Just how radical and inflamatory was the Anti-Illegal Immigration rally on Saturday outside the County Civic Center that Bob Kellar went to? (UPDATE, see the rest of Kellar’s comments at the rally at the bottom of this post)
You need go no further than the first five minutes of the protest and the invocation given by a Pastor from a Quartz Hill church to find out:
His prayer begins around the three minute mark and he wastes no time telling the crowd what’s really wrong with America by asking God for forgiveness:
“First of all asking forgiveness. Forgiveness for the way we have allowed our country to be overtaken by those who are evil, those who would ruin our country rather than raise it.
Is that the line now? Illegal immigrants don’t just steal ‘Merican jobs, they don’t just suck off California’s welfare teat, but they are evil incarnate. Evil dark people who infest our nation, and we have sinned by allowing them to overtake us.
Or is he referring to liberals and Democrats, like President Obama and Nancy Pelosi? Maybe all of the above? It’s difficult to tell.
He continues:
Help us Lord to stand against the wiles of the Devil, which is what this thing going on in our nation today is, it’s sent straight from hell, and I pray lord that you send it straight back to hell where it came from.”
Holy shit. This wasn’t a simple protest against a controversial government program; it was a regular nativist/fundamentalist rally. The only thing missing was the burning cross.
Cheers from the crowd for the dinosaur pastor.
There are five other videos of the rally up on YouTube . Many of the speakers at the rally Saturday went beyond complaints about illegal immigration and “amnesty.” They decried health care reform, the bailouts, and intrusive government. In other words, it was a regular right wing hoe-down, opened with an invocation to God to damn those of us who disagree.
No gray area for these folks. No room for disagreement with fellow Americans and neighbors in Santa Clarita. No equivocation or thoughtful dialog. No compassion for fellow human beings who happened to be born across the border.
This is the kind of speech Bob Kellar was proud to be associated with in the whitewashed Signal article. Remarkable.
UPDATE: Kellar speaks on video #3 about two minutes in and says the following regarding reaction to his anti illegal alien views:
You know the only thing I heard back from a couple of people is, “Bob, you sound like a racist.” I said, “That’s good. If that’s what you think I am because I happen to believe in America, I’m a proud racist. You’re darn right I am.”
No kidding. 2:34 into the video. I think that about closes the file on Bob Kellar for me. Our City Councilman has cracked.
Do moderates ever protest / rally ? On either side ?
Much like a fire-bombing environmentalist or an abortion heckler at a rally, the pastor’s invocation didn’t exactly help their cause.
They’re like a rightist version of the Black Panthers or the Nation of Islam or La Raza. Both sides have their misguided bigots.
When I finished reading your story, I was a little shocked by the Kellar quote (the last one in your report). But it comes off somewhat more clearly when put in context.
When you listen to the 20 seconds before it’s clear what he was going for–the rhetorical strategy of accepting/owning the worst names that the opposition calls him and redefining those labels to be reasonable or even admirable (to paraphrase, “If you think that believing we should support border security and one national language is racist, then call me a racist!”).
But it does end up sounding really bad when packaged as a sound-bite.
As for the hell stuff at the beginning, the pastor’s words are way overdoing it, but that doesn’t mean everyone at the protest was unreasonable. It reminds me of the controversy surrounding Obama’s beloved Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Since Obama got a free pass after going to that hateful, ignorant man’s church for 20 years, I think the people in the audience get a free pass from being associated with this guy who just happened to talk for a few minutes at a one-time event (unless, of course, they cheered).
IHeartSCV: Do you have a college degree?
Even if I grant you all that I Heart, Bob Kellar has still cracked his nut.
He’s an elected official representing a city with 25-30% Latinos.
Clearly he figures he has nothing to lose in the next two years so he’s unhinged the real Bob Kellar for all to see.
I do, Money. Were you asking to determine whether I was one of the uneducated masses?
Quoting Jeff Wilson: He’s an elected official representing a city with 25-30% Latinos.
Yes he is but you are making the assumption that all of those “Latinos” (I prefer Hispanics) disagree with Bob Kellar on this issue which is a major mistake. You cannot lump all of us into one box. There is a great variety amongst Hispanics both politically and otherwise.
Also, since when does anyone give up their right to voice their personal opinion because they have been elected to any office? He did not say it was the opinion of the Council or City of Santa Clarita. I hear personal stances, opinions, prejudices, expressed by elected officials both Democrats and Republicans all the time.
As to the pastor’s comments, there are radicals and over the top folks amongst any group of people. I HeartSCV’s example of the Obama’s Reverend Wright is a good one. Going to a rally for anything does not automatically mean you agree with all in attendance or speaking.
