Really, Democrats? Colbert? It's as if we Like to Lose

Immigration is a serious problem. It's broken. Republicans have a plan to fix it. It's a horrible plan.

And Democrats, we have a plan Stephen Colbert.

What better way to show we're serious about immigration than to have comedian come testify?

It's like having a politician vouch for you integrity.

And (I hate saying this phrase) I agree with Jason Chaffetz on this one:

My Personal Response to GOP Chair Dave Hansen's Comments on Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas:



OK, that was bad. But, was it bad enough to generate these comments from Utah Republican Party Chairman Dave Hansen (via today's Political Cornflakes)?

"Helen Thomas has clearly lost any semblence of rational thinking and has let her bigoted views of Israel and Jews take over. Yes Helen, its time for you to retire. You might be more comfortable living out your remaining years in a white supremacist enclave in northern Idaho."

Maybe Ms Thomas can take a few of Mr Hansen's party members with her. Namely Senator Buttars, Representatives Wimmer and Sanstrom, and Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater, too. Their comments have been just as bad, if not worse, than those of Ms Thomas.

I'm sure they'll all love it up there with those folks.

-Bob

(P.S. - I know that Senator Buttars is in the hospital with health issues. I hope he gets better soon.)

ACLU Goes Mike Lee on AZ Immigration

Show us your papers! (h/t OneUtah)



When I went to YouTube to pull the embed code, I saw this comment:

Native Americans should be allowed to demand that conservative (white) American's show them their papers!!

Rep Sandstrom Pals Around With (Neo)Nazis

SLCSpin (good to have you back, BTW....):

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom wants to sponsor legislation in Utah that mirrors the Arizona effort.
He says he wants to do what his “friend” Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce did.
His “friend”?
The same Russell Pearce who on the radio called for the reinstatement of “Operation Wetback”? Saying of the immigrant situation, “We know what we need to do… they must be deported”. (he refused to apologize for using ‘wetback’)
Or the same Russell Pearce who sent this fundraising letter to all of his supporters. (he would later say he didn’t read it and had no idea it was a fundraising letter for white separatists… as if he couldn’t even read the masthead… or the first hundred words)
Or the same Russell Pearce who endorsed J.T. Ready for Mesa City Council. Pearce insists he had no idea Ready was an active Neo- Nazi. I guess they just got along so well at anti immigration events…

Utah's Unique Immigration problem

Glen Warchol points out the elephant in the room that will make things interesting when Utah tries to pass Arizona's immigration law here:

Of course, Utah's unique cultural-political mashup could make passing similar laws (Listen up, Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem) problematic. The LDS Church, which is flourishing among Latin American immigrants, could see its members, leaders and, even worse, its blessed missionaries, required to carry proof of citizenship. The church already has been embarrassed by incidents of "undocumented" missionaries being detained.

Immigration Funny

Carl Wimmer's Bogus Immigration Numbers

Carl Wimmer on KSL's Sunday Edition:

"From the Bureau of Criminal Identification -- and these are hard statistics -- in Salt Lake City, Chief [Chris] Burbank's jurisdiction, 81 percent of the homicides, when you have a recorded ethnicity, are committed by Hispanics,"

BCI shows that 18 people were arrested in Salt Lake City for homicides in 2008. 9 were Hispanic, 2 were not Hispanic, and 7 were of unknown ethnicity.

However, the Salt Lake Police Department has slightly different numbers for 2008. According to them, there were 19 homicide arrests that year. The racial makeup was as follows: 3 Caucasian, 7 Hispanic, 3 Polynesian, 5 African-American, and one Native American.

However, nothing in either set of numbers tells us how many of those arrests were of people here illegally. Not all Hispanics are here illegally.

And, just because you get arrested for homicide doesn't make you guilty.

-Bob

p.S. I want to see Carl Wimmer's papers. I don't believe that he's here legally.....

On, my LDS mission, I was mistaken for INS (now ICE)

So, this story about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly posing as Mormon missionaries reminded me of when I was accused of being an INS (what ICE was back then) agent.

From January through April of 1999, I was a Mormon Missionary assigned to the town of Faribault, Minnesota. My companion was from Mexico, and were were doing most of our work with the Latino community in town. Keep in mind that I didn't speak much Spanish, so it became the "Elder Guitierrez and the big, silent American" show. However, we were the top-teaching companionship in the entire mission for several weeks.

