Roger Ebert Reviews 9500 Liberty

9500 Liberty is a great documentary about the rise and fall of Virginia Prince William County’s local a law that would require local police to stop people for “probable cause” and ask them to show their proof of citizenship. (Sound familiar, Arizona?)  At the time, this measure seemed to have popular support, and there was resentment against a Mexican-American citizen who erected a large sign on his property (at 9500 Liberty St.) to object to it.

“9500 Liberty” is currently touring the country with a 25-city theatrical release (CLICK HERE for theaters).

Here is an excerpt from Roger Ebert’s review:

“Latinos were united in opposing the law. Many were longtime, well-known American citizens. But the balance was finally tipped by the voices of thoughtful Republicans and their distaste for the hate stirred up by Letiecq and his group. Calling Chief Deane a traitor was the last straw.

“[Filmakers] Park and Byler began as objective documentarians who found this story being pressed upon them. They become advocates and are clear about that. They try to show both sides of the debate, but (inevitably, perhaps?) the anti-law faction comes across more positively.

“The outcome: Passing the law led to higher taxes, not lower ones. And as for the crime rate? Chief Deane has charts showing that crime dropped every single year over the past decade.” Click here for the entire review.

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