Good Evening Huntington Park City Council:
My name is Arthur Schaper, citizen, journalist, lobbyist. Yes Yes Yes!
I want to comment today in regards to the rude, offensive, and unprofessional remarks of the city attorney, who should be terminated just for allowing this council to appoint two illegals to city commissions. He should be removed for his numerous contacts, friendships and terminations from other cities, as well, but I only have three minutes.
He claimed that this council is a business meeting. Not a pep rally or a high school football game. First of all, if this city council was conducting proper business, they would be obeying the law. They would not violate federal and state law appointing two illegals to city commissions. They would not throw out citizens for speaking out against these bad decisions. They would not wait for residents in the city to complain before removing a marijuana dispensary close to residences and schools.
Second of all, this is very much a pep rally, in that We the People are demanding enforcement, respect, and accountability from all elected officials. City commissions and all other positions of trust belong to legal residents, and no one else. We are rallying for our Constitution, for honor and deference to citizenship, to the values which uphold equal rights for all, special privileges for none. Last of all, please do not insult high school football players. Unlike the city attorney and this council, they play by the rules, the play to win fairly, and those individual players must comply with set regulations in order to compete.
Now, I want to talk a little bit more about citizenship. Citizenship is more than a word. Citizenship speaks of a legacy. Citizenship speaks of honor and respect. The word implies rights and privileges which do not belong to those who are not citizens. It brings with it protection and enforcement. When Paul the apostle was unjustly beaten and then imprisoned, he simply declared: “I am a citizen of Rome! I appeal to Caesar!” The legal authorities had to relent and bring him at their expense to the court of Caesar.
When an American citizen was kidnapped in Morocco, President Teddy Roosevelt demanded his safe return, without ransom. He summoned the entire navy to his aid when needed.
Citizenship is a status which deserves recognition and merit, which carries with it. The Department of Homeland Security provides this caveat to citizenship:
The decision to apply is a significant one. Citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. By applying, you are demonstrating your commitment to this country and our form of government.
The website includes this list of rights which come with citizenship:
Freedom to express yourself. Freedom to worship as you wish. Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury. Right to vote in elections for public officials. Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship. Right to run for elected office. Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
These values mean nothing if individuals are allowed to take away positions of public trust and responsibility without the status of citizen. There are responsibilities which come with citizenship, too:
Support and defend the Constitution. Stay informed of the issues affecting your community. Participate in the democratic process. Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws. Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others. Participate in your local community. Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities. Serve on a jury when called upon. Defend the country if the need should arise.
And that is what We the People, citizens of this country, are doing!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
I love this. Awesome
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