Bad month for Senator Mccain/champion of the "indocumentados"
In almost every poll, the three front-runners for the Republican nomination in 2008 are Rudy Giuliani,
Condi Rice and John McCain.
As Condi has ruled it out and Rudy is a Manhattanite
on social and moral issues -- gays, guns, affirmative action and abortion -- McCain, as a conservative maverick and
media darling, appeared to have the pole position for the nomination. That no charismatic challenger is visible has seemed to add to the aura of inevitability of John McCain.
But the last six weeks have muddled this picture,
and McCain now appears out of step with his party and
country. Consider the returns from California of Tuesday last.
Brian Bilbray, a lobbyist who had won 15 percent in the
primary to 44 percent for Democratic opponent
Francine Busby -- to fill the seat of convicted Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham -- came from behind to win 49-45.
Busby's failure suggests the "culture-of-corruption" issue is no sure winner for Democrats this fall. Bad news for
Rahm Emanuel, who runs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
But worse news for McCain. For Bilbray attributes his
comeback to a relentless assault on the McCain amnesty for illegal aliens that passed the Senate in May and his
support for a 2,000-mile fence on the U.S. border
from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. So miffed at Bilbray was McCain he canceled a fund-raising appearance.
Not only is McCain the champion of the "indocumentados,"
he has imputed racist motives to senators who oppose
putting illegals on a path to American citizenship.
As Kathryn Jean Lopez of National Review Online writes,
"McCain uttered on the Senate floor what was probably
the worst sentence of the entire debate," when he flippantly asked, "What next -- are we going to say work-authorized immigrants are going to have to ride in the back of the bus?"
This language is redolent of the moral superiority liberals often assumed, which helped to make them insufferable
to Middle America.
After comparing opponents of his amnesty bill to defenders
of Jim Crow, McCain, says Lopez, at an off-the-record event
in New York, allegedly called Rush Limbaugh a "nativist."
He then joined the liberal Republicans in voting against
a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
see more Pat Buchanan at....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20060609/cm_uc_crpbux/pat_buchanan20060609
Friday, June 09, 2006
Alert: Senator Mccain on new cable tv options.
McCain bill backs 'a la carte' cable menu
Industry and local government officials critical of proposal
Cable companies that offer channels on an individual basis rather than in packages would receive a break on local franchise fees and requirements under legislation
introduced Wednesday by Sen. John McCain.
The Arizona Republican's bill would allow cable operators
that offer channels on an "a la carte" basis to be
eligible to receive a nationwide franchise, which allows a cable
provider to avoid negotiations on a city-by-city basis.
Cable companies also would pay lower fees for rights of
way and not be required to offer as many public access channels.
"For almost 10 years I have supported giving consumers the ability to buy cable channels individually . . . to provide consumers with more control over the viewing options
in their home and their monthly cable bill," McCain
said in a statement. "Cable companies have resisted this and have continued to give consumers all the 'choice' of a North Korean election ballot."
The proposed legislation immediately drew fire not
only from the cable industry but from local government officials, who could stand to lose millions in franchise
fees that typically are used to fund essential city
services such as police and sanitation.
see more at..............
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/tech/article/0,2777,DRMN_23910_4758516,00.html
see more at www.mccainalert.com
www.mccainalert.com
Industry and local government officials critical of proposal
Cable companies that offer channels on an individual basis rather than in packages would receive a break on local franchise fees and requirements under legislation
introduced Wednesday by Sen. John McCain.
The Arizona Republican's bill would allow cable operators
that offer channels on an "a la carte" basis to be
eligible to receive a nationwide franchise, which allows a cable
provider to avoid negotiations on a city-by-city basis.
Cable companies also would pay lower fees for rights of
way and not be required to offer as many public access channels.
"For almost 10 years I have supported giving consumers the ability to buy cable channels individually . . . to provide consumers with more control over the viewing options
in their home and their monthly cable bill," McCain
said in a statement. "Cable companies have resisted this and have continued to give consumers all the 'choice' of a North Korean election ballot."
The proposed legislation immediately drew fire not
only from the cable industry but from local government officials, who could stand to lose millions in franchise
fees that typically are used to fund essential city
services such as police and sanitation.
see more at..............
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/tech/article/0,2777,DRMN_23910_4758516,00.html
see more at www.mccainalert.com
www.mccainalert.com
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
4 Mexicans pleaded guilty to immigrant smuggling
4 Mexicans pleaded guilty to immigrant smuggling
Four Mexicans accused of sneaking across
the border pleaded guilty Tuesday under a new state
law targeting immigrant smugglers.
They were among the first 48 alleged customers of
smugglers to be charged as conspirators to the crime.
The four, who pleaded guilty to solicitation to
commit immigrant smuggling, were sentenced to
two years supervised probation and expected to
face deportation proceedings.
Critics say the law was intended to be used
against smugglers, not their customers.
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas has
said the customers of smugglers need to be
held accountable.
In all, 19 of the 48 have pleaded guilty to
solicitation to commit immigrant smuggling.
Nearly 200 people, most of whom are customers
of smugglers, have been charged in Maricopa County
under the law.
see more at
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=4999582
Four Mexicans accused of sneaking across
the border pleaded guilty Tuesday under a new state
law targeting immigrant smugglers.
They were among the first 48 alleged customers of
smugglers to be charged as conspirators to the crime.
The four, who pleaded guilty to solicitation to
commit immigrant smuggling, were sentenced to
two years supervised probation and expected to
face deportation proceedings.
Critics say the law was intended to be used
against smugglers, not their customers.
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas has
said the customers of smugglers need to be
held accountable.
In all, 19 of the 48 have pleaded guilty to
solicitation to commit immigrant smuggling.
Nearly 200 people, most of whom are customers
of smugglers, have been charged in Maricopa County
under the law.
see more at
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=4999582
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Senator John Mccain stance on same sex marriage ?
Senator John Mccain stance on same sex marriage ?
And while some actually believe that McCain takes a "moderate" stance on gay marriage because he has said repeatedly that he will vote against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, that's not exactly his position, as he is too happy to point out to the Religious Right. McCain would only vote against a constitutional amendment if it would supersede a pending, Arizona gay-marriage measure, which he strongly supports.
If the Arizona ban was struck down, McCain would switch gears and vote for a federal prohibition on gay marriage via a constitutional amendment.
"I will vote against a constitutional amendment, which will come before the Senate on this issue, because I think the states should decide. That's the essence of federalism," said McCain, appearing on Meet the Press in April. "In my state of Arizona, we have a ballot initiative on this issue, which I am supporting. And so if through the court process, they say that that's not constitutional, then I would support a constitutional amendment."
He's also been a leader in the Bush Crew's attempts to blind Americans with fear to regain support for the war in Iraq. "We must win in Iraq. We cannot fail. If we lose in Iraq, they're coming after us. We will fight them somewhere else -- like here," said McCain this month at the Utah Republican Party Convention. "It's all part of a gigantic, titanic struggle between good and evil."
see more at
http://www.alternet.org/story/37035/
see more on Senator Mccain antics
And while some actually believe that McCain takes a "moderate" stance on gay marriage because he has said repeatedly that he will vote against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, that's not exactly his position, as he is too happy to point out to the Religious Right. McCain would only vote against a constitutional amendment if it would supersede a pending, Arizona gay-marriage measure, which he strongly supports.
