Lane County public safety tax

KEZI 9--


Lane County commissioners held a workshop on the public safety income tax and came to a consensus on several issues including putting a cap on the proposed tax. The public safety tax which would raise millions of dollars a year for public safety could be on the November ballot.

This tax [similar to Multnomah county's I tax] would be the only tax of its kind in Oregon.

" At the Lane County District Attorney's office staff are spread thin.
"This office has the highest case load per Deputy D.A. in the state," said Chief Deputy Alex Gardner. "We're 65 percent higher than the state average." "

Lane County commissioners are looking at the public safety income tax to solve the problems in Lane County, however, the commission is still wrestling with whether to get voter approval before an ordinances in place.
which they know is an automatic no!

" there is no limit on our ability to levy an income tax," said Commissioner Bill Dwyer. "State law and federal law currently has no law on our ability." "

the board will hold two public hearings on the income tax. The first will be held on June 14 at 1:30 p.m. in the second will be held on June 28 at 6:30 p.m.. Both will be held in the public service building.

Dunkin Donuts takes steps in fighting illegal immigration

Boston Globe--


"We follow the law! This company hires lawful workers only." Reads the sign at Dunkin' Donuts.

Dunkin' Donuts is requiring all of its franchises to participate in the Basic Pilot Program, which allows employers to verify a worker status using an online database from the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland security.
Dunkin' Donuts chose to participate in the program partially because of complaints from customers.

Dunkin' Donuts said they got involved because of "the growing awareness of the hiring and employment of undocumented workers and the difficulty faced by employers for screening new hires within the confines of the law," said Stephen horn, chief legal officer for Dunkin' Brands Inc. in an e-mail.
The program is intended to remove the guesswork from documentary review.

of course not everybodys likes the program.

" There's just so many ways for immigration information to be misclassified, so until there are the right safeguards for a person to review the data that's in there, we're very concerned," said Ali Noorani, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. ``The bigger point here is that we can pour all kinds of money and effort into enforcement like this, but unless we fix the immigration system we're never really going to fix the problem "

kudos to Dunkin' Donuts. Hopefully, more businesses will follow this example.

The aftermath of the Senate's immigration bill

Arizona once again takes action against illegal immigration by approving a bill on Thursday that would criminalize the presence of illegal aliens in Arizona. The bill would set fines for businesses that continue to employ illegal aliens after receiving warnings.

"The plan would resurrect a proposal to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants by expanding the state's trespassing law to let local authorities arrest those who sneak into the country. "

the first offense would be a misdemeanor punishable to six months in jail and subsequent offenses would be a felony carrying a sentence of at least three years in prison, in addition, the bill would require businesses to fire employees who social security numbers are invalid and penalties as high as $5,000 and the suspension or revocation of business licenses if the employer fails to stop hiring illegal immigrants. source Newsmax

as some predicted after the passage of the Senate bill, illegal immigration is on the rise according to Representative James Sensenbrenner, on NBC's "Meet the Press,"...

thoughts of amnesty is actually increasing the flow of illegal immigrants across the border as we speak," Sensenbrenner said, "in reaction to the high numbers, Mexican officials have redeployed some of their security forces into the desert on the Mexican side of the border to prevent Mexicans trying to cross the border from either starving or being dehydrated."

source News Max

And when you think that things couldn't get any crazier about selling out America to the illegal immigration, there is talk that we have to get permission from Mexico in order to build a fence?!?.
is that nuts or what? [excuse me Mr. burglar, may I please buy a lock for my front door to keep you out?]

"To think that we would build a fence without any conversation or consultation with Mexico -- that doesn't make sense," Senator Dick Durbin told "Fox News Sunday."
Durbin explained: "good fences make good neighbors."

that may be true in theory, but it still doesn't prevent the kids from climbing over and jumping into the swimming pool.

The amendment that was slipped into the Senate bill by Senator Chris Dodd mandates consultations with Mexican officials before construction begins.

So if you don't think that these people are not selling out America, read the following closely...

" CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT -- Consultations between United States and Mexican authorities at the federal, state, and local levels concerning the construction of additional fencing and related border security structures along the United States-Mexico border shall be undertaken prior to commencing any new construction, in order to solicit the views of affected communities, lessen tensions and foster greater understanding and stronger cooperation on this and other important issues of mutual concern "

Source News Max

Fortunately, not everybody in the Senate feels that the passage of amnesty for illegal aliens is a good thing. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) stated in a press release on May 25, 2006,

"today, the U.S. Senate has the largest illegal alien amnesty in American history. It is bad for our national security, it is bad for the American workers, and it sends a very bad message to those waiting legally for a chance at the American dream...."

Tancredo's web page

At least in my opinion, Arizona has the right idea. The first thing you have to do is secure the borders and get control over the situation. Then, and only then can you even begin to start talking about changing the immigration laws.

My hope is when the dust settles, that the people in our government who have shown their true colors by selling out America, will be voted out of office.

We are being invaded, and we have welcomed the invaders with open arms and slapped those in the face on this Memorial Day those brave men and women who have fought and died for our freedom.

Have a safe Memorial weekend

Salem Police will hold Hispanic community forum
Statesman Journal--


the Salem Police Department will hold its monthly Hispanic community conversation forum May 31.

