There are a number of pictures from yesterday's "no controls on immigration" rally in downtown Seattle yesterday.
The Seattle Times article and photos here . The P-I's article and photos here. Reader Byron Dazey sent us a link to his photo gallery. A reader identified him/herself only as "Seattle Conservative" emailed some photos, a few of which I've sprinkled in the links below.
Dominant themes: Mexican flags, Che Guevara, the Freedom Socialist Party, liberate Palestine, Ron Sims speaking to the crowd, men in militia uniforms and red berets with the letters A.I.M, a city-funded non-profit called "El Centro de La Raza" that made a lot of signs, Reconquistas, Reconquistas and the SEIU
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at April 11, 2006 10:35 AM | Email ThisHere is the response I received from Senator Cantwell:
"Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts regarding immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
As you may know, current immigration policy is designed to promote diversity, provide political refuge, and reunite families. Current policy also addresses the need to fill labor shortages in certain fields such as technology and agriculture; the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issues limited quantities of temporary visas for guest workers every year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, foreign-born workers accounted for more than half the growth of the U.S. labor force in the past decade. Today it is estimated that roughly 12 million undocumented workers reside in the country. As such, any reform to immigration must keep border security and enforcement as a top priority, but also accommodate market demands for foreign labor. Our immigration policy must keep our borders strong, our families together, and our workforce stable.
On January 7, 2004, President Bush formally released his proposal for a new immigration program. This proposal would allow undocumented men and women now employed in the United States to work legally in this country for a three-year period. In addition, President Bush's proposal includes modifying the current immigration laws to provide financial incentives to encourage immigrants to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired. Finally, President Bush's proposal allows those enrolled in the program the opportunity to apply for a green card.
Congress is also considering its own proposals on immigration reform. As you may know, the Senate Judiciary Committee under Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) reported a broad immigration reform bill, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, on March 27, 2006. Some provisions from this legislation build on the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act (S.1033) which would, among other things, allow undocumented immigrants currently in the country to apply for a green card after six years of continued employment. A new three-year guest worker program would be created for low-skilled workers, and a five-year "blue card" program would be created for temporary agricultural workers. Both guest worker programs would give individuals a path to citizenship after a required period, and annual visa caps on existing programs would be raised.
The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act would also require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a national strategy for border security and increase the number of border security personnel; under this legislation, an additional 400 border agents will be hired annually for four years beginning in 2007. Another 2,400 agents will be hired in 2011. In addition, the bill includes legislation that I cosponsored, which would make it a crime to construct or finance a tunnel across a border leading into the U.S.
Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) has also introduced the Securing America's Borders Act (S.2454). If enacted, this legislation would classify any illegal presence in the U.S. as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in prison. Like the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security would be directed to develop a comprehensive border surveillance plan. The number of customs and border protection officers, port entry inspectors, border patrol agents, and investigative personnel would increase, and new border facilities and fencing would be constructed as necessary. Furthermore, the bill would make it unlawful for employers to knowingly hire an individual without complying with identification and document verification requirements.
On April 6, 2006, a bipartisan agreement was announced in an effort to reconcile both pieces of legislation. If enacted, the agreement would classify undocumented immigrants into three groups, allowing some to stay in the country and work towards citizenship. Those who have resided in the country for at least five years would be able to remain in the U.S. , as would those who have stayed in the country for less than this period but for more than two years. These individuals would be given three years to obtain a temporary work visa. Undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for less than two years would be required to leave the country and reenter through legal channels. The compromise was blocked on April 7, 2006. A motion to invoke cloture, or end debate on the measure, was defeated 39 to 60.
The Senate will be continuing to examine immigration reform in the following weeks. I will be working with my colleagues to ensure that any immigration reform legislation be comprehensive, making certain that border security remains a priority, addressing the reasons many undocumented immigrants enter the U.S. and improving the current temporary guest worker program. Please be assured that I will also keep your views in mind during this process.
Thank you again for contacting me to share your thoughts on this matter. Finally, you may be interested in signing up for my weekly update for Washington state residents. Every Monday, I provide a brief outline about my work in the Senate and issues of importance to Washington state. If you are interested in subscribing to this update, please visit my website at http://cantwell.senate.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Maria Cantwell
United States Senator"
AOL Instant Messaging - I'm sure there was that.
Accuracy In Media - But why where fatigues?
