Demonstrators push immigration reform
Businesses that hire illegal immigrants among issues as 100 rally in Columbia
COLUMBIA — Brian Frank thought awhile before he strung his American flag upside down on a handheld pole for a rally at the Statehouse Monday. But these are appropriate times, he decided, to send the signal of dire distress.
"Americans are going to start caring when it's too late to care," said Frank, a Gaffney man who works in manufacturing and had served as a National Guardsman and Army reservist.
Grace Beahm
The Post and Courier
'The country is in dire distress,' said Brian Frank of Gaffney, who was waving an American flag upside down Monday during a rally at the Statehouse in Columbia for reform of immigration law.
"It took a little bit of guts to show up with a flag like this, but Americans need to wake up," he said.
Frank was one of about 100 who trekked to Columbia for a rally organized by the loosely formed South Carolina Coalition on Immigration Control. It was a forum designed to push state legislators to improve their plan for addressing illegal immigration, and gave a platform to a handful of men who want Lindsey Graham's seat in the U.S. Senate.
During the rally, Freedom Fighter Radio's Jim Stachowiak from Martinez, Ga., stood on a Mexican flag while waving a sign that read "Americans First."
Stachowiak shouted "Traitor!" and "Try them for treason!" as the speakers criticized the state's elected officials. He advocates stockpiling ammunition because he fears martial law. Others called on residents to boycott businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Roan Garcia-Quintana, executive director of the Americans Have Had Enough Coalition and one of the event's leading organizers, said politicians have bent to pressures by interest groups, specifically the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
"They are a bunch of political cowards — I stand here to tell you that," said Garcia-Quintana, who was born in Cuba and legally emigrated to Savannah.
House and Senate negotiators will continue work today on an immigration reform package that includes 15 significant elements.
The major sticking point is worker-verification standards for private employers. Critics of the plan want the state to require employers to use a system other than the federal I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. The federal government uses the form to check for bogus Social Security numbers, but that hasn't stopped the hiring of illegal workers.
One alternative to the I-9 form is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's new online database, E-Verify. Private employers in Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri must now use E-Verify.
The state Chamber, however, is worried about the reliability of E-Verify and has been vocal about the need for legislators to be mindful of the competitiveness of South Carolina businesses.
Mike Griffin, who does business as Griffin Electric in the Upstate, said honest contractors in South Carolina are hurt by businesses that undercut their bottom line by hiring illegal immigrants. That won't change, he said, unless the Legislature reworks legislation.
"South Carolina is putting up a paper tiger," said Griffin, director of the S.C. Contractors Coalition, a group of about 30 contractors who banded together about a year and half ago.
Sen. Chip Campsen, an Isle of Palms Republican, said he doesn't think it's too late for Monday's rally to help change the minds of some of his colleagues.
Campsen and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, had led the unsuccessful fight on the Senate floor last month for stricter worker verification standards. Gov. Mark Sanford, too, has urged the Legislature to give the bill more bite.
Kendra Linkowski of Summerville, said the rally was able to bring people together and highlight the issues.
"Whether the Legislature will listen, I don't know," Linkowski said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 65 comment(s)
Posted by ridgerunner on March 11, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wake up . we sent 1.6 billion to build a fence on mexicos south border, what about our south border, research for mexicos imigration laws, if we had them we would not have any illegals
Posted by pirate42 on March 11, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If they want to stay in USA they must do 4 years in the military with first tour overseas send them bring americans back home LOL watch there happy asses skip back to mexico or cuba or south america
Posted by moonpie on March 11, 2008 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pirate, I like that!
Also good post ridgerunner, as we are the only country that just BLINDLY opens its borders. Mexico sure as hell doesn't do it. Try to enter Mexico from the big ditch and you'll likely get shot.
I wish I had of known about this I would have been there too...
Posted by Paul on March 11, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Inundate our "elected' officials with emails and phone calls and demand they change the Immigration bill to require the E-verify for all employers !
Posted by prettywoman2457 on March 11, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think a good start would be with public assistance and more than anything....the schools. How do they get children in public schools? Stopping the schools from allowing the children without a SS card would deter many, plus it would greatly reduce classroom sizes and the monies needed for schools at tax payers expense. Heavy fines on people who employ them and house them is another good start.