If the Arizona ban was struck down, McCain would switch gears and vote for a federal prohibition on gay marriage via a constitutional amendment.
"I will vote against a constitutional amendment, which will come before the Senate on this issue, because I think the states should decide. That's the essence of federalism," said McCain, appearing on Meet the Press in April. "In my state of Arizona, we have a ballot initiative on this issue, which I am supporting. And so if through the court process, they say that that's not constitutional, then I would support a constitutional amendment."
He's also been a leader in the Bush Crew's attempts to blind Americans with fear to regain support for the war in Iraq. "We must win in Iraq. We cannot fail. If we lose in Iraq, they're coming after us. We will fight them somewhere else -- like here," said McCain this month at the Utah Republican Party Convention. "It's all part of a gigantic, titanic struggle between good and evil."
see more at
http://www.alternet.org/story/37035/
see more on Senator Mccain antics
Monday, June 05, 2006
$50 million in freebie travel trips to Congress
Privately Sponsored Trips Hot Tickets on Capitol Hill
$50 million in freebie travel trips to Congress
Study finds almost $50 million spent on travel
Over a 5½-year period ending in 2005, members of
Congress and their aides took at least 23,000 trips
valued at almost $50 million financed by private sponsors,
many of them corporations, trade associations and
nonprofit groups with business on Capitol Hill.
Who are the top travelers?
While some of these trips might qualify as legitimate
fact-finding missions, the purpose of others is less clear.
A nine-month analysis of congressional disclosure forms
for travel from January 2000 through June 2005 done by
the Center for Public Integrity, American Public Media
and Northwestern University's Medill News Service
turned up thousands of costly excursions
at least 200 trips to Paris, 150 to Hawaii and 140 to Italy.
Congressional travelers gave speeches in Scotland,
attended meetings in Australia and toured nuclear
facilities in Spain. They pondered welfare reform
in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the future of Social Security
at a Colorado ski resort, according to the forms.
Some trips seem to have been little more than pricey
vacations often taken in the company of spouses or
other relatives wrapped around speeches or seminars.
In many instances, trip sponsors appeared to be buying
access to elected officials or their advisers. Some
such as the Nuclear Energy Institute, Microsoft,
Time Warner and The Walt Disney Co. clearly have
products to sell or programs to promote.
The motives of others the Congressional
Institute or the Mercatus Center at George Mason
University, for example are less obvious.
Congressional
Fact-Finding Missions?
Congressional ethics rules permit lawmakers and aides to take privately sponsored travel in connection with their official duties, but state that trips shouldn't be "substantially recreational in nature." Yet thousands of them approved in recent years have been to such prime vacation spots as Paris, Rome and the Colorado Rockies.
Source: U.S. House and Senate travel disclosure forms
The analysis found many apparent violations of ethics rules. Disclosure forms show, for example, that at least 90 trips, valued at about $145,000, were sponsored or co-sponsored by firms registered to lobby the federal government. Ethics rules do not allow lobbyists to pay for congressional travel.
http://www.publicintegrity.org/powertrips/report.aspx?aid=799
$50 million in freebie travel trips to Congress
Study finds almost $50 million spent on travel
Over a 5½-year period ending in 2005, members of
Congress and their aides took at least 23,000 trips
valued at almost $50 million financed by private sponsors,
many of them corporations, trade associations and
nonprofit groups with business on Capitol Hill.
Who are the top travelers?
While some of these trips might qualify as legitimate
fact-finding missions, the purpose of others is less clear.
A nine-month analysis of congressional disclosure forms
for travel from January 2000 through June 2005 done by
the Center for Public Integrity, American Public Media
and Northwestern University's Medill News Service
turned up thousands of costly excursions
at least 200 trips to Paris, 150 to Hawaii and 140 to Italy.
Congressional travelers gave speeches in Scotland,
attended meetings in Australia and toured nuclear
facilities in Spain. They pondered welfare reform
in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the future of Social Security
at a Colorado ski resort, according to the forms.
Some trips seem to have been little more than pricey
vacations often taken in the company of spouses or
other relatives wrapped around speeches or seminars.
In many instances, trip sponsors appeared to be buying
access to elected officials or their advisers. Some
such as the Nuclear Energy Institute, Microsoft,
Time Warner and The Walt Disney Co. clearly have
products to sell or programs to promote.
The motives of others the Congressional
Institute or the Mercatus Center at George Mason
University, for example are less obvious.
Congressional
Fact-Finding Missions?
Congressional ethics rules permit lawmakers and aides to take privately sponsored travel in connection with their official duties, but state that trips shouldn't be "substantially recreational in nature." Yet thousands of them approved in recent years have been to such prime vacation spots as Paris, Rome and the Colorado Rockies.
Source: U.S. House and Senate travel disclosure forms
The analysis found many apparent violations of ethics rules. Disclosure forms show, for example, that at least 90 trips, valued at about $145,000, were sponsored or co-sponsored by firms registered to lobby the federal government. Ethics rules do not allow lobbyists to pay for congressional travel.
http://www.publicintegrity.org/powertrips/report.aspx?aid=799
Border Patrol Agents: Senator McCain Sells Us Out (Again)
Border Patrol Agents: Senator McCain Sells Us Out (Again)
By Jim Kouri, CPP on Jun 03, 2006
United States Border Patrol agents are not happy
with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) since he voted for the Amnesty Bill (S. 2611). And they're not being quiet about
their collective anger over the senator's actions and
remarks.
But, according to members of the agents’ union local 2544, Senator McCain has never been a friend to rank-and-file
Border Patrol agents. Local 2544 represents US Border
Patrol agents in Arizona, McCain’s home state.
He routinely ignores correspondence from Border Patrol
agents and often gives the impression that he is just
too big and too important to deal with us, they said.
He attempts to undermine our mission at every turn and actively supports the criminals who violate our laws.
He always trys to downplay the fact that illegal aliens knowingly and willingly violate our laws, and he is a close ally on immigration matters with Senator Ted Kennedy,
who we believe is the biggest disgrace of all time in
the United States Senate.
These law enforcement agents point to Senator McCain’s imperious attitude towards rank-and-file Border Patrol
agents and his complete disdain for their mission has been evident for many years.
We will not bother listing his website [for citizens to write to him] because it’s obvious he couldn’t care less what the average American thinks and he isn’t up for re-election
until 2010.
And these agents aren’t just singling out McCain for their
ire. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), who chairs the Judiciary Committee, is also in their sights. They point to how
Senator Specter, at the last minute, put a clause in the Senate’s shameful immigration bill that forces the
United States government to consult with Mexico prior to planning or building any fences or barriers on our border.
Not on Mexico’s [side of the] border, but yes, on United States soil. We can’t wait to see this fencing project after the consultations take place. Maybe they can even appoint Congressman Raul Grijalva to lead the consultations
for the United States of America.
The agents said that this is the same Mexican government
that sends millions of Mexican citizens here illegally to
steal jobs and send billions of dollars back to Mexico.
This is the same Mexican government whose soldiers smuggle drugs and shoot at Border Patrol agents. This is the same Mexican government that is corrupt to the core. This is
the same Mexican government that uses its consular officers
to sue the United States government.
Great move Specter. Talk about the FOX guarding the henhouse.
The Senate passed a shameful immigration bill at the
urging of an equally shameful George W. Bush, fresh off his dune-buggy riding jaunt in Yuma surrounded by a bunch
of adoring, star-struck Border Patrol managers, quipped
the agents.
