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Stop Hate Crime Against Immigrants in Suffolk County

To: William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer ), Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive )

Started by: Ted Hesson

(Scroll down for the actual letter)

Pelted with beer bottles. Beaten with baseball bats. Shot with BB guns and assaulted with pepper spray.

Or in the case of Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero--who was attacked by a group of young white men in Patchogue, N.Y. last November--stabbed to death.

For the past decade, violent attacks against Latino immigrants in Suffolk County, N.Y., have become a serious problem, and in many instances, local politicians have helped fuel the flames of hate with anti-immigrant rhetoric, according to "Climate of Fear: Latino Immigrants in Suffolk County, N.Y.," a report recently released by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a non-profit that tracks hate groups.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy is referred to in the report as "The Enabler-in-Chief" because he's helped foster an anti-immigrant atmosphere with his demagoguery. From the top down, the county executive has sent the message that rhetoric against immigrants is acceptable, by both his comments--such as describing children born to immigrants as "anchor babies"--and his support of anti-immigrant policies.

Despite the serious issues cited in the report, Levy hasn't responded convincingly--that's why we want you to challenge him to heed the report's recommendations.

We at Long Island Wins realize that our country's immigration system is broken. But instead of demagoguery, we're pushing for real solutions that will work for everyone, immigrants and more established residents alike. Join us and show your support by signing this petition.

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Stop Hate Crime Against Immigrants in Suffolk County

Dear Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy,

The Southern Poverty Law Center, an independent organization which tracks hate groups nationally, just released a report describing the intolerance and hate violence that has been festering for years in Suffolk County, N.Y. The report, entitled “Climate of Fear: Latino Immigrants in Suffolk County, N.Y.,” details 10 years of anti-immigrant rhetoric and hostility by Suffolk County government leaders and hate groups, which has translated into violence against the Latino community on a regular basis. As the most prominent leader in Suffolk County you have the range of influence that could affect the course and safety of this county. Suffolk has an undeniable problem. While we, the community, pledge to take action, your leadership is also vital to defeating hate crime. We ask you, County Executive Levy, to do the following: -Read the Southern Poverty Law Center’s report. -Halt angry and hateful rhetoric on issues of immigration. -Keep our communities safe for everyone by training law enforcement officers to ensure that they take seriously cases of hate-motivated crime. Isolating any part of the community only victimizes the entire community and then no one feels safe. -Promote educational programs in the public schools to encourage respect for diversity and opposition to hatred. -Make Suffolk County a place where the quality of life is safe and equal for everyone. Hate crimes violate the very equality we value as Americans, a concept that is held as one of our basic human rights. Sincerely, CC: Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer William J. Lindsay Suffolk County Democratic Committee Chairman Rich Schaffer

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Michael T. Tiedemann Poughkeepsie, NY

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 18
Samantha Treadwell Magnolia, TX

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 18
Nick Davis Toronto, NY

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 18
Ron. Price pasadena, TX

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 17
Kim Carter Van Wert, OH

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 17
pamlynn montgomery norcross, GA

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 16
Erin Gillitzer La Crosse, WI

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 05
Jason Bowman Sacramento, CA

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 05
Candy LeBlanc Cameron Park, CA

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 03
Andreea Tanase Riverside, CA

Sent letter to Steve Levy (Suffolk County Executive ) , Rich Schaffer (Suffolk County Democratic Chairman ) and William J. Lindsay (Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer )

Nov 01