wages,it means a quarter billion in savings to them every year.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BEEN_THERE, Let me start you off with this one. Then when I find more, I'll be back.

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres...

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

blulitespecial:
I don't know if what I am going to say will be the simple answer you or anyone else is looking for but the simple truth to the problems of the entire country is the fact that as long as the common working people of this country continue to let the GREEDY, WEALTHY INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATIONS and STOCKHOLDERS, who care about nothing but making themselves richer and wealthier on the backs of poor working people and by influencing public officals with expensive gifts and payoffs ie, campaign contributions, etc., such as your countrys' PRESIDENT, CONGRESSMEN, GOVERNERS, STATE CONGRESSMEN, COUNTY OFFICIALS, CITY MANAGERS, and CITY COUNCILMEN and CITY COMMISSIONERS your are going to continue to see growing disscontent about immigration, low wages, taxes, etc. in this country until the legal, poor taxpaying peoples of this country do something about the governmental GRAFT, GREED and CORUPTION that exits in this community and country.

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Meth, who are the non greedy? Are there any?

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BEEN_THERE, here's another. In the meantime, read METHUSLA.

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres...

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yeah-what methusla said!

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BEEN_THERE, everything on Emporia is here. Now, gotta go rake leaves.

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres...

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

METHUSLA, you are quoted in the above link. Last story.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree, emporia has a ton of intelligent folks, and i tend to like the values people have here. its too bad tyson has essentially rolled the red carpet across emporia letting us be walked on for so long.

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on November 18, 2007 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kstre,

We have begun moving comments on topics generating more than 50 posts to separate forums. This is being done, no matter the topic. You'll notice that the Seasonal Celebration debate was frozen and moved to a forum, also, as was the debate on the appropriateness of music played in public venues.

This was not a move to silence the Somali debate. If you noticed, people were posting the same comments to four stories to ensure they reached as many as possible. This way, comments can be posted once.

We experimented with the mechanics of our site to find the best way to handle this. I would have preferred having the topics come up as soon as users clicked on Forums. The site doesn't work this way.

By grouping these topics within News Forums, you the users can start your own topics. When our users begin using the general forums more, I believe you'll have no worries about the threads being seen.

Gwen larson

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey gwen i was just looking at the web cam, is it possible to make it in real time instead of stop motion and maybe pan the area?

Posted by jasonandashley (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cheerup! You must have got in on this forum a little late cause i am one that posted towards the beginning of this forum. And if you would have read that then you would know that I HAVE MOVED!!! And I don't regret it!!! Yeah we miss the easy access of stores and shops right there in Emporia, but it was like living in hell in the apartments that we lived in. And you know....we did give the somalians a chance or at least we tried. We stuck it out for 8 LONG months. Until we couldn't take it no more. We were looking for a house outside of Emporia, but one that was still fairly close since we have to commute to work 5 days a week. Why didn't we just move to the opposite side of town or get a house right outside the city limits?....well because the prices on so many houses were out-of-this-world!
But a place came up for sale that had a significant amount of property and just the right size house for us and a family, if we choose to start one right now, and we jumped on the opportunity to buy because the window for the sale was very narrow. Honestly, we consider ourselves lucky because we were able to get out and fortunately we only have to go to Emporia to work. Shopping has become so aggrivating at times that we save ourselves the hassle and go to other towns to shop. And we don't by tyson meat anymore...because, as someone else above stated "it all taste the same". Fortunately we have a few cows now and we have family in the butchering business so we know where our meat comes from and who processes.....without charging us two arms, a leg, and a kidney.

If you would like a personal account from us and some of the things we had to deal with, then I would be more than happy to send you an email with details of our encounters so that i don't waste other people's comment space. A few of the others who are on here happen to know us and what we had to deal with until we finally gave up trying and were finally got out, and they will stand up for us. We will be at the meeting on the 28th, with the ENTIRE family, perhaps you will be too, I suggest you go and sit back and listen to some of the real testimonies and concerns and questions that the citizens of Emporia have. We still have friends living in Emporia who have lived and worked there for so long that they really don't know where they would move to or we have friends that can't afford to get out of town at this moment. But what do you do when you have outragious prices on everything and a crappy economy?
And one final question to you: Do you actually live in emporia? I was just curious because if you do you evidently didn't live in the same neighborhood as us or near there at least.....maybe we, along with others posting here, we just encountering the "bad somalis" of the group.