This bill cheapens citizenship in this country (again), it throws the rule of law out the window (again), it places unconscionable burdens on DHS (verifying the identity of every illegal alien in this country within 90 days),
it repeats, and at a minimum, quadruples the worst
immigration mistake in the history of this country.
it sells out our sovereignty by forcing the American government to consult with the Mexican government
before planning or building any border fences, it encourages more widespread fraud than this country has ever seen
(you’ll see what we’re talking about if this actually
passes the House), and it is completely unenforceable
and will overwhelm the system, the agents said in a
statement submitted to the US Senate.
You [McCain, Kennedy, Specter, et al] have succeeded in placing the morale of frontline Border Patrol agents in
the toilet just when we thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse.
see more at
http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=3822_0_1_0_M
more at senator mccain alert
By Jim Kouri, CPP on Jun 03, 2006
United States Border Patrol agents are not happy
with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) since he voted for the Amnesty Bill (S. 2611). And they're not being quiet about
their collective anger over the senator's actions and
remarks.
But, according to members of the agents’ union local 2544, Senator McCain has never been a friend to rank-and-file
Border Patrol agents. Local 2544 represents US Border
Patrol agents in Arizona, McCain’s home state.
He routinely ignores correspondence from Border Patrol
agents and often gives the impression that he is just
too big and too important to deal with us, they said.
He attempts to undermine our mission at every turn and actively supports the criminals who violate our laws.
He always trys to downplay the fact that illegal aliens knowingly and willingly violate our laws, and he is a close ally on immigration matters with Senator Ted Kennedy,
who we believe is the biggest disgrace of all time in
the United States Senate.
These law enforcement agents point to Senator McCain’s imperious attitude towards rank-and-file Border Patrol
agents and his complete disdain for their mission has been evident for many years.
We will not bother listing his website [for citizens to write to him] because it’s obvious he couldn’t care less what the average American thinks and he isn’t up for re-election
until 2010.
And these agents aren’t just singling out McCain for their
ire. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), who chairs the Judiciary Committee, is also in their sights. They point to how
Senator Specter, at the last minute, put a clause in the Senate’s shameful immigration bill that forces the
United States government to consult with Mexico prior to planning or building any fences or barriers on our border.
Not on Mexico’s [side of the] border, but yes, on United States soil. We can’t wait to see this fencing project after the consultations take place. Maybe they can even appoint Congressman Raul Grijalva to lead the consultations
for the United States of America.
The agents said that this is the same Mexican government
that sends millions of Mexican citizens here illegally to
steal jobs and send billions of dollars back to Mexico.
This is the same Mexican government whose soldiers smuggle drugs and shoot at Border Patrol agents. This is the same Mexican government that is corrupt to the core. This is
the same Mexican government that uses its consular officers
to sue the United States government.
Great move Specter. Talk about the FOX guarding the henhouse.
The Senate passed a shameful immigration bill at the
urging of an equally shameful George W. Bush, fresh off his dune-buggy riding jaunt in Yuma surrounded by a bunch
of adoring, star-struck Border Patrol managers, quipped
the agents.
This bill cheapens citizenship in this country (again), it throws the rule of law out the window (again), it places unconscionable burdens on DHS (verifying the identity of every illegal alien in this country within 90 days),
it repeats, and at a minimum, quadruples the worst
immigration mistake in the history of this country.
it sells out our sovereignty by forcing the American government to consult with the Mexican government
before planning or building any border fences, it encourages more widespread fraud than this country has ever seen
(you’ll see what we’re talking about if this actually
passes the House), and it is completely unenforceable
and will overwhelm the system, the agents said in a
statement submitted to the US Senate.
You [McCain, Kennedy, Specter, et al] have succeeded in placing the morale of frontline Border Patrol agents in
the toilet just when we thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse.
see more at
http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=3822_0_1_0_M
more at senator mccain alert
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Congressional Staffers' e-mail IDs
Congressional Staffers' e-mail IDs
E-MAIL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS
-- SPREAD THE MESSAGE AROUND!
The website lists e-mail addresses of all the staffers assigned to the various congressmen and senators:
http://www.outsourcecongress.org/outsource/congress/schstaffers.html
How is it useful? If you have a congressman and/or
senator who showed their contempt for Americans by voting
to pass S-2611 (Illegal Alien Amnesty Bill), don't miss the opportunity to share with them how despicable you regard
their betrayal. Rather than use a website fax or
website e-mail form, share your letter with all the
office staffers. Nothing becomes public knowledge
faster than an office secret shared with the entire staff.
The more staffers who read the angry comments from betrayed constituents, the more likely it will be "leaked" to
the press and printed in news stories. When silent
Americans read that congressmens' e-mail Inboxes are
full of what will surely be called "hateful" e-mail, many are likely to join in with phone calls and similar e-mail
messages.
Let congressional staffers (many of whom think they're as "elite" as their bosses) know what voters think of
their bosses. This website will even format a MS Outlook e-mail for you--it couldn't be easier.
When 6 of us visited the local offices of Senators John McCain & Jon Kyl last week, I was struck by how confused
and
"unglued" the staffers were by our unpredictable
behavior and outrage. I realized how powerful a
weapon we have
against these despicable politicians with our
non-typical behavior.
They're comfortable with our predictable, polite and
respectful demeanor, which is why we're told to engage in the
"reasoned and rational debate" that Jorge Boosh urged.
They get nervous when we're angry and outraged, and
wonder if we might be planning further surprises for
them on Election Day, like a "voters' pink slip."
Let them continue to worry. Keep showing unpredictable behavior that worries politicians. These traitors
deserve to worry, and their staffers with them. And
prepare to hear staffers leak to their press that
their boss is receiving lots of "hateful" messages
for selling out Americans.
see ........
http://www.outsourcecongress.org/outsource/congress/schstaffers.html
www.mccainalert.com
E-MAIL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS
-- SPREAD THE MESSAGE AROUND!
The website lists e-mail addresses of all the staffers assigned to the various congressmen and senators:
http://www.outsourcecongress.org/outsource/congress/schstaffers.html
How is it useful? If you have a congressman and/or
senator who showed their contempt for Americans by voting
to pass S-2611 (Illegal Alien Amnesty Bill), don't miss the opportunity to share with them how despicable you regard
their betrayal. Rather than use a website fax or
website e-mail form, share your letter with all the
office staffers. Nothing becomes public knowledge
faster than an office secret shared with the entire staff.
The more staffers who read the angry comments from betrayed constituents, the more likely it will be "leaked" to
the press and printed in news stories. When silent
Americans read that congressmens' e-mail Inboxes are
full of what will surely be called "hateful" e-mail, many are likely to join in with phone calls and similar e-mail
messages.
Let congressional staffers (many of whom think they're as "elite" as their bosses) know what voters think of
their bosses. This website will even format a MS Outlook e-mail for you--it couldn't be easier.
When 6 of us visited the local offices of Senators John McCain & Jon Kyl last week, I was struck by how confused
and
"unglued" the staffers were by our unpredictable
behavior and outrage. I realized how powerful a
weapon we have
against these despicable politicians with our
non-typical behavior.
They're comfortable with our predictable, polite and
respectful demeanor, which is why we're told to engage in the
"reasoned and rational debate" that Jorge Boosh urged.
They get nervous when we're angry and outraged, and
wonder if we might be planning further surprises for
them on Election Day, like a "voters' pink slip."
