Fallout Still Occurring in Wake of College Republican Game

The California Aggie reported yesterday that discussions were held in the ASUCD Senate regarding the actions by the Davis College Republicans in their now infamous but aborted capture the flag game. The gist of this discussion was an insistence by the DCR members that their actions were "misunderstood" and "misconstrued" that they were not "racist" and that their rights were violated. Many of the members perceived that there were threats against them.

A couple of quotes from the Aggie.

"Street theater is a common technique used to propel a dialogue," said Allison Daley, DCR chair and a sophomore political science major. "Our First Amendment rights were seriously violated."

Daley said she has received over 50 "threatening" e-mails since the DCR event and does not feel safe on campus.

Several students said DCR members were unfairly being stereotyped as "racist," "white" and "upper-middle class."

Aaron Saltzman, a senior international relations major, said DCR harbors no racism.

"We're very concerned, we're very troubled, because we don't hate someone of a different skin color," Saltzman said. "I'm Jewish. And I, too, am also concerned about racism and prejudice … so I can empathize. But when we're accused of being racists as a group, unconditionally, simply because we think illegal immigration is bad, that turns legal and political dispute into a matter of … hatred that demonizes ourselves."

As I have previously expressed with this issue, I agree that their first amendment rights were violated by an angry mob and that was not right. Nor is it right that members of the group have received threats.

I also think Jorge Jimenez a UC Davis alumnus quoted in the paper is exactly right.

"While you have a right to express racism, based on ignorance, then I have the right to call you what you are. And I have the right to say that this society is hurt by those ideas and those views... The problem is not my perception of your racism, the problem is your racism, and I will do whatever it takes to defend the defenseless."

People have the right to free speech, they also have the right to be criticized based on what they say. In short, the DCR has opened themselves up to the charge of racism. Is that really what the DCR was hoping to accomplish?

Here are my thoughts on the incident.

First, the question about racism has been raised. My thought is that word has been largely overused in society. It is not that racism doesn't exist, it is simply that racism is not the only driving force in people's views. It is possible to oppose illegal immigration without being a racist. It is also possible to be completely insensitive without being a racist. It is possible to be demeaning to people without being a racist. There is nothing inherently racist about the game. You do not have to hate Latinos to perform all of the actions and statements made by the DCR regarding illegal immigration. Therefore, I find that label unuseful.

That said, that doesn't mean there are not racist and xenophobic undertones that have underlied this debate. There has been a long history of nativism in this country and at least some of that has been fueled by xenophobia which is in short, a form of racism. By turning the debate into a game of capture the illegal immigrants, the DCR has handed their opposition the r-word and given it some legitimacy.

Second, the game itself was inappropriate for the college setting. It makes light of a very serious situation and it trivializes the actions of others.

Third, one must question the wisdom behind the game. It was unlikely to change anyone's mind. It was much more likely to anger people and polarize opinions. The only people likely to have sympathy for the game itself were people likely to be in their corner to begin with. Therefore, from a political standpoint it was not likely to succeed at its most basic intended goal to draw attention to what the DCR perceived was an important problem in a meaningful way that might be able to sway people.

Fourth, as many have suggested, the Republican party severely damaged itself in the pushing of Proposition 187 despite the fact that it passed in 1994 by wide margins. If anything, games like this are likely to harm the Republican cause by making them look like a bunch of extremists.

There was a good letter to the Davis Enterprise yesterday from Cristina Gonzalez.

"A conversation about immigration issues would have been appropriate and welcome. A game that dehumanized undocumented immigrants and made light of their troubles was not, particularly when this game was scheduled to coincide with the campus' Hispanic celebrations. This was not a comment on immigration, but a provocation against Latinos.

It appears that the College Republicans who participated in this event were not interested in substantive debate. Rather, they wanted to play a game that wasn't funny to many members of the community.

Whatever our political convictions, I think we all would like to see members of the younger generation learn to use their freedom of expression with respect and consideration. The College Republicans who caused this painful disruption made an unfortunate mistake. They should reflect on it and find more mature and professional ways of interacting with the campus community in the future."

The DCR has defended their actions through the veil of free speech. Unfortunately the mob has unwittingly played into that defense by denying them their lawful right to free expression. The lesson that the DCR has learned from that is the wrong lesson. What they need to learn is that there are proper ways to exercise free speech and then there are ways that will get them ridiculed, ostracized, and get their message misconstrued. This played right into the hands of those who believe that anyone opposing illegal immigration is indeed a racist.