American Indian Movement - Again, why uniforms?
2) "We were here first! When did you get here?" Which "here" is under discussion? And "I" got here in the 1700 and 1800s, and went through the steps to become a legal citizen. Of course, if I have any native American genes, then I have been "here" for over 10,000 years, give or take a few. Does that make my claim better than yours?
3) "George Washington was an immigrant." A tricky one at first glance--technically the USA did not exist when he was born, so he wasn't born in the country. However, he was born in what is now the state of Virginia, and renounced his prior citizenship to become a part of the new USA. But he didn't actually move FROM anywhere TO anywhere. It is certain that his ancestors came there from England, but it is silly to call HIM an immigrant.
4) Lots of socialism in evidence. The irony of that ideology is that the heavily socialist governments in the world wouldn't extend these same freedoms to immigrants. Anybody move to Cuba lately? North Korea? Of course, people move to socialist France, but that's an experiment that's working well, right?
They went by my office, and yes, i saw that most dutifully wove the US flag as they were instructed by spanish tv and radio. Unfortunately, what those pics don't show, was the constant Spanish chanting. Furthermore, while they were instructed to wave US flags, many could not resist waving what was really important to them, the Mexican flag. Those were the true colors on display and I watched the entire march from my office.
Posted by: nospam on April 11, 2006 11:21 AMSubsequent Leftist Strategy: Replace aborted generation of Americans with illegal immigrants.
Result: America gains "cheap" workforce, Democrats gain new class of victims to manipulate and exploit.
Consequence: Left trades America's soul for "diversity" and a new class of government dependents.
Posted by: Saltherring on April 11, 2006 11:25 AM
God forbid somebody speak a language other than english!
reminds me of a joke:
q: what do you call someone who speaks 3 or more languages?
a: polyglot.
q: what do you call someone who speaks 2 languages?
a: bilingual.
q: what do you call someone who speaks 1 language?
a: american or british.
this topic of immigration reform will likely surface some of the latent xenophoiba many of us have towards other cultures.
Posted by: dinesh on April 11, 2006 11:33 AM
The illegal immigrant
The person or groups that enable their illegal border crossing
The person or groups that create false ID
The employer that knowingly hires the illegals (though, not all are big corporate CEOs)
The government officials that pass laws forbidding "corporate CEOs" from checking on immigration status
The union leaders that sign up illegal immigrants
The government officials that hire illegal immigrants
The government officials that grant illegal immigrants drivers licenses
The government officials that register illegal immigrant to vote
The government officials that forbid the following of federal immigration laws
The government officials that knowingly take tax money from illegal immigrants, yet look the other way in following up
Any government agency that fails to act when fraudulent documents are used
You want to go after the CEOs - don't forget the academy award winning supporting cast.
Posted by: SouthernRoots on April 11, 2006 11:35 AM"I immigrated legally. What about you?"
"Did you vote as an non-citizen? Then, you are a criminal."
"If you are here illegally, your are an trespasser, not immigrant."
I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
Posted by: C. Oh on April 11, 2006 11:35 AM"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Perhaps. But it certainly will show those other cultures steadfast refusal to assimilate into the country which provides them the freedom to demonstrate against said country. Not to mention the free bennies provided to those same cultures.
Posted by: jimg on April 11, 2006 11:43 AMSo what do you call someone who makes ignorant jokes about people of a certain nationality? A bigot.. or maybe just Dinesh...
Posted by: nospam on April 11, 2006 11:46 AMMost of us welcome LEGAL immigrants who come here to WORK and become AMERICANS. ALL illegals, however, should be shipped back where they came from. Guest workers with permits should be welcomed, but sent home when their job is completed and/or permit has expired. Force the corrupt Mexican Government to address its problems, not ship its unwanted people north to become ours.
Posted by: Saltherring on April 11, 2006 11:47 AMspeak english and pay taxes? what else?
Posted by: dinesh on April 11, 2006 12:00 PMspeak english and pay taxes? what else?
Posted by: dinesh on April 11, 2006 12:00 PMspeak english and pay taxes? what else?
Posted by: dinesh on April 11, 2006 12:00 PMnospam,
If you are angered by people flying the flag of their country of birth, I advise you to not go to Ballard. It's chock-full of proud Scandanavians flying their Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian flags. The horror.
If you are angered by people speaking languages other than English, I don't know what to tell you. Welcome to the globalizing world. Methinks you're going to have to get used to it.
