Posted by rami (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been really sick lately so I wasn't able to attend last night's meeting, I really wish I could have tho, I want to have my voice in this also.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rami...
if you would like your name added to the list of contacts....please e-mail me at im.renegade.com.

I will make sure that create, and reservist, have the information. All our meetings will be open to the public...but, we will also e-mail information to you, when appropriate.

I hope you're feeling better....and thanks for your support.

Renegade

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

im.renegade@yahoo.com (correction)

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on November 9, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If anyone knows who the man was who mentioned relatives in Norfolk, Neb., would you ask him to contact me at larson@emporiagazette.com? He had to leave the meeting before it ended, and I was unable to talk with him about possibly contacting his relatives or others in Norfolk.

Gwen Larson

Posted by vankamp (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Bobbie Agler for showing up. I also voted for Kevin Nelson because I thought I knew the kind of man he was. I guess we found out last night and at the commission meeting when he said he would rather let the media handle this.

Posted by rami (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Renegade,
I have emailed my information to you. I didn't include a phone number but if I needed to include it, please let me know.
Thanks for the kind words also, my throat is the only thing bothering me now, so I am a bit better.

Thanks, Rami

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Renegade- email coming. Please put me on the contact list.Also,I have notified 580 radio in Topeka and Drudge Report of the recent news here.

Posted by agoldengirl (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is Tyson's being allowed to benefit their company by bringing them here without the consideration of the effects to our community. We do not and never have had any visions of Emporia becoming a refugee camp. Citizens of Emporia had better speak up before Tyson brings in anymore for us to support, house and deal with. This isn't about discrimination or prejudice, it's a matter of who is going to fund them after all of that promised grant money is used up? Tax payers? I would like to see a response from Tyson as to how much are they willing to pay to provide for them?

Posted by Freeway (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems strange that the City Commission and City Manager can attend a meeting at a local restaurant to hear one side of the refugee issue, but when a meeting is held to discuss the opposition, they are nowhere to be seen. Seems like other issues when they do not like to hear opposition.

Posted by jim (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The city of Emporia could make it lot harder for Tyson to do buisness in Emporia if they had the guts to do it! Make them pay for the problems that they cause,

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like Tyson is right behind the 8 ball. Aw shucks.

Goldengirl, Tre is right, you won't hear from Tyson. This is a free enterprise system and they can do pretty much what they please. One of my questions will be with regard to benefits. What kind of benefits is Tyson paying their new workforce? If Tyson is paying medical benefits, why must the new workforce go to the public health department?

Get your questions ready, folks.

Posted by eiggohp (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we need to get media involved in this...outside of Emporia and contact our representatives state and nationally. The news media can put pressure on the commissioners to get us some truthful answers...if they still know how to tell the truth!!! $104,000 is only a drop in the bucket when it comes to what they are costing us right now. Look at what they are adding to our education and health care system as well as the loss in our housing market. Just look at the crimes that are reported to the police and see who is doing them....let alone all of the ones not reported. Emporia's job market is bad and we do not need an influx of all of these people...no matter where they are from...they will only add to the problems we have here already.
Who in their right mind would want to come to Emporia to live anymore?...and it was such a pleasant city to live in.
What happened in Norfolk, NE...were they the proud recipients of them also?

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I worked for Beef twice in the past.There are various incentives to hire veterans(that helped me a couple times!),I'm pretty sure there are more incentives at the national level to hire these people.At Goodyear,the best chance of getting hired is to be - a. female b. a minority c. a veteran d. go through a sponsored program such as the YWCA has. All 4,and you got a pretty good chance.So these things do exist.This relocation program has secrecy written all over it. Does Brownback really have anything to do with it? He talks like he has an alibi.Bet Tyson won't say. It's now legal free enterprise- at local expense.To a point,it's not a bad thing.It is past that point.Time to stop before the entire county is bankrupt.

Posted by emporian (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is what a friend from Norfolk had to say:

Do ANYTHING you can to discourage this from happening. Absolutely NO GOOD can come from it. Your crime rate WILL increase 100 fold including theft, gangs, murder...ah hell, you name it!
Your taxes will go up because of the increase of students in schools and the need to build more schools.

Your auto insurance will increase because the workers will buy a car then cancel the insurance after it is licenced...they can't afford it! If you are in a wreck with one of them you are S.O.L!
Your community agencys such as the soup kitchens etc. will be over run and local people that need help will be out of luck!
Your Police force will need to add Officers placing additional burden on the tax base.
Your wives and daughters will be harassed in Grocery Stores, restaurants...hell everywhere!
Neighboring small towns will be taken over and all but ruined because rent will be cheaper there. Most small towns don't have a town cop and they know this so dealing drugs will be easy for them.
And when the Packing Plant closes your left holding the bag with nothing to show for it !
Norfolk has never been the same since the Packing Plant opened here, nor will it EVER be the same again! Think about what happened at US Bank etc.
Sorry to paint such a dark picture but THESE ARE THE FACTS!
I DON'T ENVY YOU!

Posted by peacemaker (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you have questions, please come to the next Emporia Refugee Resettlement Alliance meeting. It will be held at 8:30 AM, Friday, December 7, at Flint Hills Technical College.

If that does not work with your schedule, we could schedule an evening meeting in the future.

The Alliance was formed to help resolve many issues relating to the refugees moving to Emporia. Those issues include resolving problems and misunderstandings between the established community and the refugees.

Another issue is doing the paperwork so that federal funding that helps cover the expenses the Health Department and other local agencies incur, related to the refugees. Part of the work Catholic Social Services will provide is documenting identities and getting an accurate count of just how many refugees actually are here and where they were before they came here. At this point any number anyone can give you regarding the current refugee population in Emporia, is just a guess. Even the guesses vary widely. CCS will also ask if the refugees are planning to bring other family members to Emporia and how soon they think they will come here. When we have more accurate numbers, we will be better able to see what the community's future may be.

I was told on Wednesday, by a Tyson representative, that they currently have about 200 job openings at the Emporia plant. That doesn't mean 200 refugees are coming here, it just means Tyson needs more workers and they don't get enough applications from the people who already live in or near Emporia, to fill those jobs.

I'm sure everyone in the community is concerned about changes that may occur in the community due to the refugees, but we need to work together to resolve the problems.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bluelitespecial, I am very glad to hear that our government does have incentives to help vets. It is so sad that so many of them are homeless, I hope a way can be found to reach out to them - maybe they aren't aware of or are not in a position to take advantage of the help offered by the government.

Well, too bad there is no way you can get a job there now, since you are a former employee.

I think one policy of Tyson's that is just plain ridiculous is no rehires, even if you worked there 20 years ago when it was IBP. Put a 6 month or 1 year moratorium on being rehired if you want - but this policy seems to be aimed DIRECTLY at ensuring they cannot fill enough jobs locally, thus giving them the excuse to bring in cheap, subsidized labor. As I said before, deliberately created conditions.