"El Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Salem presenta una programa para aumentar la comunicación entre la comunidad hispana y los agentes de policía en nuestra comunidad. Las pláticas son un esfuerzo de parte del Departamento de Policía de Salem para mejorar el entendimiento entre las culturas.
El program es miercoles de 6:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Salem, 585 Liberty St. SE en la Salón Anderson.
El programa, conocido como las "Pláticas con la Policía," ocurre cada mes con distintos temas acerca de los servicios proveídos por la policía de Salem y las políticas y los procedimientos del departamento. Igualmente como importante, las pláticas incluirán maneras para mantener una comunidad segura para todos.
El tema para este mes es acerca de las drogas en Salem.
-- Thelma Guerrero "

I remembered that there was a lawsuit brought over issues like women's night to bring equality and fairness to men. the complaint was that it was sexual discrimination to allow women in for free and not men without having a night also set aside for men. Similarly, does the Salem police also hold the English version of this drug awareness forum for English only speakers?

Senate passes immigration bill

CNN--

Washington --
In a 62-36 vote the U.S. Senate approved in immigration bill that would toughen security at the Mexican border and grant many illegal aliens a path to citizenship.

The Senate bill provisions include...
security -- authorizes security measures including the addition of a 370 mile fence and authorizes President Bush to send 6000 national guardsmen to the US-Mexican border. In addition, bars convicted of felonies or three misdemeanors from becoming legal residents or citizens I hope that they take into account all those stolen and fake social security numbers... I think that is a felony
punishes employers who hire illegal immigrants with fines up to $20,000 and three years in prison.
Of course the measure would create a guestworker program that would allow workers to work in the United States for three years and be eligible for a three-year extension. This be limited to 200,000 per year.

The bill would establish a three-tiered path to citizenship program, which would include the following...
1 -- illegal aliens could gain their citizenship after working for six years, learning English and paying a penalty and back taxes. no surprise about the taxes
2 -- illegal aliens here between two and five years would have to return to an entry point and apply for a guestworker program.
3 -- workers here less than two years would have to return home yeah, like that's going to happen

The Senate also declared English the national language of the United States and also declared English as the "common and unifying" language of the United States.

What does Mexico's President Fox think about this?
"Mexico believes it will take more than just enforcement, building walls, and I really solve the challenge posed by the immigration phenomenon," Fox said Wednesday in Seattle, Washington, cordoned the Associated Press.
just like taking advice from the burglar who you caught in your home offering advice on how you could have kept him out of your house.

Three more cases of mumps in Lane County, another 21 suspected

KEZI--


Public health officials in Lane County have confirmed three more cases of the mumps in the region, bringing the number of confirmed cases to six. Health officials are waiting state lab results on another 21 suspected cases.

To the confirmed cases involve people who work at the McKinsey limit Hospital Center in Springfield, two students at the University of Oregon in addition to two committee members.
Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands that is spread through coughs or sneezes, by talking closely with someone who is infected and by transfer of saliva.

" The disease, once common in childhood but now all but eradicated by early vaccinations, re-emerged this winter as the nation's worst outbreak in 20 years spread from Iowa across the Midwest. "

Springfield police chief to ask city budget committee to approve a Hispanic outreach coordinator position

register guard May 6, 2006 --


Thelma Barone knows firsthand how difficult it can be for some immigrants to understand the United States' criminal-justice system.
Barone, a University of California Los Angeles graduate who immigrated from northwest Mexico to Southern California at the age of 21 works as a community service officer for the Springfield Police Department. The bulk of her duties involved acting as a liaison between the department in the city's Hispanic population.

" Nowadays, it's Barone's job to teach Spanish speakers how the system works, and ensure they get the attention they need from local law enforcement. "

According to the 2000 census, it is estimated that 3600 people or 6.9% of the city's population is Hispanic.

Barone, was hired in 2003, the balk of her salary and benefits comes from grant funding from the state. To fund the position, the budget committee would have to come up with about $70,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

" "Whenever I go out, they always have so many questions for me," Barone said. "A lot of times, they have assumptions of what might happen in a certain situation that aren't always correct. Part of my job is getting Latinos to overcome ideas that police are here to keep them down and keep them scared. I try to teach them that police are here to protect them." "

"It's frustrating to see the lack of services in Spanish," Barone said.

"We don't set up walls," Fox said in Spanish. "

United Press International--


Mexican President Vicente Fox is telling U.S. audiences during a visit that building border fences isn't the solution to the problem of illegal immigrants.
"We don't set up walls," Fox said in Spanish. "It is not with fences we are going to solve this problem, but hand-in-hand ... We are neighbors, we are friends, and we are partners."
Fox canceled a news conference and would not reply to media questions, the newspaper said.
no surprise there
His visit comes as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on its version of an immigration reform package. The House bill, passed in December, is more stringent, although both chambers have agreed on building border fences.
[a spin on Charleston Heston, "DON'T make my people go!"]

I wonder how we would feel as a country if President Bush went around to all the other countries and encouraged our people NOT to come home

Senate votes to double employer fines for hiring illegal immigrants

KVA L.--


The Senate has voted to tack on an amendment that would fine employers of the $20,000 for EACH illegal immigrant a higher.

The process involves checking Social Security numbers and the status of all new hires through Homeland security once it gets funding to expand its electronic screening system.

Opponents say the verification system is still years away from implementation, however, Illinois Democrat Barack Obama calls it "probably the single most important" step to reduce the flow of undocumented workers.
A vote on the full immigration bill it is expected later in the week.

Kulongoski to meet with Mexico's President Fox -- in Yakima Washington

KEZI--


Governor Ted Kulongoski will meet with Mexico's President Fox tomorrow afternoon when Fox arrives at McAllister Air Force Base in Yakima Washington.
President Fox, who is nearing his six-year term is on tour in the western United States which does not include Oregon.
really?
Planned topics include immigration, the use of National Guard troops among the border, travel and tourism as well as mutual economic opportunities, health and education issues including a Spanish-language curriculum Mexico has developed.
I think it's interesting that Ted Kulongoski who has already publicly stated that he did not have time because of "important governmental issues" to debate for the governor's race, yet, he has time to go out of his way to travel to another state to meet with Mexico's president Fox.