Otherwise I'm quite amazed at your ability to mind read. I was standing right next to the march and even from that distance I couldn't infer that everyone was reluctantly waving their American flags; and truly dying to break out the Mexican flag. You should start a psychic line with those powers.
Also, if you watched the entire march you might have noted the flags of many Latin American nations and not just Mexico by the way. But hey, they're all the same right?
You come off as a xenophobe of the first order.
Posted by: Warren on April 11, 2006 12:10 PMChe was one of the foulest, most evil "revolutionaries" in recent history. Why many liberals continue to worship this murderer is a mystery to me. Perhaps they do not know the whole Che story or they just believe that the ends justifies the means. My guess is that many Che lovers have not done enough research to find out what a stinker he was.
Posted by: Gary on April 11, 2006 12:11 PMDoubtless, even hard-core (borderline religious) neomarxists who are latching onto this movement are recognizing that friends are easier to make when you yield to common courtesies and common ground.
Ironic that they don't recognize this fundamental principle of relationships in their pursuit of exaggerated multiculturalism and "no rules" citizenry policy.
Also interesting . . . public money and union money was used in this cause.
Union members generally approve of hard-core protectionism. Evidently, union officials are willing to screw existing clients to gain new clients. And they will even make union members subsidize it!
one other critera to add to my prior list (with which i agree): be here legally.
Posted by: dinesh on April 11, 2006 12:27 PMASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
I can almost assure you that everyone who is a true American was sickened when you saw multitudes of protesters carrying Mexican flags protesting the new Immigration Reform Bill in the Senate. This display of Mexican flags should give you a heads up on where these protesters allegiance lies. Their hearts are in Mexico and their bellies are in the United States.
As an American of Mexican Heritage I want to set the record straight, American Hispanics are not all thrilled with illegal immigration. I, for more than 20 years, tried desperately to bring this national debacle to the attention of the American people. I had the privilege of writing for several newspapers, appeared on national and local TV and radio programs, and was asked by many political groups to address this serious problem affecting my former community (north Fort Worth), city, state, and our country. Many will question how I can speak on this subject with some authority. My simple answer is: I lived with the problem! Trust me, it was no picnic. Never in my life (I'm 68) had I witnessed the lawlessness, the deterioration of my community, and the black market criminal underground activities attributed to the influx of illegal immigrants.
To add injury to insult, politicians soon caved in to the many demands of illegal immigrants. Notably: bilingual education, bilingual ballots, welfare aid, free medical care, etc. Through all this national disgrace allowed by our politicians, have you all noticed that no one ever blames the useless, corrupt, and disgraceful government of Mexico? In contrast, they
lambaste and criticize our country. How does that grab you?
When I addressed the dangers of our porous border between Mexico and the United States, and the lax security of our nation, no one paid attention. As I observed the situation, the problem was perceived to be between American Hispanic communities and illegal immigrants. White Americans it seemed assumed that the problem was not theirs to deal with. In other words they were, asleep at the wheel. However, 9-11 soon woke them up. Lets be honest with each other here, white Americans vote in far larger numbers than
Hispanics do. And most politicians (Democrats and Republicans) in our city, state, and federal governments are white. Thus, who is more suited to fix this national disaster? I'm sure most of you know what the answer is.
In summation, I'm pleading with white American voters to join me in sending our politicians (Democrats and Republicans) a strong message that we will not tolerate illegal immigrants telling us how to make government policy that will make it easier for them to break our laws. Hope you will join me in this endeavor in our upcoming elections.
James H. Reza
4204 Grand Lake
Lake Worth, Texas
Real immigrants, legal or illegal were not at the rally, they were working hard at their shot at the American dream, just like they always do.
I've got no problem with people who want to immigrate to this country, and I understand the plight of a well-intentioned illegal who knows it will take a long time to become a legal citizen, but who wants to work hard and get in to our culture and opportunities, asap.
But, we have to be very vigalent about security to keep criminals and terrorists out, and if we are going to let more illegals in, then fine, but let's get them on the tax rolls so we can collect something from them to help pay for the roads, health care and other services that they will use here in the US.
But by far and away the biggest problem are the Marxists who want to exploit any victim class they can find to advance their cause in the US. These are the Che flag flying monsters you see in the pictures from the rally.
