The American Spectator : Insecure Communities

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Insecure Communities

By W. James Antle, III on 5.9.11 @ 6:10AM

Liberal elected officials think even Obama is too tough on illegal immigration as they opt out of a federal program.

After the killing of Osama bin Laden, Barack Obama would like to establish himself as the new sheriff in town. When it comes to immigration enforcement, elected officials within the president's own party are saying: Not in our town.

San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey said Friday that he will begin releasing illegal immigrants locked up in county jail for what he considers low-level crimes even if federal immigration authorities ask that they be held as part of the Secure Communities program. The illegal aliens set to go free have been arrested on such charges as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and shoplifting. A spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) described Hennessey's decision as "unfortunate."

Of course, San Francisco is a sanctuary city. Hennessey said a year ago that local and federal immigration enforcement priorities conflicted, he would comply with the former. It was more surprising when Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced last week that he was pulling his state out of the Secure Communities program entirely. The California state legislature is considering a bill that would make local cooperation with federal immigration authorities voluntary.

Secure Communities began as a pilot program during the Bush administration in 2008. When police in participating communities book people into jail, they share the fingerprints with ICE just like they do the FBI. ICE cross-references the prints against databases it maintains. If there is a match, immigration authorities can request that the individual be kept in custody up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release date. ICE can then grab them and initiate deportation proceedings.

The program was designed to facilitate the deportation of criminal aliens in state and local custody. Participation has exploded from just 14 jurisdictions working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when it was first rolled out to 1,400 by early 2011. Secure Communities has become an important part of the Obama administration's campaign to appear tough on illegal immigration, accounting for a significant part of its much-ballyhooed spike in deportations.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick faced a firestorm of criticism from civil rights and immigrant groups for signing on. He has held what the New York Times describes as "a series of heavily attended and sometimes raucous meetings on the program" as he tries to sell Secure Communities to liberal Bay State residents. In Maryland, Montgomery County considered opting out before "reluctantly" agreeing to take part.

Liberals are balking because not everyone removed under Secure Communities has been convicted of a dangerous crime. Some people are being deported -- horrors! -- simply for being illegal aliens. Quinn maintains that, according to ICE statistics, less than 20 percent of the illegal immigrants deported from Illinois have ever been convicted of a serious crime.

Compounding the problem is confusion over whether participation is mandatory. Several states have entered into what is called a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the federal government implying that their cooperation is voluntary. An August 2010 DHS memo stated that local governments could request "adjusting the jurisdiction's activation date in or removing the jurisdiction from the deployment plan," but DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano has been quoted as saying "Secure Communities is mandatory and will be extended to all jurisdictions in the country by 2013." The secretary said "we do not view this as an opt-in, opt-out program."

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has asked the Obama administration to suspend the program until it can be guaranteed that garden-variety illegal aliens will not be deported. Ironically, the administration has not made the deportation of non-criminal aliens a top enforcement priority. Both Bush and Obama pushed Secure Communities in part to showcase an enforcement effort as part of the "comprehensive immigration reform" gambit. The endgame is still the legalization of most of the illegal immigrants in the United States.

The same Department of Homeland Security that implements Secure Communities has repeatedly been caught discussing ways it can use its powers of administrative discretion to effectively amnesty subsets of illegal immigrants, such as those who would have benefit from the DREAM Act voted down by Congress. ICE has been criticized by customs and border patrol agents for a lack of seriousness about immigration enforcement. The Obama Justice Department has argued in federal courts that Arizona's SB 1070 is unconstitutional in part because it refers illegals the federal government has decided not to make it a priority to deport.

Yet even this is too much for some in Obama's party. New York Daily News columnist Albor Ruiz called Secure Communities a "mass deportation program" as he praised Pat Quinn for pulling Illinois out. Officials in sanctuary cities are displeased.

Some liberal politicians have finally discovered a federal program they find too intrusive. And a triangulating president will have to see if he can keep his base in check on illegal immigration.

About the Author

W. James Antle, III is associate editor of The American Spectator. You can follow him on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Jimantle.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (73) | Leave a comment

jppl| 5.9.11 @ 7:10AM

The goal of neocons (really neo-liberals) is to displace the historic, traditional American (white and black) with foreigners who are more easily manipulated by group identity politics, mass media, big government, nanny state, anti-free enterprise, anti-business, envy of the successful, etc.

Whether Obama, Bush, Clinton, McCain, Kerry, etc, - the all believe the same when it comes to immigration.

This won't end until native born Americans (whites) are no longer the majority of the population.

Occam's Tool| 5.9.11 @ 4:59PM

I don't believe that the Weekly Standard is wimpy on illegal immigration.

btims| 5.9.11 @ 7:19AM

Those illegal amigos are the Democrat's future voters and every big city mayor and many governors, as well as Barry Soetoro know it and know it well.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 9:35AM

You are absolutely right. However, they are also serving another purpose as well. The are ushering in the transformation of a different America that is fundamentally antogonistic to its traditions, language, history, and form of individualistic self government.

thethinice| 5.9.11 @ 8:28PM

Very true! I remain puzzled that anyone, even our political, academic, and corporate elites, can believe this is a good idea. I am puzzled by the silence of the black community whose political clout has been supplanted by the invasion of an illegitimate mob. I recently read "Who we are" by Samuel Huntington. It should be required for anyone who cares to understand what is happening to this country.