In short, this game may play well to the base that is angry already about the issue of illegal immigration, but when you are a small minority both on campus and in the community, it is more likely to anger people than it is to convince people. It leaves open the charge of racism, even if the charge is not completely warranted and it plays into the negative stereotypes that students have about the Republican party. In other words, there was probably a no more damaging thing that the DCR could have done to harm their cause short of having a lynching party and dressing up in sheets.

People may have the right to free speech, but that does not mean they should say everything that pops into your head. When you insult people's sensibilities, it does not bring people to an understanding of your position. Rather it makes people angry and makes people stop listening. I don't think one person's mind was changed based on this game. Moreover, while you did not get to play this game, you probably got more publicity having had your rally shut down than you would have had if people simply ignored you. In this case however, I don't think that helped you either.

There are likely three reactions to this game. The right probably agrees with it, but they agreed with it before. The left thinks the organizers are a bunch of racists. And the vast moderate middle thinks the group are a bunch of kooks.

If the goal is to change people's minds, this was an utter failure. If the goal was to polarize opinions and anger people, then this was a success. I just don't think in the end, this decision helped anyone's cause.

---Doug Paul Davis reporting

One Man's Protest Against Immigration in Davis

It was a sight to see, one person, a young man from the 101st Airborne, standing by himself, draped in his own torn flag, protesting against illegal immigration across the street from the Davis Commons on Cinco De Mayo. He was a simple person, not representing an organization, just expressing his own opinion and the love for his own country.



That would at least be the way he told the story. Like so many, he shares some sort of frustration and a burning anger toward illegal immigration that is often incomprehensible and inarticulate. But the nativist tones of this country run very deep and have a long and at times ugly past. And they are mired in an internal contradiction, for this is at its core not a nation of native people but rather a nation steeped in the deep traditions of immigrants making their way to this country, in droves seeking a better life.



This one-man tour de force quickly drew attention of other young people--many of whom disagreed with his message instead launched into a counter protest. Quickly a crowd gathered around him. Some arguing with him. Some agreeing with him. Many just curious of the spectacle that represents free speech. Davis' finest also took interest in the event that quickly grew, watching from a safe distance, making sure that nothing got out of hand.

It is clear that with a war waging on the other side of the world, that the passion on this issue continues to burn bright here at home in our own backyard. It was just last week, that the Davis College Republicans endeavored to play the satirical game of "Capture the Flag," portraying the dangerous and daily struggle between the INS and border crossing individuals into a theme to make a point about their perception of the absurdity of our border control policies and immigration laws. That game never got underway because a large mob stood in their wake, threatening their existence.

Unfortunately, while such shows of force may effectively deter free expression they do not make the problem go away. They do not make the sentiment wane. They do not make the fire and passion go out.

Last week, across the nation, there were protests and marches coinciding with the confluence of May Day and Cinco De Mayo for immigrant rights.

In Sacramento huge crowds gathered at the steps of the State's Capitol, waving American flags, arguing in favor of immigrant rights. Once scared in the wake of Proposition 187, many immigrants are not going to sit down this time. It was the backlash the followed Proposition 187 that led to a sea-change in the political system of California as many Latinos, most of the themselves either legal immigrants or even native born Americans, realized that such movements put us all at risk and decided to vote in large numbers for the Democratic party. Whereas prior to Proposition 187, the Hispanic population largely split their vote between the parties.



The power of the Latino vote is evident in California's legislature as a growing bloc of power. But it is also evident in the attempts by members of the GOP nationally to woo Hispanic votes. This has effectively split the party and prevented the more draconian nativists like Tom Tancredo of Colorado and others like Brian Bilbray, whose daughter was involved in the UC Davis counter-demonstration from passing tough new anti-immigration legislation.

Recognition for the rich heritage of American immigration sometimes lags behind the heated rhetoric. In short, there is no wholly American Culture. America is actually a conglomeration of various waves of immigration. Those waves have shifted over the course of America's history from Western Europe, to Southern Europe, to Eastern Europe, to East Asian and Latin America. The greatness of this nation comes from the meshing of cultures and identities into a vast melting pot not only of culture but of ideals.

The ideal that America is a land of hope and opportunity can be quickly dismissed as a myth and yet there is really something enduring about that image and ideal that forces us to reconsider.

Davis School Board Member Keltie Jones this past week opened the school board meeting with a reading from Emma Lazarus' "The New Colussus."

