braggslaw

Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.

Ghost, from your last comment.... I finally understand you.

PACE

Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 7:55 a.m.

I think a2 is a great city. But the politicians in office right now seem to be very ignorant. I wont even live in the city because i am so disgusted with the ignorance of the officials making all these stupid decisions. You spend your tax dollars here. Do you not care about your jobs? Look around the state........its a wasteland financialy. I have seen so many good people lose jobs and income to cheap illegal labor. It is truly a sad state of affairs. I spend my tax dollars where I think they matter. Maybe its time Ann Arbor politicians were OUSTED and REPLACED with people who actually care about the community.

Roadman

Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 12:45 a.m.

83% of murder warrants issued in the City of Phoenix name an illegal immigrant as the defendant. The lives of American citizens are more important than minor inconvenience to a certain segment of society.

mike from saline

Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 6:55 p.m.

Ghost: of course were familure with Jim Crowe! Living this close to The University of Michigan, how could you not be? We read the papers. Affirmative action, equal opportunity, leveling the playing field.... Are the folks in Ann Arbor familure with George Orwell? With Ann arbor's track record, you've got no buisness preaching to anybody.....anywhere!

JSA

Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 11:06 a.m.

Ghost, The Arizona law allows police to ask for proof of citizenship AFTER they have been stopped for other reasons such as traffic violations if they have a suspicion that they are illegals. Try to get it straight will you.

braggslaw

Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.

Ghost the arizona law deals with immigrants not race... no equal protection...no strict scrutiny no comparison

mike from saline

Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 6:54 a.m.

ghost. Jim Crow? Isn't he the director of addmisions at the University of Michigan? Or did they get a new one? I forget.

braggslaw

Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 5:06 a.m.

Ghost, Jim Crow was unconstitutional (profoundly evil)... and it dealt with U.S. Citizens not illegal immigrants. There is no strict scrutiny test for "citizenship" as there is for race. The comparison, (in my opinion) is not valid.

Bear

Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 3:09 a.m.

Take a good look around you boneheads, who do you think cooks your meals and washes the dishes afterwards. i don't know if you have noticed or not, but the majority of the low paying end of hospitality jobs in this city are manned by immigrants. legal or not. Also, look at who does the majority of the landscaping jobs around here, including the ones that are landscaping around the new north quad on state and huron. you can justify and deny all you want, but they are there. So, why don't we just do like Arizona and marginalize them some more? After all they are just "those people'.

The Picker

Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 11:12 p.m.

A National ID would naturally state your nationality. Duh! A traffic stop or what ever the reason one is asked to produce ID is not an unusual occurance and happens thousands of times daily. If you don't have it you better have a visa, a real visa not the charge card.

braggslaw

Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 10:04 p.m.

Ghost, If the training and the law pass the strict scrutiny test... then that is that. As there will be no court challenge, the law will stand and it will be enforced. IF the citizens of Arizona discover that the law is brutally enforced they can elect officials to repeal the law. Sounds like democracy to me.

braggslaw

Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 8:54 p.m.

Ghost, The police force has been trained to enforce the law that does not violate equal protection.... the law (and the enforcement of the law) will pass the strict scrutiny required by the U.S. Supreme Court

MikeyP

Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 5:25 p.m.

Stanko, I'm with you on this one... but it's worse for me. I happen to live in the People's Republic. I'm changing that soon, lest another DIME of mine goes to support the ignoramuses on the city council. I love Zingermans, but since supporting them means paying AA taxes I won't be eating there again. Ditto shopping at Borders, my (ex) favorite bookstore. Dominos Pizza? Not in my home! Your loss will be Pinckney's gain Ann Arbor, you reap what you sow.

John Q

Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 9:36 a.m.

"The following information IS compiled from Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security reports:" Really? Which reports?

abc

Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 8:40 a.m.

Reminder: Comments on this story must stay on topic - this is a letter to the editor about boycotting Ann Arbor after Council voted on [a] resolution about an Ann Arbor [Arizona] law. Ms. Gardner, would you, or someone else at annarbor.com, care to comment on why this particular letter to the editor caught your editorial eye and deserved to be published. More than two weeks ago there were two extensive threads on this topic (and both are still available for comments). The first was in response to a story prior to the vote on the resolution and the other was a follow up story after the resolution was passed. Both articles were written by Ryan Stanton and together they garnered more than 400 comments. Contained within those more than 400 comments were a number of threats of boycott and other possible acts of retaliation directed towards the city and the city council similar to Mr. Stankos. Mr Stankos rather inarticulate letter did not offer any new thought to the already cooling discussion. Mr. Stankos letter is an incendiary and vengeful response to a decision he disagrees with; and he is free to have those thoughts and even have them published on your website without your singling them out for specific comment. What was it about this particular letter that said, I need to be put before the annarbor.com readership for further reflection?

