Month: November 2008

During Thanksgiving, I think it is always important to take a moment, no matter how brief, and allow yourself some silent introspection. For me, this video, represents a family that has been through hell and back and yet, still remains hopeful and thankful, in spite of the clear hardships that their son will face. It should remind us all to appreciate the health and well being of our loved ones, I certainly say my “thankfuls”, every night, for my healthy family, especially my children. I am thankful for the journey that I have been blessed to live.

Life is about the paths we choose, and, if we are lucky, we make the right choices that allow us to fully experience this one chance we get at living. Even though my ever winding path has led me through some pretty difficult times, I would never want to exchange one turbulent or painful moment, for each experience has shaped the person I am today. Hmmm, I can’t wait for some posters to have fun with THAT last sentence 🙂 Anyway, I wish for everyone a peaceful and “Thankful” holiday.

Guess this one’s making the rounds on the blogosphere. I got it from CitizenTom and he found it at Crystal Clear Conservative. According to Tom, it’s from one of Charles Kuralt’s “On the Road” segments on The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.

I recently received the following email, I suppose he got my email from the ‘About’ section. Well, the good news is he likes our blog but the bad news is that he thinks I’m Greg.

Hi Greg!
I love your blog.  I am an author whose novel, Forever My Lady is being released by WarnerBooks/Grand Central at the end of the month. 
 
I would be honored to include your blog as part of my official author blog tour as your special interview guest. (I can even provide the questions and answers so all you’ll have to do is cut & paste if you’d like if you’re super busy.)
 
I have appeared on NPR, American Latino TV, SITV, in the Boston Globe, Miami Herald. 
 
Basically I would “stop by” your blog and answer some questions which you can post in your blog.  I think it might be kind of fun for your readers.I can also give away a free book to your audience and I’d love to give you a copy of the book as being such a gracious “host” on your blog. 
 
It might be exciting for your readers to get a sneak peak into the new release of this book. If you’d like more information let me know!
 
🙂 Jeff Rivera
 
 JEFF RIVERA
author
www.JeffRivera.com

Here again, confirmation that Comprehensive Immigration Reform is a priority for the 111th Congress. Perhaps the silver lining in this dark cloud that’s hung over our County is that it has caused the federal government to acknowledge their short-comings and finally force them to address this issue. Could I end up thanking Corey Stewart & John Stirrup? Let’s wait and see….

For Immediate Release

Another Reason to Give Thanks:
Leaders in Both Parties Agree Immigration Reform is a Must Pass Priority

November 25, 2008

Washington, DC-In recent days, leaders from both sides of the aisle indicated that comprehensive immigration reform is a legislative priority for the 111th Congress. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reassured the public that Congress will “move forward” and pass immigration reform legislation. Meanwhile, the renowned Republican strategist Karl Rove included immigration reform as part of a roadmap for the future survival of the GOP. “Republicans must find a way to support secure borders, a guest-worker program and comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens citizenship, grows our economy and keeps America a welcoming nation,” said Rove.

In fact, the lessons from this month’s election are stark. An analysis by America’s Voice of 21 “battleground” races for House and Senate seats found that pro-immigration-reform candidates beat enforcement-only “hardliners” in 19 of the races. “Americans voters have shown they prefer fair and practical solutions over anti-immigrant rhetoric that sidesteps the real problem,” said Angela Kelley, Director of the Immigration Policy Center. Now leaders must show that they got the wake up call. Reid and Rove know that the American people are counting on Washington to offer answers that strengthen and sustain all of America’s workers, families and communities, native born and newcomer alike. Immigration reform is a part of the solution for a stronger America, and one that policy-makers have to get done and get done right.”

For more information and background on these comments and more, visit ImmigrationImpact.org.

Deal Is Reached on Immigration Bill Affecting Students, Says Senate Leader

Washington — Momentum appears to be building in Congress for passage of immigration legislation that could make some illegal immigrants eligible for certain federal programs, including student aid.

In an interview with the Gannett News Service that was published over the weekend, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, a Democrat of Nevada, said that President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain, a Republican of Arizona, had reached agreement on how to proceed with a comprehensive immigration bill. Senator Reid said that he did not expect “much of a fight at all” over the legislation, which would overhaul the nation’s immigration laws.

Congress tried to pass an immigration bill last year, but it failed for reasons unrelated to the education provisions. Those pieces of the bill, which were taken from the Dream Act, would have created a path to permanent residency for immigrant students and would have made it easier for states to charge cheaper in-state tuition rates to some illegal immigrants. —Kelly Field

http://chronicle.com/news/index.php?id=5555&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en

The Washington Post reports the Virginia Panel on Immigration, created by Govenor Kaine, has come to realize that immigration is an issue that must be dealt with by the Federal Government.

