Concerned-1 wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:26 AM:ACLU reports discrimination? Big surprise. I know first hand that people showed up at shelters from areas not affected by the fires looking for handouts. Of course we should check I.D.s. As far as illegal aliens being denied help, they should be denied. Or at least put at the very end of the line. I'm so sick of the ACLU I could just scream. They are not protecting my contitutional rights as an American citizen, as far as I'm concerned!

To Concerned wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:14 PM:How many people remembered to grab ID in the minutes they had to evacuate? I think the problem is that those asked for ID were not white.

Oh Puh-LEEZ! wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:18 PM:HUNDREDS of reports????? One wonders how many are even accurate.----Yanno, isn't it funny that the ACLU stands for the AMERICAN Civil Liberties Union, yet they're continually supporting NON-Americans who aren't even supposed to be in this country in the first place? They need to take this up with Presidente Calderon.

Greg wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:49 PM:Does any of this surprise me? It seems as if there is always some crackpot organization sticking up for the lawbreakers rights. This is another instance of the dishonest part of the imigrant society taking advantage of anything they can get for free. When will we say that enough is enough and get rid of the lawbreakers that have infected our society, and the people who defend them?

Cathy wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:59 PM:You have got to be kidding me!!!!!!!!!!

Cathy wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:02 PM:You have got to be kidding me!!!!!!!!!! Of course they should have to show ID's.

Concerned-1 wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:22 PM:To To Concerned-1. Let's see you get word to evacuate what would be the first thing you'd do. According to you it would be run out the door. Of course you would take your I.D. I would not like to be in an emergency situation with you. But thanks for bringing the race card in. It shows your depth of understanding on the situation.

Huh? wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:46 PM:Arrested and deported for ripping off supplies as they were doing at the stadium.

We don't hear wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:47 PM:from the ACLU about the illegals who are being treated in the Burn Center at how much a day. 7 men and 1 woman. Why isn't the ACLU going to the Mexican government to get the $$$ to pay for this. Better yet why aren't they paying for it? Better yet why aren't the illegal supporters paying for it? THAT would be protecting AMERICAN civil rights!! Only the ACLU and the Illegal activitist could dream up a way to get press this short a time after a tradjety.

"M" wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:22 PM:The ACLU is a joke.

News Flash to ACLU wrote on Nov 1, 2007 3:14 PM:& the so-called "immigrant rights" groups: We, the American taxpayers, are NOT going to pay for their illegal, free-loading "gimme" butts any more. To those in this country ILLEGALLY: You are NOT citizens, therefore, you have NO RIGHT to aid from our government in any way, shape or form. Go back to your own country where you are citizens - wherever that might be - and demand that your government and your taxpayers take care of you. ACLU - You are supposed to be working for Americans - not those who have broken the law and entered this country illegally. Kudos to whoever arrested and deported the illegal.

MCD wrote on Nov 1, 2007 3:26 PM:AMERICAN Civil Liberties- Not mexican civil liberties-- As per our Constitution-- illegal ALIENS have NO civil rights. "Head em up and move em out"

Concerned-1 wrote on Nov 1, 2007 4:14 PM:Can anyone think of anything the ACLU has done positive for the general public? Seriously!

Tired of Freeloaders wrote on Nov 1, 2007 4:30 PM:They need to call their Mexican consulate collect and tell them to send a cab to pick them up and take them home across the border for help. Do you think we would get all the help in Mexico like the illegals get here? Go away ACLU. You have forgotten the first word which is AMERICAN!!!

Patriot wrote on Nov 1, 2007 5:18 PM:Next, the ACLU will demand the government provide firewood and tents at the border for illegals to use for camps, since all the firewood and cover burned up in the Harris fire.

Yer all clueless! wrote on Nov 1, 2007 5:18 PM:The American system of government is founded on two counterbalancing principles: that the majority of the people governs, through democratically elected representatives; and that the power even of a democratic majority must be limited, to ensure individual rights. Majority power is limited by the Constitution's Bill of Rights, which consists of the original ten amendments ratified in 1791, plus the three post-Civil War amendments (the 13th, 14th and 15th) and the 19th Amendment (women's suffrage), adopted in 1920. The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees, such as your First Amendment rights - freedom of speech, association and assembly; freedom of the press, and freedom of religion, your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin, your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake, and your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs. The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including Native Americans and other people of color; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; women; mental-health patients; prisoners; people with disabilities; and the poor. If the rights of society's most vulnerable members are denied, everybody's rights are imperiled. So get a freakin' clue!!!

