kellar.jpgOn Saturday January 16th there was an illegal-immigrant rally held at the Santa Clarita Valley Civic Center on Valencia Blvd. During that rally Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar spoke and reinforced comments of a previous speaker who quoted President Theodore Roosevelt who said; “”We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language.”

If you look at the application requirements for U.S. Citizenship it clearly states; “An application for naturalization must declare the applicant’s willingness to support and defend the U.S. and the Constitution. An applicant declares his or her “attachment” to the U.S. and the Constitution at the time he or she takes the oath of allegiance.” The application further states as a requirement that; “Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English words in ordinary use.”

So when I read in the Daily News that Bob Kellar validated the notion of “One flag, one language” I thought he was right on the mark. He not only reinforced that Teddy Roosevelt quote he also told the audience at the rally that he had used that quote in the past only to have someone tell him that he sounded like a “racist”.

It is sad to see opponents and those with different political leanings grab onto that comment, out of context, and try to spin it into more. If you actually watch the YouTube video of the rally and Kellar’s comments then you will realize the context in which Bob made his remarks. He was being facetious when he said; “… `That’s good. If that’s what you think I am because I happen to believe in America. I’m a proud racist. You’re darn right I am.”

This recent brouhaha is nothing more than political hyperbole that the underbelly of the local politico likes to engage in. It’s given fodder to those that can’t find anything of substance to add to the discussion or who are unable to debate the real issues.

These are the same foes that periodically come out of the woodwork expressing “outrage” or “shock” at some misinterpreted comment, out of context remark or some minor mistake. It’s hard to take serious comments from political extremists or even someone who use to dance at the airport draped in saffron colored sheets.  

Yet we never hear from these folks when one of their own does the same thing or in many instances worse! When that happens there is silence or they are defending the person in the contexts of “this time its different.”

Consider the source! It’s almost laughable to read some of the comments that have been made; in just about every instance it is an individual with an underlying motivation.  

The United States of America is a multi-cultural melting pot that has welcomed all with open arms. Kellar’s comments merely echoed the frustrations of many Americans who were born here or have come to this great Country of ours legally. Whether our ancestors or individuals today the common thread is that they have followed the rules and the laws; worked hard, studied, and met the requirements to become a naturalized citizen. That is all many of us would like to see is that the existing rule of law is followed and enforced. That is not being racist; far from it!

Councilman Kellar commented about this ruckus to The Beacon with the following statement; “I stand behind my words that I said at the rally.  By listening to what I said in its entirety it is clear that I care about my Country and the issues confronting us all.  It would also be my hope that the context in which some people interpret my words and my being a ‘racist’ could not be farther from the truth.  I have dedicated most of my adult life in support of all Americans and their well being.”

Bob Kellar is not a racist at all. Bob Kellar is in fact one of the great local public servants; a pragmatic leader who is not afraid to speak his mind and standup for what is right. He is an individual who has served the people of Los Angeles as an LAPD Officer for decades and after retiring from that career continues to serve the people locally as a City Council member, a community volunteer and a supporter of many charitable causes.

We need a lot more good people like Bob Kellar in the Santa Clarita Valley!

Dave Bossert- Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.