Posted by way2short (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow that is so right we really need to think of our community - look at how bad Emporia is now with how many are here now - help our homeless, help our veterans - don't help people that are from another country - help our AMERICANS - look how many people are out of work here in this town - seriously how many of you out there want your wife or daughter raped and harrassed? I know I don't want my daughter to be in that situation. I have recently talked with individuals at Tyson and they say it is hell because of the Somali's - seriously you hear employees talking about it - students at ESU that wish they wouldn't have came here and that are leaving because of the samoli's walking around campus harassing them - if you want ESU and FHTC to grow you need to get them out of here now and not cause emporian's to loose more out of their pocket - my goodness I work my tail off to only have a little in my pocket each month because of city taxes, county taxes, sales and property taxes we don't need to pay more

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

open_eyes- thanks for the comments! Sad state for many vets.They deserve a better shake than those here against the law IMO.Myself,I'm retired from the rubber factory now, and don't even WANT a job!

Posted by reservist (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Their is another meeting over the refugee center on the 14 of November at 7 pm at the public library. If you can try to be there. The more people we get involved the louder our voice becomes. This meeting wasnt one that the group that met last night came up with. This is one that may have the right people their, that may be able to give us answers. If they dont have answers at least they know most of the communtiy is against the refugee center, and will try to stop it from taking place in our town. Try to refrain from becoming hostile if you attend. We need to keep the image of a group of concerned citizens.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

peacemaker...thank you for your post. We have been asking to speak to someone from ERRA all week.

Thank you for the invitation to your meeting on Dec.7th. I will be there. I'm sure others , from the community, will attend as well.

We had a meeting last night, that was open to the Public, and I wonder if anyone from your organization attended it?

Posted by hogan77 (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't live in Emporia anymore, and I am really very uneducated on the subject of Somalis. But, in the eyes of a dummy here, it looks like the government in Emporia is trying their best to make the town stand out from every other place in the US. They want this wonderful and grand image that it is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family, all for a bit of glory. The problem I am seeing here is, they are recruiting refugees to fill that spot. Why? Because no one in their right mind wants to live in Emporia with all of their other problems, e.g. low paying and non existent jobs and housing, declining school system, gang and drug problems. Red blooded Americans are looking for a safe, clean and productive place to raise families. Unfortunately, Emporia is no longer that place.

A town that was once a grand place to live and play, Emporia will become nothing more than a breeding ground for disease, crime, filth, and poverty. And people, like myself, who once had this imagine in their minds that it is the perfect place to move their children to, will do as I have done- they will tell themselves that they would be fools to give up the good life in the small towns they live in now, even with minor obstacles, like the ones I endure daily.

I applaud everyone who is standing up for themselves and their neighbors, and are trying to keep Emporia a grand place. I will keep you all in my thoughts, and hope that this "proposal" your mayor and followers has come up with will not move forward. They should be focusing on adding more business to the town, updating places that are out of date (like the mall and 6th street businesses), working on the schools and the housing- improving the lives of those of you already living there. And, if they can't manage to do that, at least pray that they will test every refugee for disease, make them work as hard as the rest of us to improve their lives by not counting on assistance, and making sure they do not destroy your town with crime and drugs. Good luck my Emporia Family!

Machel Hogan
SW Kansas

Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone asked if Tyson provided Medical Insurance for these people. I DOUBT IT. They have totally consumed the Health Department and Emporians are forced to sit in waiting lines along with them to see a health professional.

We are getting booted out of everywhere to 'cater' to these MISSION.

I also agree with another comment, HELP US, TAKE CARE OF AMERICANS FIRST!!! So many Americans cant make a living and support their families but we would rather support, spend and accomadate another countries people.

Im totally disgusted that TYSON has plaqued our community.

I want to know what is really going to come out of these meetings? Will they ship them out of here if 95% of Emporians want them to go? I seen the poll listed here. WAKE UP COMMISSIONERS, we dont want them here.

Posted by mickeyb (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, like hogan77, no longer live in Emporia. Ten years ago, while going to college there, Emporia was a decent place. My family still lives there and I'm appauled at the stories I hear from them about illegals and the new "population" that has taken over. Even when I visit, you might think you're visiting another country, b/c all you hear is everything BUT English!
With all the businesses/manufacturers closing in the last years, it's so sad to think that Tyson is causing such havoc on this once peaceful place, by wanting to employ those that aren't even natives???? Not only will Emporians be plagued by potential disaster, but think of what the rest of America will soon become. I will encourage my family to attend the meetings, and if nothing comes of that, I will encourage them to leave Emporia. After all, what have they got to lose?
I used to wear my ESU attire with pride, but after reading all the chaos that is going on there, I will probably think twice about it now.
The posts that say people are being racist, bigots or whatever, are blind. It's not about color, race, religion, it's about what they believe in. I'm tired of the race card being pulled all the time, there is such a thing as reverse discrimination, and I see it all the time!
I hope your city commissioners really HEAR and LISTEN to what the community is saying. Instead of focusing on the menial $104,000 grant, how about grants that would help those displaced by being layed off, those single parents that are barely making it, and those retired americans that have worked their butts off, only to have to go back to work again b/c they can't afford their medications???? Seems simple to me. Good luck!

Posted by justthinkin (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's an idea --- let's ask the City to make Tyson pay their fair share -- that is contribute more to the revenue, since their actions (the people they bring to the community) drive up the costs of operating the City & schools (language issues, housing, etc.) Not a shock to know that Tyson is one of the major water users in Emporia. Did you know that the more water you use (such as a business or industry) the lower your rate per gallon of water...... Charge them for what they use and some of the budget problems might go away. Doesn't seem right to me that they get a discount when they bring up costs of operation.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Peacemaker,
Our group is made up of working people so attending a morning or day meeting would be difficult. We would be glad to meet with you, but would appreciate it to be in the evening. Can you arrange this?

Also, what does your group have to do with the Immigration Forum meeting that is taking place on Wednesday, 11-14 at the Library at 7 p.m.?

Thank you, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some things are looking strange here.Who actually made the decision to start this program here? So far this is a backroom negotiated deal.No press release,no nothing.I've been wondering if the guv had anything to do with it.She's had bigger aspirations than Kansas for quite some time.Shortly after all this began to happen,she was off to Europe to address the Bildeberg convention.That was shocker in itself.Then there's the coal plant fiasco,among other things.Really odd socialist way of talking down to the people of Kansas.Sort of an "I know what's best for you".She has Senate,Judiciary,and DC family connections.Somebody tell me the paint fumes got to me.... But I think it's possible the guv helping to sell us out.
A good way to stem the cheap labor spiral here is to educate,and help unionize labor at Tyson.Mention that word,and you'll shake Tyson's tree and wake'em up. Me- I'm United Steelworkers of America Local 307(retired)

Posted by truelovecharlie (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Emporia has always wanted business they can't get and worked hard keep business' that benefit them. They did their best to fight the nuclear power plant, years ago. They spent a fortune for a furniture factory that never profited. Look at all the industry you have lost; Didde, Modines and countless others. I remember when the state was looking to Emporia for the facility they ended up putting in ElDorado. Emporia, you get what you deserve. I am so thankful I don't live there anymore and would never consider moving back, under any circumstance. When I have to pass through Emporia; I make certain I go as fast as possible.