Let them continue to worry. Keep showing unpredictable behavior that worries politicians. These traitors
deserve to worry, and their staffers with them. And
prepare to hear staffers leak to their press that
their boss is receiving lots of "hateful" messages
for selling out Americans.
see ........
http://www.outsourcecongress.org/outsource/congress/schstaffers.html
www.mccainalert.com
National Guard arrives at the Arizona border
National Guard arrives at the Arizona border
1st Guard Members Arrive to Fortify Border
Fifty-five National Guard members from Utah arrived
in Yuma, Ariz., on Saturday afternoon
the first troops to be sent to
the Arizona-Mexico border in a new crackdown
on illegal immigration.
The Utah troops had been scheduled to work on
fences and other projects as part of the Guard's
long-standing efforts at the Arizona border,
officials had said as late as Wednesday.
see more at........
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-guard4jun04,1,1090357.story?coll=la-headlines-nation
more border issues
1st Guard Members Arrive to Fortify Border
Fifty-five National Guard members from Utah arrived
in Yuma, Ariz., on Saturday afternoon
the first troops to be sent to
the Arizona-Mexico border in a new crackdown
on illegal immigration.
The Utah troops had been scheduled to work on
fences and other projects as part of the Guard's
long-standing efforts at the Arizona border,
officials had said as late as Wednesday.
see more at........
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-guard4jun04,1,1090357.story?coll=la-headlines-nation
more border issues
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Senator John McCain Passes The Buck On Polygamy
Senator John McCain Passes The Buck On Polygamy
Senator John McCain Cincinnati Pretender
To be fair, while the FLDS, America's largest
polygamy cult, is incorporated in Utah --
members live and vote on either side of the
Utah-Arizona border. That means media darling
John McCain's (R--AZ) stance on polygamy is
also an issue Reports Reconfirm Hatch Said
He Condones Polygamy], particularly because of
McCain's 2008 US presidential aspirations.
McCain twice ducked my requests for comment for
articles on polygamy, first in 2000 for the front page
of the Weekend Financial Times Seven brides for
one brother: Plural marriage is rife in the western
United States, and then for a piece that ran March
2005 both in Scoop and CounterPunch, where I noted:
"Arizona is even less responsive on the Babyland
issue [unmarked children's graves in the FLDS canyonlands].
John McCain (R - AZ), who is incensed about
Iraq POW humiliation, takes campaign contributions
in part from Mohave County where the FLDS is
headquartered on the Arizona side of the border.
McCain failed to comment for my Financial Times October 2000 cover story on polygamy and his assistant press secretary, Crystal Benton, told me last year regarding the Babyland matter that his schedule was "too hectic" for him to make a statement, although she wouldn't want it to be reported that the Senator had "no comment". ADVERTISEMENT
Funny the night before Benton told me
McCain's schedule was too hectic, he appeared
on MSNBC's Hardball promoting his new book
(he's a frequent guest). He's also found time to
host Saturday Night Live."
Finding any other comment on polygamy from
either of the two US senators from Arizona -
both Republicans: John McCain and John Kyl - is an exhausting exercise.
By Suzan Mazur
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0605/S00396.htm
www.mccainalert.com
www.mccainalert.com
Senator John McCain Cincinnati Pretender
To be fair, while the FLDS, America's largest
polygamy cult, is incorporated in Utah --
members live and vote on either side of the
Utah-Arizona border. That means media darling
John McCain's (R--AZ) stance on polygamy is
also an issue Reports Reconfirm Hatch Said
He Condones Polygamy], particularly because of
McCain's 2008 US presidential aspirations.
McCain twice ducked my requests for comment for
articles on polygamy, first in 2000 for the front page
of the Weekend Financial Times Seven brides for
one brother: Plural marriage is rife in the western
United States, and then for a piece that ran March
2005 both in Scoop and CounterPunch, where I noted:
"Arizona is even less responsive on the Babyland
issue [unmarked children's graves in the FLDS canyonlands].
John McCain (R - AZ), who is incensed about
Iraq POW humiliation, takes campaign contributions
in part from Mohave County where the FLDS is
headquartered on the Arizona side of the border.
McCain failed to comment for my Financial Times October 2000 cover story on polygamy and his assistant press secretary, Crystal Benton, told me last year regarding the Babyland matter that his schedule was "too hectic" for him to make a statement, although she wouldn't want it to be reported that the Senator had "no comment". ADVERTISEMENT
Funny the night before Benton told me
McCain's schedule was too hectic, he appeared
on MSNBC's Hardball promoting his new book
(he's a frequent guest). He's also found time to
host Saturday Night Live."
Finding any other comment on polygamy from
either of the two US senators from Arizona -
both Republicans: John McCain and John Kyl - is an exhausting exercise.
By Suzan Mazur
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0605/S00396.htm
www.mccainalert.com
www.mccainalert.com
Senator John Mccain to America: Do as I legislate, not as I
Senator John Mccain to America: Do as I legislate, not as I
Senator John Mccain to America: Do as I legislate, not as I
Senator John Mccain to America: Do as I legislate, not as I, uh, violate the spirit of said legislation in an attempt to ready myself for another presidential run in 2008
Ryan Sager, who has been a dogged critic of McCain-Feingold, invites us to take a closer look at McCain’s own Reform Institute,a non-profit think tank, that just so happens to reside in ,the same Old Towne office building as McCain’s re-election committee (Friends of John McCain), his PAC (Straight Talk America) and his adviser’s lobbying firm (Davis Manafort & Freedman)., From ,The Horse McCain Rode In On,, in today’s New York Post:
As Sen. John McCain gears up for a prospective presidential run in 2008, he’s trying to put an ugly little incident behind him one that makes him look like a flat-out hypocrite on his signature issue, campaign-finance reform.
If members of the national media are anything more than lapdogs for the war-hero, "maverick" senator, they’ll start asking some tough questions about a bogus little think tank in Alexandria, Va., called the Reform Institute.
According to the inside-the-beltway paper Roll Call,
McCain has stepped down as chairman of the Reform Institute, citing negative publicity from earlier this year when
it was discovered that the Institute was accepting large cash contributions from businesses with interests before
the Senate Commerce Committee.
At the time, McCain was chairman of the Commerce Committee [...]
Read the whole thing, which includes details of an
earlier AP investigation in March.
It’s one thing to co-author legislation that, when all
is said and done, will do more to weaken the First Amendment
than just about any piece of legislation ever signed
into law; it is quite another, however, to insist everyone else’s free speech be regulated while reserving for
yourself special dispensation.
Unless of course maverick means above the law. In which case, carry on, Senator. Fight the good fight. After all,
if anybody knows what’s best for us, it’s the guy
who doesn’t trust us to speak freely.
see more at
http://www.proteinwisdom.com/index.php/weblog/entry/18776/
Mccain Alert
Senator John Mccain to America: Do as I legislate, not as I
Senator John Mccain to America: Do as I legislate, not as I, uh, violate the spirit of said legislation in an attempt to ready myself for another presidential run in 2008
Ryan Sager, who has been a dogged critic of McCain-Feingold, invites us to take a closer look at McCain’s own Reform Institute,a non-profit think tank, that just so happens to reside in ,the same Old Towne office building as McCain’s re-election committee (Friends of John McCain), his PAC (Straight Talk America) and his adviser’s lobbying firm (Davis Manafort & Freedman)., From ,The Horse McCain Rode In On,, in today’s New York Post:
As Sen. John McCain gears up for a prospective presidential run in 2008, he’s trying to put an ugly little incident behind him one that makes him look like a flat-out hypocrite on his signature issue, campaign-finance reform.
