Rick Badie / My Opinion

By R jones

September 8, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

We must stop the idea that being Anti Immigrant is a racist problem. Hispanic is a culture , not a race. Do you not remember Science class? Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Negroid are the THREE races. Hispanics can be of one, two, or all three races. I travel extensively in Latin America, and see all colors and races represented. I think the main problem is just a culture clash, such as the way many Hispanics share a single house out of necessity, here and in their own country. We are accustomed to single family homes and want to retain our way of life and property values. Most of the problems are of a monetary nature,not because we do not like them. We are just preserving the American way of life.

By Bernie

September 8, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

I do not like illegal immigration and all the illegality associated with it. Does that make me a bigot? I don’t think so. American citizens cannot break laws and, if they do, then they suffer the consequences of their actions. The same reasoning should hold true for illegal aliens. Laws apply to everyone and we are a nation of laws. That means when someone crosses our border illegally, they have broken the law. Its that simple. Even children understand what happens when they have done something wrong.

By Michael H. Smith

September 8, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Do you think Rick is just a little bit P’turbed?

Hmmm…. I think I can pick up on his drift, I mean…. where his prospective is coming from. Rick, I respect you my friend but it is not the same. PEACE my brotha.

I know it’s hard to separate the splash from the pebble thrown into the pound and sometimes you get wet no matter how sincerely you try to avoid the dowsing. It is possible, though, admittedly it’s hard.

I read some of your link, not meaning to put you off, but about half way through, it really didn’t have much new to offer, so I moved on.

As I stared to move on past Stevens comment. With all due respects, may I call you Mr. Stevens for conversations sake, and I am speaking respectfully here, Mr. Stevens. Your example of crossing a road is not a good one to use in comparing it, to the crossing of a border of another sovereign country. The emotion that was used in that statement, though, possibly stirring to the hearts of some, lacks merit, even, with the flare of the dramatic added to it.

Just as there is a right way and legal way to cross a road, there is also a right and legal way to enter into another sovereign nation as foreigner or alien. Things like poverty, wants or even simple greed, does not give anyone the right to do wrong and break the law in crossing our border illegally or the same as in overstaying a visa privilege.

I’ve often used a counter to such arguments Mr. Stevens as your’s, with an equal in dramatic flare, though, my exaggerated illustration is right in drawing comparisons:

Bank robbers only want a better life too, can you blame them for stealing money. Of course you can, that money doesn’t belong to them and there is a right and legal way to get money from a bank, even when that money does not belong to you. It’s called a loan, it’s what banks grant to you as a privilege, when you apply legally and lawfully, they consider your charter, credit worthiness and your willingness to abide by the rules of that loan contract.

Believe it or not Mr. Stevens, that is exactly what the United States of America does every single day to the tune of about 2 million every year, when our government as broker/banker grants the privilege of visas - rather than calling them loans- to foreigners or aliens.

Now you’re my senior here Mr. Stevens, so I know or at least I’m reasonable sure, given our ages, we share the beliefs that many have shucked aside in this country that once meant something to your’s and to my generation. Things that were highly valued: like right and wrong, legal and illegal, and the sense of fair play.

Perhaps Mr. Stevens it is not so much vileness that is being expressed, as it is the inability of many to express their rightful beliefs in a reasoned thoughtful manner addressing that right and wrong, legal and illegal and the sense of fair play they see as being so absent.

I’ll end with this Rick: All Hispanics are not Mexicans, true, but there are more Mexicans than the rest of the so-called Hispanic, also true. All Mexicans are not illegal immigrants, true, but there is a very good possibility that a great number of Mexicans are illegal aliens. And all illegal immigrants shouldn’t be pegged the scapegoats in this mess of a county, true, though all illegal aliens have certainly made a real contribution in that mess and they are not victims, they are willing participants in making those illegal contributions or should I have said, illegal withdrawals.

PEACE man and relax.

To all others chill and keep the peace please, we are still a nation of laws.

By Michael H. Smith

September 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Oh Crystal, would you like to play the knock, knock game to see who’s there? C’mon, it will be fun, I promise }:)

Let’s see if MJK is home, since you didn’t get an answer yesterday: Knock, knock, are you there MJK? We’ll just wait around.

Maybe Mr. Liberty is home, let’s see: Knock, knock, Mr. Liberty, you in there? We’ll try again later.

Let’s go check-in on ol’ goober: Knock, knock, Hey goob, you home? Hmmm… doesn’t seem he’s around.

Well, I would try the vacationing Wilcox, but…. oh well, what the hey: Bam! Bam! Bam! Brucie, Got your skirt on? Guess he really is out of town.

Did he take all of them with him? ….hmmm

By Micheal H. Smith

September 8, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Under the spreading chestnut tree the village Smithy blows and blows and blows and blows…

By Michael H. Smith

September 8, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

By the way this last post at September 8, 2007 10:43 PM is someone else wrongfully using my name. Please remove it AJC.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 9, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Cross the road? Is that how you perceive our borders? Crossing the road? That simple. You are correct in one aspect however, illegal immigration is not the probelm, people like you are. If this was a flood of whites comeing from Europe the NAACP and LARaza would be yelling bloody murder that these whites were taking jobs away from people of color. Our government and the churches are the problem. For the price of low lettuce and new voters, our government representatives are ready and willing to give this country to poverty. Hell who cares? It’s not them that has to squeeze their children into overcrowded gang supported public schools. It’s not them that has their property devalued by homes next door housing 5 or 6 families, some peeing in the front yard because the one bathoom is full. This country is so “special” it makes me want to vomit. Everyone is “offended” by this or that. Everyone has “special” rights. Everyone is for this color or that color. Churches who are supposedly a place to spread the word of religion salavate at the thought (Catholic church specifically) of millions of new people who will give X percent of their tax free income to the church.

You are right, the illegals are just taking advantage of a good thing but where the problem in all this lies is you my friend and people and special interest groups/government reps like you. You would give this country away as long as the takers are people of color. I dare say if the whites were the ones flooding over an unprotected border, having babies (some unwed mothers as young as 13 and 15) and pushing people of color out into the fringes of this country, yep you and those like you would be yelling like crazy. You are the problem, the illegals are just smart to take advantage of you and people like you. Congratulations.

By Mikey

September 9, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

Do’nt believe in guarding our boarders,people? Ask an American Indian.

By catlady

September 9, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

No one blames illegal immigrants for wanting to work and support their families. Many people do blame them for wanting to do it HERE. Many blame our government for encouraging it since the government wins anyway. NO ONE in government is out one cent for Medicaid, schools, hospitals, etc. While illegal immigrants DO pay taxes, the majority of the cost is spread out to the legal residents. These costs are in the form of expenditures AND changes in quality of life, such as overcrowding, traffic, crime, and a feeling that the citizens of this country are being played for patsies by both our government and those of other countries. This breeds anger and resentment and distrust, which I think is even more expensive than the money we are paying.

By Alice

September 9, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

I agree, I see all problems blamed on illegals. It’s easy to do because they cannot defend themselves - they have no rights. However. 1. Our healthcare system is broken and needs to be fixed. Illegal immigrants have health insurances like anyone else. They are too afraid to go and get “free” services - they do not want to be deported. 2. Our school system is broken and needs to be fixed. Illegal immigrants pay for their children school through property taxes by paying rent or property taxes like any legal person does. 3. Illegal immigrants contribute enormously to our economy growth and our government profits by getting taxes off of the profit that company that thire illegals make. So what is all the heat about illegals using our social services money - they contribute to those taxes paid for social services. They, however, are the last ones to apply for any services - too afriad to be deported. 4. Our system is set up to allow illegals to work illegally and pay taxes. The reason work-site enforcement cannot start yet is because it is against the law for IRS and SSA to share informoation about missmatched SSN with Homeland Security. That is what got us in this mass in the first place. We look down on them for working here with face SSNs but we do not have any problems collecting their taxes and using them for social security and medicare benefits. Have you ever heard of expression - the one who benefits from a crime is guilty of this crime also? 5. Because of the above-mentioned rule (section 4) majority of illegals work “on the books” and pay taxes so they cannot be blamed for all the problems of “free services”.
6. It is obvious that US economy heavily depands on illegals. Just look at the fear in most companies that resulted from the enforcement measures that White House Started. We only have 4% unemployment rate and majority of those unemployed are not farmers or waterboys! However, there are no realistic way for all those immigrants needed here to come legally. They are practically invited to come and work here illegally and pay taxes. Isn’t it hypocritical? If we need them we should let them come legally. If we do not think we need them, why do we let them pay taxes and will not let IRS share information of SSN missmatches with Homeland Security so they can get deported? 7. Since illegals contributed to our economy for years. Since our system is set up to allow them to be here and work for our benefit, it is unfair and hypocritical to not let them stay legally…if they do not have criminal record of course. 8. It makes me sick to see how illegals are blamed for all the crimes. When an illegal commmits a crime it’s all over the news (especially Fox News). However, how come noone talks about positive contribution of illegals and the good that they do for the community. If an illegal immigrant saved someone from a burningn fire would they show it on the news? NOOO… Also since NYC became a sanctuary city, the crime had significantly dropped. No doubt there are those illegals who commit crimes, however, that is not a reason to demonize illegal criminal population, majority of whome are law-abiding hard-working and family-oriented community. Majority of whom have a positive impact on our society and became an integral part of it. How ungreatful can we be?

By Alice

September 9, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Also I know that 99% of people who look down and blame illegals for all sin in the worlds, would be here illegally if they were in the same situation that forces illegals to come here. They do not come here to hurt anyone or steal from anyone. They risk their lives and live here in constant fear and without any rights because they have no choice. Is this a crime? What is it compared to exploiting their desperate situations? That is what US does. It’s like a new age slavery over here for them. The whole world sees it this way. It’s a shame that we have reduced ourselves to this. It’s all about money, not about people any more.

By doggirl90

September 9, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

The idea that illegals have made our country’s economy great makes no sense. Anyone working in a hospital emergency room or in public education can easily point you in the direction of several instances where it has cost citizens millions of dollars to have these illegals here. I am also sick of the absurd argument that we’re all immigrants. Yes, America is made up of a melting pot of people. The difference between 100 years ago and now is that instead of being a melting pot, we’re a salad. Instead of people coming here and learning English, learning American culture, and contributing to the fabric that made America great, today’s ILLEGAL immigrants have no intention of learning anything about America. They don’t want to learn the language, the culture, or anything else. That is affecting America negatively and creating two different countries within our own borders. No country can survive that division. The very simple bottom line is, we have rules about who can come and how they get here. If you disobey those rules, you have no right to be here. If a man breaks into my house and eats all my food but is kind enough to cut my grass while he’s there, I’m still calling the police to get rid of him. Being against illegal immigration doesn’t make me a bigot or a racist. Illegal immigration is no longer about too many Spanish speaking people living in this country, it is now an issue of national security and no politician is going to get my support unless they come out on the side of a serious crackdown to fix the problem.

By kitty

September 9, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Interesting that you dont mention the REAL problem with illegals—YUP they are ILLEGALLY here! wow what a concept! You dont mention the devastation they do to local hospitals and school systems in terms of money. You dont mention that this country exists because of laws, laws we choose to obey or accept the CONSEQUENCES! The consequences are they get caught they get deported.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 9, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Alice said: agree, I see all problems blamed on illegals. It’s easy to do because they cannot defend themselves - they have no rights. However. 1. Our healthcare system is broken and needs to be fixed. Illegal immigrants have health insurances like anyone else. They are too afraid to go and get “free” services - they do not want to be deported. 2. Our school system is broken and needs to be fixed. Illegal immigrants pay for their children school through property taxes by paying rent or property taxes like any legal person does.

My response:

Alice you have to be kidding me? you must be Hispanic to even try to get anyone to belive these things.

