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City worker wins appeal over Mexican border comments

Published April 9, 2008 at 9:11 a.m.
Updated April 9, 2008 at 9:11 a.m.

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A Denver city employee was suspended for four days after he asked two Hispanic co-workers how much it cost their "people to get across the border these days."

But the disciplined employee, Jack Burghardt, an administrative support assistant in the Clerk and Recorder's Office, appealed the suspension and won.

Burghardt, a Polish immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for the past 13 years, told a Career Service hearing officer that he meant no harm and that in Europe, people wouldn't be so easily offended.

Burghardt "testified that he did not intend to be demeaning in asking the question, which came to his mind in thinking about the movie Fast Food Nation," according to city documents that were recently made public.

"As a result of the discipline, (Burghardt) states he now understands that a question such as the one he asked can be offensive," documents state.

The movie "centers around a meatpacking plant that employs undocumented workers from Mexico and produces tainted beef in unsafe and unsanitary working conditions," the documents say. "In one of the opening scenes, a group of Mexican people paid a trucker to take them across the border. They are later hired by the meatpacking plant, and their story forms one of the main plot lines in the movie."

Burghardt told the hearing officer that he was thinking about the movie Nov. 1 when he said aloud to himself: "I wonder how much it costs to cross a border with a guide?"

But co-workers Tina Gallegos and Consuelo Dominguez, who were in the break room eating sandwiches, had a different recollection of what Burghardt said.

According to them, Burghardt asked, "How much did it cost for your people to get across the border these days?"

Dominguez was "shocked," and Gallegos "was extremely upset" and "humiliated" the rest of the day. In the afternoon, Gallegos broke down in tears.

"The topic of undocumented Mexican workers is a sensitive one for (Gallegos), as her father arrived in the United States by crossing the Mexican border," documents state.

Clerk and Recorder Stephanie O'Malley found that Burghardt's comment contained "disturbing racial overtones" and concluded that a four-day suspension was appropriate, documents state.

When O'Malley made her decision, she considered that Burghardt had been recently suspended for three days "for violating office policy against the use of unauthorized software," the documents state.

But the Career Service hearing officer ruled that O'Malley's office failed to establish that Burghardt "intended his question to be derogatory on the basis of national origin" and reversed the suspension.

Comments

  • April 9, 2008

    9:20 a.m.

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    jajknight writes:

    god who cares - what freaking babies. a bunch of political correct bs. does not deserve front page news.

  • April 9, 2008

    9:26 a.m.

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    American100 writes:

    Sounds like a valid question to me.

    Her father came over the border so we should be sensitive to the an ch or? Maybe someone should check her status.

    Political correctness run amok.

  • April 9, 2008

    9:33 a.m.

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    T1anda writes:

    I can't stop laughing!!

  • April 9, 2008

    9:35 a.m.

    American100 writes:

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  • April 9, 2008

    9:37 a.m.

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    happymike44 writes:

    Well I don't know about you but would not the money we spend on illegal invading mexican army be better spent on U.S. citizens.My belief is lets start deporting them on a wholesale level so we can free up the jobs for americans.I am tired of people who break the law benefitting from it.If you are here illegaly you are not entitled to anything period.If your government does not want us we don't want you.Let your own country take care of you and pay for it.Also we need to stop giving citizenship to every child a illegal mexican woman drops in this country.They are costing us billions in lost jobs and services we have to pay out to support them.So let's deport them and get rid of the people who are using up resources such as hospitals and gas as well as them causing an increase in our food bills.They have no business being here period,my ancestors fought for this country and I don't like the enemy coming in like sheep in wolf's clothing and destroying us from the inside out.

  • April 9, 2008

    9:38 a.m.

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    OhBrother writes:

    He should have some sort of idea seeing as he wasn't born here either. If people aren't so eaisly offended in Europe, then pack it up and take it back there

  • April 9, 2008

    9:50 a.m.

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    OhBrother writes:

    it's funny how this country was built by immigrants, most people are only a few generations removed from there imigrant ancestors but all most people complain about is illegals taking our jobs and stealing our profits...Our government is strong enough to stop this, why havn't they? hmmmm maybe it has somthing to do with the "amero"...

  • April 9, 2008

    10:13 a.m.

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    buzzman writes:

    totally aagaaree with jaknight--what a bunch of political PC--good for you Jack-

  • April 9, 2008

    10:17 a.m.

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    Alexandra writes:

    Honestly. They were so upset and "humiliated" the rest of the day???
    Please. Get OVER yourselves. LET IT GO. I don't think he meant anything by it, and even if he did so what? Illegal immigration is a problem in this country and that is the way it is. People MAY make comments about it. Deal with it.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:19 a.m.

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    FreedomFighter writes:

    Stephanie O'Malley needs to get a clue. Denver taxpayers are tired of this out-of-control politically correct liberalism costing us money!

    People wonder why there is immigrant resentment. I submit "officials" like O'Malley in City Government foster it by putting their amazing lack of common sense on display so vividly through decisions like this one.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:28 a.m.

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    scastaneda writes:

    Those of you who can't stop chanting the "this country was built by immigration" mantra should also realize that one of the main reasons immigrants chose to come here was for the freedom of speech that we USED TO enjoy in this once-great nation.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:30 a.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    "My belief is lets start deporting them on a wholesale level so we can free up the jobs for americans."

    and what jobs would those be? the ones that americans won't take, therefore a market for cheap labor is created?

    those jobs? oh yeah, well, you'll have to convince americans to take them first...

    or, instead of blaming the people getting the jobs... you could actually put blame on the americans that break the law and give them the jobs...

    nobody is taking jobs, bud. they are being given out. but i guess it's easier to blame the illegals than a fellow american to you.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:33 a.m.

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    American100 writes:

    If it wasn't for White Europeans this country would be an extension of impoverished, crime ridden Mexico.

    TwofistedMario-I'm hispanic, just not hispanic like you. What does your name say about hispanics? Two fisted-does that mean you're a drunk or does it mean you're looking for a fight on behalf of illegals?

  • April 9, 2008

    10:36 a.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    It's amazing how so many of you complain about migrant workers legal and illegal are taking your jobs or jobs of Americans. It's not very often you see white men and women working out in the fields of the 30,000 farms here in the state of Colorado. Or how about the people who clean your spaces at night when your at home spending time with your families. Migrant workers are the apitomy of what hard work is......and for most Americans, they've become the laughing stock of the world labelled by laziness and obesity. If you want to stimulate the workforce for Americans get off your computer and go look for a J.O.B.!