Posted by suec on March 11, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Flying the flag upside down is a disgrace and makes me lose all respect for whatever you have to say.
Why don't we address the REAL criminals in this country. They young thugs who will "pop a cap in you" for $10. This should be the priority. Get the VIOLENT criminals off of the street.
Posted by crankyyankee on March 11, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No South Carolinian with half a brain would vote for Lindsey which is why he will win re-election in a landslide. If a politican has been in office more than one term, he/she obviously have not enforced the laws they were elected and swore to uphold. You can call our officials what you want but they are at the very least liars! Glenn waves the rebel flag over the gold plated hunley while Bobby scouts the outlaying County for real estate deals for the tax payers! This State is pathetic!
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Yankee, go back where YOU come from.
Posted by jimisle on March 11, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps the feds want to create a North American Economic Union, which would open borders between the US, Mexico & Canada. It would devalue the US & Canadian dollars, and Mexican peso, thus creating a new currency. This could be why this country is so lukewarm to the idea of immigration reform.
Posted by 512c on March 11, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The fence has been halted, as it was illegal. People need to thrash out the demons in their heads. If a person steps on "your" yard, is it worth hatred?
Posted by skyguy51 on March 11, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess we will know if those "elected" officials paid any attention to this demonstration when they vote on this bill on immigration reform. I hope they don't try some funny crap like a "voice" vote rather than a role call vote.
Posted by 512c on March 11, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jimisle: I have seen articles talking about the N.American Union... This idea seems logical and ideal at first, but if you consider the tax ramifications of this, or even the creation of one world order, i.e. being born you are now a citizen of the Earth.... This is backwards. Each city should be ultimately responsible for its environment. Then the county, then the state, then the country (with less and less power, less and less weaponry (preferably none)).
Posted by mytwocents_com on March 11, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does no one realize what kind of tax surplus the illegals create for the government? Think about it. They all operate under false social security numbers, but never file taxes. They never file because they wouldnt be able to collect. This creates a huge sum of unclaimed refund monies which the government gets to keep. I have no problem with "illegals" or hispanics in our workforce, but thought this might shed some light as to why some government representatives do nothing.
Posted by georgebushsux on March 11, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Zod!
News Flash, U.S. citizens can live anywhere they want and rightfully critize that place when they pay their taxes. The last time I checked you and your family don't own this state.
Posted by crankyyankee on March 11, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My $.02, are you serious? The businesses that hire these folks don't withhold any money when they pay these interlopers so how does the Government get their hands on it? They don't pay federal taxes from the get-go, nor social security, nor medicade, nor state taxes nor property taxes or any of the many taxes an American pays out of his/her ten dollar an hour salary. I'm sick of this media generated idea that these folks are a blessing when they cost us at every turn. Schooling for their kids, medical for their family and police protection for them from themselves and other cultures don't come cheap! If you think the business owners hiring these individuals are volunteering to pay those taxes you don't have a grasp on reality! With a cheap labor force like this why do you (My $.02) think the Chamber of Commerce supports illegels so vehemently?
Posted by ImplantedYankee on March 11, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
twocents -- I think the unclaimed tax refunds fall far short of the costs of providing free healthcare, WIC, and, eventually, outright welfare, to illegal immigrants.
Posted by JohnS on March 11, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What are you folks doing? If they go back we will have to again strat using pot smoking bubba's to cut our grass. You know these guys never show up on time. These latino folks clean up the whole yard without a break. It's a big savings when you have many properties. If they get hurt they don't want any fuss just a ride to the ER for a bandage. No money out of your pocket or workmans comp to carry.
Posted by mytwocents_com on March 11, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Crankyyankee,
Do you really know what you are talking about? Have you ever seen a check cut to a hispanic that is using a false social security card? That number registers an illegal as an American citizen, subject to state and federal taxation. Sure there are probably some that pay under the table, but if they use a social security card how do they get around this? Maybe I am wrong, but I want you to explain.
Posted by toastchee on March 11, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
>>Flying the flag upside down is a disgrace and makes me lose all respect for whatever you have to say.
Yep. What an idiot.
