A state lawmaker has drawn a firestorm of criticism from the Hispanic community this week by calling for the renewal of a 1950s-era federal deportation program known as "Operation Wetback."
Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, a fiery proponent of new border security laws and a crackdown on illegal immigration, talked about the possibility of mass deportations in a radio interview.
"We know what we need to do," Pearce, a Republican seeking re-election, said during the "Morning Edition" show on KJZZ radio in Phoenix. "In 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower put together a task force called 'Operation Wetback.' He removed, in less than a year, 1.3 million illegal aliens. They must be deported." advertisement
The Arizona Democratic Party noted Pearce's comments in a news release Thursday that included angry comments from Hispanic activists. They noted that the term "wetback" is considered derogatory.
Roberto Reveles, the president of Somos America, called Pearce's comments "outrageous" and said his support of such a policy reflects "a sense of insecurity on his part and his fear and loathing of undocumented immigrants."
"(Pearce) is on a constant campaign of demeaning people and creating an imagery of them in the public's mind as being somewhat less than human," Reveles said.
Pearce defended his comments, accusing activists of supporting "lawbreakers."
"This was a successful program," he said, "and I'm quoting a successful program for those who continue to tell you it's impossible to deport (illegal immigrants) in this country."
Pearce said he was only referring to the term "wetback" in its historical context.
"In the '50s it was common. In the '60s it was common. You don't use it today because people have tried to make it offensive," Pearce said. "Things change, and you know what? Who cares? Whatever they want to be called, I'm OK with that."
Pearce said he likes to use "very graphic" terms to make a point.
Pearce is seeking re-election along with Rep. Mark Anderson, R-Mesa, and Democratic challenger Tammie Pursley. They are vying for two seats on the state House of Representatives.
Anderson said he was surprised that Pearce was so overt about his support for the program.
"I've never heard him say that before in such a direct way," Anderson said.
Anderson added that he supports securing the borders, but opposes mass deportation.
"It's not realistic," Anderson said. "Once the border is secure, we can come up with some way for people to earn their citizenship."
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0929Pearce29-ON.html
:cheers:
FKA, Hitler Goddess, Starr
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0929Pearce29-ON.html
:cheers:
This story nothing to get excited over. Closing the door after the horse is out of the barn will do no good at this point. He opposes mass deportations. I find the Riverside NJ story to be far more positive than the weasel-word of some stinking politician. They all deserve a neck-tie party anyhow.
This story nothing to get excited over. Closing the door after the horse is out of the barn will do no good at this point. He opposes mass deportations. I find the Riverside NJ story to be far more positive than the weasel-word of some stinking politician. They all deserve a neck-tie party anyhow.
What I like about this for the most part is that this is a mainstream political figure who is not talking about amnesty and saying these people should have "rights"etc. he will get a lot of people stirred up with these words, both the hispanics and the silent majority who wants these people gone. From everything else I have heard others say, this seems to go the farthest. Actually bringing up "operation wetback" and reminding people of that and how that worked.
FKA, Hitler Goddess, Starr
It would be a good program, but calling it "Operation Wetback" is a little too politically incorrect in today's climate. Instead we should call it "Operation Beaner". lol
It’s time to stop being Americans. It’s time to start being White Men again. - Gregory Hood
It would be a good program, but calling it "Operation Wetback" is a little too politically incorrect in today's climate. Instead we should call it "Operation Beaner". lol
Well he did say he would call them whatever they want to be called.
But something like "Operation undocumented worker",etc. just doesn't have the right ring to it.
Other suggestions: Operation spic? operation filthy invader?
FKA, Hitler Goddess, Starr
This story nothing to get excited over. Closing the door after the horse is out of the barn will do no good at this point. He opposes mass deportations. I find the Riverside NJ story to be far more positive than the weasel-word of some stinking politician. They all deserve a neck-tie party anyhow.
Agreed. This is just election year pandering. Too little, too late. The mud is here to stay until a civil war starts.
Other suggestions: Operation spic? operation filthy invader?
Operation Deport Hitler Goddess Back to the Phora 
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We wuvs our Hitler Goddess, as long as she doesn't try to thank too hard 
It would be a good program, but calling it "Operation Wetback" is a little too politically incorrect in today's climate. Instead we should call it "Operation Beaner". lol
Yeah I noticed spics are actually using Beaner the same way the niggaz use Nigga. It's pretty funny 
Operation Deport Hitler Goddess Back to the Phora ]
I never left the Phora and I am also still here. It is like a dual citizenship thing.
http://www.thephora.net/forum FKA, Hitler Goddess, Starr
It would be a good program, but calling it "Operation Wetback" is a little too politically incorrect in today's climate. Instead we should call it "Operation Beaner". lol
If only we could do away with the jew-appeasing pretensions of political correctness and call it what it ought to be called: Operation Flush the Toilet.
Damn right is what it is: Closing the door after the cow is out of the barn. these politicians now barking like dogs which is nothing but Cognitive Psychology; putting the public back to sleep.
I'd call it "operation shit-on-the-crops begone!"
(I've had to give up spinach and lettuce - damnit)
I am impressed with how tough this pol talks. What fails to impress me is the lack of action that follows all that tough talk. If I have learned one thing about these weasels, it is that if they are in office, they are giving White people the shaft.