Another victim of child abuse over immigration issues

ABC news--


18-year-old Manuel Bartsch is just like any other high school student who can be found working out on a school's football field or hitting golf balls with his friends. In addition, just like many students his age that has dreamed of graduating from high school and going to college.

" Manuel arrived in Ohio in 1997 with his American-born step-grandfather on a temporary visa. Manuel didn't realize it, but the man [his step grandfather] had never adopted him legally. His legal troubles started when he got a letter from his local immigration office. The letter informed him that he had filled out the wrong form when he applied for a Social Security number. They told him to come in for an appointment to straighten it out. "

Manuel, excited about the possibility of getting the Social Security number so he could take his board exams was in for a shock when he arrived.

" I got there and they handcuffed me and brought me to jail," he said. He spent the next 16 days behind bars.

"had the step-grandfather adopted him, Manuel would be an American citizen today." said Senator Mike DeWine.
again another example of how the child must suffer due to somebody else irresponsibility

English as America's national language... some feel it would divide the country

KEZI 9--


Some feel that a plan declared English as America's "national language" is an attack on Latinos, many believe that instead of uniting the country, it would divide it.
I think they're just upset because they decided to make" English" the national language instead of "Spanish".

"The idea of bringing in English only as one of the amendments or proposed ideas in this immigration reform act is sort of seems to us a little bit out of place," said Guadalupe Quinn, with Immigration Rights Coalition.
For us it's not at all unifying. if anything it becomes another way to divide communities around this issue," said Quinn "

" What kind of message are we sending to our society if we're going to make everything be monolingual," said Emilio Hernandez Jr. Assistant Vice Provost at the University of Oregon's Office of Equality and Diversity. It's going to have an impact on state government, local government and then schools and then where are our kids going to be in the global economy regards to language," added Hernandez.
That they say, could create a slippery slope. "

27 states already have laws declaring English as their official language.

have you noticed how some of the Spanish groups and Mexico are really starting to complain about us wanting to keep our country, our country?
Have you also notice that you don't hear much from German, Japanese and other groups complaining?
As far as a question of unity... if you want to move into a country, and it does not matter which country it is, out of respect for that country you assimulate into its laws and traditions and that includes speaking the language of that country.

Senate Votes in English As National Language

Washington Post--


After an emotional debate fraught with symbolism, the Senate yesterday voted to make English the "national language" of the United States, declaring that no one has a right to federal communications or services in a language other than English except for those already guaranteed by law. which also was a requirement of the FCC act of 1934
The measure, approved 63 to 34, directs the government to "preserve and enhance" the role of English, without altering current laws that require some government documents and services be provided in other languages. Opponents, however, said it could negate executive orders, regulations, civil service guidances and other multilingual ordinances not officially sanctioned by acts of Congress.

But pro-immigration groups and some Democrats said the amendment would obliterate executive orders issued by President Bill Clinton that mandated multilingual services and communications in a variety of federal agencies, and could undermine court orders, agency regulations, civil service guidances, and state and local ordinances that call for multilingual services.

But immigrants-rights groups say their support is teetering. "This is devastating," said Raul Gonzalez, legislative director of the National Council of La Raza, after the English-language vote. "For us, this is a tough issue to bring back to the community."

start taking names folks or start learning Spanish, your choice.

Freeway improvements ahead?

If you have lived or traveled in the Eugene./Springfield area for any length of time you start to become very familiar with the freeway system.
Although I do not get out to west Eugene that often, I am aware that some of the major bottlenecks have been for a long time westbound Beltline just before the River Avenue exit and most recently, eastbound 105 between Coburg Road and I-5.

At both of these areas it is not uncommon anymore for traffic to come to a sudden stop.


So which intersection do they decide to tackle first? Beltline and I-5 of course.[keep us moving .info]
because that feeds into the Gateway area and where the new hospital is being constructed. While it is a source of traffic tieups as people try to maneuver traffic coming off I-5, compared to three intersections, I would personally rated as number three on the priority list.





project information

Therefore, what is my points all this?

In yesterday's mail, I get a card from ODOT informing me that I am welcome to participate in an open house to talk about the intersections between Pioneer Parkway along Interstate 126 to Main Street.



As you can see, Pioneer Parkway and Mohawk Boulevard are in the next phase of study while the intersection at 42nd St and 52nd St as well as Main Street are under study.

My only recommendation to ODOT is to extend the length of the on-off ramps giving people time to maneuver in and out of traffic.

The other thing I have to mention here is, at most off ramps it is unnecessary to slow down to 40 miles an hour from 55 miles an hour one quarter-mile before the offramp.

This is one of the major causes my opinion for traffic to get backed up on the freeway which also causes accidents.

what I wonder, is where's the money coming from and why are they doing it now?
would it have anything to do with the summer Olympic trials coming in the next couple years, which is my same theory why we are pushing that stupid high-speed bus line?
sometimes, you just have to wonder.

last night selections -- no surprise

Robin's Commentary--

The winners of last nights election and the low voter turnout was no surprise. The May 17 article in the Oregonians suggest that one of the reasons for low voter turnout was the mudslinging and negative campaigning.

""Negative campaigning" and the fact that "nobody who is running has really fired up the electorate," may have contributed to Tuesday's lackluster returns, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury said. the Oregonian "

I disagree with Bill Bradbury.
Many times the people of Oregon have voted only to be cut down by either one judge or Bill Bradbury & Co. rejecting or disqualifying a large number of votes.