Posted by suec on March 11, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The employers who pay under the table have always paid under the table. Right after I got out of high school I worked for at least 2 construction companies that paid almost all of their laborers under the table. This was in the early 80's and none of us were hispanic.
Posted by crankyyankee on March 11, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My $.02, small contractors don't cut checks so I don't know what your talking about? I can introduce you to at least a dozen contractors in the Charleston area that subcontract (pay under the table) these individuals for the soul purpose of avoiding taxes. The contractor tells the IRS I paid them and It's their job to file while the sub is illegel and there is no way to trace him/her. If you think I'm wrong talk to someone who has been in construction more than a month!
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Yankees!
I simply made a suggestion if this is the way you feel -
"This State is pathetic!"
"No South Carolinian with half a brain would vote for Lindsey which is why he will win re-election in a landslide."
Seeing as you are surrounded by what you think are idiots and seeing as you obviously know of some place better, I made ONE suggestion.
GO BACK TO WHERE IT WAS BETTER!
Posted by suec on March 11, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
amen Zod!
Posted by crankyyankee on March 11, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think I'm surrounded by idiots, the statistics pretty much support that I am! I would return to the North but I am mentally retarded back there. I'm considered gifted by local standards. Please don't be mad at me I didn't vote for any of the great leadership presently being displayed by this State (Sanford is the exception). Everyone I voted for was defeated, but then I don't vote for incumbents that have not performed well in the past! Zod obviously you are one of the architects of our present situation.
Posted by mytwocents_com on March 11, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CrankyYankee
So no one is using false social security numbers to get work? I would be interested to see how many unclaimed refunds there were, because the social security number didnt match up. I would bet the number is in the billions. That is just me. I dont know how much goes unaccounted for? I am not the IRS. Does the subcontract company not have to have a valid business license?
Posted by ImplantedYankee on March 11, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Zod -- I'll consider going back to NY if the South takes back Hillary and keeps her permanently.
.... No -- I take that back. I'll never return to NY, but I would appreciate it if Hillary went back to Arkansas.
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
archdude, this speaks for my creativity....
As I surfed the first message board I ever joined, Superman was on the television. So goes the creation of the screen name.
Let me about your screen name.
(Thinking)
Hhhhhmmmmmmmmmm.....
(Thinking)
You moved into Archdale?
Posted by bigwhip on March 11, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In my dialogue with several Columbia Pols, they have informed me that the business lobby and the Chamber of Commerce were instrumental in bullying your legislators into watering down this legislation. Again we see the political posturing and pandering to the "money" in the long term plan to stay in office.
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Please don't be mad at me I didn't vote for any of the great leadership presently being displayed by this State (Sanford is the exception)."
The last time I cast my ballot for state representatives, I could only vote for ONE House seat, ONE Senate seat, and ONE Governor. So let me get this straight:
In order to prove your superiority you cite that you only voted for one winner out of the three that you could possibly vote into office.
In order to prove my delinquency you cite that I must have voted for the entire State House, the entire State Senate, and the Governor.
You've got it wrong. I don't know about up there as I've never been farther north than Maryland. But I can tell you for sure about around here. According to the use of your logic - You are OFFICIALLY retarded in South Carolina.
Posted by KidYendor on March 11, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with archdude. The symbolism of a country/people in distress, held in a stranglehold by political correctness, unsecure borders, IRS taxation/redistribution of wealth, foreign interventionism, nanny state government and failed education, must be demonstrated to all and is OK with me.
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
raregar67, I see by your mulitple posts that you are clamouring for attention. Your posts remind me of that pimple I had on my nose that one time in high school.
(Pop)
There is your attention.
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ImplantedYankee,
I actually prayed that Ohio or Texas would dash out all hopes that Billary ever had to be President. They failed us. They could have ened it all.....
BOYCOTT TEXAS!
BOYCOTT OHIO!
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"As long as you do not take the ZOD persona when posting I think everyone will be fine..."
Reviewing posts is a nice feature. I think if you reviewed mine you would find that I simply give an honest opinion. That's all I ask of others.
The crucified persona here is the fact that I told someone seemingly unhappy with their situation to do something to change it. In response, he/she said he/she possessed superiority in this locale. Whose persona should we be worried about?
Posted by suec on March 11, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't New York ELECT Hillary?
How can you blame that on the South?
