Monday, July 16, 2012
JACKSON — Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney may get a red-carpet reception from supporters when he shows up for a fundraiser this evening at the Jackson's exclusive River Hills Club. However, at least one group plans to show him that not everyone in Mississippi is happy about his proposed policies.
Romney is scheduled for a 5 p.m. chairman's reception at River Hills and a general reception for donors at 6 p.m. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., members of Youth Organizes United, an immigrant youth group, is planning to protest at the club.
"On Latino issues recently, (Romney) has constantly jumped to the extreme right, sacrificing his Latino constituency to look less moderate and more 'severely conservative,'" a YOU release states. It goes on to point out that Romney has cited Arizona's immigration law — recently struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in large part — as a model for federal laws. Under the headline "Romney can't etch-a-sketch away his anti-Latino record" the release cites numerous media sources, such as The Washington Post, documenting the candidate's positions.
Below is the entire release, verbatim.
Undocumented Youth Veto Romney in Mississippi
WHAT: Protest Romney's Fundraisers to highlight extreme immigration stance
WHEN: July 16, 2012 - 4:30PM
WHERE: River Hills Club, 3600 Ridgewood Road, Jackson MS
JACKSON, MS – On Monday, Youth Organizes United (YOU), a Mississippi immigrant youth group, will be showing up to Jackson, Mississippi to unwelcome the arrival of Mitt Romney to show the power of the Latino community growing even in deep south states like Mississippi. Romney, who will be heading to Jackson for yet another fundraiser, has allowed himself to be pulled far right by his extreme right base during the primary season. Now, he's trying to Etch-A-Sketch his way out of calling SB 1070 a "model for the nation," saying that Russel Pearce has an immigration policy "identical to mine" and calling for "self-deportation."
On Latino issues recently, he has constantly jumped to the extreme right, sacrificing his Latino constituency to look less moderate and more "severely conservative" to give him room to be more reasonable on other issues. This was during a brutal primary season where even Herman Cain and Donal Trump were beating him at one point. He has attacked opponents like Rick Perry from the right on issues like in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, called SB 1070 a model for the nation and promised a veto for the DREAM Act. Since Obama's shift in the Department of Homeland Security deportation policy and promise of working papers for DREAMers, Mitt Romney has only said that he would replace it with something permanent, however, is vague enough to make this a transparent campaign promise.
Over the next few weeks, undocumented youth will be taking their message to key states to engage Latino and minority communities to register voters and indicate who is on their side and who is isn't.
BACKGROUND: Romney Can't Etch-a-Sketch Away His Anti-Latino Record
• "Romney: Arizona immigration law a `model' : [Washington Post, 02/23/2012]
• "Romney Calls Arizona Immigration Law A Model For The Nation." [LA Times, 2/22/12]
• "Russell Pearce, Arizona Immigration Law Author, Says Romney's 'Policy Is Identical To Mine'" [Washington Post, 4/5/12]
• "Romney adviser Kris Kobach: No legal status of any kind for the undocumented" [Washington Post, 04/18/2012]
• "Romney Touts Support Of Anti-Immigrant Activist Kris Kobach" [Media Matters, January 11, 2012]
• "Mitt Romney says he would veto DREAM Act," [L.A. Times, January 01, 2012]
Comments
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
I take issue with your description of River Hills as exclusive. They are practically begging for new members.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
kdavis, do you know how much membership is? That could be the exclusivity part. Most people can't afford a club for $50 a month.
