A response from anti-immigrant emails.

This is a response I received from Eric Ward from Center for New Community. I enlisted his help after receiving several anti-immigrant emails that I know are untrue but wanted some facts to help stop some of these lies. I won't send these emails on because of the disturbing nature.

We as a Diversity Coalition try to do positive things for all newcomers and not judge people as a group but help each individual to have a better life and to help all of us understand and learn from our newcomer friends. Newcomers have hearts and feelings like you and I and feel hurt and anger when put in a group. Please consider this when listening to and reading all the anti-racist and anti-immigrant stories around the net and TV.

Please read the following response closely from Eric. Thank you very much for your understanding and helping our newcomers have a happier and more enriching life.

Have a gentle day, Milo

I just received your email "Just One State" sent to you:

Like you I believe that immigration is a critical issue that must be discussed around every dinner table and lunch counter in America. It is a discussion that concerns who we are and who we will be as a nation. It is a discussion that must be based in truth, fact, and honesty.

Sadly the "Just One State" email does the opposite.

The email is a hoax that is not based on information taken from the L.A. Times. While some information is based on true sources, the email was scripted in an attempt to hijack a honest discussion on immigration. Simply the emails goal is to dehumanize those in our country simply because of their immigration status.

I know that you are an individual who understands the importance of solving immigration. More importantly I know you as an individual who believes in honesty and fairness. Because of the beliefs that you hold I'm asking you to send this email to everyone who received "Just One State" from you. I'm also asking you to send this email to the individuals who emailed "Just One State" to you originally.

Let everyone know that they can find the facts regarding the email "Just One State" at http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/taxes.asp

If you want to rise above the name-calling and mudslinging, now is the crucial time to stand up with the truth. If you think the national conversation on immigration must be honest and sensible, your voice now necessary in responding to the hoax email that you sent to me. The email does nothing to solve the one of the most important issues facing our country.

Warm regards,

Eric Ward
National Field Director
Center for New Community
www.campaignforaunitedamerica.org
www.imagine2050.net

Winter Clothes Drive 08' "What One Person Can Do Without Knowing"

The other day Mary Ann Charlton, taking care of seven families, came into the Print Shop and wondered if we were starting the clothing drive yet and had any clothes for a six year old boy and his younger sisters that have just started school.

A few minutes later had a note from Bob at the Welcome Center requesting some baby clothes for a new born baby girl that just came in that Marta is working with.

I immediately sent out the request to 100+ of you on the email list and within 2 hours had many calls and emails requesting the sizes of the girls and clothes came in for that family, and the baby along with a car seat, diapers, and toys.

Within the hour another request from Hope Center came in for another family of various size clothing for a family of 4. Next morning that was filled.

Many called including the Advocates for Human Rights, http://www.energyofanation.org/ about the Welcome Center Food Shelf on what and where to send goods and money to when I included that request in the email. They are another wonderful group just trying to what's right for our fellow human beings. Please check out their website and see the good they are doing.

It warms my heart that when one person ask for help that so many of you are there for them. In one day at the request of one person so many of you responded and are still responding. This morning Keith Homstad from Northfield gave me a beautiful blue knitted baby hat that his wife Torel knitted last night after reading the email, and the story goes on. Next week a baby will have a warm head ;)

Since the call first went out there has been many more request for babies, young children, and school children not to mention many hungry people out there. As clothing and food are coming in, it's going out just as fast.

This is the reason we are moving our clothing drive up a month to accommodate the cold and hungry people. There seems to be a bigger need this year then ever before. Besides the clothing please consider food or a donation to the Welcome Center Food Shelf we are having to turn away many families.

A big thank you to all of you with a BIG Heart. The warm clothing not only warms the people receiving them but warms the hearts of those giving, reading about, and especially me telling you about the kindness and generosity of this great community.

To download Poster drag it on your desktop.


Have a very gentle day, Milo