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

blulitespecial, LOL, you are right about the union idea. Shake their tree is right. Dangerous!

Good to hear from you Mickeyb and Hogan.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm commencin' ta shake their tree.....

Posted by forthehardworkingpeople (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A union at tyson is a great idea. It would drive wages back up to what they should be, bring back skilled workers, and get rid of the underpayed and non skilled workers that can not speak english. The union would also not show favortism to people who need a special prayor room, like the somalians. The city, county, state, and government should not be making any special services for the immigrants. Nobody gave me any money to help me get started on life. I worked hard for everything I got, plus I work for those who are to lazy to work. Our government gives an image that it is okay to sit at home and live off of other people's money. The middle class pays for it all. It is time that we take a stand and unite together to make this town into what it once was.

Posted by Paccifier (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand, but do not know for a fact, that the State gives a different license exam for a drivers license for Somalis. If true, isn't that discrimination? Special treatment for a class or specific group in an advantage over others? Can't the State Dept of Revenue be sued? Just a thought. I realize the exam must be translated, but if is is easier....

Posted by wtrdog (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Paccifier,

I was told that they do not take the standard driving test. Instead they use a Tv, Sit in a chair & if they can mimic the actions of the on screen driver they are passed. I do not have proof of this, But it something I was told.

Posted by MOLON_LABE (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tyson wants this influx of refugees because of incentives for TYSON. Part of the wages paid to the refugees is paid by TAXPAYERS which makes Tyson not have to pay as much. Cheap "slave" labor. They were getting these kind of incentives from hiring the "just over the border" crowd and having them flood our schools, healthcare system, housing, and educational facilities. All while depressing our economy, raising our taxes to pay for all the freebies given to them and sending their money back to Mexico. (If you doubt the last statement, watch the post office someday when it's the day after Tyson's payday and see how many money orders are bought to send South.)
The Somalis are the new "pay less for labor" scheme for Tyson. Back in the 70s, I worked in production for IBP and it was a predominantly middle class yourg workforce with fair pay for the work. The big employers in town were IBP, Dolly Madison, and Didde's. In the 90's when it was still IBP,inc, they cut all the worker's wages by about $2 per hr. That was when native Emporians started leaving for better paying jobs and IBP started hiring immigrant labor, legal or illegal.
I believe it would be better to pay a bit more for our meat at the grocery store if all this "cheap labor" left than it is to pay with our quality of life here in Emporia. We here in Emporia pay for the lower price of beef for the whole country by having our quality of life go down.
And I don't even want to start on the prayer rooms for Muslims while our own children are not allowed CHRISTIAN prayer in school. Would the ACLU be on our side or theirs????

Posted by reservist (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just sent acouple of emails. One to Fox News, the other to the City of Lewiston Maine. Lewiston, like us had a large influx of Somalian refugees. I thought trying to get first hand knowledge of what happend to their city would give us some leverage. Fox News may give us National Coverage. If any of you can come up with more ideas get after it.

Posted by jbbrinkman (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First - I'm fairly anti-corporate, so any exploitation is intolarable, IMO. I really appreciate the fact that Tyson contributes much to our community (olfactory and otherwise). I'll keep my opinions regarding the positiveness or negativeness of Tyson's contributions to myself, thank you.

But, in looking over this discussion... is this what our community has come to? Is this what our country has come to? Would we feel the same way if New Zealand were being rocked by political turmoil and Emporia became the only lifeline for those poor New Zealanders seeking a better way?

Weren't we taught to "reach out" and give our fellow man and "hand up"?

WWJD?

In my search for empathy, I think if I were in that situation I'd be dang appreciative of a community receptive to me making a positive contribution. (Especially if said community was a nice hamlet in Tuscany (just kidding.)(sort of)).

I guess I kind of thought that was what the United States was all about.

>>>
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
>>>

I dunno - just a thought.

(BTW, the only reason for that Tuscany comment was just my sub-consious desire for a Carrabba's (Olive Garden would do) at 24th and Industrial.)

Posted by emporia (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 2:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am very sad...I do think about WWJD to guide my behavior...however, when you see such craziness going on, it makes you wonder what is the right thing? I am a white collar worker, my spouse also. We both will be DIRECTLY affected by the influx with our professions. I am very scared...I am also very upset...I have witnessed first hand the behavior of the Somalis in public, my spouse has told me about the problems that have been dealt with at work in reference to them. I have had the experience of them getting "hand outs" from the health clinic. My doctor told me to go to the clinic to get a shot for my child that they had to order in to my doctor's office. I went to the clinic with my child, gave my insurance card, was ready to pay for the necessary shot. I sat in the waiting area for over an hour which was FILLED with Somalis. Eventually, I had a nurse come to me and say "I am sorry. We cannot give you this shot. It is only available to Medicaid patients." I said "I'll pay for it right now." "We can't give it to you." But the Somalis were being treated and I suspect for free. I work hard (my profession works directly with the people in the community), I pay my taxes, I pay all of my bills, I go out of my way to be kind, helpful, and a contributing member to our community. Now, I am VERY ready to leave Emporia. It does not seem to be getting better in our city. Only worse. Look at all the poverty, all the empty buildings, all the rundown housing. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on the slumlords. When my child is done at ESU, my family and I are all out of here.

Posted by AshtonHandy (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 4:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to add a bit more information for the group. The Somalian, who died at Tysons by what was reported as a kick in the chest. I would suggest that somebody contact the CDC and find out for sure. I have it on good authority the kick only sped up the process, he was dying of TB any way. This is the kind of people that are working around the meat that you eat. Tyson doesn't tell you how many were sent away that have HIV, TB, Hep, and full blown AIDS. Also, for those who watch the news you would remember that Somalia is a breeding ground for ALQaida and other terrorist organizations. As far as Maine, it devastated their city and state with health care cost and crime. While I pay almost 400 dollars a month and then copay while the refugees get free health care. There is no way the police will be able to handle the influx of crime that will plaque Emporia. Not only with the sexual assault, but the drugs. Garden City is going through the same type of problem and its only getting worse. Emporia can't even handle the illegals from Mexico and now you add the refugees. I hope the Liberals of Emporia are ready to pay more out of pocket in taxes for all the social programs and if it wasn't bad enough where you go to Wal Mart and got to hear the announcements in Spanish you will probably start to hear it in Somalian as well. Landowners be prepared to lose your homes when the Somalians decide to build a mosque and there is nothing you can do about it but move. This is what the city has to look forward to.

