Dream Act defeated, for now

I just heard from Grassfire.org's Steve Elliott that our efforts to
defeat the "Dream Act" have paid off. See Steve's Blog for the details.

The fight isn't over, based on comments from Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid, bristling over the defeat, said the battle is "still on"
promising passage this Fall!

Stay tuned for updates...

-Bob

A Recall provision for Illinois?

Here's the text of an e-mail that I received today from Senator Dan Rutherford:

Legislation has been introduced to amend the state Constitution to allow for Recall of an elected official, such as the Governor.

If approved by the General Assembly and, subsequently, the state's voters, the amendment would allow the electorate to Recall statewide officeholders, legislators and judges.

The effort was inspired by California's recall provision, which voters used in 2003 to oust the sitting Governor and bring in Arnold Schwarzenegger.

If Recall became part of the Illinois Constitution, a petition to remove a statewide officeholder, such as the Governor, would require 418,559 signatures. If petitioners were successful in getting that many signatures, the Recall election would then be on the ballot.

The Committee For Legislative Action (CLA) was established in 1995 to bring sunlight to inappropriate government spending and raising Fees and Taxes. The CLA has been asked to help gauge public support on whether Illinois should have a Recall provision or not. CLA is asking for input via the internet on CLA's website and by US postal mail.

CLA has accepted the project to see if 50% of the number necessary to put the question of recalling a Governor on the ballot, 209,280, would "register" their support for such action. The intent is to actually gauge the public's interest. We will periodically update the website on the number that have "registered" in support.

Those that "register" in support of recalling the Governor will be notified of the petition procedure if Recall were to become a part of the Constitution. They will then be offered the opportunity to participate if they desire.

Information is available on the CLA webpage, http://www.CommitteeForLegislativeAction.org Please register your opinion on the question of Recall.

You may also make a donation at https://egon.cmititestbank.com/cla/contribute/contribute.asp or by mailing a check to CLA, 220 West Howard Street, Pontiac IL, 61764, to help fund the outreach. If donating online, be sure and memo in the comments section "Recall" and we will know where to credit it. The infrastructure and database CLA has is quite good and activities are happening at this very moment.

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you and working on this important project.

Sincerely,
Dan Rutherford
State Senator
Chairman CLA
220 W. Howard Street
Pontiac, IL 61764

Paid for by the Committee for Legislative Action. A copy of our report, filed with the State Board of Elections, is available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. Contributions or gifts to the Committee for Legislative Action are not deductible for federal or state income tax purposes.

So, maybe, just maybe, we can get Illinois a new governor too?

-Bob

Illinois' tricky Dick

Check this out. I wrote to our US Senator, Dick Durbin, regarding recent legislation he is sponsoring: http://durbin.senate.gov/showRelease.cfm?releaseId=280889

This back door amnesty program is supposedly "for the children". I wrote to him (http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm) asking for him to explain why certain criminals needed preferential treatment and why was I going to be forced to pay for it. Here was his response (it's difficult reading, he really need to learn how to break up paragraphs):

September 21, 2007
Thank you for contacting me about the education of immigrant children. I appreciate hearing from you. I understand your concern about the cost of attending colleges and universities. Federal student aid is based on financial need and allocated to students to ensure that those from working families are not denied access to college because of income. Throughout my service in Congress, I have supported initiatives that would help make college more affordable, including increasing the amount of money available through Pell Grants and providing tax relief that will help families and students pay for college. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to fund federal student aid programs. Graduation from high school is an important milestone in life, with many graduates then looking forward to college. Some children do not have the chance to attend college and reach their full potential because they are undocumented. Most of these children were brought to the United States when they were very young and did not have the opportunity to make an independent decision about where they would live. They grew up here, went to school here, and want to be productive members of our society. In 2003, I joined Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah in introducing the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act). I have introduced similar legislation in the 110th Congress and it has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for review. The DREAM Act would enable undocumented immigrants to earn the right to apply for legal residency by allowing them to apply for conditional resident status and apply for college on the same terms as other students if they 1) have lived in the U.S. for at least five years; 2) have attended school in our country and graduated from high school; and 3) are of good moral character. This measure would not provide any financial aid to any student. It would allow these students to apply for federal student assistance, while requiring the eligible students to go through the same process as any other student applying for federal financial aid and holding them to the same standards. They would have the opportunity to remove the conditional nature of their resident status by acquiring a college degree, successfully attending at least two years of college, or serving honorably in the Armed Forces for at least two years. Finally, this bill would enable states to determine their own residency rules regarding the tuition rate for undocumented immigrant children at state colleges and universities. This approach would not affect colleges' admission rules. Immigrants affected by the legislation would have to demonstrate their academic eligibility and merit. Furthermore, Urban Institute and U.S. Census figures show that undocumented immigrant children who meet the criteria spelled out in this measure represent less than two percent of all high school graduates each year. Some opponents of this legislation suggest that it would encourage illegal immigration. No studies have shown a connection between illegal immigration and access to college education in this country. Throughout my service in Congress, I have supported efforts to deter illegal immigration. I have voted for measures to reduce illegal immigration by providing additional Border Patrol agents and giving the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) more authority to investigate illegal alien smuggling. I also voted in favor of the USA PATRIOT Act, which tripled the number of agents along our northern border and strengthened the standards for the issuance of visas. Legislation enabling undocumented children to apply for college and financial aid will benefit our nation. Current law deprives us of future leaders, increased tax revenues, economic growth, and social vibrancy. We suffer because vulnerable children who might have become scientists, nurses, teachers, or engineers are forced, instead, to settle for the more limited employment options available to those without a college degree. Worse, guidance counselors report that many promising students drop out of school once they realize that, as a practical matter, they will be unable to go to college. I hope this letter helps you understand why I support the DREAM Act. I appreciate having your views. Thanks again for your message. Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin United States Senator RJD/tf P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.

