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Indybay Feature
Fremont PD Attack and Arrest 6 Anti-Minutemen Protesters on July 28th, 2006.
According to on the ground eyewitness of the counter protest on July 28th, 2006 the Fremont Police department violently collaborated with The East Bay Coalition for Border Security, a racist affiliate of the fascist Minutemen, to attack and arrest upon orders from The East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs, the pro-immigrant counter protesters.
Fremont PD Attack and Arrest 6 Anti-Minutemen Protesters on July 28th!
According to on the ground eyewitness of the counter protest on July 28th, 2006 the Fremont Police department violently collaborated with The East Bay Coalition for Border Security, a racist affiliate of the fascist Minutemen, to attack and arrest upon orders from The East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs the pro-immigrant counter protesters.
Shortly after the commencement of the counter-protest of the
anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican East Bay Coalition for Border Security on the corner of Fremont Blvd. & Mowry Ave, the pro-human rights
protesters outnumbered the (10- 15) Minutemen wannabes by 50 to 60 protesters. The fascist East Bay Coalition for Border Security, coming to the realization that the people of the bay area and Fremont would not let the manifestations of hate go uncontested, canceled their protest--- only to relocate southward bound on Fremont Blvd, in the Irvington district, on the corner of Fremont Blvd and Washington.
The East Bay Coalition for Border Security setup prior to the
relocation of the counter protesters to the new destination. Fremont PD shortly followed. Six counter protesters arrived ahead of the main group of protesters from the Fremont Blvd. & Mowry ave. actions. As the small group of pro-human, anti-hate counter protesters arrived, the East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs began to attack the group of three with picket sign sticks and bull horns. Then, according to eye witnesses, the Fremont PD then arrested the counter protesters! Six people in total were arrested , 4 adults and 2 juveniles.
Eyewitnesses state that Fremont PD took down statements from East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs only. Ignored the eyewitness accounts of the counter protester, they refused to even write down statements! Then, the Fremont PD officers brought those who were arrested out of the squad cars so that the stories of the East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs could be identified with each one of the counter-protesters detained, even though this was done over the objection of legal observers on site.
In addition, it was observed by many counter protesters that plain
clothes Fremont Police officers where among the crowd of East Bay
Coalition for Border Security hate mongers. This dynamic was not known until East Bay Coalition for Border Security began arresting the counter protesters--- they were Fremont PD! This is a travesty of justice and further proves that a culture of white supremacy
flourishes among the Fremont police department.
Your help is needed!
First you must call the Fremont Police Department and demand two
things: 1) that all the charges be dropped for the counter protesters arrested on Friday July 28th, 2006; 2) demand that Internal Affairs officers Sgt. Swadener and Sgt. Mazzone conduct an investigation of the actions of every Fremont PD officer at Fremont Blvd. and Washington Blvd. that evening. Let them know the whole world is watching!
Second you must call Congressman Pete Stark. Congressman Stark is a friend to peace and civil rights, he is an ally. Ask Congressman Stark to also make a formal inquiry into this deprivation of rights under color of law in Fremont, and that he also make a formal complaint to the Department of Justice Criminal Section. Congressman Pete Stark's contact information is listed below.
Third, call California Assemblymen Alberto Torrico. Assemblymen
Torrico is a friend to peace and civil rights, he is also an ally.
Ask the same of Torrico, demand that he make a formal inquiry into
this deprivation of rights under color of law in Fremont, and that he
also make a formal complaint to the Department of Justice Criminal
Section. Assemblymen Torrico's contact information is listed below.
Fourth, Call the Department of Justice and ask that they make an
investigation into the event of July 28, 2006. The DOJ's information
is also listed below!
Fifth, Spread the word! Let the City of Fremont and the Fremont PD
know that the whole world is watching!
Contact Information Below:
Fremont Police
Main Phone Number 510-790-6800
Internal Affairs
Sgt. Chris Mazzone
510-790-6970
cmazzone [at] ci.fremont.ca.us
Sgt. Jeff Swadener
510-790-6941
Congressman Pete Stark
http://www.house.gov/stark/
WASHINGTON, DC
239 Cannon Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-5065
202-226-3805 (fax)
