Isakson, Chambliss want 6,000 border troops — not 1,200
A National Guard unit patrols at the Arizona-Mexico border in Sasabe, Ariz., in 2007. Associated Press
Immigration reform appears to have the same political dynamics as a tax cut.
The competition always demands something a little bit larger.
You know about President Barack Obama’s plan to send as many as 1,200 National Guard troops back to the U.S.-Mexico border to battle illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
This morning, U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss announced they would co-sponsor an amendment to a supplemental spending bill to fund 6,000 National Guard troops for the Southwest.
Obama’s opening bid of 1,200 is too paltry in light of escalating violence, the pair say.
“The defense of our nation begins with securing our borders,” said Isakson, up for re-election this year. “It is time for Congress to demonstrate a strong commitment to border security. It is the only way we will be able to combat illegal immigration, drug and alien smuggling and violent activity along the Southwest border.”
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108 comments Add your comment
deegee
May 26th, 2010
1:06 pm
I wish Isakson and Chambliss would do something about cleaning up the dope-infested towns and suburbs of Georgia. I would rather see the National Guard performing routine drug tests of the recipients of Social Security disability, WIC, and Medicaid. That would go a long way toward curbing the demand for drugs. Parents should be drug testing their children on a regular basis. You could shut down the southern border completely and the dope will keep coming as long as people keep buying it.
East Lake Ira
May 26th, 2010
1:10 pm
Saxby and Johnny – STFU.
Thanks.
lmno
May 26th, 2010
1:26 pm
Make an easy and legal way for Mexicans to come here, work and pay taxes, AND end prohibition of marijuana, and then all of these problems will vanish. PLUS, we will have more tax revenue.
Never Enough
May 26th, 2010
1:57 pm
And if Obama had sent 6,000, they would say 10,000 troops are necessary. If Obama had said 10,000, they would argue for 15,000.
deegee
May 26th, 2010
2:14 pm
Why is there so much venom for the illegal immigrant from Guatemala and nothing is said about all of the legal immigrants from India? While everyone is screaming about little Latinos busting their azzes for $8.00 an hour in hot, dirty work environments, who is making any noise about the Indian immigrants that are working in nice, air conditioned cubicles pulling in $60K plus per year? They can come here legally and take jobs that Americans might actually like to have, but hispanic chicken pluckers that can’t come here legally are derided for taking jobs away from Americans. What is up with that? And don’t give me a lot of bull about how the educated immigrant assimilates and speaks English everywhere. I have been to the Windward Parkway Costco on Friday night.
Uncle Boris
May 26th, 2010
2:24 pm
You can be as contrary as you like…the fact remains that our southern border is like a drain without a plug.
GW
May 26th, 2010
2:36 pm
Funny, they did not make the same demands when Bush was in office.
JeffyW
May 26th, 2010
2:38 pm
The president wanted to send 6000, but the troops he promised to bring home as soon as he was elected are still in Iraq. Plus all his boyz in da hood back in Chi town like Mexican dope.
GRPR
May 26th, 2010
2:39 pm
I am with Imno, make the process of coming legal easier and less red tape along with legalizing marijuana would make these problems go away…Isakson and Chambliss will never be satisfy with what Obama does, to them the glass will always be half empty….like their heads.
ION
May 26th, 2010
2:40 pm
We need to do something about the border there are to many coming over…I am tired of waiting in the
long lines in kroger while they use WIC and FOODSTAMP … I AM VERY UPSET THAT MY CHILD NEEDS TO LEARN THERE LANGAUGE IN SCHOOL…First of all they need to learn to speak ENGLISH…I did not come in this world speaking there Langauge… And I will leave this world not speaking it….
Jon
May 26th, 2010
2:43 pm
@deegee: My god you must be retarded. So you have a problem with those who come here legally, work hard, pay taxes (unlike the illegals) and contribute to make the overall American economy stronger? Chances are that an Indian immigrant was involved in designing products like the ipad which generate billions in profits (and jobs) for AMERICAN companies like Apple. Sounds like you don’t want to have to work hard to get that 60k job because you were born here?! Makes perfect sense you a**hat! Surely you understand how this capitalism deal works, survival of the fittest and all that.
Jon
May 26th, 2010
2:45 pm
@ION – How about you learn the English language before you worry about the immigrants learning it?
"and I think to myself...what a wonderfult world"
May 26th, 2010
2:46 pm
It appears that politics, government, etc. are much like family. There’s always a pending issue resenating within the minds of each. With no regard to the “good will” of any one person within the unit, another will continously seek a derogatory glitch. This is done only to put one in a position of power to which they will become the recipient of the same malicious judgements. Sure we should bring our minds together to discuss moving forward and upward, but there always seem to be walls of malice, hatred, jealousy, envy etc…Does anyone agree? I mean, without the balance of sincere understanding, aren’t our just arguments and debates for nought?
