The LuLac Edition #272, July 26th, 2007
PHOTO INDEX: JAMES MADSION, FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND "FATHER" OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION WHICH WAS UPHELD TODAY IN FEDERAL COURT AND HAZLETON MAYOR LOU BARLETTA.
BOO ON LOU!!!!!!!
U.S. District Judge James Munley has struck down Hazleton’s illegal immigration ordinance. In a 206 page decision, Munley upheld the U.S. Constitution in a dramatic decision that most likely will be appealed.
Munley concluded in his decision that federal law prohibits Hazleton from enforcing any of the provisions of the ordinances contained in the Illegal Immigration Relief Act.
Munley said he will issue a permanent injunction preventing enforcement of the laws which would fine landlords and suspend licenses of businesses found to house or employ illegal immigrants.
Representing several Latino organizations and individual plaintiffs, lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups and private attorneys sued the city in August, claiming Hazleton’s immigration laws were unconstitutional.
Both sides have been awauiting Munley's decision since a nine-day trial at the federal courthouse in Scranton in March.
Mayor Lou Barletta has said he would appeal the decision to a higher court if the city lost in District Court. The case is expected to eventually end up in U.S. Supreme Court, as attorneys for the plaintiffs also vowed to appeal any unfavorable decisions.
The impact of this decision on Mayor Lou Barletta's career will most likely be negligible. Barletta seemed fired up when he announced there would be an appeal. Not the stature of a man who was just defeated. Look for the Mayor to take this debate or the recognition from it to a higher office. In the meantime, Hazleton taxpayers will be paying this bill long after Barletta leaves office or goes on to another one. There is talk that Barletta is looking at U.S. Congress or get this, the Governorship. One good thing about the ruling is the Judge said he felt Barletta or Hazleton residents were intentionally prejudice toward immigrants of any kind. No, just against them, that's all. It will be interesting to see the national news coverage of this in a few days. And fans of the U.S. Constitution are toasting its father tonight, James Madison. If "illegal is illegal", then "upheld is upheld", as in the law of the land. Print up some posters, hire a media team and Lou, give it a rest.
posted by David Yonki @ 7:02 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Of course Barletta doesn't look defeated; this is what he wanted. Now he gets to continue on as the populist underdog fighter playing on the fears of the less educated. Loosing allows Lou to continue to raise his profile through the appeal process. Still wonder who is going to pick up the tab, he says his small town defenders, but last report was that the city of Hazelton is footing the bills And since they lost they will have to pick up the plaintiff's fee as well.
Saw Mr. Barletta, boo whooing the fact that the plantiff's were anonymous. What did the straightforward mayor of Hazelton say when asked to disclose the donor list for small town defenders? He said NO. Lou is grandstanding and using hate and fear to fuel his ego and quest for higher office. He knew he would loose this, he intends to loose the appeal so he can get to the Supreme Court ande grandstand in the highest court in the land. The paper said today the his donations are at about 360,000. Well the legal fees Hazelton will have will be in excess of 2 million, remember they lost this round so they have to pay the plaintiff's fees, and each round he looses Hazelton will be stuck with the bill. Lou is so self righetous why doesn't he pledge some of his family's wealth in this fight? Answer it is easy to be a "hero" on someonelse's dime. Hazelton has about an 8 million dollar a year budget, their insurer has already stated they will not foot the bill. Even if small town defenders raises 1 million it still leaves Hazelton in the rears for at least another million. (at let's not forget if someone decides to go for civil damages) Is Lou Barletta really acting in the best interest off Hazelton? Of course not.
So far this act has been revised at least 6 times(it may be more like 10), it has been deemed unconstitutional and it has driven out tax paying citizens and businesses in Hazelton. Less taxes in, more monney out will result in bankruptcy for the city. 1 million is 1/8 of the cities annual budget. Is this the kind of Mayor any "small town" really needs?
Lou could have formed a lobbying oranization and headed it, gone after Congress and the Executive branch to pass and enforce true immigration control. He would have kept his profile high and followed the constitution to try and get control of illegal immigration, unfotunately his ego may cause a loss of more than the illegals he is trying to banish.
Again I ask, Lou why not put up your and your family's personal wealth to fight this battle? If your motives are genuine and your cause just and you win, you would get the money back from the plantiffs.
Kind of makes you go HUH??
So I gu ess in Lou Barletta's wordlthe constitution goes out the window when it comes to LEGAL immigrants and NATURALIZED CITIZENS. Because they look or speak differently they surrender their protection under the Fourth Amendment ---
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
**should we add unless you look or speak differently**?
Are we willing to toss this amendment to the wayside and violate the consititutional rights of LEGAL immigrants or LEGAL NATURALIZED CITIZENS? I guess in your United States those in this country who are citizens that speak with an accent and look different then the typical anglo natural born angelo american do not deserve constitutional protection. My God what has our country come to? Is this the kind of police state Lou Barletta has brought to our doors.
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