If members of the national media are anything more than lapdogs for the war-hero, "maverick" senator, they’ll start asking some tough questions about a bogus little think tank in Alexandria, Va., called the Reform Institute.
According to the inside-the-beltway paper Roll Call,
McCain has stepped down as chairman of the Reform Institute, citing negative publicity from earlier this year when
it was discovered that the Institute was accepting large cash contributions from businesses with interests before
the Senate Commerce Committee.
At the time, McCain was chairman of the Commerce Committee [...]
Read the whole thing, which includes details of an
earlier AP investigation in March.
It’s one thing to co-author legislation that, when all
is said and done, will do more to weaken the First Amendment
than just about any piece of legislation ever signed
into law; it is quite another, however, to insist everyone else’s free speech be regulated while reserving for
yourself special dispensation.
Unless of course maverick means above the law. In which case, carry on, Senator. Fight the good fight. After all,
if anybody knows what’s best for us, it’s the guy
who doesn’t trust us to speak freely.
see more at
http://www.proteinwisdom.com/index.php/weblog/entry/18776/
Mccain Alert
Friday, June 02, 2006
Senator John McCain thought it more important...
Senator John McCain thought it more important...
Senator John McCain thought it more important...
this week to meet with Latino leaders in California
who support his fight for illegal alien amnesty than with congressional -- than with a congressional candidate from his own party, by the way, who is against amnesty for illegal aliens. Senator McCain urged Latino leaders in Orange
County, California, to support their joint fight for
amnesty in this country. He urged them to "speak for
people who cannot speak for themselves. You are the role models."
Senator McCain made the comments on the same day as
he canceled an appearance at a fund-raiser for Republican congressional candidate Brian Bilbray, who opposes
McCain's so-called comprehensive immigration reform plan.
The Senate's so-called comprehensive immigration reform act would have an extraordinary impact on the population of this country were it to become law. A study by the
Heritage Foundation has determined that 66 million people would be given legal status over the next two decades.
Ten million illegal aliens already in this country, if you accept that estimate, will be granted amnesty
immediately under the Senate legislation, as many
as 20 million according to other estimates.
That legislation would also create a new guest
worker program that would admit at least 325,000
workers every year, and their spouses and their
children. And in some cases, their extended families.
The Congressional Budget Office says the guest worker
program and increased welfare benefits would cost
taxpayers an estimated $50 billion, and those are the most conservative estimates. They do not account for
increased illegal immigration spurred by the hope of another amnesty in the future.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/02/ldt.01.html
Senator John McCain thought it more important...
this week to meet with Latino leaders in California
who support his fight for illegal alien amnesty than with congressional -- than with a congressional candidate from his own party, by the way, who is against amnesty for illegal aliens. Senator McCain urged Latino leaders in Orange
County, California, to support their joint fight for
amnesty in this country. He urged them to "speak for
people who cannot speak for themselves. You are the role models."
Senator McCain made the comments on the same day as
he canceled an appearance at a fund-raiser for Republican congressional candidate Brian Bilbray, who opposes
McCain's so-called comprehensive immigration reform plan.
The Senate's so-called comprehensive immigration reform act would have an extraordinary impact on the population of this country were it to become law. A study by the
Heritage Foundation has determined that 66 million people would be given legal status over the next two decades.
Ten million illegal aliens already in this country, if you accept that estimate, will be granted amnesty
immediately under the Senate legislation, as many
as 20 million according to other estimates.
That legislation would also create a new guest
worker program that would admit at least 325,000
workers every year, and their spouses and their
children. And in some cases, their extended families.
The Congressional Budget Office says the guest worker
program and increased welfare benefits would cost
taxpayers an estimated $50 billion, and those are the most conservative estimates. They do not account for
increased illegal immigration spurred by the hope of another amnesty in the future.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/02/ldt.01.html
Senator John McCain returns $20,000 in political contributions
Senator John McCain returns $20,000 in political contributions
Republican Sen. John McCain,
of Arizona, has returned $20,000 in political
contributions from a powerful Texas family that
is under investigation for possible unlawful use
of offshore tax shelters.
McCain's political action committee, Straight Talk
America, returned $5,000 checks to each of the
following: Charles Wyly; Wyly's brother Sam; Sam's
wife, Cheryl; and Charles' son, Charles, according
to the PAC's most recent Federal Election Commission filing.
The Wylys were hosts of a May 15 Dallas fund-raiser
for McCain but were requested not to attend the event,
a McCain political adviser told CNN.
Family behind donations under federal investigation
see more .......
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/25/mccain.contributions/index.html
Republican Sen. John McCain,
of Arizona, has returned $20,000 in political
contributions from a powerful Texas family that
is under investigation for possible unlawful use
of offshore tax shelters.
McCain's political action committee, Straight Talk
America, returned $5,000 checks to each of the
following: Charles Wyly; Wyly's brother Sam; Sam's
wife, Cheryl; and Charles' son, Charles, according
to the PAC's most recent Federal Election Commission filing.
The Wylys were hosts of a May 15 Dallas fund-raiser
for McCain but were requested not to attend the event,
a McCain political adviser told CNN.
Family behind donations under federal investigation
see more .......
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/25/mccain.contributions/index.html
2 faced Senator John Mccain ?
2 faced Senator John Mccain ?
The Two Sides of McCain
Will the Moderate Senator Lose his Soul to Extremists
to Become President?
Next month, the Senate will act out what has become
a favorite Republican ritual in election years by
calling up a constitutional amendment to prohibit
the marriage
homosexual couples. In theory, the objective of this
splashy spectacle is to pass the Federal Marriage
Amendmentwith the required two-thirds majority and send this
obnoxious legislation forward toward full ratification by Congress and the states. But since that is impossible, why would the Senate leadership waste everyone's time?
If nothing else, the marriage amendment provides a
test for the most politically ambitious Republican
senators notably Majority Leader Bill Frist, who promised
evangelical conservatives last winter that he would
bring the amendment to a vote before the summer recess,
and
Senator John McCain, whose principled opposition to the amendment is now an obstacle to any reconciliation with the religious right.
For McCain, the issue of the marriage amendment has
risen again at a particularly inconvenient moment.
As he moves toward a presidential campaign in 2008,
his dilemma is whether to pander to the right, and
thus destroy his centrist "maverick" image, or uphold
principle and damage his prospects in the Republican
primaries.
see more..........
http://www.thebulletin.com/archives/2006/may/bullpen0526.htm
The Two Sides of McCain
Will the Moderate Senator Lose his Soul to Extremists
to Become President?
Next month, the Senate will act out what has become
a favorite Republican ritual in election years by
calling up a constitutional amendment to prohibit
the marriage
homosexual couples. In theory, the objective of this
splashy spectacle is to pass the Federal Marriage
Amendmentwith the required two-thirds majority and send this
obnoxious legislation forward toward full ratification by Congress and the states. But since that is impossible, why would the Senate leadership waste everyone's time?
If nothing else, the marriage amendment provides a
test for the most politically ambitious Republican
senators notably Majority Leader Bill Frist, who promised
evangelical conservatives last winter that he would
bring the amendment to a vote before the summer recess,
and
Senator John McCain, whose principled opposition to the amendment is now an obstacle to any reconciliation with the religious right.