I like sports, and it seems that the most valuable of athletes are those who carry not just skill alone (I mean, all of em’ have some sort of skill or they wouldn’t be playing professionally, right?) but possess what’s intangibles. The things that are hidden from the human eye, but seen through the mental eye. The things that only we can take responsibility for…
redneckbluedog
May 26th, 2010
2:48 pm
Troops cost money…do you want to decrease spending or not…..?
deegee
May 26th, 2010
2:49 pm
Hello ION, why don’t you lose the “all caps” and take some English lessons? Look up the meaning of the word homophone. It isn’t sexual. It will help you avoid making embarrassing mistakes with the written English language.
conservativewin2010
May 26th, 2010
2:51 pm
hey deegee you are not to bright where do u think the drugs are coming in at??? Get a life, put 18k troops down there and seal it off right.. Then fix it so there is a system for employers to check and see if the people are here legally, if they can’t get a job they might go home. That would leave the jobs open for Americans and legal immigrants…
Don’t give me this crap about Americans won’t do these jobs. In Arizona and other places where they are driving these criminals immigrants out Americans are snapping those jobs up like crazy… Sides that the pay would go way up for these jobs if you get rid of all these people doing them for a pittance…
While we are at it lets vote Obama out in 2012 and the rest of his loony tunes out in 2010 and bring America back to the worlds leading economy and keep it the worlds #1 military power, instead of trying to make it the great socialist utopia like Europe… Wait a minute though European Socialism is collapsing just like the USSR…. HUUUUUMMMM….
ION
May 26th, 2010
2:52 pm
@JON THE TRUTH HURTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STOP
May 26th, 2010
2:53 pm
I agree with you Never Enough. Chambless and Isakson if you can come up with a way to place these 6000 troops on the border without adding more strain to our military families (my husband has been home a total of 5 months in 2009 and 2010)then I am with you. But until then stop just spouting off for the sake of partisan politics.
Truth
May 26th, 2010
2:53 pm
Homophone…is that two phones in love with each other?
deegee
May 26th, 2010
2:56 pm
Hello Jon, I am a champion of immigration. I feel that immigrant workers contribute greatly to our culture. I am opposed to outdated and unrealistic immigration statutes. I find fault with an immigration system that does not allow low skilled and unskilled laborers to emigrate and become permanent residents and ultimately citizens of the US when it is obvious to all that they are working in jobs that Americans do not want. I find fault with an immigration system that allows tens of thousands of Asian workers to emigrate to the US and take jobs that American workers would like to have.
ROD
May 26th, 2010
2:57 pm
ION – Please learn the difference between “their” and “there”
jonnycash
May 26th, 2010
2:57 pm
Okay Shambles and Irksome. Let’s take some of the troops your cowboy pres sent to Iraq and move them to the border.
Rude
May 26th, 2010
2:57 pm
Take the BLACK MARKET out of the equation i.e. legalize, and the violence goes away!
deegee
May 26th, 2010
3:00 pm
Hello Conservativewin2010. Your English language skills could use some help, too. Where do you think the drugs are being consumed?
Americans will snap up a low skilled, unskilled job and work it for a couple of weeks or until they get their first paycheck. Then they quit and go back to selling drugs out of their trailer.
Bo
May 26th, 2010
3:03 pm
We need to add more troops that no. requested by our senators. Withdraw troops from NATO in Europe. We can use them better guarding our border. The Europeans can afford their own defense now. I don’t the Russians will want to venture beyond Poland or Rumania. They have too many internal problems within their own empire. Close those bases down and send the troops to guard our borders. That is more important now!
Tiffany
May 26th, 2010
3:03 pm
@deegee… I thought I was the only one that feels like Alpharetta is India. They are on their game because they come, the wife is typically pregnant on the plane trip here, and their child is born American and they are allowed to stay. They arrive on 6 month assignments from AT&T and Verizon, and their plan to stay begins. When you see them in your company if its a large one, start looking for work because TATA Industries(Range Rover, etc), owns and operates the call centers in India. So they sometimes train here, go back home, and train there in preparation for a layoff.
AC
May 26th, 2010
3:05 pm
Enter your comments here
roadrunner
May 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
What happened to Saxby, 2 years ago I though he was having a love fest with them and Lindsy Graham, maybe he decided he did not want to pick Vidilia onions with them
Riddle Me This
May 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
We should build more schools in Mexico which obviously loves US. Versus anywhere in the Middle East that clearly hates US. Train them to be call center reps and such. We are the first to send aid far away, but as witnessed in Katrina have no mechanisms to receive aid close to home.
The U.S. should be recognized as facilitators versus hypocritical dictators.
I’m just sayin….
Jozef
May 26th, 2010
3:09 pm
Why does anyone still take those two jokers seriously?