Redstateboy| 5.9.11 @ 9:51AM

echoing btims... Of course! That dispicable Slave Party (aka Democrat party) has to gather more Slaves to keep them in power so they're careful to gather illegals for that Ace-the-hole fraudulent vote. What's the difference.. if you're illegal already - which means you're a criminal - the Slave Party figures... what the hell? let's use them for our illegal purposes - namely voter fraud.

Melvin| 5.9.11 @ 8:22AM

It all comes down to this Globalist, "New World Order," crap.
Dilute Nationalism to the point, that immigrants are more loyal to the economics (money) of being here, than loyal to the host Country.
It will get to the point in this Country if not the world, that coutnries won't have a National identity such as United States of America, Russia, or Chile, the land masses will be assigned commodities numbers by regions. Saudi Arabia Petroleum Commodities, United States; Agricultural, Petroleum, Coal, or Forestry.
The human aspect of this is also being assigned a Commodity number, skilled, or unskilled and will join a world wide pool in which many countries already belong to of contract workers being shipped wherever the need is.
As perfect example is Dubai where skilled and unskilled Construction workers were needed and they were culled from Europe, and Asia. The support apparatus for these construction workers were primarily from the United Kingdom who handled payroll, supply, shipping and receiving.
This is what the US worker is now being slowly incorporated into.
The end result of this is. One world one wage.

Pecos Pete| 5.9.11 @ 8:57AM

Melvin, your comment makes more sense to me than explanations that "liberals" support illegal immigrants in order to feel good. I understand that Democrats support illegal immigration for their future votes and the current votes of Hispanic citizens.

La Raza, and other similar activist organizations, have other considerations. They want open immigration in order to return the southwest to Mexico. That's another aspect of illegal immigration from Mexico and I don't understand why "liberals" can't see their goals.

Nunya| 5.9.11 @ 12:23PM

Pete, I have my theory that those "liberals" in charge know EXACTLY what's going on and what the goals are, they are doing this on purpose. Those liberals that are not in charge who support these policies are benighted to the real intentions, and are, in Marx's words, "useful idiots".

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 9:29AM

Largest and single most impediment to a world government and globalization is the national sovereignty and national identification of the United States of America. These concepts are embedded in the very first words, "We the People of the United States." Not only embedded in the founding documents but in the culture and minds of Americans for generations. It must be removed. Thus, the willing cooperation of the ruling elite in the illegal invasion of the country by a culture that has no identification or respect for self government, republicanism, or the history, culture, and language of America. Ask yourself why these left wing activist radicals in America are fighting tooth and nail to continue this invasion rather than supporting legal immigration efforts? This is also the single greatest threat to your freedom and the continuation of this Republic as a free, whole, and sovereign nation. If you have any doubts or think this is a bit rash than I suggest you look into the recent events in Tuscon concerning the Mexican students and their protest over Mexican history classes in the school curriculums. The local liberal democrats there in Tuscon are even shocked at the contents of these courses.

btims| 5.9.11 @ 9:33AM

Mestizo's, that's what they are. They are proud of their "bronze people and empire".

Allowing small number into the nation, when the population was nearly 90% Caucasian and English speaking, wasn't a problem. But today, with whites making up only about 64% of the population, Latinos, Asians and Arabs/Muslims are growing in numbers and political power.

Sorry to say but race/ethnicity mean a lot. Numbers matter.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 9:45AM

Race, ethnicity mean nothing in reality. What matters is culture and values relative to a love of freedom and self government. What is the major difference between these invaders and the millions of legal immigrants of all nationalities that came here over the last two centuries? Your ancestors came here to breath free, wanted to be AMERICAN, desired greatly to enculturate themselves in their new country, wanted to learn the language, history, and culture of their new homeland and vigorously participate in its institututions. Why? Because they saw more in this new homeland than just a job or resources to exploit.They rejected the old world and embraced a brave and free new one.

btims| 5.9.11 @ 11:48AM

To say that race/ethnicity don't matter at all and to say the culture does is simply playing word games. Culture does matter greatly but what makes up culture? Why it's race/ethnicity/language and religion for the most part. I just choose not to use the euphemism "culture" when we all know what we are talking about - race/ethnicity.

And a big difference between today and hundreds of years ago is this: Back then, people came here from many different sending countries/cultures/languages; today most immigrants (legal and illegal) are of the same culture and language - Latino. In reality, there is little divesity in immigration today.

Lastly, Muslims present a completely different problem with respect to immigration - Sharia Law, plus the doctine of jihad, both inherent to Islam and both antithetical to Western, Judeo-Christian and American traditions and values.

btims| 5.9.11 @ 11:50AM

Also, in the past, immigration was high for 20-30 years, then the level was lowered for another 20 years or so in order to assimilate the immigrants.

Today and for the past 40 years, it's been more, more, more with little or no pressure to assimilate. What this nation needs is a "time out" from immigration for at least 10 years if not more. Otherwise, we're just a polyglot dumping ground with nothing in common with one another except American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 3:30PM

I understand your point of view and share same concerns. Word of warning. Be careful when you use words race and ethnicity. One can easily be misunderstood as being racist...and implying that some races are inferior or corrupt. It is true that certain countries have cultures that are very different and often in conlict with our own values here in the US. There are also many people who come from those countries who have rejected the conditions and aspects of their culture seeking a new way of of thinking and life...ours.

Occam's Tool| 5.9.11 @ 5:01PM

I agree totally, Simon. My 2 adopted children are racially Mayan Indian. Culturally, they are aggressive Conservative Americans with an uber-capitalist bent.