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles.  From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips.  "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

This is the vision of America that welcomed in many new immigrants with a hope and vision of the future. This is the vision of America that we must celebrate. Watching a tired and frustrated military person protest against this vision at the same time defiles this vision but it also vindicates it, for it is truly America that allows all people to speak free and from their heart. Free speech as we have learned is easy when you agree with the message. The true test of it is when you allow a person to scream at the top of their lungs that which they believe with all their heart, when what they say goes against every fabric of your own being. That is the true meaning of freedom of speech. And that is what this protest brings to my mind.

---Doug Paul Davis reporting

Thursday Briefs: A look at the 5th Senate District Race and More

A look at the 5th Senate District Race

From yesterday’s column, Davis Enterprise Columnist Bob Dunning appears to be calling the race for current Assemblywoman Lois Wolk.

Writes Dunning:

“SACRIFICIAL LAMB … wow, was that a scary headline or what? … you know, the front-page, above-the-fold, double-bold beauty that said "Republican gears up for Senate run," and featured mug shots of the Republican, Greg Aghazarian, and a Democrat by the name of Lois Wolk … is this guy off his rocker or did he lose a bet and this is the way he has to pay it off? … if Lois wants this job, she's a lock …”

Perhaps the “Wary One” has simply confused this with the 8th Assembly District that Assemblywoman Wolk currently holds which is indeed a safe Democratic seat. The 5th Senate District, if one might recall, is anything but a safe seat for Democrats.

In 2004, incumbent Senator Mike Machado had to stave off a furious challenge from Stockton Mayor Gary Podesto to eke out a narrow 52.2 to 47.8 win. A race that for most of the election was a complete toss-up and Machado was widely viewed as endangered. He managed to stave off the challenge by making the case that Podesto was too conservative for the district.

While it is true that the district has around a 12 percent registration advantage for Democrats, many of those are more conservative valley Democrats rather than the more liberal Democrats of Yolo County and particularly Davis. Though Wolk is not a typical Davis liberal, it might be easy to paint her as one to voters in the southern part of the district.

Greg Aghazarian is a sitting Assemblyman who will have the full backing from the State Republican Party because this is one of the few seats that are in play—especially with no incumbent in the race and possibly two legislators squaring off. This will be a hard fought battle for the Democrats to hold this seat.

However, before we get to November 2008, we might want to look at June of 2008. Because there is a formidable opponent awaiting Wolk for the Democratic Nomination. That is current UC Merced Vice-Chancellor John Garamendi, Jr. His father is currently the Lt. Governor of the State of California. Garamendi, Jr. has strong ties to Davis and Yolo County as well. His father represented the area when he was State Senator. And Garamendi, Jr. has resided in Davis himself.

Garamendi has let it be known that he will be a candidate and he will announce sometime early this summer. In the meantime, it appears that unions and other interests are quietly lining up behind him. Wolk has been scrambling for the last four months for endorsements.

This will be one of the toughest primary challenges we will see in the state and with a 25,000 vote registration advantage in the part of the district which Wolk does not represent, it is not clear that this is hers to win. She is certainly far from a lock. Stay tuned…


Update on the DHS Situation

In a letter dated May 1, 2007, Davis Senior High School Principal Michael Cawley informed parents that the teacher involved in the Malcolm X Poster incident has now taken a leave of absence. The teacher had previously with the backing of the DHS contingent of the DTA requested that the student be moved to another class. The district has apparently denied that request and now the teacher has refused to teach.

With the AP Calculus Exam pending, the school is making several tutoring sessions available to students during lunch and after school in an “effort to ensure students receive extra time and support necessary to be successful on their upcoming AP exams…”

This situation has still not been put to rest and I must now question the leadership of the Principal and Vice Principal who have apparently failed to bring the situation to a more amicable conclusion. It is my opinion that a good Principal could have stepped in long ago to allow both the teacher and student to return to class. At this point, we also have to question the judgment and maturity of the teacher. It was clear from the beginning that the situation was poorly handled by the teacher and administration; however, to allow this to continue is irresponsible. The school board and superintendent need to begin to quietly ask the tough questions as to why this has continued for as long as it has.

Good Quotes in Response to “Illegal Immigration Capture the Flag” Game

Davis Enterprise Reporter Claire St. John has written an excellent piece covering the ill-fated and ill-advised “Illegal Immigration Capture the Flag” Game by the Davis College Republicans on the UC Davis Campus.