Look around the world and see where the majority of the people are Muslims and the problems they have. This may sound discrimantory but look around, the truth hurts.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

peacemaker, i know you already heard, but 8 30 in the morning won t work with many people but your self. there are jobs we go to inthe mornings and kids to go to school and im sure alot have college classes in the mornings.if you are doing a good job keeping track of the somalians how is it you dont know how many are here? as far as tyson is concerned maybe the reason they arenot getting applications from the community is because so many people have simply quit applying. myself i have known alot of locals who have applied there many times over the years some very desperate for work and the place never calls. after i had applied several times over a six month time, a mexican moved in next door he had came from texas and moved here to start at tyson. with so many unemployed here dont you think there would be more locals working there if they had been hiring from within the community? i would love to see tyson go permenatly, i no longer buy tyson meat or any meat i think may have come from tysons and been relabled by another company.

bluelitespecial i dont know what you have in mind, but when you shake their tree, i hope you shake it hard enough to shake them out of the tree !

Posted by wtrdog (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kstrebuchet

"wtrdog and Paccifier if you two dont KNOW about the driving test for Somali, pick up a damn phone a call to see what the requirements are instead of,
(I heard this) and (well I heard this) or (maybe they do it that way)"

Forgive me for contributing. I thought maybe by voicing it, someone might already have that information & could prove or dispel what has been told. In all the discussions I have ever been in, you bring up issues, after they are voiced, You go after whether they are true or unfounded. As far as I know, The DMV was not open lastnight at 10:30 pm when I posted, nor are they open this monring. So no need to attack us, Try to keep your focus.

Posted by Observer (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a strong grassroots movement arising from the hearts and the souls of the people. The love and care for their community is the impetus which has led each of you to step forward to take a stand.

This has begun with the potential open influx, government subsidized inundation with Somali refugees. There will be answers and eventually either a resolution or a resignation to the inevitable.

The one overriding positive aspect from the meeting is that activism has arisen and complacency retired. You have held your leaders accountable and have disseminated critical questions/information and overriding concerns to a great many people with the community and area.

Well done and well begun. The good people of Emporia will not go quietly into the long goodnight.

This could be a tremendous movement, begun in Emporia and going beyond. It could be a one issue wonder and then all resurrect complacency.

Choose a name which is catchy, representative of heart and desire, and perhaps far-reaching in its vision.

It could be limited to just Emporia, such as:

EMPORIANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Or the name could be representative of one nation under God, and the legacy from our fore-fathers:

THE LIBERTY BRIGADE

Or the name could be a clarion call to rally, a name representative of the mission undertaken:

BE AWARE

Just some ideas from an old greybeard. Organize and stabilize your foundation, and do not limit the scope of your potential to activate the Americn heart and soul.

Well done and well begun!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by wtrdog (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not saying the license is the end all be all answer, It may seem trivial, But if you consider that auto insurance rates have risen because of the many accidents in our area & will continue to rise. Talk to local PD officers (especially those designated "traffic unit"), They will tell you that they spend much of their time dealing with said accidents.
This I DO KNOW as fact.
I am not offended, But thought I should point out the reason of my actions, Or words rather. I have done my best to keep up on what is now three different articles with an overwhelming amount of responses. As far as I remember, This was the first time I had seen a direct question imposed to how the license has been obtained. All others were how bad of drivers they are. That may be related in some ways, However I felt & feel that by questioning the standards of exams, Instead of complaining about the bad driving, It is an issue of relevance. At that point maybe we can hold someone accountable. We certainly can't hold the Somali people accountable for bad driving skill if they are not required to pass the same exams as the citizens, But maybe we can hold the people or organization accounted who is allowing them to pass substandard exams.

Observer,
GREAT POST, I feel a great sense of pride after reading that! Well done.

Posted by reservist (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some high offical called me this morning. She suggested that we keep pressure on the SRS. She informed me they are the ones responsible for the refugee center. She also informed me this is a state issue, and we should keep in contact with Jerry Moran. She is also trying to get people whos communties have faced similar problems to come talk to us concerned citizens. She would also like to get in contact with a group that is very active in this type of issue, and see if they will come speak to us also. I will keep everyone I can posted on current events on this issue.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks for your hard work reservist, you are someone the whole community can be proud of

Posted by cl702 (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fardusa Council, community liaison for Tyson, and Emporia Refugee Resettlement Alliance, I am posting this FYI, also for more information on the history of the somoli refugee situation,
read the article on it in the American Congress For Truth.
http://blog.americancongressfortruth.com...

Posted by cl702 (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the calendar year ended September 30, 2007, more than 7,500 Somali refugees came to the U.S, out of a total of 17,000 African “humanitarian refugees”

Because the Somalis are certified as ‘humanitarian refugees’ under our State Department rules, they are supported by social services provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The ORR in turn contracts via state Departments of Social Services with providers such as Catholic Charities to deliver services. U.S. Taxpayers are picking up the tab, so food processors like Tyson couldn’t be happier
From an article in American Congress For Truth.

Posted by jbbrinkman (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After reading more, thinking more, and researching more I think we as a community don't have our eye on the correct ball, so to speak. The Somali refugees are pawns. We should try to help them and give them a better life.

Here's what makes sense to me:
1) It's pretty well common knowledge that Tyson, et al, hire illegals to work in their factories with flimsy false documentation.

2) Federal offices are required to use the DHS new "E-verify" system to check illegal status online. Federal contractors will be required to do this very soon. Every employer will be required to do this sometime in the future. Here is an article about it's shortcomings as well as related articles:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...

3) Tyson sees the handwriting on the wall - that their "wink and nod" system of hiring south-of-the-border illegals will soon dry up.

4) Now Tyson has a system of bringing humanitarian refugees legally to the U.S. to work the line at 6th and Prairie. Federal grant monies support this system by providing for support services (enter CCS, etc).

We, as a community.... as a city, state and country need to expose this structure for what it is- a U.S. Government system to feed labor to the corporate machine (Tyson).

The U.S. has turned into the Corporate States of America. Corporations funnel millions into political campaigns to sway the opinion of the populace. When opinion can't be swayed "voting irregularities" suddenly appear. Republicans are no different than Democrats. Both parties are an arm of the Corprocrats.

I'd be interested to know the specifics of Tyson's political contributions. Who is involved. Moran? Brownback? Roberts? Bush? Who has Tyson given money to and what beneficial legislation has been passed.

Wake up.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're all selfish. All you care about is protecting the value of your home, the beauty and perceived image of your community, the safety of your streets, the health of yourself and your families, preventing proliferation of gangs and drugs, avoiding economic collapse, being bullied by big business, minority rule, religious favoritism, classroom crowding, hijacking of your culture, increased taxes, decreased services and benefits, lower wages, and diminished standard of living. The fact that you are unwilling to let liberal loons and corporate crooks steal your culture, language, economic stability, health and safety, and turn your city into a third world refugee camp proves that you are all selfish racists! NOT!!