WJ| 5.9.11 @ 5:40PM

The Latin American culture is greatly inferior to that of the USA, regardless of the race of the specific country in that portion of world. It is a culture of corruption and sloth. I lived in that environment for 7 years and any condemnation of the culture is independent of race.

Based on that fact, why would I want to import millions of people from that culture?

I don't know how you get around stating the obvious.

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 11:21AM

You may not want to and will not as a general policy. In the past, we did indeed have rules and expectations regarding immigration. We did indeed create expectations that new immigrants learn the language, take examinations, and pass different criteria regarding their background related to criminality and so forth. We granted assylum to certain individuals who were trying to escape these horrible cultures and societies. Words have definitive meanings. My point is that we need to be careful how we use them, that' all. This is why I stay away from using language like certain races/ethic groups. The best word to use is probably, Societies. Yes, certain societies have general political/cultural/economic drifts that are antithetical to American values that would make one uneasy about allowing mass immigration from those societies. However, one could say that about Cuba, for example, as certainly a society that is corrupt and inferior to ours. But you will also find that Cubans who fled this country in the hundreds of thousands most typically make great and loyal Americans. Americans who have had a first hand experience with communist corruption.

Melvin| 5.9.11 @ 9:46AM

This is true. But when the Europeans came over during the, "Great Migrations," they found themselves in the same position as many Latinos, Asians and Arabs/Muslims.
Without having been there, were those who came in earlier migrations feeling and acting the same way we are now. Granted back then there was no Social Services incentives like there is now. People immigrated here because they wanted a better life period without Social Services enhancements.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 10:07AM

I know for a fact that they came here for economic opportunity ( the American Dream) and for the political freedom from persecution on all fronts. The Italians for economic freedom, freedom to self educate, freedom from exploitation and political persecution. The Scott-Irish...freedom from persecution and exploitation from the English. The Irish..the same. Germans, economic opportunity and freedom from religious persecution. English and Dutch..freedom from religious persecution. They were hard working people who wanted no hand outs or charity but wanted to be free and make their own way. Marvin, there are a great number of books out there documenting their experiences and testifying to what I am sharing with you.

Seek| 5.9.11 @ 12:36PM

People from abroad came here less out of love for America, a country of which they knew little, than out of a desire to physically survive. And yes, race matters. If this country were, say, 40 percent black (instead of the current 12 percent), we would be very different, and worse, in character.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 3:32PM

Who the hell are you to presume this? That was a very damn racist thing to say. Get lost troll.

Negro X| 5.9.11 @ 6:52PM

There was nothing racist about the comment, do some honest research. You are afraid to approach race in a realistic manner.

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 11:34AM

What research would that be per se? You did not find the comment that if this country had even more blacks in it, it would even be worse. You have got to be kidding? Please tell me how to be more realistic. Shall I go on to say that if this country had more Italians we would be worse for it? What mafia on every corner, is that it? Or maybe we should reduce the number of those filthy drunken Irish catholics? What the hell, you know those Jews could use a reducing, ask Clint! My god, look at what they have wrought. Hell, why stop there. Heck, while were at it, how about all those hillbillies in Appalachia..good for nothing and on welfare for decades..still largely in poverty. That would reduce the federal deficit. Who the hell is this punk to say people came to this country not out of a lve for it? i know for a fuc*k'n fact that immigrants cried on those boats when they first saw the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. There are pictures of people actually kissing the fri'gn GROUND! You are a damn idiot.

btims| 5.9.11 @ 1:35PM

I don't give a damn about "hard working" - a meaningless term used to describe one's own tribe.

I'm a nationalist. The USA was NOT founded by immigrants, nor are we a "nation of immigrants", nor are "we all immigrants". All either meaningless or factually incorrect.

Immigration is fine if its legal and in small numbers. The USA does not exist merely as a place for everyone in the world who is disgruntled about their situation in life.

We need an immigration time-out for the next 10-20 years.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 3:36PM

Ok...seems I have been wasting my time with liberal trolls posing as conservatives. Get lost. Conservativism is not a racist ideology. your a nationalist. What, in the sense of the Nationalist Socialist Workers Party? Stinking liberal troll!

tatosian| 5.9.11 @ 10:36AM

I disagree.

Race and ethnicity mean absolutely everything today.

Those legal immigrants of all nationalities you refer to were almost exclusively European. That's a fact right?

We shared a common history and religion that enabled and encouraged those immigrants to reject the old world and embrace a brave and free new one.

And they did so.

Cutting back on immigration in 1924 allowed unimpeded assimilation to that brave and free new world.

No more.

Racial and ethnic separatists/supremacists are encouraged in their efforts to diminish and degrade our culture, history and our very being. But we must remain silent. Add feminism, homosexual moral superiority and creeping sharia and we can see our society vanish right before our eyes.

It's not a matter of immigrants coming here and "working their way up", if you will. It's now a matter of immigrants coming here and deeply resenting and so rejecting any suggestion that they leave their old world behind so as to embrace what we consider a brave and free new one.

What we consider a brave and free new land, they despise.

And they're winning. they're winning.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 3:42PM

You need to get some history books. You also need to read all the way through someones comments as well before knee jerking off with your replys. That is the point...these invaders for one are not immigrants. Yes, they do not share the same values and do not respect the traditions, language, or anything American per se. They are not interested in assimilation. You too better watch your language. If you are a troll..get lost.

tatosian| 5.9.11 @ 11:17PM

Watch my language? Really?

Hilarious.