There were two outstanding quotes, one by Babajide Olupona, a UC Davis student who went to Davis High School and served as youth commissioner to the HRC:

"The thing about it is, as a student out here, the idea of having this (game) on this particular day and during La Raza Cultural Days shows how narrow-minded these people are," said fourth-year sociology and African American studies student Babajide Olupona. "I really thought this was a joke. I can't believe this."

And UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef, himself a target for some of the May Day protests in Davis:

"I was very disappointed that a small group of our students yesterday attempted to play an 'Illegal Immigrant Capture the Flag' game," Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef said in a statement e-mailed this morning. "In my view, it was clearly disrespectful and violated our Principles of Community.

You can read these Principles of Community here.

One that stands out in violation:

“We affirm the right of freedom of expression within our community and affirm our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency towards all.”

Chancellor Vanderhoef is exactly right, the counter-protest did not adhere to those standards of civility and decency. This was clearly a case where a group of people were treated without dignity and civility and the Davis College Republicans not only deserve criticism, but as many pointed out, probably hurt their own cause by performing a game that would have been more likely to alienate and anger, than build bridges of understanding. Whose mind would they have changed by playing this game?

I believe deeply in the right to free speech and I wish they would have been allowed to play their game. But I also believe in the right to criticize and ridicule people’s choices for modes of expression. This one was not a good one and it deserved to be criticized. I hope that the organizers can learn from this experience, but from the quotes, it seems all they can see is that their rights to expression were violated rather than what they perhaps could have done differently next time to be a more effective voice for their own cause.

---Doug Paul Davis reporting

Campus Republicans Host an Insultingly Mocking Game as a Counter-Protest

If you did not know that they were there in advance, you would have missed them. I had more people send me the counter-announcement on this than on any other item. In retrospect, the concern about it was important but the main event far over-shadowed this one.

On the lawn of the Memorial Union yesterday, the College Republicans were hosting their own counter-protest. About thirty students signed up. When I saw them there were as many as ten, and less than twenty students playing a game of "Capture the Illegal Immigrant."



The event was organized by Ryan Clumpner, a UC Davis student who grew up in Davis. When I knew him he was not only my neighbor but also a student of mine in a couple of Davis Political Science Classes. He has been one of the leaders of the UC Davis College Republicans and worked in the 2004 Gary Podesto campaign against Mike Machado.

Among the other participants is Briana Bilbray, daughter of Southern California Congressman Brian Bilbray. Bilbray recently won election again in Duke Cunningham's seat and illegal immigration is the centerpiece of his campaign planks.

Reasonable people can disagree on immigration policy--this blog post is not about honest disagreements on public policy. It is about insensitive, insulting, mocking, and unacceptable behavior by educated or should-be educated college students who decided that their best form of expression was a mocking game of capture the flag.

Illegal Immigrant Capture the Flag
Si Se Peude!!

The Rules:

1. Team Illegal Immigrants must outnumber Team INS
2. Team INS must play with their hands tied behind their backs
3. Team INS plays defense the whole game
4. "Amnesty" will be granted to all tagged members of Team Illegal Immigrants every 10 minutes
5. All other rules apply only to Team INS

"We choose to express our opinions regarding illegal immigration in friendly, collegiate manner. On our lunch break, over 20 members of the Davis College Republicans will participate in a game of Capture the Flag. We believe this is an appropriate allegory that effectively demonstrates how our government currently refuses to enforce its own laws regarding immigration, at the expense of the public good," said Ryan Clumpner, Chairman of the California College Republicans and a student at UC Davis.

"We believe that the leftists choice to walk out of classes in order to make a political statement supporting illegal immigration is an appalling act of disrespect toward the hardworking California taxpayers who make our affordable education possible. Those same taxpayers also bear the burden of paying nearly $10 billion in costs to the state of California annually incurred by illegal immigration."

In any case, it seems that the protest while it garnered some media coverage, largely fell on deaf ears, vastly dwarfed by the hundreds of students who marched in support of health care, workers' rights, reform to immigration policy, and against the war. Nevertheless, it is important to draw people attention to this event and show it for the childish and juvenile mockery that it was.

I had long since left the scene as the main march was the story of the day. According to reports in the California Aggie, the game never got underway.

According to bystander Kyle Flick, a junior political science major at UC Davis, the capture-the-flag game never played out.

"People from the rally came over with concerns with the DCR activity," Flick said. "After the main group of the rally walked straight through DCR, a smaller group stayed behind and surrounded DCR. The smaller group kept growing, though."

Flick went on to say that DCR members were outnumbered more than 2 to 1.

"They must have felt intimidated," Flick said.

---Doug Paul Davis reporting