History of GRT Events

GRASSROOTS RALLY TEAM EVENTS

June 2, 2007 – First rally held in Painesville to protest our government’s inability to control illegal immigration.

June 23, 2007 – Second rally held in Painesville to protest the imminent passage of the ill conceived immigration bill then being pushed through Congress which subsequently was defeated because of the huge grassroots opposition voiced throughout the nation.

Aug, 21, 2007 - Candle light vigil held in Painesville to commemorate all American Citizens murdered by illegal aliens since 9-11. This vigil was inspired by the murder, execution style, of 3 Newark, New Jersey students. Two of the alleged perpetrators were illegally in the United States and had long rap sheets!

October 26, 2007 – “American Benefits For United States Citizens” Demonstration in front of Painesville Social Security Office at 55 West Jackson Street, Painesville, Ohio, to highlight the excessive costs to our social security and social services because of illegal immigrants.

April 26, 2008 - At Morley Library from 1 -5 pm- A discussion FORUM on illegal immigration, its costs to Lake County and current policies by local officials featuring Painesville Police Chief Gary Smith, Lake County Sheriff Dunlap and others.
May 1, 2008 - A rally in front of the Job & Family Services buildings in downtown Painesville from 11 am to 1 pm with the theme, “American Benefits for United States Citizens.”

July 18-20, 2008 – Painesville Party In the Park booth- highly successful with many people stopping by our booth to learn more about the Rally-Team and signing up to be informed about future events to attend in support of our efforts.

July 31, 2008 – Counter Demonstration in Oberlin, Ohio- the opposition was marching because a local Hispanic restaurant, Casa Fiesta on Main Street, had been raided and several employees were found to be illegal. Representatives of the Rally Team went on an “Excellent Adventure” to Oberlin to peacefully stand shoulder to shoulder with the opposition, our large banner saying “Politicians Must Enforce Immigration Laws” attracting the attention of many passers by who honked their horns in support of our stand VS the opposition’s. Several of the opposition became belligerent and resorted to name calling. . .we held firm and respectful.

August 9, 2008 - 3rd rally in Painesville town square, “America-Land of LEGAL IMMIGRATION!” with get together picnic after to network.

Dec. 1 and 15, 2008 - Rally Team reps attended Oberlin City Council meetings to vigorously speak against their impending city resolution advocating a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy towards illegals.

January 5, 2009 - Representatives of the Rally Team once again attended the Oberlin City Council Meeting where it was expected they would pass the resolution, however the vote was deferred until 1/20/09.

March 3, 2009 - Rally Team Reps demonstrated Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office in favor of E-Verify – American Jobs For American Workers

March 6, 2009 - Rally Team reps attended the Tea Party on Public Square in Cleveland to join in the protest against the Stimulus Bill since mortgage assistance for illegals was included in that bill.

March 10, 2009 – Rally Team reps testify in front of Ohio Sen. Jim Hughes State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee in Columbus in favor of passage of SB35 which would give local law enforcement the authority to arrest illegal immigrants.

April 25, 2009 - Demonstration in front of Lorain County Community College in protest of the 14th Annual Hispanic Leadership Conference which was discussing the Dream Act giving tax dollars to children of illegals to attend college!

May 16, 2009-May 30, 2009 - Demonstration in front of St Mary’s Church in Painesville. The Mexican Consulate was there to issue Matricula Consular Cards. These cards are not accepted as valid ID by Lake County Sheriff Dan Dunlap or by Painesville Police Chief Gary Smith. Furthermore, the MC Cards were deemed easily forged and not reliable ID by the FBI during their Congressional testimony in 2003. Nevertheless, our own Lake County Commissioners passed a resolution in 2005, to accept these cards as valid ID in Lake County. This resolution was introduced by Commissioner Troy and approved by Commissioners Sines and Aufauldish.

May 28, 2009 - Informational Picket "U.S. Jobs for U.S. Citizens"  Thursday May 28, 2009  from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.   Ashtabula Jobs and Family Services   2247 Lake Avenue,  Ashtabula  Ohio

June 24, 2009 – Rally Team members testify before the Ohio House Judiciary Committee in favor of Ohio HB 184 which among other things mandates Ohio companies use E-Verify for their potential employees to determine legal status in the US.

July 17-19, 2009 - Rally Team booth at the Painesville Party in the Park. Many people stopped by our booth and asked to be added to our contact data base and signed our letter to the Lake County Commissioners requiring them to repeal their 2005 resolution which made it legal to recognize the Mexican Matricula Consular Card in Lake County as valid ID. Both the Lake County Sheriff, Dan Dunlap, and Painesville Police Chief, Gary Smith, do not recognize this easily forged, easily obtained ID card as valid!

July 23, 2009 - Rally Team representatives attended the Cleveland Tea Party Patriots’ demonstration at Shaker Heights High School. About 500 people stood in the rain to protest health care for illegals as well as other concerns with our federal government.

August 1, 2009 – Rally Team representatives attended the Ohio State Tea Party in Columbus, Ohio. A crowd of 8-10,000 people were there and many contacts were made with others interested in stopping illegal immigration.

August 1, 2009 - Rally Team representatives attended an Immigration Workshop at Notre Dame College in Chardon. They were very cordially welcomed by the many nuns in attendance and had a chance to present our group as the fair minded, fact based group of legal citizens that we are.

August 12, 2009 - Rally Team members attend Senator Voinovich’s Community Concern discussion to express outrage that illegal immigrants will receive healthcare benefits under health care bill currently being considered.

August 15, 2009 - Team members spoke on “Breakdown,” Mike Gutierrez’s radio show on WELW against the Lake County Commissioners’ 2005 Resolution which gave validity to the Matricula Consular Card issued by the Mexican Government as proper ID to be recognized in Lake County.

August 13, 2009 - A Rally Team Representative spoke at the Heritage Club meeting at Helriegils Restaurant in Mentor about the Lake County Commissioners’ 2005 Resolution which gave the Mexican Matricula Consular Card validity as ID in Lake County.