One of the first anti-illegal alien rallies I attended exposed me to the rampant anti-white, anti-American forces that dominate these pro illegal forces. I saw young Hispanic (am I allowed to use the word Hispanic if describing negative behavior?) males screeching racist, anti white obscenities while jostling grandmas and grandpas. These same humanitarians, while calling us white mother this and white mother that, followed some of us to our vehicles threatening us with violence and mayhem. (This sort of thing occurred at nearly every anti-illegal rally/demonstration I ever attended. Also at the anti-jihadi rallies I have attended. It's not the exception, it's the rule.)

When relaying some of this to my fellow conservative meet up attendees in Chicago, none of them dealt with or addressed the events I described; the flagrant racism towards the border security patriots. Rather, I was told my stance on illegal immigration was a thinly disguised racism, American business needed those hardworking immigrants because American workers were soft and pampered, America is a nation of immigrants, and did I know how many Hispanic Medal of Honor Winners there were?

The Hispanic Medal of Honor statement seems a non sequitur to me. You know how many Americans have won the Medal of Honor? What's the point?

But I digress.

What's with you little darlings proclaiming anyone who doesn't agree with your statements a troll? My experiences in this, and other pro American battles are decidedly different than yours. I express my opinions based on my experiences. Because you don't like them doesn't me me a troll.

Also. I read. Read some Toynbee. His description of a civilization in decline seems to fit the Untied States right now.

Finally. There was a chubby little republican/conservative with a bow tie at the last meet up I attended. Unhappy with my lack of polish and my lack of respect for republican/conservative opinions and beliefs that have undeniably encouraged the contempt of those illegals for the American people, the little man scolded me; "Conservatives are always polite."

You be polite simon.

I'm a Proud and unbowed American with a direct stake in these battles. I'll stand when its time for me to stand.

And you watch your own language, boyo.

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 11:56AM

Jack ass, I am not asking you to be polite. If you actually read my comments, you would have discovered that I am essentially in agreement. Your immaturity, foolishness, and knee jerk reaction blinds you from hearing the essential point. Using terms like race and ethnicity and stating that a whole race or ethnicity is inferior, and corrupt is not only completely UNAMERICAN, but extremely racist and stupid. Those were the actual words used in some of these comments in this thread. There is a word for it, National Socialism. So, I was polite up till now and patient with your idiocies. Conservativism is not a racist ideology. You would be better off using the term societies and qualifying your remarks. Yes, it is ok to say I met an Hispanic person who held such views or became aware of a large group of Hispanics attending a La Raza meeting. You know damn well that I am not objecting to that. The question is not one of politeness but accuracy and fairness and clarity in what you are saying. There are a core set of beliefs that real conservatives hold. When I see comments written by people who do not reflect them and write such inflamatory racist remarks, I tend to think that they are either liberal trolls or misguided idiots who think they are conservatives. Now, given the bombardment this site gets from liberal trolls, ya think that might be a reasonable conclusion?

tatosian| 5.10.11 @ 1:18PM

Jack ass. If you actually read my comments, you would have discovered that I never claimed any race or ethnicity to be inferior.

Stick to what I said ok?

Conservatism isn't a racist ideology. No one said it was. But your strident proclamation that any reference to race or ethnicity (presumably by folks like me) is, in and of itself racist, renders your opinions or views totally irrelevant. I mean there are groups who wield a considerable amount of power whose sole claim to that power is their race and ethnicity. (What's the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for Simon?) These factions based on race and ethnicity exist in the real world right? But my discussing them makes me a racist?

So conservatism is not just a "not racist" ideology, but also an ideology that can't recognize or discuss reality.

Great. I'll definitely be looking to you for solutions to problems that you refuse to acknowledge. Just not right away.

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 2:10PM

Here are some of the comments made in this thread:
Race and ethnicity mean absolutely everything today.

I'm a nationalist. The USA was NOT founded by immigrants, nor are we a "nation of immigrants", nor are "we all immigrants".

If this country were, say, 40 percent black (instead of the current 12 percent), we would be very different, and worse, in character.

What do you think Independents and centrist passing over this site hear in these comments? Are you that dense? Your opinions are not totally irrevelant. In fact I happen to agree with 95 percent of them. I do not believe you are a racist just by your comments. You are right in observing that there are groups that are obsessed with their race and have an agenda and this is a reality we must deal with openly. Yes, you did not say that their were inferior races. You you did chime in defending the comments of Btims and attacked my comments on the subject with a host of false accussations regarding my position on the subject. No, I am not refusing to acknowledge the problems that you have pointed out. My point is simple and well intentioned and comes from many years of experience. It is a reminder that we have to be cognizant of how we talk about these issues and how others hear what we are saying. I am not talking about PC bullshit. We need to be clear that we are not saying that 'race matters and it means everything' in the sense that we make universal judgments about whole groups of people and perceive them as threats. This kind of language is very familar. You can find it in Black Panther literature and many other places. We do not want to fall into race identity politics inadvertently either. Now, listen before you react. I am not saying you believe this or that you are a racist. After reading your last comment, I now believe I understand your true intention and point which is there are large groups of people entering this nation from societies that do not share our values and also are obsessed with race and racial agendas either based on tribalistic thought or religious beliefs.