FREMONT
39300 Civic Center Dr.
Suite 220
Fremont, CA 94538
510-494-1388
510-494-5852 (fax)
Assemblymen Alberto Torrico
Dist. 20
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a20/
Capitol Office
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0020
(916) 319-2020
(916) 319-2120 fax
District Office
39510 Paseo Padre Parkway
Suite 280
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 440 - 9030
(510) 440 - 9035 fax
Department of Justice
Criminal Section
The federal criminal civil rights statutes provide for prosecutions of
conspiracies to interfere with federally protected rights, deprivation
of rights under color of law, the use or threat of force to injure or
intimidate someone in their enjoyment of specific rights (such as
voting, employment, education, public facilities and accommodations)
and criminal housing interference.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Criminal Section, PHB
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 514-3204
(202) 616-0372 - FAX
According to on the ground eyewitness of the counter protest on July 28th, 2006 the Fremont Police department violently collaborated with The East Bay Coalition for Border Security, a racist affiliate of the fascist Minutemen, to attack and arrest upon orders from The East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs the pro-immigrant counter protesters.
Shortly after the commencement of the counter-protest of the
anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican East Bay Coalition for Border Security on the corner of Fremont Blvd. & Mowry Ave, the pro-human rights
protesters outnumbered the (10- 15) Minutemen wannabes by 50 to 60 protesters. The fascist East Bay Coalition for Border Security, coming to the realization that the people of the bay area and Fremont would not let the manifestations of hate go uncontested, canceled their protest--- only to relocate southward bound on Fremont Blvd, in the Irvington district, on the corner of Fremont Blvd and Washington.
The East Bay Coalition for Border Security setup prior to the
relocation of the counter protesters to the new destination. Fremont PD shortly followed. Six counter protesters arrived ahead of the main group of protesters from the Fremont Blvd. & Mowry ave. actions. As the small group of pro-human, anti-hate counter protesters arrived, the East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs began to attack the group of three with picket sign sticks and bull horns. Then, according to eye witnesses, the Fremont PD then arrested the counter protesters! Six people in total were arrested , 4 adults and 2 juveniles.
Eyewitnesses state that Fremont PD took down statements from East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs only. Ignored the eyewitness accounts of the counter protester, they refused to even write down statements! Then, the Fremont PD officers brought those who were arrested out of the squad cars so that the stories of the East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs could be identified with each one of the counter-protesters detained, even though this was done over the objection of legal observers on site.
In addition, it was observed by many counter protesters that plain
clothes Fremont Police officers where among the crowd of East Bay
Coalition for Border Security hate mongers. This dynamic was not known until East Bay Coalition for Border Security began arresting the counter protesters--- they were Fremont PD! This is a travesty of justice and further proves that a culture of white supremacy
flourishes among the Fremont police department.
Your help is needed!
First you must call the Fremont Police Department and demand two
things: 1) that all the charges be dropped for the counter protesters arrested on Friday July 28th, 2006; 2) demand that Internal Affairs officers Sgt. Swadener and Sgt. Mazzone conduct an investigation of the actions of every Fremont PD officer at Fremont Blvd. and Washington Blvd. that evening. Let them know the whole world is watching!
Second you must call Congressman Pete Stark. Congressman Stark is a friend to peace and civil rights, he is an ally. Ask Congressman Stark to also make a formal inquiry into this deprivation of rights under color of law in Fremont, and that he also make a formal complaint to the Department of Justice Criminal Section. Congressman Pete Stark's contact information is listed below.
Third, call California Assemblymen Alberto Torrico. Assemblymen
Torrico is a friend to peace and civil rights, he is also an ally.
Ask the same of Torrico, demand that he make a formal inquiry into
this deprivation of rights under color of law in Fremont, and that he
also make a formal complaint to the Department of Justice Criminal
Section. Assemblymen Torrico's contact information is listed below.
Fourth, Call the Department of Justice and ask that they make an
investigation into the event of July 28, 2006. The DOJ's information
is also listed below!
Fifth, Spread the word! Let the City of Fremont and the Fremont PD
know that the whole world is watching!
Contact Information Below:
Fremont Police
Main Phone Number 510-790-6800
Internal Affairs
Sgt. Chris Mazzone
510-790-6970
cmazzone [at] ci.fremont.ca.us
Sgt. Jeff Swadener
510-790-6941
Congressman Pete Stark
http://www.house.gov/stark/
WASHINGTON, DC
239 Cannon Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-5065
202-226-3805 (fax)
