if you wonder why the government is so messed up, check out this representative

Fox news --
at a town hall meeting, a member of the Minutemen seriously asked Representative Stark regarding the security of our borders, Representative Stark mocks him with ludicrous answers.

"we can't get enough minutemen armed.we'd like to get all the Minutemen arm so they can stop shooting people here." Was Starks reply.

After some prodding from the audience for a serious answer, Stark continued...

"if you knew anything about our borders, you would know that's not the case. Our borders are quite secure, thank you."

without regurgitating the whole conversation, I highly recommend viewing the video because it is just unbelievable how a representative is basically making fun of some very serious questions that are being asked.

after watching this video, you can deftly see why a lot of people are starting to take Ray Stevens advice in the video below.

in Portland, not paying your sewer bill could cost you your property

KGW TV --

Portlanders who refuse to pay their sewer bills, may discover that their overdue bill has been converted into a property tax debt.

The reason why the city of Portland is forcing this "trade-off" is because unlike water, gas and electricity, sewer services cannot actually be shut off when a customer is delinquent in their payments.

"They will eventually lose their property through a tax foreclosure if they don't pay it," said John Popenuk, City of Portland Customer Service Supervisor."

$300,000 in consumer sewer debt to the County assessor's office will be transferred this week.

Wait a minute; you got to be kidding me.
With taxes and fees constantly forever on the rise, it's no wonder why the city is experiencing delinquency.

However, look where some of the money for this utility charge is going for.

In a May 19, 2010 article of the Oregonian, Portland Mayor Sam Adams officially unveiled his $450 million budget proposal calling for steep increases in water and sewer fees... with some of that money going towards according to Willamette Week, $500,000 for new community college scholarships which Mayor Sam Adams says will "get our youth on track in high school." In addition to park tree maintenance and river planning. The budget also included a new $15 or $30 annual fee for homeowners who live in neighborhoods that receive "leaf pickups" in the fall.

WHAT!!!

Utility fees going for college scholarships?

Okay, I have no problem with school scholarships; however, I do have a problem with being forced to be one of the unwilling contributors to the scholarship like the people of Portland are with their utility bill.

And they wonder why people do not trust the government.


Additional information on the rate hike at KATU

How should we feel about other countries sticking their nose in our business?

CNCnews --

Lawyers for Mexico Tuesday asked a federal court in Arizona to declare the state's new immigration law which will take effect July 29 as unconstitutional arguing that the country's own interests and citizens are at stake.

"Citing "grave concerns," Mexico said its interest in having predictable, consistent relations with the United States shouldn't be frustrated by one [and at least 17 more to follow] U.S. state.

Mexico also said it has a legitimate interest in defending its citizens' rights and that the law would lead to racial profiling, hinder trade and tourism, and strain the countries' work on combating drug trafficking and related violence.

"Mexican citizens will be afraid to visit Arizona for work or pleasure out of concern that they will be subject to unlawful police scrutiny and detention," the brief said.

Governor Jan Brewer and other supporters' say the bill (law) is intended pick up where the federal government has failed in enforcing immigration laws and to pressure illegal immigrants to leave the United States. Opponents of the law argue that the Arizona law and others like it lead to racial profiling.

Mexico's President Felipe Calderon stated on June 8 at the law "opens a Pandora's box of the worst abuse in the history of humanity..."

well, how does it feel?

Having another country tell us what laws that we should have or not have in our own country.

Of course, we (the United States) do that all the time to other countries.

However, in this case, the Arizona law and other communities that are following suit with their own versions of the law have obviously struck a nerve with Mexico as they are worried about the financial impact to their own country as Americans are finally starting to stand up and insisting that if you're going to be in this country, that you do so legally.

Not too much to ask I think.

In addition, Americans are finally starting to tell the politically correctness crowds that we no longer have to be afraid to speak up.

If Mexico is really concerned about the possibility of racial profiling or abuse of their people, then I would highly suggest that Mexico join forces with the United States and be serious about securing the border and working with us instead of against us.

The US government may feel differently about this, but the people of the United States (the real government) would consider Mexico's involvement in a border security as a great gesture on their part.

Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis Promotes Illegal Immigration, 'You Have the Right to Be Paid Fairly Whether Documented or Not'

The Fox Nation--

"I'm here to tell you that your president, your secretary of labor and this department will not allow anyone to be denied his or her rightful pay — especially when so many in our nation are working long, hard and often dangerous hours. We can help, and we will help. If you work in this country, you are protected by our laws. And you can count on the U.S. Department of Labor to see to it that those protections work for you."

"The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is responsible for administering and enforcing some of the nation's most important worker protection laws. WHD is committed to ensuring that workers in this country are paid properly and for all the hours they work, regardless of immigration status." {Link}

Hummmm, Lets see.

"… not allow anyone to be denied his or her rightful pay…"

No argument there…

"… workers in this country are paid properly and for all the hours they work, regardless of immigration status…

again, totally agree.

However, if you're not in the United States legally, then you should still get paid for what you are owed...

... nothing!

Simply because technically you are not allowed to even be working or living in the United States to earn a wage in the first place.

I know... details... details

But what I would really like to know is what is the thinking behind these public service announcements and if it has something to do with the Arizona law and other states and cities that are developing similar ordinances.

You have to admit... if nothing else, it's interesting.

school bans hat on student trying to honor veterans because of "armed plastic soldiers" glued to the hat

Associated Press--

8-year-old David Morales got in trouble with school officials at Tiogue School in Coventry Rhode Island after he was assigned to make a hat for a school project.

David chose a patriotic theme of gluing an American flag and plastic army men on a baseball cap.

However, because of his districts zero-tolerance on weapons policy, David was not allowed to wear the hat because the "little plastic Man" carried weapons and therefore would have to be removed.

Lt. Gen. Reginald Centracchio, the retired head of the Rhode Island National Guard disagreed with the ban and commented, "The American soldier is armed. That's why they're called the armed forces," [moron] he said. "You're going to portray it any other way, you missed the point."

Lieutenant General Centracchio, honored Morales with an appearance on WPRO-AM's John DePetro show with a metal called a challenge coin and thanked his second-grader for recognizing veterans and soldiers. Centracchio also gave David a certificate that allows him to call himself a brigadier general.

"You did nothing wrong, and you did an outstanding job," Centracchio said. "We can only hope that kids of your caliber will continue to defend this country."

On Friday, the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said it sent a letter to Coventry Superintendent Kenneth DiPietro stating that the school's policy was a violation of students' free speech.

sure, I agree with the school 100%. I mean those little green plastic soldiers carrying little teeny tiny weapons are such a threat to the school and the students that they should be banned.

in fact, just the word "gun" should be banned from all publications within the school itself.

""The district does not allow images of weapons or drugs on clothing." you know because the image alone is such a bad influence on our children... heaven forbid, better start tearing the pages out of the history books now... to violence.

I wonder if they would consider the great pillow fight of 1948 something that we should ban as well. You know, pillows can make great weapons.

Seriously, don't you think that this is kind of taking it a little bit too far?

with school budget cuts is it better to cut Spanish or English immersion classes

The Wilsonville Spokesman
The possibility of the elimination of West Linn-Wilsonville School District's year-old Spanish immersion program for primary school students due to ongoing budget cuts offered mixed reaction from the members of the community.

After long testimonies, at 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the school board voted 3-2 against suspending the program.

"Virtually no one disputes the practical benefits of dual language immersion education, but paying for it in an economy that continues to gouge away at existing programs is proving to be a tougher sell for most District officials."

"This program is critical to our entire community," said Wilsonville resident Jay Puppo, whose son, Carson, is enrolled in the program at Boones Ferry Primary School.

Budget cuts will also include lying off at least 30 classroom teachers, five special education teachers and eliminate an undetermined number of classified staff positions prior to the start of the 2010-11 school year.

Personally, I feel that Spanish immersion classes should be voluntary, not a requirement. And just like any other type of extracurricular program, it could be paid for by the students or parents themselves.

English immersion classes should be a requirement for non-English speaking students as it would better prepare students to thrive in this society a lot more than requiring English speaking students to be forced to learn Spanish.