  • April 9, 2008

    10:37 a.m.

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    Serenade writes:

    OhBrother -
    My ancestors were immigrants - LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I'm perfectly happy with every LEGAL immigrant that wants to come here, and they are welcome to any job they can qualify for. Therein lies the difference!!!

  • April 9, 2008

    10:38 a.m.

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    milehiloco writes:

    WOW, happymike44, such a racist rant from a gay man! I guess the oppressed really do like becoming the oppressor. I would suggest you take a moment and re-read your asinine post. "Causing an increase in our food bills" are you kidding me; if it were not for the cheap labor migrants provide, that salad you're eating would cost 2-3 times more than it does now. When was the last time you did stoop labor? Are you, or anybody you know and thinks like you, going to go into the fields and pick our food, clean our office buildings, clean our motel rooms, etc? HELL NO! But then you use baseless anti-immigrant rhetoric to make your point.

    "my ancestors fought for this country" or do you mean your ancestors stole this country or do you mean that, by use of force and violence, your ancestors gained control of this country. Lest you forget that Colorado was once a part of Mexico; that one day in 1848 people living in what is now the Southwest US went to bed Mexicans and woke up Americans...strangers in our own land...not American enough for the Americans and not Mexican enough for the Mexicans. How convenient to forget our state's name is a spanish word...or the number of CO counties using spanish names...or the number of cities named in spanish. But let's speak English, right?!?

    Give me a break! Maybe I should be suggesting that we round up all the gays and put them in colonies to control AIDS, STDs and the recruitment of young men into the degenerate gay lifestyle.

    NEVER! Because I understand oppression and will never allow myself to consciously oppress another group. But, hey, that's only me and my values, which I would never try to impose on another.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:38 a.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    ummm two fisted mario is a pizza parlor in Denver.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:42 a.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    American100 are you a TARD? It was because of WHITE EUROPEANS that Mexico is impoverished, and crime ridden. MORON. This country and every part of the Americas is a product of Europe.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:55 a.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    "How about almost every job on tthe construction site. And by the way, the developers who hire this cheap labor are not passing the savings on to you, they're just getting richer."

    not really. it's clear you don't work in construction.

    and again, this wouldn't be a prroblem if AMERICANS didn't break the law and hire illegal immigrants -- and that would also prevent many of them from coming over.

    so, if you are going to bitch about illegal immigrants, i suggest you change yoru focus to the ROOT of the problem. but again, it's too easy to blame mexicans instead of the americans at fault when you are a racist bigot.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:56 a.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    damn, i just realized who i responding to.

    you should be banned from this site.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:58 a.m.

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    mrNiceGuy writes:

    It's funny the dependence some have on an illegal work force. Does anyone really believe that if the illegal work force was deported there would be no one to pick crops, work factory jobs, or sell us oranges? Is it fair to say Americans are so lazy and particular that if the illegals were deported that we could no longer support our own selves? Maybe if we depleted this grunt level illegal workforce it would free up space to employ legal citizens (Mexican-Americans included). If jobs were available at all skill levels, could we apply this new resource to reduce our welfare burden? Would the deportation of illegals alone contribute to freeing up funds to support our senior population?

    I view American land as private property and the citizens as the owners. We, the people, have developed rules for immigratioin to better serve the economy and the safety of America. I bet if a Mexican broke into a liberals home (because he felt it was too difficult to get permission first); that liberal would call the cops for the safety of his family and personal property.

  • April 9, 2008

    10:58 a.m.

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    Buckwheat writes:

    RickyLee,
    Couldn't agree more. I'am tired of bitting my tongue and walking on egg shells everytime i get around someone like this. I put 6yrs of my life into defending this country, and YES that does give me the right to speak my mind. As for this poor guy he stated he wasn't trying to be funny or degrading, and I would imagine he went to some expense (if he did) to become a legal citizen of this country. To many people out there use political correctness as an excuse to cry "Oh pitty me, I'am oppressed". There is a time and place for political correctness, it can also be abused the other way.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:12 a.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    I'll bet if a Right wing (war-mongar) had his house broken into by a white he'd find a way to blame a Mexican for taking the mans job. I served in the Armed Forces too but that doesn't mean I can speak my mind any different than the next. And oppression has nothing to do with it. It's called respect. PC should be encforced in the workplace especially in the State. And yes it is a problem that lies with Americans hiring illegals at a lower rate. But hey if you ain't got a job anything looks good right? What's funny is Americans think that something is owed to them like a 6 figure income right out the gate, whereas these migrant workers will settle for the low paying jobs that NO ONE WANTS! Send them back, if you want higher costs across the board. That's a fact JACK!

  • April 9, 2008

    11:19 a.m.

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    American100 writes:

    This story is a BIG boost to anti-illegals.

    It just adds more fuel to the already raging fires.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:30 a.m.

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    Mike1969 writes:

    I think it was a reasonable quesion.

    Interesting that the DP didn't cover this below story...and even more interesting that we will pay for welfare, healtcare, and to educate illegals kids..hmmm I wonder why "the money isn't available"

    http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20...

    Colorado lawmakers reject plan to expand immigration unit

    DENVER — State lawmakers have rejected a plan to double the size of the Colorado State Patrol immigration unit.

    The proposal by Republican Sen. Ted Harvey would have increased the number of troopers in the unit to 48. That's the original number the patrol asked for two years ago.

    Adding 24 members would have cost $3.9 million.

    The Senate Appropriations Committee rejected the spending Tuesday, saying the money isn't available.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:35 a.m.

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    VWbabybear writes:

    Let me take a minute to reply....

  • April 9, 2008

    11:38 a.m.

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    epaminondas writes:

    jeuden-frei,
    To answer your question, it would cost billions to send them back (and kept them 'back,' and do with them 'back'). Trust me, you can't afford it. But by all means, dream on.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:45 a.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    Mike1969,
    You make a good point. Maybe I don't eat salad so I don't care about the prices. But I am hoping that my social security will be there when I am of age. And I wish my grandmother would have spoken up before she died that her medicare and SS didn't cover the costs of the medication she needed to live a longer, healthier life.
    Despite the consequences of having illegals working here or not or just living off the benefits they receive, do all of you supporters actually condone the illegal activities of the employers, the illegal workers, and the politicians that have allowed this to happen?