FREMONT
39300 Civic Center Dr.
Suite 220
Fremont, CA 94538
510-494-1388
510-494-5852 (fax)
Assemblymen Alberto Torrico
Dist. 20
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a20/
Capitol Office
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0020
(916) 319-2020
(916) 319-2120 fax
District Office
39510 Paseo Padre Parkway
Suite 280
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 440 - 9030
(510) 440 - 9035 fax
Department of Justice
Criminal Section
The federal criminal civil rights statutes provide for prosecutions of
conspiracies to interfere with federally protected rights, deprivation
of rights under color of law, the use or threat of force to injure or
intimidate someone in their enjoyment of specific rights (such as
voting, employment, education, public facilities and accommodations)
and criminal housing interference.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Criminal Section, PHB
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 514-3204
(202) 616-0372 - FAX
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There has got to be a better way to work this out! I hate hearing about all these confrontations on the sidewalks. Mr. Fargo is a wonderful man. He is NOT a racist. He is an honest man and a wonderful mechanic. Anyone who thinks that Mr. Fargo and The East Bay Coalition for Border Security are "racists and thugs" are plain wrong. Please, meet the man before you go off half-cocked like some super hero hiding behind the internet.
Fargo's Motorcycle Repair
3657 Edison Way #5
Fremont, CA 94538
510-490-0165
Fargo's Motorcycle Repair
3657 Edison Way #5
Fremont, CA 94538
510-490-0165
What a bunch of outright lies. The Minutemen and The East Bay Coalistion for Border Security are not racist, fascist organizations.
We know who the real racists in this mess are.
FREMONT — Four people were arrested Friday evening as tensions rose again during an illegal immigration protest at Fremont Boulevard and Mowry Avenue.
About 6 p.m., a group representing the East Bay Coalition for Border Security left their usual position on Fremont and Mowry, moving their biweekly anti-illegal immigration protest to a Blockbuster Video farther south on Fremont in the Irvington neighborhood.
Opposing groups followed and confronted the group in an altercation that led to the arrests of three men and a woman, police said.
"We have charges ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to battery, and also an arrest because of a previous warrant," Lt. Mark Devine said.
"It is still under investigation."
There were no serious injuries because of the confrontation, Devine said.
Outside the police station, members of the International Socialist Organization awaited the release of those arrested.
"We're out here because we want people to know that Fremont is not a racist town," said Michael Smith of Berkeley, a member of the International Socialist Organization said.
Socialism, interesting. Are you aware this is country is a democratic republic. We are not interested in socialism here.
We know who the real racists in this mess are.
FREMONT — Four people were arrested Friday evening as tensions rose again during an illegal immigration protest at Fremont Boulevard and Mowry Avenue.
About 6 p.m., a group representing the East Bay Coalition for Border Security left their usual position on Fremont and Mowry, moving their biweekly anti-illegal immigration protest to a Blockbuster Video farther south on Fremont in the Irvington neighborhood.
Opposing groups followed and confronted the group in an altercation that led to the arrests of three men and a woman, police said.
"We have charges ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to battery, and also an arrest because of a previous warrant," Lt. Mark Devine said.
"It is still under investigation."
There were no serious injuries because of the confrontation, Devine said.
Outside the police station, members of the International Socialist Organization awaited the release of those arrested.
"We're out here because we want people to know that Fremont is not a racist town," said Michael Smith of Berkeley, a member of the International Socialist Organization said.
Socialism, interesting. Are you aware this is country is a democratic republic. We are not interested in socialism here.
People, all the rhetoric, name calling and lies of the ISO are being disputed by many Fremont citizens who witnessed your actions from several locations and businesses at the intersection. It has been abundantly clear since you "outside aggitators" came to Fremont, that you are here to do nothing but cause trouble, first by your fliers stating you are going to Fremont to "smash" and "stop" the Minutemen. I saw with my own eyes, one of your signs that said "I KILL Minutemen". By your own admissions, literature and website you say you want revolution and a socalist government. You are traitors to the country who you own so much to. By your actions and those of your buddy Todd Chrieten, candidate for US Senate, you have proven time and again that you do not believe in the constitutional rights of those who disagree with you. And BTW, if you would bother to check FACTS, the EBCoalition for Border Security are NOT Minutemen. Quite the contrary. Minutemen can not by their character be involved in any type of rally or activity that may be confrontational, such as the peaceful ralliers you have followed, stalked and hararssed to say nothing of attacking without provocation on more than one ocassion. I have read in your postings on the web that you are willing to attack the police too.
Yes, there are plenty of witnesses to your stalking and unprovoked attacks of yesterday upon peaceful people who were excerising their CONSTITUTIONAL right to peaceful assembly and free speech. You and your group are the only ones who buy into your obvious and clearly delusional lying about factual events that took place at the intersection of Fremont Blvd. and Washington Blvd.
