4/06/2006
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3/31/2006
Guest Worker Visas for Illegals Is an Insult to Legal Immigrants
President Bush’s plan to offer guest worker visas to illegal aliens is an insult to those who have and are trying to enter America legally. Millions of people have worked hard and played by the rules to enter America legally. How can we possibly betray their efforts with a massive amnesty program for illegals?
Anyone who has gone through the process of becoming a permanent resident of America, knows that it is a grueling challenge involving stacks of paperwork, ridiculous amounts of money, numerous appointments, and years of waiting. Those that have entered America illegally have bypassed the system and made things harder for those who wish to operate within the law.
If America offers amnesty to illegals, what sort of message will we send to those immigrants who choose to follow the rules? How can any immigrant take our laws seriously if they see that we are so accommodating to those who blatantly disregard our right to control our borders?
Guest worker visas for illegals is a horrible idea. If we need guest workers, that’s fine, but at least we should require these workers to apply for the visas outside of America’s borders. Isn’t it only fair that foreigners get permission to enter our country before we grant them legal status?
Anyone who has gone through the process of becoming a permanent resident of America, knows that it is a grueling challenge involving stacks of paperwork, ridiculous amounts of money, numerous appointments, and years of waiting. Those that have entered America illegally have bypassed the system and made things harder for those who wish to operate within the law.
If America offers amnesty to illegals, what sort of message will we send to those immigrants who choose to follow the rules? How can any immigrant take our laws seriously if they see that we are so accommodating to those who blatantly disregard our right to control our borders?
Guest worker visas for illegals is a horrible idea. If we need guest workers, that’s fine, but at least we should require these workers to apply for the visas outside of America’s borders. Isn’t it only fair that foreigners get permission to enter our country before we grant them legal status?
1/21/2006
President Bush Has No Right to Spy on Citizens Without Warrants
President Bush has shown disrespect for the limits of his power and the privacy of American citizens by bypassing the courts to authorize spy operations on Americans. The White House has tried to defend itself by claiming that the spying is authorized under the “use of force” power granted by Congress, but invading privacy is not use of force. It is illegal spying on people who have not been charged with crimes or been placed under court-approved investigation.
The Presidential powers are limited for a reason. History has shown us that one man with too much power can be incredibly dangerous. The power of the Executive branch needs to be checked by the Judicial and Legislative branches to keep the President from growing too powerful. When Bush bypassed the courts to spy on Americans, he gave himself powers he was never supposed to have.
The White House claims that the authorization of domestic spying is within the President’s power, but that argument does not make sense. If it is within the President’s power to authorize spying on American citizens without court approval, why did President Bush get court approval for some of the domestic spying projects, while conducting other spying operations in secret? If the President does not need court approval to spy on Americans, he should have just bypassed the courts all together. That certainly would have made things faster and easier for the White House.
Naïve citizens think the secret spying is not a big problem. Most people think that the Federal government is spying only on Al Qaeda associates, but it would be very easy for completely innocent people to get caught in this secret web.
For example, let’s say you sold your computer, and the buyer happened to be remotely connected to a terrorist group. A sweep of your old computer’s hard drive might reveal the names and addresses of you, your friends, and your family. Suddenly, because the wrong person bought your old computer, you and the people you know might be considered legitimate terror suspects and therefor be subjected to domestic spying.
This is just one example. There are many other circumstances that could place you under suspicion. What if your child has a college roommate related to a questionable organization? What if a terrorist hacks your computer or steals your cell phone? What if a suspected person works with you or rents from you? The scenarios go on and on. You may currently be associated with a terrorist suspect and you don’t even know it; however, thanks to illegal spying, the White House probably does.
We are losing freedoms rapidly in this country, and a lot of these freedoms are being sacrificed for the promise of security. It is time to start asking ourselves just what we are trying to protect. Is a little extra defense against terrorists really worth giving up the beautiful and glorious freedoms on which this country was founded?
The Presidential powers are limited for a reason. History has shown us that one man with too much power can be incredibly dangerous. The power of the Executive branch needs to be checked by the Judicial and Legislative branches to keep the President from growing too powerful. When Bush bypassed the courts to spy on Americans, he gave himself powers he was never supposed to have.
The White House claims that the authorization of domestic spying is within the President’s power, but that argument does not make sense. If it is within the President’s power to authorize spying on American citizens without court approval, why did President Bush get court approval for some of the domestic spying projects, while conducting other spying operations in secret? If the President does not need court approval to spy on Americans, he should have just bypassed the courts all together. That certainly would have made things faster and easier for the White House.
Naïve citizens think the secret spying is not a big problem. Most people think that the Federal government is spying only on Al Qaeda associates, but it would be very easy for completely innocent people to get caught in this secret web.
For example, let’s say you sold your computer, and the buyer happened to be remotely connected to a terrorist group. A sweep of your old computer’s hard drive might reveal the names and addresses of you, your friends, and your family. Suddenly, because the wrong person bought your old computer, you and the people you know might be considered legitimate terror suspects and therefor be subjected to domestic spying.