Hispanics can’t defend themselves? They have no rights? Are you without a TV or computer? Hispanics and all illegals have a league of lawyers and supports that have circumvented judicual actions against illegals to the extent that states hands are tied to protect the citizens that live there. I’m just amazed you would think any illegal can’t defend themselves. With the supporters legal and otherwise (like you) they have, might as well give them the key to the city.

Some do pay taxes I’m sure. It is not good to operate in absolutes but I would say what with these poor people sending 20 billion back to their real home country of Mexico last year, and considering living expenses, I doubt that tax contribution in this country was significant don’t you? After all, according to all pro illegal accounts, these are poor people. It takes a lot of money to accumulate 20 billion dollars Alics. So even if they do pay some taxes here and there and sales tax for purchases, compared to the impact on the schools, I doubt that would be considered paying their way. The poor (as we call them notwithstanding they represent a significant number of workers in the construction field, hardly a poor industry) get taxed at a much lower rate but live in moderately affuent neighborhoods thanks to the HUD housing our government provides. The house next door to my daughter is a prime example. She gets to listen to Mexican music night and day played at a level only the deaf could not hear. They have their pit bulls I suppose for protection but because they are allowed to do as they wish, my grandchildren can’t enjoy the freedom of playing outside. Whether the dogs are chained or not, one has to worry if they should get loose.

Naw Alice, I think you’ve been smoking some wacky tabacke if you think the illegals give more than they take. But hey, enjoy your cheap head of lettuce, you are paying out the rear end for it ultimately.

In my city they are considering now charging, or at least trying to get this passed, for 911 calls. It seems the illegals use our fire department as a in-home medical program. Afraid to go to the county hospitals? Have you been their lately? Recently a friend of mine had to go to one in Reno and she left saying she would 1. Never get helped as there were hundreds of Mexicans there waiting for their free health care and 2. The place was so dirty with kids running around with bare feet an food thrown on the floors.

You need to look past your obvious love of illegals for whatever reason and start acting like an American citizen with concern for her country and the legal people in it.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 9, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

And Alice I suppose you are rah rah for the children coming here to have their children here (instant eligibility for Meidcare). I have a nurse who quit working in a border town hospital. She said if she had to see one more child who would be considered a rape victim here in the US deliver a child that was handed over to a grandparent for raising she was going to be sick. They have children apparently as a free ride ticket money here in the US and we do it. Who knows where the father was but I would personally not want to know anyone who felt it OK to have sex with a child of 14 or 15 would you? These are the new citizens you support Alice. The US citizens get to raise them, provide education for them and take care of them medically for a good deal of their life. No one offered to do that for me? How about you?

By LT5000

September 9, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Rick,

Another insipid article that serves up nothing but bilge in an effort to confuse the issue.

First, illegal immigrants broke the law by entering our country without permission.

Second, no one can deny that Gwinnett has seen a decline in reputation that coincides with an increase in crime. These are direct results of the illegal immigrant invasion.

I forwarded you a SCANGWINNETT.com email for the local arrests in the 30093 area code. 90% of the surname are spanish and I wouldn’t bet a dollar that they were here legally.

Recently, we have an illegal immigrant causing a health scare with tuberculosis.

Just the other day, an illegal dogfighting ring was busted. The last names weren’t Smith and Jones.

For you to portray everyone who complains about illegals as ignorant of the issues is perhaps the saddest display of journalism I have seen in quite some time. You offered nothing in the way of facts, only claiming “kinds of attitudes are probably based on perceptions and conventional wisdom that’s unsubstantiated but accepted as gospel”.

Rick, you are better than that.

Here are somethings we can blame the illegals for:

Turning once beautiful neigborhoods into trash strewn barrios. Take a at many of the subdivision on Singleton Rd.

Health hazards. Francisco Santos importing his own particular strand of TB into Gwinnett. Dentistry being practiced without a license.

Hazards to the community. The multiple DUI’s racked up every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night are mostly spanish surnames. Again I wouldn’t bet a nickel they were here legally. There are reasons that there are many Spanish only DUI schools along Jimmy Carter.

That Mr. Badie is how you back up your point. With facts not stupid analogies and broad claims that people, who disagree with you, are just misinformed.

Try being a journalist like you used to be. Re-publish a few of those articles you forwarded to me. You actually seemed to be a trifle objective back then.

LT5000

By sigh

September 9, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Rather than complicating things, why don’t you judgemental people just take a look around you and when you see a construction worker, or a harvester in the news, or a busboy at the restaurant, do they really reek of “criminal” to you? Is it really that ‘simple’? Yeah, isn’t it, if that’s how you Want it to be, but in reality how about the fact that the richest nation on earth borders a developing nation along 2000 miles. Perhaps, you can’t really blame those who see it from a wider angle than simply “crime”.

It isn’t even a crime! Ask Rudolph Giuliani. The author is right in that there’s a disease called “blame the illegals”. It’s like an addiction. And being against illegal immigration doesn’t make a person a hater, but hating the illegals is what does. Some are clearly eager to rationalize their hate. Hate may be legal, but will never be right.

By atg_l

September 9, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Seems some of your readers are quite hopeless. Rather than trying to underStand your point, they do everything they can to try to debunk it.

One commenter even went as far as saying that ‘illegals are not victims’. What arrogance. Do they really believe this even after hearing for years about illegals dying from dehydration trying to cross in the desert? That they are more like ‘robbers’. Unbelievable. If death doesn’t do it, then nothing will.

By Michael H. Smith

September 9, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

atg-l who made the choice to enter the desert to attempt to illegally cross our border? That my friend is willing participant not a victim. What ignorance.

By Michael H. Smtih

September 9, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

excuse the typo please - dessert not desert

By Michael H. Smith

September 9, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Calk this one up as blame America first and advocacy journalism.

Alice you are a trip. Have you ever heard of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution? Those two documents give anyone more rights than MALDEF and the ACLU combined has lawyers to defend. Even the most heinous criminal in this country has rights, even when they are in this country illegally, they still have rights. Tell you what Alice, don’t believe me, call DA Danny Porter or better than that, ask the next cop you see anywhere, if everyone in this country, legally or illegally, has “RIGHTS”?

A recent case involving an illegal alien teen with TB and his mother was printed in the press that stated, as recalled, that it may take up to 2 years before they are deported. Now Alice, tell me once again, how, “they have no rights”.

Is the system broken?

You bet your rights the system is broken. A deportation hearing of an illegal alien should be simple and straight forward including where proven guilty a very short transport process thereafter, so why will it take 2 years to deport these two illegal aliens? Because, they have “extreme rights”, even though, they are in the wrong. Now to the average American citizen this deportation process should be as simple as yes or no (simple as pleading a speeding ticket, take about 15 minutes tops to adjudicate) and probably 2 weeks are so to send them on their marry way back to Mexico.

The truth of the matter is the illegal aliens in this country, Alice, don’t have to defend themselves our broken government will defend them and their rights, even beyond what the average U.S. citizen would expect to receive from justice in any court of law.

Do you still believe illegal aliens have no rights and that they are, in fact, defenseless?

Now all that was said to bring us to this conclusion, Alice: If the illegal aliens did not put themselves here in the first place, Americans could not blame them at all for anything in the second place, nor would the illegal aliens ever be prosecuted in the third place.

Hang in there Alice, as Bob Barr says, it gets gooder. Have you noticed one very important thing, probably the most important part in all of this? Rick Badie, our illegal alien advocate journalist, says, some of us suffer from a chronic disease called “Blame the illegals” and Alice has said in a laundry list of charges that America and Americans are to blame for blaming illegal aliens.

Diseases have a source cause for all the blamable visible symptoms, treating all the blamable symptoms will never cure the source causing the disease. Like Alice, Doctor Badie, you’ve made serious misdiagnoses in using “Toward a Real Immigration Debate” as a medical reference text, which is the equivalent of applying the recently defeated S 1348 on America and Americans. When the source of this chronic disease is to be found south of the U.S. border and it is the very source that needs treatment as the single best cure in surgically removing the corruption from the terminal ill patient Mexico, before exacerbating the superficial symptoms found elsewhere in the United States.

If you want appropriate hate then start with the Mexican government and then the American government. The only real hate if you want to call it hate, should be not directed at the illegal aliens(did anyone get that) as it is should be directed at their willingness to accept what they are willing participating in and for not fighting against the Mexican government as source cause number one and the others like Mexico south of the U.S. border.

PS. Rick it would be nice to have coffee with you but danged if I would want you treat me for a case of the flu - I’d probably end up dying of TB.

By BillyBob

September 9, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

I believe there is a problem — not just illegals but our own Federal Government. From the beginning, the illegals came here on invitation — work visas to do our farming and building houses, etc. which a lot of the so called “Legal Americans” did not want to do. Due to the fact that they didn’t think they were underqualified to do so. SO after the influx of legal working visa “illegal immigrants” came and were doing a hell of a good job for cheaper labor than our lazy Americans of course, our BIG corps and builders decided to invite more and more every year. Then, word spread that America is full of jobs that need to be filled that WE, the American citizens opt not to do so. Instead, we opt to take advantage of our system and get welfare checks, medicaid, medicare, etc. How convenient is that???? Don’t have to work for our money.

Instead of trying to blame it all on illegal immigration, lets put the blame on ourselves first and try to fix the problem. If we send all the illegals back to their countries, who will take care of their children that are born here in America? DO you think they will be stupid enough to take their kids with them, back to their own country where there is no hope to make their lives better? I believe if they are smart, they will leave all their kids here for our government to take care of — your tax dollars at work. How wonderful is that? We get rid of their parents and build a HUGE orphange to take care of all the children left behind…

How sad is that a great nation like ours can’t even take care of our own, but go into other countries, spend our tax dollars to make a “sovereign, democratic” country thousands of miles away when right at our door step, we have chaos.

Look at Louisians… we were hit with Katrina, but our own American citizens can’t even get out of the rut. And you know why it is so? We are so use to being spoon fed and being dependant on our government that we can’t do anything to for ourselves. And we are teaching our kids the same thing. Wake up America! Stop whining and find a DAMN solution. A solution that will benefit all. Think with your head and not your a**.

I’m so sick of this white and black and all the other colors of the rainbow. And especially to here all this from a nation that was founded by christianity… your so called southern baptist churches down here aren’t teaching the bible I don’t think. If you want to get to the core of the problem and conversation, lets go all the way back in history. The WHITES invaded and took over America and South America. No one invited you all here. It was taken away. The natives were taken by surprise. Then when that was not enough, you decided to bring the BLACKS for slavery. Then came the CHINESE, etc. Its a vicous cycle. REMEMBER MY FRIEND, what goes around comes around. You reap whatever you sow. Think about that before you speak and act infront of your children. THEY are the future of our country and our world…

By Michael H. Smith

September 9, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Well, BillyBob, you make some interesting points. So here is a question with preface. People call most anyone who is now saying that we should lower the number of legal immigrants accepted into this country as being anti- immigrant (and that is one of the more polite things they calling us)

So here’s the question, if as you are saying we can’t take care of our very on citizens(to which I agree with you) , then are the people calling for limiting the number of legal immigrants entry into this country that can’t seem to take care of its’ very own, being anti-immigrant or anti-dumb?

By Micheal H. Smith

September 9, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

I also fill up hot air ballons on the side.

By Michael H. Smith

September 9, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Once again, sadly, someone chooses to make a comment through impersonation, contrary to the AJC terms of service agreement. Once again, I request AJC, you remove this header at September 9, 2007 6:13 PM. I’ll gladly take the personal attack but not being made under my name.

Thank You

By VISITOR AGREEMENT

September 9, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

USE OF COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

• Uploading, posting, emailing, transmitting or otherwise making available any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, libelous, or obscene;

• Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity;

• Forging headers or otherwise manipulating identifiers in a manner that disguises the origin of any content you transmit through any Communications Service;

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/services/policies/visitoragreement.html

By Micheal H. Smith

September 9, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

We don’t spell our names the same way, it’s a very common name.

