Apparently, in the United States, a person can no longer be against the unlawful invasion of illegal aliens without being labeled a racist. Forget the fact that nationality is not a race. Somehow, supporting federal law has become “offensive,” “classless” and “horrific.”
Just like this Utah license plate apparently advocates a hardline approach to immigration has triggered outrage online, and officials are now investigating.
The license plate, which reads, “DEPORTM,” came to state and national attention after Matt Pacenza, a Salt Lake City English teacher, posted a photo of it to Twitter and Facebook.
Naturally, the leftist “brown shirts” immediately pounced, causing national attention.
“Hey [Utah Driver License Division), how does this plate I just saw not violate your guidelines?”Pacenza wrote.
Many commenters wondered how they had been approved by authorities or demanded government action.
On the other hand, a number of Twitter users mocked what they deemed pearl clutching or defended the license plate as a form of free speech.
Pacenza told The Associated Press he had spotted the “DEPORTM” license plate on the road while driving and snapped the photo.
He checked online and confirmed that not just anything goes on vanity plates. State rules bar messages that express contempt for any race, the religion of political opinion.
“It did jump out at me. I was surprised by it,” Pacenza said. “What you find out right away is they do reject all kinds of plates.”
Three other people told the Salt Lake Tribune they had complained about the license plate as recently as a few weeks ago.
Daniel Thatcher, a Republican state senator, said license plates are state-approved messages as opposed to personal speech, so different rules apply.
“A private citizen has a first amendment right to say offensive things. The State does not, and has rules about license plates,” he said on Twitter on Friday. “I believe those rules have been violated here.”
Thatcher added that the license plate was using “State resources to promote divisiveness and racism” and the state tax commission was investigating.
[Again, other people ask ‘how is this sentiment racist?’ Sure, it’s in poor taste. But nationality DOES NOT equal race. A man admitting he drove his car into a little girl because she was white, that’s racism. ]
Utah lawmakers were scheduled to question the director of the Division of Motor Vehicles and his boss, the tax commission director, about the license plate at a hearing Wednesday.
However, some Twitter users suggested Utah officials should find better things to do with their time. Even Pacenza questioned the priorities of the national media.
“I’m glad authorities agree this hateful message doesn’t belong on a license plate, but aren’t there MUCH more important stories out there to cover, esp nationally?” he asked on Twitter Sunday.
Sources: AWM, Associated Press
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