Saturday, June 23, 2007 1:12 PM
From:: Bill TibbeSusan:
Today I attended a protest in Mamaroneck organized by Jerry O'Donnell. I spoke to Jerry and he said he is definitely interested in talking to you.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mamaroneck Protest Saturday June 23, 2007.
A group of Mamaroneck residents from the neighborhood of Strait Gate Church protested at the residence of Mamaroneck Councilman/Trustee Tom Murphy ( D ), objecting to the opening of a day laborers center at the Strait Gate church. They were joined by support groups from Rockland County, Westchester County, New York City and some from surrounding communities. The protest was peaceful with a police presence that controlled traffic. There were no counter demonstrators.
The new site is only 2 or 3 blocks away from Columbus Park in a residential area with narrow streets. Mamaroneck residents counted 95 day laborers in surrounding areas and on streets being picked up by contractors and citizens from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. A high number of private citizens/ residents are frequenting the area and using the illegal aliens for home work. They are being photographed. One Connecticut license plate was observed. By 9:00 AM there were only two day laborers malingering on the sidewalk outside the church parking lot. The church site apparently is something of a fizzle with very little use. If traffic laws are enforced it will be inaccessible to trucks. Principal complaints were:
• Quality of life issues.
• Trucks and pickups driving on streets where they are specifically prohibited. A tractor trailer was seen on one posted street. A pickup with a trailer was observed parked on the side walk.
• Discharging laborers all over the area at quitting time.
• Public drunkenness, urinating on sidewalks, broken beer bottles.
• Jeering at women and children passing by, in Spanish, and ogling them in a lewd manner.
• Grave concerns about having foreigners in the neighborhood who are unknown, concerns about possible break-in’s.
Historically the Village council was previously Republican. They closed Columbus Park. In the elections Democrats were elected and they are perceived as being in favor of establishing a day laborers hiring site. Tom Murphy was selected for the protest because he was persistent in opposing the closing of Columbus Park and favoring opening of Strait Gate.
It has to be re-emphasized that the hiring of illegal aliens is a violation of Federal Law. Aiding and abetting illegal aliens and encouraging them to stay, hiring them, paying them, housing them or assisting constitutes Federal felonies. The decision by Federal Judge Colleen McMahon violated Federal law. It is in open defiance of the Federal laws and DHS-ICE. The court appointment of an “observer” to keep an eye on the police is effectively a scam of unparalleled proportions. The police have only to send their officers to the Federal 287 – G program which will authorize them to deal with foreigners.
Strait Gate Church area.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest001.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest002.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest003.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest004.jpg
Mamaroneck Prospect street protest site in front of Trustees home.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest005.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest006.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest007.jpg
Mamaroneck police sergeant on traffic control.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest008.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest009.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest010.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest011.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest012.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest013.jpg
Jerry O’Donnell, organizer and Stephanie Harrington, news reporter for an online news site. Ms. Harrington was somewhat contentious expressing her objections. She interviewed numerous protesters. Her stance was anti illegal alien and for enforcing the laws but she objected to holding a protest at a private residence. Village Hall would be more appropriate. She added that she is to the far left.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wetibbe/StraitGateMamaroneckprotest014.jpg
The protest is only one of a series of planned actions. More objections will be seen in the future. A council meeting is scheduled for Monday night where further discussions will ensue.
Channel 12 TV news appeared and filmed. A Journal News reporter was expected but was not seen by the end of the protest.
Bill Tibbe