AC
May 26th, 2010
3:10 pm
I believe the word is “illegal”. If things we do are illegal we are charged with a crime. If anyone wants to come into this country do it legally…I have no problem with legal. If we as americans live by our laws then by all means require illegals to become citizens and live by the law. Until then we should protect our borders.
Andy in Blairsville
May 26th, 2010
3:15 pm
It doesn’t matter if Obama sends 20,000 troops because this nothing but a dog and pony show so he pound his chest, pat his back then while reading off the teleprompters and talking to us in the 3rd person: You wanted Obama to send in troops to secure our border, so Obama sent troops to secure our border. Congress must act and pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill and I expect it on my desk before August recess.
I can’t believe how many idiots voted for this clueless community organizer.
Sandra
May 26th, 2010
3:17 pm
To STOP, I dont think your husband was drafted so he joined the military freely. So now that he actually has a committment to what he raised his hand to defend, your getting upset? Its ok for your husband to reap the benefits of being military when things are good, but heaven forbid he actually be put to work? You just need to get out then.
The biggest worry we have are our military boarders and terriorism. They are coming across the boarders at a high rate and not all of them are mexican. One more thing, this is America not Mexico. I am not against immigration, I am however against people coming to this country by breaking the law, then letting our taxpayers fund their every whim. And there are many many companys that hire illegals that pay a very good wage. They just dont pay them taxes so they dont have to claim it. I work in a drugstore and I can tell you that the large population do not make that 8 dollars per hour that some of you claim. If they did then they would not have that large wad of $100 dollar bills that continue to drop from their wallets. Grow up, get the facts and until you have them just keep your mouth shut.
Alpharetta Dave
May 26th, 2010
3:23 pm
Every civilized country in the world secures their border except the U.S.A. This is ludicrous! National security depends on secure borders. It’s not only Mexicans that are coming here uninvited. We must identify who’s here and what their purpose is for being here, This doesn’t have to mean instant deportation for all illegals but certainly it should for criminals and those that would do us harm. We need to : 1. Do whatever it takes to secure our borders and stop the problems that we’re presently experiencing 2. All persons in the country who are legally contributing need to be issued a tamper proof visa or work permit for a specified period of time after which they are required to leave or perhaps reapply 3. Employers who do not require workers to have legal documentation should receive heavy fines 4. Round up all criminals or those who are not working, excluding families, and deport them. 5. All who wish to come to our country must apply legally. 6. Those who wish to become citizens must apply for citizenship the right way. There you have it – a comprehensive immigration plan. All those who would disagree just need to spend some time in Arizona, South Texas or Southern California. Most Americans are not anti Mexican. We remember the lessons of 9/11. We are tired of the crime. We are disgusted with our politicians. We are sick of paying for the cost of illegal immigrants for the education, medical and criminal justice. We are fed up with being criticized by others for demanding that the rights of our own citizens take priority over non citizens. We just want security and fairness. Many Americans paid a price for our freedom and citizenship and we don’t think that it should be given away so cheaply.
Gram
May 26th, 2010
3:25 pm
Boy, you can sure tell which comments are made by immigrants. It’s not just the drugs…it’s national security. Many terrorists are also slipping across our southern border…it’s long overdue to have that border secured. Unless you are an illegal, you have NO gripes with securing the border.
Gram
May 26th, 2010
3:28 pm
P.S. ALL states need to follow Arizona’s lead when it comes to illegals…and watch how fast all the illegals head home.
Jim
May 26th, 2010
3:29 pm
Our Government is out of control with it would be a good Idea to, in this case troops to the border, and paying for the ideas. I think it would be a good idea to put a fence up around my house, hire security guards, and put bullet proof glass on my house, but I can’t pay for any of it so I won’t. Our government just keeps on coming up with so many good ideas, but they all don’t do anything to get us out of debt. Start running the government like we do our own homes, that goes for South Korea, let them fight their own fight!
STOP
May 26th, 2010
3:29 pm
Sandra
When my husband is home he often works 12 hour days and when gone, he works 10 – 12 hour days with no days off. Do you work that much? I doubt it. And I assure you the “benefits” you allude to are not worth it. That is why he and many of those he knows feel beaten down and exhausted and are getting out.
Aaron Burr V. Mexico
May 26th, 2010
3:34 pm
Yeah. You sure can tell which statements are made by illegals. Like this one.
GRAM YOU ARE A MORON!
Thus logically I must be an illegal alien.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIOoHblfeOk&feature=player_embedded
Round up citizens and lock them away until the Law is done with them…sounds like Tea Party/Republican thinking and even though its not Libertarian behavior, the Libertarians are sleeping in bed with Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin so it sounds to me like they think its aok too.