  • April 9, 2008

    12:05 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    Lower standard of living? No Americans just have a higher standard of living, more so than Europeans. And the 10 to a living space is not usually by choice but because, well......their illegal and obtaining their own living quarters proves to be a bit more difficult than obtaining a job in this country. Especially now whouldn't you say? That seen to be nothing more than COMMON SENSE! Think about it you want to better your standard so you leave your country with nothing in hopes of bettering your families life. Sacrifices include living under one household.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:08 p.m.

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    mrNiceGuy writes:

    Really, Know? Really? You're smarter than that. If a white guy broke into a Righties house, the white guy would be lucky if the cops got called before the Rightie could get his shotgun. You're giving the Right credit to consider of maybe why the guy chose to break in, to put him/herself in a poor man's shoes.

    My point is it is for the security of the nation that we have rules. We hate fat cat white men who break the law and steal our cash (Enron for example) but we defend the poor ILLEGAL (I have no problem with legal) Mexicans that steal (welfare, jobs)when they break the law. I wonder how legal Mexicans feel about their illegal counterparts stealing their jobs. Maybe if you want to defend someone, defend the Mexicans who are not afraid to disclose their status and that are willing to follow the law of our land.

    PC good, but it is our right to say what we feel. That is why you are given the right to comment on this site and make opinionated statements about how the Right, the Left, gays, Mexicans etc should be living their lives.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Heidi writes:

    jeuden_frei,
    "It would be illegal for me to break into their house and rob them as well."
    How could it legally be "their" house? I would say that if they are illegal, they are fair game!

  • April 9, 2008

    12:14 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    People tend to forget that the huge 400lb gorilla changes almost monthly. And prioritizing funds becomes a juggling act for members of State and Federal Governments. Last month it was Rocky Flats workers and their compensation, this month it's how the state spends to help reduce the pine beetle to save our states pine trees, next month it will be immigration again, and the vicious cycle will continue for the rest of our lives and your childrens lives.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:26 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoRick69 writes:

    I agree that it was a very valid question.
    Some of the Mexican people think that they come here to do the work that we "white" people refuse to do. They assume the role instantly and even embrace it as being the truth. Nothing could be further from the truth in reality. Those jobs would be taken by anyone willing to work. Mexicans arent the only people that know how to get down and get dirty for a job. Be it mopping floors, cleaning toilets, whatever. In fact, this type of thinking by Mexican people is just as stereotypical as someone asking them how much it is to cross the border these days. It happens. Its a simple miscommunication. Mis communications and assumptions are bound to happen, especially when there is a language barrier involved. Mexican people instinctively assumed the role of being "low on the totem pole" or of taking the "dirt" jobs. they have very easily have looked at it from a different point of view, and done whatever they had to, to go for an education perhaps? They could come in and see America for what it is and aim even to be president if thats what they aspired to be. However unfortunate that it is, in America, you have to work very hard to survive. there are no real handouts, and if you want a certain level of quality of life, you had better get educated and pursue that quality. If you dont, then you wont. It's simple really.
    Polish Power!!!!

  • April 9, 2008

    12:27 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    My defense is for all Mexicans legal and illegal. Ellis Island was a cake walk for illegals. Our country has made huge improvements in changing the migration standards since then. We do have a higher standard of living (who wouldn't). We find new and easy ways in being lazy. We do feel threatened when someone wants the same freedoms as us. That's all part of being American.....I guess

  • April 9, 2008

    12:27 p.m.

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    kathyM writes:

    You're kidding, right? What a bunch of weenies. I was all of 18 when I started working in the steel mills. Every day I heard hooting, hollering, and all kinds of sexist comments. Every day I heard dirty jokes and foul language. Our jobsite trailers had every kind of pinup girl calendar you can imagine. Hate to tell you this, PC patrol, but none of that crap harmed my psyche.

    The context is just as important as the comments. The guys made noise because it was something to do. (Mill work isn't exactly a thrill ride.) They had fun trying to one-up EACH OTHER with the bawdy jokes and pinup calendars. I wasn't the intended audience or target. They did the same stuff every day, whether I was there or not. Now, given that context, why should I be offended?

    The PC police have essentially declared that context is irrelevant; the words are the only evidence needed to excoriate the so-called "offenders."

  • April 9, 2008

    12:30 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    American100-If white Europeans made up America and made it great why would they trash mexico. I cant wait for this answer.

    HUH? That was well thought out.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:31 p.m.

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    kathyM writes:

    Ellis Island was a cake walk for illegals? Really? Do tell!

  • April 9, 2008

    12:35 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    TheDenverB writes:

    well, along with those jobs that many americans think they are above now, i am also talking about migrant farm worker jobs, factory jobs, landscaping, etc.

    great you held those jobs as a teen, i wish more people were like you. but, bottom line is that these illegal immigrants are hired for jobs that many americans simply won't take now-- or if they would take them, they'd have them...

    of course, maybe if those jobs were paid better (as in, a legal pay wage) from their AMERICAN employers then this wouldn't be an issue. but again, you put the cart before the horse and fail to recognize that AMERICAN EMPLOYERS create this situation, not the illegals.

    so, i think it;s clear i'm both uninformed and not a liar. you just simply used one personal example and then said there were 'many others' like you. and then you think some anecdotal personal expirience actually proves me wrong.... hysterical.

    though i don't get where you got liar from in the first place. I'm not lying that many americans won't take the jobs that illegals or even legal migrant workers take for less pay.

    i'll even go your route to prove you wrong: i wouldn't take a job working as a migrant worker. there,

  • April 9, 2008

    12:37 p.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    "...both INFORMED..." pardon my error.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:44 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    I don't know maybe because Ellis Island processed 20 million immigrants in 35 years yet the U.S. hasn't seen half of those numbers in the last 35 years. I'd call that a cake walk for legal status.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:45 p.m.

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    mrNiceGuy writes:

    I don't know much about Ellis Island, but I am under the impression that it was a place where many immigrants traveling from East of the Atlantic were processed to enter America. I didn't know that it's where these people snuck into the country to avoid accountability.

    Denver B, there are plenty of legal Americans who work as landscapers, miners, factory workers (auto plants), maintenance workers, etc. And since you probably live in America, I don't think you even have the opportunity to be a migrant worker to America.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:46 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    GWM have you posted anything of relevance on this site?

  • April 9, 2008

    12:48 p.m.

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    kathyM writes:

    You said Ellis Island was a cake walk for ILLEGALS. Do you mean that because it was easier to immigrate legally back then, that it's the same as immigrating ILLEGALLY?

    Get your words straight. Maybe you need a dictionary.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:50 p.m.

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    mrNiceGuy writes:

    Know - if it is such a cake walk to legally enter the country, then why are people risking their lives to cross a dessert border by foot illegally?