what white privilege does to people wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:01 PM:what the aclu has done for the public? of course, whoever is asking this MUST be white, middle or upper class who has probably never faced any type of discrimination bad enough to need it. Consider yourself lucky. The aclu speaks for people who have no power, all people, for the sake of HUMAN rights, not just American rights. It's sad that we need to see proof of citizenship to be willing to help someone in need. Maybe there were a few people that are just taking advantage of the situation and getting handouts, but most of the people getting help are the ones that need it. You are all selfish and blind!

wwpdtp wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:03 PM:and another thing, not all people the aclu represents are undocumented! there are still spanish-speaking communities that need help, and that government people aren't able to help. At the community center in fallbrook, those in charge are trying to deny spanish-speaking volunteers because they supposedly don't need them, but there are people that do need these volunteers' help. why do they turn them away?

Has There.... wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:21 PM:ever been a racial or ethnic minority that has been greeted by Californians? The Irish were hated as being "non white" in the 1800's. The Chinese were subject to the state's harshest and most discriminatory laws so far even produced. The Italians were shunted to ghetto areas wherever they settled, and on and on and on. Why are Californians so hateful? Do they never learn the lessons of history? I used to think Californians were smarter than the rest of the nation but the sad truth is this: Californians are no different in spirit than antebellum Alabamans or Georgians. And that may be insulting to the states of Alabama and Georgia.

When?? wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:45 PM:Its only a matter of time before nonsense like this latest ACLU threat pushes all the Legal Americans over the edge. Just when is the actual majority going to rise up? The sleeping giant is starting to stir. and when it does, watch out. I just wish it would hurry up!!! Our country is turning to crap. and I am worried.

English spoken here wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:03 PM:As an employer, I have actually had non english speaking, mostly Hispanic, people come in to apply for a job at my American english speaking establishment and get mad at me for not understanding their Spanish. They get mad at us. !!! Are you kidding/ While I can speak spanish I will not. This is America. English is our language. In fact wasn't it once the international language?

James wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:23 PM:You people never seem to amaze me. Once the fire is out, your ugly side reappears. Not even the experience of almost losing your property, and lives, can force you to empathize with people--legal or not--sad, sad, sad.

Reardon wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:33 PM:Gosh, James -- if we don't donate money or goods that we own to people you want to support, we are awful? Who put you in charge of my gifts? No one can say you don't have brass ones...

American Tax Paying Citizen wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:35 PM:I knew the ACLU would show up looking for something to complain about. I'm waiting for Al Sharpton to make an appearance too. As an illegal, these people are already breaking the law, & have no rights. Send them all home & let their own countries take care of them. America can no longer afford to do it, & we have to make Washington understand, & take action. ACLU - you are so unamerican, you need to change your name!!!

Reardon wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:44 PM:To Yer all clueless: The ACLU may well insure that donations in the future are made to no one, if they must go to everyone. The Law of Unintended Consequences is at work. Remember, the Second law of Street Economics: "Nobody gets it if they ain't any." (Bad English, good economics.)

TO "Yer all clueless!" wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:04 PM:WOW, do you really believe that. Man thats like saying that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are really in the protection of Civil Rights. I think it is you who needs to get a clue.

EthnicStudent wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:04 PM:Honestly, I really don't think the government should even get involved. The way I see it, they wouldn't have gotten involved if one house burned down on accident or even on purpose. This is why you have home insurance. It's the risk you take when you live in a dry climate with flammable brush.

EthnicStudent wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:07 PM:To Concerned: When I evacuted, I grabbed all our important documents: birth certificates, SSN cards, medical records, degrees, and passports. Most people keep their ID's in their wallet and probably grabbed that as well.

James wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:08 PM:Reardon, your response is typical in that it is misguided. I support human beings, if thats what you mean in your response. To turn away folks, legal or not, during a natural disaster, is twisted and sick. I can care less who you want to give your "gifts" to...I didn't know disaster funds were gifts? Brass ones? To turn away folks in need of help...no one can you say you don't have any....

Reardon wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:35 PM:James -- do you support ALL "humans"? Thieves, rapists, murderers, serial murderers? Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin? Or do you discriminate, in some way -- any way? Yes, James there are only three ways to acquire anything -- steal it, buy it, or have it gifted. My donations are a gift, and I will determine the limits of my gifts. You will not determine the limits of MY gifts!

