Friday, September 13, 2024

Springfield's Own John Legend Slams Trump's False Claims

Springfield Ohio's native son John Legend, the singer-songwriter, is speaking up after baseless claims spread online, amplified by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, about Haitian immigrants supposedly eating people's pets, that have spiraled out of control. In a nearly six-minute long Instagram video posted Thursday, Legend denounced those claims and urged people to show grace for our "Haitian brothers and sisters."

Posted by tonyroma at 09:33 PM | 13 COMMENTS | permalink

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Springfield, where he was born in 1978, has been "shrinking for decades," he says, but during the Biden administration more jobs opened up in manufacturing that needed employees to fill them. At the same time, he explains, Haiti erupted in turmoil and the U.S. federal government expanded a legal immigration program for Haitians fleeing the violence.

In the last few years, some 15,000 immigrants have settled in the city, which had a population of about 60,000.

"You might imagine there are some challenges with integrating a new population," Legend continues. "...But the bottom line is these people came to Springfield because there were jobs for them and they were willing to work. And they wanted to live the American dream."

"Nobody's eating cats. Nobody's eating dogs," he says. "We all just want to live and flourish and raise our families in a healthy and safe environment. How about we love one another?"

Legend ends the video with a nod to his roots and the name he grew up with: "John R. Stephens from Springfield, signing off."

I'm ready to make a prediction: Before this story disappears, Springfield Ohio is likely to see an outpouring of help from good Americans all over this country. And I can see corporations pitching in too. I see law enforcement officers from nearby volunteering their time to provide extra security from those targeting the community due to racist lies and intentional fearmongering.

And I can also see an all-star concert heading John Legend with all the proceeds going to the community. This is an opportunity to really turn the page from the vile misogynistic, bigoted, fear-based politics that culminated when Trump came down his golden escalator in 2015.

I'm tired of letting these ------ have control over our lives and their politics pitting citizen against citizen. It would also be extraordinary symbolic should the Harris campaign take the lead in helping Springfield as it deals with the chaos and fear that Trump needs like oxygen. Let's choke him out for the last time and be rid of his toxic, demeaning, and simply anti-American politics once and for all.

#1 | Posted by tonyroma at 2024-09-13 05:08 PM

It really doesn't matter what John Legend says.

All the city council meetings are online, and the devastation is discussed on these videos.

This is nothing but gaslighting by John Legend, similar to Aurora and City and Gov claiming it was some RW fantasy.

People rarely take the time out to complain about their city at these meetings, so the fact that so many did indicates it's probably worse.

I'm tired of letting these ------ have control over our lives and their politics pitting citizen against citizen.

That is the rub isn't it, many of the Haitians aren't citizens.

#2 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-09-13 05:31 PM

The smelly------------- is responsible for the bomb threats that closed schools in Springfield for two days. The party of McVeigh is a cancer.

#3 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2024-09-13 05:41 PM

many of the Haitians aren't citizens.

All of them are indeed citizens. I didn't call them American citizens, just citizens on purpose. They're legal immigrants escaping a failed government rife with corruption and violence and now Trump and his reprobates are targeting them again as though it's their fault the local community hasn't had the time and resources to better accommodate them as yet.

So let's ask Americans along with our corporate community to jump in and provide the help this community needs, with the point being to help ALL Springfieldians, not just one part or another. They live together, work together, and use services together, so let's help them all together.

That is the traditional American spirit, something as antithetical and toxic to Trump as kryptonite is to Superman.

#4 | Posted by tonyroma at 2024-09-13 05:55 PM

- The party of McVeigh

And JeffyB!

Proudly, apparently.

#5 | Posted by Corky at 2024-09-13 06:25 PM

Copying a post I made on another thread

drudge.com

From the Springfield, Ohio website...

Immigration FAQs
springfieldohio.gov


...
The City of Springfield has experienced a surge in our population over the last several years, primarily due to an influx of legal immigrants choosing Springfield, Ohio as their new home. Here are some most frequently asked questions about immigration in Springfield.

Q: Why Springfield?
A: Springfield is an appealing place for many reasons including lower cost of living and available work. These conditions are thought to be the primary reasons for immigrants to choose Springfield. Now that there are numerous immigrant families residing in our community, word of mouth is adding to our population, as this communal culture is sharing their positive experiences about living in our community with family and friends who are also seeking to leave the impoverished and dangerous living conditions of their home country.

But it's not just Clark County. Other Ohio counties that are experiencing similar population increases due to immigration include, Allen County, Hancock County and the Columbus and Cleveland metro areas.

Q: How many Immigrants live here in Springfield?
A: Although it is impossible to provide an exact number, based on data provided from numerous sources, such as Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Springfield City Schools, area healthcare providers and social services agencies, the total immigrant population is estimated to be approximately 12,000 - 15,000 in Clark County.

Q: Are the immigrants here legally and how did they qualify?
A: YES, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program. Once here, immigrants are then eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haiti is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security for TPS. Current TPS is granted through February 3, 2026.

...

Q: Why don't the immigrants work?
A: Immigrants are working in Springfield"in various industries that are in great need of workers. Jobs include work in warehouses, manufacturing and the service industry. Some immigrants are working in professional jobs as well.

Springfield is also now home to ten newer businesses, opened by Haitian immigrants, including, 2 Haitian restaurants, 7 Haitian grocery stores and 1 Haitian food truck.
...


#6 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-09-13 06:35 PM

It really doesn't matter what OneTinyNut, phony "ethnic" and sock puppet says. Never really did.

#7 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-09-13 07:56 PM

The police say the animal slaughter isn't happening, the city government says it's not happening, animal activists say they have no evidence, and despite the handful of people rambling at town hall meetings there is no film and this is an era where upwards of 80% of the population doesn't leave home without a smart phone.

#8 | Posted by Tor at 2024-09-13 10:37 PM

Of course Ballwasher and his ilk thinks it's true

#9 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-09-13 11:07 PM

Wait 'till they here about Haitian pizza...

#10 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-09-13 11:08 PM

It's always some group. Been the Irish, Italians, Poles, Jews, and, thanks to Trump, Central Americans, Muslims any other group of dark skinned immigrants.

Immigrants in my city are incredibly hard working, decent, family oriented people.

Racists and bigots deprive themselves of inner happiness.

#11 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2024-09-13 11:28 PM

oneironaut needs to do us earthlings all a favor and strap himself to Elmo's next rocket and leave the planet.

#12 | Posted by Yodagirl at 2024-09-14 11:32 AM

"It really doesn't matter what John Legend says."

I bet it matters way more than anything YOU could possibly say.

#13 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-09-14 12:10 PM

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