The Picker

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 11:51 p.m.

Davy B, That was no better a definition of "Privledged" than you're first attempt. Using your reasoning; without the privledged would we all be poor? Please clarify

The Picker

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 11:23 p.m.

Eddy R, Your argument strongly suggests that as a society we could benefit from National ID cards. Amrican Express/Mastercard, never lose track of a dime.

stunhsif

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:56 p.m.

Oh My Goodness, "most of these illegals would not be here if not for your well to do fellow Patriots". I am not certainly well to do but I live a reasonably comfortable( middle class), thought not stress free life. I, unlike some here do understand that those at the top of the food chain provide jobs for most of us in the USA, and those folks pay the taxes that support the government. That is what we are all about in my opinion. Is it perfect, of course not, is there a better system elsewhere, NO! I have helped make my boss very very rich yet I live a middle class life with reasonable job security. Was it my money on the line building the company up, NO it wasn't! There are rewards for folks that put it all on the line. My boss had the guts to put it all on the table, win or lose. Thank goodness he won! Now, why does it all fall upon the employer ( for some here) to make for certain that the person they hire is legal, should it not equally fall upon the person trying to get the job. Lord knows that illegals can pay a few bucks and get "counterfiet" papers that look as good as the real thing. I am for holding the employer and the employee equally responsible, is that not reasonable folks?

braggslaw

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:42 p.m.

That is the Supreme Court will not grant Cert..

braggslaw

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:40 p.m.

Ghost, The law is only unconstitutional if the Supreme Court determines it is unconstitutional.... that has not happened. The vast majority of legal critics do not think that the law would be overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court... thus the law is constitutional.

David Briegel

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 8:59 p.m.

Atticus, you know this is all about second class citizens. Only laws applying to immigrants are of concern to the privileged class. Laws applying to the privileged class need not be enforced. America stands for unequal justice under the law! T, Jay Thomas, Bragg, which part of criminal privilege don't you get? We are being robbed blind by every member of the privileged class who hires a cook, a maid, a gardner, a nanny or chauffer thus depriving an American of a job. Every one of you think that is legal!? You only object to the person being hired!! How silly?! Most of these illegals would not be here if not for your well to do fellow Patriots!!

robyn

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 6:21 p.m.

I like Grosse Ile. Never had any problems with the people there. Very nice quiet community. Don't see why someone would try to label it as intolerant. The thing people have to consider - especially in this economy - is that there are many people who depend upon the patronage of those attending the Art Fair to eran their living. The Art Fair is an infusion of funds into the community... A community where everyone and all business' are not necessarily in agreement with the city council. Perhaps - as someone else suggested - wear an Arizona support shirt - or ASK vendors and business' if they support Arizona. If they do - support that business. If not, don't spend your money. Those who have business' in A2 should be encouraged to express their support of Arizona (or simply their non-support of the CC) with a sign in their window. I know I'd be more prone to stop a store or restaurant that has the courage to speak out. As much as a boycott can do when it's specific and a specific person or entity can be sent a message - a boycott of A2 not only punishes those on the CC - it punishes ALL the people and business' of Ann Arbor. Calling for that sort of boycott is no better than those who called for a boycott of Arizona because they disagreed with the law.

braggslaw

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 6:03 p.m.

David, I am not white.... and I did great in this wonderful country

Chrysta Cherrie

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

A comment containing a personal attack has been removed.

Jay Thomas

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.

@mkestly: I was aware of many of the statistics you cited but not the fact that most burglaries in the border states are now committed by illegals. We are literally being robbed blind by them. A more important fact is that every year illegal aliens kill three times the number of Americans that we lost on 9-11. They murder them, run them over in pick up trucks when they're drunk (which is frequently). But liberals still love 'em to death and can't get enough! "Those poor poor people". Considering that 25% of the Mexican population is now here in the U.S. (legal & illegal), the objection people have to enforcing the law must be that they don't believe there should be any limits whatsoever. If all of Mexico's 100 million people want to move here then that's just great! Anything else would be an injustice. Now hand over your wallet...

Jay Thomas

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.