Bob Kellar has always been outspoken on issues he believes in. I don’t always agree with him but admire his honesty in expressing his views. Is that not what true democracy is about? Everyone has a right to their opinion and is free to express it. We don’t all have to agree. I prefer straight talk to politically correct prevarication any day. At least you know where Bob stands.
OMG I can’t believe Bob Kellar would be so stupid to say that!!!! (maybe i can, actually)
At worst – he’s a self-proclaimed racist
At Best – he’s an angry old man who has lost his mind and is too stupid to know how the media can ruin one’s career.
That’s who’s running the SCV??? Wake up people!
Kellar beat this same drum at the SCV Chamber meeting with Steve Poizner. While ranting about illegal immigration, he admitted to sounding like, his words, “a redneck.” Poizner looked as uncomfortable as a live turkey in late November and deflected saying there are rational solutions to immigration and California’s has to work with the federal government since the state is a primary stakeholder in the issue. The point is don’t engage. I know it sounds tempting, but what’s the point of engaging an angry senior citizen. As far as the Signal story. I think Josh was trying his best to cull together a complete and balanced story without giving Kellar a pulpit to preach hate. Because there can be an argument made that those comments are inappropriate hate speech and have no place even in a paper.
I suppose being a cop for 20+ years can make one a bit jaded in their opinion of certain citizens and non-resident citizens as well. That may possibly make him more a realist than a racist.
The Mark Furhman defense navigator?
David Gauny, this is your chance to denounce these comments and renounce Kellar’s endorsement.
This could actually be tragic, since this type of behavior is an early symptom of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Tim, that comment is beneath you.
Furhman never touched him!
BGH:
I am deadly serious. Radical personality changes are a symptom.
Look at Kellar’s anger and venom! This is an “elected” official! Regardless of your stand on the issue, you should be concerned that he lost control of his emotions in front of a camera, no less. He needs to step down now!
And the Signal needs to call him out for the sake of their non-white readers.
“Bob Kellar Racist Realty” sounds kind of catchy for his realty office.
I mean c’mon – he’s a council member and former mayor – and he looks like he’s rallying the troops at a Klan meeting!
Tim, this is not a radical personality change for Bob. He has always spoken his opinion and this particular opinion is nothing new. Although he may feel a bit less restricted since he is not seeking reelection. Alzheimer’s and dementia are very serious illnesses and my heart goes out to those suffering with these illnesses. Because someone speaks his/her mind does not indicate either illness. Otherwise, all of us who post here are so afflicted including you.
Perhaps the drinking is taking a toll.
VH, just because a person is opposed to illegal immigration does not make that person a racist or a Klan member. Come on VH, get real.
For those of you who have any courage whatsoever and who disagree with Bob Kellar, set up a meeting with him and discuss this issue. You will find him a reasonable man.
Bill – please point out where I called Bob Kellar a “racist or a Klan member.”
He doesn’t need to step down because he’s a “racist or Klan member” (your words). He needs to step down because he lost his composure and if this video is any indication, his anger and body language is an insult to the community.
VH, oh… then how would you characterize Bob Kellar?
I don’t know him personally. I’ve never met him. I know a lot of people adore him. I’m only basing these writings on the video of him.
And thus the power of media. An elected official needs to know better than to put himself in a position where he alienates his community.
By the way, have you watched the video? – he calls himself a “racist.”
Yeah, Vince, he does call himself a “racist,” but he does so rhetorically. If you think he’s actually saying that he dislikes people just because they’re Hispanic, then you’ve missed the point. It’s not just the “power of media” but of how quotations are packaged, i.e., with or without context. It was a dumb thing to say, but it doesn’t mean he hates the Mexican population of SCV.
I know IHeartSCV. My point is that he let his emotions get carried away and thereby put himself in a position where a youtube video can be edited in such a way that could ruin his career and possibly his livelihood. Okay, step down? Maybe extreme, but he should at least offer a public apology.
VH, Kellar owes NO apologies. Political correctness has spun out of control. By the way, feel free to get out there with your bullhorn and speak your piece.
Hello. Are you listening? Bob does not owe anyone an apology. Many Hispanics agree with Bob that illegal immigration is out of control and costing the US taxpayers obscene amounts of money. Wanting hard earned taxpayer money to be used for the needs of people in this country legally does not make Bob or anyone else a racist. My race is Caucasian and my ethnic background is Hispanic AND I AGREE WITH HIM!!!!