You people of the ISO and your affiliated trouble makers, anarchists and gang bangers need to get out of Fremont because we the people of Fremont will not stand for your hatred, lies, distruption, harassment, violence and physical attacks. Go back to Berkeley and San Francisco where you belong.
Yes, there are plenty of witnesses to your stalking and unprovoked attacks of yesterday upon peaceful people who were excerising their CONSTITUTIONAL right to peaceful assembly and free speech. You and your group are the only ones who buy into your obvious and clearly delusional lying about factual events that took place at the intersection of Fremont Blvd. and Washington Blvd.
You people of the ISO and your affiliated trouble makers, anarchists and gang bangers need to get out of Fremont because we the people of Fremont will not stand for your hatred, lies, distruption, harassment, violence and physical attacks. Go back to Berkeley and San Francisco where you belong.
Get your facts straight before you trust the 'socialist worker' or anyone who is a radical w/ a revolutionary agenda...
There were a group of 8 latino men who approached the ebcbs as the ISO filed down the street. These men then proceeded to walk across the street into the middle of the EBCBS rally. Then, without warning, they first attacked a 68 year old man, breaking his glasses, his front teeth, and cutting his nose. As three of these 'ISO activists' beat up the older gentleman, the other 5 attacked other the remaining ebcbs men in the group. A man from Santa Clara also had a broken tooth and black eye following the battery of these delinquents. This all happened in a matter of seconds.
The cops witnessed the whole thing. They not only put undercover on Mowry/Fremont blvd., but were monitoring the EBCBS rally as well. They treated both groups equally. The cops didn't take depositions from the latino men because they didn't need to. THEY SAW THESE RUFFIANS ATTACK W/OUT ANY REASON THE EBCBS. Nor did the EBCBS fight back. The crimes were on the hands of the assialants only! The depositions I witnessed were from people at the coffee shop and driving in traffic who saw the whole thing...third parties who DON'T CARE ABOUT EITHER SIDE!
Don't take my word for it. If any of the ISO have a conscience (THEREFORE, the 'means' doesn't justify the 'end'?), go back to the scene of the crime. Go to the Bay Street coffee shop which is located directly across from the corner where the incident occured. Go there and just ask any of the customers or workers what they saw. Then you'll get the truth, or a lot closer than what you're reading here.
There were at least 10 eye witnesses at the coffee shop who stood on the corner that day and watched in amazement as the EBCBS was attacked and the ISO defended the assailents. That doesn't mean they support the EBCBS. They just saw a surprising level of inhumanity by a band of thugs... Though I guess you believe 'inhumanity' is justifiable so long as it's committed against 'inhuman racists'? What's the next crime against 'humanity' you hope to avenge? Who will be the next scapegoat for your hate? Can there be a 'revolution' without an 'enemy'?
I don't know how you come up with your facts. This is 'revolutionary propaganda' par excellance, and very Orwellian. It's sad and tragic any one joins your group, builds your movement, or believes one accusation in your long litany of lies....
There were a group of 8 latino men who approached the ebcbs as the ISO filed down the street. These men then proceeded to walk across the street into the middle of the EBCBS rally. Then, without warning, they first attacked a 68 year old man, breaking his glasses, his front teeth, and cutting his nose. As three of these 'ISO activists' beat up the older gentleman, the other 5 attacked other the remaining ebcbs men in the group. A man from Santa Clara also had a broken tooth and black eye following the battery of these delinquents. This all happened in a matter of seconds.
The cops witnessed the whole thing. They not only put undercover on Mowry/Fremont blvd., but were monitoring the EBCBS rally as well. They treated both groups equally. The cops didn't take depositions from the latino men because they didn't need to. THEY SAW THESE RUFFIANS ATTACK W/OUT ANY REASON THE EBCBS. Nor did the EBCBS fight back. The crimes were on the hands of the assialants only! The depositions I witnessed were from people at the coffee shop and driving in traffic who saw the whole thing...third parties who DON'T CARE ABOUT EITHER SIDE!
Don't take my word for it. If any of the ISO have a conscience (THEREFORE, the 'means' doesn't justify the 'end'?), go back to the scene of the crime. Go to the Bay Street coffee shop which is located directly across from the corner where the incident occured. Go there and just ask any of the customers or workers what they saw. Then you'll get the truth, or a lot closer than what you're reading here.