    Again, if it is so easy to enter America legally, then what kind of people do you think are doing it illegally?

  • April 9, 2008

    12:50 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    I never said anyone snuck in at Ellis Island but I will tell you this. Not every immigrant who came to the U.S. during the operation of Ellis Island actually ever saw Ellis Island.

  • April 9, 2008

    12:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    davies writes:

    Yeah, even if the guy DID make his comment with the intention of it being an implied insult, someone would have to be pretty delicate to break down in tears over it, hours later.

    Why not just answer: "It costs about as much as your momma."

  • April 9, 2008

    12:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    SanctuaryCity writes:

    Dominquez/Gallegos, just another means of trying to capture the american dream. Take it south as we are tired of your crap.
    I was almost in tears

  • April 9, 2008

    12:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    I stand corrected kathyM. I do mean immigrants vs. Illegals; however my point was not about their legal status but the process to obtain it.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:01 p.m.

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    kathyM writes:

    Yes, you did. Look at your own post!

    Of course not every immmigrant came through Ellis Island. Duh! The many thousands of Asians who immigrated didn't go through Ellis Island. So does that make them illegal somehow?

  • April 9, 2008

    1:03 p.m.

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    kathyM writes:

    So the process is different now. Big deal. That doesn't mean it's OK for people to come here illegally.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:10 p.m.

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    Alive writes:

    Once in a while the good guy wins one! About fricken time. Sorry race baiters you lose this time. LOL!

  • April 9, 2008

    1:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    Mestizo = Indian/Spanish blood. Indians were the invaded not the invader. And kathyM I'm not making excuses for illegals to come here because of an improved migration system I was simply pointing out the obvious. The immagrants then didn't have the same opportinties they do now. The American dream is much easier to find now than then. There's no need to ruffle your feathers. I said I stand correted not corect, meaning I acknowledge my discrepancy. And duh? Come on now. No but they were put into concentration camps during WWII. (oh by the way kathyM I was referring to the Asians)

  • April 9, 2008

    1:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    STOPUSAGiveaway writes:

    The RACE has no conscience: they are wearing skin, talk but have nothing inside.
    That comes from pure heathen breeding without any insert of NURTURING...
    IGNORANCE...
    The rath and outrage of their continued disregard for our nation: our laws, our culture; our history and who contributed and it wasn't to I L L E G I T I M A C Y by ILLLLLLLEEEEGALLLLS
    ENOUGH sterilize and remove with micrwhips: should they return shot on sight.
    No other nation tolerates hatred and must be humbled by EVIL HATRED--
    These non homosapiens Mexican ILLEGALS workers "is a sensitive one for (Gallegos), as her father arrived in the US"
    So she admits it that she is an ILLEGAL and proud of it:
    P R I D E in breaking the law.
    Where she came from she would be killed or jailed as they do to the GUATEMALANS when they cross into Mexico...
    D O U B L E S T A N D A R DS cannot contiinue to exist
    or we will not exist as a nation.
    The west side of Denver is a cess pool of filth, drugs, gangs, diseased, ignorance and ILLs.....
    No nation can build with empty unconscionable mimics of human beings walking around contrasting what made this nation...
    CIVIL WAR has been declared and their ILLs will be self consuming and removed....clear the parasites IMMEDIATELY
    STOP BOWING down to hate, evil, ignorance....
    STEP up and STAND up for the USA and our heritage...
    If not you are assisting ILLs EVIL THE RACE HATRED...
    Do Unto Others...
    These ILLEGALS say they go to church but exempt the
    T E N C O M M A N D M E N T S
    which are the basis of common law and
    One Nation Under GOD

    When O'Malley made her decision, she considered that Burghardt had been recently suspended for three days "for violating office policy against the use of unauthorized software," the documents state.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    nonayerbsns writes:

    The man asked a simple question. For crying out loud, what the hell is wrong with the people who took offense? Are they stupid? If the one whose father came here (illegally, I might add) via the border, then she should not only have NOT been 'offended', she should have been able to answer his question.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:17 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    DenverB,

    " AMERICAN EMPLOYERS create this situation, not the illegals."

    You're wrong, it takes two to tango!

    And KnowWhat, what does it matter what has happened in the past? We need to look at now and at the future and what is happening ILLEGALLY!

  • April 9, 2008

    1:20 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    GWM Were you here to post an attack or voice your opin? Either way you haven't quite Cowboyed up! or Cowgirl which ever you'd prefer

  • April 9, 2008

    1:23 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    I don't recall ever saying what happend then matters, I do however recall mentioning that I was pointing out the obvious. At any rate none of your posts deserve a response from me any longer. You've all waisted enough of my time.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:25 p.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    "You're wrong, it takes two to tango!"

    so those illegals forced the american employers to hire them? really?

    it takes someone to HIRE an illegal before they can work and, as some of you think, "take jobs away from americans."

    it may take two to tango, but someone has to ask for the dance first.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:29 p.m.

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    DenverDan writes:

    Go after The White guy who hires them. He pays them under the table, so he can make more. Please, no more Rednecks. Forget how your family got here. Most of you don’t even know.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:30 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    DenverB,
    So when you were a little boy and you were fighting with your brother and got caught by your parents, you told them "he started it!". He was the only one that was wrong and got punished? I think not.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:33 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    DenverDan, "Go after The White guy who hires them"
    That is a good place to start.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:33 p.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    HORRIBLE and completely inaccurate analogy, Heidi.

    i'm sorry you can't follow the rather simple logic i laid out for you, so lets try again.

    american's hire illegals, therefore illegals travel over the border for jobs.

    americans stop hiring illegals, then illegals have no reason to come over here.

    this isn't a chicken and egg situation, heidi. one starts the other.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:35 p.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    that, or illegals come over legally to find legit work and possibly become citizens.

    see how that works?

  • April 9, 2008

    1:38 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    DenverB,
    You are right about the horrible analogy. And right about who provides the opportunity for illegal workers. I am just trying to say that is not only the employer that is to blame. But which came first, the chicken or the egg? (another horrible one for you)

  • April 9, 2008

    1:43 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    I was just wondering the same thing, jeuden_frei!

  • April 9, 2008

    1:44 p.m.

    TheDenverB writes:

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  • April 9, 2008

    1:47 p.m.

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    TheDenverB writes:

    for those that don't know, jueden frei is a term for people who believe a "jew free" (literal translation) society. It was part of the basis for nazi germany's =theory on a master race.

    anyone who actually agrees with anything this guy has to say needs to take a hard look at themself.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:49 p.m.

