Iowa Radio Blitz to Advance Unity, Equality and Opportunity in Immigration Debate

The Campaign for a United America launches a two-week radio blitz to counter anti-immigrant sentiment in Iowa and advance the values of unity, equality and opportunity.

Cedar Falls, Iowa (PRWEB) December 17, 2007 -- A two-week Iowa radio blitz to challenge anti-immigrant sentiment was launched today by the Campaign for a United America.

"The immigration debate in Iowa has become toxic with anti-immigrant rhetoric," said Reverend David Ostendorf of the Center for New Community. "This is a vital debate but it cannot be held in an atmosphere of intimidation and hatred. Iowa and America deserves better."

"The Campaign for a United America is a necessary, moral voice committed to upholding the values of the entire faith community in a civil debate on immigration. We have to make our voices heard, and the Iowa radio blitz is a unique contribution to that process," said Reverend Richard Pleva, Iowa Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ.

"As challenging as the immigration issue is for Iowa and for the nation, we can't address it by attacking immigrants, who are here to better their lives and support their families," Pleva added.

The Campaign for a United America is made up of Americans from all walks of life who are standing up to defend the nation's historic commitment to unity, equality and opportunity.

According to Ostendorf, "The Campaign for a United America is working to promote a dialog that respects the contributions of all community members including immigrants and explores a sensible, humane and compassionate approach to life together in a diverse America."

"We stand with the majority of Americans who find themselves alarmed by the increasingly scornful actions and hateful rhetoric of an anti-immigrant movement that aims to divide America in order to advance their far-reaching and intolerant agenda," Ostendorf said.

"We know that throughout our history, anti-immigrant sentiment has been overcome by those who understand that immigration is a proud part of our uniquely American heritage. But we recognize that voices of intolerance are gaining momentum," he added, "and that they must be countered."

The ad will air nearly 800 times and be heard across the state on the Iowa Radio Network by an estimated 310,000 people during the crucial two weeks before the Iowa caucuses. The ad can also be heard at www.newcomm.org/mp3/cua.mp3.

The Center for New Community is a founding member of the Campaign for a United America. The Center works across the nation to build community, justice, and equality. Additional information about the Campaign can be found at www.campaignforaunitedamerica.org.

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