By **Michael H. Smith**

September 9, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

In response to “Micheal H. Smith” September 9, 2007 6:53 PM

I’ll leave my protest intact for what I consider very obvious reasons and let the AJC make the judgment call on this one. Though, I seriously doubt you would ever sign your tax returns sent to the IRS as Micheal H. Smith. Could be wrong but I kind of doubt it.

By mjk

September 9, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Rick - This topic sure brings ‘em out of the woodwork, doesn’t it?

What disappoints me is that so many people seem to have little appreciation of history. Immigration around the turn of the 20th century was an extremely contentious topic. Many people at that time didn’t like the influx of Irish, Polish, Italian, or pick-your-least-favorite-ethnicity. Immigrants of all nationalities were drawn to the opportunities they believed were here and then gravitated to areas where others of their similar background had previously settled. Maybe we eventually became a melting pot, but we were originally a “salad” as one of the posters previously described what is happening now. If not, then explain how did places like Little Italy, Chinatown, and South Boston spring up? Immigrants didn’t focus on assimilation; they focused on surviving and trying to create a better opportunity for their families, not unlike what is going on today.

What also disappoints me is that so many people seem to be either uncurious (is that even a word?) or have little appreciation of (non-partisan) research on the topic of immigration that shows that these people put so much more into the pie than they will ever take out. Sure schools have to hire ESOL teachers and provide subsidized meals and hospitals have to provide care that they might not otherwise have to provide, which is a symptom of health care not immigration problems, but studies show that tax and social security revenues are buoyed by the contributions of immigrants. Studies prove that immigration is a huge business and economic benefit even when factoring in what is spent on things like education and healthcare but the bigots, and this is what I strongly believe they are, don’t need facts when they have recycles talking points and spin fed to them by anti-immigration army.

I wonder how many of the people complaining about too many unrelated adults living together urinating on the lawn, lived with 5 other teenagers/twenty-somethings at State University in an off-campus house or used to love going to keggers at Fitzies or Sully’s or Vito’s or whomever’s…. or better yet have kids that are away at school doing just that.

I just think skin color and language have much more to do with this than most people will admit.

By Crystal

September 9, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Opps, there he is mick

I am still trying to get over what Alice said, will try and recover and then respond

By BillyBob

September 9, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

To Michael H. Smith… What does it nmatter if anyone has called for legal immigration restritctions or not. We are the one who put the people in office as our voices. WE are the ones that have let them make laws and also break laws at their leisure. Most of our so called Americans opt not to vote in the first place. Stop blowing steam ya’ll. Stop all the hatred. You never complained when things were good. Wqhen the big builders, corporations, gov. brought the people here. That’s because life was good. We were buying cheap houses, clothes, able to get our lawns mowed, etc. Now that times have changed, company lay-offs, jobs being outsourced, you wanna cry. Why didn’t you cry when it was all starting?? Instead wait until it came to this.

Tell me, with some intelligence, what is the solustion? As for the Mexican President’s remark that there is no border, I can understand where he is coming from… Mexico was way extended into America once, until we took over their land, just like we took over America from the natives, just like we took over South America from the natives. NOW they want it back. And do you blame them?

Stop being ignorant, people. Do you understand why so many other countries hate us, the Americans? We go and invade other countries, lie about why we did it and then we try to make someone a scapegoat. Because God forbid, we can do no wrong, right? That’s because we think we can do no wrong. BUT if you can see things without being distorted, we have done many wrong and will never admit to our mistakes in history. Why? because we are Americans. The hardest thing a person can do is say they are wrong. Being a Catholic, one of the things we need to do is confess our sins. But what does it matter to confess if we keep committing the same sins? And that is what we are doing. For some reason, we think we should go into every country and put our bases there. We are told because they asked for help. BUT do we know that for sure? We only know what we are told by the gov and the news. For example, how about that officer who arrested the woman for putting too much salt on her hamburger? We only know what is said in the news media. Do we really know why he arrested her? Was it because he had a bad day, was it because she was black, was it becaues he had a chip on his shoulder and wanted to show authority??? Do you get my point???

By Alice

September 9, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Alice,

First of all, the unemployment rate is only based on people who are currently on and getting PAID FOR UNEMPLOYMENT. They don’t count the numbers of unemployed whose benefits ran out. So, there are alot of people who are unemployed but not receiving unemployment. There are also millions of people who are under-employed as in being paid way below their skill level.

Second, illegal immigration is a huge strain on the correct supply and demand for labor and products. By paying all of this “cheap labor” it artificially and temporarily increases profitibility at the expense of real wages for legal workers. And it artificially skews what stuff should really cost. A builder pays an illegal half as much in wages and no taxes. His profit margin is artificially increased. He has more money to buy more land to develop. Land owners notice this trend and raise the price on raw land. Building suppliers see this trend and raise the prices on material. Builder keeps building with the illegal labor and the cycle continues until the the prices are so high, NO ONE will be able to buy what he has just built.

I think the American people need a good dose of reality to understand what the cost should be for products that are produced with a livable wage in this country. Sooner or later the market will correct, or something like the housing market will have a downturn (sound familiar) and prices will go sky high for everything all at once because folks all over are trying to recover. There is an old saying and I think it was for a reason, “you don’t get anything for free/or cheap”. There is ALWAYS a catch.

And whose SS#’s are all of these illegals using to put all of this money into the coffers to keep things afloat? I bet those people with the stolen numbers are not too concerned that they might pay 2 dollars more to eat out because the dishwasher made minimum wage minus taxes.

And who cares if they have rights in this country? Why don’t they fight as hard for their rights in the country they voluntarily left? What about the rights of the people in DARFUR. I bet they would love to come and pick tomatoes here. Sure beats being butchered with a machete in the middle of the night just because you didn’t belong to the right tribe. Now there are some folks who deserve a job, but they can’t because their road is made of water.

By Crystal

September 9, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

sorry that post was from me

By Michael H. Smith

September 9, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Well Rick, I have a very different opinion about people and even history. What happened in past history right and wrong throughout the history of migrations and even invasions cannot change the dynamics presently in U.S. immigration policy nor should it. The current problem with illegal immigrations or invasions as some may choose to label them has more to do the economy of one country particularly and the vast economic wealth and opportunity of another country particularly in comparison. No amount of sympathy, no amount of retracing the steps of history’s past will or ever can change the present dynamics regardless of differences in language or skin colors. One of these countries blessed with great men who held some very radical ideas for their time put into words a declaration and later a constitution, while the other country particularly, actually our next door neighbor, was unfortunately not so blessed.

Those events and pretty much those events alone, has nearly cast in stone the nearly irreversible destiny of these two very different nations, of two very different people, though both were founded by invading white-skinned Europeans that took land from the indigenous people of many, many nations in the now Americas. Because the United States of America has, what is probably one of the greatest documents ever to be written in the English language, the U.S. Declaration of Independence, we have prospered under our U.S. constitution, much if it drawn from and give authority under that Declaration.

The United Sates of America usually has gotten into problems when it leaves the principles of our Declaration of Independence or allows corruption to seep into our Constitution, one of those most regrettable corruptions was written into the Constitution from the very start that denied the equality of men made known in the Declaration and in violation of article 1 section 8 section clause 4 a non- uniform rule of naturalization was allowed, by the very men who wrote that Declaration, and so they allowed an illegal form of immigration to occur for economic reasons in order to unify the then colonies as a nation.

Our nation would later pay a very high price for that immigration corruption that took away the human rights of others for greed’s sake. Whenever unalienable rights that grant freedoms and liberties to men are lost it usually takes much shedding of blood to regain them. As long as America adheres to the principles of our Declaration of Independence and does not allow again the corruption for greed’s sake to violate our uniform rule of naturalization, meant to serve our nation’s vibrancy while in keeping domestic tranquility, we will prosper as a nation, as a people and we may avoid countrymen fighting against countrymen to divide a nation.

Had Mexico been served early on with our U.S. Declaration and Constitution, void of the many corruptions she has suffered and continues to suffer to this very day, then Rick, Mexico might have well exceeded this country in economic might.

Corruption is the disease that causes poverty and oppression. Corruption causes great nations to fall even the mighty Empire of Rome fell mercilessly to corruption.

If America does not rid herself from present corruptions and return to her Declaration and Constitution, we too will fall.

God bless America, for natures God gave her the most magnificent Declaration of Independence ever known to man.

By Crystal

September 9, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

MJK

Hello? Are you in there? The topic is not immigration, it’s ILLEGAL immigration. There is a huge difference. For example, one is illegal and one is not.

One has a process, that once followed will gain you access to this country and one where if you don’t follow the process is ILLEGAL.

One has a process of applying for a posted position (job), people apply (even from another country), qualified person gets job (if from another country, the company sponsors their work visa). The other one where you cross a SOVEREIGN nation’s border without so much as a mother may I is ILLEGAL.

Do you need anymore examples or do you now understand that citizens of this country welcome immigration, but loathe ILLEGAL immigration. It has nothing to do with race hating, bigotry, etc. It has nothing to do with the PERSON who is committing the act, just the act itself.

I think there is a limit on how many legal immigrants are allowed to enter this country every year. I don’t know what that amount is, but if you think (or employers think) that that isn’t enough to support all of the open positions in this country, then write your senators/congressmen/president and speak your piece, not a blog in the AJC.

By Crystal

September 9, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

MJK,

In response to

“sure schools have to hire ESOL teachers” and “but studies show that tax and social security revenues are buoyed by the contributions of immigrants.”

What are the actualy numbers that these studies show? The AJC shows that Gwinnette county alone spends 33 million for ESOL for one school year. Then the Mexican government shows that illegals working in this country send 20 billion back to Mexico. Where is all the money left over for the rest of the operationg budget for the schools, hospitals, medical care, etc? Economically, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t pay low wages AND have them contribute greatly into the coffers. The illegals are suppose to be taking low skill/low paying jobs. How can they be payed next to nothing, but contribute so much in taxes, pay their living expenses here, AND send so much home?

You can paint a alligator brown, but it doesn’t make it a bear.

By Michael H. Smith

September 9, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

To BillyBob

It matters a lot in calling for responsible limits on legal immigrations and to not accept illegal immigrations under any terms, also, people do complain when things are very good.

By Micheal H. Smith

September 9, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

And Thar He Blows

By atg_I

September 10, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

*By Michael H. Smith

atg-l who made the choice to enter the desert to attempt to illegally cross our border? That my friend is willing participant not a victim. What ignorance. *

And the fact that they feel compelled to risk their lives doesn’t make them victims? How many times have you felt compelled to risk your life, let alone for something very basic, such as a better-paying job? You tell me about ignorance.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

Crystal, please go back to your hole. We have enough pollution here in GA. Lets clean the air.

As always, ya’ll can’t take responsibilities. Instead, opt to blame everything and everyone else for all your DAMN problems.

Michael, I didn’t say we don’t need limited legal immigration. I said, we never compain to the gov. therefore, they choose to do whatever they want. If you want changes, go out there and vote for someone with some sense.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this

Billy Bob, you first. And you are the one to talk presumptions. How do you even know I live in GA? And I don’t believe I said anything to you to warrant that kind of response.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this

Also, BillyBob, if you have a rebuttal for anything I have said, please enlighten me. I can take constructive criticism. I do take care of my responsibilities and I pay ALL my taxes regarding my business and my employees. My only DAMN problem is that alot of other businesses don’t and sell out their own country for the ole mighty dollar. And you got one thing right, they will eventually reap what they sowed.

By Michael H. Smith

September 10, 2007 2:38 AM | Link to this

*atg_|

And the fact that they feel compelled to risk their lives doesn’t make them victims? Not really.

How many times have you felt compelled to risk your life? Not many times, thankfully. Better judgment took over.