wearealright 11 years, 9 months ago
So let me get this right, any club that does not offer membership below $50 a month should be labeled "exclusive"? I'm not sure I can get on board with that, and that was clearly not what the article implied. By that logic, the YMCA is an "exclusive" Jackson club (or Jackson metro if we're arguing semantics). That doesn't make sense, does it? Every club costs something to join, and the nicer the amenities the more it will cost. No sense in trying to create class warfare where there is none (or should be none). And before anyone suggests it, no I am not a member, and as a matter of fact I am sure I can't afford it. But someday I might be able to, and I am sure I would enjoy it. By the way, is "exclusive" even a bad thing? In marketing and advertising that term is actually a draw. We all want exclusivity when it comes to the things we eat, drink, wear, play with, etc. But when we are talking about country clubs it's taboo, or what? Isn't exclusive just the opposite of "open to the public" in this case? And by the way, who really cares? River Hills is a private organization and can do what it wants. I'm not originally from Jackson (and have been appalled at the cultural ignorance and division since I moved here), so I can't say I know anything about the clubs around here, but almost every country club is exclusive on some level. I suppose the reference to exclusive in the article really means "white", but if it was an African American club, it wouldn't matter, would it? It would be labeled "diverse" or some other adjective equally as asinine as "exclusive". The problem I've noticed around here is, no one is content to just let other people live their lives. It seems everyone is always talking about what someone else owes them, or owes others. And that's not limited to one race or another as far as I can tell. There are just as many whites claiming they don't have it easy enough as there are blacks....and latinos, I'm sure. If we all took a step back, took a deep breath and concentrated on our own lives and the lives of those close to us, we'd all be much happier. Don't worry about what others have or don't have. If you want to help, then help. But telling people they will only be happy or life will only be fair if they have the same things, or access to the same things, as other people is not helping. It creates more division and more problems. There must be more creative solutions to poverty and class discrepancy than "spreading the wealth." It's been said for centuries...money does not generate happiness, and I submit, neither does talking or worrying about it so much. We live in the richest nation in the country - even those at the bottom have more than the majority of those in third world countries. Start acting like it.
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
Membership in River Hills requires a stock purchase and approval of your membership form, presumably by a membership committee or board. According to their website, that membership form requires a reference from an existing full stockholder in the club. Application fees, stock price and dues are not posted on their website.
I'm not judging that -- some of my favorite people belong to country clubs.
But that is what defines it as "exclusive." I'm not sure your assumption that "exclusive" == "white" follows; I don't think that was implied in the piece. I that what was stated clearly is that Romney is appearing at a fundraiser at a private club, which isn't exactly the same as appearing at a YMCA.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
Exactly. Often, in fact, the word "exclusive" is used in press releases as a good thing.
Some of my best friends belong to River Hills. Literally. That doesn't mean it's not exclusive. It is.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
And no, we wouldn't call an all-black club "diverse." We would call it an all-black club. We don't mince facts like that.
robbier 11 years, 9 months ago
"which isn't exactly the same as appearing at a YMCA."
There's some solid irony right there. The YMCA at Deville Plaza charges $55/month to be a member there. It's like an ultra-exclusive club.
Everyone in this thread is right, though. Donna's on record saying she loathes country clubs due to their exclusivity, but technically, any group that requires a membership, whether its a majority white or black group, could be defined as exclusive. So River Hills would be the same as 100 Black Men, per Donna/Todd's rubric.
Either way, I assume that the JFP didn't intend the term exclusive to produce a positive connotation in this context.
I'm off to the ultra-exclusive YMCA to work out, holla.
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
RobbieR: I don't think you have to buy stock in the Y, and I'm pretty sure they don't require a written recommendation from an existing shareholder.
But, you're right, it's a private club, just with what I would call a "less-exclusive" membership policy.
And I imagine, from your facetious tone regarding the Y, you recognize how different the fund-raiser would be there. :)
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
I don't recall saying I loathe country clubs, but I'm not their biggest fans certainly, going all the way back to that ridiculous one in my hometown.
Now, Todd Stauffer, golfer that he is (or used to be) has spent some time in a country club. Ain't gonna lie to ya.
None of that matters, however. River Hills is still exclusive.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
It also could be true that, after the past few days of revelations, that the most questionable thing in the story is "exclusive." The biggest question might be whether Romney is going to remain "the presumptive nominee."
ducks
robbier 11 years, 9 months ago
Sidebar: I pity those who shelled out the cash to go to this event. I've had lunch at River Hills once, and it was turrable (think Charles Barkley).
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
I think it's a time-honored tradition that people do not attend political fundraisers for the food. :)
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
Todd, I used to be a member so they WILL accept anyone, black, white, purple or green. Once you join, getting out can be difficult because it takes two years for someone to purchase your stock(which is another story for another day). River Hills is struggling like any other business in Jackson or the USA. I think your using the term "exclusive" was a pathetic attempt to couch this story as these poor Latino students versus the big powerful rich Republicans. By the way, I drove by the protest on my way home and there were less than 10 protesters.
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
kdavis -- since you decided to call my name, a few responses.
First, there are no "purple" or "green" people, and I honestly think if there were, you might find River Hills wouldn't accept them. I'd hazard to say purple people wouldn't be served in a Denny's, at least until there was a reasonable explanation.