What we really need is an exchange program. We take in the tired, the wretched, the illegals from Cuba, Venezuela, etc. and in exchange we ship them the Marxists here in our country, who world probably find they have more in common with Castro and Chavez anyway.
I'll be more than happy to take in 100 hard working illegal Latinos who are true to the American in exchange for one US hating Seattle Marxist.
Don't worry, when our country's sovereignty is trampled by 12 million Swedes waving Swedish flags, chanting Swedish nationalist slogans and demanding amnesty, I will react just as I did to yestday's march. BTW, is their a Swedish version of La Raza in operation here? Just wondering..
Also, if descendents of legal immigrants put up flags of foreign countries, I'm not bothered. BTW - I've been to Ballard and no there are hardly any Scandinavian flags or people, but maybe you haven't been there lately.
Furthermore, I'm not surprised that you stoop to flinging insults such as xenophobe, etc just because I favor law enforcement over amnesty.
As for your psychic babble, when did I say I was psychic? I was simply posting my observations, but I guess if my observations don't 100% agree with yours then maybe my speech should be censored...
Posted by: nospam on April 11, 2006 12:39 PMWhat say we ship them all off to Antartica to wait for global warming?
Posted by: H Moul on April 11, 2006 12:48 PMAre the people in Ballard flying their flags while participating in a protest/march shouting for all immigration to be made legal? I disagree with your use of this example, it’s out of context in my opinion.
Definition of Xenophobe: A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples.
How will you define "unduly fearful" and/or "contemptuous", and how you would delineate between a Xenophobe and someone who simply loves America, is patriotic, and believes in the principles upon which this nation was founded.
I believe there’s a difference between people speaking a different language and living here, and people who can’t speak English at all, and expecting and/or demanding concessions that cater to their own national origin.
I thought the whole idea behind the “melting pot” of America was that people came together, under a common flag, common set of laws (Constitution, civil, criminal law), and a common language.
My mother is Korean, and immigrated here in 1950. My father taught her English, which she speaks fluently. She also speaks Chinese, Japanese and Korean fluently. But my father new the importance of learning the language here, so he taught her English.
For decades, people have been coming here from Europe and other places in the world, and integrating just fine, learning our language and culture, and functioning well within it, while still preserving their traditions and culture (Jews, Polish, etc.), all without marching through the streets and demanding sweeping changes to immigration laws.
Warren, what I find distasteful is the demanding atmosphere in which this whole immigration protest thing is going down. I would never go to another country, and then march down the street demanding this or that. Even having been born and raised here in America, I definitely have an attitude of gratitude, and humble thankfulness to live here, and I resent, not so much what they’re asking for (though I don’t agree with that either), but it’s the way they are asking that really bothers me.
Posted by: MB on April 11, 2006 12:48 PM1. Born here, with papers to prove it.
2. Be a naturalized citizen, again, with papers to prove it.
Everyone else fits into one of the following:
1. Tourist
2. Temporarily working here with permission (and papers to prove it)
3. Illegally here
It is really quite simple, unless you are part of the lefties that try and blur everything.
Posted by: Fred on April 11, 2006 01:01 PMWere they protesting the Senate bill which will criminalize illegal aliens entering the country illegally? Isn't this already an illegal activity? What are they afraid of? Given the snail's pace of the Senate's bowl movement there is nothing to fear. The Senate will not confront the illegal aliens. The Senate may placate angry voters with some means testing for amnesty. But nothing difficult. Just state that you have lived here illegally for x number of years or months. It would appear that protesters may have a possible problem with a wall on the border as the Senate may actually vote for a wall on the border to keep out future illegal aliens. Based on past Senate performances, I would advise the protesters to not feel threatened by the prospects of a wall at the border. At best the wall will not span the entire border and at worst their would be turnstiles at major crossings requiring dollars or major credit card be inserted in a convenient slot. If they don't have funds a visit with a convenient banker will fix the problem. If proof of a job is required visit a local INTERNET service to select a job matching skills, location and availability. An email from the employer will confirm your placement. If by chance the alien is pregnant, a note from the doctor will move her to the front of the line to waiting ambulances assuring that the child will be born a US citizen. Diversity is such a wonderful thing. Of course this expeditious treatment will only apply to aliens seeking entry on the border that speak Spanish.