• let alone for something very basic?
  Very seldom. But should I be oppressed by my government like the Mexicans are, I would stand my ground and fight that system right here with all I had in me, if for no other reason than for the sake of my children and grandchildren. As Charlton Heston said, from my dying hand. Yeah, I really do mean that before you ask are say differently.

  • such as a better-paying job? Never have risk my life for a job, even a better paying job, especially not to obtain one illegally but if I did, which I won’t, I would not be a victim I would be a participant in ending my own life.

Yeah I did tell you about ignorance. You didn’t like it then and you’re not going to like it any better this time.

BillyBob- I can’t speak for anyone but myself in complaining to government but I do complain many times. Considering however, the outcome of the last attempt by the Senate to pass amnesty for illegal aliens I’d say that a lot of people did complain to government and it wasn’t from a small stripe of loudmouths in this country.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 10, 2007 3:06 AM | Link to this

Billy Bob, you and others who share your need to worthsmith the subject are no longer effective. We all now know the diference between the process and benefits of legal immigraiton and an illegal invasion of our country. Drop it. It no longer has any affect on those you say it to. Alice you surely are here illegally to think the way you do.

And, I believe a little discussed subject on the issue of slavery, blacks sold captured blacks into slavery but it will always be politically correct to blame whites. Now what some whites did to those slaves is another story. Nonetheless, no one is selling illegals into this country for slavery purposes so again, don’t even go there. These people have won the lottery and they know it. They are well (better than any medium wage or elderly American citizen I know) represented by their racist special interest groups and a league of lawyers they have on speed dial.

There is no question the influx (invasion) of these people have degraded the American fabric. They arrive unchecked for diseases and are hired to prepare food. They consume valuable medical resources while citizens go without. This is insane and anyone who doesn’t see that is insane.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 10, 2007 3:17 AM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith we (American citizens) may very well have to literally fight to win this invasion battle. The subject is getting more and more heated. Our government is not doing its job and the more people feel futile about loosing their country, well, you know what happens. I would say the blacks and illegals are not the only ones who can take their frustrations to the streets if need be. Some of the illegal immigration rallys have got pretty heated lately and I dont see any relief in sight. Just because ICE thows out a few here an there does not off-set the millions here illegally, and I would guess a good percentage of the women are pregnant and we all know what that means.

We may have to demonstrate just how important our country and its borders are to the American people. I was hoping our government representatives and judicial representatives would listen but so far little has been done and the illegals have won in most state court decisons. Go figure. Just wait until this heats to a revolution of some kind and then hey, guess we will need a dictator to step in and put all the pieces back together again. Well, we can all be grateful then for the cheap veges and roofs the illegals benefited us with (let’s not talk about the murders, rapes, drugs and fraud they can claim, just the veges.)

By Katie

September 10, 2007 5:29 AM | Link to this

Less than 50 years ago all of you would be saying the same thing about blacks. Yup, many of you have reminded me why Georgia is so backwards and hateful. Many of you are very closed minded—simple country folk. That’s okay though, you don’t know any better.

By Miguile H. Smith

September 10, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this

Amen Katie

By LT5000

September 10, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this

It didn’t take Katie long to bring to up the cunard “50 years ago people were saying the same things about blacks”.

How does an idiot like Katie even remember to breath?

No one is out here turning dogs loose on Illegals. No one his beating them and using firehoses on them.

No one is refusing Illegals the rights to attend public schools with white kids.

Katie, if you keep up this kind of idiocy, the AJC may give you a Guest Opinion spot.

LT5000

By Katie

September 10, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

Lt.. I do remember to breathe not breath. Less than 50 years ago people were complaining about blacks taking jobs, resources and other ‘white’ rights. You missed my point, but that’s okay.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Crystal, as always, becausse of your mentality, you can never stand back and see the issue for what it is. The last time I checked the news, it was a WHITE MAN, an Atlanta lawyer i might add, that had TB and made national headlines for being so damn selfish, flying to other countries, risking the lives of others. And the latest person caught with TB is another WHITE MAN. Hmmmmmn, I guess that went pass by you because of your narrow mindedness…. :)

People like you, self righteous BS is what’s deterriating this contry, not, if as you say only the illegals.

As I’ve stated before, make changes in you own backyard before you try to make changes in your neighbor’s backyard.

Here’s a solution. Let’s send all the Illegals back to their countries and send all their offsprings, born here in America, to Crystal’s house. I didn’t say and never implied that it’s okay to let htem cross the border. BUT stop them from coming in and lets do someting sensible to the ones that are already here.

Enough said. Stop beating the old horse to death. Instead, be proactive and do someting about it my friend, VOTE for someone who has a brain and care about us, not only themselves!

By jd

September 10, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll are wearing me down. I can’t even read all these comments, but I have to address Alice.

You need to get your head out of the sand girl. Drive past your local county health center early in the morning. See who’s lined up outside for their government assisted health care.

Visit a hospital emergency room on a Friday night. See who’s filling up the chairs.

Then drive by the detention center and check out the crowd.

Next, go to an elementary school on registration day. Walk into the lunchroom and see who’s standing in line for their free lunches.

I don’t know about you, but I pay property taxes for 1 child and don’t get any freebies. If the illegals are paying property taxes, you better believe there’s probably 5 or 6 kids getting an education off of the tax money.

As for paying income tax? I doubt it very much. I know people that hire day labor and I don’t think they take taxes out of their daily pay.

Lastly, I went to my local QT on Saturday night. They’re making a killing there selling 24 packs of beer to our local illegals. I think I saw their faces in my commmunity watch email the next morning. What a waste of our public safety money.

I was rear-ended by an illegal with no insurance (of course). Guess who paid? I had insurance, but still had to pay my deductible and had the inconvenience of having my car repaired. She drove off with no consequences. Go figure.

For the most part, I think the illegals are disrespectful and disruptive to our economy, safety, environment and way of life.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

BillyBob,

First of all, I didn’t say squat about the illegal with TB. So get off MY back about that…

And I’m not sure you are reading my comments correctly…because when has it been self righteous for everyone to play by the same rules? I made a good business plan based on making a profit while at the same time paying my employees a livable wage. I didn’t undercut anyone using illegal labor to subsidize my profit. I also didn’t stop paying my taxes that are required by law to pay, that’s half of my employess fica, medicare, unemployment, worker’s compensation, and taking out their federal and state payroll taxes. If you can’t run a business in this country without breaking the law then maybe you shouldn’t be in business. If you call that self righetous, then I will take that ‘insult’ everyday of the week.

I don’t quite know why you are jumping all over me when I have basically agreed with your past comments (that’s why I didn’t respond to you)

I feel very strongly as well about securing our border. That has got to be the first step before ANY immigration reform can even begin to be talked about.

As far as sending their childern to my house when their parents are deported (you are not going to like this) but they are legally able to go back with their parents and return anytime they please seeing as how they are U.S. citizens. Yes, I know, who wants to take their kids back to Mexico? But the ‘self righteous’ me thinks, “maybe you shouldn’t have had a baby when you were not in a country illegally and have the chance to be deported.” The illegals already have back up plans for their friends or relatives to take care of their babies. Afterall, wouldn’t that be the “responsible” thing to do. You spouted earlier about people not wanting to take care of their responsibilities, but I guess you only meant the legal, tax paying American.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Oh I forgot, I do complain to my government and would like to think that me along with the rest of my self righteous citizens stopped the last immigration reform bill.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Also, BillyBob,

If you actually go back and READ what I have said, you will notice the only thing I have BLAMED on illegals is using other people socials for employment.

Try being the person explaining to the social security administration and even more frightening the IRS that you didn’t earn that money. Employers have to submit their employees W-2 to the IRS. So the first time someone finds out that their number was stolen is when they get audited for saying their gross wages were thousands of dollars off of what their W-2s say.

I also mentioned at the end of one of my blogs for people to write their government if they have a problem with the amt. of people who are allowed to legally work in this country.

Again, I don’t mind your rebuttals, but please make sure you read my whole statement before responding. If you had you would have noticed I place the blame on employers who hire illegals out of pure greed.

I have yet to find a study that shows the upper most limit that consumers will pay for out basic products. BTW, that was part of my research before opening my business. I never saw chicken for $5 dollars a pound or onions for $18 dollars a bag because they were processed with legal livable wages. The businesses just cut that process out and nicely hired illegals for the good of all us. I think they just hire illegals for cheaper wages and don’t pay their taxes to line their own pockets. But that is just me being self righteous.

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Badie, thank you so much for quoting me in your article. I appreciate the impact my comments were able to have, in that it riled enough people and ruffled enough feathers to warrant a full on quote in your main blog. I am impressed. Also, I would like to point out that foreclosure rates (this is a national statistic, please feel free to check it) are tied drastically to immigrants. Most foreclosures due to the sub-prime meltdown are related to loans granted to immigrants with no proof of income. So called “stated income loans” were used, with ARMs, to get 10 or 20 immigrants into a home that they couldn’t really afford once the ARM reset. So, again, another problem in Gwinnett tied to the influx of illegal immigration. Drugs, gang activity, foreclosure rates…all of it can be traced to the hispanic “community”, and I use that term lightly. Have you checked the population statistics of the Gwinnett Detention Center? Do so, and see how many hispanic names are on the inmate list. Again, another problem tied to illegal immigration. Stop defending them and start deporting them. This bleeding-heart liberalism that grants amnesty for the illegals, makes excuses for them because they come from “unfortunate circumstances” and “insearch of a better life”, it’s all a bunch of nonsense. The truth of the matter is that they come here because people like you who make excuses for them and make allowances for their lack of culture and civility give them cart blanche to behave in the manner that they do, spreading crime, drugs, disease and filth through what was once a wonderful county. Shame on you Mr. Badie, and all those like you.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

See BillyBob…here is a person with whom you should be responding.

By Katie

September 10, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Alexis, I do see your point, however, nationally, hispanics are not the problem. The problem is with Americans too. Gang violence and drug dealers come in more shades than just brown. In Gwinnett county the statistics for hispanics in jail is very high but nationally it is VERY low. I wish people would look at the big picture rather than out their front windows. There are way more American scum than there is illegal. Once again, look at the statistics and crime rate per race. American whites and blacks dominate the prison population country wide. Afterall, this is a country problem and not just a Georgia problem. There’s more to this world than this wonderful state of Georgia.

By Doyle Brunson

September 10, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Hey Rick-

Please go to scangwinnett.com and sign up for the community watch. You will receive an email each day showing you the people from your area admitted to the gwinnett county jail the previous day. When the Mexican names start pouring into your inbox, maybe you will start to understand the problem.

By MJK

September 10, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Undocumented immigrants contribute to the tax rolls and the Social Security Trust Fund. The U.S. Social Security Administration has estimated that undocumented immigrants contribute approximately $8.5 billion in Social Security and Medicare funds each year.[12] The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has determined that undocumented immigrants paid almost $50 billion in federal taxes from 1996 to 2003. Statement of The Honorable Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service, Testimony Before the House Committee on Ways and Means, July 26, 2006, http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=view&id=5171.

* I can find no information from any public source as to the claim that Gwinnett spends $33m on ESOL per year*

In fact the only relevant information I could find was a comment from the Superintendent that federal grants are provided to fun ESOL. It didn’t specify if it was fully funded or not, but it seems as though our school officials don’t consider it to be overly burdensome. That same official also commented that he/she believed students benefited from exposure to other cultures.

By David

September 10, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

From fedstats.gov: Gwinnett population is 16% hispanic, 54.6% white non hispanic, 19.3% black

From gwinnettcountysherriff.com: Gwinnett jail population is 25% hispanic, 33% white non hispanic, 35% black.

Hmmm

By Doyle Brunson

September 10, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

MJK-

http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalrelease.html

Quotes:

Illegal alien households are estimated to use $2,700 a year more in services than they pay in taxes, creating a total fiscal burden of nearly $10.4 billion on the federal budget in 2002.

