Read the transcript of Fred Thompson's thoughts on this debacle of an immigration bill here, courtesy of the National Review.
Some of Thompson's points that I would like to highlight and comment on.
"I’d tell you what was in the legislation, but 24 hours after the politicians agreed the bill looked good, the Senate lawyers were still writing what may turn out to be a one thousand page document. In fact, a final version of the bill most likely will not be made available to the public until after the legislation is passed. That may come five days from now. That’s like trying to digest an eight-course meal on a 15-minute lunch break."
- That's becoming a big focal point for those who are against this. The bill was agreed upon before it was even written!
"The fact is our border and immigration systems are still badly broken. We were reminded of this when Newsweek reported that the family of three of the men, arrested last week for allegedly plotting to kill American military personnel at Fort Dix, New Jersey, entered the U.S. illegally more than 20 years ago; filed for asylum back in 1989, but fell off the government’s radar screen when federal bureaucrats essentially lost track of the paperwork. Wonder how many times that’s been replicated?"
- This is why I like Thompson, he wants to reduce the size of government, and cut back the bureaucratic BS...it makes things simpler. His last question is also worth thinking about.
"...agreeing to policies before actually seeing what the policies are is a heck of a way to do business."
- Isn't it, though?
"We should scrap this “comprehensive” immigration bill and the whole debate until the government can show the American people that we have secured the borders — or at least made great headway. That would give proponents of the bill a chance to explain why putting illegals in a more favorable position than those who play by the rules is not really amnesty."
- I would like for someone in Congress to explain that to me...then they can explain it to my mother, along with my grandmother (God rest her soul) and my grandfather.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Global Warming Thought
I'm not going to sit here and take a side on the global warming issue. I have read enough information on both sides of the issue to believe that yes, global warming is taking place...but what is causing it can be debated.
However, I do want to pose this hypothetical question to the environmentalists out there...
IF the Al Gores of the world are wrong, and global warming is being caused due to cyclical changes in the climate or due to solar-related activity (as many attribute to the melting ice caps on Mars)...should we continue to pursue the "green"-ification of our society, even though it would be in an attempt to circumvent the natural processes of either the Earth itself or the Solar System?
Just something I've been mulling over in my head.
I know some environmentalists are going to jump on me for not recognizing the "overwhelming" evidence that supports their theories. However, it seems that there is "overwhelming" evidence to the contrary, and it tells me one thing...we really don't know exactly what is the major cause of global warming. Is it one thing, is it another thing, is it the combination of all these theories at once? That, and the degree to which global warming will affect us, are the current topics that should be debated.
I think that there will be an effect on us as a global society by global warming, as the U.N. report stated an increase of up to 17 inches in the world water level by 2100 (this report done by some of the best scientists of our time). However, I think we are a species of adaptation, and we can adapt to water levels rising 17 inches in 93 years.
The ice caps are shrinking, but they are also thickening. Some regions of the world are suffering through temperature increases, some are suffering through temperature decreases. There is a hole in the ozone, but recent studies show that this hole has been closing for at least a few years, now.
See how the data goes back...and forth...and back...and forth.
However, I do want to pose this hypothetical question to the environmentalists out there...
IF the Al Gores of the world are wrong, and global warming is being caused due to cyclical changes in the climate or due to solar-related activity (as many attribute to the melting ice caps on Mars)...should we continue to pursue the "green"-ification of our society, even though it would be in an attempt to circumvent the natural processes of either the Earth itself or the Solar System?
Just something I've been mulling over in my head.
I know some environmentalists are going to jump on me for not recognizing the "overwhelming" evidence that supports their theories. However, it seems that there is "overwhelming" evidence to the contrary, and it tells me one thing...we really don't know exactly what is the major cause of global warming. Is it one thing, is it another thing, is it the combination of all these theories at once? That, and the degree to which global warming will affect us, are the current topics that should be debated.