Not to change the subject, BUT… Great Scott, where is the dope who spoke about “trends”? Care to comment on the Taxachusettes Senate election? Check this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=UZkvkLmkYVg
Sorry Berta – I didn’t realize you are better than the rest of us.
you guys just don’t get it. he put himself out there in a way that can potentially ruin what’s left of his political career and business. I think he needs to do some damage control. Imagine the theme of my posts but on The Daily Show or the Colbert Report.
Funny vid Bill. It just tickles me to know how upsetting the next 8 years is going to be to folks like those in the video. Payback for the Bush Jr years is a bitch, aint it!
Funny Vh, how before Prez B. Hussein’s first State of the Union address he’s already aided in the demise of two Governors and now one Senator. Maybe he should just stay home where he is more popular.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
sorry – make that 7 years
Tell you what Vince Hans, you want to support Illegals go ahead and adopt a family and start paying up. In fact adopt a few families. I don’t feel so inclined. Particularly since my parents had to bust their asses to house, educate, feed, clothe, provide medical care, etc for their three kids. I had to do the same for my two who are now grown and productive members of society. Just because we are Hispanic that does not mean we all want to reward those who don’t wait their turn or ask permission before coming to live in the USA. If that makes me better than you, ok.
Bob’s business and career are just fine. He may even see an increase in support from those who agree with him!
@IheartSCV: Let me rephrase my question – Do you have a degree from a real 4-year university? I doubt it, but if you do, I would bet that your degree is not in English or Journalism. My assumption is based on the fact that you write under a pseudonym for a pseudo-magazine.
Money,
Are you serious?
What do you have against IHeart ?
Why don’t you show us your credentials and what you have done other than sit back and throw out Glenn Beck-style assumptions and asking people to disprove them.
Money,
Like you, the guy just want some privacy. I happen to know for a fact that iHeart has a degree in one of those two fields from a very fine university and will soon have another from another (in a different field).
The proof is in the pudding. Among amateur SCV commentators, he’s the best wordsmith. I wish I was, but I’m not.
pwned
And Berta continues to babble about something that’s not even the point of my comments.
I’m not surprised to see Bill Reynolds giving Bob Kellar the amen. Two bigots, one cloth.
IHeart, you are being far too generous. How in the world does he have a chance of redefining racist into a term a councilman should embrace? This actually plays far worse in context than as a soundbyte. He looks as angry as ever. He manages to get what seems to be a gasp from a crowd that is so far to the right, they are astonished to have an elected official within 100 yards. And these cats are from the high desert! There is no cover from this. He ought to have resigned yesterday.
Yeah whatever Mikey, you don’t know me and what you say is irrelevant. Besides, here is the important issue today:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_massachusetts_senate
From the archives we find this gem from Bill Reynolds. He posted a joke to this site on 10/31/08 with the following punchline:
“‘Dad, how is it possible that Sarah Palin told me
the Human race was created by God,
And Michelle Obama said they evolved from monkeys.’
The father answered, ‘Well, Dear, it is very simple,
Sarah Palin told you about her ancestors
and Michelle Obama told you about hers.’”
“Great Scott” Mikey (or is it Jeff), this simply proves that you have no sense of humor. As stated earlier, political correctness is out of control.
I’d like to start the morning off offering an apology to Berta. I had a pissy day yesterday and was just cranky so I took it out on you. You don’t deserve the comments I made
Keep up the good fight
Vince
Bill, you are an angry, pathetic man. I’m sure your children are real proud to have you as their father.
Hey Bill, I’ve seen your family
http://religionandterror.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/klan-family-says-grace-jacob-holdt.jpg
I remember that so-called joke (many refer to such racial profiling as ‘jokes’) that Bill Reynolds relayed and I found it to be NOT funny and indicated that some will never understand what that kind of ‘joke’ is saying about the person repeating it.
I have to agree with Vince Hans, it was the anger behind Mr. Kellar’s words that struck me, especially the “one flag, one language” statement. English is America’s primary language, yes. However, our country was made by ‘immigrants’ who spoke many languages from their native lands. I appreciate our diversified country and the many languages spoken hear; in fact I wish I had the ability to speak something other then english,but alas, I am linguistically challenged. Nothing angers me more when a person gets angry at another for speaking their native language, even if they are LEGAL. It’s as if to say ONLY english will be tolerated and should be spoken, and that’s how Mr. Kellar’s words came across, to me.
I just got back from France and was pleased that so many spoke english; it only increased my enjoyment of that country more.
I would agree with Mr. Roosevelt that “Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or leave the country.” However, they should have every RIGHT to speak their own as well.
“However, our country was made by ‘immigrants’ who spoke many languages from their native lands”
You are absolutely correct LV. Fortunately for us all a major portion of those immigrants demanded that their children only spoke English even if theirs was poor. That is why our language is english.