Although they create a net drain on the federal government, the average illegal household pays more than $4,200 a year in federal taxes, for a total of nearly $16 billion.

However, they impose annual costs of more than $26.3 billion, or about $6,950 per illegal household.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Crystal — If you saw that my comments were directed to you solely, then I apologize. Yes, some were, but the rest was free for all.

As for Doyle, I do see ScanGinnett every day. Because it matters to me as a citizen. You need to see it more often my friend. There are as many whites and blacks as there are the Latinos. So please, if you want to make critcal statements, do your research.

As I’ve said before, close the borders so that we stop the influx. And do something proactive about the ones that are in our country, to our benefit. Right now, there are many middle eastern men coming into this country CROSSING THAT SAME BORDER. AND it is easy because they look very similar to the Latinos. And maybe it is also easy because we may have corrupt border patrols… ??? WHY punish the two Mexican-Americans patrolling the border and shoot at the illegal that tried to smuggle drugs? Whats wrong with that picture?

My comments re. the TB patient as an example was directed towards those who refuse to see the whole picture. Before we had the illegals coming into America, and taking advantage of our system, our own “Americans” were doing the same thing — without working a day might I add. But what did we do about it? NADA. Now they want to cry me a river because, they for one don’t want to work for their living, and now they’re upset because the illegals are taking away the funds that should be directed to them. I don’t mind helping those who are in need, but if you want to take me for a ride, then I have a problem. If you have two arms, hands, legs, feet, and not mentally challenged, you are able to work and make a living. INSTEAD of making babies and asking us for support.

The solution to the problem is not easy. We need to get our own “Americans” off their a** and work for a living. Poverty, welfare recipients come in all colors, my friend. We have our “Americans” making babies out of wedlock just as the illegals. AND they expect the government to pay for their well-being. I say lets send them off to an island, too while we’re at it. Why are they milking off my tax dollars??

I am with you, I do not like the illegals taking advantage of our country, our government, but they only learned from the best, US. We made them what they are. SOOOOOO, lets be proactive. Get the government to close off the borders as best they can before we have another 9/11. And when we do, are we going to send our troops to invade another country?? If we deplore all of our men, who’s going to be here to defend our land???

Instead, let’s get to the root of the problem. We are VERY much to blame for what is happening right now. We invited them here for our own greed. Now that it’s getting overwhelming, we want to kick them out. How selfish is that.

As for having children, do you think they are robots? Turn off their needs just because they are here illegally? What about our own society? Our own children are having children too…

So, lets go forward, my friend.

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

The Patriot Act should give Homeland Security and local law enforcement the ability and authority to check the legal status of anyone at any time, including going door to door in neighborhoods known to be teeming with illegals. Once they find out someone is illegal they should immediately take them into custody. If deportation is too expensive en mass, then why not forced sterilization to stop them from breeding like gutter rats? If we eliminate their ability to create anchor babies and drain the overly liberal welfare system then it would eliminate a drastic burden on the American tax payers; as well as send a strong signal that we don’t appreciate the invasion from the South.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

As for Alexis, I’ll bet ya she’s married a sugar daddy, had the Latinos do her lawn, while she sits hiding in her house. Maybe she didn’t agree with their work and is upset with them. GET OUT and live. SEE THE WORLD — and I don’t mean your subdivision. TRY to be more educated, you idiot. DRUGS, GANG ACTIVITY, etc. have been in this country and everywhere else way before you were born. You think the Mafia just came about? You think we never had herione, cocaine, etc? What about the ‘60’s with their drugs and orgies? I think you are high on something, girl. That’s what happens when you come into new money. Thinking that you know ALL and see everything… :( HOW SAD.

By mjk

September 10, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Doyle

Sometimes you need to drill down a bit on organizations that claim to be non-partisan.

The Center for Immigration Studies describes itself as “the nation’s only think tank devoted exclusively to research and policy analysis of the economic, social, demographic, fiscal, and other impacts of immigration on the United States.” Founded in 1985 as a think tank to support the more activist work of the anti-immigrant Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), CIS is dedicated “to expand the base of public knowledge and understanding of the need for an immigration policy that gives first concern to the broad national interest. The Center is animated by a pro-immigrant, low-immigration vision which seeks fewer immigrants but a warmer welcome for those admitted.”

*CIS describes itself as “independent” and “nonpartisan,” but its studies, reports, and media releases consistently support its restrictionist agenda and works closely on Capitol Hill with Republican Party immigration restrictionists. *

I think I am a bit more credible by directly quoting the Commissioner of the IRS in open testimony before a Congressional Committee than you are in quoting a right-wing anti-immigration organization that tries to pass itself off as nonpartisan.

Embrace The Truth, brother.

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

BillyBob, insults are petty. Mudslinging is the true last resort of a liberal who is losing his debate. Yes I have a nice life, and yes I married a wealthy man; but no he is not my “sugar daddy”. I do get out, I am a contributing member of society. I serve on the HOA, I work with various charitable organizations and I even gasp play tennis with a lesbian! So I am not some prudish, new money snob. I am, however, highly offended by the immorality and lack of respect the illegals have shown. They have brought down the values of property all over Gwinnett. Their ghetto trash children polluting public schools to the point that people are trying to get their undeserving children into private schools just to get them away from the barrio brats. They are ruining our county, our country and our way of life. If I wanted to live in Mexico City I would; I don’t so I would like it if Gwinnett didn’t resemble it so much.

By Katie

September 10, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

MJK—What about all the Americans on welfare who don’t pay into the system but juice it regularly??? Or, the young teenage mothers having multiple births without any jobs or means to support the babies?? I think the amount spent on those two groups alone well exceeds the 10.4 billion you speak of.

By Katie

September 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Alexis, I have one question for you. How do you identify an illegal? They aren’t wearing name tags you know. Could it be that you only look at skin color and that you’re openly admitting that you’re a racist? I’m sure everyone that lives in your gated community is white, has 2.5 children and a white picket fence.

By MJK

September 10, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Easy Katie - I think you and I are on the same side of this debate.

Its nice to see Alexis is back with her innovative viewpoints including warrant-less searches and mobile sterilization units.

That’s the kind of stuff that would make our founding fathers glow with pride.

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Katie, if they don’t speak English, have brown skin and drive a white van with ladders on top that outnumber the occupants of the van by 10:1, then it’s a good bet they are illegal.

By Michael H. Smith

September 10, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

What about, what about. None of this means anything but t** for tat. People that don’t understanding the meaning of illegal have no intentions of accepting no for an answer, so why waste your time? Be sure to vote and encourage some other U.S. citizen to do the same. Send them all the illegal alien amnesty advocates anti-sovereignty open borders lobby members a message they can’t refuse. When we win at the ballot box on our issues they lose.

Go Fred and bring Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo with you.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 10, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Billy Bob said: there are way more American scum than there is illegal.

Well Billy Bob, they are our scum and as long as law enforcement is having to deal with millions of illegal scum, our scum isn’t getting the attention it deserves. What a mind set you have.

Like many in this post arena, you and others constantly say hey but Americans do this or that, or American young girls have babies (I doubt seriously if too many American young girls are used as baby mills for the expressed reason to stay in America compliments of the government.) And so it goes. These are our national problems, our people, our scum as Billy Bob referred to our citizens.

So why would anyone in their right mind import more of the same problems?

As for this being a white VS. brown issue, get a freaking life. That old song was played out years ago. Brown people have the upper hand right now because white people have been intimidated to take the fall for years of mistreatment of brown people. True, after blacks sold blacks into slavery the whites took full advantage of it. Seems to me after this was all said an done blacks had the option of going back to their country of origin and most refused. That can’t be because they were so angry with America. Yes, they chose to stay.

Illegals are not being sold as slaves, they are not being forced to come here against their will, their civil rights (whatever the hell that means anymore) have not been tramped on. They are free participants in illegal activity and if we can start justifing that, well I’m all for saying gee, my family could benefit greatly if I don’t pay taxes. I’d have a better life. Or it could get much worse in regard to who does what to whom, justifying that their life needed an uggrade.

Get rid of these people, they bring only cheap labor to this country in excahnge for millions of kids to take care of, an influx in gang and drug related crimes and they are freaking killing our people for heaven sakes. Go take some of your bleeding heart positions to the families of people who would still have children or loved ones here if an illegal had not come here and broke even more laws after crossing the border.

Get rid of them. Make them act like responsibile people and come here legally. I don’t care about comparisons, I want the law that this country operates under followed, no exceptions. Period

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

MJK, our founding fathers, Lord Rest Their Souls, would certainly be cringing in fright and disgust at what a liberal society their country has become. We welcome and accept everything in this country. Want to be God-less? The Democrats support you on it. Want to be homosexual? Great, join the Democratic party. Want to let illegals over-run the country, fabulous…the Democrats are all for it. What truly would make our founding fathers groan in disgust is the people like you who openly and willfully accept the invasion from the South without a call to arms. The War On Terror needs to be reassessed and a new front needs to be established along the US-Mexican border. These illegals are a threat to our National Security and need to be stopped.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 10, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

FYI, my daughter has two children. One has a common white last name and the other a common Mexican last name. Each year when she signs them up for school, she receives free lunch vouchers for the child with the Mexican last name. There are no forms to fill out, no application to justify tax dollars spent in this manner, nothing, just hey you’re a Mexican child so here ya go. Don’t ever talk to me about discrimination gainst brown. That is a joke. The most racist people I know are brown and they get a way with murder (remember OJ?) because of it. It’s time this country because color blind in all respects and quit giving special treatment. If this influx of illegals were from Eurpoe and white, hell would have no rath but the brown special interest groups would be all over it like a cheap suit. Let’s stick with legal and illegal regardless of the color of the criminal ok?

By Katie

September 10, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

So, let me get this straight. If you drive a van with ladders on top you are in illegal immigrant? I guess you could use the same reasoning for criminals and other ‘scum’ —if you are a young black male with baggy pants you are not expressing yourself you are a drug dealer or gang member. If you are a young black woman with a child in your arms that child must be yours and not your sisters. Such judgemental and ignorant people there are here (Alexis). I’d say you’re ranking at the low end of the educational pole. Not all hispanics you see are illegal, many share the same concerns as us ‘white’ Americans do. They too are fed up with the crimminal activities some of their own are a part of. I guess if it walks like a duck it’s always a duck and not just someone with a poor gate.

By color correction

September 10, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

psssst. Marjorie, OJ is black. The brown people we’re discussing here are those of hispanic decent. But if you want to nit pick, white poeple aren’t really white, they’re more off yellow. Blacks aren’t really black but are several shades of brown. Same goes for Hispanics, they too come in all colors, brown, white, some black. We’re generalizing here.

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Katie, I am actually educated, thanks. I have an MBA from UNC. As far as ladders on vans; yes I would wager than most, if not all, vans adorned with ladders being driven by hispanics are being operated illegally, by an illegal immigrant.

By color correction

September 10, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Funny, some of the dumbest people I’ve ever worked with have PhD’s. Very book smart but lack all common sense. Your MBA means nothing in this conversation.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Well said Katie and CC! I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Marjorie, you didn’t have to tell us your position or your daughter’s status. You just proved my point exactly. We have some white bred Americans in my children’s school who are also taking part in the whole lunch voucher system… Hmmmnnn, go figure. And this is a school that is 80% white! We are not talking about a particular color or race. As stated before it comes in all shapes, size and color, my dear.

As for your MBA Alexis, it’s worth as much as the paper it’s written on — nada. I guy worked for me with great credentials, MBA, etc. But what does it matter if you can’t go outside the box and have common sense??? HAD TO LET HIM GO! Just like we should let you go now.

And please, stop putting words in my mouth. If you thought I said ALL Americans were scums, hmmmnn if the shoe fits darlin.