Which means since you think its ok to do this to citizens sounds like liberal jurisdictions should lock up Republicans and throw away the key.
deegee
May 26th, 2010
3:35 pm
Gram, do you really think that terrorists are risking their lives in the desert in order to break across the southern border? They buy plane tickets, Gram, and they come here with Visas.
Jim
May 26th, 2010
3:36 pm
Oh yea, I am a White Navy Veteran, I served 6 years, Honorable discharge, I support getting the illegals a path to being legal. White people stole this place from the indians, killed and tortured indians, remember this as you Dave A, it is a land for all, not just white republicans. Don’t talk about sacrafice unless you gave up part of your life defending this great country.
Righteousness vs. justice
May 26th, 2010
3:40 pm
It is very sad to watch conservative followers, forgetting that USA is a CAPITALIST country (Demand and Supply). “It is a lot of demand for illegal drugs everywhere…”
Conservatives had the country’s control for eight years when Katrina happened, when predatory lending was filling up somebody’s bank account, and when our #1 military power families starting having the dysfunctional issues they have today.
Very respectfully to conservativewin2010. What conservatives feel when going to church, but mistreating your illegal neighbors, or when middle class women cannot stay with their newborn babies because they cannot afford it? (that happens in Socialist Finland or Norway) But anyway, God still loves EVERYBODY right? Just like Conservatives do…
deegee
May 26th, 2010
3:45 pm
Sandra, seriously?
I work in a drugstore and I can tell you that the large population do not make that 8 dollars per hour that some of you claim. If they did then they would not have that large wad of $100 dollar bills that continue to drop from their wallets. Grow up, get the facts and until you have them just keep your mouth shut.
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
3:47 pm
Sandra, STFU. Our military is not an endless supply of cheap labor to clean up our messes. Join the Minutemen if YOU want to shoot it out with coyotes and drug dealers.
tc
May 26th, 2010
3:50 pm
wonder if chicken hawk chamblis has any immediate kinfolk in the armed forces?
Gram
May 26th, 2010
3:51 pm
I see I rattled a few illegal chains in here. If you think terrorists don’t come across the Mexican border, then YOU are the idiot.
Jon but not Jon Voight
May 26th, 2010
3:51 pm
I thought all these National Guard troops were in Afghanistan!
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot
May 26th, 2010
3:54 pm
Enter your comments here
Matt
May 26th, 2010
3:57 pm
Degree. Please stop and think about things before you post. Yes there is a huge Indian population but 95% are extremely well eductaed and they pay taxes. They have to b/c 1. They open businesses so they must be legal. 2. They are highly trained and work their butts off. 3. They bring better jobs and more tax revenue to an area b/c of their expertise in technology and medicine. See in India it is very different then here. They actually value competition and use it in every capacity. There are over 1 billion folks in India so to get a job is very tough. They compete endlessly in the classroom, college level, masters and Phd while a lot of lazy Americans sit on their rear and watch tv all day when they could be productive and do somehting.
Gram
May 26th, 2010
3:57 pm
Maybe you should check these out before running your yapper.
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438021/index.html
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438712/index.html
FedUp
May 26th, 2010
3:57 pm
Give me a break. For all of you who feel those who BREAK THE LAW and come to this country illegally should be given a pat on the back and a poor poor you story, maybe you should go to Mexico where if caught you will spend 2 years in prison PRIOR to them deporting you. The only people coming across the border aren’t only poor people looking for a better life, but others that smuggle drugs, kill the gringo’s and steal the jobs from the LEGAL people and citizens of this country. And don’t say they take jobs no one else wants, that is bull. They take jobs making pennies on the dollar. Fine and put the business out of business who hire illegals.
BTW, what is the state with the highest identity theft, stolen car and armed robbery rate? Arizona. And yes the stats show 65% of the crime mention is committed by illegals.
The LAW IS THE LAW and it should be upheld.
FedUp
May 26th, 2010
3:59 pm
And Rightous Vs Justice,
The bible says uphold and obey the law of the land……
Matt
May 26th, 2010
4:00 pm
The problem you face with National Guard troops being put on the border is it will strain not only Federal but also State budgets. What are they going to do with the immigrants once they’re found? It’s not like they can take them out back and get rid of them. They’ll have ot call in and have transportation brought or have to wait for replacements and than leave themselves to take them to jail or processing.
tc
May 26th, 2010
4:01 pm
why do we have so many troops spread around the world, we can not even beat the rag tag taliban. who cares if north and south korea go at it? you think china couldn’t help them overun s. korea despite our presence? do we need our troops in japan, germany, etc? the USA with all its perceived responsibilities/goals has become a nation of a mile wide and an inch deep. obama has to cajole folks now instead of tell them the way it is like wall street, bp, etc. mainly because repubs believe in the markets, which china is making mockery of…..
