Just a reminder that the screening of the movie 9500 Liberty will be at 7:15pm tonight at the Naro in Norfolk. In case you want to know a bit more about the movie, check out this review.
In this film, an anti-immigration blogger in Prince William County named Greg Letiecq uses his site to bring like-minded folks together, and organize them into a political group. Greg uses his sway to amplify and exploit the fears within members of his community. His organization, “Help Save Manassas,” becomes the driving force behind a law that requires police to check the immigration status of anyone they have “probable cause” to believe is an illegal immigrant. Purposely vague, the measure legislated racial profiling, specifically targeting Hispanic members of the community, for the way they look, the way they speak, and any other unwritten standard. The almost easy passage of the bill illustrates the vulnerability our rights have to special interest groups creating false consensus. Through the work of a coalition of concerned citizens, politicians, civil rights advocates, and the directors of the film, the measure is eventually overturned. This film serves as a cautionary tale about how our democracy can be derailed, and how we often allow fear and misinformation to skew reality.
Those of us in the Virginia blogosphere are quite familiar with Greg and his efforts.
Earlier today, I received an email from Reform Immigration for America. According to them, a “national comprehensive immigration reform bill” will be introduced today by Representatives Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL), Nydia Vasquez (D-NY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Mike Honda (D-CA). After tonight’s screening, there will be a discussion of the immigration crisis and its effect on our part of Virginia.
Yes, I know there’s a lot going on tonight, including the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee’s Christmas Party. But if you can, get to the Naro to see this film.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 