Saturday, July 10, 2010

Money Flowing Into Arizona Defense Fund From ... New York?

Well, there's one stimulus plan working as a direct result of Barack Obama. Cash is flowing into the legal defense fund set up by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and one state high on the list of contributors is sure to open some eyes.
New Yorkers are among the most generous donors to a legal defense fund set up to fight President Obama's challenge to Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Nearly 300 New Yorkers have ponied up $11,956 online to the fund that this week had raised almost $700,000, according to numbers compiled by the Arizona Governor's Office.

Donors from only five other states have given more to the effort than New Yorkers. And four of the five states that gave more are on the southern border.

"It's just the right thing to do," said Robert Meigs, of upstate Ontario, who donated $100.

He and his wife learned about the legal relief fund on Facebook, at www.keepazsafe.com, and chipped in online.

"The federal government isn't doing their job, and [Arizona] is just trying to enforce the laws," said Meigs, 66, who works as a sales assistant at Staples.

Steven Padin, a cop from Buffalo, donated $10 as a "symbolic" gesture.

"I feel very strongly about the security of this country," he said.

Like many of those giving to the fund, Padin is a strong proponent of legal immigration.

Ironically, he is Hispanic, with Puerto Rican roots.

But he simply cannot understand why the federal government does not secure the borders.

Every year, the 25-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department travels to Mexico and other countries south of the border on a volunteer goodwill mission to teach police tactics.

On one of his trips, he got to know a man who wants to come to America legally.

"He was an honest person, hardworking. He wants to come here the honest route," Padin said.

But his application is stuck at the end of a very long line, while millions illegally pour over the border.

"A lot of them are just taking advantage of the extremely liberal hand some of the governments here have, such as New York," Padin said.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer set up the legal defense fund after signing into law her state's new immigration legislation.
Considering how little support Obama has nationally on this issue it shouldn't be a surprise why clear-thinking Americans support Arizona.

Here's the link to the page where you can donate.

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