Vince Hans: Wow! Apology accepted and thanks …
Ivogel: I agree people should feel free to speak in a language other than English in their personal lives. I sometimes speak in Spanish with my family and friends. I do not however agree that the USA taxpayer, at great expense, should provide voting documents, public benefit applications, instructional materials, Driver’s License, etc in all these other languages.
When my parents immigrated to the USA they were required to learn English and were happy to do so in order to be able to better participate in the American way of life. They taught us their culture and language at home. When I was older they sent me to Spain to further my education. I understand not all parents can afford to do that but they can certainly teach them at home. There are also many elective foreign language classes.
You mention France as having many English speakers. Yes they do. Wherever they want our American dollars, merchants and other business people speak English in every country. As far as I am aware, none of those non English speaking countries provide official government documents in English, except Canada a bilingual country. None provides government subsidies for foreign nationals staying without legal permission in their country. We are the only dummies doing that.
Yeah we’re dummies for trying to ensure people have adequate information on how to vote.
Boy did I have you pegged wrong Berta. Do you go to Tea parties?
How could you have pegged the self-hating Berta wrong? Take a look at her past comments – about 75% of the time she writes the same thing. It’s like we have to keep reading the first chapters of her autobiography.
Jeff: apparently you did have me pegged wrong. I believe that in order to vote at all people should be required to learn English. To apply for and take a driving exam ditto. And so on…
As I said, why should I have to pay for materials in Spanish, Korean, Urdu, Thai, etc…I already pay for night school and other venues to teach English as a second language which actually benefits immigrants legal or not. We are not helping people when we enable them to remain separate from mainstream American culture. We create ghettos with an impoverished subculture when people cannot function in regular society and compete for good paying jobs because of deficient language skills. Then the taxpayers continue to subsidize these people generation after generation. It is not even fair to them. Think about that Jeff.
I don’t believe that due to ‘deficient language skills’ we have ghettos and impoverished ‘subcultures’, Berta.
Even if we took every ‘illegal’ busboy, gardner, housecleaner, roofer, bricklayer, etc., who did not speak english, or every illegal PERIOD, we’d still have ghettos and the poor for many reasons. Now perhaps the language problem would hinder those who want to work in say a corporate or government position, but there are plenty jobs that english speaking Americans WONT take and yet are not educated enough for anything else.
And that is exactly the point Ivogel. If you want them to remain gardeners, busboys, etc keep enabling them to speak a language other than English. Higher education and higher paying jobs require English proficiency. There is nothing wrong with being a gardener etc if that is the profession they willingly choose but to limit them to those lower paying jobs because this country does not require English proficiency skills is a disservice to everyone immigrants included.
There are others groups who are traditionally among the impoverished but studies I have read indicate that those people have also suffered due to the huge influx of illegal’s who accept lower wages. Legal immigrants suffer from lack of available employment. They used to fill these lower paying jobs until their education, professional skills, language skills improved to the point they could compete equally for better paying jobs. One of the largest groups kept in poverty is poorly educated blacks who used to fill many of those fast food, housekeeper, janitorial, laborers, etc jobs.
I believe in giving people the opportunity to better themselves not limiting them to just barely getting by. Black, white, whatever. Give a man/woman bread, they eat today. Give them the tools to plant and harvest the wheat and they sustain themselves and their families for years to come. Learn English and you have a better shot at achieving the American dream. Not a guarantee, a better shot.
Money: Do us both a favor and stop reading my posts. Thanks.
I agree, that is why I quoted Roosevelt’s statement: “Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or leave the country.”
What I don’t like is the extreme notions/ideas of some that if one does not speak english they are not Americans; only Americans speak english. That’s how it comes off when Kellar, and others, get on the anti-immigration bandwagon.
The plan fact is, that many of the ‘workers’ that were mentioned are cheap labor; labor that many of us will hire and pay for. Many Americans would not work those jobs. The American ‘way’ is to do the best and be the best, but in order to get there you must work hard for it. There are a lot of lazy Americans that wouldn’t work those ‘hard’ jobs they pay nothing, but illegals are willing to in order to live in a country that brings opportunities.
I believe that we agree on this subject on a certain level, I just don’t believe that the illegals bring all the ills to our country. The gentleman that spoke at the rally who’s son was killed by an illegal, would have been just as angry and hurt had he been killed by a ‘fellow citizen’.
Hey Bill Reynolds, your prayers have been answered. It’s safe to watch basketball again.
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/01/20/white-basketball/
Bob Kellar is correct, not “right”.!
Vtown, interesting that you monitor such news… by the way, I watched a basketball last Saturday before I received this from you.
Get a grip, buddy…
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