Second, you're telling me you were a member. How much did it cost? If it really is less than the Courthouse then, yes, I'd agree that "exclusive" is a strong word. But is it?
I suspect it costs more than the Courthouse or the Y to buy stock and keep up your monthly dues.
In that case, what would be a better word? Tony? Sophisticated? Well-lit?
I think there's a generally accepted use of the word "exclusive" that is used to suggest "not a ballroom at the Ramada." And I think it fits here.
I've been in River Hills... it's nice. I can see why people have weddings and receptions there vs. having them at the Y, or the Courthouse, even thought those places are good at what they do and have membership fees. But it's not the same.
Oh, and not to belabor the point, but the story actually is about poor Latinos protesting a GOP fundraiser. Lord help Mr. Romney if all the folks at the fundraiser are poor. Maybe they're there for the cheese squares.
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
Todd, a better word would have been no word. He spoke at River Hills, period. I was a member there for over 10 years and they never turned anyone away or kicked anyone out. You are just upset because I called you out. After being a member there I can tell you that the word exclusive made me laugh out loud. I agree the story was about the poor Latinos, all ten of them that bothered to show up. They should come back on Wednesday night and protest Margarita night at RH. Maybe one of those exclusive members will toss them a taco.
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
Private club, $50k a couple fundraiser and I didn't hear you mention how much it cost you to purchase the stock and maintain monthly dues. But OMG did someone say "exclusive"? Of course not -- they serve margaritas!
BTW, any word on whether any of Romney's supporters was purple? ;)
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
I have moved on from this silly discussion about the exclusivity of River Hills. It seems that now you and your significant other Donna are taking issue that Mitt Romney had a $50k per couple fundraiser. Does Barack Obama not have big money fundraisers? I guess when Obama goes to Hollywood for a lovefest with all of the movie stars he is doing that for free. The sad truth is that both sides have to have millions of dollars to run for President and fundraisers like the one last night in Jackson are a necessary evil. Heck I know for a fact that even Bennie Thompson, champion of the poor, has to hold "exclusive" fundraisers.
Since you seem so interested, the dues at RH are approximately $300/month and the stock is $2,500. More than the Courthouse or the Y but significantly less than CCJ or Annandale. But they are not exclusive. They would even accept Donna and you if you walked over there with a check in your hand.
I did not attend last night's gala but I think the purple people did not attend. They are still miffed that Ron Paul did not win any more delegates in the Republican primaries. I am sure if they did if would make the front page of your feeble newspaper.
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
I agree that the discussion of "exclusive" was silly. Thanks for finally coming around.
I'm not "taking issue" with the $50k per couple fundraiser; I'm pointing it out.
I agree that it's a sad truth about all the money required in politics; I frequently find myself wishing we had something akin to the British system with much shorter election cycles. And certainly Citizens United has compounded the problem.
Thanks also for the information about River Hills. That's interesting. $3600 a year would be tough for some folks. (Comparisons to CCJ or Annandale might be sidestepping the fact that those places have golf courses, but I won't quibble.)
As for calling us "feeble" -- feel better now? :)
Thanks for reading!
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
All I would ask is that when a Democrat holds a big ticket fundraiser (and you know that they do) point that out as well. The tone of your article and comments are like Republicans are the only ones who have these type of events at "exclusive" clubs. That is not true.
My last word on the exclusive comment. Both of you think that I am mad when I am not. In fact I laughed so hard that I thought snot bubbles were going to come out of my nose. When my family decided to leave RH, we had to get on a long waiting list to sell our stock for 2 years. That club goes out of its way to recruit new members and with the economy in the dumper, that has been very tough sledding. It is far from exclusive.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
Kdavis, you probably define "exclusive" differently than many people: $3,600 a year is pretty exclusive. The fact that exclusive clubs recruit doesn't take away from that. But, again, we didn't say that was a bad thing; this is your defensiveness, and I don't know, or care, if you're mad or not. And the snot was way more information than I needed. I prefer people keep body functions to themselves in any context.
I told you in Twitter that we'd report it when a Democrat holds a big-ticket fundraiser; you must not have read us for very long. You clearly aren't clear that we're not big on giving any party a pass. Preferring one candidate over another is not the same thing as partisanship, although it's remarkable how many people have been dulled into believing that it is.
So when you hear that President Obama is holding a $50,000-a-couple fundraiser at the Courthouse, or anywhere else, you be sure to let us know.