Then, suddenly, the work dropped off. And I don't mean just a little bit. It died completely. People weren't home when we came for our appointment and people weren't answering their doors for us.

After a few days of this, I noticed that when we'd pull into the trailer parks, there would be lots of people out and about, but they'd disappear by the time we got our stuff out of the car. Nobody milling about, nobody home. Just disappeared.

We had a non-practicing member of the Church who was friendly to us that agreed to ask around and see why everyone was hiding from us. Turns out that the only other minister in town that offered services in Spanish (We translated our meetings) told his churchgoers that there was no such things as the LDS Church, that it was all a front for the government, and we were spies set on deporting them.

I'm surprised that it's taken ICE this long to figure out this tactic. However, it's a horrible practice on so many fronts.

Sutherland Gets Snarky

It's not often I agree with the Sutherland Institute. However, when it comes to SB 81 (2008), we stand on the same side.

And, well, I am a fan of snarkyness.

So it was with great pleasure when I read their response to State Representative Chris Herrod's comments on their Just the facts report.

From the Senate Site (who get a lot of credit in my book for posting this):

As background, our Just the Facts report was a follow-up to a study we presented to the Immigration Interim Committee in 2008 citing, among other things, current state prison-inmate data. At that time, some supporters of SB 81 countered our findings by arguing that better data on illegal-immigrant inmates would be found in the county jail system. Sutherland took them at their word and investigated the claim.

What we discovered was reported in Just the Facts. Not to their liking, opponents then argued, as Representative Herrod has in his memo, that the better data is actually “arrest data” (i.e., the idea that the court system keeps many undocumented immigrants out of state prison). The Sutherland staff is not new to this game. We have no doubt about the insistence of some proponents of SB 81 that endless and distant data sources would one day “prove” that, indeed, Utah is awash in a sea of brown criminals intent on subverting everything godly and virtuous. Even so, this game only proves boring.

[...]



Ethnicity data cannot reasonably be used to say anything useful about the crimes of undocumented immigrants for one simple fact: the vast majority of Hispanics living in Utah are not undocumented. Using data on Hispanic ethnicity to comment on the crime rate of undocumented immigrants is like using a data-marker of “Caucasian” to represent crimes committed by freckled red-heads. Further, in its most noxious form, it assumes that all Hispanics are undocumented, which is contrary to both fact and common sense.

That's it! Sutherland must be racist against red heads! That makes two things we agree on.....

-Bob

Bennion Spencer on immigration

Dear Friends,

Long ago, pioneers came to a remote part of Mexico seeking freedom and opportunity. The country changed forever. It grew prosperous and earned its place in the United States . That place was Utah , and it’s our home.

Now, Jason Chaffetz wants to round up immigrant families and put them in tent cities surrounded by barbed wire - just for seeking the blessings we enjoy.

Intolerance is not a Utah value. I will fight to secure our borders without violating the principles we hold dear. I believe there is a solution.

Four points on illegal immigration that I will take to Congress:

1. Stop illegal immigrants at the border by properly funding security measures. America has a right to control its borders. In a post 9/11 world we must know who is entering our country.

2. Crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers.

3. Bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and put those who are in good standing on a pathway to citizenship so that they can contribute to society by paying their fair share of taxes.

4. Work with nations, like Mexico , to find a solution that will stem the flow of illegal immigrants on both sides of the border.

I need your help to make this a reality. Please go to my campaign Web site, www.bennionspencerforcongress.com, and make a contribution to my campaign.

All the best,

Bennion Spencer

Upholding the law

Many of my Conservative LDS friends say that the biggest issue they have with illegal immigrants is that they are breaking the law. Hence the term "illegal."

They hate it when I mention that the Brigham Young party came to Utah illegally in 1847, when this valley was a part of Mexico.

Jeremy posted on the Amicus that until 1976, it was illegal not to either drive a Mormon out of the state or kill him.

It is illegal to drive faster than the posted speed limit on Utah's roads, but I see it happen daily.

It is illegal to not stop for a pedestrian entering a crosswalk, but that doesn't stop anyone.

