Published: November 15, 2007 02:51 am            

Editorial: It's about more than illegal immigration

Cullman has a rich German history. Her residents pride themselves on strong Christian values, a strong work ethic and willingness to come together for the better good.

When the food bank is low, put the word out and donations flow in. When health care was needed for those without, the Good Samaritian Clinic was created. On Thanksgiving, Cullman area churches and the Cullman Ministerial Association sponsor a meal for anyone who might not get one otherwise.

There are good people in Cullman who care not only about their neighbors but Cullman’s reputation as a whole.

Sadly, Cullman has another reputation — partly justified, partly not.

We’re certain the majority of Cullman County residents have strong feelings about illegal immigration. We’re equally certain some of those residents will be at Saturday afternoon’s rally to protest against it. Anti-illegal-immigration rallies in Cullman are not new.

But those same residents need to realize the difference in those protests and the one to be held Saturday. This one is sponsored by the Ku Klux Klan.

Arguments will be made: “I’m not here for the Klan, but I feel strongly about illegal immigration.”

Don’t fool yourself. If you attend Saturday’s rally supporting the Klan’s veiled message against illegal immigration, you are supporting their entire message of hate, intolerance and fear.

Don’t believe it? How many types of legal U.S. citizens will be joining the Klan hand in hand to protest illegal immigrants? Will they welcome Jews? What about hispanic residents with U.S. citizenship? African Americans?

Will those legal U.S. citizens be welcomed by the Klan on Saturday?

Still unsure? Tell a co-worker, pastor or student your joining the Klan on Saturday because you agree with their stance against illegal immigration. Hopefully their expression alone will speak volumes.

Eleven churches are currently listed in The Times briefs as contact numbers for the Thanksgiving Day meal. See the front page of The Times Tuesday edition and you’ll read about area merchants joining together for the Christmas in Cullman event, residents gathering to pray for rain, and the Kiwanis Club planning an event to raise money for area children.

Imagine if all the members of area churches, civic groups and area businesses showed up Saturday to silently protest the presence of the Klan in Cullman as the residents of Athens did earlier this year.

The clergy in Athens organized a silent protest and used the pulpit to encourage the Christians in their community to come out against the Klan. The result was hundreds of church members, students and concerned citizens coming out for an “anti-rally.”

What has the clergy in Cullman done? Are silent protests planned? The Times hasn’t been contacted about any.

Cullman, where is the outrage? The embarrassment? Where is the grassroots effort afforded a wet-dry referendum?

The Times has been contacted by media outlets from across the nation, CNN included, wanting information about Saturday’s rally. There is the possibility the whole world will see Cullman, as they did Athens — some for the first and only time.

What will the residents of Cullman show the world? Tolereance, love, understanding? Will Cullman finally change the opinion of so many outside this community?

On Saturday, the whole world could be watching Cullman.

What will we show them?

        

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