This is just one example. There are many other circumstances that could place you under suspicion. What if your child has a college roommate related to a questionable organization? What if a terrorist hacks your computer or steals your cell phone? What if a suspected person works with you or rents from you? The scenarios go on and on. You may currently be associated with a terrorist suspect and you don’t even know it; however, thanks to illegal spying, the White House probably does.
We are losing freedoms rapidly in this country, and a lot of these freedoms are being sacrificed for the promise of security. It is time to start asking ourselves just what we are trying to protect. Is a little extra defense against terrorists really worth giving up the beautiful and glorious freedoms on which this country was founded?
12/22/2005
Jeb Bush Is the Perfect Vice-President for Giuliani
Assuming that Rudy Giuliani will get the Republican presidential nomination, the GOP will have to overcome Giuliani’s biggest problem. Rudy Giuliani is a moderate, and conservatives hate moderates.
The Republican conservatives are going to begin grumbling when they start learning about Giuliani’s liberal positions on social issues. A lot of conservatives are not going to like Giuliani, so the GOP will need to find someone to appease that huge portion of the base.
Nothing appeases conservatives like a Bush. Fortunately, the Bush family has a new Bush coming up in the current growing season: Jeb Bush. Jeb Bush may not be as conservative as his brother, President George W. Bush, but he is a solid Republican with a proven track record as Governor of Florida. Governor Bush is a good public speaker, is respected, and is highly popular in Florida. Jeb Bush will soon be stepping down as Governor, and he will be looking for the next big job.
As the candidate for Vice-President, Jeb Bush could easily carry the swing state of Florida. Florida could decide the 2008 election. If Jeb Bush can take Florida, the Democrats will have to work very hard in the other swing states.
Furthermore, Jeb Bush is a rather young man, and he has a strong appeal to younger people. He also has a Mexican wife and speaks fluent Spanish. Jeb Bush’s Hispanic connections will help the Republicans appeal to the growing group of Latino voters.
Some will argue that Jeb Bush’s worst asset is his last name. Liberals have grown to hate the Bush family name, and they will instinctively vote against any ballot entry where that name appears. The sad fact for the liberals is the Republicans do not care about them. Anyone who hates George W. Bush so passionately probably would never vote Republican anyway, so the potential loss of votes is minimal. The fact is that conservatives love the Bush name like a trusted brand. Many conservatives will instinctively vote for any ballot entry where that name appears.
With Rudy Giuliani and Jeb Bush on the ticket, the Republicans will be incredibly strong in 2008, and they will need to be. Hillary Clinton could be an incredibly strong candidate if the conditions are right for her and she chooses her running mate wisely. If you are not scared of Hillary yet, just look in the mirror and slowly say, “President Hillary Clinton. President Hillary Clinton. President Hillary Clinton.” She just might materialize behind you like Bloody Mary.
The Republican conservatives are going to begin grumbling when they start learning about Giuliani’s liberal positions on social issues. A lot of conservatives are not going to like Giuliani, so the GOP will need to find someone to appease that huge portion of the base.
Nothing appeases conservatives like a Bush. Fortunately, the Bush family has a new Bush coming up in the current growing season: Jeb Bush. Jeb Bush may not be as conservative as his brother, President George W. Bush, but he is a solid Republican with a proven track record as Governor of Florida. Governor Bush is a good public speaker, is respected, and is highly popular in Florida. Jeb Bush will soon be stepping down as Governor, and he will be looking for the next big job.
As the candidate for Vice-President, Jeb Bush could easily carry the swing state of Florida. Florida could decide the 2008 election. If Jeb Bush can take Florida, the Democrats will have to work very hard in the other swing states.
Furthermore, Jeb Bush is a rather young man, and he has a strong appeal to younger people. He also has a Mexican wife and speaks fluent Spanish. Jeb Bush’s Hispanic connections will help the Republicans appeal to the growing group of Latino voters.
Some will argue that Jeb Bush’s worst asset is his last name. Liberals have grown to hate the Bush family name, and they will instinctively vote against any ballot entry where that name appears. The sad fact for the liberals is the Republicans do not care about them. Anyone who hates George W. Bush so passionately probably would never vote Republican anyway, so the potential loss of votes is minimal. The fact is that conservatives love the Bush name like a trusted brand. Many conservatives will instinctively vote for any ballot entry where that name appears.
With Rudy Giuliani and Jeb Bush on the ticket, the Republicans will be incredibly strong in 2008, and they will need to be. Hillary Clinton could be an incredibly strong candidate if the conditions are right for her and she chooses her running mate wisely. If you are not scared of Hillary yet, just look in the mirror and slowly say, “President Hillary Clinton. President Hillary Clinton. President Hillary Clinton.” She just might materialize behind you like Bloody Mary.