For McCain, the issue of the marriage amendment has
risen again at a particularly inconvenient moment.
As he moves toward a presidential campaign in 2008,
his dilemma is whether to pander to the right, and
thus destroy his centrist "maverick" image, or uphold
principle and damage his prospects in the Republican
primaries.
see more..........
http://www.thebulletin.com/archives/2006/may/bullpen0526.htm
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Your Chance to Volunteer and Attend Mitt Romney Dinner
Your Chance to Volunteer and Attend Mitt Romney Dinner for a Special Low Price
The Trunk n' Tusk 2006 series starts June 10 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort with our special guest Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The VIP reception starts at 6 pm, with dinner at 7 pm.
You can attend this special dinner for the low price of $40 if you do one of the following: A) Stop into AZ GOP headquarters or one of our state field offices and make 100 voter identification phone calls, or B) Bring in five (5) newly completed voter registration forms for Republican voters.
Contact Kara Karlson for details on this great opportunity to help the Arizona Republican Party and see Mitt Romney.
Not able to volunteer but still want to attend the dinner? You can do so for $100. Contact Renee Roebuck via e-mail or call her at (602) 957-7770.
Interested in joining Trunk n' Tusk?
For $275 you get a Silver membership, which includes three dinners in 2006.
A Gold membership is $500 and includes three dinners and VIP receptions.
A Platinum membership is $5000 and includes the dinners and receptions for two people, and participation in exclusive roundtable discussions with Arizona Republican Party Chairman Matt Salmon and national political leaders.
Become a member today by registering at the AZ GOP Web page or by sending your check or credit card information to:
Arizona Republican Party
3501 N. 24th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
mccainalert.com
The Trunk n' Tusk 2006 series starts June 10 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort with our special guest Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The VIP reception starts at 6 pm, with dinner at 7 pm.
You can attend this special dinner for the low price of $40 if you do one of the following: A) Stop into AZ GOP headquarters or one of our state field offices and make 100 voter identification phone calls, or B) Bring in five (5) newly completed voter registration forms for Republican voters.
Contact Kara Karlson for details on this great opportunity to help the Arizona Republican Party and see Mitt Romney.
Not able to volunteer but still want to attend the dinner? You can do so for $100. Contact Renee Roebuck via e-mail or call her at (602) 957-7770.
Interested in joining Trunk n' Tusk?
For $275 you get a Silver membership, which includes three dinners in 2006.
A Gold membership is $500 and includes three dinners and VIP receptions.
A Platinum membership is $5000 and includes the dinners and receptions for two people, and participation in exclusive roundtable discussions with Arizona Republican Party Chairman Matt Salmon and national political leaders.
Become a member today by registering at the AZ GOP Web page or by sending your check or credit card information to:
Arizona Republican Party
3501 N. 24th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
mccainalert.com
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
3rd political party launches www.unity08.com
Senate dropped the ball on illegal aliens,gas, energy,Iraq?
do they spend too much time on free golf trips,
free lobbyist lunches, private jets, collecting cold cash ?
people are disappointed and pissed.
Unity Ticket = new 3rd political party ?
New Organization Offers Voters an Answer to Partisan Paralysis, Seeks to Elect Bipartisan 'Unity Ticket' to White House in '08
Ticket to be Chosen Via First-Ever Online Convention
DENVER, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A new grassroots organization called Unity08 (http://www.unity08.com) launched a
nationwide movement today to effect major reform in the 2008 presidential elections by offering voters an alternative
ticket -- a Unity Ticket headed by a woman and/ or man from each
major party, or by an independent who presents a Unity Team from both parties. By electing a Unity Ticket to the White House, Unity08 plans to force the country's Democratic
and Republican leaders to cease their runaway focus on the issues of outlying special-interest groups and once
again align with the aspirations and will of
average Americans.
Unity08 has three specific goals:
-- Elect a Unity Ticket to the White House in 2008, headed by a woman and/or man from each major political party or by an independent who presents a Unity Team from both parties.
-- Have the American people choose that ticket via the first-ever virtual, secure online convention of millions of qualified American voters. Unity08 has no candidate -- the Unity Ticket will be chosen online, by the people.
see more at.....
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060530/dctu041.html?.v=54
do they spend too much time on free golf trips,
free lobbyist lunches, private jets, collecting cold cash ?
people are disappointed and pissed.
Unity Ticket = new 3rd political party ?
New Organization Offers Voters an Answer to Partisan Paralysis, Seeks to Elect Bipartisan 'Unity Ticket' to White House in '08
Ticket to be Chosen Via First-Ever Online Convention
DENVER, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A new grassroots organization called Unity08 (http://www.unity08.com) launched a
nationwide movement today to effect major reform in the 2008 presidential elections by offering voters an alternative
ticket -- a Unity Ticket headed by a woman and/ or man from each
major party, or by an independent who presents a Unity Team from both parties. By electing a Unity Ticket to the White House, Unity08 plans to force the country's Democratic
and Republican leaders to cease their runaway focus on the issues of outlying special-interest groups and once
again align with the aspirations and will of
average Americans.
Unity08 has three specific goals:
-- Elect a Unity Ticket to the White House in 2008, headed by a woman and/or man from each major political party or by an independent who presents a Unity Team from both parties.
-- Have the American people choose that ticket via the first-ever virtual, secure online convention of millions of qualified American voters. Unity08 has no candidate -- the Unity Ticket will be chosen online, by the people.
see more at.....
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060530/dctu041.html?.v=54
Senator John McCain doesn't like dissent
Senator John McCain doesn't like dissent
One of my professors from this semester worked closely with McCain. Apparently, the senator has a nasty temper and treats "subordinates" in an extraordinarily derogatory way.
TPM Muckraker informs us that John McCain canceled an appearance at a fundraiser for Brian Bilbray - R, who is running against Francine Busby - D in the race to fill
the seat of the corrupt Representative Duke Cunningham, currently serving 10 years for accepting bribes. Apparently, Senator McCain brooks no dissent with regard to the bills he introduces in the Senate, since he is refusing to appear
at the fundraiser based on Bilbray's criticism of Busby
because she supports McCain's immigration bill. While some may view this as a principled stand, it actually goes more
directly to McCain's character and his anger at anyone
who disagrees with him.
see more at........
http://dilatoryaction.blogspot.com/2006/05/john-mccain-doesnt-like-dissent.html
One of my professors from this semester worked closely with McCain. Apparently, the senator has a nasty temper and treats "subordinates" in an extraordinarily derogatory way.
TPM Muckraker informs us that John McCain canceled an appearance at a fundraiser for Brian Bilbray - R, who is running against Francine Busby - D in the race to fill
the seat of the corrupt Representative Duke Cunningham, currently serving 10 years for accepting bribes. Apparently, Senator McCain brooks no dissent with regard to the bills he introduces in the Senate, since he is refusing to appear
at the fundraiser based on Bilbray's criticism of Busby
because she supports McCain's immigration bill. While some may view this as a principled stand, it actually goes more
directly to McCain's character and his anger at anyone
who disagrees with him.
see more at........
http://dilatoryaction.blogspot.com/2006/05/john-mccain-doesnt-like-dissent.html
unlike Senator John "crash" Mccain, Senator Kyl =Securing the Border Must Come First
unlike Senator John Mccain, Senator Kyl =Securing the Border Must Come First
Securing the Border Must Come First
By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl
The problem of illegal immigration is the single most important issue to Arizonans. Property owners along the U.S.-Mexico border are under siege. Violent crime is up over 100 percent along the border. Hospital, law enforcement, and public school budgets are under strain. And, our porous borders are an open invitation to terrorists and criminals who seek to do us harm.
