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Some news from Austin, where Bill Richardson, NM Governor is. Alternative conference held by SNEEJ, Local groups...

Great job, y'all.

Here is a link to CBS news in Austin about the Alternative Border Conference:

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Two Different Groups Discuss Border Issues
Aug 23, 2006 10:11 pm US/Central

Keith Elkins
Reporting

(CBS 42) AUSTIN There are two different conferences underway discussing issues affecting the U.S-México border.

Governor Rick Perry’s official border conference is closed to the public and another in East Austin is being sponsored by grassroots coalitions begging the public to attend.

The two conferences are about as different as the people who attended each event.

At the Capitol, governors from 10 border states are meeting behind closed doors for the next few days with border security topping their list of concerns. While the alternative border conference attendees are speaking out for human dignity, equality and respect.

While border governors huddle under the granite dome discussing ways to stem the flow of illegal immigration, and better protect our borders from potential terrorists, different concerns and priorities are being voiced across town.

Community group leaders from many of the same border states have converged on East Austin talking about human rights.

They say the real issues should be health care, education and a lack of suitable living conditions, not more military muscle and what they call racist prosecution of those who get caught.

“This is a chance for people all over those states, which is California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, to hear what is really happening at the community level with the whole issue of immigration,” said Susana Almanza with People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources.

Governor Perry disagrees calling border security everyone's top priority.

“We can't sit here and wait for Washington to act while we have drugs being smuggled across the border, kidnappings, murder and extortion--other violent crimes that are being committed on our citizens," Perry said.

About the only thing the two groups seem to agree on is that building a 2,000 mile wall or fence to try and keep people out would be a waste of time and money.

Alternative conference members have requested a chance to meet with the border governors at the Capitol to present their issues for consideration, but so far say they have heard no response to their request. But they say they refuse to be silenced and have scheduled a news conference and outdoor rally for Thursday afternoon. They say they are determined to add their voice to the discussions as well.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

immigration
Bill Richardson
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