I think that there will be an effect on us as a global society by global warming, as the U.N. report stated an increase of up to 17 inches in the world water level by 2100 (this report done by some of the best scientists of our time). However, I think we are a species of adaptation, and we can adapt to water levels rising 17 inches in 93 years.
The ice caps are shrinking, but they are also thickening. Some regions of the world are suffering through temperature increases, some are suffering through temperature decreases. There is a hole in the ozone, but recent studies show that this hole has been closing for at least a few years, now.
See how the data goes back...and forth...and back...and forth.
Fred Thompson on Possible Immigration Compromise
Yesterday, potential presidential candidate, and Podium favorite, Fred Thompson posted a reponse to the pending immigration bill I blogged about yesterday. Here's what he had to say...
“With this bill, the American people are going to think they are being sold the same bill of goods as before on border security. We should scrap this bill and the whole debate until we can convince the American people that we have secured the borders or at least have made great headway.”
I couldn't have said it any better, myself. In fact, yesterday I stated that we need to secure the borders before we do anything in regards to legalizing or deporting illegal immigrants in a widespread manner.
I'm happy to see that the man I want to be President thinks the same way. Thompson's rapid responses to various issues, along with his usage of the internet to spread his thoughts, are very impressive and show that he knows how to communicate with modern America.
h/t to National Review Online, as well as my fellow Fred Thompson supporter Paul Cave, for the quote.
“With this bill, the American people are going to think they are being sold the same bill of goods as before on border security. We should scrap this bill and the whole debate until we can convince the American people that we have secured the borders or at least have made great headway.”
I couldn't have said it any better, myself. In fact, yesterday I stated that we need to secure the borders before we do anything in regards to legalizing or deporting illegal immigrants in a widespread manner.
I'm happy to see that the man I want to be President thinks the same way. Thompson's rapid responses to various issues, along with his usage of the internet to spread his thoughts, are very impressive and show that he knows how to communicate with modern America.
h/t to National Review Online, as well as my fellow Fred Thompson supporter Paul Cave, for the quote.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Caught In The Act
The latest "Vent" with Michelle Malkin reveals an employee of Planned Parenthood going beyond their limits and encourages an underage teen to lie about her age to get an abortion.
I'm not a fan of abortion, but I do recognize that it is currently part of our society. However, what occurred in that video clip is wrong, and there should be serious repercussions. I think that even the most ardent pro-abortion supporter would agree that to attempt to persuade a teenager into lying about their age to get an abortion is wrong.
I'm not a fan of abortion, but I do recognize that it is currently part of our society. However, what occurred in that video clip is wrong, and there should be serious repercussions. I think that even the most ardent pro-abortion supporter would agree that to attempt to persuade a teenager into lying about their age to get an abortion is wrong.
What are Senate Republicans Thinking?
So a tentative compromise has been reached in the Senate regarding new legislation regarding illegal immigrants. Apparently, legal status will be granted to the 12-20 million illegal immigrants in this country. In return, border security is going to be strengthened, and a "temporary worker" program will begin soon after that...with upwards of 400,000 of these "temporary workers" each year.
On the good side, mandatory documentation for all workers and if a temporary worker is told to leave the country, they cannot apply for greencards and permanent residency.
Lets talk about a key aspect of this...we're talking about legislation that will cost our country an extra $2.5 trillion dollars in social security and health care benefits to these newly-legalized immigrants when they reach retirement age.
Oh yeah, and that extra $2.5 trillion...it comes out of your wallet and mine.
Today, Rep. Brian Bilbray(R-Ca) pretty much summed up the feelings of many people when he stated, “The ‘compromise’ announced today by Senator Kennedy will reward 12 million illegal immigrants with a path to citizenship – what part of illegal does the Senate not understand? Any plan that rewards illegal behavior is amnesty. You would think that the Senate would have learned their lesson after the 1986 amnesty debacle, but it looks like their idea of a ‘compromise’ is to repeat the failed policies of the past.”