By Doyle Brunson

September 10, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

MJK-

Why so defensive? CSI doesn’t dispute the statements of the Commissioner of the IRS; to the contrary, they explicitly say that illegal aliens pay into the social security system (using fradulent SSNs). They just also factor in the costs to society of the illegals, and say that the costs outweigh the amount payed into the system. If you’ve got research that disputes that, please link it for me. I’d love to read it.

It’s not that complicated. In 2004, the Gwinnett county school system spent $9,353 per student. If you think Pablo is paying anywhere close to that amount for each of his 4 kids, you’re living in a dreamworld.

The truth will set you free!

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Here is some more information from the Center for Immigration Studies…

Between 2000 and 2005, 4.1 million immigrant workers arrived from abroad, accounting for 86 percent of the net increase in the total number of employed persons (16 and older), the highest share ever recorded in the United States.

Of the 4.1 million new immigrant workers, between 1.4 and 2.7 million are estimated to be illegal immigrants. This means that illegal immigrants accounted for up to 56 percent of the net increase in civilian employment in the United States over the past five years.

Between 2000 and 2005, the number of young (16 to 34) native-born men who were employed declined by 1.7 million; at the same time, the number of new male immigrant workers increased by 1.9 million.

Multivariate statistical analyses show that the probability of teens and young adults (20-24) being employed was negatively affected by the number of new immigrant workers (legal and illegal) in their state.

The negative impacts tended to be larger for younger workers, for in-school youth compared to out-of-school youth, and for native-born black and Hispanic males compared to their white counterparts.

It appears that employers are substituting new immigrant workers for young native-born workers. The estimated sizes of these displacement effects were frequently quite large.

The increased hiring of new immigrant workers also has been accompanied by important changes in the structure of labor markets and employer-employee relationships. Fewer new workers, especially private-sector wage and salary workers, are ending up on the formal payrolls of employers, where they would be covered by unemployment insurance, health insurance, and worker protections.

So does this mean that the non-partisan illegal immigration information is saying illegals are taking jobs or not and they are not paying the taxes?

Thanks MJK for the website source, finding all kinds of good stuff to support my opinions.

By Katie

September 10, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Doyle, what about all the white and black families that have 4, 5 or 6 kids. Do you think their property taxes cover 100% of their education?? no, it does not. So, quit griping about Pablo, he’s only part of the problem. Look at your white and black neighbors and complain about the same things.
It seems to me that people just hate mexicans here. You’ll make all the excuses to justify the fact-racism.

By Katie

September 10, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Crystal, interesting stats. There are many jobs available for Americans if they’re willing to work hard. I don’t see too many high school kids applying at McDonald’s or construction jobs. Geez, could it possibly be that that type of work prohibits them from using cell phones and just might make their nails dirty?? Could it be that Americans are becoming too fat and lazy to work laborous jobs which enables Pablo to jump right in and support his family? Many young adults (and I say many and not all) want high pay for zero work history. Or, their social life is a lot more important than getting a job that pays minimum wage and daddy gives them a high allowance. As I always say, many Americans want caviar pay for hot dog work. Pablo is willing to work hot dog jobs for hot dog pay and that’s why he and his family do so well here—illegal or not.

By AM

September 10, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

The problem with illegals lawbreakers is not race it is the fact they broke into our country and broke our immigration law. THEY ARE LAWBREAKERS! However our government deserves all the credit for letting these low rent / poor / uneducated lawbreakers get away with this invasion into our country. The ruin our neighborhoods /schools and services that we pay for. They steal jobs, our identities and drive illegally on our roads. They have no respect for our country or the people they are p** off. Our elected officials need to be changed. They are the root of the problem because they no longer represent us the taxpayer but the chamber of commerce and the greedy business community that has bought them off. They need to be replaced and our existing laws on the books need to be followed. vote out all incumbents who cater to these illegal scum bags. By the amount of comments that are disgusted with this invasion, it is clear our law need to be upheld and politicians need to be changed!

By Doyle Brunson

September 10, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Katie, I don’t give a crap if the illegals are white, black, or mexican. I just don’t think it does this country any good to import millions and millions of low skilled, low paid, high school dropouts of any color. And when those low skilled, low paid, high school dropouts come from a culture that values large families, the schools and the emergency rooms get strained. And a low paid worker will never cover his kids costs - never.

Don’t call me a racist for pointing out the truth. As a rich white guy, illegal aliens aren’t hurting me at all. My kid’s private school isn’t overcrowded. Mexicans aren’t taking my job away from me - they are cleaning my toilets and mowing my lawn. I just don’t think it is good for the country in the long run.

By Atlanta Pearl Girl

September 10, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I hate to be so crude….but if we didn’t have hispanic illegals working…and boy are they willing to WORK and WORK HARD…someone might have to come off of WELFARE and stop having babies….wouldn’t that be a problem. The Welfare people may have to lift a finger and produce something. Hm.

I think that ‘illegals’ should go by the rules though…and become legal and get some type of visa or something…..I don’t like the illegal thing at all….but heck….they work like crazy!!!!!! I have to admire them for that. At least they ARE willing to work. And not sit at home on welfare letting someone else do it.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Katie,

Are we sure that the order was 1)high school kids stopped applying at Mcdonalds then 2) illegals took the jobs…or…1) the illegals took the jobs then 2) the high school kids had no job to apply for.

I do agree with the fact that alot of Americans do not want to work. They want the job but they don’t want to work.

I don’t quite know what to think of the one fact that during the same time frame, the native born workers decreased while the illegals increased plus 200,000 more. To me it all goes back to greed by businesses. Its along the lines of firing the older workers who have increased their wages over the years do to raises to replace them with entry level pay workers. That way more profit shows up on the books and the business looks good to the investors.

By young lady

September 10, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Rick, I applaud you for writing this blog. I am hispanic and it really gets to me that we are all looked at the same. I do think that their are those that make us hispanics look bad, we all cant be judge on the same scale. I believe everyone is different and I will always. I believe that alot of people need to walk a mile in each others shoes before we judge anybody. Some of the imigrants here are jids that were brought without their consent for a better life. Is it fair to them that they cant go to college and that they cant get a better job no. Their parents arnt to blame either becuase as parents we all what the best for our kids. Keep the hard working and tax paying people here why not if they have obeyed with the rest of the laws. People have to understand that illegals do pay taxes and they can without a social security number. The people that should be deported are those that are gang banging, sellign drugs and comitting crimes, not the serious and hard working ones. I love your article Rick thanks its about time people realize facts.

By Crystal

September 10, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

This is too funny…just got a letter from my congressman..

“I share your opinion that we must secure our borders, enforece immigraion laws and stop providing federal benefits to those here illegally. It is unfair to provide welfare and other benefits to illegals that are often denied to our seniors and veterans. Unfortunately, I must report to you that the the U.S. House took another step backward on this important matter.

On Aug 2nd, the House of Representatives considered the Agricultural Appropriations bill for 2008. As you may know, this spending bill provides funding for our nation’s agricultural programs, conservation programs, rural development initiatives, food assistance and food and drug inspections.

At the end of the debate, the Republican minority offered a final amendment to the Agricultural Appropriations bill, in what is called a motion to recommit, that would have barred the use of federal funds to provide benefits to illegal immigrants. By the end of the vote, this commonsense provision was agreed to 215-213. However, this victory was then reversed in unprecedented fashion.

The Democratic majoity reopened the vote, and after several minutes of having enough Members change their vote to alter the outcome, the vote was overturned 212-216. Most of the Republicans walked out in protest. The offense was so controverial that the majority was forced to form a special committe to further examine the matter.

……These actions clearly demonstrate a preference for providing illegals the magnet that continues to lure millions of illegals to our country….”

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Illegal immigration hurts America. The illegal immigrants are nothing more than terrorists without WMDs. They invade our country, thwart our way of life through their cultural influence and destroy the morale of the avergage American job seeker. Those of us who are not threatened by the loss of our job to unskilled Mexicans still have plenty to worry about; our way of life is being eroded and the Democrats are assisting it every step of the way with their acceptance of these invaders. If we can’t deport the illegals and stop the bleeding at the border then America is going to crumble as we become nothing more than a large suburb of Mexico. Sad, but true. Illegal immigrants are terrorists and need to be stopped, and we need good, honest, Christian conservatives in office to see that this happens. Fred Thompson in 2008!

By Love my Brazilian wife

September 10, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I think it’s rather funny that all the XENOPHOBES rant and rave about immigrants. Before you espouse your redneck crap, try getting to know an immigrant and you’ll realize that they’re really good people. If you look at the statistics, you’ll realize that most of the meth being sold, is sold by whites and blacks living in poverty yearning for what they don’t have. I will agree that there is a strong latino gang population, but don’t lump all of these people into one stereotype. If all of the low class blacks and whites didn’t have their hands out waiting for the government to bail them out, maybe there wouldn’t be such a need for immigrant labor. My wife is from Brazil and came here legally. She has never utilized government programs as most of y’all imply. She runs a cleaning business with 100 employees and does very well. I do all the accounting and taxes, so everything is legitimate. People wake up and become HUMAN again and have compassion for your fellow man

By Alexis

September 10, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Love My Brazillian Wife: My maid is Brazillian, and she is a legal immigrant. I have absolutely no problem with legal immigrants. This young lady has keys to my home, the gate code to get in the driveway, and clearance to get in the main gate at the front of the neighbourhood. My problem is with the illegals. Those who come here with the sole intent of defrauding our country by destroying the moral fabric of our society. How do they do this? Blatant disregard for our legal system — illegal immigrants are illegal, simple fact. They are criminals and do not deserve to be coddled, respected or treated as equals. They deserve to be punished for their crime, and then, like any criminal, receive a fair shake in life. That is the American way. Not to forgive a criminal their act, but to punish and rehabilitate, then forgive. So when can we start punishing and stop coddling?

By Doyle Brunson

September 10, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Love my wife, you don’t get it at all do you. No one is complaining about controlled, LEGAL immigration. Your wife is like a dash of hot sauce in the melting pot - it spices things up, it makes things better. Mexicans are a dash of salt - a few of them make the stew better. Taking off the lid and pouring the entire container of salt into the stew ruins it - the other ingredients disappear, all that’s left is the taste of salt. Gwinnett tastes worse every day.

By Doyle Brunson

September 10, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Love my wife, you don’t get it at all do you. No one is complaining about controlled, LEGAL immigration. Your wife is like a dash of hot sauce in the melting pot - it spices things up, it makes things better. Mexicans are a dash of salt - a few of them make the stew better. Taking off the lid and pouring the entire container of salt into the stew ruins it - the other ingredients disappear, all that’s left is the taste of salt. Gwinnett tastes worse every day.

And by the way, if your wife is followed by 20 million illegal Brazilians, and they start demanding that school be taught in Portugese, and the ATMs suddenly have a Portugese language option, and Brazil starts lecturing the USA that we have no right to keep Brazilians from illegaly invading the country, then we may not care for Brazilians much either :-)

By Alecia

September 10, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

One thing that irritates me is the thought that all Hispanics are illegal,on welfare, or do not speak English. My huband is Hispanic, Gulf War Veteran, and college graduate(with honors).We also pay for quite a few free lunches every year with our tax dollars. I took my daughter to a feria latina last year to introduce her to some culture. Instead of a display of latin foods,artesiana, and dances, vendors were promoting free clinics and WIC. Whenever my husband goes anywhere people ask him if he speaks English, or they speak to him in Spanish. Because we have a Latino surname, telemarkers call our house speaking Spanish. Even though I have a minor in Spanish,I will only speak with them in English.