She had to go North to get votes!
Posted by ChrisRobin on March 11, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Unless I'm mistaken, most illegals who get "above board" wages don't make enough to pay taxes, so they pay nothing in on anything and the ones paid under the table sure as hell aren't paying taxes of any sort. On top of that,a portion of what they make is being sent back to Mexico and other parts south of the border, so nothing is really being dumped back into the economy. So, how can it be justified that they are helping "drive the economy"? It's more of a case on how long will it before they suck the public tit dry?
Posted by momfirst on March 11, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I so agree with pirate42. They come here and pay no taxes, take over the area the live, and don't have to fight for this country. Now everything is Spanish first then American.What in the hell are we letting happen to our country? Why do we bend over backwards for all these people? If we were to go to where they live we sure wouldn't be able to take over. The bad thing is that a lot of Mexicans are here making money and sending it back home to their families, or saving it so they can move back home and have money after they are done here trashing our country. We need to stand up and make it harder to get in our country. We need to wake up before it's to late.
Posted by Zod on March 11, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dude, I didn't moan. The yankee moaned.
The crazy thing is this conversation came about in an article that I think is much ado about nothing. Sure illegal immigration is an issue. It's not the largest issue in America though. It's not even close. The largest issue in America is that fact that we have given away America's resources for over half a decade.
Look at our history books. Look at the issues we discuss every election cycle. None of it has anything to do with the fundamental problem with this country. What is that problem?
Trade
The sad fact is that this state bought heavily into foreign trade in the past three decades. We have been riding on the front of the bus. As foreign companies moved to North America they brought business to the South. They brought it here for the cheaper labor. Why? We were essentially just as cheap or cheaper than the foreign transportation. Meanwhile in the industrial base up North, they relied upon American manufacture and they are suffering those consequences. WoW! Did I just say that? Suffering for relying upon American labor?
Does anyone besides me remember that the Yen traded 20 to 1 versus the dollar in the 1980's? It trades at 100 to 1 now. We were totally pissed in the early 90's about the bankrupting of America. So Toyota builds a couple of Plants in Tennessee.
The problem with America is lost. It's lost somewhere in the abortion debate. It's lost somewhere in the immigration debate. It's lost somewhere in a sex scandal.
Yet nobody wants to know who was purchasing those poorly written loans that has our housing economy in a mess. You know someone had to be buying those notes. Does anyone actually know it was China buying those notes? Does anyone realize that the sub prime market dried up because China QUIT buying those notes? Does anyone care that the COMMUNIST country of China OWNS percentages of national banks? Does anyone care that our dollar is backed by nothing but the word of the Treasury?
That's my moan for today. It sure beats, "South Carolina is pathetic" because SC is not pathetic. The state has actually been pretty good at playing the losers game. At least SC has actually benefitted from foreign investment. It may be killing America but SC has seen some benefit. Think not? Then you were not here in the 70's.
Posted by newto843 on March 11, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see illegal immigrants out of my window at this very moment. Why can't the proper authorities see them? Who are the proper authorities in charge of this? If I made a phone call right now to report them would anyone come out and check green cards? My bet is they would not.
Posted by jrobinson on March 11, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do some of you change your username. It doesn't take long to figure out who you are.
Posted by suec on March 11, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"It's more of a case on how long will it before they suck the public tit dry?"
Our natural born citizens will accomplish that long before the illegals do.
How can you look out your window and see illegals, newton? Is it stamped on their forehead? All hispanics are not illegals and all illegals are not hispanic.
Go after the VIOLENT criminals!
This is like ignoring an armed robber so that you can give out more parking tickets.
Posted by ChrisRobin on March 11, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Zod had a great point concerning economics as the basis of the problem. Also not to be forgotten is the aftermath of the great NAFTA fiasco, which resulted in the wholesale shift of manufacturing out of the States across the border to Mexico, which was supposed to jump start their economy, keep the workers there and provide an economic stimulus to the companies to compete by paying lower wages. The result was anything but stellar to say the least, as we are now witnessing. We've lost our manufacturing and the very people it was supposed to help are now flooding into the U.S. via the open door policy the past three administations have supported. Throw in the fact that foreign investors were buying up all of our available real estate during the last big recession and bingo, we now have an economic meltdown we haven't seen in decades. HECK, even the Canadian dollar is worth more than ours!!