@Atticus: The supreme court decides what is constitutional (not you). People in AZ aren't being pulled over in the first place because they have an accent. The fact is the Arizona law is crafted after existed federal law which has already withstood challenge. Back in '75, in a case involving a Mexican national, the supreme court said it was constitutional for the federal government to question where someone came from and what their immigration status was. You are also wrong when you say that they haven't committed any offense. Under US code you can be jailed for 6 months for illegal entry and repeat offenses are a felony for which you can be imprisoned for two years. When the illegal fills out a job application using a social security number that happens to belong to some else that is also identity theft. What part of illegal don't you understand?

Bob

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 2 p.m.

Mr. Tibbs, Sounds like you have met many illegals - you certainly seem to have a solid profile for them.

clownfish

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 12:50 p.m.

Apparently what conservative want is for people to ask bureaucrats for paperwork, and for fees (taxes) to be paid to the government. More regulation and higher taxes.

clownfish

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 12:46 p.m.

@T "just like most liberals, pride and patriotism for country are like chewing tin foil." Stereotypes save time. Best to have laws based upon those stereotypes. T- would you support immediate jailing of all employers that hire illegal aliens, including those merely suspected of hiring said aliens? People put their lives at risk, leave family and come to a foreign land for a reason, to find work. They are then paid substandard wages, shocking that they would then use public services! Until the employers are subject to the same restrictions as the workers nothing will be accomplished, other than building new jails and tent camps to house the arrested labor force of America. Have you visited wehireillegals.com yet? Have you written letters/emails to those companies explaining your reasons for your future boycotts? Do you eat Tyson, Smithfield products, have you ever shopped Wal-Mart? If I asked you to boycott companies like those that hired illegals would you tell me I am a "typical liberal" for asking for a boycott of business and trying to tell you how to live your life?

Atticus F.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 12:42 p.m.

T, you apparently are unable to distinguish between illegal and criminal.

Atticus F.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.

MR tibs, those are both used to describe breaking into someones home. Again, immigration law is different from the criminal offenses you are describing. This is just an attempt to justify calling someone a criminal, who's only crime is looking to provide for their families. You're trying to put these people in the same class with bank robbers and burglers, when they have not commited any offence.

Atticus F.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 12:07 p.m.

Also djm, when you use the example of a couple bad apples to justify the persecution of an entire class of human beings, I would consider that fearmongering... Thats like saying a "high number of crimes are commited by minorities, therefore we should simply lock up all minoities as a solution".

Atticus F.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : noon

djm, I realize that undocumented workers are not entitled to the same rights as citizens... But when a law give police carte blanche to arrest and detain people with an accent, who haven't commited any crime, that law has the potential to violate the rights of people who ARE citizens.

Mr. Tibbs

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 11:51 a.m.

I ask you this siple question people. what is the difference between breaking into your house, and breaking into OUR house? If I break into your house will you give me as much food as I want and pay for my TV needs and all of my health care needs as well? Oh and will you please allow me the courtesy of learning MY language, so I won't have to learn yours? Oh and when I went to work in your place, I also told the boss I would work for half of what you work for, even though you have a mortgage, and I am living in your house free....the boss said for you to not bother showing up anymore. He likes the fact that he doesn't have to pay me anything more than slave wages. He also likes the fact that he doesn't have to pay benefits either. I get them from the government, while your unemployed @$$ pays for it, through the taxes you WILL pay out of your unemployment check..... workers comp...? nah, I just go back to mexico....and start running drugs again. How do you think I paid my way here in the first place? even if I get caught they just send me home for more. why do you think they call it a revolving door? Heck your government puts your own border guards in jail if they try to stop us from running drugs, and George Bush was in office for that little debacle..... and you wonder why militia types are starting to patrol the borders....actually we are afraid of them....they don't have to follow "the rules"....actually neither do we but because we are not white, we get to break them openly.

djm12652

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 11:42 a.m.

@atticusF...what "rights" under the Constitution of the United States of America are granted to people that illegally come to this country? And will ya stop with the race card already? As far as mkestly stating published statistics...that is not fear mongering...wake up will ya? Or better yet, go visit Mexico City without any ID and try to get a job...wanna talk racist...

djm12652

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.

Perhaps our esteemed city leaders can also put forth a boycott of all things from Mexico due to their "hate" of foreigners and extreme illegal immigration policies...just ask a Guatamalan trying to sneak into Mexico for a better life what happens...or better yet, lose your wallet in Cancun and when your cabbie is involved in a car accident,see how long it takes an Embassy staff member to come and get you out of jail! No ID, go straight to jail! When anyone is stopped for a traffic violation, anywhere in the United States,one must present proper ID...so what's the big deal. No DL, [driving illegally] show your green card or passport for ID...not a problem if you're not breaking the law!

mike from saline

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.