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot
May 26th, 2010
4:02 pm
@Jim, seriously the whole Americans stole the land from the indians bit was old a long time ago. I am grateful that you served our country’s Navy and for that you have my utmost respect. However, when you beat someone’s a$$ fighting battles/wars, etc and take their land that is not stealing it is the rightful prize of conflict. “To the victor goes the spoils!” But I disagree with the Reconstructionist style treatment of the indians that happened in the late 18th and early 19th century on the reservations. Same with the Mexicans, last I remember after that loss at the Alamo the US pretty soundly defeated the Mexicans and even gave them monetary compensation for much of the land now known as the American Southwest. For the sake of all of us do not ever say we “stole” land from anyone.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:03 pm
Good for the senators, what is happening in America doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world. If someone to come to America, fine. Do it the legal way.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:07 pm
Come on tc, blame the repubs when the Dems have complete control. Duh my friend.
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
4:15 pm
You get-tough people are idiots. In 1998, the INS went to arrest/deport illegal immigrants working in Vidalia onion fields. Guess who stopped them? SAXBY CHAMBLISS.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504EFD8163FF935A25757C0A9609C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all
Cheer on Saxby’s lip service from your illegal-immigrant built homes, over your illegal-immigrant produced dinner. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot
May 26th, 2010
4:16 pm
Pardon me folks, I spoke in error. In the case of Hawai’i, yes that was stolen.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:27 pm
Hi Aquagirl-
Idiot reporting for duty. Saxby may have learned his lesson, but pointing at bad behavior to excuse other bad behavior doesn’t make sense. Can you name one other country in the world that allows this type of flow over its borders?
tc
May 26th, 2010
4:27 pm
retired, i don’t think dems are blameless, let’s just say the repubs and their golden rule “he who has the gold rules” has created a monster that dems cannot control, and besides most of the senatorial dems are millionaires who really don’t want to take on their country club friends although they protest publicly, but do nothing ie financial reform, don’t challenge the military-industrial complex (that ike warned us about) etc…..
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:28 pm
WTF-
And the Panama Canal, but we were dummies and gave it back.
Droopy
May 26th, 2010
4:28 pm
Those National Guard Troops should ALWAYS have been here in America defending our borders. “W.” Bush should never have sent our National Guard to Iraq, because we never should have invaded Iraq! I just love “Shame-Less” Chambliss doing a one-ups-manship w/ Pres. Obama.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:31 pm
TC-
I think you need to follow the money. The GOP isn’t the party of the rich/big business any more, the Dems have replaced them. The GOP is the party of the middle class and small business, the Dems Wall Street and the poor and labor. Look where the money contributed to the Dems comes from, and I bet you’ll change your tune.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:32 pm
Droopy-
Should the National Guard go to Afganistan? That’s the good war, right? Or do you disagree with Obama.
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
4:38 pm
RS, you really think Saxby learned his lesson? Please, tell me what he (and the Republicans) did to prevent the DEMAND for cheap labor. Those illegal immigrants aren’t here for the scenery. They’re here to supply cheap labor and sell drugs. Both products are in high (pun intended) demand by our own citizens.
The Chinese built the Great Wall and were a lot more ruthless protecting their borders. That didn’t work either. What makes anyone think it’ll work now? (Aside from Sandra, who probably wants troops directing traffic, filling potholes, and washing her car.)
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:43 pm
Did Saxby learn his lesson, most likely no. We should be as aggressive with the employer and we are w/ the illegal employee. Are you saying China has the same illegal alien problem as we do? I don’t think so.
The Great Wall was constructed to keep invading Armies out, not illegal aliens like today. Bad comparison my friend.
Righteousness vs. justice
May 26th, 2010
4:50 pm
thank you for the bible teaching Fed Up, so say it WITH LOVE like your Christ teaches, and say it on their faces with the same love the BIBLE TEACHES,not with the hate that is spreading badly across the nation, it seems like you know your Holy Book by heart, I don’t. I just assume conservatives values are founded by the Love of the Christ that is why is difficult to me to understand your biblical righteousness but where is that when it comes to LAND JUSTICE? By the way I am not an immigrant legal or illegal JUST A TAXPAYER…
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
4:53 pm
Land justice?
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
4:59 pm
Well, if you can’t stop an army, how are you going to stop individuals from sneaking in? Another point to the Great Wall comparison—the invading armies simply bribed Chinese border guards.
Many other countries have problems with illegal immigration—Saudi Arabi, for one. I don’t think anyone could accuse them of being softies, yet Yemenis still cross the border for economic reasons. The numbers aren’t as high, but the population of the two countries isn’t either.
Obama plans to dispatch 1,200 troops to U.S.-Mexico border | The Post & Email
May 26th, 2010
5:04 pm
[...] Political Insider editorialized that “Immigration reform appears to have the same political dynamics as a tax cut” [...]