Posted by shamalama (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create-
My comment wasn't meant to be racist....I mean by having these people in town raises my taxes, makes me more worried about who's driving on the road, makes me more concerned about the welfare of EMPORIANS, worried about the shock to the system that more somalians will bring, worried about a shrinking amount of jobs, but an influx of foreign workers....then maybe I don't belong here....I'm worried about the welfare of my children and family...if that makes me racist then I guess I am.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

admiree:

I for one can truthfully say that I am a non-greedy person, because I have to live on a fixed, retirement income and cannot afford to pay a government official or anyone else for that matter to pass a bill or vote on legislation that will make me wealthy . I also know that there are numerous people living in Emporia and around the country that are in the same situation that I am, and that is why I, (we oppose a refugee resettlement center, because it will mean higher taxes to fund an already under-funded public services organization and be assured if a refugee resettlement center is established and more immigrants, refugees come in, higher taxes will be an inevitablity.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SHAMALAMA, I firmly apologize to you, and thank you for explaining. Your one sentence statement was so short that it sounded sharp-edged and shrill. I was listening to the voice in your words. Sometimes a short sentence like yours can deliver a wallop. Again, I'm sorry.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

heres a view on america taking in refugees.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news...

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

slipandslide:
First of all slavery is when a person or people are forced to work for a master and receive no pay or compensation what-so-ever, therefore the Somalians that are imported into this country, Emporia as either immigrants or refugees are not slaves nor can they be compaired to the slaves of past history because these Somalians are paid whatever the starting wage is at Tyson and they also get to take time off to pray on company time and probably are not required to clock out to do so, therefore are paid for praying which would place an unfair burden on the other workers who would have to do their own jobs plus the job of a praying Somalian.
I don't think that the Somalians could be considered Slaves, do you! The Somalians maybe and are a disrespectful, thankless people who don't have the gumption to fight to make their own country free and a good place to live, But Slavesl, denfinately not.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

METHUSLA, I disagree. Perhaps you are right in the pure sense of the word, "slave." but in the larger sense, Tyson and companies like them are employing refugees and paying them depressed wages. This is usury. This is victimization. Sure sounds like slavery to me.

They victimized the undocumented worker, but now the feds are after them for that so they turn to refugees. Let me ask you this...why do you suppose Tyson is so interested in refugee labor? I hope you don't believe Tyson is being benevolent. "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio..."

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

not slaves in the traditional sense of the word. i tried to go back in the forum and find where someone said how much tyson saves each year for every dollar they save on labor, it s alot, but i wont quote it since i cant find it again. they are saving huge amounts on the refugees. where they are not going to make a living wage, there is not much chance of being independant of the social services that they need to make up the difference. is tyson paying them health insurance? or will they expect the medical card and the health dept cover that? the article was a different take on things, explains why immigration has been an issue thats in limbo for a long time

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create:

If you are going to catagorize the term "usury" as refering to undocumented workers and refugees, then you must lump every person who works for a wage paid to them by a CORPORATION or BUSINESS that becomes wealthy by using the workers they pay to become ridiculously wealthy, then everyone who works for such a corporation or business is being used by that corporation or business, hence your term usery, not slavery, don't confuse being used with slavery!
Also the citizens of this country and Emporia are the ones being raped and used, not necessarily by TYSON, but by our own local elected City, County elected officials and also by certain wealthy individuals and religious organizations.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's another payment to Tyson from us-the taxpayer-courtesy of our good buddies in DC. mm...Wonder who was working on the Farm Bill then????This is from In These Times,Jun07.
-begin-

Tyson and other giants have consolidated their power by purchasing chicken feed for, well, chicken feed. As soybean and corn prices dropped 21 percent and 32 percent, respectively, after the passage of the 1996 farm bill, the chicken industry effectively collected a subsidy of $1.25 billion a year, according to Tufts researchers Elanor Starmer, Aimee Witteman and Wise. The subsidy—worth $2.59 billion to Tyson from 1997 to 2005—represents the savings for the industry compared to paying for the full cost of producing the grain in its feed. -end-

Posted by infinicat (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

" The Somalians maybe and are a disrespectful, thankless people who don't have the gumption to fight to make their own country free and a good place to live,"

What's with the stereotyping statement?