Of course, I had to reply. Here is my response:

In response to you your e-mail to me on 9/21/2007:

First, you started off your response by incorrectly stating: "Thank you for contacting me about the education of immigrant children."

This statement is simply wrong, I wrote to you about giving preferential treatment to criminals. It has nothing to do with "the education of immigrant children". Immigrant children are the children of immigrants, not the children of criminals that have broken into our country. That is why we use the term "Illegal Alien” to describe this type of criminal.

You then made the statement: "Some children do not have the chance to attend college and reach their full potential because they are undocumented."

Exactly how is this my fault? Why should I have to pay for it? Is it not their parents that decided become criminals by breaking into our country? Using the term “undocumented” to try to water down the subject accomplishes nothing. They are still criminals.

You go to mention: "The DREAM Act would enable undocumented immigrants to earn the right to apply for legal residency by allowing them to apply for conditional resident status and apply for college on the same terms as other students if they 1) have lived in the U.S. for at least five years; 2) have attended school in our country and graduated from high school; and 3) are of good moral character."

So, in the first two conditions, you are looking to allow only the better (more skilled) criminals? Like the ones that have managed to hide from INS for at least five years? And the ones that have somehow managed to avoid INS again and graduate from high school? Since when are Illegal Aliens admitted to public school? How long have I been paying for that? So, once you find some really skilled criminals, you then apply the third test: “are of good moral character”. In the eyes of the law (which what you trying to make here), how exactly is this measured? Also, if they passed the first two tests, haven't they, by default of being criminals, failed the the third test?

You then state: “Furthermore, Urban Institute and U.S. Census figures show that undocumented immigrant children who meet the criteria spelled out in this measure represent less than two percent of all high school graduates each year.”

Aren't you misusing the term “undocumented” here? This appears to indicate that these criminals are “documented”. If they were “undocumented”, exactly how are they being measured? It also appears that we have official systems in place to “look the other way” when these criminals are detected. Is not the act of “looking the other way” criminal in itself? What is being done about this? Also, if we know that 2% (or more) of high school graduates are Illegal Aliens, isn't 2% of the money I pay to support public education being used to fund illegal activities? As far as I know, knowingly funding criminal activity is in itself a crime. How do I go about making myself legal again by not paying for the 2% (or more) that I am currently being forced to pay? How do I get my government stop forcing me to be a criminal too (by forcing me to fund this type of illegal activity)? Is that not a criminal act on the part of the government as well?

Next you state: “Throughout my service in Congress, I have supported efforts to deter illegal immigration.“

Exactly how would this effort “deter illegal immigration”? On the contrary, this legislation appears to very much support “illegal immigration”. This appears to indicate that you no longer support efforts to deter illegal immigration. Exactly how does this benefit you? It clearly does not benefit our country.

Finally you state: “I also voted in favor of the USA PATRIOT Act, which tripled the number of agents along our northern border and strengthened the standards for the issuance of visas."

I did not realize that you had been that worried about the Canadians until know. Help me understand this, since when has our “northern border” been the primary point of entry for illegal aliens? You statement appears to completely avoid the real issue here. What is being done to secure the all of our borders, including the one you appear to be avoiding, the southern border. I forgot, your against “the fence”. Why exactly did you avoid mentioning the southern border?

How is breaking into my country different than breaking into my house? I would assume that you would have no problems prosecuting a criminal that breaks into my house. Why is breaking into my country any different? Do you have something to gain from these criminal activities that your not telling us about? Please come clean here.

-Bob

Let's see what happens now...

Your Social Security

Just in case some of you young whippersnappers (and some older ones) didn't know this. It's easy to check out, if you don't believe it. Be sure and show it to your kids. They need a little history lesson on what's what.

Our Social Security

Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised:

1. That participation in the Program would be completely voluntary,
2. That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual incomes into the Program,
3. That the money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year,
4. That the money the participants put into the independent "Trust Fund" rather than into the General Operating Fund, and therefore, would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program, and no other government program, and,
5. That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income.

Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month -- and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the Federal Government to "put away" -- you may be interested in the following:

Q: Which Political Party took Social Security from the independent "Trust Fund" and put it into the General Fund so that Congress could spend it?

A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the democratically controlled House and Senate.


Q: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?

A: The Democratic Party.


Q: Which Political Party started taxing Social Security annuities?

A: The Democratic Party, with Al Gore casting the "tie-breaking" deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the US


Q: Which Political Party decided to start giving annuity payments to immigrants?

AND MY FAVORITE:

A: That's right! Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party. Immigrants moved into this country, and at age 65, began to receive Social Security payments! The Democratic Party gave these payments to them, even though they never paid a dime into it!

Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away! And the worst part about it is, uninformed citizens believe it!

If enough people read this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe changes will evolve. Maybe not, some Democrats are awfully sure of what isn't so.

Sweet Hillary

Sweet Hillary, mother,wife & next President Of These United States Of America? Want a warm and cozy feeling on how she really handles people and what's inside her play acting exterior image? Read on !


WARNING: contains very foul edited language. (My purpose in posting this is not to offend you, but to make you aware of a personality that at best is a hypocrite, and at worst is a violent, hateful person who does not care about anyone but herself and what power she can attain for her own gratification.)

"Where is the G-damn f***ing flag? I want the G-damn f***ing flag up every f***ing morning at f***ing sunrise."

(From the book "Inside The White House" by Ronald Kessler, p. 244 - Hillary to the staff at the Arkansas Governor's mansion on Labor Day, 1991)

"You sold out, you mother f***er! You sold out!"

From the book "Inside" by Joseph Califano, p. 213 - Hillary yelling at a Democrat lawyer.

"F**k off! It's enough that I have to see you s**t-kickers every day, I'm not going to talk to you too!! Just do your G*damn job and keep your mouth shut."

(From the book "American Evita" by Christopher Anderson, p. 90 - Hillary to her State Trooper bodyguards after one of them greeted her with "Good Morning.")

"You f***ing idiot."

(From the book "Crossfire" p. 84 - Hillary to a State Trooper who was driving her to an event.)

"If you want to remain on this detail, get your f***ing ass over here and grab those bags!"

(From the book "The First Partner" p. 259 - Hillary to a Secret Service Agent who was reluctant to carry her luggage because he wanted to keep his hands free in case of an incident.)

"Get f***ed! Get the f**k out of my way!!! Get out of my face!!!"

(From the book "Hillary's Scheme" p. 89 - Hillary's various comments to her Secret Service detail agents.)

"Stay the f**k back, stay the f**k away from me! Don't come within ten yards of me, or else! Just f**king do as I say, Okay!!!?"

(From the book "Unlimited Access", by Clinton FBI Agent in Charge, Gary Aldrige, p. 139 - Hillary screaming at her Secret Service detail.)

"Where's the miserable c*ck sucker?"

(From the book "The Truth About Hillary" by Edward Klein, p. 5 - Hillary shouting at a Secret Service officer)

"Put this on the ground! I left my sunglasses in the limo. I need those sunglasses. We need to go back!"

(From the book "Dereliction of Duty" p. 71-72 - Hillary to Marine One helicopter pilot to turn back while en route to Air Force One.)

"Son of a b***h."

(From the book "American Evita" by Christopher Anderson, p. 259 - Hillary's opinion of President George W. Bush when she found out he secretly visited Iraq just days before her highly publicized trip to Iraq)

"What are you doing inviting these people into my home? These people are our enemies! They are trying to destroy us!"

(From the book "The Survivor" by John Harris, p. 99 - Hillary screaming to an aide, when she found out that some Republicans had been invited to the Clinton White House)

"Come on Bill, put your d**k up! You can't f**k her here!!"

(From the book "Inside The White House" by Ronald Kessler, p. 243 - Hillary to Gov. Clinton when she spots him talking with an attractive female at an Arkansas political rally)

"You know, I'm going to start thanking the woman who cleans the restroom in the building I work in. I'm going to start thinking of her as a human being?" - Hillary Clinton

(From the book "The Case Against Hillary Clinton" by Peggy Noonan, p. 55)

"We just can't trust the American people to make those types of choices....Government has to make those choices for people"

(From the book "I've Always Been A Yankee Fan" by Thomas D. Kuiper, p. 20)

Hillary to Rep. Dennis Hastert in 1993 discussing her expensive, disastrous taxpayer-funded health care plan):

"I am a fan of the social policies that you find in Europe"

(From the book "I've Always Been A Yankee Fan" by Thomas D. Kuiper, p. 76 - Hillary in 1996)



This ill-tempered, violent, foul mouthed, hateful and abusive woman wants to be your president and have total control, as commander-in-chief, of our Military, the very Military for which she has shown incredible disdain throughout her public life. Such is the heart of a socialist with communist leanings.