There were at least 10 eye witnesses at the coffee shop who stood on the corner that day and watched in amazement as the EBCBS was attacked and the ISO defended the assailents. That doesn't mean they support the EBCBS. They just saw a surprising level of inhumanity by a band of thugs... Though I guess you believe 'inhumanity' is justifiable so long as it's committed against 'inhuman racists'? What's the next crime against 'humanity' you hope to avenge? Who will be the next scapegoat for your hate? Can there be a 'revolution' without an 'enemy'?
I don't know how you come up with your facts. This is 'revolutionary propaganda' par excellance, and very Orwellian. It's sad and tragic any one joins your group, builds your movement, or believes one accusation in your long litany of lies....
Dear Mr. Steckler and Officers of the Fremont Police Department,
I am writing to inform you that recently I have changed my view on the Fremont police department tactics.My city police have failed me and my family. I will be in contact with St Chris Mazzone, along with our congress ,and city council to make complaints until something is done to change the attitude of your officers .Never in my life have I ever been treated so bad . I would like to say what happen .I'm sure by now, you've heard about the recent arrest of protesters against the minuteman. I assure you we were not there to utilize or instigate violence to achieve our goals, however we do reserve the right to defend ourselves by any means necessary.My husband was hit over the head by a stick from one of the minuteman, I begged and pleaded to all officers that were on scene to give me the right to show them who hit my husband over the head.My voice fell on deaf ears,and to my dismay I was arrested also.We all have responsibility's you and your departments are here to protect and serve our city .I believe you failed me .I am left to only believe the department is bias and not following procedure in addressing all facts,from all party's before making judgement on who's guilty and who's at fault. Still my husband can identify the man who hit him with a weapon,and just like my voice it falls on deaf ears,nothing more then a joke to your dept..I was a person who had been in defense of the department for many years, always finding myself explaining to people"had you not broke the law you wouldn't of been arrested" making my own friends and family mad for saying the truth to them.This time I know,officers made arrest based on race and pre-judgement .I will always remember the tears I cried as I watched my husband on the floor,held down by officers,as minutemen hit and kicked him and said"That's were you people belong ,face down on the floor" and yet this was allowed ,never being asked to stop by any officer.The minutemen laughed as they were allowed to go home to their family's .I am a good person and I always try to guide people the right way .I was apart of the P.A.L.S program for a long time ,always trying to guide the young kids in the right direction . I demand answers in to why these minutemen were not arrested and why the Fremont police department still provides them with private security?Why have officers turned their cheek,and stand by while allowing these minutemen to act out in a way that makes me feel as if they know the police department will have their side? Too many questions I have,that has me concerned for me to feel safe for myself and people in our community.
Priscilla Perry
I am writing to inform you that recently I have changed my view on the Fremont police department tactics.My city police have failed me and my family. I will be in contact with St Chris Mazzone, along with our congress ,and city council to make complaints until something is done to change the attitude of your officers .Never in my life have I ever been treated so bad . I would like to say what happen .I'm sure by now, you've heard about the recent arrest of protesters against the minuteman. I assure you we were not there to utilize or instigate violence to achieve our goals, however we do reserve the right to defend ourselves by any means necessary.My husband was hit over the head by a stick from one of the minuteman, I begged and pleaded to all officers that were on scene to give me the right to show them who hit my husband over the head.My voice fell on deaf ears,and to my dismay I was arrested also.We all have responsibility's you and your departments are here to protect and serve our city .I believe you failed me .I am left to only believe the department is bias and not following procedure in addressing all facts,from all party's before making judgement on who's guilty and who's at fault. Still my husband can identify the man who hit him with a weapon,and just like my voice it falls on deaf ears,nothing more then a joke to your dept..I was a person who had been in defense of the department for many years, always finding myself explaining to people"had you not broke the law you wouldn't of been arrested" making my own friends and family mad for saying the truth to them.This time I know,officers made arrest based on race and pre-judgement .I will always remember the tears I cried as I watched my husband on the floor,held down by officers,as minutemen hit and kicked him and said"That's were you people belong ,face down on the floor" and yet this was allowed ,never being asked to stop by any officer.The minutemen laughed as they were allowed to go home to their family's .I am a good person and I always try to guide people the right way .I was apart of the P.A.L.S program for a long time ,always trying to guide the young kids in the right direction . I demand answers in to why these minutemen were not arrested and why the Fremont police department still provides them with private security?Why have officers turned their cheek,and stand by while allowing these minutemen to act out in a way that makes me feel as if they know the police department will have their side? Too many questions I have,that has me concerned for me to feel safe for myself and people in our community.