I'm not happy with this bill, despite the fact that a large number of Republicans and pretty much all of the Democrats (not to mention George W. Bush) are ready to push this bill through the Senate and right to Bush's desk. Bush wants to have this done and signed into fruition by the end of the summer.
This didn't work in 1986, and it sure as hell isn't going to work now. Strengthen border security FIRST, then we can talk about possible amnesty for those who haven't committed any other crimes since they came into this country illegally. It completely angers me that 12-20 million people come into this country illegally, and they simply get a free pass...while people like my mother and my grandparents did everything the proper and legal way. This kind of legislation spits in the eye of my family's legacy of dignity and respect for the United States of America.
On the campaign front, this will KILL John McCain's attempt at the GOP Presidential nomination, as conservatives are not going to support him after this...and you'll see Mitt, Rudy, and Fred Thompson all separate themselves from McCain at the top of the leaderboard, as all 3 will undoubtedly come out against this bill. The unfortunate thing is, none of them reside in the Senate or the White House at this time.
Conservatives/Republicans...take action, called 202-225-3121 and ask for the offices of Mitch McConnell, Trent Lott, or John Kyl. Those are the 3 leaders of the Senate GOP. Tell them this is not the way to go.
On the good side, mandatory documentation for all workers and if a temporary worker is told to leave the country, they cannot apply for greencards and permanent residency.
Lets talk about a key aspect of this...we're talking about legislation that will cost our country an extra $2.5 trillion dollars in social security and health care benefits to these newly-legalized immigrants when they reach retirement age.
Oh yeah, and that extra $2.5 trillion...it comes out of your wallet and mine.
Today, Rep. Brian Bilbray(R-Ca) pretty much summed up the feelings of many people when he stated, “The ‘compromise’ announced today by Senator Kennedy will reward 12 million illegal immigrants with a path to citizenship – what part of illegal does the Senate not understand? Any plan that rewards illegal behavior is amnesty. You would think that the Senate would have learned their lesson after the 1986 amnesty debacle, but it looks like their idea of a ‘compromise’ is to repeat the failed policies of the past.”
I'm not happy with this bill, despite the fact that a large number of Republicans and pretty much all of the Democrats (not to mention George W. Bush) are ready to push this bill through the Senate and right to Bush's desk. Bush wants to have this done and signed into fruition by the end of the summer.
This didn't work in 1986, and it sure as hell isn't going to work now. Strengthen border security FIRST, then we can talk about possible amnesty for those who haven't committed any other crimes since they came into this country illegally. It completely angers me that 12-20 million people come into this country illegally, and they simply get a free pass...while people like my mother and my grandparents did everything the proper and legal way. This kind of legislation spits in the eye of my family's legacy of dignity and respect for the United States of America.
On the campaign front, this will KILL John McCain's attempt at the GOP Presidential nomination, as conservatives are not going to support him after this...and you'll see Mitt, Rudy, and Fred Thompson all separate themselves from McCain at the top of the leaderboard, as all 3 will undoubtedly come out against this bill. The unfortunate thing is, none of them reside in the Senate or the White House at this time.
Conservatives/Republicans...take action, called 202-225-3121 and ask for the offices of Mitch McConnell, Trent Lott, or John Kyl. Those are the 3 leaders of the Senate GOP. Tell them this is not the way to go.
Sayre and Hanger Have a New Problem
As Chris Graham reported over at The New Dominion, the Democrats announced that they do have a candidate for the 24th District seat currently held by Emmett Hanger. This candidate will be revealed on May 24th.
It appears that the Democratic strategy has been to let Hanger and primary challenger Scott Sayre soften each other up and drain each other's campaign funds, and quietly building up their own campaign around this currently-unknown candidate. This also hurts Arin Sime's chances of upsetting the GOP candidate in November.