The ACLU wrote on Nov 2, 2007 6:50 AM:is one of the many reasons America as we know it will eventually crumble under the weight of the red tape, blurry borders and blurry laws and rulings that they seek to support anything but common sense and values. Laugh now, cry later. I really doubt that those that really needed help were turned away, but even if there was just one, it makes great headlines.

Here We Go Again! wrote on Nov 2, 2007 6:55 AM:It is NOT a human rights violation to ask for proof of residence before handing out taxpayer's money. Instead of whining and complaining, pro illegal groups should try the opposite tactic. Try thanking the American taxpayer for all they are forced to provide for those here illegally. Also there is some speculation that the 10 year that set the ...

Cal wrote on Nov 2, 2007 7:12 AM:I contacted the ACLU desiring to file a complaint of abusing human rights against the ACLU for supporting and aiding terrorist and criminals. They would not listen to me.

jeffreytg wrote on Nov 2, 2007 7:48 AM:My family and I evacuated from the Westwood area of RB at 5:30 AM on Monday. What did we grab- passports, and other important papers, blankets, pillows, dog, dog food, and 2 suitcases of clothes. Unless a person walked out- they had to grab their ID in order to legally drive their car. Maybe it is a matter of natural selection- if you are too dumb to grab your ID then you should not be supported...

concerned-2 wrote on Nov 2, 2007 8:05 AM:Because there are so many that feel they need to rip off the gov't,(you), it has become a way of life for them, thus making it necessary to check ID's. When they get caught, out come the excuses and of course that includes yelling discrimination and racism. The real question becomes, are going to just stand by and give a free ride to the criminal because they cry foul? The ACLU is, in my view, attempting to destroy this country and they should be dealt with for bringing false claims.

sydne wrote on Nov 2, 2007 8:29 AM:Sorry - but (1) obviously if illegals were afraid to leave their homes fearing the boarder partol they know they are guilty (2) I had to breath dangerous levels of smoke just to get to my car to go to work and (3) if you come to America, learn the language!!! Citizens have suffered - I don't feel a bit of sorrow for illegals whining because they didn't get the special treatment they've come expect. BTW - I'm not impressed with the ACLU sticking up for non-citizens.

Concerned-1 wrote on Nov 2, 2007 9:18 AM:To Clueless: I find your post articulate in the beginning. In fact, it was quite good. Then you try to explain why we need the ACLU to protect all those first points. I for one do not think we need an organization to fight for those rights. I think we as a people fight for those rights everyday. I found it quite interesting how you included "women" in the minority section right between "transgender and mental health patients (followed by criminals). I personally know one woman who would be quite offended by your post. As someone else pointed out: maybe you should get a clue.

Concerned-1 wrote on Nov 2, 2007 9:22 AM:Furthermore, I find the ACLU to be in the same group as the lawyers who make a living suing businesses and organizations just to make a buck. We should all be held accountable, even the ACLU.

not James wrote on Nov 2, 2007 9:31 AM:"Once the fire is out, your ugly side reappears" WRONG 'JAMES'. Once the fire is out, the ACLU reappears to bring another ridiculous lawsuit that 'uses' plaintiffs without any real injury to forward their radical agenda at the expense of the taxpayer. The ACLU is anti-God, anti-America, anti-rule of law and anti-logic and James, you can believe whatever secularized nonsense-speak you want, we the people see the ACLU for Constitution subvertors that they are. UGLY SIDE? How about truth? Maybe people are sick and tired of law breakers getting a free ride on their dime. People show a little passion in their response to this and you liberals immediately brand it as 'ugly' or 'racist'. What a crock. You just can't take the heat of a real debate so you fall back on the school yard bully technique of name calling. Your argument is as weak as your posturing and we're sick of it. Crawl back under your rock.

Sigh.... wrote on Nov 2, 2007 10:15 AM:Y'all proved my point so well. I'm disappointed that I'm not disappointed. It's abundantly clear that the ACLU cares not for the majority. Their focus is on the minority. As shown above, the most critical base their arguement on a belief that their postion is a majority position. Nothing learned there. Also, those critical of the ACLU seem to be shooting from the hip with bullets of anecdotal evidence. None have taken the time to truly understand the ACLU's role in society. If they had, they would have recognized the "Yer all clueless" post as being the mission statement of the ACLU as outlined on their website. Thank you, Concerned-1 for ascribing the narrative to me, but it would take me a week and 30 re-writes to be that eloquent! Whether you agree with the ACLU or not, please be informed. Don't recite what Rush, Roger, Savage, Jesse, Al or any of those loons say - they're just being sensational. Semper Fi!