    TheDenverB writes:

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  • April 9, 2008

    1:49 p.m.

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    KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:

    GWM I actually waited because I thought, that of all the postings on here, you, who has lacked in substance and subject would finally post something bearing significance! Thanks for proving me wrong.

  • April 9, 2008

    1:52 p.m.

    TheDenverB writes:

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  • April 9, 2008

    1:54 p.m.

    TheDenverB writes:

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  • April 9, 2008

    2:14 p.m.

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    pklee527 writes:

    So now, America has gotten so politically correct, to the point of communist, that we actually have conversation czars now? This is beyond rediculus. I wonder how much this legal BS cost us taxpayers?

  • April 9, 2008

    2:17 p.m.

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    Justin_Credible writes:

    Deport Them...

    HOOVER & EISENHOWER DEPORTED MILLIONS OF ILLEGALS!

    Back during The Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover ordered the deportation of all illegal aliens in order to make jobs available to American citizens that desperately needed work.

    Then again in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower deported 13 million Mexican nationals! The program was called "Operation Wetback" so that American WWII and Korean veterans had a better chance at jobs.

    It took 2 years, but they deported them!

    Now, if they could deport the illegals back then, they can sure do it today!!

    If you have doubts about the veracity of this information, enter Operation Wetback into your favorite search engine and confirm it for yourself or follow the link below for a recent news article on Eisenhower's Operation Wetback.
    <http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0706/p0...

    Reminder don't forget to pay your taxes... 12 million illegal aliens, and the millions more who are coming, are depending on you!

  • April 9, 2008

    2:46 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    jeuden: One interesting irony I note is while you rail against the ILLEGAL status of so many Mexican immigrants, you are also quite obviously opposed to Jewish people (10:44 AM) being here (or anywhere I guess).

    But no one seems to think that any significant number of Jews are here ILLEGALLY. So then I guess since they're here legally, you still object to their presence because it's part of their strategy to eventually take over the world and eat my grandchildren?

  • April 9, 2008

    2:53 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    Oh. The hard core Muslims have it wrong then I guess.

  • April 9, 2008

    2:56 p.m.

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    henriet7 writes:

    Am I missing something here? Here father breaks the law by crossing illegally and she feels offended, my this man's question? So if her father had murdered someone and the same man asked what the typical penalty was for 1st degree murder, would he have faced the same disciplinary action?

  • April 9, 2008

    3 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    henriet7, I was thinking the same thing. I was also wondering why they were eating sandwiches instead of burritos for lunch.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:02 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    GWM, don't they have Jews in Thailand? Or have they assimilated?

  • April 9, 2008

    3:03 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    So these Mexicans have partially assimilated then, Thor?

  • April 9, 2008

    3:05 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    Yes you're missing something henriet. The story does not indicate that the clever Question Man had any knowledge of either co-workers' immigration status, or of their fathers. Therefore when he asked the two "Hispanic co-workers" how much it costs to get across the border these days, he was likely taking a shot at them based on their race.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:15 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    I personally prefer the caveman commercials. Aren't we all descendants of the caveman? We could all be rich!

  • April 9, 2008

    3:18 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    Well there were white cave men, Latino cave men and so on, down to the cave snakes from which the you-know-whos descended.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:20 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    Are you being mean to me again, davies? You know I don't like snakes.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:23 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Heidi writes:

    You behave yourself, jeuden_frei!!

  • April 9, 2008

    3:25 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    Well Heidi you asked. I'm just trying to be helpful. At least as helpful as jdub and gwm.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:25 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    GWM, you must be too old to understand. Or that Rabbi you were referring to has sheltered you too much.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:28 p.m.

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    MeAgainstMachine writes:

    Damn...the stink logs got thick and smelly today!

    I can't believe I missed out on such a huge weiner war.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:29 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    Then how do you explain Fred Flintstone's car being so low to the ground that he could push it with his feet, you canker on humanity?

  • April 9, 2008

    3:35 p.m.

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    OhBrother writes:

    only one or two posters actual looked at the facts that he had no knowldege of there citizenship. He saw two brown skined people and made a comment. It has nothing to do with p/c, it's called respect and most people lack it. I wouldn't cry about it myself, but I am used to the treatment. Both of them should be also, they know America hates them. Illegal or llegal, if you are not white then you need to verify your citizenship and reason for exsisting to each and every white person you see or you will be deemed as a criminal here illegaly and violence will be promoted and condoned to remove you and your family from this great pure land.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:37 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    haha, davies made a funny! I believe his car was so low because the illegal workers couldn't read the blueprints for the construction of the drive-thru. The overhang was too low and poor Fred had to make modifications to his car to accommodate the brontosaurus ribs.

  • April 9, 2008

    3:46 p.m.

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    davies writes:

    Heidi that was pretty darn good too! This is getting to be too much fun, I'm starting to feel guilty... I think maybe I'm 1/16 Jewish. Better get back to work!

  • April 9, 2008

    3:46 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    Really, why is it such a secret as to how much it costs to cross the border? If they can afford to pay their way up here, why can't we afford to send them back?

  • April 9, 2008

    3:47 p.m.

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    holekeeper writes:

    I guess he coulda slapped them on the butt, man Denver has some of biggest cry baby stupid little wimps in the nation. They will cry quicker than Hillary Clinton. These two sad employees were probibly shot at and had to hide also.

  • April 9, 2008

    4:08 p.m.

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    reddog writes:

    Well really, how much does it cost?

  • April 9, 2008

    4:12 p.m.

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    mrNiceGuy writes:

    Do they pay in pesos or with the dollars sent to them by family already here?

  • April 9, 2008

    4:13 p.m.

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    mrNiceGuy writes:

    Either way it must not cost much, because smuggling illegals over the border is a job only a Mexican would take. lol

  • April 9, 2008

    4:40 p.m.

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    collegegrad writes:

    I find the whole "they are taking our jobs!" stance rather amusing. If a person who doesn't speak English and has likely very little schooling is vying for the same position as you and wins, you have bigger problems to worry about than illegal immigration. By and large, as the U.S. becomes more engulfed in the Information Age with more record numbers of college graduates entering the job market every day, our pool of unskilled laborers is shrinking. Yet, buildings need to be cleaned, lawns need to be mowed, dishes need to be washed. I don't know about you, but I would rather not waste my college education by scrubbing toilets.

