Ziner looks at the FAIR-RIILE connection

Widmer's got a new book

Is Obama a harbinger of heightened tolerance?

10 Comments

• joe bernstein said:

  I read the story and I have a question for Ziner(and you Ian,who seem to have a high opinion of her work);has the same critical standard been applied to the SPLC and ADL as has been to FAIR.I am aware FAIR has been around a long time,and I never heard them desribed as racist,although I never spent any time looking into the group,nor joined it.The SPLC and the ADL have become advocates for illegal aliens over the last few years and have gone into the smear business- equating organizations they disagree with to the traditional hate groups like the KKK.I am of Jewish background and I can't stand Abe Foxman and the ADL-they purport to speak for Jews and they don't.They are ethnic pimps like Ramon Martinez.Foxman is a whining busybody.Any legitimate criticism of what he believes is "chilling" and "anti-Semitic"-he wears the word out frankly.

  There are Hispanic activists who call for the reconquest of the southwestern US-they are small in number,but very vocal.Why doesn't Ziner give it a rest with the storekeeper?Does every Guatemalan carry responsibility for Marco Riz' alleged crime?I say of course not-anymore than a member of RIILE is responsible for Dave Richardson being rude to customers.Does Ziner question the vile lying rhetoric of Fred Ordonez and the "Rev"Rivera from NJ when they compare the plight of aliens in RI to Nazi Germny(Ordonez)and 'ethnic cleansing"(Rivera)?

  She's very evenhanded-yessiree!!

  She chose sides long ago.

  I expect you to disagree,but I'm not making any false allegations here.

  June 29, 2008 6:09 PM

• Will said:

  I supposed that this was as "fair" a story (bad pun) as Karen Lee Ziner is capable of writing. Anything she writes needs to be taken with a grain of salt, because she is clearly not an objective reporter, even if she is able to mask it somewhat from time to time. She has a very clear pro-illegals agenda which is outside the mainstream of what most Americans favor.

  While some may have issues with the gentleman who founded FAIR, I certainly don't think that has anything to do with the over all issue of illegal immigration reform, or with other independent grassroots organizations that FAIR provides information to. If there are any criticisms to be made, it should be about accuracy of information which is provided to the public. Refute assertions with facts, not with ad hominem attacks. Best I can tell, unless what FAIR asserts is actually refuted with facts, I don't see a reason to distrust the information provided by them.

  I'm not sure what the story's purpose was (though I can guess), as there is no official relationship between FAIR and RIILE, even if there may be some overlap in membership or in broad goals. The vast majority of Americans want secure borders, English as the national language, and end to illegal immigration, and well-regulated legal immigation. This is a post-partisan, 90-95% issue.

  I think that as far as RIILE is concerned, it could actually be interpreted as a good story. I'm not a member myself, but I know Terry and other members and the vast majority are very good people trying to do the right thing for America. Remember: when you're a grassroots organization, any news is good news (especially on Page 1)!

  June 29, 2008 9:17 PM

• Linda said:

  The timing of the Projo story is blatantly obvious. With liberals like Cicilline and Paiva Weed badly damaged by their illegal alien protectionism in recent days it was time to (attempt to) change the subject.

  Sorry liberals but your illegal alien poster boy Marco Riz is not going away.

  Will is right, the attention paid to RIILE by an illegal alien advocate like Ziner is actually quite a compliment to that organization.

  Terry Gorman and Co. have come a long way baby!

  My only question to Ziner would be why mention but not question the motives of a racist group like La Raza in her "objective" piece as she tries to sell us a racist tale about FAIR and deems RIILE guilty by association?

  Her injecting La Raza in her tale of woe was an unintented comedic touch on her part.

  She cites La Raza when trying to claim FAIR is racist? ha ha ha ha ha ha

  Ziner is a graduate of the Bill Rappleye school of "journalism". All liberal agenda all the time.

  Poor Ian Donnis!

  So much journalistic incompetence to defend and so little time to do it.

  June 30, 2008 6:13 AM

• Ian Donnis said:

  Joe, since RIILE is a local group, it seens a much more relevant topic than the ADL or the SPLC.

  June 30, 2008 9:26 AM

• joe bernstein said:

  The ADL is a local group in case you haven't noticed.I belong to RIILE and have never seen or heard any racist activity/comments at a meeting.There are certainly strong positions taken with regard to such isues as English being the official language,access to health/welfare benefits by illegal aliens,etc.

  Doesn't it seem relevant that a so-called Hispanic rights group calling itself "The Race" is a major player in the Democratic party nationally?

  It's okay Ian,just remember that guilt by association cuts more than one way.(Obama/Wright/Ayers for example?).

  You conveniently ignore the disgusting comments by Hispanic activists which I quoted accurately-I personally Ordonez make that remark on the Jim Vincent show.The "Reverend"Rivera I did not hear directly,but rather a news report of his statement.

  You have a good set of blinders on when you need them it seems.And having met you a few times,I

  know it's not due to lack of intellect.Just try to be honest-the Marco Riz incident blew up in the faces of Cicilline,Esserman,and the "advocates"-I expect you think I'm happy about it-and I would be but for the fact a woamn was raped.And she didn't have to be.

  I can tell you this-RIILE isn't a cult which enforces political correctness on its members-you know-always agree with the leadership-members are free to have their own opinions-I have disagreed strongly with some others on the issue of children born in the US to illegal aliens.No one has tried to "purge" me as would happen in many "progressive"groups.If a free exchange of ideas on a controversial topic makes an organization a "hate"group,then I would take a look at the accusers.

  June 30, 2008 10:03 AM

• Ian Donnis said:

  Joe, my "blinders" might have more to do with how if I spent all my time responding to you, I'd never get anything done.

  June 30, 2008 10:34 AM

• joe bernstein said:

  Ian-most of my comments here are made with no response expected from you.It's an open forum,so I just fire off my messages and see what happens.

  June 30, 2008 11:50 AM

• rhody said:

    More cheap let's-blame-Ziner. How sad and predictable.

  June 30, 2008 12:21 PM

• SPECIAK K said:

  Not 4 Nuthn but- That article will "never" make anyone who believes in enforcing our laws believe that RIILE is a "hate group".  Keep trying!

  June 30, 2008 2:13 PM

• joe bernstein said:

  rhody-If Ziner wants to be a coumnist a la Kerr and Bakst she ought to ask management about an opening over there-otherwise she should at least try to report all the facts without a bias-years ago Lee Dykas reported on hte enforcement aspects of immigration as did Kevin O'Connor of the Pawtucket Times-both speialized in crime/police reporting and they related the events dispassionately and accurately-I still seem to recall recent wild accusations against ICE regarding the suicide of man in the apartment of an ICE arrestee-Steven Brown and numerous "advocates" have yet to have their fet held to the fire for what they alleged without a shred of evidence-why do I bother responding to one of your posts?Your mind is programmed in a predictable "progressive"rut.

  June 30, 2008 3:26 PM

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