Everybody remembers the case of Joey Vento of Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia where he posted a sign to "Order in English". I was planning on attending his court hearing this past Friday, Dec 14, 2007, downtown, but I missed it. Luckily my good friend Mariann Davies of You Don't Speak For Me was able to show up along with other supporters and she sends this in.
What a "kangaroo court"!
I can't believe how much taxpayer paid time and money was wasted for a marathon hearing over a 4x9 sign requesting that patrons please speak English when ordering a cheesesteak. The obvious pre-hearing bias and shenanigans of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations was not lost on the over 100 supporters and media present during the hearing.
For starters it was revealed and admitted that this whole matter was brought forth by a member of the PCHR who himself filed the complaint (which is unusual, usually it is a member of the public who claims some type of discrimination or harm from a violation of a City ordinance). It was stipulated by both parties that NO person ever called the PCHR to complain or claim that they were denied service by Geno's because of their national origin or lack of English proficiency. (So, what pray tell were we all doing there in the first place?)
The four race-baiting witnesses were never denied service and instead only offered their opinion that someone "might feel offended" and that would most likely be Mexicans ( as per Ricardo Diaz, professional Mexican race-baiter from Penn), or one witness's elderly Asian parents, or one very angry Mr. Santiago who claimed to never have purchased a Geno's steak, and only had recently been at Geno's after the PCHR had asked him to give his opinion testimony...
The race-baiting grandstanding of the day goes to "Professor Camille Charles" who came equipped with slides showing the demographic change in the neighborhood surrounding Geno's. She took the giant leap of accusing Joey of putting up the sign because the demographics changed in the neighborhood. The thing is, Geno's serves about 780,000 people a year from all over the world, his business isn't necessarily solely, exclusively nor in big part just from the surrounding neighborhood. She then puts up some very offensive Jim Crow-era signs where in businesses stated their refusal to serve Blacks, Asians and even Mexicans. She received many a groan from the audience for those antics.
Clearly, a simple request to speak the language of English in no way implicates nor in fact ever resulted in denial of service to anyone, nor does it imply in any way that members of any particular ethnic group are not welcome. She stated that language implies ethnicity. Joey's lawyer, quoted from a Harvard Sociological ethnic studies reference book (that any Sociologist like Charles would be familiar with...) and refuted her claim. Language is not inmutable as an indicator of ethnicity....there are at least 14 recognized factors that are a part of that determination, language is but one. Bottom line, no particular ethnic group is singled out when requesting that one order a cheesesteak in English.
None of the four "witnesses" could state that they represented anyone who had been denied service at Geno's. Obviously the PCHR used these four because they are professional ethnic-hustlers and involved with the "immigrant advocacy groups". Me thinks that one of these rabble rousers who lives near Geno's is the one whose feathers were ruffled nine months after the sign went up. In his usual style, and since he is the "darling" of the PC diversity/multi-cultural crowd at the City of Philadelphia, was the one who instigated the complaint without an official "complainant" who could claim denial of service or discrimination. Somehow this race-baiter has the ear of a local councilman, a City Solicitor, a Fairmount Park Commissioner and members of the Philadelphia Police Advisory Council as well as members of the PA Hispanic Bar.
I could go on with the antics of this monkey hearing but I'll send more tidbits if you're interested after I read the transcripts.
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Believe it or not, I was called as a last-minute witness for Joey's defense! The question also was raised that Joey's sign is also a political statement which any citizen has a right to make....I testified that my first impression of that sign was simply that....a political statement and I applauded him for doing so. I also agreed that it made sense because of his fast-paced high volume business that he needs to make business decisions to keep the lines moving and make sure everyone gets served quickly... the hearing lasted over six hours and the decision will come forth in two months.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, this is simply a race pandering group of people who do not want people to have to learn English. They are anti-assimilation and of the opinion that our country will be just fine with everyone speaking a different language. They are the epitome of the multiculturist and if given the chance will be the downfall of our country.
Sure this case is over a simple sign, but the overall implications will affect the future of this country. Will we become a balkanized nation, as some would wish, or will we continue to come together, as the nation was founded on, for the better good of all who live here. Apparently those opposing Mr. Vento want the former.
Joey talks to Glenn Beck below and admits that he'll probably lose the decision because of the leanings of the court. He also has a great quote in there regarding his grandparents that you simply can't miss. I laughed and laughed!
(Video Below)
