Tuesday, May 01, 2007

The Immigration Debate: Your Comments

I wanted to share some of the comments you, are viewers, sent to us after the airing of our immigration debate stories.

Reaction Text : Why should Sheriff Bizzell be allowed to make such observations, when Don Imus is reprimanded for making similarly racist comments? We should not allow stereotypes to be taken factually, since the stereotypes, that I do not personally advance, speak very negatively of Mr. Bizzell’s county. Maybe we should take some time to learn of other people’s lives and cultures before passing judgment and enhancing thoughtless ideology.

Reaction Text: Maybe Sheriff Steve Bizzell and Sheriff Donnie Harrison should tell the fed that these prisoners are terrorist suspect, maybe then they will listen. Also maybe the sheriffs shoul contact the NY police dept. I know that they deport immigrants that break other laws (not the law of being here illegally). Laws like stealing, drugs possesion, domestic violance, etc.

Reaction Text : In regard to the ignorant comments that Steve Bizzell made earlier today, it is without hesitation that I may call him an ignorant pig. Not all immigrants are Hispanics; and not all Hispanics are Mexicans. It is rude and offensive for him to make such derogatory comments. As a public figure and leader of his community, he ought to be more conscious about the words he chooses to use. Comparing immigrants, and more specifically Mexicans, to cows does not seem, but is rather, rude and uneducated.

Reaction Text: Your so much advertised news story about the cost of immigration in NC was such a fiasco. I was expecting a “special report” in depth about it you barely addressed the really issues. It lacked balance. To really address the issue you need to look at both sides. Th true costs to the State and the benefits/tax contributions by undocumented immigrants.

Reaction Text : Could you avoid airing racist opinions by local authorities (Sheriff Steve Bizzell) that just feed the prejudice and ignorance of North Carolinians. Not all Mexicans are illegal and not all the illegals immigrants are from Mexico. I look forward to see more news addressing immigration issues and I hope you can do a better job researching and documenting, as well as showing balance.

Keep your comments and feedback coming!

Jason
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The Immigration Debate

I hope you had a chance to see the stories we did on the ongoing immigration debate, in North Carolina.

The debate is two-sided. On one side, there is the local law enforcement agencies that are making a plea to the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants who are committing crimes, and costing taxpayers millions of dollars. However, some say immigrants are just being blamed for problems beyond their control.

Tonight, NBC17 reporter Brian Deroy did a story that looked at the cost of illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, NBC17 reporter Sergio Quintana did a story about immigrants adjusting to life in the United States, and how religion keeps some both strong and hopeful.

See the story here.

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on our coverage.

Jason
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Johnston County Fire Forces Water Restrictions

More than twenty four hours after flames broke out at the Atlantic Scrap and Processing facility, in Smithfield, smoke still fills the air around the site of the fire.

In our morning meeting, there was some great dialogue about this story.

Two questions seemingly came to the front of our conversation. Why, after a fire broke out at this facility less than six months ago, was more not done to prevent this type of fire from happening again? And, who will pay the tab for this fire?

We set course for the day. Our reporters, Shirley Min and Carolyn Costello tag teamed the story to get answers to these and many other questions that we had.

What we found out was that fires like this are not unusual at scrap metal yards, according to Smithfield Fire Chief. Allegedly, the crushing of metal & recyclables can sometimes cause sparks. The fire department says that was the cause of October’s fire & suspect it’s the cause of last night’s fire.

To the question of who will pay? The company will be charged for any additional resources brought in to fight the fire (same as what happened in oct.). The fire chief said the company has been cooperative with the fd in taking preliminary steps towards reducing some of these risks but then yesterdays fire happened.

I am now left with one thought…it is not concerning that this fire has drained the water resources of the county to the point that water restrictions had to be put into place?

Send your comments and thoughts my way.
Meanwhile, here’s today’s webcast.

Jason
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