12/21/2005
Rudy Giuliani Is Best Pick to Defeat Hillary Clinton in 2008
Assuming that the Democrats nominate Hillary Clinton for 2008, the Republican will have to reach for the stars to pull out a win.
John McCain is most frequently mentioned as the Republican presidential nominee for 2008. McCain does have enough clout to beat Hillary, but he is a little risky. McCain is unpredictable and has alienated a lot of Republicans. John McCain can certainly energize moderates, but he will have a very difficult time energizing the Republican base. After all, elephants are known for long memories, and McCain has angered a lot of elephants.
Rudy Giuliani is the clear Republican choice for President for one main reason: Rudy Giuliani can beat Hillary Clinton. After 9/11, Giuliani, arose as a great leader. His bravery and bold leadership as Mayor after the 9/11 attack gave him national recognition and respect. Since 9/11, Giuliani has had a very high profile and draws massive crowds wherever he goes. Giuliani always has the common man on his side. Even the Democrats that do not like Giuliani’s politics, still respect him as a man.
A significant factor that makes Rudy Giuliani a strong contender for 2008 is that he can take New York’s electoral votes. If the Republicans win New York, they will almost definitely win the nation. The Democrats simply cannot spare New York’s electoral votes.
Giuliani is also very popular among the California moderates, and his popularity will put California’s huge block of electoral votes in play. The Democrats cannot win the nation without California, and they will have to spend a massive amount of campaign money to secure the state.
Rudy Giuliani’s biggest problem is that he is a moderate. The Republican conservatives are going to begin grumbling when they start learning about Giuliani’s liberal positions on social issues. A lot of conservatives are not going to like Giuliani, so the GOP will need to find someone to appease that huge portion of the base. Fortunately, the Republicans do have several potential vice-presidential candidates with conservative appeal.
The big unknown with Giuliani is his past. Giuliani has never faced intense scrutiny over his private life. The Republicans’ biggest worry will be what skeletons Giuliani has in his closet. Giuliani has already raised some eyebrows with his past marriage, and New York has a shameful tradition of political corruption. Even if Rudy Giuliani himself has not been involved in any of the corruption, it is probable that some of his associates have been connected to some unseemly dealings. Scandals can sink campaigns, and the Republicans need to know what might be coming at them when the press starts sifting through the past few decades of Giuliani’s life.
If Giuliani’s hands are fairly clean, he should be a spectacular candidate. The Republicans are going to need someone big to keep Hillary Clinton from getting back into the White House.
John McCain is most frequently mentioned as the Republican presidential nominee for 2008. McCain does have enough clout to beat Hillary, but he is a little risky. McCain is unpredictable and has alienated a lot of Republicans. John McCain can certainly energize moderates, but he will have a very difficult time energizing the Republican base. After all, elephants are known for long memories, and McCain has angered a lot of elephants.
Rudy Giuliani is the clear Republican choice for President for one main reason: Rudy Giuliani can beat Hillary Clinton. After 9/11, Giuliani, arose as a great leader. His bravery and bold leadership as Mayor after the 9/11 attack gave him national recognition and respect. Since 9/11, Giuliani has had a very high profile and draws massive crowds wherever he goes. Giuliani always has the common man on his side. Even the Democrats that do not like Giuliani’s politics, still respect him as a man.
A significant factor that makes Rudy Giuliani a strong contender for 2008 is that he can take New York’s electoral votes. If the Republicans win New York, they will almost definitely win the nation. The Democrats simply cannot spare New York’s electoral votes.
Giuliani is also very popular among the California moderates, and his popularity will put California’s huge block of electoral votes in play. The Democrats cannot win the nation without California, and they will have to spend a massive amount of campaign money to secure the state.
Rudy Giuliani’s biggest problem is that he is a moderate. The Republican conservatives are going to begin grumbling when they start learning about Giuliani’s liberal positions on social issues. A lot of conservatives are not going to like Giuliani, so the GOP will need to find someone to appease that huge portion of the base. Fortunately, the Republicans do have several potential vice-presidential candidates with conservative appeal.
The big unknown with Giuliani is his past. Giuliani has never faced intense scrutiny over his private life. The Republicans’ biggest worry will be what skeletons Giuliani has in his closet. Giuliani has already raised some eyebrows with his past marriage, and New York has a shameful tradition of political corruption. Even if Rudy Giuliani himself has not been involved in any of the corruption, it is probable that some of his associates have been connected to some unseemly dealings. Scandals can sink campaigns, and the Republicans need to know what might be coming at them when the press starts sifting through the past few decades of Giuliani’s life.
If Giuliani’s hands are fairly clean, he should be a spectacular candidate. The Republicans are going to need someone big to keep Hillary Clinton from getting back into the White House.
12/19/2005
The Patriot Act and the GOP
Are the Republicans right on the Patriot Act, or are they hurting the rights and privacy of American citizens?
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