Sending The Wrong Message At The Wrong Time for TN

TN Legislators have approved resolution HJR 1253 to "commend" Arizona for their much maligned bill SB 1070, which mandates racial profiling (among other terrible things) in an misguided attempt to enforce federal immigration laws.

See for yourself. Here's an excerpt:

WHEREAS, on April 19, 2010, the Arizona State Legislature passed the "Support Our
Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act," which Governor Jan Brewer signed into law on
April 23, 2010, calling the measure "another step forward in protecting the State of Arizona";

...

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that this body hereby honors and commends the State of Arizona....

Yes, this resolution does nothing. Yes, there are more dangerous bills to worry about. Yes, this is just politics at its worst.

But, that's not the point.

The impact of this resolution is to send a message about TN's position in this national debate. And if that's the case, it couldn't be coming at a worse time.

Since the passage of SB1070, Arizona's tourism industry has taken a significant hit. At least 23 events have been cancelled in the last few weeks, costing the state of Arizona between $6 and $10 million already. Here are some notable examples of the backlash:

• San Francisco and St. Paul have banned public employees from traveling to Arizona on business. Los Angeles, and Oakland are considering similar actions. (source)
• Boston, New York, San Diego, and other cities passed boycotts or resolutions condemning Arizona, with considerations to future economic action. (source)
• Gov. Rick Perry of Texas (R-TX) and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) joined other conservative governors condemning the law, and refusing to sign similar legislation if introduced in their own states. (source)
• The Republican National Convention decided against Arizona, opting to take the 2012 convention to Tampa Bay, FL. (source)
• The Major League Baseball Players Association has issued a statement condemning SB1070, and the MLB is reportedly considering pulling the 2011 All-Star game out of the state, which could cost Arizona $150 million. (source)
• Just last week, Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon announced that his city was facing a "near economic crisis" because of SB1070 and the subsequent national boycott. A study was presented to the city council which estimated that Phoenix stood to lose upwards of $90 million dollars, in a worst case scenario. (source)

Why do we need to put Tennessee's name on something that is not only drawing serious criticism from all quarters, but also losing the State of Arizona significant tourism and income?  We have enough of our own problems to be attaching our name to someone else's disaster.

Make no mistake, this economic  fallout is coming because SB 1070 is mean-spirited, borderline unconstitutional, and targeted specifically at non-white immigrants. There are many businesses and institutions that are unwilling to support such a racially divisive piece of legislation. Creating new laws that mandate racial profiling is a step backwards for this country. It does not reflect our American values of equality and fairness.

The passage of HJR 1253 sends a clear message to all those businesses who have boycotted Arizona (or are considering boycotting Arizona) to please add TN to their list of unfriendly, unwelcoming states. As the boycott movement continues to grow, this resolution could certainly help institutions decide which additional states to avoid doing business with.

We should say one good thing about SB1170: It's trying to fill a void left by a federal government unwilling to reform our broken immigration system. It is filling that void with racism and failed enforcement tactics - but at least you can understand the desire of many folks to do something about our broken system.

Let's hope that Congress and the White House are paying attention. Because until Washington finds the courage to tackle immigration reform, we will be left with states coming up with their own "solutions."

Regardless of the cost.

Comments

[Vic]

Don't understand why TIRRC considers this resolution as a political meaningless move, but on the other hand, TIRRC asked us to contact our state representative to tell them that TN is not AZ. So, what to do? what to believe?

[red bottom shoes]

Look at the stitching! A quality Christian Louboutin Field Boots Black should really have near-perfect stitching and zilch wonky, for not plenty of far better phrases.The Christianlouboutin Pumps Delic Crescent Toe In Black allow for her to personal amid the best of sexual mind-set. The sort of frame of mind that speaks of the significant number of Christian Louboutin Pumps Brigette Python Shoe Boots! These sneakers showcase the mysterious outcomes and a variety of individuals who are desirables. Specifically, the Christian Louboutin Armony Removable Grey Cuff Black Boots is definitely a beautiful nappa leather boot this can be the correct and and so the most up-to-date in trend. It is the highest motto of various Christian Louboutin Button Up OTK Boot women!Christian Louboutin footwear is everywhere, and then for us babes cheaply, this can be unquestionably excellent. Even so, normally there are a few Christian Louboutin Robot 120 Ankle Boots that men and women must avoid including the plague! Why? We have now a substantial distinction amongst Christian Louboutin Boots and poor quality Christian sneakers. When you may be saving lots of cash on obtaining louboutin footwear in lieu of genuine Christian Louboutin Leopard Boots, you could possibly nevertheless be ripped off during the function the expertise with the shoe is just not there. I will share each of the suggestions you require to just keep in mind to are becoming the very best deal when acquiring Christian Louboutin Glossy Ankle Boots In Black.First and foremost, depend on your intuition! Should your gut is informing you that men and women sneakers are overpriced for your personal quality, or something which is just will not feel proper walk away or question Christian Louboutin Pumps In Brown.
Christian Louboutin manufacturer significant heel shoes are appreciated by Stars specifically Hollywood stars and so are the most top-level shoe brand. Talking bluntly, Also i really like the Christian Louboutin Pumps In Blue, unquestionably no rationale, completely for it is Christian louboutin, if the selling prices usually are not much too expensive, There’s without doubt that I will take pleasure in it more and will purchase quite a few red sole women superior Christian Louboutin Venetian Pumps in Black. But when it’s not at all so pricey, it can be probable not louboutin sneakers.Currently, Christian manufacturer significant heel shoes can be obtained at higher tariff of 800USD as well as a lot more, but there’s even now quite a few Christian Louboutin Venetian Pumps to obtain. From slightly information and facts we could discover additional, which include Tom Cruise spend in a very pair of Christian louboutin footwear for his daughter who only one as well as a fifty percent yr previous, the Christian Louboutin Sandals is 3000 USD. You are able to picture how the charming these footwear have.”I are able to see the entire world, quickly placed on high heels”. With that said, you are going to usually ought to ask numerous Christian Louboutin Ulona platform sandals as humanly doable. Any sensible buyer will do not need an issue answering them with your situation.Look at the label! The fact remains, having said that, some Chrsitian Louboutin Grey Canvas High-Top Casual Shoes could have the label glued on, as an alternative to stitching. This is ordinarily a huge sign the excellent of all those footwear is not really actually value income you happen to be just about to dedicate to them. This brings me towards the Chrsitian Louboutin Black Canvas High-Top Suede Shoes. Look at the stitching! A quality Christian louboutin shoe should really have near-perfect stitching and zilch wonky, for not plenty of far better phrases.The Christian Louboutin Platform Mad Mary Janes Three Strap black allow for her to personal amid the best of sexual mind-set. The sort of frame of mind that speaks of the significant number of louboutin high heels! These sneakers showcase the mysterious outcomes and a variety of individuals who are desirables. Specifically, the louboutin sale Contente OTK Grey Suede Boots is definitely a beautiful nappa leather boot this can be the correct and and so the christian louboutin flats in trend. It is the highest motto of various trend women!Christian Louboutin footwear is everywhere, and then for christian louboutin over the knee boots cheaply, this can be unquestionably excellent. Even so, normally there are a few silver ankle boots that men and women must avoid including the plague! Why? We have now a substantial distinction amongst high top quality christian louboutin pumps and poor quality Christian sneakers. When you may be saving lots of cash on obtaining christian louboutin crystal heels sale in lieu of genuine kinds, you could possibly nevertheless be ripped off during the function the expertise with the red sole shoes replica is just not there. I will share each of the suggestions you require to just keep in mind to are becoming the very best deal when acquiring Christian Louboutin shoes.First and foremost, depend on your intuition! Should your gut is informing you that men and women christian louboutin for less are overpriced for your personal quality, or something which is just will not feel proper walk away or question various issues. christian louboutin hidden wedge riding boot manufacturer significant heel shoes are appreciated by Stars specifically Hollywood stars and so are the most top-level shoe brand. Talking bluntly, Also i really like the red sole large heel shoes, unquestionably no rationale, completely for cheap christian louboutin shoes under 100 is Christian louboutin, if the selling prices usually are not much too expensive, There’s without doubt that I will take pleasure in christian louboutin nitoinimoi bandage ankle boots more and will purchase quite a few red sole women superior heel sandals. But when it’s not at all so pricey, it can be probable not louboutin sneakers.Currently, Christian manufacturer discount christian louboutin women's shoes can be obtained at higher tariff of 800USD as well as a lot more, but there’s even now quite a few consumers to obtain. From slightly information and christian louboutin robot 120 ankle boots we could discover additional, which include Tom Cruise spend in a very pair of christian louboutin miss 120 platform ankle boots for his daughter who only one as well as a fifty percent yr previous, the quantity is 3000 USD. You are able to picture how the charming these christian louboutin high top sneakers have.”
ganjames