Boycotting Ann Arbor is stupid. I love Ann Arbor, Grew up there, and there's still alot of fun to be had there. I love Saline, the people are great, the schools are top notch, and the City government is efficient, and attentive. The problem is....it's boresville, most of the time. We like it that way. Boycotting A2 would be like grounding a teenager, and taking away there car keys. they're whinny, sullen, full of self-pity, and self rightous indignation. Plus, you gotta drive them everywhere. You'd only be punnishing yourself. Thanks! but no Thanks!!

Atticus F.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.

BTW mkestly, using fear tactics to justify racist policy is not acceptable. Nor is it acceptable to use fear mongering as justification for taking away peoples rights.

Atticus F.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.

Ann Arbor is a city of forward thinking people. We draw cultural diversity from all over the world. As a resident and voter in Ann Arbor, I would say please stay in Grosse Isle... We could do without your hateful, mean spirited rantings. By the way, we have a responsibility to stand up to laws that violate peoples constitutional rights. Also you might want to look into the difference between illegal, and criminal...Just because you coasted through a stop sign or jaywalk, doesn't make you a criminal. these people are here to work, so please stop comparing hard work to "robbing banks and stealing from K-mart".

mkestly

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.

I can't imagine why Arizona would want to pass such a law...how about some fact to add to all the opinions. ARIZONA FBI STATS..WHY THEY NEED THE NEW LAW The following information IS compiled from Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security reports: * 83% of warrants for murder in Phoenix are for illegal aliens. * 86% of warrants for murder in Albuquerque are for illegal aliens. * 75% of those on the most wanted list in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Albuquerque are illegal aliens. * 24.9% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals. * 40.1% of all inmates in Arizona detention centers are Mexican nationals. * 48.2% of all inmates in New Mexico detention centers are Mexican nationals. * 29% (630,000) convicted illegal alien felons fill our State and Federal prisons at a cost of $1.6 billion annually. * 53% plus of all investigated burglaries reported in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and Texas are perpetrated by illegal aliens. * 50% plus of all gang members in Los Angeles are illegal aliens. * 71% plus of all apprehended cars stolen in 2005 in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California were stolen by Illegal aliens or "transport coyotes". * 47% of cited/stopped drivers in California have no license, no insurance and no registration for the vehicle. Of that 47%, 92% are illegal aliens. * 63% of cited/stopped drivers in Arizona have no license, no insurance and no registration for the vehicle. Of that 63%, 97% are illegal aliens * 66% of cited/stopped drivers in New Mexico have no license, no insurance and no registration for the vehicle. Of that 66% 98% are illegal aliens. * 380,000 plus "anchor babies" were born in the US to illegal alien parents in just one year, making 380,000 babies automatically US citizens (which is UN-Constitutional; illegal). * 97.2% of all costs incurred from those illegal births were paid by the American taxpayers. That is almost ALL of them! "The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first." - Thomas Jefferson

actionjackson

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:50 a.m.

Half a million folks will be here for four days of Art Fair. Your friends will be here Jim, they just got tired of your tirades and ranting about Ann Arbor. Glad not to have to ride with you anymore.

russellr

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.

Think about this: This is facts on illegal aliens, money spent in one year. $14-22 Billion welfare,$2.2 Billion food assistance, $7.5 Billion Medicaid, $12 billion on primary and secondary school education (and can't speak English) $27 Billion on Anchor babies, parents illegal babies born here. $190 Billion spent on illegal aliens for welfare & social services by you American Taxpayers. In 2006, illegal aliens sent home $65 Billion back to their countries of origin. The dark side of illegal immigration: Nearly 1 million SEX crimes are committed by illegal immigrants in the U.S.A. I could go on and on this is just the tip of the iceberg. So people,open up your eyes this is a problem. So Ann Arbor when you think you can solve these problems jump in, until then take care of your small city problems.

clownfish

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.

"You're right that Grosse Ile is like Barton Hills in that it is a bedroom community with few businesses... so if you have no business there you probably should be moving along." How cool is that? Communities that don't allow business to operate within their boundaries, and don't want non-citizens of those communities around! How American! How Free! How brave!

clownfish

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9:01 a.m.