I mean why bother? Let's be honest. How many times do we have to be told that our vote doesn't count.

55,000 illegal entry scrubbed from databaseKGW

" About 55,000 voter registrations have been scrubbed from the state's new elections database after investigators found duplicate entries and dead voters on the rolls, Secretary of State Sam Reed said Friday.
The purge of illegal registrations is the result of months of work by county and state elections officials, who began combing the new statewide voter database after its launch in January.
Reed, the state's top elections officer, said the invalid registrations included 35,445 duplicate records and 19,579 entries for dead people. "

think maybe that could be a problem? It also brings the question how many illegal votes were cast in favor of Kulongoski because he does not favor adding troops for our Borders.
let's look at last nights election resultsthe Oregonian

Not surprisingly, Ted Kulongoski on the Democratic side received 159, 311 (54.28%) which is almost double from what the number two candidate Jim Hill's(D) 86, 242 (29.38%) of the vote.

On the Republican side, again not surprising, Ron Saxton receiving 115, 119 (42.16%) of the vote to leading Kevin Mannix who received 81, 909 (30%).

I have said all along that if sleepy Ted won the election, that there should be a massive investigation. Simply because of his I don't have to do anything, going to win anyways nonchalant attitude, reminds me of someone who has already fixed the race and knows the outcome.
Probably more realistically speaking, Ted-tax&gouge-me probably just got name recognition.

Ron Saxton on the other hand, in my opinion flip-flopped like a fish out of water going with the way of the tide. I will give him credit in the fact that he was not afraid to stand up and defend his position no matter which position that was at the time.


Jason Atkinson, I believe the issue with Lars Larson really hurt his campaign. It wasn't so much the fact that he refused to attend the roundtable on Lars's show as much as it was for him not standing up for his beliefs.

Atkinson supported President Bush's guest worker program however refused to defend his opinion on Lars's show. In addition, along with Ted Kulongoski, both refused to take advantage of the free statewide airtime on Lars's show to promote themselves and their cause.

As you all know, I support Jason Atkinson because after meeting him several times and having a chance to talk with him one-on-one, I really truly believe in my heart that he's a good honest person and would have made a good governor, however, I think the issues about immigration is what killed his campaign.

Then finally, there's Gordon Leach, William Spidal, David Been, & Bob Forthan.

Who?

The four Republican candidates also running for governor who received 1% or less of the vote and who contributed to diluting the votes from the three major Republican candidates.

So who will win the governor's race?

My prediction unfortunately is Ted Kulongoski on the Democratic side. Simply because people will go solely with name recognition and because of short memories will buy what he saying on his ads.

Just remember, if Ted Kulongoski gets elected, you think gas prices are high now, just wait until you have your very own GPS system in EVERY vehicle that you own so that you may pay a VARIABLE ROAD TAX when you fill up at the pump.

Bush order 6000 troops to the border, sleepy Ted disagrees
Statesman Journal--


"it's a political gesture that will do little to resolve immigration issues." Says Ted Kulongoski, "within the conservative wing of the Republican Party, which this president is trying to appease, it may be good politics. But it's lousy policy."

Kulongoski is concerned because 900 national guards troops are getting ready to be deployed to Afghanistan and is the beginning of fire season.

"They are soldiers; they are warriors," Kulongoski said. "They signed up to go and look for Osama Bin Laden, to fight the war on terror. Now they are being told they are going to have to go and sit on the border of Mexico."

Kulongoski also said Bush's plans use guardsmen at the Mexican border does little to promote US interests.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform

The White House--
transcripts of last night speech

President Bush tonight discussed his vision for comprehensive immigration Reform.
#1 United States must secure its borders
#2 to secure borders, we must create a temporary worker program
#3 we need to hold employers to account for the workers they hire
#4 we must deal with the millions of illegal immigrants already here
#5 we must honor the great American tradition of the melting pot

"President Bush believes the illegal immigrants who want to stay here should have to pay a meaningful penalty for breaking the law, pay their taxes, learn English, and work in a job for a number of years."

" Comprehensive Immigration Reform Must Include A Tamper-Resistant Identification Card For Every Legal Foreign Worker So Businesses Can Verify The Legal Status Of Their Employees. This card should use biometric technology, such as digital fingerprints, to make it tamper-proof. This would leave employers with no excuse for violating the law, and it would help us enforce the law. "

while I will admit that I am not up on biometric technology, but what this sounds like is just like what happened when we changed the look of our currency to prevent counterfeiting, and within a 24-hour period, new counterfeit bills were on the market.

" America Needs To Conduct This Debate In A Reasoned And Respectful Tone. Feelings run deep on this issue and as we work it out, all of us need to keep some things in mind. We cannot build a unified country by inciting people to anger, or playing on anyone's fears, or exploiting the issue of immigration for political gain. We must always remember that real lives will be affected by our debates and decisions, and that every human being has dignity and value no matter what their citizenship papers say. "

on the surface, it sounds like the president is on the right track, however, as he explained his guest worker program, he did not discuss the penalties of the immigrants who do not leave at the end of their guest worker program.

I am glad to hear however that he is insisting that they learn English, which I think is only right considering the country that they choose to live in.

I disagree with Mr. Bush's comments about, "we cannot build a unified country by inciting people to anger, playing on everyone's fears..."
while I agree that getting angry does not solve anything, however, sometimes to be heard that is exactly what you have to do.

one other question that I have to ask is why is the president pushing for this reform at this particular time?

Could it be because the Mexican presidential election is weeks away?