It appears that the Democratic strategy has been to let Hanger and primary challenger Scott Sayre soften each other up and drain each other's campaign funds, and quietly building up their own campaign around this currently-unknown candidate. This also hurts Arin Sime's chances of upsetting the GOP candidate in November.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Score One For the House Minority
As Michelle Malkin reports, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in the House of Representatives revealed that they were going to attempt to rewrite House rules that has stood for 185 years (I believe Thomas Jefferson co-authored these rules).
These rule changes would have effectively shut down the minority (i.e. Republican) party's right to the Motion to Recommit or the test of germaneness on the motion to recommit. Also, it would have allowed for tax increases without votes.
This came after 11 straight successful motions to recommit by the Republicans.
So, the Democrats want to both eliminate accountability for tax increases...and shut down the Republican party's ability to challenge bills on the House floor.
Compare these actions with the words of the Speaker of the House and the House Majority Leader...
“[W]e promised the American people that we would have the most honest and most open government and we will.” - Nancy Pelosi, December 6, 2006.
So Pelosi's idea of "honest and open" includes shutting down opposition and raising taxes without a vote.
“We intend to have a Rules Committee ... that gives opposition voices and alternative proposals the ability to be heard and considered on the floor of the House.” - Steny Hoyer, December 5, 2006.
Will someone explain to me how shutting down a minority party's ability to challenge and debate a bill "gives opposition voice and alternative proposals the ability to be heard"?
Good to see some solidarity and unity amongst the GOP.
These rule changes would have effectively shut down the minority (i.e. Republican) party's right to the Motion to Recommit or the test of germaneness on the motion to recommit. Also, it would have allowed for tax increases without votes.
This came after 11 straight successful motions to recommit by the Republicans.
So, the Democrats want to both eliminate accountability for tax increases...and shut down the Republican party's ability to challenge bills on the House floor.
Compare these actions with the words of the Speaker of the House and the House Majority Leader...
“[W]e promised the American people that we would have the most honest and most open government and we will.” - Nancy Pelosi, December 6, 2006.
So Pelosi's idea of "honest and open" includes shutting down opposition and raising taxes without a vote.
“We intend to have a Rules Committee ... that gives opposition voices and alternative proposals the ability to be heard and considered on the floor of the House.” - Steny Hoyer, December 5, 2006.
Will someone explain to me how shutting down a minority party's ability to challenge and debate a bill "gives opposition voice and alternative proposals the ability to be heard"?
Good to see some solidarity and unity amongst the GOP.
Hey Paris Hilton, Just Go To Jail Already
You're on your third conviction. One was a DUI lowered to reckless driving. Two more for driving without a license. Your excuses so far have been inconsistent..."I didn't know", "my assistants didn't tell me", and lately "I don't read".
Well, I can believe the last excuse.
However, you can hear. You hear so well that you even said "fine, take my license, I'm still going to drive". This is the total lack of responsibility we've come to expect from you, among other irresponsible and whiny celebrities.
You're only going to jail for less than half of the "cruel and unusual" punishment of 45 days. Do the right thing, Paris, and serve your 3 whole weeks of jail time. Governor Schwarzenegger will not pardon you, he's pretty much implied that. C'mon now, he's got to choose between you and your mommy and daddy...or the rest of the state of California (and the country, for that matter). I think you lose in that decision.
Plus, you're not that attractive...I'd take America Ferrera over your vapid, skeletal frame any day of the week.
Well, I can believe the last excuse.
However, you can hear. You hear so well that you even said "fine, take my license, I'm still going to drive". This is the total lack of responsibility we've come to expect from you, among other irresponsible and whiny celebrities.
You're only going to jail for less than half of the "cruel and unusual" punishment of 45 days. Do the right thing, Paris, and serve your 3 whole weeks of jail time. Governor Schwarzenegger will not pardon you, he's pretty much implied that. C'mon now, he's got to choose between you and your mommy and daddy...or the rest of the state of California (and the country, for that matter). I think you lose in that decision.
Plus, you're not that attractive...I'd take America Ferrera over your vapid, skeletal frame any day of the week.
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