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 2:31PM

Let me even clearer...We need to be clear that we are not saying that 'race matters and it means everything' in the sense that we make universal judgments about whole groups of people and perceive them as threats based solely on one's race or ethnicity. It is what is in their heads that matter to us. You mentioned those Europeans. Let us be reminded that many of these Europeans hated the US, were fascist, communist, monarchist, and racist. Many of these Europeans also left to come to America to rid themselves of this and embrace our values. Do you get my point? Unfortunately, many of these illegals (not all) do share a common anti-american and race oriented agenda that we must confront. They were not invited here and many do not come here for the same reasons that the legal immigrants came for...

tatosian| 5.10.11 @ 5:02PM

Okay. You want to call me on a lack of clarity and imprecision in my usage of the language...fine. Guilty as charged.

But this business about me defending btim's statements and attacking you with false accusations isn't true. btims made his statement. i made mine.

Mine was in response to your race and ethnicity doesn't matter statement. No more no less.

Not to be a pain in the arse, but to be clear; race and ethnicity mean everything to those groups seeking political and economic power for those of the same race and ethnicity.

The success of those groups in attaining political and economic power based on race and ethnicity proves that, like it or not, race and ethnicity have a profound effect on the lives of all Americans. Hence race and ethnicity matter.

And I'm not looking to drive away independents or anything, but I think a valid question to be asked is this: does a commitment to race and ethnicity first help or hurt the country?

Conservatism isn't a racist ideology. What about those groups dedicated to their own race and ethnicity? Can they be considered racist ideologues?

Aren't conservatives permitted to ask questions like this?

Is that clear enough?

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 6:27PM

Yes, perfectly.

tatosian| 5.10.11 @ 7:46PM

Oh. Goodie.

Are you gonna answer any of those questions?

Occam's Tool| 5.9.11 @ 5:03PM

Tatosian,

I think you need to review the number of Medals of Honor won by Hispanic Americans. The skin color is meaningless. The brain is everything.

Example: Allen West is a hell of a lot more patriotic than John Galbraith.

tatosian| 5.9.11 @ 11:30PM

This is a ridiculous argument.

No disrespect to ANY Medal of Honor winner, but you need to review the number of non hyphenated American Medal of Honor winners okay?

And what has Allen West, a patriot extraordinaire, have to do with millions of anti-American illegal aliens who proclaim themselves above American law solely due to their race and ethnicity?

Are you saying the existence of Hispanic Medal of Honor winners negates the clear and apparent racial solidarity practiced by those illegals?

Are you saying the very existence of Allen West proves that racial and ethnic supremacy is not a driving force for those illegals?

Or are you just saying that I'm a racist for pointing out the obvious?

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 12:03PM

Are you just stupid or are you a troll? OT is not objecting to you pointing out the racial supremacy propaganda of groups like La Raza or the fact that many mexican illegals are here for nefarious, anti-american purposes or hold views and values contrary to traditional Americanism. Still missing the point. OT, do not want to speak for you but felt like I needed to respond.

tatosian| 5.10.11 @ 1:57PM

You stated "Race, ethnicity mean nothing in reality".

I disagreed.

As i stated earlier, there are a plethora of groups wielding disproportionate power based solely on their race and ethnicity.

Upon what do the Congressional Hispanic and Black caucus' base their existence if not race or ethnicity? How about MALDEF and the NAACP?

The fact that those mainstream organizations based on race or ethnicity exist renders your statement totally and absolutely incorrect.

I said nothing whatever about Medal of Honor winners, or National Socialists. I have made no inflammatory racist remarks nor claimed any group to be inferior because of race or ethnicity.

Your statement is wrong.

Stop blubbering "Conservatism isn't a racist ideology" and deal with the realities confronting us. Or not. But don't try and color me a racist because you can't deal with reality ok?

Again. Your "Race, ethnicity mean nothing in reality" is wrong. Own up or shut up.

simon templar| 5.10.11 @ 6:35PM

Again, I get it. Do you get my point? At least in my response to Btims and the general use of this race/ethnicity in these discussions. When you piggyback on comments like btims, one can get the false idea that you support this line of thinking. Your statement, "The fact that those mainstream organizations based on race or ethnicity exist renders your statement totally and absolutely incorrect" is incorrect. It may be about race for them, yes, but not us. That is my point. Given that conservatives are painted as racist, it might be a good idea if we just use a little caution and strike for clarity when throwing these statements about.

tatosian| 5.10.11 @ 10:02PM

"It may be about race for them, yes, but not us."

If it's about race for "them", the results of that doctrine effects those outside their race also. How do race based decisions not effect those outside the preferred race and society at large?

And correct me if I'm wrong, but demanding and receiving any sort of preferential treatment on the basis of race is, well, racism isn't it?

And isn't putting race before all else unAmerican?

"Given that conservatives are painted as racist..."

And there's the problem isn't it?

The one word that can immediately turn a Republican/Conservative into a sniveling whelp is racist.

Never mind that it is used inappropriately and, more often than not, is meaningless within the context of whatever argument one might be engaged in.

The word itself is enough to make conservatives weak in the knees. All opposition, no matter how righteous or necessary ceases at the mere utterance of the word Mr. Templar.

What do you care if a racist calls you a racist sir? Or a bigot calls you a bigot?

I thank you for taking the time to school me, but conservatives need to withstand the slings and arrows of leftist hysteria Mr. Templar.

No offense, but how can you fight if a mere word drops you to your knees sir?

simon templar| 5.11.11 @ 4:37PM

So..here we go again. Maybe you can answer a question for me. Do you or do you not have a problem with any of the following statements?

Race and ethnicity mean absolutely everything today (of course that was yours).

I'm a nationalist. The USA was NOT founded by immigrants, nor are we a "nation of immigrants", nor are "we all immigrants".