--- Infinicat.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 18, 2007 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems Sen.Roberts is on the take from the agribusiness PACs to the tune of $319,000.The money trail is coming to light.From the Wichita Eagle-
http://www.kansas.com/news/story/212019....
Kansas.com | 10/28/2007 | Subsidizing obesity

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you have posted some pretty informative links and info since I've been reading this.I've been trying my best to dig up all the honest info I can.You can question what I post,sometimes I do,too.I hope most has helped some of you look a little deeper,or in a helpful direction.This whole mess doesn't look like it's gonna be easy to deal with.Seems like 1/2 of our state and federal elected officials will be of little help,and a couple Senators would rather we shut up.I don't intend to!

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

METHUSLA, you'll get no argument from me on this, for sure, particularly the "non-profits" or as you call them religious organizations because most are churches --
"Also the citizens of this country and Emporia are the ones being raped and used, not necessarily by TYSON, but by our own local elected City, County elected officials and also by certain wealthy individuals and religious organizations."

Don't forget the feds. TONS of money comes in the form of contracts from the ORR -- Office of Refugee Resettlement. Those are the people we need to e-mail.
If you'd like to e-mail the Domestic Resettlement Chief, here you go--
DayBJ@state.gov

Let us know if she sent you elsewhere without answering your questions.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BLULITE, you have posted many good links, and I do appreciate it. Like you, I believe that this entire mess is not going to be easy to deal with. And yes, I do believe there are certain people out there who want us to shut up and go away. That just gives fuel for my fire. Unfortunately, I have spoken to some individuals who say, "Oh I just don't have time to read all that stuff." They just want to go about their tidy little lives with no concerns. "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underlings."

But there are ways to mount the good fight and we must not be racists because that is not what this is all about. I just hope that our meeting doesn't fill with contentious individuals who want to cause problems and interrupt speakers. I also hope we receive good, honest answers and not smoke and mirrors. I firmly believe that something is amiss and I want some answers. This is all based on tons and tons of money. Oh yeah, and worms. :)

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

create;

I most certainly have not forgotten about THE GOVERNMENT CONNECTION, as a matter of fact I have just finished emailing some pointed questions to Gov. Sebelius, Sen. James Barnett, Rep. Peggy Mast, and Rep. Don A. Hill and the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
I don't really expect any straight forward answers from any of these agencies or elected officials.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think we'll get much out of the guv- she's pretty much sold out to the international policymakers. Even a future US government position is just a steppingstone for her.If you get anything worthwhile back from her at all,please post it! I'm betting a lot of you know of 580 talk radio in Topeka.Here's a link to their contact page.

http://www.raubinandmegan.com/email.php
Contact Raubin & Megan

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks, BLULITE. I bookmarked the site. Looks interesting. I'm guessing you told them about our community happenings.

Posted by somali (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello again Open Eyes,
my friend you're complaining that i am not answering all your questions,first I am not online 7/24/52-may be you have more time then I do,so i tried to reply all the questions,if you still missing same it is good idea to make us an apointment,so that we can meet face to face.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With regard to the article about Norfolk, Nebraska -- "Local government and school officials were not included in plans to bring in the refugees, and they found themselves scrambling to cope with the needs of both the refugees and the home community."

In other words, despite all of Norfolk's experience with having NOT BEEN INCLUDED in the plan, this very same thing happened to Emporia? AGAIN? Well, well, Does Fardusa Council have anything to do with this great planning?

The questions just keep heaping up, don't they.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I must be an idiot, what does 7/24/52 mean, July 24th, 1952 ! exactly what does it mean, if anyone knows please inform me.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create-Yes,they (580 WIBW radio)were informed a while back.It was "turned over the news team for investigation". That was well before the meeting.Now that another meeting is scheduled with Moran and others,it's possible this a little higher on their radar screen.Supposedly Glenn Beck will be on with them Tuesday. If enough of us email them,and call the "rant line" posted on the contact page- perhaps some questions will be asked!