Twenty years ago, Congress approved a bill intended to stop illegal immigration. It granted amnesty to 3.2 million illegal immigrants, but the federal government utterly failed to follow through on securing the border or enforcing the law at the workplace. Instead, the amnesty only encouraged millions more to cross the border.
We must not repeat that mistake.
Because the 1986 law was not enforced, the American people are right to ask whether the will exists to enforce any new law. Like the 1986 amnesty law, the legislation just passed by the U.S. Senate puts illegal immigrants on a pathway to citizenship before the border is secure or employment eligibility can be verified.
I voted against the bill in the Senate. It now advances to a House-Senate conference committee where conferees (including myself) will try to find common ground and develop a bill acceptable to both bodies.
The Senate did approve several amendments to improve the bill, including one I offered to bar individuals with criminal backgrounds or who failed to comply with an ordered removal from the U.S, from receiving the benefits of the legislation. The Senate also approved additional resources for border fencing and vehicle barriers, a limit on the number of future workers entering the country, and enhanced fees on aliens to fund improvements in border and interior security.
But the bill is flawed in significant ways.
An amendment to ensure that the border is secured before the benefits of legalization are extended to those who are here illegally was defeated. So was an amendment to make it easier to prosecute illegal immigrants who lie on their applications for immigrant status.
Yet the Senate did adopt an amendment that would actually make it easier for illegal immigrants to file frivolous petitions with the courts to delay their removal. There is even a provision requiring the U.S. government to consult with the Mexican government before any new fencing or other border security measures can be constructed.
More fundamental problems exist with enforcement and implementation. Will Congress and the President renege on the promise of enhanced border infrastructure? President Bush has now asked that funds already approved for border infrastructure improvements be diverted to short-term border operations. If we are truly serious about securing the border, we have to be willing to spend what it takes. That means finding a way to pay for both infrastructure and short-term operations, not one at the expense of the other.
Second, we need a bill that gives employers an easy-to-use and secure electronic verification system. The Senate bill begins the process of implementing such a system, but it limits database sharing necessary to combat fraud and fails to create a secure Social Security card. It also relies on a federal database that has been plagued with problems.
Third, the Senate bill establishes a “temporary” worker program, but authorizes those workers to convert to permanent residency and citizenship. That’s not a temporary worker program. Employers could petition for permanent status for a “temporary” worker the day after the alien arrives for temporary work.
We need comprehensive reform of our immigration system, and now is the time to do it. I look forward to the opportunity to work for a final agreement that will ensure immigration is addressed in a way that protects our security, meets our employment needs while being fair to American workers, is humane and just, and strengthens the rule of law.
Sen. Kyl serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees and chairs the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
******************************************
Other recent columns by Senator Kyl:
Remembering Our Heroes
Women's Health Week
Pain at the Pump
A Friendly Medicare Reminder
see more political comments at
more on Senator John "crash" McCain
Securing the Border Must Come First
By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl
The problem of illegal immigration is the single most important issue to Arizonans. Property owners along the U.S.-Mexico border are under siege. Violent crime is up over 100 percent along the border. Hospital, law enforcement, and public school budgets are under strain. And, our porous borders are an open invitation to terrorists and criminals who seek to do us harm.
Twenty years ago, Congress approved a bill intended to stop illegal immigration. It granted amnesty to 3.2 million illegal immigrants, but the federal government utterly failed to follow through on securing the border or enforcing the law at the workplace. Instead, the amnesty only encouraged millions more to cross the border.
We must not repeat that mistake.
Because the 1986 law was not enforced, the American people are right to ask whether the will exists to enforce any new law. Like the 1986 amnesty law, the legislation just passed by the U.S. Senate puts illegal immigrants on a pathway to citizenship before the border is secure or employment eligibility can be verified.
I voted against the bill in the Senate. It now advances to a House-Senate conference committee where conferees (including myself) will try to find common ground and develop a bill acceptable to both bodies.
The Senate did approve several amendments to improve the bill, including one I offered to bar individuals with criminal backgrounds or who failed to comply with an ordered removal from the U.S, from receiving the benefits of the legislation. The Senate also approved additional resources for border fencing and vehicle barriers, a limit on the number of future workers entering the country, and enhanced fees on aliens to fund improvements in border and interior security.
But the bill is flawed in significant ways.
An amendment to ensure that the border is secured before the benefits of legalization are extended to those who are here illegally was defeated. So was an amendment to make it easier to prosecute illegal immigrants who lie on their applications for immigrant status.
Yet the Senate did adopt an amendment that would actually make it easier for illegal immigrants to file frivolous petitions with the courts to delay their removal. There is even a provision requiring the U.S. government to consult with the Mexican government before any new fencing or other border security measures can be constructed.
More fundamental problems exist with enforcement and implementation. Will Congress and the President renege on the promise of enhanced border infrastructure? President Bush has now asked that funds already approved for border infrastructure improvements be diverted to short-term border operations. If we are truly serious about securing the border, we have to be willing to spend what it takes. That means finding a way to pay for both infrastructure and short-term operations, not one at the expense of the other.
Second, we need a bill that gives employers an easy-to-use and secure electronic verification system. The Senate bill begins the process of implementing such a system, but it limits database sharing necessary to combat fraud and fails to create a secure Social Security card. It also relies on a federal database that has been plagued with problems.
Third, the Senate bill establishes a “temporary” worker program, but authorizes those workers to convert to permanent residency and citizenship. That’s not a temporary worker program. Employers could petition for permanent status for a “temporary” worker the day after the alien arrives for temporary work.
We need comprehensive reform of our immigration system, and now is the time to do it. I look forward to the opportunity to work for a final agreement that will ensure immigration is addressed in a way that protects our security, meets our employment needs while being fair to American workers, is humane and just, and strengthens the rule of law.
Sen. Kyl serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees and chairs the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
******************************************
Other recent columns by Senator Kyl:
Remembering Our Heroes
Women's Health Week
Pain at the Pump
A Friendly Medicare Reminder
see more political comments at
more on Senator John "crash" McCain
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Ed Meese says "An Amnesty by Any Other Name"
Ed Meese says "An Amnesty by Any Other Name"
IN the debate over immigration, "amnesty" has become something of a dirty word. Some opponents of the immigration bill being debated in the Senate assert that it would grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. Supporters claim it would do no such thing. Instead, they say, it lays out a road map by which illegal aliens can earn citizenship.
Perhaps I can shed some light. Two decades ago, while serving as attorney general under President Ronald Reagan, I was in the thick of things as Congress debated the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. The situation today bears uncanny similarities to what we went through then.
Edwin Meese III, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, was the attorney general of the United States from 1985 to 1988.
see complete article
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/24/opinion/24meese.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
IN the debate over immigration, "amnesty" has become something of a dirty word. Some opponents of the immigration bill being debated in the Senate assert that it would grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. Supporters claim it would do no such thing. Instead, they say, it lays out a road map by which illegal aliens can earn citizenship.