The truth is as much as some don't like it, ENGLISH is still the PRIMARY language of this country and a lot of people including myself feel that if you are to move to another country, then it is your responsibility and duty to learn their language.

a number of people feel this way and that's backed up by the large percentages of people in favor of Arizona's SB 1070...

You come to our country learn the damn language, plus it's required by law to be a citizen!

Should advertisers call cell phones?

Robin's commentary --

I was at work today when my cell phone rang from a number that I did not recognize, 812-323-2011. Thinking it might have been important; I dropped what I was doing and answered the phone. It turned out that the number was from Stone Research Services from Indianapolis, Illinois and they wanted to talk to the person who bought the building and maintenance supplies for the household.

I inquired from them how they got my number being that it was a cell phone and the number is not publicized, and they said that the number came from somebody that I did business with in the past, but refused to identify the business.

I asked them did you know this is a cell phone and you are burning my minutes? They replied, "yes, we are targeting cell phones because more young people do not have land lines." they continued, " If you would like, you to call us back from a landline to answer our survey."

I told them that I had a better idea, "how about you just remove my name from your database and will call it good."

And that brings up the point; I have never really liked solicitation on my home phone and I definitely do not like advertisers calling me on my cell phone especially if they're using up my minutes.

Cell phones have become more of a personal communications device, which is allowed us to be more in contact (sometimes unfortunately) than we ever have been in the past with a regular telephone, decreasing the chances of an unanswered phone, which of course is gold to an advertiser.

The idea of advertising on cell phones was shot down several years ago when some companies were thinking about sending text advertisements randomly to your cell phone. Subscribers quickly told providers that they would drop their subscriptions if they started to do that. A message, which apparently they heard.

On the same token, we should let advertisers know that calling a cell phone is not at all appreciated and will not be tolerated and that businesses that promote cell phone advertising will be boycotted.

It is a privilege...

BBC--

"Under the new rules introduce in July 2011, anyone from outside the EU applying for a visa to join their spouse or partner will have to prove they have a basic command of English, to help them get by in daily life, before their application is approved.

The home secretary said: "I believe being able to speak English should be a pre-requisite for anyone who wants to settle here. The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services. "It is a privilege to come to the UK and that is why I am committed to raising the bar for migrants and ensuring that those who benefit from being in Britain contribute to our society. "

"it is a privilege... you know, that is what it should be, a privilege to come and live in the US.

and it is for the people that take the time and money to come here legally and they are most welcome here.

however WE as a nation have cheapened that privilege by allowing just anyone to enter the US illegally and spat in the face of those who truly make this country their home and for what it stands for.

for those that think 1070 is tough, check out other countries. just asking for your ID is nothing.

15 year old shot by border patrol ... case threatened to swell into a full-blown international incident

MSNBC--

"A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a 15-year-old Mexican boy after a group trying to illegally enter Texas threw rocks at officers near downtown El Paso...drew sharp criticism from Mexico, where President Felipe Calderon said Tuesday that his goverment "will use all resources available to protect the rights of Mexican migrants... It was the second death of a Mexican at the hands of Border Patrol officers in less than two weeks, and the case threatened to swell into a full-blown international incident when U.S. and Mexican officials traded suggestions of misconduct. "

The boys threw rocks at the federal agents and they warned the boys to stop and one got shot by the agents.

While President Felipe Calderon insists that "he will use all resources available to protect the rights of Mexican migrants" he must remember that this is not a game. when someone trespasses in to another foreign country crossing international lines that it in it's self is dangerous.

Don't be surprised that because of lax immigration issues from both sides of the border could lead to another war between the US and Mexico.

A can of worms I don't think either side wants.

Pakistani citizen caught crossing border into Arizona

KVOA TV Arizona --

"TUCSON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials confirm with News4, a Pakistani citizen crossed the border illegally from Mexico into Arizona on May 20th.

ICE says the man was apprehended by Border Patrol on the Tohono O'odham reservation and turned over to ICE."

Yup, just stopped by to buy ice cream for my son...

get real!