Priscilla Perry
I am a Fremont resident,have been for 26 years.Those guys that were arrested are not thugs as you call them.One of them is my husband,who is also a father of three,and a hard worker.They had every right to walk across the street to the coalition side.Thats what the coffie house did see, them walking across the street.Let me correct you since you were not there Mr. Rivera,my husband nor the young men that were with him did not cross that street to fight or cause harm to anyone.You say the coalition is not violent,I watched as they continued to put thier picket signs in my husbands face and thats when one of them came from the back and hit him in the head with a wood picket stick.They were clearly angry we went on the side of the street they were on.My husband was defending himself,bottom line.I watched and listened as the coalition chanted "wetbacks go home" and clearly on the website there is a picture where they make a comment about if your in the street you will get ran over.Maybe your unaware of the fact not to long ago 4 people were ran over.Not to mention signs I seen that read, racists here.I think you need to rethink who is violent,if these people are not then you must be walking around with a really blurred point of view.I hope one day your eyes will clear up.
Make all those calls! Send e-mails and faxes! We have to make an example and show the WORLD what we are doing to our kids of color.
They have the right to live in a community where people do NOT hold signs that say "RACIST HERE!" What the fuck is up with that?
Follow those who were arrested...get thier story out. Do not utilize or threaten violence aggressively or offensively.
They have the right to live in a community where people do NOT hold signs that say "RACIST HERE!" What the fuck is up with that?
Follow those who were arrested...get thier story out. Do not utilize or threaten violence aggressively or offensively.
The pro-immigration activists are thugs? Funny how all these wanna-be minutemen carry cameras at the protest and yet there are no photos of violence by the pro-immigration activists. On the other hand, there is a link on indy-bay showing a bigot attacking one of the pro-immigrant activists.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/18/18289079.php
These anti-immigration bozos cry foul anytime they are called fascists and yet the paranoid rantings about communists and secret immigrant plots to take-over the US would make Hitler sue for copyright infrindgement!
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/18/18289079.php
These anti-immigration bozos cry foul anytime they are called fascists and yet the paranoid rantings about communists and secret immigrant plots to take-over the US would make Hitler sue for copyright infrindgement!
Regarding your article about the minutemen/anti-minutemen protests in Fremont...you guys couldn't be more wrong. I was there Friday, and I saw exactly what happened. First of all, the people you are calling "Latino anti-minutemen activists" were really drunken gangsters. They WERE NOT "activists." They were a bunch of gang members standing on the street corner drinking beer, looking for a fight. They chose to cross the street to the anti-illegal immigrant protesters, and they threw the fist punch. After the police pulled them off the protesters, they started yelling "you f*cking white people!!!!" Now, isn't that racist? You guys didn't mention that. If you are going to post stuff on your website, please have your facts straight. It's almost like you guys make this stuff up.
So you are a " independent " media? How cute. I notice that you have censored my original comments regarding not only what liars you all are but how you are ultimately funded by the corporate structure which you supposedly oppose and how you actively work toward the goals of that corporate structure - to drive down the wages of both American and Mexican workers and hence to destroy both the middle and poor classes of Mexico and American in obedience to the plantation masters who really control you. What gutless cowards and liars you are! What a bunch of backstabbing rats! That same corporate structure; which created eugenics ( race science ) to attack non-whites throughout the world; is the group you are truly working for. It is you who are the true racists for supporting the corporate plan of eugenics via your attack against workers to drive down their wages. You are liars not only as a group but as singular people; such as Todd Chretian and Michael Smith. Gutless cowards and liars. And then you censor my comments because they expose what double crossing rats you really are.
Don Grundmann
Don Grundmann
I decided to write this letter in the hopes that someone in your group is interested in the truth, because almost everything in this posting is factually inaccurate. So either the writer was not there and got the information second hand, or he/she does not really care about the facts. I know what the facts are because I was there and saw the whole thing unfold.
This situation was brought to my attention when I heard a Latino man on a bicycle sitting at the Blockbuster corner shouting at the border security folks. Their only response was ‘God bless you’. Then about 10 Latino men gathered at the white lamp-post kiddie-corner from the border security group. About six of them then made their way to the Blockbuster corner. The men then crossed Bay avenue and went into the border security crowd and started swinging.
I had never heard of your group before Friday night. Over the weekend, I tracked down the web site of the border security folks, and contacted them to ask if the altercation was committed by an organized group, or just a band of angry, disenfranchised street thugs, which appeared to be the case. They sent me a link to this web site. After reading the posting, now I know why. So for anyone in your group who is interested in the truth, here are the factual inaccuracies in this posting.