KDelimont wrote on Nov 2, 2007 10:21 AM:a The ACLU should be confined to a 2x2 rubber room along with the latino activists they supposedly represent.

wwpdtp wrote on Nov 2, 2007 10:25 AM:yeah, i guess you're all right. you're not a human if you're undocumented, so you don't deserve to be treated with respect. you and your children don't deserve a helping hand. hey, and even though this country doesn't have an official language, speak english, not spanish. i'm sure none of you work, and all of you live off welfare and our taxes(even though, oddly enough, if you don't have papers you don't qualify for federal aid). and here you are looking for free food, help, and shelter when you're evacuated and may have lost your home?! how dare you!! all you intolerant people who write all these comments are right... i don't want ANY of MY tax money going to this sub-human species that contributes absolutely nothing to my country.

Where's the MCLU?!!!... wrote on Nov 2, 2007 10:29 AM:The ACLU is here to protect American Civil Liberties. ILLEGAL Aliens do NOT Qualify! Alens can and MUST use LEGAL paths to come to our Great Nation. Otherwise, WE DON'T WANT THEM!!!

Chilly Willy wrote on Nov 2, 2007 11:18 AM:The ACLU is one of the most evil organizations in the US and why we give them so much publicity is beyond me. What part of illegal don't they understand? Of course people were asked for ID. Look at the illegals that tried to rip off people at Qualcom. As I said they are the epitomy of evil. Why haven't we heard about the church in Baghdad that raised money for the fire victims? I have never seen anything on TV or newspapers.

AMERICAN CITIZEN wrote on Nov 2, 2007 1:09 PM:I would love to find out if I do something illegal, I could get a break...you see my kids were born in USA and really it shouldn't mean anything if it's illegal... shouldn't I get the same rights as illegal's? Not to mention a tax break...I could sure use that maybe...let's see at least 10 years of not paying? C'mon ACLU I think my rights have been violated...please help me!

Former Californian wrote on Nov 2, 2007 1:10 PM:EthnicStudent had it correct when stated he/she evacuted with important documents. If you evacuated by vehicle, your keys should be with your wallet/purse, which holds your identification. I suggest that you folks keep a briefcase with your important papers (or copies of) near your exit (like in a closet), and grab that on your way out. As for the ACLU-they should get out of our country. They are UN-AMERICAN. If you are in this country illegal, you are a criminal and should be treated as one. If you are naturalized, your naturalization papers would be in that briefcase I told you about. No problem, ACLU.

"M" wrote on Nov 2, 2007 4:03 PM:The A in the ACLU stands for American. Funny, the ACLU is anything but America. It's just an orginization made up of cowards that will do anything to bring America down.

24/7 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:11 PM:I think we have confused this emergency situation with the border invasion. (When everyone has to flee a disaster, we should help one another.) Mexico has two chief resources, oil and the money sent back to them from the US. And, we give them foreign aid. We are letting the border go because of NAFTA and the illusion that we can create an American Union of Canada, the US, and Mexico. When Memorial Day comes, we should celebrate the memory of the late, great United States. I, also, have had people angry with me that I don't speak Spanish. When K-Mart put up bilingual signs, it was a cave to the dollar. California has become part of Mexico. I know what to do to fix the whole thing. Invade Mexico for its oil, make it one of our states, and impose our law on it. Get rid of the Presidente, who doesn't know or want to really fix up his country. Make them all pay taxes to pay for the services. Let's fly our flag over their capital. Maybe they'll pay attention then. Or more realistically, close the border to invading forces. Because, PC or not, that's what it means. Too bad Bush doesn't get it.

Get on Board Californians wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:05 PM:The State of Oklahoma finds that illegal immigration is causing economic hardship and lawlessness in this state and that illegal immigration is encouraged by public agencies within this state that provide public benefits without verifying immigration status. The State of Oklahoma further finds that illegal immigrants have been harbored and sheltered in this state and encouraged to reside in this state through the issuance of identification cards that are issued without verifying immigration status, and that these practices impede and obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration law, undermine the security of our borders, and impermissibly restrict the privileges and immunities of the citizens of Oklahoma. Therefore, the people of the State of Oklahoma declare that it is a compelling public interest of this state to discourage illegal immigration by requiring all agencies within this state to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The State of Oklahoma also finds that other measures are necessary to ensure the integrity of various governmental programs and services. Get on board & do the same, Californians!