Home land security to help protect the border of... Saudi Arabia

World Tribune --

"It is a very rough border, very difficult to protect from illegal crossings," U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said. [referring to the borders of Saudi Arabia]

Janet Napolitano met with Saudi leaders in May to discuss security programs, training, joint exercises, intelligence and arm sales, [BINGO] and expanding cooperation in protection the kingom's borders from insurgents and smugglers with concerns from their neighbors from Yemenis infiltrating Saudi Arabia.

"So many of our discussions were about how to protect a very tough, geological, topographical border from illegal crossings," Ms. Napolitano said during a visit to the Saudi kingdom on May 31.

Okay, let me see if I have got this figured out...
Home Land Security Secretary Janet Napolitano feels that the Arizona law is bad and is lax on the US borders, however when it comes to ANOTHER country, hey lets go for it.

What is the difference? I think it is the profit in gun sales.

however I think that I can't put it any better then a commenter on the article stated...

What part of HOMELAND SECURITY does she not understand? This agency was created after 9-11 and FEMA went under it. FEMA is the former CIVIL DEFENSE! This border issue has nothing to do with Homeland Security. OUR borders in the north and the south do, but I guess she's too busy.--Charles Giles

But then again, a government study finds that US side of Mexico border area low on violent crime, so I guess that everything is okay. Read story from Dallis News

is it the public schools job to provide interpreters?

Willamette week editorial--

No speak-a Español.

That was a refrain Latina activist Marta Guembes heard in many forms of broken Spanish as she embarked last month on a one-woman undercover investigation of Portland Public Schools.

Guembes, perhaps best known for advocating the renaming of 39th Avenue for César E. Chávez, wanted to know how different schools in Oregon’s largest school district would respond if she called their main offices and pretended to speak only Spanish.

Guembes’ stealth investigation over a two-day period [on her own time] in April of the district’s system for helping immigrant parents wasn’t the result of a whim. The state Department of Education found in 2009 that PPS wasn’t doing everything state and federal law required to communicate with non-English-speaking parents.

As a result of such problems as PPS’s failure to send home materials consistently to parents in their native languages, the state Department of Education decided at the start of this school year to withhold more than $600,000 in federal funds from the district. "

Guembes discovered that about 30 of the districts 85 schools had no system in place to handle non-English telephone calls or a student might be recruited as a translator.

"at Wilson high school, a receptionist hung up on Guembes. And the other at Laurelhurst K-8 school the person who answered the telephone told her, "you should speak English."

And to those who say the non-English-speaking parent should be the one who’s responsible for finding an English-speaking friend or relative on their end of the line, Guembes says schools should be respectful of everyone’s culture and at the very least not be rude on the phone.

Okay, several issues. The argument is that the Hispanic population is on the increase in Portland HOWEVER unless there was a lot of work visas handed out, MOST should know some English.

But going beyond the issue of illegal immigration, how many languages is the school district or any other public or private office supposed to support?

(Remember the controversy about the state of Oregon wanting to hire a Klingon translator)

Granted, being unable to communicate due to a language barrier can be frustrating, and if I were to visit a foreign country and went unprepared to speak the language and that country, I can imagine it would be very frustrating. However, if I decided to move and live in that country, it would be in my best benefit to learn the language of that country.

providing a translator is a service and should not be a requirement.

of course, public schools such as Ashland is working to fix that problem by requiring all first grade students in the Ashland school district to begin learning Spanish next year and will continue their lessons each year through 12th grade.

at least that takes care of one language.

Memorial Day... and why should I care?

Robin's commentary --

"Why should I care... is just another day off."

That was the answer that one of my coworkers gave to me as we were talking about Memorial Day.

"What is it, and why should I care?"

Her response stunned me as I was very surprised that somebody actually did not know what Memorial Day was all about, and I got to thinking about what they teach in schools nowadays.

Perhaps, that's part of the problem in today's society... is that we have forgotten our roots, our history and our patriotism to our country.

Thankfully, there are still those who are patriotic enough to volunteer to go into our military services to protect our country and to give their lives for our country sadly, their services are only to be remembered by beer and football.

to those that serve and to those who have given their life, I say thank you.

for more information regarding Memorial Day, please check out this Wikipedia site.