President Bush proposes to utilize the National Guard to assist border patrol

Associated Press--


President Bush, in a speech to the nation Monday, will propose using the troops as a stopgap measure while the border patrol builds up its resources to more actively security 2000 mile line between the United States and Mexico.
However, lawmakers have expressed concern about over extending the National Guard that is already tied up in Iraq.
what's more important? Protect our borders, or another countries borders?
Mexico's President Fox called President Bush on Sunday to express his concern about what he called the possibility of a "militarized" border between the two nations.

" White House spokeswoman Maria Tamburri said Bush made clear to Fox that "the United States considered Mexico a friend and that what is being considered is not militarization of the border, but support of border capabilities on a temporary basis by the National Guard."
Bush also assured Fox that any military support would be administrative and logistical and would come from the National Guard and not the Army, according to a news release from Fox's office."

Senate majority leader Bill Frist, Republican Tennessee, defended Bush's plan, "we got to secure our borders," Frist told CNN. "We hear from the American people. We got millions of people coming across the border. First and foremost, secure the border, whatever it takes. Everything else we've done has failed. We've got to face that. And so we've need to bring in, I believe, the National Guard."
President Bush plans to speak to the nation Monday 8 p.m. Eastern daylight Time about the stopgap measure and will also mention the need for immigrants to learn English and assimulate in to American culture if they are to become citizens.

Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, do hereby proclaim...

In a previous post, on the same day as the illegal alien protests, a little unnoticed proclamation by George W. Bush making May 1, Law Day.[Robin's Nest -- Law Day]
so it as I check my normal listing of news articles, I happen to come across a few more interesting proclamations that went unnoticed.
Be sure to mark your calendar because you might have missed it...

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim... [insert proclamation], I call upon the people United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

... October 9, 2005, as Leif Erikson Day[source]

October 10, 2005 as Columbus Day[source]

March 25, 2005, as Greek Independence Day[source]

March 6 through March 12, 2005, as Save Your Vision Week[source]

December 10, 2001, as human rights Day
December 15, 2001, as Bill of Rights Day
and the week beginning December 9, 2001, as Human Rights Week[source]

May 1, 2003, as national Day of prayer[source]

December 1, 2004, as world AIDS Day[source]

December 2002 as National Drunk and Drug Driving Prevention Month[source]

February 4 through February 10, 2001, as National Burn Awareness Week[source]

September 2005 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month[source]

October 2005 as National Breast-Cancer Awareness Month[source]

February 2003, as American Heart Month[source]

May 1, 2003, as Loyalty Day[source]

May 18 through May 24, 2003, as national hurricane awareness week[source]

July 28, 2002, as Parents Day[source]

January 16, 2003, as Religious Freedom Day[source]

July 18 through July 24, 2004, As Captive Nations Week[source]

May 1, 2001 as Law Day[source]

March 20 through March .6 2005, as National Poison Prevention Week[source]

February 5 through February 11, 2006, as National Consumer Protection Week[source]

September 17, 2002, as Citizens Day
September 17 through September 23, 2002, As Constitution Week[source]

April 27 through May 3, 2003, as National Volunteer Week[source]

August 26, 2002, as Women's Equality Day[source]

October 12 through October 18, 2003, as Marriage Protection Week[source]

September 15 through October 15, 2003, as National Hispanic Heritage Month[source]

May 15, 2006, as Police Officers Memorial Day
May 14 through May 20, 2006 as Police Week[source]

May 19, 2006, As National Defense Transportation Day
May 14 through May 20, 2006 As National Transportation Week[source]

my point of posting these is not to downgrade the importance of the issues, however, I just thought it was interesting and something new to me.

Banning Cell Phones in Schools a Good Idea?

Banning Cell Phones in Schools a Good Idea?
The Washington Times--


Children hide them under their pants... in the lunch boxes... disassemble them to smuggle them by the metal detectors and pat downs before they entered the buildings.

This "item" is a cell phone.

The ban on cell phones in the nation's largest school system [New York] is creating a uproar among parents and students alike. parents having sent angry letters, e-mails, staged rallies and press conferences and also threatened to sue.

However, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and school counselor Joel Klein have refused to drop the ban on cell phones. They insist that cell phones are a distraction and they are used to cheat, take inappropriate photos in the bathrooms and organize gang rendezvous.

Students however have refused to give up their cell phones, stating that the devices are too vital for their daily existence and their parents peace of mind.

" my mother, she needs me to have the cell to call me and check up on me," said Steven Cao, 16, a sophomore who lives in Staten Island and attends Stuyvesant high school in Manhattan. He calls the ban stupid. "

late last month, city officials began sending portable metal detectors every day to a random but small set of schools to keep out weapons which have led to the confiscation of hundreds of cell phones.

" It's kind of ridiculous that we think we can't survive without a cell phone, when people did it for thousands of years," said Elisa Muyl, 14, a freshman at Stuyvesant High. "But now that they have this invention, we should use it. "

I understand that schools are concerned about cell phones disrupting classes and the possibility of cheating is a valid one. Even in the colleges and universities they can be a problem when a student either forgets to turn the cell phone off or has the ring tone set loud enough to disturb the class.

I would think however that after school shootings have become more frequent, that cell phones would be more of a welcome safety tool.

So I disagree with the ban, however, the disruptions in the classroom are the responsibility of the instructor, and violators should be dealt with appropriately.

Senators Agree on Reviving a Broad Immigration Bill

"it could be the most comprehensive rewrite of immigration laws since the so-called Simpson- Mazzoli bill 20 years ago."
Associated Press--

a broad immigration bill that could provide millions of illegal immigrants a chance to become American citizens they hope to pass before Memorial Day.

