THOSANDS PROTESTED ANTI-IMMIGRANT BILLS IN GEORGIA

This also happened last week when I was out of the country -- about 5,000 people got together at the Georgia state Capitol to protest against the Arizona-style bills that cleared the House (HB87) and the Senate (SB40). Speakers asked demonstrators to telephone the office of Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal to demand that he veto the bills if they reach his desk. 'We won't remain silent. We deserve respect and dignity as a community because this state doesn't work without immigrant labor,' said Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. Christian leaders from across the metro area voiced their opposition to these immigration bills as well at the state Capitol. While people held up signs like, 'Is your God racist,' and 'Stop in the name of God' several religious leaders addressed the crowd. Glenna Shepherd of Decatur United Church of Christ quoted Reverend Al Sharpton: 'He said, 'Read the bill, read the constitution, read the bible, and then read the bill again. And see where we stand.' Other religious leaders have expressed concern about a section of HB 87 that could make it a crime to knowingly transport illegal immigrants. Darker times indeed if this bill passes.