I Believe in Keeping Promises wrote on Nov 3, 2007 5:49 PM:Actually, the treaty under which the US acquired California and most of the western states was broken almost immediately by the US. It included retaining property rights for Mexican citizens in the new US states AND that both Spanish and English would be the official languages. The US has yet to keep a treaty in its history. Check the history books, folks. And watch who you are calling "illegal."

to wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:09 PM:FYI, if you as an American get injured in another country I don't believe it is routine for other countries to bill the U.S. for medical care. My mom's friend has been somewhat accident-prone on her travels and twice she had emergency surgery in foreign countries, and neither time was she or the U.S. billed. Both she and my mother (her traveling companion) were amazed to find out that neither country would be out for payment just because she wasn't a citizen. If that is what other countries do for U.S. citizens, why should we bill Mexico?

Reardon wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:18 PM:TO: As I understand your story, your Mom's friend was a legal traveler to a foreign country, so that country accepted her. Illegal aliens are not legally accepted here...yet.

24/7 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:13 PM:What happened over 100 years ago is history. Today, there is a recognized border. Anyone who crosses it without papers is an illegal alien. There are many people from everywhere who wait in lines for their shot. For what reason do our neighbors go to the head of the line? Why is driving a Mexican right, while driving for me is a privilege? I agree with those that say that Americans have fewer rights as citizens than illegal aliens. What is wrong with Mexico, that in over 100 years it has almost nothing to show? Could it be the corruption at the government level? All they can think of in 100 years is, send our citizens up North? Well, I'm sorry, but I am a citizen here, and I feel that the unfettered rush of people from another country is a silent, intentional invasion. I speak English, not Spanish, and I won't apologize for it. There isn't one person alive today that was directly promised a property right. You're basically saying give California back to Mexico. But, check your history, you'll discover that Mexico ratified that treaty. I believe in helping people, but it's getting ridiculous. Let's help Mexico fix their own country, if we must, so that they actually want to live in it. (And that doesn't include helping them suppress their Indian population--but that's another story, isn't it?)

. wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:52 AM:I don't understand why an ID is required to enter a shelter in the first place. And as for those of you mentioned that taking your id is the first thing any person would do- you're wrong. I know several people who lost everything in these fires and were lucky enough to escape with their lives- and didn't have the time to grab an id. I work in an emergency room and I would say at least half of our patients do not bring their id with them- citing their visit being an emergency so they didn't bring it... a fire is definitely an emergency and I can see how a lot of people may not have had an id on them.

clean up on aisle 1 wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:59 AM:all this stuff is days old. how is it breaking news? even the latest thing on here is from Friday.

alice wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:25 AM:I would like to know who is funding the ACLU? I've looked at their site and it doesn't make it clear. Are we the taxpayers of this country paying to help people who are helping people of another country destroy us? It's time Americans check the money trail. That's where it all leads. We all know Lawyers if they don't see money at the end of the trail they won't work for any cause.

Alice! wrote on Nov 4, 2007 7:51 PM:OK, you read the ACLU's website and the only thing you get out of it is that they are "helping people of another country destroy us?" I hope your joking! Are you sure you read the whole thing? As for the money, they survive on donations from people like you and me...wait, obviously not you, but people like me. People who think that are civil liberties are worth fighting for. People who believe that the tyranny of the majority can be harmful. People who believe that the government already has too much power. Do I agree with everything the ACLU does? Heck no! But that's because sometimes I am with the majority. Regardless, the ACLU is like a good defense attorney - no one likes them until they need one. I surmise that you have never had your civil liberties trampled?

ID Should Be Required wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:09 PM:I question anyone who leaves their home without their ID. You grab your wallet when you run out for a gallon of milk ... why wouldn't you grab it when you're running from a fire. It just doesn't make sense.

Hail, ACLU wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:17 AM:I think that I will join this organization which puts civil liberties above all else now that I see what hateful dunderheads are willing to fritter them away. People who think that they can identify SOME people as undeserving of humane treatment belittle the humanity in us all. I would rather give food, clothing, and shelter to a person made homeless by a fire than have anyone who would deny him that in any sort of public office. The next person found less deserving might be me.