"The agreement brokered by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., breaks a political stalemate that has lingered for weeks while immigrants and their supporters held rallies, boycotts and protests to push for action. "

Part of the goal to reaching an agreement is knowing who will be negotiating a compromise with the house. "it could be the most comprehensive rewrite of immigration laws since the so-called Simpson- Mazzoli bill 20 years ago." Said Senate majority leader Bill Frist.

" Business and labor, Democrats and Republicans, religious leaders and the American people strongly support our plan to strengthen borders, provide a path to earned citizenship for those undocumented workers who are here and put in place a realistic guest worker program for the future," Kennedy said. "

read the above paragraph carefully... when they talk about what the American people want... it's amazing, how they know "what the American people want" and how it always seems not to jive with what I hear.

"They've also had to contend with fallout from opposition to the House bill that triggered nationwide protests that drew hundreds of thousands in Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas and hundreds more in other cities and small communities. "

I am so sorry... you have to "contend with the fallout from opposition" with a bill to prosecute people who are literally invading our country.

I'm embarrassed... let me say that again... I am ashamed of the way that our government who we pay to protect our homeland has sold us out.

Why worry about citizenship? I get what I want anyways.

Star-Telegram--


Juan Carlos Delira, father of five and working for union shop is just like anybody else. He has a mortgage, a car, a bank account, credit card, cell phone and even a 401(k) retirement account from his employer. However, what makes Juan different from the rest of us? He's an illegal immigrant.

" if I was in Mexico, I would have only this whole room for my family if I'm lucky," Delira said comparing his home in Arlington "

Delira, who crossed the border when he was 14, spent his first year in the United States working as a dishwasher and living under a bridge with other illegal immigrants. They cooked over an open fire and showered by blasting one another with hoses that a car wash.

Jose Luis Flores, 38, who lives in an Arlington apartment with his wife and three children comments, "I don't have documents, but I have money... many companies are more interested in my money than my immigration status."
Flores has been able to buy a car, cell phone and set up a bank account. He is now applying for mortgage.

but what about the issue of Social Security numbers? How do they get around that issue?

Since 1996, illegal immigrants have been able to obtain individual taxpayer numbers (TIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to file federal income taxes. Some use their TIN ID number as a form of identification and to create a paper trail that portrays them as someone worthy of residency or citizenship.

" An Arlington accountant who asked not to be identified showed the tax returns of two illegal immigrants who qualified for refunds on their federal taxes because of dependent credit for their children.
One University of Texas at Arlington student said he benefited from financial aid that Texas offers to illegal immigrants. He covered the rest of his tuition and fees with an honors scholarship, which he applied for with the dependent number his father used on his tax return.
"I'm building credit on that," said the 21-year-old student, who asked to be identified as Jose. "It's just as good as a Social Security number; it's just not good for working." "

In comparison, just like US citizens, in Texas an illegal immigrant can get bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, tax deductions and tax refund as well as state financial aid for colleges, reduced in-state tuition, college scholarships & public education. Also, medical care, health insurance, restraining orders, protection by fire police department and court-appointed attorneys.

Hollywood game store owner pleads guilty to pirating and modifying videogame consoles

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) --


Los Angeles -- the colder of a Hollywood video game store pleaded guilty today in federal court for violating federal copyright laws in a scheme to install pirated videogames on specially modified Xbox game consoles sold through the store.

Jason Jones [co-owner of Acme game store] admitted that he and his partner Jonathan Bryant modified and installed more than 50 pirated games on each Xbox machine.

" Jones pleaded guilty and Bryant has agreed to plead guilty to a felony count of conspiring to 1) traffic in a technology used to circumvent a copyright protection system, 2) infringe on a valid copyright for financial gain, and 3) willfully infringe a copyrighted work by reproducing and distributing pirated works worth more than $1,000. Jones, Bryant and a third man who worked with them were indicted by a federal grand jury January 9 for installing illegal modification chips on Xbox game systems which allowed users to store and play pirated video games. "

interesting... the US immigrations and customs enforcement agency whose job I thought was, "immigrations and customs" going after copyright violators. I mean kudos for the catch, I guess I always thought that violation of copyright laws was a job for the FBI and Interpol. At least that's what it says at the beginning of the movies. Silly me, what do I know.

speaking of kudos...
here are some recent worksite enforcement cases

May 2, 2006
Robert Porcisanu, the owner of an Indiana business that performed stucco-related services at construction sites in at least seven Midwest states was charged with money laundering, harboring illegal aliens, transporting illegal aliens, and false statements in connection with an illegal employment scheme.

April 19, 2006
agents arrested seven current and former managers of IFCO and charge them with harboring illegal aliens for financial gain and also apprehended 1,187 of the firms in illegal alien employees at more than 40 IFCO locations nationwide.

April 14, 2006
Baltimore's best known sushi restaurants agreed to forfeit more than $1 million and plead guilty to criminal charges for conspiracy to commit alien harboring and money laundering.

April 11, 2006
two temporary employment agencies and nine individuals were charged with hiring a harboring illegal aliens, wire fraud and laundering approximately $5.3 million.

U.S. tipping Mexico to Minuteman patrols

The Daily Bulletin--


While Minuteman civilian patrols are keeping an eye out for illegal border crossers, the U.S. Border Patrol is keeping an eye out for Minutemen -- and telling the Mexican government where they are.
According to three documents on the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Web site, the U.S. Border Patrol is to notify the Mexican government as to the location of Minutemen and other civilian border patrol groups when they participate in apprehending illegal immigrants -- and if and when violence is used against border crossers.

"Now we know why it seemed like Mexican officials knew where we were all the time," said Chris Simcox, founder of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. "It's unbelievable that our own government agency is sending intelligence to another country. They are sending intelligence to a nation where corruption runs rampant, and that could be getting into the hands of criminal cartels.