Ahh yes, I too remember a time when self described "conservatives" thought it was bad juju to protest a sitting president during war. A time when these cons thought government should have less power, not more. A time when it was OK to hire whom you wanted, at a wage you set, with open borders that allow the free movement of goods, services, ideas and employees. A time when MORE aliens were wanted to work those jobs that "Americans didn't want". (read: Americans won't do for the wages offered. A time when having a pregnant unmarried teen was seen as bad form, or quitting a job when half done was seen as a sign of a lack of values, a time when celebrity status was not a requisite for political punditry. What happened to those conservatives, to those times?

concerned

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 9 a.m.

1.did u take a poll of the city before u went with a boycott or just single mindedly went a head,,if u see a worm in a apple do u think the whole barrel is bad or just that apple,,

Pete Warburton

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 7:18 a.m.

Jim the Art Fair will not be the same without you. Where did you park?

jcj

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 7:10 a.m.

David,I won't argue the fact that white collar crime is rampant and it is disgusting what some get away with. I wish the victims of white collar crime had more (some) say in the punishment. Does that mean we ignore other crimes that are committed? You would seemingly hang the ones that hire illegals while giving the illegals the keys to our cities. I say deport both of them! Just because someone is an illegal does not mean they are evil or scum. Just like someone that has a white collar job or runs a corporation is not automatically evil or scum! Would you be for putting an illegal in jail for murder or just give them social security?

David Briegel

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 6 a.m.

jcj, our "justice" system comes down quite firmly on the poor and minorities. That is obvious. However the privileged or "white collar" (white) are treated much differently. Steal a little and we are tough. Steal billions and we bail you out. You come in at the end of a conversation and there is clearly no discussion of enforcement against hiring illegals. And you will call this justice. I call it injustice!

jcj

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:01 p.m.

David I have stated repeatedly that I have no problem enforcing the law and punishing the " Privileged " ones as well as the illegals. You on the other hand have never suggested that anyone other than the "Privileged" ones need to be in jail. I doubt seriously if you could ever bring yourself to say that any one other than upper class whites belong in jail for ANYTHING!

David Briegel

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:56 p.m.

Bragg, so, if you are one of the "privileged class" it is then OK to break our laws with no consequences? Because if those laws were not broken there would be no illegals here. They come to work!

David Briegel

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.

Picker, surely you jest. You think minorities are privileged? You think the working class is privileged? You know very well that the privileged class is primarily upper class white business owners who are looking to exploit cheap labor. Without Consequences. As I clearly stated above, if the employers were poor and minority our prisons would overflow. An honest person would agree!! Any citizen who believes in law and order would demand the law breakers be punished to the full extent of the law! Many posters here believe only poor people and minorities are subject to the laws of our nation!

braggslaw

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:17 p.m.

David, I guess I am not familiar with the "privileged class"... are those the people that worked hard in school, created businesses with sweat equity and drive the U.S. economy? IF so, then I am one of them. The numbers of illegals in the U.S. far outnumber the individuals that run landscaping companies and farms.

johnnya2

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.

@ OverTaxed All of the members of Ann Arbors city council have been LEGALLY elected. They have the RIGHT to give resolutions based on what they believe. If you do not like that fact, maybe it is YOU who should move to Europe. As for John Galt, you are free to run anytime, but the OVERWHELMING majority agree with the positions of city council. If you don't like it, you are free to spend your money elsewhere. To compare it to Cuba is pure hyperbole by conservatives who have failed miserably to get attention is the city in Michigan with the best economy AND the highest intelligence. But thanks for playing

The Picker

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 7:04 p.m.

David B, Could you please define Privledged, The use of this word is rather vague and I need a better picture of this group you speak of?

arbormike

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.

Ha! Who cares whether you come here or not. I was downtown last Friday night and could hardly walk the sidewalk it was so busy. Stay away--PLEASE!

Speechless

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.

"... So Ann Arbor thinks it's OK not to uphold the law in Arizona...." The writer immediately distorts the actual motivations behind the recent city council resolution. A whole bunch of us want the Arizona law safely kept out of Michigan — no copycat legislation, please! We also support the federal challenge to the law, filed on the day the resolution passed. Rather than rehash the illegal immigration issue yet again, below is a link to a relevant column from last Sunday's Washington Post, followed by my summary comment under the news article referenced by the letter writer: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/09/AR2010070902342.html http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-city-council-adopts-resolution-opposing-arizonas-controversial-new-immigration-law/index.php#comment-116697

Bob

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 3:33 p.m.

Wow - that will really affect City Council. You would be better off to fire off a letter to them and let them know how you feel. But as long as you're boycotting Ann Arbor, give Ypsilanti a try - lots of great things happening there!

Jay Thomas

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.