All others outside of Mexico, Central America, South America must go through the normal drill. Make sure the quota for your country has not been exceeded, arrange for a sponsor, be interviewed by the American embassy, gather up the travel documents, (visa, passport, etc), file with the necessary government agencies and wait for years.
I am not surprised by the number of people who turned out for the downtown walk. Seattle is a after all a sanctuary for illegal aliens.
Posted by: Snuffy on April 11, 2006 01:03 PMThey are American Indian Movement. The combat fatigues, multiple hand-held radios, and gas masks should be self-explanatory.
More of an immediate threat were several muslim operatives photographing the federal courthouse and HS/ICE facility across the street. They were there for hours photographing security operations as they were ramped up for the march arrival.
I should learn to listen better.
I was actually expecting a form letter, but this one was longer than I expected.
My letter to her pushed for border security. Once that was acheived, then we should look into some of the other programs. Her response always seemd to put border security in the category of "yeah, that too".
Posted by: SouthernRoots on April 11, 2006 01:45 PMFirst, of course most of us can't do as good work as the professionals. For one thing, few of us have the equipment they do. But it is also true that many of us can take usable pictures. I think those taken by "zombietime" show parts of demonstrations that you will never see on network TV, or in most newspapers. And I am immodest enough to think that my own pictures of that August, 2003 Bellevue demonstration are good enough to make similar points.
Second, newspapers often run pictures taken by amateurs -- if those amateurs show something the professionals missed. I am sure you remember the coffin picture that the Seattle Times splashed on its front page. The editors there thought the subject matter so important that they published the picture even though, technically, it was a terrible picture.
(And I am sure that, if the Seattle Times received an amateur picture that supported President Bush just as strongly, with the same news value, they would publish that picture, too. I'm joking, of course.)
Posted by: Jim Miller on April 11, 2006 02:21 PMNone of us ever expected the rest of the world to accommodate to our needs and desires.
People are capable of learning and adapting. If they don't want to, that's their fault!
Posted by: katomar on April 11, 2006 02:32 PMif, as some suggest, we take a strictly legalistic view of what it means to be "american" (e.g. born here, naturalized citizen, permanent resident, etc.), then what's up with the assimilation stuff (e.g. language, flag waving)?
this is a more complicated discussion than build a big fence to keep illegals out and ship all current illegals back.
first of all, the thought of building a wall/fence seems abhorent. although different tha the berlin wall (which kept its people in), there is nonetheless something very medieval about it. further, it certainly seems outdated (like the great wall of china).
lastly, there seems to be a noticeable absence of economics in these discussions. costs...costs...costs. i know neither republicans nor democrats can mind the money anymore, but i am wary of all of these ideas without dollars, as ideas have costs and bad ideas end up being quite expensive.
Posted by: dinesh on April 11, 2006 02:49 PMI simply am observing your remarkable ability to discern the feelings and intentions of people you view from your office window. It's an artful way of calling BS.
There were far more US flags than Mexican or any other Latin American flags. Period. That fact completely slays any nefarious anti-American angle you're attempting to concoct.
Google Scandinavia and Ballard if you want to learn more about that population. In the meantime I'd advise you not to try to tell me anything about the city. You come off as less than informed.
As far as our "country's sovereignty (being) trampled"? That sounds unduly fearful (read: xenophobic) to me.
Posted by: Warren on April 11, 2006 03:12 PMUntil then, shut up and reform your own country first.
Posted by: HMoul on April 11, 2006 07:09 PMThat means "screw you white eye"....
Grossly ignorant in the fact that they are the same race as those they would demonize....
Posted by: alphabet soup on April 11, 2006 07:13 PMThose marchers want something for nothing and are being vocal about it. What about the border between Mexico & Guatemala - it is far tougher to get into Mexico for non-citizens by way of Guatemala than for non-citizens to get into the US from Mexico.
Why the disparity ? Mexico is a very corrupt country - they export corruption - that's human nature. If we do not enforce and secure the borders (especially the southern border), the corruption here will only get worse and this country will go down the toilet. Also, what about the prison population in California, which is approx. 1/3 illegal aliens. It is a complex issue, but these are just a few of the reasons that scream for securing our borders and controlling the presence of the so-called "undocumented people" currently in this country.
A smart man told me that the wise rancher knows to build a fence to protect both his land and his herd. He also knows to leave a hole or two.
Without a hole the herd will make one. With the hole , the rancher always knows where to round up the strays.