    Additionally, it is rather hypocritical to criminalize the workers -- yes, WORKERS -- for crossing the border, while the companies that hire them are not held accountable. Without a demand for cheap labor, people so desperate to better their situation would not put their lives at stake to cross the border. Let immigration reform start by punishing the companies that hire them.

    For the record, I am Mexican-American, I was born here. My parents were born here. My grandparents and great-grandparents were born here, as well.

  • April 9, 2008

    4:54 p.m.

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    happymike44 writes:

    well like i said my ancestors came to this country as indentured servants.They were not give welfare and food stamps.They worked 16 hours a day.For seven years of their lives.What worries me is how someone who is not a citizen can cross our borders and get a welfare check and food stamps no questions asked.They drive down a standard of living for the average americans.They also brought gangs and drugs into our country.If Mexico is such a great place why are they poring into america.The answer is Mexico is one giant cess ool of drugs,murders and just one big disease ridden population.By the way my sexual orientation has nothing with my right to love my country to know we are under seige by a foreign nation to dump their undereducated and garbage dump poor and homeless on us.Also the crap about they want a better life at the expense of the American taxpayers.Also my ancestor went out on a limb and fought in the war of 1776.So that you can call me names and talk about rounding up people for the cocentration camps.Let me tell you aids was brought to this country by the haitians back in the late 70's.That I had nothing to do with and the disease started in africa.So maybe if you want to round up people.While you think of rounding up the gays,don't forget the blacks and the jews and the illegal invading mexican army.Oh by the way my ancestors fought so you could speak your peace.By the way while we are ronding up people mr Milehiloco maybe we should include you to.

  • April 9, 2008

    4:54 p.m.

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    Are_you_serious writes:

    Thank you Davies (3:05). You are probably the most rational person on this blog. Let me clarify a few things for these poor, ignorant, racists! First of all, neither of these ladies are illegal immigrants! Yes, Ms. Gallegos had a father who came here illegally long ago but those of us with half a brain know that does not mean she is automatically illegal. Really? Do you think a government agency is going to hire undocumented workers at a time when illegal immigration is such a huge issue???? And for your information, Ms. Dominguez (Dominguez is her married name)is not here illegally nor is any member of her family. As a matter of fact, Ms. Dominguez does not even speak spanish! It just amazes me just how ignorant people can be. It is obvious to me that the majority of you lack common sense. This issue has nothing to do with race or oppression, it is about RESPECT! The only immigrant in this scenario is the worker who filed the appeal! Read the text before SPEAKING! So for those of you who went on your mexican tangents, who looks foolish now? And in answer to the question that was raised earlier "How many Pollocks does it take to offend a mexican" - do the math, it obviously only takes ONE! You guys are some of the lowest form of scum I have ever encountered and you call yourselves AMERICANS??? It is clear to me that you all have no life and this is your only form of entertainment. As ignorant as your comments are, you seem depressed and miserable and may want to seek some help! Just as Mr. Burghardt did, you all ASSumed these ladies were illegal immigrants. Absolutely pathetic!

  • April 9, 2008

    5:01 p.m.

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    butch_m writes:

    Since she admitted it why hasn't Tina Gallegos' father been arrested and deported?

  • April 9, 2008

    5:01 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    holekeeper writes:

    Yea dond make fun of them for their background make fun of them because they are crybabies!!!

  • April 9, 2008

    5:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Are_you_serious writes:

    Holekeeper-

    A bit of advice, LEARN HOW TO SPELL!

    Butch_M-

    Her father is deceased! What are you going to dig him up and deport him! Get a life!

  • April 9, 2008

    5:34 p.m.

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    burgs writes:

    SO! YOUR ALL MISSING THE POINT!!

    CAN SOMEONE TELL US HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A WETBACK TO GET ACROSS THE BORDER?

  • April 9, 2008

    6:16 p.m.

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    jjez writes:

    When all of the Europeans migrated here, there were no social programs for them to take advantage of. And even though the original immigrants didn't speak American, they made damn sure their children did! Because they knew their kids would have to be American to get along. Their children were expected to make something of themselves, and they knew to do that they had to speak American. Remember about a year ago when the illegals all went on "strike" for a day? How many of them waved the Mexican flag? I think we should either reposses the country (because they do owe us ALOT of money) and make them all Americans anyway, or they should all go back home and reform their country! Organize a few unions so they can have decent wages at home. Get rid of the corrupt politicians and police chiefs. Do something to make life better there, for them! But I know from experience, that the youth of today expect to make $60,000 at age 24 and not really have to do any work to earn it. They won't work in food service, because that's just demeaning to be greasy at the end of a hard day. They won't do anything physical (because they've sat around playing video games all their lives so they aren't CAPABLE of doing anything physical), and OMG, clean a toilet??? They don't even do that at home. Which is why you see very few teenagers working at McDs & TB. Why Asians are our landscapers (doesn't that perpetuate a stereotype?), why Mexicans work at fast food places. I don't think, as a whole, they can't be accused of being the cause of our welfare & Social Security issues because most that I've met do work hard. But please, please don't put the on the drive-up window! It's hard enough to understand someone, but if they have a heavy accent it's impossible!

  • April 9, 2008

    6:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    kathyM writes:

    Well, KnoWhat, write what you mean--we can't read your mind.

  • April 9, 2008

    6:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    nosnivlers writes:

    Those of you who want to do something about it join the FIRE COALITION. Do something other than complain about it. How many of you have voiced you're opinion about this to the ones that do the hiring? Do you insist on legar gardeners? That is where it has to start. If you shop walmart you may as well hire 2 illegals. It equals out to about the same. I would rather pay a little more for goods and services and be able to communicate with the person behind the counter. Then they inturn would be able to pay me a decent amount for my services in return. IT used to be a framer in construction could make a decent living,Same could be said for auto technicians short order cooks and so on. But with the illegals driven wages down. The contractors now pay half and look at the crappy jobs that come out of it. And sorry to say but if you go into a fast food place nowadays. You cant get a job unless you speak spanish and then they have to worry about being black balled by the mexicans. Look as to what happened to California in the last 20 years. They tried to correct it but it was to late. The infestation was to deep.

  • April 9, 2008

    8:07 p.m.

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    POHA writes:

    Isn't it awesome that you all can post anonymously on a stupid article and express just how intolerant you are?

    We DO have a problem with illegal immigration, but that doesn't mean that we should be racist or assume we know all about any person based on their ethnicity.

    It was completely ignorant for him to ask that question of people-- assumption is just stupid.

    Of course, that would be the same thing that most of you all are doing... so I suppose it's not totally unexpectable...