The writer states “the Fremont Police department violently collaborated with The East Bay Coalition for Border Security” In reality, two plain-clothes Fremont PD were in a green car parked on the street. They only got out of their car once the fighting started. I determined after the fact that they were from the police department because, once punches were thrown, they took two of the Latino men to the ground and handcuffed them almost immediately. They were the first ones to throw punches, and that is why they were arrested. My guess is that this type of thing has happened before with your group, and that is why they positioned themselves accordingly because they knew something was going to happen, and they were right. Looked like just good police work to me.
The writer states “As the small group of pro-human, anti-hate counter protesters arrived, the East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs began to attack the group of three with picket sign sticks and bull horns.” This is delusional propaganda that could not be farther from the truth and is not even worth addressing. I already stated what happened above.
The writer states that the Fremont PD ”ignored the eyewitness accounts of the counter protester, they refused to even write down statements.” In case you may be unaware, the police only take statements when they do not know the facts and are trying to ascertain them (i.e. they get there after the fact). In this case they were right there and know exactly what happened, so there was no need to take any statements. Besides, if the information in this posting is any indication of the type of statements that would have been given, it’s no wonder they did not want to talk to you.
The writer states “call California Assemblymen Alberto Torrico. He is a friend to peace and civil rights…”. From where I stood, I did not see any peace or respect for civil rights on the part of your group. All I saw was intimidation, followed by violence, and a whole lot of hatred. Am I the only one who sees the hypocrisy here?
So where does it end guys? If someone gets hurt badly or worse in the name of ‘peace and civil rights’ as you put it, is it worth it? Will you have accomplished some sort of goal? The behavior shown by members (or sympathizers) of your group has no place in a civilized society. The intolerance shown by your group towards another with a dissenting view goes against the very democratic principles this country was founded on, the same principles that allow you to go out into the streets and demonstrate and spread your message, although given the distortion of facts in this case I am unclear at this point at to what that message really is.
Look guys, if you really stand for peace and civil rights, you should convey this to your members before you send them out into the public to represent you. If your goal is to attain some sort of legitimacy within the general population in order to disseminate your message to a wider audience and eventually effect some sort of societal change, your actions on Friday night will not accomplish this. On the contrary, it will only turn average people against you and bring to bear an ever-increasing level of scrutiny by law enforcement.
This situation was brought to my attention when I heard a Latino man on a bicycle sitting at the Blockbuster corner shouting at the border security folks. Their only response was ‘God bless you’. Then about 10 Latino men gathered at the white lamp-post kiddie-corner from the border security group. About six of them then made their way to the Blockbuster corner. The men then crossed Bay avenue and went into the border security crowd and started swinging.
I had never heard of your group before Friday night. Over the weekend, I tracked down the web site of the border security folks, and contacted them to ask if the altercation was committed by an organized group, or just a band of angry, disenfranchised street thugs, which appeared to be the case. They sent me a link to this web site. After reading the posting, now I know why. So for anyone in your group who is interested in the truth, here are the factual inaccuracies in this posting.
The writer states “the Fremont Police department violently collaborated with The East Bay Coalition for Border Security” In reality, two plain-clothes Fremont PD were in a green car parked on the street. They only got out of their car once the fighting started. I determined after the fact that they were from the police department because, once punches were thrown, they took two of the Latino men to the ground and handcuffed them almost immediately. They were the first ones to throw punches, and that is why they were arrested. My guess is that this type of thing has happened before with your group, and that is why they positioned themselves accordingly because they knew something was going to happen, and they were right. Looked like just good police work to me.
The writer states “As the small group of pro-human, anti-hate counter protesters arrived, the East Bay Coalition for Border Security thugs began to attack the group of three with picket sign sticks and bull horns.” This is delusional propaganda that could not be farther from the truth and is not even worth addressing. I already stated what happened above.
The writer states that the Fremont PD ”ignored the eyewitness accounts of the counter protester, they refused to even write down statements.” In case you may be unaware, the police only take statements when they do not know the facts and are trying to ascertain them (i.e. they get there after the fact). In this case they were right there and know exactly what happened, so there was no need to take any statements. Besides, if the information in this posting is any indication of the type of statements that would have been given, it’s no wonder they did not want to talk to you.
The writer states “call California Assemblymen Alberto Torrico. He is a friend to peace and civil rights…”. From where I stood, I did not see any peace or respect for civil rights on the part of your group. All I saw was intimidation, followed by violence, and a whole lot of hatred. Am I the only one who sees the hypocrisy here?