RICHMOND — Virginia, known for some of the nation’s toughest policies on illegal immigration, appears to be abandoning its hard-line approach as state officials consider proposals to help foreign-born residents assimilate, including increasing the number of English classes.

In the coming weeks, the Virginia Commission on Immigration will send Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) two dozen recommendations, most of which would help immigrants instead of penalizing them.

During the General Assembly’s session this year, the number of immigration bills introduced was the highest in recent years, but most measures died. State and local governments found that they could do little to resolve the issue.

“This is really a federal issue,” Watkins said. “They have . . . pushed it down toward the states, and the time has come for them to deal with it. We have no jurisdiction.”

What was especially interesting is the realization that as a “wedge issue”, illegal immigration was a losing issue. As has been pointed out several times on antibvbl, 20 respresentatives from the “immigration caucus” lost their seats in this election.

Creedon said commission members recognized that in the past some immigration proposals were raised for “political purposes” and could not be enforced. “They wanted credit for taking a tough position, but you knew they wouldn’t be implemented,” he said.

Those on both sides of the issue say interest in immigration has waned because of the growing economic crisis, a clearer understanding of the state’s limitations on a largely federal issue and backlash at the voting booth.

“I think some reality set in,” said state Sen. John C. Watkins (R-Chesterfield), the group’s chairman.

Here are some of the recomendations by the committee. Imagine that, a formal committee actually created to determine, with expert advice, a reasonable path to deal with immigration issues. Reminds me of what our county LACKED when dealing with immigration.

The Immigration Commission spent more than a year writing recommendations for Kaine after public hearings that included expert testimony and comment from legislators and the Virginia Crime Commission. The proposals would have to be adopted by Kaine, the General Assembly or Congress.

The commission proposed increasing the number of English classes and creating a plan to address the needs of foreign-born residents. It also urged the federal government to compile more complete immigration statistics, increase the number of visas for foreign workers and pass comprehensive immigration legislation.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano might just be the fix our broken immigration system needs. Defined as a centrist, Governor Napolitano is seen by some as extremely tough on immigration issues. She has taken a centrist position, supporting strong steps to prevent new illegal immigrants from coming to Arizona, while opposing most measures that would punish illegal immigrants who were already living and working there.

Arizona currently has the toughest laws on the books about knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. She calls this law the “business death penalty.” The second time business are caught hiring illegal immigrants, they lose their business license, There is a 376 mile border between Mexico and Arizona. Napolitano has called for stationing the Arizona National Guard along this border.

On the other hand, Napolitano is known for a common-sense approach to immigration practices. She is extremely critical of Congress for not producing an immigration overhaul reform package. She opposes most measures that would punish those already here in the United States. She is especially compassionate about children who are here with their parents. She has vetoed legislation that cuts off in-state tuition aid for children of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, she has vetoed bills that require local law enforcement to arrest immigrants on immigration violations. She feels this is the job of the federal government.

Her politics must suit many people since she was re-elected 2 years ago by a 2-1 margin in a Republican leaning state. Her common sense approach to a thorny, prickly pear issue seems to be just what is needed. Her skill and expertise are being looked at favorably by other departments within Homeland Security as well.

LATimes

Today, November 22 is the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Many readers weren’t born when this happened in 1963.

When talking to older people, several events stick out in their minds:

Hearing about Pearl Harbor
The assassination of JFK
The planes hitting the WTC and the Pentagon

Most people alive at the time and old enough to be aware of what was going on can tell you right where they were the moment they heard the news about JFK. Yet years later, 45 to be exact, conspiracy theories still run rampant and we aren’t really sure why he was killed.

Where were you when you heard the news? If you weren’t on the scene yet, where were your parents? Have you heard them and your grandparents discuss this tragic event?

Camelot and Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ya have both been associated with JRK. Camelot described the new era the first 3 years that JFK was in office. Johnny We Hardly Knew Ya was an Irish folk song. Why were these phrases associated with this political dynasty?

The Kennedys, while presenting the image of Camelot, have led tragic lives. Joe, the oldest, was killed in WWII. Rosemary the disabled daughter was given a lobotomy to cure her developmental delays. JFK severely injured during WWII and assassinated while in office. Bobby Kennedy assassinated while running for president. Teddy Kennedy involved in an automobile accident that dashed any chances of the presidency. Today he has an inoperable brain tumor. Jackie Kennedy had an early death from lymphoma. John Junior and his wife were killed in a private plane crash. Yet our image of Camelot lingers, albeit a bit tarnished and more grounded in reality.

Johnny We Hardly Knew Ya. How would things be different had you lived?