Posted by tmt (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

7/24/52 = 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tmt
thanks, I guess I am a little to old as this was a new one to me.

Posted by hogan77 (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I must say, I am very disappointed in Emporian politicians. They should not be wasting their time worrying about other people, they should be spending their time to improve the lives of people already living in town.

I love Emporia, or at least, the town it once was. I moved away 5 years ago, before Somalis ever came to live there. I used to live in Americus, and drove back and forth every day to work. I had to, there was no way I could afford to live in Emporia. Once I divorced, I tried to live in Emporia, just my daughter and I. Six months of living in a rat and roach infested one bedroom apartment, for $400. a month. SRS wouldn't give us any assistance, because as a single individual, I made TOO MUCH money. I depended on the help of a few churches for food and utilities, because I simply couldn't afford to pay rent, divorce attorneys and all my regular bills.

It saddened me to leave, but let me assure you, it was the best choice I ever made. I moved to a small town of around 1,500 people. I paid $300 a month on a two bedroom house. My food was cheaper, my utilities lower, gas cheaper cause I didn't have to drive everywhere. The school here is good. They still need some help with one particular person getting off the school board, then perhaps some of the ridiculous rules would be overturned. But, I look at it this way. I don't have to worry about if I can afford my groceries or house payment the next month, and I even work in a convenience store! I don't have to worry about being mugged by a Somali, since we don't have any. In fact, we have about 1/4 the population as being hispanic, and most of them have been here at least the same amount of time we have. We do have two Bosnian families in town, but they are the nicest people, they keep to themselves, and never cause any problems. We are actually needing more people around here. We could use people to come work here, at the pizza place, the grocery store, the gas station, plus others. Granted, not the best jobs around.. but, I make a living doing it. We need people to fill the empty houses in town, to improve them and make them beautiful once again. We need new businesses in town, since we really don't have a lot.

So my fellow Emporians, if you finally decide to move on, as I did... I will be more than happy to lead you out here. We need a few good minds to fill empty spots here. We all know that the politicians and Tyson are not working in your best interest, and I wish you all well in trying to make them provide for you FIRST. However, I really don't see it happening. Instead, I see Emporia becoming a sink hole for ungrateful refugees, and the lifetime residents becoming the victims in it all.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

somali is using a current slang meaning twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty two weeks a year. the short version of it is 24/7 maybe 580 radio should broadcast in emporia also? it sounds good. the gazette should use less biased reporting, meaning they should show both side s of an issue instead of reporting from one side only, isnt investigative journalism also mean finding the answers to questions instead of expecting the community to go hunting the answers themselves?

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tmt, sorry i didnt notice that you had posted the answer to the question already, sorry

Posted by MerryCarol (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Frankly, I thought the Norfolk article was encouraging. The refugees helped the town financially, and they all worked together to make it work. Yes, the schools and other systems should be notified so they can adjust as best as possible, but obviously they did it and it was pretty successful, until Tyson closed the plant.

As for people telling stories of encounters with Somalians. I have yet to have a problem. I hear about women being treated badly in WalMart, but they've been polite to me. My husband has never had a problem either. We've never witnessed a problem with any of them. I don't doubt some problems have happened. Culture issues can be sticky.

Don't forget though, crime was growing in Emporia before these people arrived. Can't blame it all on them.

These people are refugees. This country has always had an open door for people with great needs who will be killed in their own country. They need help.

Yes, get answers to questions, but don't close your mind to this situation perhaps working out beautifully, for everyone. As the children assimilate and socialize, that will also help.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

slipandslide- 580 in Topeka DOES broadcast here-I get it better than 1400.They reach past the NE,MO,and OK state lines.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Somali, I asked you about the rude treatment of women in places like check-out lines, for instance. Is this the way women are treated in your culture? If you don't treat them this way, then why are these incidents happening? Why hasn't the Somalian community gotten together and said "Hey everybody, that's not the way it is done here, and these incidents need to stop NOW? Along with many other problems that have caused friction with the local community. If many of you came from Nebraska, why haven't you/they figured this out by now?