So where does it end guys? If someone gets hurt badly or worse in the name of ‘peace and civil rights’ as you put it, is it worth it? Will you have accomplished some sort of goal? The behavior shown by members (or sympathizers) of your group has no place in a civilized society. The intolerance shown by your group towards another with a dissenting view goes against the very democratic principles this country was founded on, the same principles that allow you to go out into the streets and demonstrate and spread your message, although given the distortion of facts in this case I am unclear at this point at to what that message really is.
Look guys, if you really stand for peace and civil rights, you should convey this to your members before you send them out into the public to represent you. If your goal is to attain some sort of legitimacy within the general population in order to disseminate your message to a wider audience and eventually effect some sort of societal change, your actions on Friday night will not accomplish this. On the contrary, it will only turn average people against you and bring to bear an ever-increasing level of scrutiny by law enforcement.
it's funny how so many can talk about the situation that occured this past friday. i've been reading comment after comment from people who obviously already have an opinion on what they think they seen or heard happen. I was one of the men who walked over to the minute men supporters side of the protest. first off. I am a fremont resident and have been for 28 years. All this talk about those involved in the altercation better "go back" to berkeley or san francisco can stop right now. Every person involved is a fremont resident. We showed up to Mowry and Fremont to support the pro-immigrant rights protest. I seen a video the previous week where a minutemen supporter violently attacked pro immigrant rights protestors. What I seen on that video disgusted me. Me, my wife and a few close friends decided to join the pro immigrant rights protestors in their fight to be heard. We heard that the minutemen supporters were at the corners of fremont and washington in the irvington district and decided to head over to that location to counter protest. I guess we were not suppose to be doing that because we were pulled over by the fremont police not more then two blocks up fremont boulevard for bad registration...which after all of us being sat down on the curb and questioned by almost 10 officers for almost a half an hour the registration came back alright...I wonder why we think the fremont police are racially biased??? anyways, after the police harrasment for no reason we make it to the intersection of fremont and washington and see the minutemen supporters with their signs flying in the air and chanting to the passing traffic. We decided to wait for the rest of the pro immigrant supporters to arrive on foot. That is when a man on a bike rolled up and started yelling at the minutemen, "puro mexico, fuck you"....which could be said was uncalled for that depends on who you talk to right? At this time the minutemen were breaking down their signs and packing up. One gentlemen looked over in our direction and yelled out, "WETBACKS GO HOME, WETBACKS GO HOME"....then another and then another joined in the taunting. I wasn't going to have that going on in my own city let alone my neighborhood without these racist cowards sayin it directly to my face. We walked over to their corner where they were standing. We have every right to stand on the same corner as them and protest. As soon as we arrived on the corner the minutemen were standing on i yelled out, "alright now let's hear you say this shit to our faces"...a sign was shoved in one of my friends face and he swatted it out of the way and was swung at..when i turned around i got hit from behind on the back of my head with what i think was a protest sign stick. So bottom line we felt we were being attacked and we defended ourselves. Next thing i know we are being tackled by undercover and plain clothes police officers and dragged to the floor and handcuffed all the while being kicked and hit with protest sign sticks. The police officers said and did nothing while we were being attacked on the ground. I even had a woman yell to me and my friend layin next to me, "that's where you people deserve to be, face down on the ground"....the fremont police again did nothing. We were all arrested and shoved into police cars. No minutemen supporters were arrested for the attack even though plenty of on sight witnesses were pleading with the police to let them give a statement of what happened but once again the fremont police sided with who they wanted and completely stripped us of all our rights and let us know the thruth about the fremont police department. So to everybody reading this. Just know that we will not stop showing up to these protests, as a matter of fact we will be there in more numbers just to let these racist cowards that hide behind the fremont police department know that their hate is not wanted anywhere in fremont.
Klan = Nazi = Police
Mike you are an out and out liar...what the people were saying back to the hatred being spewed by "protesters" was "God Bless You". It's truely incredible when people believe their own lies!
I stand behind the six who were arrested, I know first hand how the cops are using threatening and harrassing tactics to diswade people from speaking out, you can also see them being very friendly with our opposition. I keep hearing this bullshit about how the East Bay Coalition is a friendly group, and not racist. That's bullshit. You don't have to admire Hitler and be a swastika wearing skinhead to be racist, even though i'm sure they have a good amount of support from those types. No human being is illegal and if you support RACIST policy's then you are a RACIST in my eyes. To my Comrades in Fremont, keep up the good work, i'm behind you 100%.
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