-Bob

Rep. Frank: Everyone who wants compassion is a Democrat

Representative Craig Frank, who refuses to admit that he wants to get rid of community rec centers with HB 76 (as opposed to HB 75, which is the one he still tries to comment on when HB 76 is talked about), is back at it, this time in regards to the three witnesses from the LDS Church regarding immigration.

He "allegedly" settles the argument by sating that the mouthpieces are Democrats.

Yes, Elder Marlin K Jensen is a Democrat, but Elder M Russell Ballard of the Twelve is a registered Democrat, according to the Salt Lake County Clerk's office.

So, is EVERYBODY who supports compassion for immigrants a Democrat?

-Bob

Where's the Compassion?

From Thursday's DNews:

An LDS Church leader on Wednesday urged Utah's lawmakers to "take a step back" and hold a "spirit of compassion" as they consider a slate of bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.

"Immigration questions are questions dealing with God's children," said Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "I believe a more thoughtful and factual, not to mention humane approach is warranted, and urge those responsible for enactment of Utah's immigration policy to measure twice before they cut."

As one of three religious leaders speaking at a Interfaith Dialogue on Immigration at Westminster College, Jensen urged people to put a human face on the issue.

"Meet an undocumented person," he said. "Come to know their family."

This is the third time the leadership of the LDS Church has asked for compassion on immigration this year. The first came in meetings with legislative leadership. The second came from the Alliance for Unity, signed on behalf of the Church by Elder M Russell Ballard of the Twelve Apostles.

Why has the Church had to repeat the message three times?

Because there is little to no compassion coming from the immigration bills at the state legislature.

Yet, I'd be willing to bet that the incumbents are going to paint themselves as good upstanding Mormons who follow everything the Church says come November.

-Bob

While Congress Picks Their Nose, Americans Have An Immigration Plan

WASHINGTON — While Congress and the White House remain divided over what to do with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the USA, a new poll shows the American public appears to have reached a consensus on the question.

A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken last weekend found that 78% of respondents feel people now in the country illegally should be given a chance at citizenship.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who is drafting legislation to grant illegal immigrants an opportunity to stay in the USA, said: "As with so many issues, the American people are ahead of Washington on immigration reform. They know that only a plan that offers a path to earned citizenship will fix our broken system." (USA Today)

78%. Wow.

-Bob

Sen Reid, Ashdown on Marriage

Mawage.....mawage is da weeson we our gatered hero today......

First, Utah's future Senator:

After vigorous debate and much public outcry, the United States Senate has finally found a solution to the hot topic of illegal immigration. Ban gay marriage and flag burning.

Maybe its my genetic memory calling, but governmental involvement in marriage doesn’t rest easy with me. Imagine by some miracle this grandstanding on gay marriage actually takes hold and it becomes the 28th amendment to the constitution. Then what will stop government from going further in defining marriage? Say for example, that in order to stop all marriages of convenience, or marriages for citizenship, the government must now be allowed to verify the ceremony with a representative. In Utah, where LDS marriages are performed in temples where only active members are permitted, this legislation would go over like a lead balloon.

And now, Utah's most effective Senator, Harry Reid of Nevada, from the floor of the Senate:

I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. I believe in our federal system of government, described to me in college as a central whole divided among self governing parts. Those self governing parts -- the 50 states -- have already decided this on their own in state after state. For example, in Nevada the constitution was amended to prevent same sex marriage. Congress and President Clinton passed a law that gave the states the guarantee that their individual laws regarding marriage would be respected. The Defense of Marriage Act creates an exception to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution so that no state can force its laws of marriage on another.

So why are we being directed by the President and this Republican majority to debate an Amendment to the Constitution, a document inspired more than two centuries ago? Why would we be asked to change this American masterpiece?

Will it next be to constitutionally dictate the cause of divorce, or military service, or even what America's religion must be?

So for me it is clear the reason for this debate is to divide our society, to pit one against another. This is another one of the President's efforts to frighten, to distort, to distract, and to confuse America. It is this Administration's way of avoiding the tough, real problems that American citizens are confronted with each and every day:

High Gas Prices.

The War in Iraq.

The National Debt.

Health Care.

Senior Citizens.

Education.

Crime.

Trade Policy.

Stem Cell Research.

Each issue begging the President's attention, each issue being ignored -- valuable time in the Senate spent on an issue that today is without hope of passing.