Obama plans to dispatch 1,200 troops to U.S.-Mexico border | The Post & Email
May 26th, 2010
5:04 pm
[...] Political Insider editorialized that “Immigration reform appears to have the same political dynamics as a tax cut” [...]
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
5:05 pm
Well my friend as usual we agree to disagree. I think people should come into a new country thru the front door, not the back door. Anyone helping/encouraging/assisting illegal behavior is as guilty has the illegal alien.
The answer is very simple, enforce existing law Washington D.C.
deegee
May 26th, 2010
5:13 pm
Hello Matt,
I don’t take issue with what you said about immigrant Indian labor. But they live in houses built by immigrant labor, their offices are cleaned by immigrant labor, they eat food that is picked and prepared by immigrant labor. Why should the Indians be able to come here legally and work while the people that serve them be denied the same opportunity?
BTW, when have you ever seen an Indian driving a Ford or Chevy?
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
5:15 pm
RS, I’ll agree to disagree, and I understand your point. I deplore the overloaded schools, hospitals, etc. I want the problem solved. We just disagree on the way to go about it.
My point is that we can’t enforce existing law. It’s like saying we should round up and deport all illegals, the logistics and money involved are incomprehensible. The same goes for physically guarding the border. Politicians like Saxby get elected by offering “solutions” which they know will not work, and sheeple vote for them because of the tough rhetoric. Meanwhile, we’re being buried under millions of illegal immigrants.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
5:21 pm
A house is built one brick at a time. The illegal issue can be fixed one step at a time. The answer has to be comprehensive. If we can’t deport them, I disagree, then have a guest worker program that they have to apply for in their home country. They must have a sponsored employer before they can return. No path to citizenship in the guest worker program nor are offspring born here citizens.
What do you this AG? We have legalized them and provided employers with cheaper labor.
Andy in Blairsville
May 26th, 2010
5:29 pm
Something I will give the illegal border hoppers credit for is when border hoppers download most of the time the baby daddy is present at birth unlike the when black mothers give birth.
Think I’m full of it? Ask anyone who works at Grady.
deegee
May 26th, 2010
5:30 pm
I was amused when I read the story that Johnny Isakson told in a town hall about how his grandfather emigrated from Sweden to the US during the great famine. I missed the opportunity to ask Johnny Isakson where he would be now if the US government had told his grandfather that he could come to the US, work for 3 years then go back to Sweden and solve the famine problem himself.
RetiredSoldier
May 26th, 2010
5:35 pm
degree-
Times change and laws change. We should not be able to pick and choose what laws we want to obey. You want open boundries? Fine. Hvae Congress change the law. Until then enforce it. Remember, it’s Obama sending troops down there, as well as choosing to fight two wars and not doing anything to stop the flow of oil in the Gulf.
Isn’t governing fun?
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
5:37 pm
RS, That would have partially worked, if we had taken that approach 20-25 years ago. I think if you ask illegal immigrants to voluntarily return you’re going to get a muted response, to say the least. And as I pointed out, arresting/deporting them in any significant numbers is impossible.
I personally would legalize drugs (gasp!) which would address the question “Why are all these people getting the h3ll out of Mexico?” It would also dramatically lower the violence and money involved.
Providing a guest worker program like yours? A good start.The problem with that is legalizing workers raises wages, and that’s EXACTLY what the employers (who have Saxby firmly in hand) don’t want. Also, many illegal immigrants are family-oriented, and they naturally start families here, or bring them over. Can you say “anchor baby?”
A comprehensive answer addresses the TRUE problem. This Send In The Troops crap does nothing.
Bill Stanfill
May 26th, 2010
6:18 pm
I strongly encourage our 2 noble senators to immediately apply for positions to assist our National Guard in protecting our southwestern borders. While it’s true that they are both portly and not in the kind of physical condition to do much besides sit in the front seat of a transport vehicle and sip coffee, I am certain that with enough training they could learn to take bottles of water out of the coolers to keep our soldiers hydrated.
Long known for their chicken-hawkishness, these 2 men would have the opportunity to end their careers with a display of courage and willingness to back their words up with action that has been so absent in their lives.
I hereforth present this as an urge to action for our 2 noble statesmen.
Billy Peeler
May 26th, 2010
6:23 pm
Depends on what you mean. It’s not enough additional troops to seal the border, but that’s not what President Obama wants to do, I don’t think. It MAY be enough to buy him some time and make the critics of our lax border enforcement quieten down for a bit…which is probably his real goal.
deegee
May 26th, 2010
6:25 pm
Aquagirl, Mexicans have been coming north to work (illegally) for over 60 years. Everyone in Mexico has someone in the family that has worked or is working in the US, (illegally). They aren’t suddenly “getting the h3ll out of Mexico”. It’s a way of life that has been passed on through generations.