Posted by Paccifier (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK Kstreb- If Ks Dept of Revenue is giving easier license exams to one group- like Somalians,and that easier exam gives them advantage over the majority- then they (KDR) may be in violation of the equal protection clause of the constitution- subject to court action. And since you brought it up your self, why hasn't anyone bothered to find our about the exam- the driving abilities and unfair license exam seem to be the subject of, as you say, many posts- Wouldn't that be a good place to start looking? Why are they given a break, and can it be stopped to make streets a little safer, and maybe give the image that settling in Emporia may not be as easy since one "gimme" got taken away? I had hoped that maybe somebody had called out to the exam office, and if that was the case, there was no need to make the same call again, but if nobody has bothered yet, guess I will. This could be an action for the ACLU to take up and deal with one of the major issues on these threads that is affecting the community right now.

Posted by Paccifier (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our State Representatives and Senator Barnett need to be brought into this, not just Moran. SRS is a State agency. If they are administering the resettlement funds put pressure on them through the legislature, the State Legislature controls their budget- SRS works within federal guidelines, but it is a state entity. There would also be nothing wrong with addressing the car insurance issue with them either, since carrying insurance is a state requirement, not federal- We need to stiffen the penalties against those who get insurance, then drop it, or drive without insurance. Again, state issues, but how many accidents in town involve uninsured drivers, which will raise our rates. Take their licenses at the accident with no proof of coverage, even take the car as security if needed.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ERRA is made up of representatives from the health center, SRS, Flint Hills Technical College Adult Education Center, Tyson Fresh Meats, the City of Emporia, the Emporia school district, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, the United Way and Newman Regional Health. Two Somalians also are members of the group. Both work at Tyson and one also is a part-time student at ESU.

heres a repost of part of a post that was, say, over 400 posts ago. i went back and scanned over some of the posting and thought maybe this would be a good way to refresh our minds, for those of you who have a longer memory than me and didnt need this reposted, sorry. this entire thing sucks.a few money hungry folks in the community and the rest of the town can go to ruins, experience high poverty rates, crime rates and we know the rest of the story. everyone of the businesses above suck the onesidedness of the gazette sucks also

Posted by Observer (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your voice will be heard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well done and well begun!!!!!!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres...

Emporia, Kansas asking questions

Posted by acorcoran on November 10th, 2007

I chuckled when I saw this piece in the Emporia Gazette today. It sounded just like us in Hagerstown, MD this past spring. When no one could answer our questions about how Refugee Resettlement worked we set out to find the answers ourselves and this blog was born!

Citizens of Emporia are wondering why they did not know that plans were in the works to make Emporia a refugee center for Somalis coming to work at meat packing plants. Read the whole story! The Gazette has an on-line poll in which 89% of the citizens of Emporia say NO to the whole proposition. Uh oh, is Hagerstown going to get a challenger for the title of most “unwelcome” city in America? We will fight you for it!

I’ll try to get some stuff up today on Kansas in “Your state” above. In the meantime, we will be happy to get the folks in Emporia started on your research, just e-mail us at the address on your right.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Atlas Shrugs posts on Somali refugee problem

Posted by acorcoran on November 8th, 2007

The well-known Atlas Shrugs blog, reporting yesterday on a piece by Jerry Gordon of the ACT [American Congress for Truth] blog on the Somali refugee problem brewing in Emporia, Kansas, asked the questions we have been asking (and trying to answer for you!):

The first step is what Atlas has just done and what we are trying to do, educate the public about the problem and then bring out the facts on how refugee resettlement works. My driving force from our early days in the Hagerstown controversy is to educate the public and to insist that citizens be given all the facts. The democratic process cannot function, and communities cannot weigh in on this community-altering program unless the people know what this program is and who runs it. Some cities will want more refugees, others won’t, but everyone is entitled to voice an opinion, which is impossible if the program is kept quiet.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Posted by Observer (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a note of thanks to the Emporia Gazette for their publicity of the refugee situation, and allowing and publishing the voice of the people.

A deep appreciation for those in leadership who will listen when the voice of the people is credible, unified, and speaks with clarity.

A note of deep appreciation to renegade, reservist, create and each sterling heart which has stepped forth and gone the extra mile. They speak with eloquence, empathy, wisdom, and are making this happen for the Emporia community and for our entire region.

Each of you is making a difference.

Bravo!!!!!!!!

Posted by Observer (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The transcription of a very telling interview, for those who desire to understand the Islamic non-assimilation, and potential threat to a community:

http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/search...

Q: So you would say that they have, not a choke hold but a strong hold in the UK.

A: They have created blocks, you could say power blocks from which they can influence. And those power blocks are geographical. Where, in areas they form the majority — also in society, where they can lead a society in matters of government, where they can seek to shape government policy. So, I would say that they are present in many different aspects of British life.

Q: How did they do that? What was their strategy? It wasn’t by accident, certainly?

A: No no. It was very well thought out and fortunately, many had not done work on this. Back in 1979, there was the Islam in Europe conference, and one of their basic strategies that arose was that Muslims should NOT integrate as individuals in society but rather as communities. So they emphasized the development of Muslim communities — in other words, they would become majority in given areas and then they would go to the next stage which was to engage the political bodies in that area......

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you, Observer. When I spoke to the blogger Thomas Allen, he put me in contact with these two people you have just presented. Yes, they have represented our problem well, haven't they? Much obliged for posting them.

Yes, I had spoken to those two people a couple of days ago and again this morning. I knew this was going national, just didn't know when. That's why I keep telling everyone to keep calm, keep posting your good questions and observations, and keep the focus of our aims in place. People in other places are watching us.

Some have begun to become impatient. Hang in there everyone. Keep posting positive. Come to the meetings.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Observer....I appreciate you too...There are so many questions, (good ones)...and, we are paying attention.

We have been getting support from so many people locally, and it's amazing how many people all over our "country" have contacted us to tell us they support our efforts, and are watching to see what happens.

So, as Create and Reservist have said it's important that we keep asking questions...sharing information...and talking with each other. But, we aren't alone....and more and more people are finding out where Emporia, Kansas is.

Observer...if you would like to be on our contact list, please just send me a quick e-mail and I will add your name.

Our contact list is growing .... Lots of good people out there.

im.renegade@yahoo.com

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Observer - a very good point, one that goes along exactly with the story related to me by my driver overseas. I posted that story on the other thread. Phew! It's getting tough keeping up, but I for one am very encouraged by that.