@Nemo: The Attorney General Mike Cox doesn't work for the Governor and is elected in his own right. When Granholm was in that job she didn't follow Engler's wishes either. I know you'd like him to just sit idly by and twiddle his thumbs until a democrat is elected to that position. LOL You're right that Grosse Ile is like Barton Hills in that it is a bedroom community with few businesses... so if you have no business there you probably should be moving along.

Jay Thomas

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.

Ann Arbor business owners don't want people boycotting them as a result of city council's selfish, stupid and ultimately meaningless resolutions. It costs the peanut gallery here on a2.com nothing to say, "stay away, we don't want you". The whole state of Michigan is already being boycotted by the business community thanks to our added business taxes. The employees at the giant Pfizer complex weren't all fired you know; they relocated to other Pfizer sites so the company could avoid the additional taxes levied by the State of Michigan.

Gorc

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.

Boycotting Ann Arbor is just as asinine as the Ann Arbor council spending time discussing another governments business and passing a resolution in protest.

Ian

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.

@Stanko, Please forgive them (AA city council) for they know not what they do. Just as many conservatives supported Bush's criminal and non-conservative policies, liberals blindly obey Obama's dictates. Just because they are democrats and liberals. Without thinking about what they are doing. I bet none of the city council members read Arizona's ILLEAL immigration bill. I want to apologize for or city council. Please come to Ann Arbor. Do not punish the citizens and business owners of Ann Arbor for the actions of the few uninformed.

Ian

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 1:42 p.m.

The grand scheme of things. I do not think most people realize why our federal government wants our borders wide open and allow ILLEGAL immigration. Even though we are treated like criminals at airports because of the threat of terrorism (war on terror is a hoax) our borders are wide open. Does that make any sense???? If people have not heard or figured it out, our federal governmnent, along with the Mexican and Canadian governments are in the process of forming the North American Union. Just like the European Union. Thus, America and our Constitution will no longer exist and we will be ruled by non-elected dictatorial bureaucrats. Just as it has happened in Europe with the passage of the Lisbon Treaty last year.

John Galt

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 1:10 p.m.

Fully support Arizona. Ann Arbor politics is a joke. Too bad there are little/no alternative candidates. It's like a Cuban election. You can pick from a slate of approved socialists.

Me Next

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : noon

I didn't get to read the AACC "resolution" so my comment is general. The real question is, do "We..." want to maintain "our more perfect union"? US Const granted Duty to Congress has been fulfilled in the US Current Federal Immigration Law. AZ simply made a State Law explaining AZ's part (or any Sovereign States' part) in enforcing the Current Federal Immigration Law for the purpose of Protecting the US Citizens that choose to reside within it's sovereignty. So if the AACC condemned AZ for, what is in fact US Federal Immigration Law in effect (whether Federal performs it's lawful duty or not), protecting "natural born" & "naturalized" alike then it is divisive, lawlessness, & not in the best interest of the voters (inherited or acquired Franchise owners in the Power to govern ourselves.) Note the member that speaks & votes against the Const. protection of our current Fed Imm. Law & vote them out - they are surrendering you to foreigners at some point in the future.

MichU

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.

Let's stop the demonization of people and find a solution. Exploitation is never right. Just like spreading hate and dehumanizing others is not acceptable. I find it alarming that a neo-Nazi militia is "patrolling" in AZ... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/17/man-with-neo-nazi-ties-le_n_650123.html

kdadnick

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.

The City Council thinks they are proving a point by boycotting Arizona? How many of them planned to go to AZ anyway? Take a look at the immigration laws in California and several other states. The wording is stronger, but who knew? City Council, do your homework rather than trying to jump on some one else' ridiculous bandwagon. Time to boycott California too -- but you can still go to L.A. They voted themselves out of the California law.

OverTaxed

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.

First I hope everyone knows that Ann Arbor is a Sanctuary City. That is the reason for their vote against Arizona. I say vote the entire Socialist/Communist council back to their non-productive lives. They support harboring criminals, un-American; push Socialism, un-American; build monuments to themselves (City Hall) like dictators, un-American; spend and tax more than other cities of similar size, un-American; etc, etc. I support Arizona 100%. if you don't like our laws, you can move to Europe. Stop changing my country to one we fought to seperate ourselves from.

happysam

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:52 a.m.

