Former Paradise Mayor, Ray Dalton, on local issues.
Bank of America
March 9, 2007
Bank of America
I am returning my LL Bean Visa card as issued through your bank (see pieces enclosed) due to your recent change in policy to issue cards and/or credit to illegal aliens in this country. As an American I find this policy not only repugnant, but, anti-American.
Your statements claiming to be simply the “bank of opportunity” runs contrary to the American value system of hard work prior to reward, this would include following the rules of good citizenship. I realize yours is not the first financial institution to do business with illegals, it is however the first to do so so brazenly and with such disregard for the generations of hard working immigrants like many in my family (and likely yours) who stood in line just for the opportunity to follow the rules of this country.
I have also contacted Congressman Herger’s office to review your policy. I was informed that Home Land Security is already reviewing this issue. In fact, I read this morning the Rep. Blackburn ( R ) Tenn. has introduced legislation to address the loophole some seem to be more than happy to exploit.
As a businessman I recognize the responsibility to stockholders to provide returns, but corporate concerns must always take a secondary position to national interests. There seems to be quite a bit of conversation today about people having their Patriotism questioned and most tend to back away from this issue, I do not. I believe it is clear there are those among us who are in this country but do not hold our nations best interest at heart, from Mexicans steeling into our country for reasons noble or ignoble, to Muslims dancing in the street of American communities when tragedies befall us, to financial institutions placing their concerns above that of this country. Make no mistake, I am under no dilutions that my account will have a great affect on your institution, however, I do not believe I am the only American who feels so given that B of A stock is currently falling. I believe it reasonable to say that just being in America does in no way make one an American.
In closing, I would offer just two suggestions to your board of directors. First of course a quick and decisive change in policy. If this is not in keeping with your values I would then recommend a change in your name, the “Bank of South-America” comes to mind.
Ray Dalton, Paradise, Ca.