Perhaps I can shed some light. Two decades ago, while serving as attorney general under President Ronald Reagan, I was in the thick of things as Congress debated the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. The situation today bears uncanny similarities to what we went through then.
Edwin Meese III, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, was the attorney general of the United States from 1985 to 1988.
see complete article
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/24/opinion/24meese.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Friday, May 26, 2006
Congressman Willian "dollar bill" Jefferson ? wants his cash back
Congressman Willian "dollar bill" Jefferson ? wants his cash back
Jefferson, 59, has not been charged and he denies the allegations, which have shocked residents in the Katrina-ravaged neighborhoods he represents.
"I believe he is innocent, whatever the accusations are," says Pearl Thomas, Jefferson's 73-year-old neighbor.
Others, such as Cheron Brylski, a political consultant who once backed Jefferson's opponent in a congressional race, say they have always wondered about him.
"We called him 'Dollar Bill.' ... There is this awful perception of him as someone out for personal gain, and that has haunted him almost from day one," Brylski said. She later befriended Jefferson, however, and ran two of his campaigns. "The Bill Jefferson I know, there are two sides. I would consider him one of the few Democrats who literally believes in the Democratic Party platform."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060526/ts_usatoday/jeffersoncasemayhurthisparty
Jefferson, 59, has not been charged and he denies the allegations, which have shocked residents in the Katrina-ravaged neighborhoods he represents.
"I believe he is innocent, whatever the accusations are," says Pearl Thomas, Jefferson's 73-year-old neighbor.
Others, such as Cheron Brylski, a political consultant who once backed Jefferson's opponent in a congressional race, say they have always wondered about him.
"We called him 'Dollar Bill.' ... There is this awful perception of him as someone out for personal gain, and that has haunted him almost from day one," Brylski said. She later befriended Jefferson, however, and ran two of his campaigns. "The Bill Jefferson I know, there are two sides. I would consider him one of the few Democrats who literally believes in the Democratic Party platform."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060526/ts_usatoday/jeffersoncasemayhurthisparty
McCain aide attacks woman who spoke out against Mccain
McCain aide attacks woman who spoke out against Mccain
McCain aide attacks woman who spoke out against senator
during New York City commencement
A longtime aide to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who co-wrote
several of the senator's books wrote a startling
frank comment on a blog post at The Huffington Post
late Sunday, revealing his derision for a student
at the New School commencement in New York City.
Mark Salter, McCain's aide, responded to the
commencement speech given by student Jean Rohe
who spoke out in an unexpectedly strong-worded
speech against the senator and the speech he
intended to give.
Rohe remarked: "Based on the speech he gave at the other institutions [including Rev. Jerry Falwell's
Liberty University], Senator Mc Cain will tell us today
that dissent and disagreement are our "civic and moral obligation" in times of crisis. I consider this a time of crisis and I feel obligated to speak.
Senator Mc Cain will also tell us about his cocky self-assuredness in his youth, which prevented him
from hearing the ideas of others. In so doing,
he will imply that those of us who are young are too
naïve to
have valid opinions and open ears. I am young, and
although I don't profess to possess the wisdom that time affords us, I do know that preemptive war is dangerous and wrong, that George Bush's agenda in Iraq is not worth
the many lives lost. And I know that despite all the
havoc that my country has wrought overseas in my name,
Osama bin Laden still has not been found, nor have those weapons of mass destruction."
Salter responded in a comment at Huffington Post.
That comment follows.
#
I am employed by Senator McCain and I helped draft his remarks for the New School commencement ceremony. Ms. Rohe takes exception to the fact that the speech was written with all four commencements he has been invited to address. The Senator's intention was to discuss with Americans, not any particular subset of Americans, but his fellow countrymen, the things that he feels are important to remember in our political debates: that we owe each other our respect just as we owe each other our best advocacy for the things we believe are important for our country. He did not feel that the students of Liberty University were a more appropriate audience for his address than the New School's graduates. It was an act of respect. Although it is quite clear that part of his audience at Madison Square Garden had no intention of reciprocating.
Evidently, the Senator's regard for his audience was misplaced. Ms. Rohe and those of her fellow graduates who hailed their school's President as a war criminal and who greeted the Senator's reference to a friend's death with laughter proved only one thing, one sad thing, that they could learn a thing or two about tolerance and respect from the students of Liberty University. Like the protestors at the Garden, many in the audience at Liberty University disagreed with various of the Senator's views. Some disagreed with his support for campaign finance reform. Some disagreed with his support for comprehensive immigration reform with a path toward legalization for undocumented workers. Some disagreed with his position of climate change. Some disagreed with his opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment. Whatever their differences with him they listened to him attentively and respectfully, as one American to another, divided in some respects, united in much more important ones.
see complete article at..........
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/McCain_aide_attacks_woman_who_spoke_0522.html
McCain aide attacks woman who spoke out against senator
during New York City commencement
A longtime aide to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who co-wrote
several of the senator's books wrote a startling
frank comment on a blog post at The Huffington Post
late Sunday, revealing his derision for a student
at the New School commencement in New York City.
Mark Salter, McCain's aide, responded to the
commencement speech given by student Jean Rohe
who spoke out in an unexpectedly strong-worded
speech against the senator and the speech he
intended to give.
Rohe remarked: "Based on the speech he gave at the other institutions [including Rev. Jerry Falwell's
Liberty University], Senator Mc Cain will tell us today
that dissent and disagreement are our "civic and moral obligation" in times of crisis. I consider this a time of crisis and I feel obligated to speak.
Senator Mc Cain will also tell us about his cocky self-assuredness in his youth, which prevented him
from hearing the ideas of others. In so doing,
he will imply that those of us who are young are too
naïve to
have valid opinions and open ears. I am young, and
although I don't profess to possess the wisdom that time affords us, I do know that preemptive war is dangerous and wrong, that George Bush's agenda in Iraq is not worth
the many lives lost. And I know that despite all the
havoc that my country has wrought overseas in my name,
Osama bin Laden still has not been found, nor have those weapons of mass destruction."
Salter responded in a comment at Huffington Post.
That comment follows.
#
I am employed by Senator McCain and I helped draft his remarks for the New School commencement ceremony. Ms. Rohe takes exception to the fact that the speech was written with all four commencements he has been invited to address. The Senator's intention was to discuss with Americans, not any particular subset of Americans, but his fellow countrymen, the things that he feels are important to remember in our political debates: that we owe each other our respect just as we owe each other our best advocacy for the things we believe are important for our country. He did not feel that the students of Liberty University were a more appropriate audience for his address than the New School's graduates. It was an act of respect. Although it is quite clear that part of his audience at Madison Square Garden had no intention of reciprocating.
Evidently, the Senator's regard for his audience was misplaced. Ms. Rohe and those of her fellow graduates who hailed their school's President as a war criminal and who greeted the Senator's reference to a friend's death with laughter proved only one thing, one sad thing, that they could learn a thing or two about tolerance and respect from the students of Liberty University. Like the protestors at the Garden, many in the audience at Liberty University disagreed with various of the Senator's views. Some disagreed with his support for campaign finance reform. Some disagreed with his support for comprehensive immigration reform with a path toward legalization for undocumented workers. Some disagreed with his position of climate change. Some disagreed with his opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment. Whatever their differences with him they listened to him attentively and respectfully, as one American to another, divided in some respects, united in much more important ones.
see complete article at..........
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/McCain_aide_attacks_woman_who_spoke_0522.html
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