Alexis-congrats on your MBA. I sincerely doubt you have much experience in the mortgage industry. Illegal immigrants were not the ones getting the ARMS or No-Docs. I have purchased 20 homes over the past 9 years, financed and refinanced most. Everytime, I apply for a loan irregardless of the loan company my husband and I are required to provide proof of citizenship with valid ID. This became even more cumbersome after 911. It is also part of the Universal Loan Application, required by all loan companies. Also, even with no stated income, the loan company has always required a down payment or a very high FICO score. The only product available to Illegal immigrants are no green card loans. This usually requires an extremely large down payment, and comes with a high interest rate. Let’s not blame illegals for the foreclosures. However, it is nice to see that UNC makes their MBA program available to everyone.

By Saddened Reader

September 10, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

I must agree with Katie on her last post—-this is EXACTLY the problem.

The Mexicans that are in question here are doing the work that we Americans WILL NOT.

Period.

Lazy, unmotivated, whatever—-we do NOT want to take these jobs.

But they have to be done.

So WHO will perform these vital functions? I will be honest—-I’m not.

And, unless people can earn a decent wage doing these “undesirable” jobs no one else will.

To put it bluntly—-WE are the problem, therefore it is WE who need to solve it.

By Love my Brazilian wife

September 10, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Alexis…..You state that you are a christian conservative. Are implying that those of us who suppossedly coddle the immigrant community are not christian or conservative. My dear….I’m a conservative who has compassion for my fellow man. You are what is known as a NEOCON and you’re more fascist than conservative. If you had any common sense and cultural undderstanding other the your own. You would know that the real reason for illegal immigration is the beauracracy at the embassies in the foreign countries. They are usaully staffed by foreign nationals who desire the dollar. This type of corruption is rampant in all of the Latin and South American countries. Many visa applicants pay the required fees and still have to pay money under the table such as my wife. To solve this problem, our government has to staff the embassies with american nationals. Before you espouse your redneck agenda, please educate yourself on the matter facing immigration.

By Love my Brazilian wife

September 10, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Alexis…..a terrorist as described by the Department of State is as follows: A person or persons who try to subvert the law and sovereignty of a nation and create fear through violence or coercion. I don’t see many latino’s trying to blow up our buildings and decentralize the establishment.

By Love my Brazilian wife

September 10, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Alexis…..You state that you are a christian conservative. Are you implying that those of us who suppossedly coddle the immigrant community are not christian or conservative. My dear….I’m a conservative who has compassion for my fellow man. You are what is known as a NEOCON and you’re more fascist than conservative. If you had any common sense and cultural undderstanding other the your own. You would know that the real reason for illegal immigration is the beauracracy at the embassies in the foreign countries. They are usually staffed by foreign nationals who desire the dollar. This type of corruption is rampant in all of the Latin and South American countries. Many visa applicants pay the required fees and still have to pay money under the table such as my wife. To solve this problem, our government has to staff the embassies with american nationals. Before you espouse your redneck agenda, please educate yourself on the matter facing immigration

By NICK

September 10, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

You blacks should be loving the fact that you are not the only criminals in Atlanta, but then again it probablly cuts into your welfare benefits.

By LT5000

September 10, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Katie and Saddened Reader,

Are these Mexicans also committing the DUI’s, rapes, violent assaults and dealing the drugs Americans are too lazy to do?

That antecdote has been disproven thousands of times.

The real point is that these people are here illegally and have destroyed lives and neighborhoods. Just ask the parents of the college kids in New Jersey.

You too are so open minded that you will take sides against yourself.

Oh yeah Katie, your comparison to Blacks and hispanics is still ignorant. It was fully understood, just ignorant.

LT5000

By LT5000

September 10, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

From Katie:

. In Gwinnett county the statistics for hispanics in jail is very high but nationally it is VERY low.

Wrong.

The prevalence of imprisonment in 2001 was higher for — black males (16.6%) and Hispanic males (7.7%) than for white males (2.6%) — black females (1.7%) and Hispanic females (0.7%) than white females (0.3%)

Based on current rates of first incarceration, an estimated 32% of black males will enter State or Federal prison during their lifetime, compared to 17% of Hispanic males and 5.9% of white males.

Ouch Katie. You are two for two (misspelled in previous post) on statitics and analogies today. Maybe you should Callete.

LT5000

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm#sex

By Marjorie Robinson

September 10, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Actually By Color Correction you are incorrect. What is perceived as white people are actually people with translucent or transparent skin types which have blue and violet undertones. Sallow is yellow and a very common skin tone for Asian people.

Billy Bob, my astonisment was not geared toward children getting free lunches in school, regardless of their color or lack of it. My and my daughters surprise is that she enrolled TWO children, one with a common white name and one with a common Mexican name. The school free lunch vouchers only came (and without request) for my Mexican granddaughter. Furthermore, no qualifying, no questions ask of tax payers money just because a childs name is Mexican is not only an insult to those parents who prefer nor need to be on the schools welfare rolls but also an insult to the public school system who automatically sees Mexicans as needy. That is not necessarily so. So hold on to your Billy Bob hat and quit jumping to conclusions that I have a problem with children getting free lunches in school. I have a problem with a school system that offers free anything to only one group of people, and that rationale being based on the last name being Mexican. I would think you would have a problem with this as well.

By Michael Cahill

September 11, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

We have been tolerant to intolerant people for way too long.

By Michael

September 11, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

We have been tolerant to intolerant people for way too long.

By JSN

September 11, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

In this article, Guy Stevens said, “Suppose you live somewhere and don’t have a job, but across the road there are plenty. What would you do?” Is that a joke?

Let me propose this to Guy Stevens; Suppose I don’t have a wife, food, car, money, house, etc., but I live across the road from Guy. Should I just illegally walk across the road (which is protected by physical barriers, as well as laws) and take all of his? Tell Guy to move on over, because I’m coming into his house and making myself right at home. I like it better at Guy’s house. And tell him to start speaking Spanish, too, because it’s all I care to speak or read. And tell his daughter that I love the way she looks in that nightie. Thanks for being so generous, Guy. I’ll leave some hot water for you.

Actually, tell this 80 year-old geezer with his head stuck in the sand to just keep his useless butt on the porch of his Sunset Assisted Living Home. Apparently, senility has already set in and not only is he a danger to himself, he’s also a danger to others. His oversimplification of a HUGE problem compounds the problem. Guy, go ahead and offer all of your “stuff” to the illegals. Just don’t tell me what to do with mine, idiot.

By Captain America

September 11, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Great Mr. Badie,

I guess based on your irresponsible agreement with the statement “Suppose you live somewhere and don’t have a job, but across the road there are plenty” you would allow people to cross the road to take whatever they want. Wow, maybe they can come over and steal the car from your driveway, or sneak through your window and permanently borrow your TV since they don’t have one.

You are a complete moron and people like you make this a race issue! You know what…it is! Deport the ROACHES!

www.usa1st.us

By justbeing real

September 11, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Hummmmmm. So much hatered = FEAR !!

By Woodie

September 11, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Hey Rick, Go down to the health clinic in Downtown Lawrenceville. Count the number of Hispanics in that clinic. Then count the number of people other than Hispanics. Then come back here and report what you think it costs to provide medical care for them. Then take a trip to any local elementary school. Count the number of Hispanics in the hallways and classrooms. Then come back and report what you think that costs. Then go visit the DFAC and count the number of Hispanics waiting to interview for public assistance. Etc, etc, etc,….

By Stephanie

September 11, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I have nothing against immigrants - I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for immigration. I do have a problem with immigrants working illegally, not paying taxes and U.S. dollars hauling butt south of the border. I have an original document from the 1920’s belonging to my grandfather. Before he and my grandmother could come back to the U.S. from Hungary with 2 U. S. born sons, he had to show “proof” of a place to live, money in the bank to support his family and a job. AND he was required to become a U.S. citizen if he wanted to remain here. He of course complied, not because it was law, but because he had a great love of this country. He took nothing for granted.

By Exador

September 11, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Can we ‘blame the illegals’ for the illegal released back into our community, with TB, who’s illegal family also has TB? Can we ‘blame the illegals’ for the dogfighting house in Snellville?

No, Mr Badie, your other examples were silly, but the fact is that most of the crystal meth (and cocaine) is brought into this county by illegals.

By Jen

September 11, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

fyi, Hillary Clinton said on Univision the other night that she promised to give all illegals amnesty if elected president. Why have I not heard this on any news broadcast??? Also, I really need an SUV due to a growing family. I should probably go to my neighbor’s yard and take their truck in exchange for doing a load of dishes. Hey, it’s my right to just take what I need right? Whether I earned it or not. It would sure make my life a lot easier to just take it than to EARN it. That’s exactly what illegals do when they come here and expect to get something for nothing, and people scream racism? My kid’s school in the last 10 years has gone from about 10% to almost 50% Hispanic. Wonder how many of them are illegal? In line to register her for Kindergarten, there were many Hispanics who didn’t have paperwork, licenses, or green cards, and didn’t speak English, and needed a translator, payed for by our victimized taxpayers. Still, we let them come. I’m voting for whoever will take a no-nonsense approach and let the deportations begin.

By Captain America

September 11, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Actually, come to think of it, illegal Mexican roaches do have some rights:

THE RIGHT TO GET ARRESTED

AND THE RIGHT TO GET DEPORTED!

www.usa1st.us

By M

September 11, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Instead of spending billions of dollars trying to get Iraq stable, why don’t we work with the Mexican government to improve conditions there? If there were good paying jobs there, they would stay there.

Just because we have jobs here and they don’t, doesn’t mean that they can disregard our laws. My grandparents came over to the US with nothing. They did not speak English, but learned it. They opened shoe stores throughout the southeast and built relationships with people within the community in which they lived. They became active participants in activities going on around them.

The difference with immigrants today, from my perspective, is that they want the money to send home. They don’t want to learn the language or learn about the people they live among. ATM machines, menus, even product labels are written in Spanish. They don’t have to learn to speak English because we don’t force them to. They set up their own communities within ours and segregate themselves.

I am all for supporting the melting pot in America, but it needs to be done in an organized and legal manner. By catering to the illegals, we encourage illegal immigration.

By NAFTA

September 11, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Weren’t NAFTA and CAFTA supposed to help address the lack of jobs in countries south of the border in order keep people home and not coming to the US?

By Stephanie

September 11, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

WHEW! The number of mis-interpretations of Guy Stevens’ remark! Please read again, and s l o w this time so you can absorb. He is not saying “walk across the street and take from your neighbors”; he is saying “If you live in a cardboard box with no water and electricity but across the street (or the river) I can have a house with running water and electricity and am WILLING TO WORK FOR IT, you would do the same thing. The issue is DO IT LEGALLY.

By Stephanie

September 11, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

One more thing….if you voted for George Bush Sr., please refrain from posting your negative blogs against illegal immigrants from Mexico. He started NAFTA……

By Captain America

September 11, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Stephanie, you are a typical liberal blowhard buffoon. First of all, NAFTA has nothing to do with illegal Mexicans crossing the border. Second of all, as for the statement that we are misinterpreting, he said “Suppose you live somewhere and don’t have a job, but across the road there are plenty.” The missing inference is that there is no impediment to allowing this jobless slob to cross the street. But that is completely false and not reality. There is an impediment and that is called our border laws. The proper analogy is trying to make a case for this jobless Mexican to come into your house because it is clear that there are plenty of laws that prevent such an action. Only an idiot liberal would fail to see the difference! If you love them so much, why don’t you let all these poor Mexicans come into your house so they can have a better life. Then, in 3 years when they have crap laying around, dirty laundry on the window sill, 14 kids, 4 grandmothers and a big a* pickup truck with a Mexican flag and the words Rodriquez written across the back window and they ask you to stop speaking English in your house, you may actually get a clue.

www.usa1st.us

By WBJ

September 11, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I just purchased my house this past year. I take care of my home and the land it is on. I want my neighbors to do the same whether they are Black, White, Jew, Gentile, etc. However, two families on my block who are both Hispanic, are bringing the neighborhood down. I don’t know if they are legal or not. I do know that they park 6-8 cars in their driveway, yard, and park other vehicles in the wrong direction on the street. In addition, their children and their toys, bicycles, etc. are also in their yards and a few times have left their bicycles in my yard. Their music is loud, their voices are loud, they do not cut their grass, and both yards look a mess. Are these two families isolated incidents? I think not….I have co-workers, family and friends who can tell the same story. It’s not fair and the local, state and federal governments do not care. We cannot call any company’s customer service without being given the option of speaking Spanish. There are restaurants, stores, etc. who signs are only in Spanish. I assume that is their way of saying no non-Spanish speaking people desired. If I were to move to a Spanish speaking country, would they open their doors as widely as we do? The Hispanics have the audacity to say that they do the jobs Americans won’t do. Hispanics do the jobs that Americans won’t do for less that minimum wage. I venture to say that the problem Grady has with being $70 million in debt is partly, if not entirely, due to free medical care to the Hispanic population. Things had better change or there will be major confrontations in this state and elsewhere and it won’t be pretty!!!