Personally, I think we should leave a few holes for the lefties (preferably near the swamp ;'}
Posted by: alphabet soup on April 11, 2006 09:54 PMThe "thought of building a wall/fence seems abhorent" Thoughts seem abhorent? You mean feeeeelings don't you?
"seems outdated (like the great wall of china)." H m m m m, O.K., that's your analogy.
. . . and last but not least,
"there seems to be a noticeable absence of economics in these discussions. costs...costs...costs.
Thanks for the thought provoking insights.
So seriously, people here seem to want all illegal immigrants deported. Who pays for that? Who pays for the agency that decides who stays and who goes?
Oops, I forgot that W conservatives don't really care about any kind of fiscal responsiblity. Spend all you want just as long as my taxes don't increase. We'll worry about it later.
Posted by: Warren on April 12, 2006 11:37 AMRight . . . and what was the name I called?
You say that, "people here seem to want all illegal immigrants deported. Who pays for that?'
Apparently you are saying that the solution for illegal tresspassing into America is to do nothing because
(in your brilliant estimation) it might cost too much?
Since you ask your idiotic question, I will answer it in kind. We simply tax a nickel for every stupid inane
comment like yours made by liberals about this subject . . that'll more than pay to send all of them back to Mexico in limos.
Next time maybe try to bring something to the table besides empty meaningless and gratuitous bull$hit.
You seriously need to get back on your meds pal.
Posted by: Amused by mental giants like Warren on April 12, 2006 12:22 PMI didn't see that you were still posting. A few points if I may:
1. You hilariously contradict yourself by quoting me. I said they were waving US flags which you mentioned when you accused me of calling myself a psychic. Then you said, "There were far more US flags than Mexican or any other Latin American flags. Period." Um, yeah genius, I agree and said so as you know because you quoted me!
2. I googled Scandinavia and Ballard and the second thing that came up was, "No longer is the population heavily Scandinavian..." But even if it was heavily Scandinavian, who cares? We're talking 'legal' versus 'illegal.' What part of that don't you understand??
3. Speaking of sovereignty, if 12 million US citizens marched through another country's streets demanding they be accomdated as they saw fit, how do you think the people of another country would react? Something tells me you would consider the majority of the earth's population to be xenophobic- oh well.
4. Who said anything about deporting all illegal aliens? That is not being debated by any serious politicians so why are you bringing it up? Gee, what would it cost us? I don't know and don't care because its an irrelevant topic! The US simply needs to force employers to comply with the employment and immigration laws or face stiffer penalties.
5. Ultimately, what is driving my desire for immigration laws to be enforced? Besides being the moral and ethical thing to do, it is because we are alredy over populated. I suggest you read, "Collapse" by best-selling author Jared Diamond, a professor at UCLA who also wrote Guns, Germs and Steel. You will see how ill-informed you are. Overpopulation in the US and on Earth will resolve itself. Either we will resolve it, or it will "get resolved" on its own, a la Haiti and Rwanda. Sounds extreme? Read the book and then tell me what you think.
Or you could not read the book, stay ill-informed and throw out random and baseless insults like, "xenophobe, psychic, etc."
Oh, and as for advising you on Seattle? I'm not advising you on Seattle nor have I. It's my observation that Ballard's reputation as being a Scandinavian center is blown way out of proportion. I competed against athletic teams of Ballard High School and there were zero Scandinavians and few of Scandinavian descent that I can remember. When I go to Ballard I don't see many flags nor have I ever heard a peep of Swedish, Norwegian or Danish being spoken. But if you want to believe otherwise, that is your choice and i don't really give a rat's ass.
Have a great life, Warren.
You are too cute! I didn't know that "bringing something to the table" involved running scared from a completely legitimate question coupled with weak sarcasm. Leave comedy to the bears. It's obvious you don't have an answer, and I fear you're projecting re: meds. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
"Apparently you are saying that the solution for illegal tresspassing into America is to do nothing because
(in your brilliant estimation) it might cost too much?"
That's not what I'm saying at all. I would like to hear a plan rather than just "Let's kick them thar illegals out!". Just tell me how it will work. You would and should ask the same of your government.
nospam,
That Collapse book seriously sounds interesting and is on my To Read list, but its conclusions about how overpopulation will be resolved do sound extreme to me. I'm more than willing to be proven wrong though.
