texas rep. tells chinese american lawyer to "go home"

Heard about this last week, an incident with some angry words exchanged between Rep. Leo Berman and Dallas lawyer Harry Joe at a panel discussion on immigration in Austin: Angry words fly between Texas legislator, lawyer after immigration discussion.

The confrontation actually happened after the panel, where Berman spoke about his proposed bill to relocate and restrict illegal immigrants to Texas "sanctuary cities," where law officers are instructed not to ask people they encounter about their immigration status. This is just the latest in a series of bills authored by Berman, aimed at illegal immigrants.

More here: Heated words fly after immigration discussion. Chinese American attorney Harry Joe, who practices immigration law, approached Berman with a piece of his mind, and the conversation quickly turned ugly. Joe apparently called Berman "despicable" and "evil," to which Berman shouted back, "Go home!" Oh. No. You. Didn't.

Yes, he did. We've all heard it before. The good old go-back-to-where-you-came-from retort, directed at an Asian American man -- from an elected official, no less. Now that didn't take long, did it? Tell us how you really feel, Leo. You mean, go home to Dallas? Or somewhere much further? When pushed, the guy reveals the xenophobia in his heart. It's as simple as that. That's racist!

And now, a number of activists and immigration rights advocates are calling for action against Berman, whose actions are "clearly unbecoming a member of the Texas Legislature": "Censure Leo" effort targets Tyler Republican. Censure is a formal reprimand in the House. It must be passed by majority vote, and does not carry any disciplinary action.

To join the movement, sign the petition, and find out multiple ways you can take action against Leo "Go Home" Berman -- contact your member of the Texas House of Representative, call Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, call Berman himself -- go here: Censure Leo.