Dear Jim Stanko, Have you ever heard of Thoreau's Civil disobedience? I'l answer that for you. Apparently you have not. I also believe you would disagree with the citizens of most northern states when they decided not to uphold the fugitive slave acts of the 1800s when slavery still existed. Abolitionists, states such as Wisconsin (1854 Wisconsin Supreme Court), and every household working the underground railroad were all disobeying the law. Do you think slaves who ran away from their southern owners should have been returned? I would disobey any laws that contradict my morals and removes any citizen's basic rights in this country. This is what our country is founded on; This is what makes the United States of America great. Laws must reflect society and uphold the rights of all humans no matter his or her race, relgion, or creed. The Arizona state immigration control law is not only clearly illegal according to our constitution, but also is potent for breeding racial tensions due to its nature. Boycott Ann Arbor all you want. It's economy will be fine without you. However, before you compare disobeying laws to anarchy, and specifically robberies, please find a more suitable example.You are comparing apples to oranges.

nemo

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:46 a.m.

A second point, regarding Grosse Ile: This is a city on a large island in the Detroit River, accessible only by two small bridges and a municipal airport. Like our Barton Hills, the cops will run you off if they don't know you, so you can say that Grosse Ile is Arizona writ small, and has been for a long long time. Intolerance is not just tolerated there, it is expected and welcomed.

stunhsif

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:30 a.m.

@Jim P. Stanko, Right on brother, couldn't agree more! I have not spent money in A2 ( grocery shopping, gas for the,restaurants, etc ) since the A2 City Council started talking about passing this silly resolution. My wife's grandma wanted us to pick her up in Dearborn ( as we have done in past years) and take her to the art fair. We told her that for the time being, we are not spending our hard earned incomes within the city limits. I have no other way to display my displeasure with the politicians in A2 than to stop spending my money there. Perhaps down the road if enough others do the same, the folks that run A2 may make better decisions moving forward.

bedrog

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

as a fairly vocal critic of the city councils actions on this issue, i still disagree with the letter here. 'ann arbor'...whatever that means..is not guilty of anything worthy of boycott, especially those exhibiting in the upcoming art fair. the letter writer might better engage/stimulate meaningful conversations at the art fair by showing up dressed 'arizona': eg as geronimo, wyatt earp, barry goldwater or john mccain.. assorted movies and SNL skits provide useful costume ideas.

David Briegel

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

Bragg, you clearly state that you believe in laws and still believe in the rule of law. It is clearly against our sacred laws to hire an illegal and there are penalties for doing so. Also, you are well aware that it is mainly the privileged class that is violating our law. Yet there are virtually no complaints, no serious effort at enforcement and virtually no member of the upper class in prison. If it were minorities doing the illegal hiring I believe our prisons would overflow! There is nothing dubious here!

bruceae

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:23 a.m.

Well for those of us who do live in Ann Arbor the best thing to do is vote to get rid of the current group that seems to have time to worry about everyone else's problems but can't seem to address the issues they were elected to fix.

nemo

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:06 a.m.

The point everyone is missing is that Michigan State Attorney General Cox is using OUR tax dollars, against the wishes of the Governor, to spearhead legal efforts on Arizona's behalf in retaining this new law. That makes the city council action look puny in the face of such malfeasance.

tdw

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.

Ann Arbor is quite at ease on choosing what Michigan laws they wish to enforce.Look at Ann Arbors pot laws

Chrest

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.

For the Ann Arbor city council to choose "not to uphold" the law in Arizona is, at least in this situation, ENTIRELY okay, and is in no way "disobeying" any law that Ann Arbor is bound to follow. The Ann Arbor council has authority to make laws that stems from Michigan, not from Arizona. Are we in Michigan required to uphold the laws of states that (to take another controversial example) allow gay marriage? Absolutely not. Some states allow gay marriage, some states do not--this is completely OK (from a legal perspective), and it's one of the reasons our country is great: each state can choose for itself which laws are best for its citizens. Arizona has passed a law that its legislators feel will best solve the problem of illegal immigration in that state; Ann Arbor, as part of Michigan, may choose differently. Legally, this is NOT a problem; it is totally normal and happens all the time. Jim, for you to boycott Ann Arbor because you think the resolution is a bad idea is perfectly understandable. For you to do so because you feel that it is somehow illegal is a fundamental misunderstanding of the way our country works and has always worked. A degree of disagreement and dissent between the states is written into the Constitution, and was one of the core principles upon which the Founding Fathers based our nation. Don't try to hide your opinion about immigration behind misguided calls to "uphold the law," since "the law" is something you clearly know nothing about.

American Family

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.