Posted by newto843 on March 11, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How do I know they are illegal? Well when attempting communication with them several times about vehicles and trash at a construction site they have to look real hard to find someone to understand me and do the most basic of translations. I am from out west and feel like I have a pretty good eye for someone fresh from Mexico when I see them, these guys are not Americanized in any sense. I speak Spanish better than they speak English. I have nothing at all against Hispanic people. I grew up with many Hispanic friends whose families came here long ago and in discussion with those friends they are just as annoyed at the sheer numbers as most everyone else.
Posted by neveragree on March 11, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I came to USA many years ago from Europe, I'm a legal resident and I do beleive that there is a certain reasons for hating illegal immigrants (Not being able to get a job probably the most.) But I don't beleive that americans should blame illegals for the crime, because I've seen so many drug adicct americans commiting crimes, all different race and color, which makes illegals about 5% of 95% americans.
The problem that people don't understand that every country has illegal immigrants and this will never go away and will never change - economywise, bussinesswise and humanwise.
I do agree that there is way to many illegals from Mexico and this problem has to be solved any how. But I don't see the infrostructure going without involving foreing employees. Especially since american education is so bad and lot of people don't know simple basics.
Posted by crankyyankee on March 11, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neveragree don't judge America's education system by what they do here in South Carolina. There are intelligent Americans and education systems that do educate.
Posted by neveragree on March 11, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I went to college in NY. Also just looking at how many americans dropped out of school(not even college!) says it all. In my country and all over Europe you are nobody without bachelor degree. I think thats what people should focus on and leave the illegas along.
Posted by marriott99 on March 11, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not surprised by the resistance to hiring illegals put forth by the construction industry. I live in a new construction area and I believe that EVERY contractor uses them. Even Home Depot sent a crew of Mexicans to my neighbors house to replace his siding. Can you imagine how much arm-twisting THEY can do?
By the way, illegals are pretty easy to spot-they mostly wear hoodies and avoid eye contact with gringos. There's usually 1 guy who speaks a little English, doesn't look like a rapist and smiles alot.
Posted by eyfigueroa on March 11, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
allwoman! i just ADORE you!
Posted by ChrisRobin on March 11, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Too funny, Coldbeer. I tried to use the "J" for an Asian country earlier in my post and got the infamous "Watch your mouth- J-P not allowed" warning! Over a bloody country of all things!
Posted by eyfigueroa on March 11, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hee hee hee. i like not being the one bringing or receiving heat.
Posted by Chipper on March 11, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! The rednecks, bigots, and racists were out in force yesterday in Columbia. I hope the Legislature will look closely at the sort of person crying so loudly about immigration. Maybe all of you hot heads should realize that the so called three "weakest on Immigration" presidential candidates are the only ones left in the race. Being loud and stupid will never solve anything. Immigration is a comlicated issue that needs a well rounded solution. Your hysterical screams are heard but mean very little to the masses. We need hard working immigrants more than loud mouth bigots.
Posted by Ahrm77 on March 11, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neveragree I agree completely with you, there are lot of important things to improve ,and also can anyboby tell me what kind of jobs are the ilegal taken from americans citizen , agriculture,plant tomatoes and potatoes stay more than 8 hours down the sun ,contruccion ,sanding drywall,etc please!!!!!!! a bit of honesty .
Posted by Chipper on March 11, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The truth is that America needs workers who are willing to start at entry level pay and positions. We also need workers willing to do the work that Americans have out grown. Unfortunately, there is no legal way for these workers to immigrate to our country. Our immigration policies are set up to legally accept those with higher education and etc. That is great but we need the others to keep our economy going. It is not a simple issue with a simple answer. Our US congressmen owe it to us all to develop a comprehensive plan that secures our borders and our economy.
Posted by JohnS on March 11, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Working daily 75 Latino men doing landscaping in Mt Pleasent requires alot of overhead. The good thing is workmans comp is no longer needed since the men say they are self insured. They have a deal with the ER for primary care. As far as paperwork W2's /1099's often get returned due to no such address. Overall it's much better than hiring locals who want to skip out on Friday afternoon and often miss days during the week. It's a great thing we will never have to go back to that.
