This a note to all those who would like to see Chatham County use every tool at its disposal to ensure that our community is safe, stays safe and enforces the law. Recently I, and many others in the community expressed our displeasure with the recent ICE resolution passed by the BOC without any public input or discussion.

It didn’t take long before the press and our public officials mischaracterized our comments. They immediately began dismissing our legitimate concerns as coming from out of state anti-immigrant activists. It’s true that Americans for Legal Immigration (ALIPAC) noticed what was going on here and was able to get national attention. That does not diminish the very real and valid concerns that we have about the message that was sent by the resolution. It’s also being said that some of the calls to the commissioners are threatening. I would be surprised if those calls are coming from Chatham County. I also expect that those types of calls are the exception and not the rule. Make no mistake, EVEN ONE THREATENING CALL TO OUR OFFICIALS IS TOO MANY. An issue with this much emotion is bound to raise passion and tempers from time to time but anyone making those types of calls should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We don’t help our cause if we are anything other than professional, thoughtful, and civil. Everyone I’ve spoken to in Chatham County from has been extremely polite and has genuine concerns. None of them are racist and none are against immigration. They are against rolling out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants. Most simply want the BOC to hear them and reconsider their resolution after public input.

The facts are on our side. 287(g) DOES lower the crime rate, DOES discourage illegal immigration and it WILL make our county safer. If the BOC is secure in their position, why wouldn’t they welcome a public forum with some debate?

We have to keep fighting this fight. I encourage everyone to send a letter or email to the BOC requesting a public forum and real input from the citizens. This is too important to be intimidated by name calling and innuendoes.

The Chatham County GOP has posted an ICE resolution that encourages the rule of law, and recognizes the importance of immigration, on their website www.chathamgop.org It’s posted so the public can comment prior to its adoption. They have also posted a quick reference guide to help with your discussions. Check it out.

Let’s keep speaking up until they hear us. You can’t be heard if you don’t speak.

Brian Bock