A time and a place for everything

OUR OPINION
Published: May 27, 2008

The wall at 9500 Liberty Street has become a focal point in the debate over illegal immigration.

Known locally as the Liberty wall, its message has broadened attention to the issue of illegal immigration. But now it has served its purpose and it is time for it to go.

The wall — the last remaining portion of a house that belonged to Delia Alvarez and Gaudencio Fernandez — is covered in writing addressing Prince William County’s anti-illegal immigrant resolution and the topic of illegal immigration in general.

We support freedom of expression. We think that people, particularly those who feel they don’t have a voice, should have open forums to express their concerns.

Thus far, the wall has served this purpose. But every forum has a time, and the wall’s time has passed.

The City of Manassas has been struggling for months with the owners to get them to come into compliance with city code.

The owners have dragged their feet in an effort to prolong the existence of the sign. But the longer they do so, the more injustice they do to their cause.

The references to illegal immigrants as Native Americans are sketchy. Unless illegal immigrants can trace their ancestry back to the original tribes that populated this land before the Europeans arrived, they are not Native Americans.

And just because someone is of indigenous ancestry, that doesn’t mean they were born here or that they are here legally.

The sign is located in the Historic District of Manassas, and whatever else it is, it is an eyesore.

Keeping it standing does nothing to garner support for the cause of illegal immigrants. The wall serves only to irritate the citizens of Manassas who like to see their city looking its best.

Ultimately, the sign is not going to remain standing. The wall’s owners can kick and flail for as long as they want, but the final result will be demolition.

The owners should quit while they are ahead. They have made their point, received some attention, and now it is time to move on.

Alvarez and Fernandez, tear down this wall!