I would like to hear from some current Tyson employees on conditions there. Despite our leaders complaining about it, the anonymity of this is the perfect place to give some insight on what many of us have heard from others, to enforce or dispel rumours. Of course, we cannot trust anyone from Tyson management, as I'm sure they have their "official" line to stick to, and would deny every last thing anyway. Hopefully we can hear from some current employees.
One thing that I've heard, and would like some confirmation on. And I won't give any numbers here, so that nobody can use my numbers as a comparison. But - at least on the slaughter side, how does the number of government inspectors compare with the number, say, 10-20 years ago?

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WWJD? That is an interesting question. Jesus did not ALWAYS turn the other way. He broke tables, cracked whips and drove the money changers out of the temple - the people who where there purely to profit at the expense of othes (see Tyson Foods in Websters dictionary??? HAR!!!).

And, I know people are getting tired of hearing me repeat it, but there is a time for everything under heaven. A time for embracing, and a time for refraining from embracing. A time for war, and a time for peace. So many people only quote from one half of each of those verses....

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have contacted USWA for assistance in getting this to fly.They kinda like this sort of thing.We will see..... Anyone else know of a PAC,or Rapid Response Team at their local? Communication Workers,Electrical Workers?Get enough attention at the international level,and we may be able to make some noise.We might think about a website.Possibly a newsletter.This is gonna cost,so possibly think about a membership fee.Email newsletters for free,and 5 or 10 bucks for membership status.Just a thought.I'll go $50 for seed money.Well I got more emails and letters to take care of....lol I like raisin' hell...

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I still say Sebelius sold out Kansas for her political gain

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just viewed the current poll results. Since a democracy is defined as "a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system" here's my idea for a slogan:

Emporians For Democracy

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks, open_eyes. Not too shabby. This does have everything to do with people power, doesn't it.

I couldn't help but think of all this that we're doing when I saw soldiers in costume from the Revolutionary War period in the parade today. Inspiring!

Posted by emporialive (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am willing to set up a website forum and host it. There are a few options with this also, I currently own the http://www.emporialive.com domain that I can change over to the forums or the other option would be to purchase a new Domain name and I can still setup/host it. Domains are only $10 year so there isn't much cost that route either. I have setup a temp forum to show an example of what I could setup. http://emporialive.com/phpBB
I just need whomever is leading this group to contact me at admin@emporialive.com
Everyone could register for free and post comments and news and it has a messaging system also, along with the ability to email everyone newsletters that have registered.

Posted by emporialive (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also open_eyes idea is an available domain name EmporiansForDemocracy.com

Any other idea's could be checked for availably also

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

could you please contact me at im.renegade.@yahoo.com?.....I thought I talked with you yesterday. If not someone else contacted me about this.

im.renegade@yahoo.com

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry...that post was to emporialive.com.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like that name......

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

emporialive-that's a real familiar format.It's like several technical forums I'm in.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

both are good names emporiansfordemocracy ismy favorite since democracy has been slipping away here and the name imply s that its a group that will hold 'the big guys' accountable for their decisions

Posted by emporialive (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Keep in mind, the Refugee Resettlement programs are unfunded Federal Mandate, thereby causing all states to use their taxpayer's monies to support these programs. There is a real possibility that the refugee industry would end abruptly if the tremendous costs were the responsibility of its champions rather than the U.S. taxpayer.

As some Americans are pushed off of time-limited welfare programs, many refugees are going onto lifetime cash assistance programs. Welfare use is staggering among refugees, successful asylum seekers and Cubans. They are eligible for all forms of welfare (Cash, SSI, TANF, Medicaid, housing, food stamps, WIC, etc.) 30 days after arrival. Many refugees are going on to lifetime entitlements of monthly checks for the elderly and disabled. Add into that fixed administration costs and ongoing support programs such as language training, mental health counseling, for refugees already settled in this country.

How is the transportation for refugees handled? An interest free loan is made to the refugee for transportation to the U.S., through an international bureaucracy. Ultimately, it is the taxpayer, which pays these loans. The transportation costs for refugees to this country are grossly unreported. As of today, about 43% of the transportation costs of the United States are unpaid, leaving an unpaid balance of $436,000.000 without interest.

Refugees are likely to receive waivers for diseases that would otherwise bar entry. "

http://www.newswithviews.com/NWO/newworl...

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

" When Senator Sam Brownback (R.-Kansas) thought an entire tribe of 10,000 Bantu Somalis was to be settled in his state, he jumped on the barricades Boris Yeltsin-style and declared on 10/12/2001

“I oppose any resettlement of Somali Bantu refugees in the State of Kansas”…. Our office has contacted the Department of State asking them to not resettle any Somali Bantus in Kansas….Simply put, this should not occur”.

This statement was never reported in the national media. Luckily for the Senator, because he has since backed away from his impolitic outburst. All parties involved describe the statement as a response to “popular hysteria” and a ‘big misunderstanding.”

In fact, states have little or no say over refugee resettlement, a largely unfunded federal mandate imposed on them by Washington. Ironically, Senator Brownback is sponsoring a bill, the Refugee Protection Act,[PDF] which would dwarf the impact of the resettlement of Bantu Somalis. But the point here is that aroused public opinion almost moved a political leader to act—even if fleetingly.

By the way, the Bantu Somalis are coming anyway, perhaps as early as the end of this year. According to a State Department official some will likely be placed in Kansas. And, after initial resettlement, there is nothing to stop the entire tribe from moving to Kansas if they so choose. "

http://www.vdare.com/allen/pubicity.htm

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the names you are collecting. Bring them to our next meeting and we shall vote on them. Promise.

LIsten everyone, I want to let you know that a small handful of us are working very hard and amassing stacks of research to guide us. Believe me, we have the wheels in motion. But no one person can do it all; it takes a team.

A web site is a good idea, but not for right now. At some point in the future, we might make good use of one. But using one right now would dilute the power of this forum and we don't want to do that. In addition to that, every one of our connections throughout the country are using this forum. We are here in a pure state. And something else that's pure -- freedom of the press, freedom of speech.

I don't believe forums should be regulated. In fact, haven't we often seen participants regulate themselves? How often have we seen people building their sand castles of bluster, only for the tide of others to sweep them away unceremoniously. That is the nature of such forums. That's what keeps it all so interesting.

Did you know that there are some classrooms that have begun using this forum for civics lessons? This is democracy in action, right here in our little town. Right here at our fingertips.

Many people all over the country are reading what we say here. In fact, I wish they too would have a say. I would welcome them. We don't have dibs on democracy.

Please everyone, be patient. I have advice and concrete information coming from people all over this country, people that have been successful at what we want to do. I have been picking their brains online and on the phone.

Continue posting your good ideas and stay on topic. Keep the good information coming. Some of it is quite strong and you should be proud. You're really sharing with others all over our country.

I love a good fight, you know. We all have fire in our bellies right now, and that's good. Keep those fires burning my friends.

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

Kstrebuchet- Seems I read somewhere that Wyoming opted out of the refugee relocation program.Anyone know why we can't start a statewide petition to get Kansas out of this?