I for one 100% agree with Mr. Stanko. To not to uphold the laws of Arizona is a crime. Just like it would be to not uphold the laws of Michigan; or maybe Ann Arbor. Would the people of Michigan or EVEN Ann Arbor like that?? Lawlessness?? Pick and choose what laws we want to obey... today? Tomorrow we will check back to see if we still want to obey that law or disregard it?? If some people believe that the Arizona law is not "fair", then just sneak over the border from Arizona in to Mexico and tell the people there how you feel. Don't worry, you will be provided food and shelter... in jail. The Mexican Government will not allow Illegal American's in to Baja California Norte, or even in to Sonora. Chihuahua thought about it for a short moment but decided to UPHOLD the Mexican National LAW also. The Arizona law is based on United States National Immigration Law. So if you want to "BOO HOO" the Arizona law, march right up to Washington, D. C. and tell the Party currently in charge that you want the United States boycotted as well :) I will be more than happy to provide a bus for the anti-Arizona law people and by default the United States National Immigration Law so you all can use your First Amendment rights.

MjC

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.

Mr. Stanko - Not all of us A2 folks think this act by our City Council was appropriate. Just read all the blogger comments from the original AnnArbor.com original news article. Stating you'll boycott A2 and the Art Fairs is downright mean. As a volunteer at the Street Art Fair it makes me sad to think you'd skip out on supporting the hundreds of artists who come out here not only to make a living, but to share with you their joy of art. I hope you reconsider.

braggslaw

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:58 a.m.

david, the law would prevent illegals from working in the ag industry.... so I guess I don't see your point. your reference to "white" people is dubious at best.. I believe in legal immigration (as I am the child of an immigrant) I also believe in laws, the U.S. constitution protects the individual righs of citizens and some rights for aliens. States can make laws that do not conflict with the U.S. constitution. That is the universe we live in. I suppose that the states could pass a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of non-citizens, but I don't see that happening. I still believe in the rule of law.

amlive

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.

Edit: Before anyone else calls it, yes, I know it's an Arizona law and that I typed New Mexico. Oops. I missed my coffee this morning - aside from a sill mistake, the rest still stands though.

amlive

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.

This will bring some interesting comments.... So a formal resolution to object or protest a singular law as being patently unfair, unethical, or unconstitutional, is somehow the equivalent of advocating complete anarchy or the dismissal of all laws across the nation. The reasoning here astounds me. I don't know if even Palin or Fox "News" could have derived such a conclusion. Bravo! I assume you have conservative political views (please excuse me if I'm incorrect). I thought that limiting the power of government over citizens - things like, oh, limiting their right to stop you or search your property unless they could demonstrate just cause - were important values to conservatives. So if we had a massive problem with Canadian immigrants, you would have no problem with Michigan passing a law that would allow police to stop and question you based on a hunch, and detain you if you happened to be out walking your dog and left your drivers license at home. So you would fully endorse allowing our government officials such broad and vaguely limited power, right? Now I'm really confused about what conservative values really mean. Oh, wait. But in New Mexico it's easier, skin color and all. And if you're white, you wouldn't have anything to worry about I suppose. Okay, it all makes sense to me now.

seldon

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.

Stay home, Stanko. We won't miss you.

David Briegel

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:15 a.m.

Anyone who cares about the "illegal problem" would realize these poor people come here to be exploited for their cheap labor by the real "criminals". You know, all those fine, upstanding Americans who break our law every single day by employing an illegal. We just refuse to enforce our laws and jail upper middle clsss and upper class white people. Way too complicated for Jim and those who like to pick on the "little people". Everyone knows our laws don't apply to the privileged. Bragg, we are All shuffling money into the pockets of the privileged by allowing this exploitation to continue! I will take our liberal, creative, artistic, and liveable community over the alternative every day!

Brad

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 7:13 a.m.

I have a great idea. Let's let Arizona people worry about Arizona and have Ann Arbor City Council concentrate on the shabby roads, depowered street lights, closed fire stations and other things that actually affect the citizens of AA in a material way on a daily basis. This has nothing to do with the AZ law and everything to do with a council that doesn't get it.

braggslaw

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 7:03 a.m.

While on its surface the Arizona laws are troubling, I have not walked in the shoes of law enforcement in Arizon. I am not a civil servant in charge of reshuffling money from citizens to non-citizens in Arizona. It would seem that the extraordinary costs and problems in Arizona have led to extraordinary actions. The citizens of Arizona have voted, I will wait to see how this plays out.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 6:59 a.m.

I agree - Ann Arbor should be boycotted. Currently the best option for "law abiding' citizens to to avoid any entity that boycotts Arizona. Next - look to Arizona companies for purchases. They have great products and services.