  • April 9, 2008

    8:12 p.m.

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    redwhiteandBLUE writes:

    jeuden 2:07,
    LOL!! Funny!

  • April 9, 2008

    8:17 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    redwhiteandBLUE writes:

    jeuden 2:07,
    What's a Mexican w/one knee and one toe ?

  • April 9, 2008

    8:25 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    redwhiteandBLUE writes:

    American 100 9:26,
    You are so right,
    I'd be sensitive and humiliated too.

  • April 9, 2008

    8:33 p.m.

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    Heidi writes:

    Hi GWM, just like people assume you are a Gay White Male, huh? I'm not rereading any of the posts, but I don't remember anyone assuming anything about any certain person.

  • April 9, 2008

    8:55 p.m.

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    freethinker07 writes:

    A point nobody is mentioning is that people who illegally come across the Mexican border get better treatment than Europeans who try to sneak into the US illegally. So who is racist? The poster who wants everyone to be subject to the same rules or the poster who wants special treatment for one group?

  • April 9, 2008

    10:10 p.m.

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    redwhiteandBLUE writes:

    juden,
    juanee-toe

  • April 9, 2008

    11:03 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    YellowCatRedCat writes:

    I wonder if some of you realize how hateful and blatantly ignorant you are (or at least come across as)... Oh wait - that's right, the universal love and compassion you swear by weekly in church (or whatever) only applies to your fellow WASPs.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:27 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    gadzuks writes:

    Why do people delineate themselves to be Mexican-American, or African-American? Does that mean I can be Canadian-American, or French-American, Russian-American, Scottish-American, how about English-American?

    I was always led to believe if you were born here in the good old USA, you um, were just an American citizen, not meaning to offend anyone.
    PC or not, people should be considerate when they speak to others. If they're not, they do run the risk of being slapped, in more ways than one.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:27 p.m.

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    Civility writes:

    When the European immigrants came here, the Mexicans were already here. Southern Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas belonged to Mexico. But those new Americans decided to take the land away from Mexico in 1849. Henry David Thoreau went to jail for not paying his taxes because he didn't want the money to finance an immoral war. Just keep that in mind when you're blaming them for your own shortcomings. Frankly, I would like to see them not get exploited with low the paying jobs. Maybe if we worked with Mexico on helping them, we would come up with a humane solution to the problem.

  • April 9, 2008

    11:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    American100 writes:

    Our country (USA for those who have forgotten) has educated millions of illegals and an ch ors.

    They have experienced civilization.

    The should now go back to Mexico and use their knowledge to better themselves and their country. (Mexico)

  • April 10, 2008

    9:20 a.m.

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    Jasin writes:

    Dang; too bad Jack wasn't a middle-aged straight white man. We missed out on a good old fashioned national tar & featherin.

    So how much does it cost for your people to get across the open border? Or are we paying them now?

  • April 10, 2008

    1:29 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    OhBrother writes:

    GVM- glad you found humor in my post, but look below your reponse at ol' juden's remarks and that's the reason why. I agree with it being kinda cry babie ish as if that was the first or worst experience with racsism then I will glady switch shoes with them! I mean this is Colorado after all.

    On a side note- I don't care what it cost to get across the border becuase I never plan on helping or supporting someone who is doing so. If I did know someone that could give me an actual current day dollar figure then more then likley that person would be illegal or involved in transporting or hiring illegals and I would be part of the problem for not turning them in. Otherwise I could just be a D-bag like this guy and assume becuase of someones color or last name that they could provide details on illegal activites

  • April 10, 2008

    5:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    VWbabybear writes:

    Let’s see how many respond to this!

    Let me start of by saying, I apologize to anyone that I may offend. I really don’t take anything personal. I am so tired of people judging others based on their race, ethnicity, or legal status. Who gave any of you the right to say someone doesn’t belong here because they are illegal. OUR ancestors worked so hard to get us this far and for what it seems as if we are moving backwards instead of forward.

    I was born and raised in the US so none of that you have no clue what you are talking about. I do have some knowledge of what I am talking about I’m not an expert but I currently am going into Immigration as a Paralegal (not that anyone cares and I don’t care if you do or don’t), but ….

    Have you guys thought about the following…..
    This land was not ours to begin with. IT IS A PRIVLEDGE TO BE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. This land belonged to the Native Americans who were killed and never stood a chance in keeping it. At the Denver International Airport you can hear Native American music through the walkway to Concourse A. That was put in place because they built the airport on Indian burial and it was put its part of the treaty the US has with them.

    As far as being a US Citizen and taking away citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, how can you do that? Technically speaking you are not a US Citizen unless you are BLACK…..The citizenship was put in place for the slaves and I highly doubt any of you are slaves, so why don’t we take your citizenship as well as mine away.

    FREEDOM OF SPEECH, if you read closely to the Constitution; there is NO freedom of speech its called LIMITED freedom of speech. If it were completely free then we would be able to say anything and do anything we want and we can’t

  • April 10, 2008

    5:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    VWbabybear writes:

    Some of you talk about sending them back; remember you are LUCKY to be an American citizen. You were born here and have luxuries that others don’t. Mexicans do not take any job away from an American that is bull and you know it. It’s easier to blame someone else for our actions.

    Why are we so concerned over this when OUR own government screws us over as well? Has anyone seen the Documentary by Aaron Russo, “America, on the way to Fascism” at least that’s what I think it’s called. If you haven’t I suggest you do. That documentary pissed me off more than someone crossing the border because they want a better life for them and their family.

    KEEP IN MIND “TODAY THE US DOLLAR IS WORTH VERY LITTLE” so continue kicking these people out and the government keeps raises prices on gas and everything else and SOON we can call ourselves a 3rd world country. What happened to OUR needs as American citizens? Why does our government not focus more on OUR needs and stop putting their two cents where it doesn’t belong and bringing us more problems. We need to solve the problems we have here. They get into office and want to help everyone and their mother but what about us? The illegals don’t benefit from our government so stop saying they are taking money that belongs to us because they don’t. They don’t receive any type of government benefits. Tell the government to stop taking money that belongs to us and spending it on petty BS and make more use of it to benefit the American. Bring our country back up to #1 because that’s our spot and our American Dollar should be worth more than it is now!!!

  • April 10, 2008

    5:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    suburbdweller writes:

    Well said, VWbabybear. My faith is restored that at least some Americans understand the ideals of liberty, even if we are surrounded by paranoid, hateful, racist buffoons.