If this country were, say, 40 percent black (instead of the current 12 percent), we would be very different, and worse, in character.

A yes or no will suffice.

By the way, do you enjoy be a contentious pain in the ass? What were you like in school and with your parents? Were your ideas not taken seriously or were you pampered by parents who wanted to be your friend and jumped at every little tantrum? No one was schooling you here or dropping to their knees, or saying that racist groups like La Raza are not only dangerous but also damaging to the society at large, or any of the other accusations. What do you say to these race card throwers? You say, hey, Racer, It is not right nor American for you to claim that I am racist because I question your agenda, your motives, and your statements. Actually, I find your speech and thought to be quite racist. Try that for starters. Look you go right ahead, and continue to use the phrase, 'Race and ethnicity mean absolutely everything today' without any qualifications or explanation. By all means go ahead and use some of the other comments above as well. I suggest you start right out with them at your next town hall meeting. Do me one favor though, please tell everyone there that you are not a conservative...tell them you are an independent or whatever. Oh yeah, let me know how that works out.

tatosian| 5.11.11 @ 10:59PM

You already said I made myself perfectly clear with this statement: "to be clear; race and ethnicity mean everything to those groups seeking political and economic power for those of the same race and ethnicity."

What the hell Templar.

You need to take a breath sport. I thanked you for schooling me by calling my attention to my lack of clarity. What's wrong with that?

What was I like in school? I was the belle of the ball. An angel in a shaft of light gliding across the Styx.

And have no fear Mr. Templar. I don't call myself a conservative anymore.

Nor do I consider myself contentious sir.

I consider myself an American who believes the American society, culture and people should be conserved, if you will. Not in a jar of formaldehyde or on some forgotten snapshot in the attic but as a living breathing entity that I am now and have always been part of.

If you or the staff at this site are unhappy with me, well, ignore me or ban me. Life will go on.

simon templar| 5.11.11 @ 11:54PM

Please... I can recognize sarcasm and cheap shots. I was not born yesterday. You need to listen more and shoot off your opinions less. Yes, life will go on.....

tatosian| 5.9.11 @ 9:44AM

The Illinois senate just passed its own version of the "Dream Act" The act does not depend on taxpayer dollars or offer a path to citizenship. Yet. Instead, it requires any counselor at any Illinois public or State-operated secondary school to notify any undocumented immigrant student of the opportunities available to them for continuing their education and establishes the Illinois DREAM Fund Commission. The commission will establish "procedures for accepting and evaluating applications for scholarships from the children of immigrants." The "Fund shall be funded entirely from private contributions" and "Provides that college savings programs established under Higher Education Student Assistance Act must be available to any individual with a valid social security number or taxpayer identification number for the benefit of any individual with a valid social security number or taxpayer identification number The Fund also "Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission may develop and provide a program of college savings instruments to qualifying Illinois residents (instead of to Illinois citizens). In the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Act, changes certain references from "social security number" to "social security number or taxpayer identification number". Effective immediately." (The individual taxpayer identification number is what allows illegals to get loans, buy houses and cars and so forth.)

http://www.ilga.gov/legislatio.....SpecSess=0

According to Esther Cepeda of the Chicago Sun Times, the act will "provide approximately 95,000 illegal immigrant youths with the opportunity to get an education...It should be noted" says Cepeda " that illegal immigrants get college degrees all the time, that’s nothing new", and "The bottom line is that this bill would open up opportunities and not, in any way, take a single opportunity away from any legal immigrant or U.S.-born student who also is trying to get through college at a time when the costs have spiraled out of control" Of course not.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/c.....e-top.html

"Senator Tom Johnson was one of the Republicans who voted in favor of the bill. "This is an American value issue," he said to the chamber, according to observers on Twitter. Immigrant youth, Johnson said, "are our future. They are our fellow residents of Illinois."

The dream act has support in the Illinois house and is certain to be signed by the Governor when it lands on his desk.

And we're gonna stop this how?

tatosian| 5.9.11 @ 9:48AM

Senator Tom Johnson...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....57754.html

Melvin| 5.9.11 @ 9:55AM

Bottom line this is another huge slice out of the educational/economic pie. I know many people are not going to like to hear this, and I'm only stating the obvious in which no one wants to acknowledge.
This is another punch in the gut to White Americans. "Oh your just being racist and bigoted." But let me ask you this, are Black Americans willing to share by giving up some of their slices of protected pie, are the Asians going to give up some of their protected pie, same applies to women(feminism), gays, lesbians, trangenders, and legal Latinos born here or otherwise?
We all know the answer to this, and it is a resounding, "NO, but Hell NO."

Negro X| 5.9.11 @ 6:58PM

Johnson is a liar, enterance is quota based. Illegal is illegal, regardless of any good intention.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 9:54AM

Senator Tom Johnson really meant to say that this is 'Tom Johnson reelection issue and further the continuation of my political carreer at the expense of my nation' issue. The Senator also knows that he can get away with it because the vast majority of voters in Illinois are so wrapped up in their little lives, distractions, and reality shows and so ill-informed and uninvolved that he can get away with it.

Hillel| 5.9.11 @ 10:59AM

In ancient times,as a minor elected official (local) I was required to take an oath to defend the Constitution. This is in the Constitution. That means aiding in the enforcement of federal law. Just as a local official must enforce federal counterfiting and bank robbery laws, he must enforce immigration. Nulification is not an option. Otherwise let's free the kidnapers bankrobbers counterfiters etc.

tatosian| 5.9.11 @ 11:04AM

In Illinois, even the conservatives are liberals.