Meantime, let's all get behind campaign-finance reform so we can stop the ridiculous money in politics--and vote for candidates who support it. Note that Senate Republicans filibustered the DISCLOSE Act yesterday; Dems are trying against today at 2 central. Call your senators:
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012...">http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012...
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
Obama is not having a fundraiser at the Courthouse, but he did have a very lucrative trip through Sweden, Switzerland and China recently. Of course none of those people will be affected by the Affordable Health Care Act.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
Please point out anything you want about all the money in politics; we need to stop it. Meantime, we cover Jackson and the fundraiser that was in the above news story happened right down the street from us. Thus, why it was covered.
tstauffer 11 years, 9 months ago
Wow, this is like a one-man fact-check-palooza.
(a.) Sweden and Switzerland already have universal healthcare that is certainly more comprehensive than ACA. (Not sure about China, although I'd imagine they claim they have it.) But you're right... Certainly Swedes, Swiss and Chinese citizens would not be affected by ACA.
(Aside... interesting reading in Forbes on the strengths of the Swiss system: http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2011...">http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2011...)
(b.) However... the fundraisers you mention (as did the entire conservative blogosphere yesterday) target American citizens living in those countries.
You know, sometimes Americans go and live in other countries and then come back. And even if they don't, they're still citizens (unless they renounce, etc.) and can still vote and donate.
Obama was actually in yet another foreign country raising money yesterday... Texas.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
Now, who exactly said that to anyone!?! In your attempt to lecture, wearealright, you're not making a lot of sense.
The truth is that any club that requires membership is "exclusive" by definition. It's excluding (a) anyone who isn't a member and (b) anyone who can't afford to be a member and would like to be.
Not saying that's always a problem, but using the word "exclusive" to apply to a membership-only club does not imply any of that long paragraph of hand-wringing. Lighten up, or at least stick to criticizing what people actually say.
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
Well Donna, I guess that means the Courthouse is exclusive too. I pay $63 per month to be a member there. If you want to join River Hills, go there and sign the contract. They will even accept yellow dog Democrats.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
First, kdavis, I'm not a Democrat, Yellow Dog or otherwise. I don't dig any party. You're the one who got all bent because the writer above used the word "exclusive" -- that's what all of this absurdity is about. Todd has already pointed out that not just anyone can walk up to River Hills, write a check for $63 a month and be a member. That is textbook definition of "exclusive," and it's not necessarily a bad thing. No one here actually said it was.
You also had to be a member of the University Club, and it was exclusive as well. Had Romney or Obama or anyone spoken there, it would have been fair to call it an "exclusive" club. Why the defensiveness over one words, for goodness sake? That's been our whole point. You're the one who went on the attack over that word, and now you don't like it that we responded about the absurdity of your complaint. That is your problem, not ours, but don't try to say we said a bunch of crap we didn't. You get your own opinion, but you don't get your own facts.
We have nothing against River Hills: We have friends who are members, and one took us there for lunch one time.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
As for the Courthouse, that's not exactly the same thing. It's a health club; River Hills and other country clubs are something more than that and, as I understand it, have other requirements than showing up and writing a little check. Let's compare apples with apples (like the University Club, for instance).
kdavis 11 years, 9 months ago
One other point Todd. I never said that River Hills was less than the Courthouse. I was responding to the other member of the Dynamic Duo, Donna Ladd, when she implied that River Hills was exclusive because it cost more than $50 per month. That standard would make any club with a treadmill exclusive.
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
kdavis, granted, the $50 a month example was hyperbolically low. But I was trying to make the point (if you read it in context) that many, many, many people (including many who will vote for Romney in November) cannot afford a $50 a month membership fee to anything. That in itself can make something feel "exclusive." However, River Hills is more than a health club, as we've discussed.
Friends tell us that River Hills has really pushed for diversity in recent years and I know from my one visit there, it didn't have the same overly stuffy vibe you get from a lot of country clubs. So, remember, you're ticked off over the accurate word "exclusive." That doesn't mean we have anything against River Hills or the people who are members there. That's all your imagination.
All that said, River Hills was pretty exclusive yesterday. We understand that it cost $50,000 a couple to attend the Romney fundraiser and that he raised $1.7 million there (and condescended to the wait staff).
goldeneagle97 11 years, 9 months ago
River Hills not exclusive? Not very many people can throw out $300 a month and purchase $2500 in stock on a whim. Maybe not as exclusive as Augusta National, but it is exclusive.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID