Congressman Pete Stark, a Democrat from Fremont, California went to a constituent meeting this week, a meeting which was occupied predominantly by citizens who were concerned about illegal immigration. Many citizens had Hispanic surnames and quite a few asked questions in accented English, indicating that approving of legal immigration and wanting our nation57;s immigration laws enforced are separate issues.
What was interesting was Stark57;s assertion during the question and answer session that 60;Our borders are quite secure, Thank you.61;
The video, posted on Breitbart News showed Pete Stark taunting questioners, asking at one point 60;Who are you going to kill today?61; He answered one questioner, apparently from the Minutemen, by sarcastically suggesting that there be more Minutemen.
He then asked one citizen in a mocking way how he would seal the border. When the man suggested building a wall, he made a foolish joke about 60;selling a lot of ladders61;.
There are many people who want some form of immigration reform that would confer legal status upon many people who are here illegally. Many others want tough enforcement of immigration laws. If Stark has a 60;liberal61; point of view, let him state it forthrightly and not insult his constituents.
Is Stark really so unversed in the legalities and logistics of border security and illegal immigration? He is a Congressman from a border state, even as a committed partisan on an issue, Pete Stark owes common respect and civility to his constituents. Pete Stark has served 38 years in Congress, such conduct as was caught on video and posted online shows a remarkable lack of respect for those he represents.
Perhaps the people of Fremont, California should remember this in November when Pete Stark is running for reelection.