Posted by Larz13 on March 11, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One scary thing is that when illegals get false credentials and end up working at the airport. Now I do have a problem with that.
Posted by Larz13 on March 11, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JohnS--we do end up paying higher health insurance due to losses at the ER from uninsured. Hospitals write this off and turn to those who can pay (or will pay) to make up for the services rendered and not paid for.
Agreed about your comment of work ethic although I sense some sarcasm there.
Posted by RTC on March 11, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know the website, but someone just sent me some pics from Montebello High School in CA.
If you really want to get your blood boiling, you should see these.
allwoman, I thought they killed off Richard (LOL) and Jane and went to Tyrone, Tradd, Pedro, and Ahmad, etc.?
Isn't that the way it's supposed to be in this PC world of ours.
BTW- I love the book " Little Black Sambo". My neighbor read it to my kids when they were small, and they thought the tiger turning into butter was hilarious. The little boy's name and color meant nothing to them. It is a cute story, and I still don't see why they pulled it.
Posted by ridgerunner on March 11, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wait till we get our new el presidente things will be alot better. we will have a new flag for our country already flying in calfornia, new national language (si)then we might be lucky as the mexicans maybe we can get free health care, food stamps ect. BUT SOME PEOPLE WILL HAVE REAL PRETTY LAWNS, remember how we only pay their wages , and the health care food stamps, drivers with no insurance wrecking , none of this cost anything , (saw this in earlier post)
have a nice day
Posted by prettywoman2457 on March 11, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Will the last American PLEASE bring the flag!!
Posted by RTC on March 11, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT1KCXjED...
Check this out.
Posted by geekguy2008 on March 11, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now we have the story over in the UK about the illegal gay Iraqi boy who is going to be executed once London sends him home. Iraq has already executed his butt-buddy back home, so now the one in the UK is crying to stay so he doesn't die. Geez...the things illegals will say/do to live where they want without regard for laws.
I guess Mexico will pass a law against homosexuality and all the latinos here will claim they are gay to get asylum.
Posted by postman01 on March 11, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I find the level of debate here to be largely distressing though some is highly intelligent. "Jane"s 1:01 post is the most intelligent of those I've read.
Posted by whome on March 11, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
illegal immigration helps the economy the same way Wal-Mart helps the economy: it keeps prices (and inflation) low. But in the end, a significant portion of the money gets distributed to the wrong places, namely overseas.
Posted by moonpie on March 11, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The flag was "symbolically" flown upside down to indicate trouble as is customary in the military from what I understand. Not that they were trying to be disrespectable.
Posted by ImplantedYankee on March 12, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just because Hillary won in NY doesn't mean I voted for her. Most of upstate NY did not. Not only did I cast my vote for Rick Lazio, but I wore out a pair of shoes going door-to-door convincing others to as well. In NY it was just a losing battle.
Jane - even without all the facts, you make a good point.
*1 million sex crimes committed by illegal immigrants:
http://www.drdsk.com/articles.html#Illeg...
(Violent Crimes Institute)
*Hispanics in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-Hispanics
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
"The U.S. Justice Department estimated that 270,000 illegal immigrants served jail time nationally in 2003. Of those, 108,000 were in California. Some estimates show illegals now make up half of California's prison population, creating a massive criminal subculture that strains state budgets and creates a nightmare for local police forces."
The "director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies Steven Camorata noted in 2004: `Roughly 17 percent of the prison population at the federal level are illegal aliens. That's a huge number since illegal aliens only account for about 3 percent of the total population.`"
http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2...
I could go on, but I don't have time to independently verify all the facts that I have found so far when looking in to this. I won't present any for which I have not had the opportunity to do so.
It would take hours to go over the figures regarding costs of illegal immigration, but it's clear that other oft-cited expenditures of the Federal Government (like the Iraq war) pale in comparison.
Posted by ridgerunner on March 12, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BUT THEY DO SUCH A GOOD JOB ON YOUR LAWN
dosent matter if they come back and steal everything you own you will have a pretty lawn
Am i the only person left in this state that knows how to crank their own mower?
I use to think when i retired i would move up north so i could get away from all of the yankees, now i think i will go to mexico to get away from all of the mexicans!