    Reverse the fascist trend, people! Vote Libertarian! www.lp.org

  • April 10, 2008

    7:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Lachinalatina writes:

    In the words of Michelle Wucker,"America keeps getting immigration wrong because we only look at half o the story...we focus so hard on immigrants that we forget about our own role in shaping how people come here and how well they fit in...We exaggerate the differences between our immigrant ancestors and today's immigrants because it's a convenient mask for our own failings." People now lets educate ourselves before we come online and show our ignorance. It's quite clear how many of you really know what you're talking about. SAD, SAD, SAD individuals. I feel for your future. Living life with so much hate and stupidity. Now I am half asian and half mexican and soooooo dang proud of it!!! Call me whatever you want it doesn't effect me in anyway. I don't live off of our incompetent system, I educate myself and work. Now how many of you big mouth bigots can say the same? OOOOO those immigrants are coming and taking our jobs!!! Well you should have told them you wanted to pick lettece or clean offices and hotel rooms,or work like slaves for pennies a day? Would you like to trade lives with them for just a day? Could you do it? But thats beyond the point. The point was that a comment was made and someone was offended. OH WAKE UP!!!! DID IT REALLY EFFECT THEM THAT MUCH!!! I've been called worse, I don't care. You guys have really come off the subject of what this was about and made it into an ignorant dispute.

  • April 10, 2008

    8:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Are_you_serious writes:

    Miss Lachinalatina how much is too much for you exactly??? Any type of racism is too much racism. How and who are you to determine how much is too much to make an impact? Your very right in saying that "America keeps getting immigration wrong because we only look at half the story." This includes you sweetie! You people kill me with you half a$$ conflicting statements. Do you work with these people? Do you know the whole story? Just because you have endured racial slurs or comments in the past does not mean that this should not affect them! When he speaks on one Latina he speaks on ALL! Maybe because your only half Hispanic it does not affect you. So if his comment was not such a big deal would it offend you if I asked you how much it cost for the other half of your people to get on the boat????? None of you have the right to speak on this as NONE of you know the whole story. You only know what what printed in the news. FYI People- the media does not always print the complete truth!!!! To be quite honest Mr. Chacon did a horrible job on this story leading all of you foolish people to believe this is really what happened. He didn't even bother to get all the facts or speak to anyone involved!

    If he wrote a story asking you all to jump the a bridge, would you??? You hypocritical, pathetic losers probably would!

  • April 11, 2008

    8:37 a.m.

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    VWbabybear writes:

    I have to somewhat agree with Are_you_serious...Most people only go by what the media prints and half of it is true and the other half is not. They are supposed to be impartial but they are not. They only print what they know will catch anybodys' attention. I can tell that most of you did not REALLY read the article you only read what you wanted. If you pay close attention you will read,

    Burghardt told the hearing officer that he was thinking about the movie Nov. 1 when he said aloud to himself: "I wonder how much it costs to cross a border with a guide?" But co-workers Tina Gallegos and Consuelo Dominguez, who were in the break room eating sandwiches, had a different recollection of what Burghardt said.
    According to them, Burghardt asked, "How much did it cost for your people to get across the border these days?"

    He never directed the comment to them at all in reference to being illegal so this is what happens when we read or hear what we want...NEXT TIME READ MORE CAREFULLY...They found it offensive because they misunderstood not because thats what was said...

  • April 11, 2008

    10:30 a.m.

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    Are_you_serious writes:

    To the last post, thank you for your rational responses. However, These ladies did not take anything out of context. There was no misunderstanding. As someone who is quite familiar with these ladies and the situation, the quote posted of Mr. Burghardt is grossly incorrect. This individual LIED about what really happened and WON! If you read the hearing decision in it's entirety, the judge appears to agree with the ladies on their recollection of the issue. However, the city failed to prove that the remark was intentional. Which is the only reason he won. Read it, it's quite interesting.

    You can obtain the full transcript at: denvergov.org/hearings.

    These foolish people have turned this issue into something it is not and if it wasn't such a big deal before, it now thanks to the ignorance of most of the people on this blog. It is the bigots and racists that have turned this into an illegal immigration issue based on pure assumtion. If these ladies did not have reason to be upset before, they sure do now! They did not ask to become the subject of public opinion nor did they ask for most of you to ASSUME they were something that they are not! Mr. Chacon should have gathered and provided some clarification before posting.

  • April 11, 2008

    11:32 a.m.

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    kombatarts99 writes:

    I have hired many Mexican workers,all legal, they work the same as everyone else. Most send as much as they can home to help family members in Mexico. Many live together to help each other out and none that I know of use welfare or other services. My employees are just as pissed as anyone else about the abuse of the social welfare system, price of gas, ect. I don't hire mexicans because
    i pay them less or because no one will do the work. I hire them because they need money and I need people. I'll hire anybody i don't care.

  • April 11, 2008

    11:58 a.m.

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    Denver_Conservative writes:

    Blaming whites for Mexican crime, how hilarious is that? Have Mexicans no brains of their own, but there is some invisible monolithic white hand with a gun pointed to their heads? You have to love the blame-whitey-first excuse making of leftists. If you believed their garbage, youd think the world was a perfect little utopia until whitey came along. "Mexico," before whitey, was full of warring tribes, ritual sacrifice and cannibalism. Thanks to whites arriving, Mexicans quit eating each other, and what thanks have we gotten? LOL

  • April 11, 2008

    12:02 p.m.

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    Denver_Conservative writes:

    Civility - The foundation of what youre suggesting is that Americans babysit Mexico because its government and people cant get their acts together. Not only do we have to provide welfare payments to Americans who can't conduct their affairs properly, now we have to add the entire nation of Mexico to the public dole? MY GOD!

  • April 11, 2008

    2:17 p.m.

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    VWbabybear writes:

    The link that Are_you_serious provided is not available. Anyone know any other links? I would like to read the transcript or hearing to see how far this was taken out of context. I have been wondering....Why is it sooo offensive for a person of another race or ethnicity to ask or make a comment but however if its the same race or ethnicity it would not be taken as racist or offensive?

  • April 11, 2008

    2:22 p.m.

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    VWbabybear writes:

    Also before we can criticize anyone else we need to take a look at ourselves. If you havent been in their shoes you have NO right to say anything and the only reason I say this is because: Even if they are given a Visa when they arrive at the port of entry in the US and go through Immigration they can refuse to let them enter the country so alot of times they prefer to border hop (I am Mexican so dont take this personal because obviously Im not) and have more of a guarantee of entering. The process is not as easy as people make it sound and not only that it costs A LOT OF MONEY AND TIME!!