Robin Williams has a plan

for FUN, a friend of mine e-mailed me this article that has been going around the Internet, and I thought that I would share it and see what you think about it.

The source article is located at[Robin Williams plan]


Robin Williams, wearing a shirt that says “I love New York” in Arabic.

Robin Williams’ plan…(Hard to argue with this logic!)
“I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here’s one plan.”

1) “The US will apologize to the world for our “interference” in their affairs, past &present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those “good ‘ole’ boys", we will never “interfere” again.
2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East, and the Philippines. They don’t want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.
3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave.We’ll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They’re illegal!!! France will welcome them.
4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don’t like it there, change it yourself and don’t hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don’t need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.
5) No foreign “students” over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don’t attend classes, they get a “D” and it’s back home baby.
6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don’t like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not “interfere.” They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don’t need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us “Ugly Americans” any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH…learn it…or LEAVE…Now, isn’t that a winner of a plan?

“The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.” She’s got a baseball bat and she’s yelling, ‘you want a piece of me?”
Robin Williams may not have said this, as Jeff points out, however sometimes wouldn't be nice if someone did?

Atkinson video

this is definitely worth checking out
no mudslinging allowed!
(requires download to QuickTime player.)

click image to start
best viewed with Firefox or click on link above to view in quick time.

need to be a US citizen to vote? Why?

if this does not get you mad, I don't know what will!

[hat tip to Daniel for this one]Daniel's Political Musings
(click on picture to enlarge)

for all those touchy-feely, politically correct morons who think that America could never be sold out... you're wrong!

to be able to vote in the United States, you have to be a US citizen. Period! That is the LAW!

however, through various means, people who are not even supposed to be in the country are being allowed to vote. That is the fact!

and for those you who just do not give it... let me spell it out again..

Main Entry: invasion
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: attack
Synonyms: aggression, assault, breach, encroachment, entrenchment, foray, forced entrance, incursion, infiltration, infraction, infringement, inroad, intrusion, irruption, maraud, offense, offensive, onslaught, overstepping, raid, transgression, trespass, usurpation, violation

Thesaurus

the second step in an invasion is to conquer.... again, let me spell it out for you.

Main Entry: conquer
Part of Speech: verb 1
Definition: defeat
Synonyms: beat, checkmate, circumvent, clobber, control, cream*, crush, discomfit, drub, foil, frustrate, humble, lick, master, outwit, overcome, overmaster, overpower, override, overthrow, prevail, quell, reduce, rout, shut down, subdue, subjugate, succeed, surmount, throw, thwart, total*, trample underfoot, trash, triumph, vanquish, whip, worst, zap*

Thesaurus

THIS IS NOT A GAME PEOPLE!

this is no longer about a bunch of immigrants crossing the border just to work in our farms... it has gone way beyond that.
That should be fairly evident in the recent protests when millions illegal immigrants hit the streets demanding their "rights", "demanding" that we shut down security and open our borders.

I have often asked the question, why are we kissing Mexico's ass and not the other countries?

I finally have an answer...

GREED!

greed for cheap labor... greed for political votes.

when was the last time that you heard a Canadian, Vietnamese, or Japanese working for subminimum rates?

I never have.

illegal immigration should be stopped. Taking advantage of people because they're illegal should be stopped. If a business cannot survive under the same rules as everybody else and they have to hire illegal aliens to survive, that business should not exist.

so the next time you hear the rhetoric...

"the only here to help their families"

"you don't want to break up our families by deporting my spouse"

step back for the brainwashing for one minute, and remember that they are illegal.
they knew what they were doing when they came here, and they knew the risk of getting caught.

mark my words... it is only going to get worse if we don't do something about it such as HB 4437.

take the profit out of illegal aliens and don't support businesses that hire them.
(Robin stepping down off her soapbox now)
related storythe statesman Journal Link

July 2nd is the day that Mexico holds its presidential election

NewsMax--



Under the Mexican constitution, the presidential term of the president of Mexico is six years.

"To be eligible for the presidency, a candidate must reside legally in Mexico during the year preceding the election. The candidate cannot have held a cabinet post or a governorship, nor have been on active military duty during the six months prior to the election. Priests and ministers of religious denominations are barred from holding public office. "

Unlike the US, a president can NEVER be reelected!
Before you get too excited…

" One of the unique features of the Mexican presidency has been the highly secretive and mysterious process of presidential succession. Since the 1930s, Mexico's PRI presidents have enjoyed the right to personally name their successor, a privilege known as the dedazo (tap). The prerogative of choosing one's successor has allowed outgoing presidents to select individuals who embody either change or continuity with past policies, as demanded by circumstances and public opinion. "information courtesy of Country Studies

" This year there are three major candidates, Roberto Madrazo of the PRI (the former ruling party), Felipe Calderon of the right-wing PAN, and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (known by his initials AMLO) of the leftist PRD (the Democratic Revolution Party). "

I find it an interesting comparison that "Foreigners are strictly forbidden from involvement in Mexican politics, and can be deported for doing so."

Of course it is easy for others to tell someone what to do. The candidates respond to the illegal immigration problem,

"Mexico should have veto power over how the United States handles immigration. Imigration is a convenient safety valve that enables them to put off making tough decisions for the Mexican economy.
As a result, Mexican candidates are united in their support for amnesty for Mexican illegal aliens in the United States, and they oppose building walls on the border. "

What about the Minutemen?

" AMLO's PRD party platform calls for "…the termination of all threats, arrests, apprehensions, raids and other abuses of the American immigration authorities against the undocumented workers" on U.S. soil, and for the suppression of American groups such as the Minutemen. "

Will the new president carry on President Fox's vision?