Oh yeah, I live in Chicago. But I lost a bet. I don't know what anyone else's excuse is.

Padoux| 5.9.11 @ 11:49AM

Question, is the Frisco lib mayor releasing American citizens who committed "minor offenses?" I think not. I do not understand these idiots effectively saying we don't have the right to control our own borders. I think it is all rooted in the racial fetish white libs have. If whites from a foreign country were swarming our borders they would be fine with deporting them, but heaven forbid if their skin is darker. Also I guess rich libs need cheap illegal labor to tend their retreats.

cicero| 5.9.11 @ 12:04PM

Identify the states that have all of these wonderful amnesty programs, and check out their debt. They think it is just grand to invite and protect illegals who do not pay any taxes, and then award them tax based rewards. The founders never wanted a democracy, as they knew when the majority found out they could vote themselves the treasury, there was no way to stop them. As of now, 51% of the population don't pay income taxes. We have arrived.

jgo| 5.9.11 @ 12:41PM

"In Illinois, even the conservatives are liberals." and many of the people at the state universities are way the heck out there in the radical leftist red zone.

jgo| 5.9.11 @ 12:43PM

"As of now, 51% of the population don't pay income taxes."

When income extortion was imposed in 1912, there were effusive promises made that only the extremely rich would be taxed at all... and the highest rate would never reach 9%. The basic exemption was set at 150% of the median income.

Vintage Dresses| 5.9.11 @ 2:07PM

good views..

wolflen| 5.9.11 @ 2:44PM

"secure communities" right...there is a full blown war in mexico-body count is 30k+...thats a war not a bunch of drugies doing drive bys...when they cross the border and they will...what are we going to do...deport them..make them citizens..wait till they kill a few dozen Americans and hold committee meeting to assess the problem...how bout give mexico more "aid" to help fight the war...

whatever deal we have with mexico to allow them to keep sending us their "best & brightest" must be sealed with the promise of heaven...and according to mexico...we are not doing enough to absorbe the millions coming accross the border...ahh America...i will miss you dearly

kzin| 5.9.11 @ 3:05PM

You're exactly right of course....its all talk, talk, talk, while millions of poor peasants walk across the border and transform our nation into a Spanish speaking, simple majority rule, "democracy" made up of the government, ruling class and it's subjects, the govt dependent class of serfs - (govt employees - unions, teachers, police, fire, social workers, etc.).

That's what Obama wants, also Bush, Clinton, McCain, Lieberman, Kerry, Kennedy (when alive), all of them. They are the ones that call the shots.

Oldefarte| 5.9.11 @ 2:47PM

This is typical of the radically liberal elements that are now in charge of this country, and why it is important for voters to reverse the policies of same in November of next year!!!!!!!!

Pat| 5.9.11 @ 4:37PM

Here in California, illegal immigration is about the “money”. Sure, we wish there was a nobler motive behind the hoopla – maybe helping those “yearning to breathe free” and all that – but it’s really about the money. Doesn’t ideology play a part in the illegal immigration debate – or maybe Liberal vs. Conservative interpretations of the Constitution? Nope, sorry to disappoint, but it’s about the money. Each year hundreds of millions makes its way to recipients south of our border, by diverse and various means, or across the Pacific from sunny California – that’s not a closely guarded secret anymore than who actually employs the illegals or where illegals like to hang out – except maybe to those myopic folks who work for ICE.

Where do all those money orders to folks back home come from, you may well ask. From employees, legal, semi-legal or here on the QT who work for California contractors and businesses. So, with many billions paid to immigrants, the Root of all Evil, at least for California, is the money. And a lot of this money is – gasp – untaxed. But our politicians are careful when it comes to messing with those folks who earn gobs of money off immigrants, it’s not a smart move to do so, it’s not good politics.

Do Californians pay taxes to care for immigrants? Yep, we do, but Californians are stymied, our politicians have no wish to offend those with the “money”, so we pay for the schooling, the health care and the social services to support illegals. We pretend to enjoy paying extra taxes to help those less fortunate, we’re continuing that great American tradition of serving as a welcoming refuge for waves of non-English speakers searching for a new start in a new land – or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. Maybe the good folks of Illinois or Massachusetts have loftier goals or nobler purposes when it comes to immigrants, but, here in the Golden State, it’s all about the money. Look under the covers in San Francisco for the explanation – who is it bussing dirty dishes in the tourist hangouts or peddling souvenirs in those enchanting ethnic enclaves – see, told you so, it’s about the money.

simon templar| 5.9.11 @ 5:00PM

Of course, it is about money. Money for the illegal..money for those hiring paying lower wages, no taxes, etc. It is also about breaking the law which is the larger issue here. This country was founded on the principle that we are a nation of laws not men. What is often overlooked here is the flagrant violation of the law by many Americans and the complicity of a large part of our government in not enforcing these laws and even at times breaking them. These laws being passed forcing citizen tax payers to pay for illegals education is also unconstitutional and in direct conflict with the laws pertaining to illegal alienship. This is the true crisis here in this issue. This no small matter. This violation of law on such a grand scale is crisis of constitutionality, sovereignty, and a threat to the very basis of a Republic. Without the respect for law, we are nothing.

Occam's Tool| 5.9.11 @ 5:07PM

Again, what Simon gets and many don't...

folks, we are going to need a lot of immigration over the next 20 years---we don't have enough kids of our own. The important thing is that they be bright, Conservative, and well educated (Bobby Jindal comes to mind), rather than ignorant illegal immigrants with drug records.