Posted by Observer (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said create!!

I am reminded of a quote by Abraham Lincoln:
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts."

How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? ~Paul Sweeney

This is the forum where the truth is illuminated and the unified voice of the people reverberates through the collective heart and soul. The pathway is well begun, but must be walked one step at a time, one foot in front of the other and eventually you will arrive.

Take the time to gather those facts which illuminate the darkness, solidify a firm foundation upon which to build, seek-out those gifted which can speak with a unified voice.

You the people are making a tremendous and far-reaching difference.

When wading in the creek I would kick-up a great deal of muddy water. If I paused and waited the silt would settle and what was beneath the surface would be revealed. Let us allow ourselves time to gather the facts, organize our forces, and prepare for the war.

Well done and well begun!!!!!!!!

Posted by reservist (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Their are alot of good points out their. I think the 4 strongest points for stopping this refugee issue are: Taxes, Impact on education, Stress on Social Services, and disease control. We are a group of concerned citizens, and we need to be aware of who is watching and reading this forum. This refugee issue can have a traumatic effect on our community. We need to be careful what we say so the media can not turn us into a racist group which we are not. Everyone posting on here in favor of trying to resolve this problem, please make your comments non debateable. Negative remarks can undermine what we are trying to accomplish.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 3:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Same here-Well put,Observer and create.

Posted by emporialive (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

from the office of Refugee Resettlement

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/data...

Posted by TruthBeTold (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"regulate the posts " on the website, now thats a great idea Emporians For Democracy

Posted by sg (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've wondered about a website or a blog, too. In the one of the other article's comments, someone made mention of completing the paper for a non-profit. C.A.R.E. (Coalition Advancing Represtation for all Emporians). If the paperwork is already done, wouldn't this be a good direction for naming our efforts here?

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a message for us Emporians on the Refugee Resettlement Watch Website.

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres......

scroll down to where there is a message specifically for Emporians.

Forward.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bluelite the state wide petition would be a good idea.the only real way to prevent the next influx will be that

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you, Tre. I was unaware. Yes, all the attention we can get the better. I'm so glad to have met these people. Through my conversations with them and my sending the forum and articles to them, they have been more than kind to us.

Back to work.

Posted by myopinon (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Emporia should definetly reconsider the mess that is going on. We have our natives living here who can't even get help....so why would you want to do such a thing??? Is our city in the red that bad?? Where is all of our tax dollars going?? There are people in dire poverty and can't even get a job. I have a friend who's mother was employed with Tyson and got fired for not being fast enough, but they get to pray on the job pretty crazy to me!!

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

6 weeks ago,two young Emporia men I know applied at Tyson.They were told "Not hiring,maybe after the first of the year". I'm beginning to overwhelmed with all the blogs and links! haha,that's a good thing! A reply today-580 radio has turned this over to the news team for investigation. More possibilities for the group here- 1- Recorded podcast 2- Low-power FM broadcast 3- Shortwave broadcast(ham radio) 4- public access cable. The communications-powers-that-be probably won't touch this. You may or may not get a neutral presentation from NPR. I'm communicating particulars by email.

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

Let's see if I have my math right.

Wednesday a Tyson representative said that they currently have about 200 job openings at the Emporia plant.

Six weeks ago, two young men applied and were told by Tyson "they are not hiring, maybe after the first of the year".

Boy, I'm confused. Seems they could easily drop their unfilled job openings down to, lets see..... (Sorry, for the delay, got to get out my pencil & paper)....carry the 8..... divide by..... take the inverse square root..... factorial...... where the heck's my calculus book when I need it?!!!...... ok, now multiply by pi and then round down....

I got it!!! 198!!!!

LOL

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep, it's late at night after a long day (like the Chiefs had) and I need some comic relief.

Ok, I found my high-powered calculator, with all the fancy symbols on it, and did some more figuring. I won't bore everyone with all the details of higher mathematics, but I did find that if Tyson would lower their "if you've ever worked here in the last 50 years we won't hire you" policy, and didn't LIE to locals that apply (such as the 2 young men mentioned above), well, to make a long story short, the numbers don't lie - they might find that help isn't nearly as hard to find as they claim. Probably even easier if they didn't try so hard to drive out the people they already have.

That is, unless that is exactly what they want. So, given the lie they told the 2 young applicants, its not hard to understand why Emporians have doubts about any other "official" propaganda released by Tyson to the public. I quit buying Tyson quite awhile back - I need to do some searching on the web to see what other brands their products are released under.

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

This is what I've found on a quick search at
http://www.oligopolywatch.com/2004/02/28...

Tyson supplies half of the Chicken McNuggets to McDonald's.

Other Tyson brands:

Ham, bacon -----------------> Iowa Ham, Wilson, Wright
Beef meals ------------------> Reuben
Pizza ingredients ---------> Bonici, Doskocil, Rosani, TNT Crust
Sauces, soups, stews --> Kettle Cooked Foods
Beef ----------------------------> Jac Pac, Thomas E. Wilson
Mexican foods -------------> Mexican Original
Deli meats ------------------> Continental Deli, ITC, Jordan's, Russer, Wright Brand
Chicken ----------------------> Lady Aster, Tastybird, Weaver
Organic chicken ----------> Nature's Farm

On some of these, such as Thomas E. Wilson, they plan to replace with the Tyson label.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, sorry for my sarcastic posts on Tyson's hiring practices, but to have 200 openings and then turn down local help is a load of ......

Anyway, from http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/p...

"Tyson does chicken and beef, and lots of it. The scale of the company's operations have come at a heavy cost to workers' health and safety, as well as the health of the environment. Meat processing plant workers experience high rates of repetitive motion injury when performing strenuous duties in frigid conditions, under pressure to meet production quotas. Tyson refuses to acknowledge the prevalence and crippling effects of job-related repetitive motion injury by refusing to cover medical treatment and terminating employees who are hurt on the job and can no longer fill quotas....Tyson's plants have violated the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act by dumping toxic byproducts into freshwater sources and the air."

"Tyson Foods was rated as the 8th worst polluter on the Political Economy Research Institute's Toxic 100 index."

"In February 2005 Human Rights Watch released a report that was the result of a year-long research into operations at three separate processing plants operated by Smithfield Foods plant , Tysons Foods and Nebraska Beef company. The report says workers at the plants are frequently injured, then refused medical care or fired......worker attempts to unionize are sometimes violently quashed."

Lots of other complaints at this site, the list goes on and on....

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mostly what can be gathered from that site is that Tyson seems to get sued quite often, and for quite a range of things, many times by employees/former employees.

Posted by lisag (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What organization guides them here? At what point does a refugee get the offer of employment? In their country or after they've landed? I doubt working at Tyson is their lifelong dream. Do they get to immigrate if they refuse to work for Tyson? Is there a minimum time they have to work there, like an indentured servant, to pay for their cost of coming over?