"that some day the border will no longer be a barrier fortified by armed guards, but a mere line on a map dividing two partners in a common market, with much more in common than what today divides the United States and Mexico. "
San Fransisco Chronicle December 14, 2000

Next they will be complaining that we keep our front door locked as well.

Yesterdays Walkout

As I scan today's news about yesterdays event, I come across the following…

"I think the more pressure [we put on lawmakers], the more people will have to listen," said Salvadoran immigrant Lidia Reyes, a 32-year-old resident of Northwest. "Hopefully it will work, [because] we're here to stay." "

"Immigration is not the problem," he said. "The problem is we have a broken immigration system that is inadequate for the flow of immigrants", said NCIC President Jaime ContrerasThe Washington Times
"We are here to stay!" sounds like something a bully would say after he took your lunch money.
And I really like this one… "inadequate for the flow of immigrants". I would take that to mean that if we open our borders that the invasion would be complete and we for sure have lost America.

" If I don't support immigration right now, even if I got papers now," Ortega said, "my kids and my grandkids might suffer discrimination in some way. " said Alex Ortega, 36, closed his auto repair shop Monday and gave his two workers the day off. Ortega, a legal resident, said he wanted to attend the Portland rally for immigrants who couldn't speak out.

" A few counter-protesters along the Portland route held signs or wore T-shirts opposing illegal immigration. Paul Hanson of Milwaukie stood on a corner with a sign, "Show no respect, get no respect."
"All of this is annoying. Their argument is absurd -- just because you work hard, you should get let in illegally?" Hanson said. "My family came here 100 years ago from Scandinavia and went through a painstaking process to be part of America. I'm just asking people to do the same."
"

The Oregonian

" signs read: "The Pilgrims Didn't Have Papers," "We Are Workers, Not Criminals," "Legalize, Not Criminalize," "We March, We vote," and "No Sensenbrenner Bill, Yes Immigration." "

WE VOTE?!? Yes, they really do. But I thought….

" Collective chants of "Viva los Estados Unidos," or "Long live the United States," and "(President) Bush, Escucha, Estamos en la Lucha," or (President) Bush, Listen to Us, We Are in a Struggle for Our Livelihoods" echoed in the streets. "

"As the parade approached the corner of Chemeketa and Winter streets, Don Blair and Terry Bates stood behind police barricades holding up signs that read: "Illegal? Go Home. Come Back Legally," and "No Amnesty For Law Breakers, Come to the U.S. Legally."
It wasn't long before the two caught marchers' eyes, inciting the crowd.
"White trash!" shouted one male marcher.
"We're here, and we're not leaving!" a female demonstrator shouted at the pair.
"Go home, gringos!" another man shouted.
Others spat expletives at the pair, but neither Blair nor Bates were deterred.
"I disagree with the way these people are going about this," said Blair, a retired Vietnam veteran from Keizer. "They're burglars and they're trying to steal citizenship."
"

Statesman Journal

Igor Silaev and his wife Leah say they feel like illegal immigrants are cutting in line " I am so angry to see these people say it's because of us that this country is moving," says Leah. "You know what? You didn't build this country and it isn't going to fall apart when you walk out of your job."

Igor Silaev immigrated to the United States legally

KATU 2

Did you notice any usiness that were closed Yesterday

did you notice any business that were closed or that supported the walkout yesterday.

Chances were that these business support hiring outlaws and don't deserve hard working dollars.

so if you know of any business that were closed or want to give kudo's to ones that were not, readers here are interested and I would hope that they will [ones that were closed] will be on ICE's watch list.

like Bob Boss, who has 17 Burger King restaurants in the mid-Willamette Valley, said his company honored requests for the day off. Two Burger Kings in Woodburn, which has a high percentage of Latino workers, shut down for the day.The Oregonian

May 1 2006, Law Day

White House--
Law Day, U.S.A., 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

" THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2006, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag of the United States in support of this national observance. "

Did anyone notice?

"America's legal system is central to protecting the constitutional principles on which our Nation was founded. As we observe Law Day, we celebrate our heritage of freedom, justice, and equality under the law. "

On the same day that millions of outlaws march for amnesty.

Bill mandates English for Pledge, anthem

The Hill--


Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) introduced a resolution yesterday calling for “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other traditional patriotic compositions to be recited or sung solely in English.
The resolution states that the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and other “statements or songs that symbolize the unity of the nation … should be recited or sung in English, the common language of the United States.”

"President Bush weighed in during a briefing with reporters Friday, stating, “I think the national anthem ought to be sung in English, and I think people who want to be a citizen of this country ought to learn English and they ought to learn to sing the national anthem in English.” "

Day of Awakening

Today is the day of the walk out protesting illegal immigration.

Companies will close and supporters will wear white shirts showing their support.

I hope that you all step back and really see the big picture here because one message that no one can deny. and that message is just how porous and insecure that our borders really are.

thanks to last illegal alien protest, more people volunteer to join the Minutemen

The Dan Stein Report--


Out of sight, out of mind. Not my problem. That was typically the attitude of a lot of people until illegal aliens took the street protesting HB 4437 which would make crossing the border into the United States a felony change the mind of a lot of people.

"Laurie Lisonbee worried about illegal immigration but figured it was somebody else's issue _ until she saw hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their supporters marching across her TV screen. Soon, Lisonbee had recruited several friends to attend a demonstration by the Minuteman Project, a volunteer group that patrols the border to keep out illegal immigrants "

The Minutemen would like to thank all the illegal aliens who protested last time for the sudden increase in their membership enrollment. Keep up the good work.