The sudden increase in violence in Mexico started when Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels. There has been some jockeying for turf among the cartels. Some of their leaders have been killed or incarcerated. I believe that Calderon made the decision to aggressively attack the drug trade under the mistaken impression that it would show good faith in the deal to pass immigration reform in the US. Calderon and his family are now marked for the rest of their lives for clamping down on the drug dealers. He has nothing to show for it. The greedy arms dealers in the US have complicated his mission by selling large quantities of high powered weapons and ammunition to the cartels. The carnage continues in Mexico so that Americans can smoke, snort and shoot their days away.
Not this tripe again
May 26th, 2010
6:46 pm
ION, if you’re seeing immigrants using WIC and Foodstamps at the grocery store, then these people are here LEGALLY. To get either of these benefits, you have to prove you have a right to be in this country. Documentation, either in the form of birth certificates for citizens or naturalization/immigration paperwork for legal aliens must be submitted.
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
7:04 pm
deegee, illegal immigration has been going on for years, but the rate and scope of the problem has increased. Only *now* do gringos like Saxby start whining. As I said, hypocrites. The irony of Mexicans sneaking into New MEXICO is not lost on me.
You can say the same thing about the drug wars, they’ve been going on since the ’70’s, periodically waxing and waning. There has been an upswing since Calderon’s idiotic move. (BTW, I don’t think he did it in good faith, surely he knew what would happen.) We’ve noticed this one since it’s literally next door. As I said, legalize drugs, why should Mexicans die because people in the U.S want to consume drugs? Its our problem, not theirs.
tc
May 26th, 2010
7:07 pm
retired, you are dreaming if you think repubs are party of middle class, if so why do they defend wall street, tbtf banks, etc. sure dems took wall st money (obama, dodd, schumer, etc) because the folks giving it hedged their bets and they knew mccain/palin were totally dumb….and on ga level, with all corporate tax cuts (no cost/benefit) on theory that will creat jobs…..first thing it will do is create more profit to line pockets of ceo’s then if any left maybe a little more hiring a lowest possible wages…
keep dreamin as the big buys feign interest in social issues to get your vote so they can steal us blind….
i am not too excited about a lot of the social engineering and redistribution of wealth by dems, but all evidence points to rapidly shrinking middle class since mid 90s….so repubs did not look out for the average joe…..and they were mostly in charge
deegee
May 26th, 2010
7:48 pm
Aquagirl, I agree with you on the drug legalization issue. I feel that if it is not lethal in small doses then it should be legal. And for those of you that think that pot is the gateway drug, it isn’t. Alcohol is the gateway drug.
Every child is exposed to alcohol and drugs. Some try them and some don’t. Some try them and become addicted. A good parent, rather than a good policeman, will provide the type of influence needed in order to dissuade their child from drug and alcohol abuse.
The time is near
May 26th, 2010
8:07 pm
Saxby needs the south Georgia farmer votes.He sounds so tuff on sending troops,but in the background he turns his back on all the illegals that work for the farmers in his voting district.Politics at best!!!Say one thing and do another.
Thomas Stein
May 26th, 2010
9:00 pm
So I actually went and read up a little more on what this amendment does. According to the amendment’s sponsors, Senators John McCain and John Kyl of Arizona, there is a precedent for this specific number of National Guard troops. Apparently the last time the Guard deployed to the border, 6000 were sent, so they’re saying that we should send at lead what we sent last time. Seems reasonable to me. What am I missing?
Thomas Stein
May 26th, 2010
9:03 pm
Aquagirl said: The irony of Mexicans sneaking into New MEXICO is not lost on me.
So you’re saying that it’s actually theirs, and we should give it back?
Aquagirl
May 26th, 2010
9:36 pm
No, it’s ours now, that matter was decided long before any of us were born. But climbing on the high horse seems stupid.
We gained Texas and New Mexico as a result of immigrating illegally and claiming the territory. So now we’re morally outraged when Mexicans return to the same land, partially because we’ve screwed with their country, and partially because we want them to work here? A lot of people need to get over themselves.
Jennifer Littrell
May 27th, 2010
5:50 am
I came across a good debating resource that allows you to post comments and cast votes either for or against the New Immigration Law of Arizona without prior registration. I really recommend it: http://www.civiltalks.com
Fire Eater
May 27th, 2010
6:11 am
To those who say the southwest “belongs” to Mexico, I say this: The land belongs to those who can TAKE IT AND HOLD IT, per the Founding Fathers of the US. If the “third world” is such a paradise, why don’t our PC liberals vacate this racist land and move there.
At least 17 states plan laws similar to Arizona’s to crack down on illegal immigrant invaders GO ARIZONA!
Immigration is the ONLY issue in this year’s races.