Without going back and searching for my questions, I think you pretty much answered most of them.
You don't know where I got my info about the practice on young girls, never heard of it, even though studies show it is practiced almost universally in Somalia. And news reports of Somalian families rushing to have it done before coming to the US. I've posted plenty of links to those.
You are against the US fighting the UIC, you say there are no Al-Qaeda there. Despite mountains of evidence showing the UIC is heavily funded and gives support to Al-Qaeda - and UIC leaders even appear in propaganda videos with them. I've posted plenty of links to those also. And Bin Laden/Al-Qaeda work for the US Gov, right, got it.
You said the real problem is with our policy makers, a statement in which I quite agree with you wholeheartedly - then you posted a video slamming FoxNews - I guess that was your "proof"? What does FoxNews have to do with gov policy? What I said about that was you had much to learn about US, ALL news is biased anymore (I'm sure someone will comeback again and complain that I'm crazy if I think there are news orgs that are unbiased - so a preventative strike here, please read closely what I said). What I told you was to always try to find and listen to both sides of the story, don't let our biased media blindly lead you where they may.
So I really don't see much point in any other questions, I've pretty much gotten a feel for what the answers will be. I am curious about my first question here about treatment of women, however.

Posted by reservist (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Norfolk had to open up free programs, offer a building for prayer, who paid for all of it? I woulnt rent a building for free for no amount of time, and the clinics may have been free for patients, but Im sure the clinics needed money for supplies and operating cost. So my question again who paid for it all? The tax payers? Grant money has to come from some where. Doesnt our taxes go to grants to? Isnt their enough low income families and single mothers that could use such programs? Shouldnt we take care of our own first? Shouldnt we use grant money to start a free child care center so low income families and single mothers can find a job or go back to school? How about the homeless and disabled veterans shouldnt we take care of them? What happens if Tyson does shut down? Norfolk had an increase of crime, do we really want any more crime in our town? If we cant solve our own problems why do we try to solve the problems of the world?

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems the Norfold article was written........ very..........carefully. Some obvious problems seem to have been mentioned almost as an afterthought, or tiptoed around. It would be interesting to see another point of view, one not written by a cheerleader.

Posted by reservist (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point. Emporia and its citizens need to know all the facts. Not just Norfolf but ever town comparable to Emporias size that has faced a large number of refugees being relocated needs to be researched and addressed.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Same here- I read nothing in the Norfolk article memorable,except they chased some grant money to help with community services.There was no in-depth mention of real costs to the city,or taxes,or welfare statistics.Pretty much"Yeah,they arrived,we tried,they left."

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right, Reservist. Good observations. I keep pointing to Lewiston, Maine as one very good example because they went bankrupt. Here's the link again:

http://www.vdare.com/francis/maine.htm

BLULITE, what time is that program on 580 AM?

Also, I'm told that Matt Zimmerman will be interviewed on KVOE at 7:10 a.m. this coming Wednesday the 21st.

Everybody, keep your powder dry.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create- It's broadcast 11am -2pm Mon-Fri. They have several talk programs on thru a 24 day. They run the Glen Beck program until 11am.I was just reading about the West Point ,Nebraska Tyson plant that closed,too.The industry is shrinking,so perhaps they want disposable workers brought in at taxpayer expense.Then "rationalize" the plants,layoff everyone,and walk away with no costs.(but there's always welfare..)

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

580 Radio Here-
http://www.raubinandmegan.com/
and contact here-
http://www.raubinandmegan.com/email.php

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Found something interesting here that explains something about the non-profits. That last sentence reaches out and snaps its fingers at me.

"The Washington Times featured Lavinia Limon, director of a non-profit refugee agency. But it neglected to mention she was formerly the director of the federal DHHS Office of Refugee Resettlement. Would any other government-dependent industry have gotten such light treatment by the media for what is obviously a revolving door between the industry and the federal government? Back when Miss Limon was head of ORR, she told me the main function of the refugee “non-profits”, known as Voluntary Agencies, was to link refugees up with public benefits programs"
<http://www.vdare.com/allen/publicity.htm...>.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on November 19, 2007 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

reservist;
You are absolutely right, everything that is done for the refugees and immigrants is done with the poor hardworking CITIZEN taxpayer of this countrys' tax dollars, Also as long as the current government regimes, Federal, State, County and Local will continue to recieve moneys, etc. from Wealthy Individuals, Wealthy Corportaions to vote a cer