As far as the flags issue, you just aren't picking up what I'm laying down. I took your original comments to infer that yes there were more US flags, but you felt that they were being displayed insincerely. My comments challenged how exactly you would know what their "true intentions" were by viewing them from your office window.
I am supportive of a guest worker program similar to what George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan (two communists if I've ever seen them) have proposed in the past. It is my view that our economy supports the need for these workers or they wouldn't be here in the first place.
I view simple enforcement of employment laws as a naive plan. Undocumented workers are here and they aren't just going to go home if the US shuts down a few plants. To effectively end the undocumented working in the US would require a monster regulatory agency.
PS I love that I incited both of you to curse. Hilarious stuff.
As to you comments on an earlier, subject today…
I hate to be the one that break your bubble but…
Gen. Moses Cleaveland, b. 1/24/1754 d. 11/1/1806 in Canterbury County, Connecticut.
Graduated Yale in 1777
Commissioned as Captain in 1779-1781
Went into legal practice in Conn.1782
In 1796 commissioned Brig. Gen. in Conn. Militia
Gen. Cleaveland a shareholder in the Connecticut Land Company is appointed Land Agent for the company and purchases land in N.E. Ohio for $1,200,000.
Heads party of 50 to (6 surveyors, a doctor, a Chaplin, a boatman, 37 employees, and 4 “Legal” Immigrants) the Ohio Area.
July 22, 1796 surveyed and plotted the area along the Cuyahoga River and named it Cleaveland.
In 1830, the name of the city was changed to Cleveland by the first newspaper the Cleveland Advertiser because the name did not fit on the letterhead.
Pres. Grover Cleveland is in NO WAY related to Moses Cleaveland!!!
The Sunshine Bus will be by to get you in the morning, keep the windows dry!!!
Posted by: Pacific Grove Phlash on April 12, 2006 09:10 PMWho cares?
Not me.
P.S. . . . . now that's name calling moron.
Posted by: Amused by pointless moron liberals on April 12, 2006 10:30 PMYou should have a comma after "calling". Your attempted insult reads like a non sequitur as it stands.
In other news: you have no substance. Send my regards to the kids' table.
Posted by: Warren on April 13, 2006 10:25 AMBFD
Posted by: alphabet soup on April 13, 2006 02:16 PMIt is clear that the "politics" of personal interest outweigh considerations of civic responsibility - from both parties. Fraudoire and the dims have shown no interest in even maintaining the perception of integrity. Puddin heads like sam reed are incapable or unwilling to stick their necks out to protect the interests of voters. All to often when Republicans act, the play the "go along to get along" game that might protect their backsides in the short term, but completely ignores our needs. Look no further that the wacky antics of those loveable knuckle-heads John "Who took my Strawberries" McCain and Russ "The Fuss-budget" Feingold so see that some people have no business getting anywhere near a ballot box.
Of course, it is demonstrable that democraps are completely driven by the lust for power and incapable of stopping their momentum long enough to even consider the impact of their (in)actions. It has become clear that unless and until they "feel the pain" in a personal way, they aren't going to do anything but play Dr. Feelgood. It is equally clear that the adherents to their political party are indifferent to the inequities of our flawed system. How many times have you heard one of the trollish ones exclaim "Payback's a b!tch!" as if that were a legitimate point of view (even if appropriate).
"Oh, you're just being a partisan" they will say. Absolutely I am. I proudly admit it. But that has nothing to do with respecting the rule of law. The results of several elections have been close, and there is every indication that they will remain close for some time to come. This means that elected officials should be eager to make certain that the process is reliable and transparent. I loved Hugh Hewitt's adage that "If it ain't close, they can't cheat", but we're bound to be stuck with close calls.
We need representatives that will stand up and declare their support for election reform - and I don't mean the silly game of charades that was dumped on us last time.
Trollish simps like jdb/biteme/bedwetter and bartleboob will ooze out from under the heaps of garbage that they call home and claim that "duh, dare ain't no vote fraud. You can't prove a thing". 1100 more votes than voters. I respect the ruling of Judge Bridges, but that doesn't change the fact that he is wrong. And that doesn't change the fact that vote fraud was committed in 2004 and was excused.
We get the government we deserve.... I don't know exactly what Washingtonians did to deserve fraudoire, but that's some heavy karma!
Posted by: alphabet soup on April 13, 2006 05:47 PM