Aquagirl
May 27th, 2010
6:31 am
Wait! I have the answer, everyone go to americaspeakingout.com and vote for it!
“Put the mud people to work making a giant fence to keep the other mud people out. When they are finished put them on the other side of the giant fence. ”
I think the Onion is behind this website.
tc
May 27th, 2010
8:18 am
hey retired, you like how the repubs harping for drill baby drill pushed obama to a stupid policy (and repubs blocking raising liability cap) ….how you don’t have any kinfolk on the coast……
tc
May 27th, 2010
8:18 am
how should be hope
RetiredSoldier
May 27th, 2010
9:10 am
Hey Bill-
If our two senators should join the NG, shouldn’t Obama? Talk about Chicken hawk. Fair is fair.
RetiredSoldier
May 27th, 2010
9:21 am
We pushed Obama to a stupid policy? Are you kidding me. The repubs are completely impotent as of now in the federal governement. Sure, I got it, it was W’s fault. Obama has been in office almost a year and one half yet everything is still Bush’s fault. I don’t think Bush was a very good president, but come, take some responsibility. It’s called leadership.
When does Obama take for blame for anything? After 2 years, 4 years, never? We had a saying in the Army: Lead, Follow or get the hell out of the way. What’s Obama doing?
pcBobby
May 27th, 2010
9:24 am
@deegee You’re a xenophobe who cannot handle the fact that the world is truly flat. Somehow you think you’re on the frontline of American culture whereby you think you see more than the rest of society. In your case, Indian-Americans bother you so you must think that there needs to be laws in place to “stop them.” The fact is that Indian-Americans are not all sitting in well air-conditioned offices collecting 60K. That statement is completely racist and ignorant, but you’re not alone in your thinking. The Atlanta metro area is filled with xenophobes like yourself. The majority of them are angry white Republican guys on the northside who want to take their angst out at the polls this fall. They, like their brothers in politics (e.g. Oxendine, Johnson, Deal etc…) just have criticism, no serious, practical solutions to any of today’s issues. You are all pathetic.
RetiredSoldier
May 27th, 2010
9:52 am
PC Bobby-
Ok you disagree with degree, I understand that. But you lose me when you paint others without any proof what so ever that they hold the same views.
Give us proof that the Republican candidates for Gov hold those views about legal Indian-Americans. If you can’t at least have the courage to say you are wrong.
deegee
May 27th, 2010
10:45 am
pcBobby, I am not a xenophobe. I stated before that I am a champion of immigration. What I said is that it is inconsistent immigration policy that allows Indians to come here legally and take nice, high-paying jobs while the people that serve them are not afforded the opportunity to come here legally and work. See below, brief description of the H2B visa.
The H2B working visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. temporarily and engage in non-agricultural employment which is seasonal, intermittent, a peak load need, or a one-time occurrence.
The petitioner must establish that the petitioner has not employed workers to perform the services or labor in the past and the petitioner will not need workers to perform the services in the future, or that it has an employment situation that is otherwise permanent, but a temporary event of short duration has created the need for a temporary occurrence.
Mr. B
May 27th, 2010
11:51 am
You could send the entire American Expeditionary Force to the Mexican Border but if they are forbidden by their chain of command from doing anything but handing out maps and gatorade then all you have really done is start the voter registration line at the border.
Georgia U.S. Senators want 5 times the border troops proposed by President Obama | Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition
May 27th, 2010
2:58 pm
[...] Read more [...]
Question Man
May 27th, 2010
6:01 pm
Is it fair to assume that both Isakson and Chambliss are proposing that the cost of the 6,000 troops will be taken from elsewhere in the federal budget? In other words, are they saying that their plan will not further increase the federal defict?
Willy Nilly
May 27th, 2010
8:48 pm
Question Man, good question. I thought I saw on CNN that they were redirecting unused stimulus money to cover the costs of the deployment.
D Lusardi
May 28th, 2010
3:43 pm
Everybody knows we need more (armed) troops on the border. I want to know where you stand on the definition of immigration “reform.” Is that a code word for amnesty, a.k.a., invitation to millions more to try to cross on and on into the next decades? Is there a senator or congressman out there who wants and will work for deportation?
Steve
May 31st, 2010
10:54 pm
Ask anyone living in Arizona & they’ll tell you that violence has skyrocketed. It’s amazing to read these comments from Dems that totally disregard anything to do with this proposal solely based on the fact that Isakson and Chambliss are Republicans. The open border is a problem and apparently just like the oil well in the Gulf, if the Dems ignore it, it’s not really much of an issue . . .
Steve
May 31st, 2010
11:01 pm
Y’all want to complain about Republicans wanting to do something about illegal immigration? Check out this news story from WBS-TV2 . . . It’s not just Mexicans coming across the border. HUNDREDS of people from nations that sponsor terrorism are being caught.
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438021/index.html
.