We will do very well for ourselves letting in the best and brightest. But we need to complete our Southern fence and shoot to kill.

Again, I would look at the New Zealand approach to immigration carefully. We want to model ourselves after them on this.

Pat| 5.9.11 @ 6:14PM

Simon/Occam: Wise words, but, unfortunately, we Americans have an old tradition, going way back and that tradition says that those who have the money get to make the laws. Wish it were different, but, in California, the money is everything – don’t allow our natural suntans and surf boards fool to anyone; we’re exactly like our pale cousins in the Mid-West or on the East Coast when it comes to money. And, sure, there are countries with better methods for dealing with immigrants – Japan as well as New Zealand. Japan doesn’t have an illegal immigrant problem, they have a problem with legal immigrants, they definitely don’t want too many of them corrupting their homogenous society and they insist immigrants leave after their 3 year employment contracts expire – works for them but those with the money and who, coincidentally, are also the guardians of our laws insist it wouldn’t work for us.

Our population is graying, but most folks don’t worry about the dim future and what it holds; today is about the money, the future can take care of itself. Those who shake their heads at the foolishness of Californians are right, but for the wrong reasons. Californians, in general, don’t like the situation but those with the money do, and they get to make our laws. We can’t rebel, they’d shoot or imprison us. And we can’t change the political climate, money rules and, not only the politicians, but our courts and judges do their best to ensure the status quo remains the status quo. Vote for change, sure we do that all the time, but somehow nothing ever seems to change.

Dave Francis| 5.9.11 @ 6:14PM

It’s highly controversial that the US government would not make trespassing on our lands a felony, which goes against our fundamental rights to defend America from enemies domestic and foreign. It’s equally questionable why E-Verify, Secure Communities, is not the law of the land? It's interesting point of view that Napolitano a Leftist, wants an overhaul of current immigration laws, even though the border is far from secure. Best defense is the placement of 4000 to 5000 National Guards personal to support the US Border agents, with full armed enforcement capabilities. Presently, business that hire foreign labor, never receive the hard penalties they deserve. US legislators should revisit this issue and introduce higher mandatory fines, and prison for more than three aliens employed. Business asset confiscation should go to a general fund, appropriated for ICE. When the Ronald Reagan 1986 Amnesty was enacted, that afterwards was NEVER enforced on reigning in on dishonest businesses, visa overstays.

To me shows further the governments disturbing inaction to control our border, no matter the consequences of the criminal invasion. The TEA PARTY is obdurate in upholding the 1986 Immigration Control and Reform Act and not trying to pass another law, to favor illegal aliens already here. Arizona brought this whole dilemma to the public eye, as Obama’s Liberal insiders didn’t like States usurping their power, under the Supremacy Clause of the U. S. Constitution. The bulk, but not all, state laws addressing immigration are preempted by federal regulation. However, the big problem regarding these laws, is what happens when the federal government, is not listening to the united voice of the people? Arizona has been especially picked out by this administration as a scapegoat, resenting the fact they are not doing their job at the border.

Daily I receive around 300 E-mails from people who read my commentaries from across the country, requesting even more information about the illegal alien situation. They seem to trust my opinion and facts, especially after visiting NumbersUSA web site. It might come a surprise to many that a considerable amount of these individual are from generations of legal Hispanics, who are very angry that they are suffering emotionally. That these people both naturalized citizens and permanent residents came here legally and jumped through immigration hoops in following the laws. They are also in opposition to giving a path to citizenship just as the rest of the mainstream population.

If you are of legal standing the TEA PARTY has a place for you. A TEA PARTY majority administration will invite highly skilled technical workers, who will not take advantage of the US entitlement safety net, but purge indigent foreigners who will turn into welfare charges. Businesses who hire illegal immigrants must be prosecuted to the full harshness the law. Find out more at NumbersUSA. Every prudent Taxpayer must take their Politicians to task whether federal or State, by calling their offices as soon as possible at Senate—202-224–3121/ House—202-225–3121 or locate these lawmakers in your phone directory blue pages. Attn: Donate to Arizona's border fence, by just typing in to Google Arizona Governor Brewer.

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Dee See| 5.10.11 @ 12:09AM

"We are using MASSIVE third world
immigration to destroy British culture
once and for all ---forever."
-TONY BLAIR
(Daily Mail interview cited by ALAN WATT)

-----likewise France, Spain, Germany, Greece,
America.

AS David Rockefeller just months ago called
for VAST and RAPID depopulation by any
and all means (i.e. stealth genocide) and as
just yesterday Fukishima further exploded
---again utterly covered up by the yuppie giigglers
of globalist media.

Look at your kids, your wife or husband

WHAT ABOUT THIS SITUATION DO WE NOT
UNDERSTAND?

Johnny| 5.10.11 @ 6:23AM

We must look at our history and at what we have allowed to happen already to find the problem. I am not talking very far back in our history either. When did all of these problems really begin to grow so rapidly, can you remember when the "politically correct" era began? We now see labeling on almost everything in languages other than english, see I didn't mention what languages. Let us help the folks coming here to get along without having to struggle so much or work to hard at assimilation. Maybe they'll see that we really are nice people and they'll decide, eventually to become like us....Did not work did it? Now it's to late to correct all our misguided, idiotic plans for a kinder, gentler nation. Instead we will become another third world nation or, simpler, part of the one world order. So sad.