From the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Right Wing Politicians and Growers Attack Fresno Environmentalist
Environmental activist Lloyd Carter, speaking before a water forum in Fresno last week, said that farm worker children “are the least educated people in America or the southwest corner of this Valley. They turn to lives of crime. They go on welfare. They get into drug trafficking and they join gangs," Carter has apologized for his remarks, but on Monday (February 9) a rally was held on the steps of Fresno City Hall to denounce Carter and the environmental movement. A 2:41 minute audio of speakers from the rally is below. Also, at the end of the audio is Rey Leon, the associate president of the Mexican American Political Association in the Central Valley. Leon, who was not invited to speak at the rally, objected to the growers and politicians denunciation of the environmental movement. The photo directly below is Central Valley Congressman Devin Nunes.
The right is effectively using Carter’s “gaff” to attack his credibility as a spokesperson on environmental and water issues. They are also using it to attack the entire environmental movement.
The rally at Fresno City Hall ended when a hail storm passed overhead. But, the controversy over Carter’s statement and the attempt by politicians and growers to link environmental activists to racism and elitism is likely to continue.
Here is Carter’s apology:
APOLOGY
On the evening of February 4, prior to a debate on water issues, I gave a brief interview to a KMPH Channel 26 TV reporter which aired in edited fashion later that night.
My comments were directed at the exploitation of farmworkers in the southwestern corner of the valley, which is the poorest place in America but, as worded, implied that ALL farmworkers turn to lives of crime or gangs, which is obviously not true. My remarks were intended to focus on the social costs of exploiting an immigrant worker population which is denied adequate pay, housing and education.
I now realize I made a terrible mistake in the way I expressed myself and I humbly apologize to all who were offended.
I have a long reputation of supporting environmental and social justice for farmworkers, who put food on our tables every day in America.
An apology aired on Channel 26 the next night. Again, I painfully realize my comments offended many people and I truly regret the error. It will not happen again. I am sick about this.
Lloyd Carter
******************************
For more information, see this earlier story on Indymedia:
Environmental Group Apologizes for Remarks by Former Board Member
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/09/18569256.php
The rally at Fresno City Hall ended when a hail storm passed overhead. But, the controversy over Carter’s statement and the attempt by politicians and growers to link environmental activists to racism and elitism is likely to continue.
Here is Carter’s apology:
APOLOGY
On the evening of February 4, prior to a debate on water issues, I gave a brief interview to a KMPH Channel 26 TV reporter which aired in edited fashion later that night.
My comments were directed at the exploitation of farmworkers in the southwestern corner of the valley, which is the poorest place in America but, as worded, implied that ALL farmworkers turn to lives of crime or gangs, which is obviously not true. My remarks were intended to focus on the social costs of exploiting an immigrant worker population which is denied adequate pay, housing and education.
I now realize I made a terrible mistake in the way I expressed myself and I humbly apologize to all who were offended.
I have a long reputation of supporting environmental and social justice for farmworkers, who put food on our tables every day in America.
An apology aired on Channel 26 the next night. Again, I painfully realize my comments offended many people and I truly regret the error. It will not happen again. I am sick about this.
Lloyd Carter
******************************
For more information, see this earlier story on Indymedia:
Environmental Group Apologizes for Remarks by Former Board Member
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/09/18569256.php
For more information:
http://www.fresnoalliance.com
Listen now:
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
Hey Mike
You did a great job on covering this rally by right wing politicians and growers to slam Lloyd Carter, a longtime environmental justice advocate and courageous journalist covering Central Valley water issues!. Although I strongly disagree with what Carter said, your headline, rally coverage and interview with Ray Leon put the issue in proper perspective. The rally and smear campaign was a wholesale, cynical attack by corporate agribusiness, the evil folks who have exploited farmworkers for years while taking subsidized northern California water at the expense of Delta farmers and farmworkers, California and Oregon fishing families and the environment. At the same time, the pesticides and toxic drainage from unsustainable agriculture on the valley's west side are poising and killing farmworkers and fish.
Dan
You did a great job on covering this rally by right wing politicians and growers to slam Lloyd Carter, a longtime environmental justice advocate and courageous journalist covering Central Valley water issues!. Although I strongly disagree with what Carter said, your headline, rally coverage and interview with Ray Leon put the issue in proper perspective. The rally and smear campaign was a wholesale, cynical attack by corporate agribusiness, the evil folks who have exploited farmworkers for years while taking subsidized northern California water at the expense of Delta farmers and farmworkers, California and Oregon fishing families and the environment. At the same time, the pesticides and toxic drainage from unsustainable agriculture on the valley's west side are poising and killing farmworkers and fish.
Dan
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network