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

this may be gossip, but someone who worked at tyson once said that intrade for tyson helping to legalize immigrants,they had to work for tyson a certain amount of time, like it or not, is it odd that id theft became so much more common about the time the meat packing plants started importing the help they need? ive also heard that if someone gets hurt at tyson they are fired again i dont know for sure but with tysons reputation, it could be what makes it so much easier for immigarnts to get car and house loans? is it because it known they will have their jobs for a contracted amount of time and be employed long enough to pay the loan?

Posted by sg (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the info. about Tyson brands!!! We need to make business cards or something to pass out, so shoppers can carry it in their wallet or purse. :)

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is some excellent information on free cars, grants, groceries, etc for refugees. A good read.

http://vdare.com/allen/urban_leg.htm

Also, people need to start e-mailing Senator Brownback about this. He originally said no refugees would come to Kansas.

My tenant was fired after he got hurt. I have often wondered about that.

Posted by VerySpatial (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wednesday a Tyson representative said that they currently have about 200 job openings at the Emporia plant...........B/S. Then why does their website list no openings for Emporia? Liars!!! http://www.tyson.com/Corporate/Careers/S...

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

maybe some chain emails would let folks know how the tyson meats are handled, everyone gets chain emails and i swear every couple years they start coming back around or maybe my email box is just getting popular

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never was much of a Chicken McNugget eater :), and I try to watch closely which brands I buy at the store. Problem is, Tyson is so darn big, they sell under lots of labels. And I'm sure we unknowingly eat alot of their products especially at fast food places (like the McNuggets). But I believe that we the people still have the power to hurt them where it matters (their pocketbooks) - and even if not, then it is a symbolic stand for me.

On the link I posted earlier about the suits, one of the stories said that in 2003, when workers at Tyson foods in a Wisconsin town went on strike for 11 months, local grocers refused to sell Tyson products in support of the strikers!!!

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create -I think the Senator was told to shutup and back off.There is enough money and international influence to make these backroom deals,then funnel the money through individual states,and finally administered through church sponsored "relief agencies".Wow-that's a pretty good insulation layer for the political side of this issue.It possibly crosses a legal line! So where does the money trail lead?

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

its true, it would take alot to put a ding in tysons sales, but its a big brand and like topps and menu, they can be toppled, i dont even care if they dont notice the money i quit spending on them, i dont eat fast food anyway, when fast foods stores have to post signs telling employees to wash hands before returning to work, i figure somethng is wrong in the food handling area.as long as tyson is bringing workers who live on dole money, the grocers are guaranteed the food money those people are given each month they wont be mad at tyson. as long as tyson brings in workers who need cars, jeff longbine will be sitting easy ( having a city commissioner who sells cars is kind of like having a pres who owns oil) hand in hand they all benefit

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Blulite, your comment bears repeating here. I'm glad someone is finally bringing up the idea of churches being culpable. Blulite said,
"There is enough money and international influence to make these backroom deals,then funnel the money through individual states,and finally administered through church sponsored "relief agencies".Wow-that's a pretty good insulation layer for the political side of this issue.It possibly crosses a legal line! So where does the money trail lead?"

There is another similar comment on the other story called Face to Face by Chris White Walker. Check it out. It was good to read it.

My rallying cry: Regardless of religion or race, we cannot allow any large influx of people to grind us into bankruptcy.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

slipandslide, I think nearly all restaurants post signs telling employees to wash hands before returning to work, but I can only think of one food place that ought to post signs telling employees to use toilet paper - HAR!!!

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We've been off line since the last post at a quarter to six. I think we must have overloaded the server. Wow!

Check out the comment about us from the east coast. This one quotes the powerful comment by methusla on the other thread.

http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpres...

Keep cooking everyone.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A Tyson trial under RICO just started Nov 9,2007. Any doubts about who's involved.....well,the employment office Tyson uses,the church services contractors,the immigrant advocate groups all get their cuts.Among other things,wages were depressed by Tyson to the tune of 25 million dollars.Spend 10 mil in bribes and donations,get 25 mil in wage savings?....that's a good deal! And that's JUST on the chicken side.

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

blulite - any links to this story?

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can google Tyson Racketeering,then scroll down to Shelbyville Times,Tenn.I sent a link to renegade-I can't get mine to work.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.t-g.com/story/1289882.html Try this.

Posted by emporialive (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been researching the money flow and it seems it comes down to:
Catholic Community Services
Archdiocese of Kansas City
Mr. Steven Weitkamp
220 S. 9th Street
Kansas City KS 66101
(913) 621-5774 (913) 621-7066 www.catholiccharitiesks.org
sweitkamp@catholiccharitiesks.org

from there it's hard to tell. I have read that they are providing employment incentives to employers willing to hire refugees.

Posted by emporialive (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also they list

Emporia Regional Advisory Board _________________________________

Lee Beran Dennis Newell
Ron Dinkel Bruce Schmid
Mickey Edwards Floyd Thomas
Debbie Gilbert Yvette Sosa
Amy Harmon

Posted by cowtown (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr Howard W. Foster should be reading this.

/PS : MR FOSTER / PLEASE CONTACT!!!

Posted by TruthBeTold (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kstrebuchet, if your trying to argue that the members of this group are not racist, but are educated and well informed like I believe that they are, the picture that you have linked to is inappropriate................

Posted by VerySpatial (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree there is nothing funny about that picture.........Is it that true colors are starting to show?....Careful!! If it walks like a duck..............

Posted by UsayULoveGod (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sad day in Emporia ! Race does not have anything do with what they are fighting for ! True colors coming out . Thanks for Making my point . When a person states they are not going to shop where people speak english . For your information that is a racist statement . Next you will showing Somalis eating watermelons , Thanks again for Helping make my point !

You are Dividing Emporia ! Good Job !

Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree, I think the picture is in bad taste. It should be removed.

If someone states they are not going to shop where people speak english, (Usay - your exact words), then maybe they should move to a country where the majority of the people DO speak English, instead of trying to force everyone to learn their language. Or maybe they should try to learn English if it is the common language of the majority in that country.

As I said, I never for one second expected a single soul in any foreign country I've been in to learn MY language - I did my best with my little translator book to speak to them in THEIRS. Because for ME to expect THEM to cater to MY language in THEIR country would make me a RACIST.

Posted by VerySpatial (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a supporter of this cause .I don't think the picture should be removed. It should be addressed and the person who posted should be held accountable for their actions. Sweeping it under the rug will only come back to hurt the groups efforts in the long run.

Posted by TruthBeTold (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

According to Tre,
"When I made the comment " regulate the posts so we don't get off subject" It WAS NOT meant for people who are interested in stopping a refugee resettlement in Emporia, what I meant was, that it would not make much sense to get a web site for people to post on if anybody could get on there and talk about crap that had Nothing to do with the subject of refugee resettlement! I mean we wouldn't want