These issues are not Democratic issues. These issues are not Republican issues. There must be bipartisan efforts to address America's ills.

I will vote no on the Motion to Proceed, as it is not a measure meant to bring America together. Rather, it is an effort to cover and conceal the issues necessary to make America more competitive, caring, considerate and stronger.

Together, America Can Do Better.

Under Attack

Watching the Today show this morning, you'd think we were under attack by gay Mexicans who are going to attack us by burning our flags.

At least that's what the Republicans would have you think.

Who cares that the border with Canada is more porous that that with Mexico?

Who cares that the 3 tons of ammonium Nitrate found in Canada could have just as easily come into the U.S. through our ports?

Who cares that we are putting our grandchildren in debt?

Who cares that people are dying of starvation in our own cities?

Who cares that people are living in tents along the gulf coast, just in time for hurricane season?

Certainly not Republicans.

Because gay, flag-burning Mexicans are the biggest fear.

-Bob

Orrin Hatch: "Armed Groups from Latin America" 5/25/06

[UPDATE: May 27, 2006, 10:49 AM] I just thought I'd direct you to my diary on DailyKos about this. There is an interesting discussion on the Republican/Democratic members of the LDS Church, and how they relate to the LDS doctrine of Satan's plan/Jesus's plan. For those of you who are not LDS, I'll explain in a post on Monday, when I return to town.
So, I'm flipping through channels last night, and I see Orrin Hatch on CSPAN2. I throw in a VHS tape, just in case he says something stupid.

It's a fairly safe bet.

I have done alot of editing to this. I'm going to post annother one, but probable not until after I get home from my weekend getaway.



-Bob

Immigration

My friend Paul W. Draper, who found me on MySpace, wrote this insightful piece on immigration.

I didn't march. I didn't skip work. But I did stay home.

------------

There are millions of people living in America who aren't citizens. This is a problem.

We can't just flick a wand and make them all citizens because that would cause more people to try to enter our country in search of more freedoms, better food and a higher quality of life.

Just like our like our ancestors did.

However, we can't just round everyone up and ship them back to where they came.

I really don't want to live in a country where the police can come up to anyone who doesn't look German and say "Papers".

I don't have the answer. But I am proud to live in a country where we have a right to freedom of speech and freedom of public assembly. I am glad there was a march. It makes me feel more American. I am proud to live in this country. I am grateful that my people came here.


-------------------------------------

When they came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

Nuestro Himno

I.

To Anacreon in Heav'n,
Where he sat in full glee,
A few Sons of Harmony
Sent a petition
That he their Inspirer
And Patron would be;
When this answer arrived
From the Jolly Old Grecian:
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,
No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name
And inspire you to boot,

Chorus:

And besides I'll instruct you,
Like me, to intwine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus's Vine."

That's the first verse of the song "To Anacreon in Heaven" written in the mid 1760's. Later, a lawyer named Francis Scott Key wrote a song entitled "In Defence of Fort McHenry," the second poem he wrote in the same meter scheme. Key's words were combined with the song, and in 1931, it became our national anthem, to be butchered by countless thousands before sporting events. In addition, most people don't even know that first verse, let alone the other 3.

And yet, these same people that couldn't tell you when, how, or what was written by Mr Key, are now crying foul over a version of it in Spanish.

Which, by the way, isn't even the first time it's been translated. The first translation into Spanish was in 1919.

Heck, sing it in German, French, or Samoan for all care. Just sing it better than most of the crap I have to listen to at Bees games.

O Roketi mumu fa'aafi, o pomu ma fana ma aloi afi
E fa'amaonia i le po atoa, le fu'a o lo'o tu maninoa
Aue! ia tumau le fe'ilafi mai, ma agiagia pea
I eleele o Sa'olotoga, ma Nofoaga o le au totoa

-Bob

Hatch needs a dictionary

Scripps-Howard:

At least three Republicans _ Sens. Sam Brownback of Kansas, Orrin Hatch of Utah and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania suggested they don't want to necessarily label all of the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants as criminals.

"I think there is a consensus on the committee that we do not (support) the criminalization of a large number of people," said Specter, the committee's chairman.

Dictionary.com:

il.le.gal: adj. prohibited by law
crim.i.nal: n. One that has committed...a crime.

Someone go buy Sen Hatch a dictionary.