By WBJ

September 11, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I just purchased my house this past year. I take care of my home and the land it is on. I want my neighbors to do the same whether they are Black, White, Jew, Gentile, etc. However, two families on my block who are both Hispanic, are bringing the neighborhood down. I don’t know if they are legal or not. I do know that they park 6-8 cars in their driveway, yard, and park other vehicles in the wrong direction on the street. In addition, their children and their toys, bicycles, etc. are also in their yards and a few times have left their bicycles in my yard. Their music is loud, their voices are loud, they do not cut their grass, and both yards look a mess. Are these two families isolated incidents? I think not….I have co-workers, family and friends who can tell the same story. It’s not fair and the local, state and federal governments do not care. We cannot call any company’s customer service without being given the option of speaking Spanish. There are restaurants, stores, etc. who signs are only in Spanish. I assume that is their way of saying no non-Spanish speaking people desired. If I were to move to a Spanish speaking country, would they open their doors as widely as we do? The Hispanics have the audacity to say that they do the jobs Americans won’t do. Hispanics do the jobs that Americans won’t do for less that minimum wage. I venture to say that the problem Grady has with being $70 million in debt is partly, if not entirely, due to free medical care to the Hispanic population. Things had better change or there will be major confrontations in this state and elsewhere and it won’t be pretty!!!

By Bill

September 11, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

I went to Walmart the other day off P’tree Industrial. There was a 20-1 ratio of Mexicans to Americans..none of which were speaking English. This is a shame that my home has been illegally invaded and the law makers and police sworn to uphold the laws of the land do nothing. My home and my country is in dire straights.

By Short Term Memory

September 11, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Cheap labor has been in America’s history since the beginning of this country.

Slavery European indentured servants European immigration Hispanic immigration

Since the end of Slavery America opened it’s doors, since they couldn’t work the black man for free. Now that those people have come and established themselves and become successful Americans. The decendants of these people have the audacity to speak about closing borders.

90% or more of the American population are descendents of Slaves or immigrants. Why would you hate the institution that brought you to this beautiful country. It concerns me that we’re keeping out our neighbors.

By Captain America

September 11, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Short Term Memory…YOU ARE A COMPLETE IDIOT!

www.usa1st.us

By gtfan

September 11, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

It’s crazy… all the indians, arabs, and asians that I work with seem to have their H1B visas and they came from alot farther, and just as poor.

By jc_atl

September 11, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett County is a cesspool of traffic and overdevelopment anyway. They deserve what they get.

Wait until the day that every illegal immigrant working in this country decides to stage a walkout on the same day. Then we’ll see how racist people are.

By Rick

September 11, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Illegal Mexicans hate Peruvians, Peruvians hate Salvadorians etc etc…. Who is the racist? A majority of Americans are not against foreign workers, make them go back home, get properly documented and health checked, apply for a temporary work Visa and come on back. No one will howl. If a current illegal is so good at his job here, let his employer pick up the cost of the process.

By Rick

September 11, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Illegal Mexicans hate Peruvians, Peruvians hate Salvadorians etc etc…. Who is the bigot? A majority of Americans are not against foreign workers, make them go back home, get properly documented and health checked, apply for a temporary work Visa and come on back. No one will howl. If a current illegal is so good at his job here, let his employer pick up the cost of the process.

By Nobody's right

September 11, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

People try to stand on one side of this issue or the other, not realizing that neither side is correct.

There are two important facts in all of this.

One, the short term effects from a wave of diversity like this are majority negative. Cultural and language differences will cause all sorts of growing pains.

Two, the long term effects from this wave of diversity are majority positive. These people will in the end bring innovative and new changes to our work force and help the country prosper.

The fact is that first generation immigrants almost never speak English.

In the 1890’s people were legitimately scared that we would be speaking German due to the influx of Germans in Milwaukee and St. louis. And in the short term, there were problems. In the long term, we were blessed to have that wave of immigrants.

As to those who only oppose the illegality of the boarder crossing. I say, give them a way to cross legally. Are you aware of how difficult it is to do now?

By Al

September 11, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Unless there are two Sugarloafs in Gwinnett, that would be the same address of “Mansion Madam” Lisa Ann Taylor, who faces charges of cocaine and marijuana possession, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, prostitution and keeping a place of prostitution.

Yeah Rick, but she’s gets the white-girl exemption when it comes to public discussion.

By jim

September 11, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Definition of illegal: prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules. So why is Congress still debating over this? Look at our current law and implement it. There’s no need to debate while more illegals are crossing the border. As Neil Boortz said, you wouldn’t start cleaning up your basement when there’s still a leak. You have to fix the leak first!!!

Definition of illegal: prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules. So why is Congress still debating over this? Look at our current law and implement it. There’s no need to debate while more illegals are crossing the border. As Neil Boortz said, you wouldn’t start cleaning up your basement when there’s still a leak. You have to fix the leak first!!!

By maudie

September 11, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

I am not a racist. I don’t care what color your skin is or what your heritage is. I do think that you should work hard and pay your taxes to benefit in any way from our local, county, state or federal government. I do not think that anyone should enter this country and live here unless they do it legally. There are reasons for the legalities that have been established and EVERYONE should abide by them. If not, why have them in the first place????

By maudie

September 11, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

I am not a racist. I don’t care what color your skin is or what your heritage is. I do think that you should work hard and pay your taxes to benefit in any way from our local, county, state or federal government. I do not think that anyone should enter this country and live here unless they do it legally. There are reasons for the legalities that have been established and EVERYONE should abide by them. If not, why have them in the first place????

By maudie

September 11, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

I am not a racist. I don’t care what color your skin is or what your heritage is. I do think that you should work hard and pay your taxes to benefit in any way from our local, county, state or federal government. I do not think that anyone should enter this country and live here unless they do it legally. There are reasons for the legalities that have been established and EVERYONE should abide by them. If not, why have them in the first place????

By KEITH

September 11, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

YO I SAY SEN UM ALL BACK TO WERE DEY COME FROM JUS LIKE DE WHITE MAN WANTS TO DO US IF IT WANT FO THE WHITE MANS LAWS VICK BE GOIN FO DAT RING NOE WHAT IM SAYIN

By blackie

September 11, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Thank you BillyBob if not for the enslaved black labor and the killing of the native Indians where would the great American Nations be in the world

By STORM WARNING

September 11, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Rick,

Kudos to you for opening the eyes of a few citizens who have forgotten what this country is all about. I personally am a white male, 35 years old, who is educated formally. I was raised in Miami Florida and have grown fond of all the flavors that make up the cultural stew or melting pot we find ourselves in currently. The average person would not think that by looking at me that I am fluent in Spanish, but my background necessitated it. I was raised in a predominantly black and Hispanic neighborhood, and personally have witnessed racism here in Atlanta that exceeds anything ever witnessed in Miami. A company I worked for for 5 years in Midtown turned out to be so shockingly prejudice, that I resigned, and could not be happier. When they hired me one of the selling points was by bilingualism, whenever I had the chance to grow the company overseas in Latin America, they were all for it. But when it came to speaking the “Mexican”, they were disgusted by it and wanted me to just email my clients instead of listening to that “jibberish”. It is high-time these “good-ol-boy” philosophies are abandoned, and the citizens here accept the fact that this country was founded on acceptance of others. I am sure if they were broke and destitute, and the only helping hand came from a person of color, they would gladly accept the hand out. It amazes me that these people have made it this far in life…. I guess they wouldn’t last a minute in the place I am so proud to call home. They say such bad things about Miami, but soon, the entire state of Georgia might be voting on making English a secondary language. Face the facts… if your family was struggling, and you had a way out, would you not make it happen? Or would you let them suffer because you don’t want to accept change? Get over yourselves.

Nice going Rick! Keep up the good work!

J

By Captain America

September 11, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Storm Warning,

You made one good point: “but soon, the entire state of Georgia might be voting on making English a secondary language.” That is exactly what we DO NOT WANT. When you see the first sign of roaches, it is time to exterminate early before the house is overtaken! You are obviously a latin jock sniffer wanna be so why don’t you just go back to Miami, eat some more papas reinas con las amigas, and dry off each others wet backs, you pompous a*!

By asap

September 11, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

english is a second language in many other countries already and it will ultimately happen here. China will be the largest english speaking country in at least 10 years.

Who’s going to spend money after all the illegal immigrants are gone?

By Marjorie Robinson

September 12, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

A friend of mine who worked hard and long to become a citizen of the US is returning to Europe. She retired and is now only one of two people in her immediate neighborhood who is not Hispanic. The other woman is Black and also single. My friend suffers greatly at the hands of the Hispanics. She receives threatening notes in her mailbox to “Leave.” Her trash is consistantly dumped over and people knock on her door at all hours of the night only to look out and see men running through her yard. The police can’t finger anyone because all of the neighbors cover for one another. No one has done or seen anything. So, in her latter years, she’s had it. Packing up and leaving the US. Her daughter will reside in the house until she decides what to do. It is sad that she cannot after 40 years in this country, speaks English and met all the requirements to become a legal citizen is run over by these thugs. I can only assume, and I realize this is not an accurate way to operate, they are mostly illegals. She (my friend) says one couple began by renting a house. Soon there were multiple families living there, and so it goes until the neighborhood was vacated of people who wanted to live a peacefull normal life in a neighborhood who followed city codes for dwellings. The pit bulls were likely the final straw for her. She feared going to and from her car as the dogs were not routinely fenced or chained. Call the police? Sure if you want more trash scattered around your yard and threatening notes etc. My next door neighbor had a similar experience. After living in her birth home for 50 years (she inherited it after the Mother died) she was literally run out by Hispanics. One man going so far as to throw gasoline all over her yard to kill her lawn because she called the city about him working on multiple cars all over the street. Seems he was running an illegal mechanics business. So all you lovers of the illegals can rah rah this situation as you wish. I personally prefer to support hard working people who come here legally, follow our laws, strive to speak English and act like human beings, regardless of their country of origin. The rest of them, ship them out. And for the many of you who speak about discrimination and poor treatment and racism, what a laugh. I and many many other people have never met people as racist as brown and black people. They talk trash about everyone else and get away with it because they have NAACP and LaRaza at their backs. This type of behavior used to be considered “the mob” in the 20’s and 30’s but now organized crime operates under the title of “non-profit special interst groups.” What a joke. Good luck you illegal lovers. When one of your family is killed, chidlren kidnapped, or friends violated, or another Sept 11 (today) repeats itself, just remember it was your idea.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 12, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Storm Warning Wrote: But when it came to speaking the “Mexican”, they were disgusted by it and wanted me to just email my clients instead of listening to that “jibberish”. It is high-time these “good-ol-boy” philosophies are abandoned, and the citizens here accept the fact that this country was founded on acceptance of others.

From your post Storm, it seems you are eluding to (without saying it) that the people who represent the “good ole boys” were not people of color. That is rather all encompasing of you and really sounds a bit racist. Again, I make my point that to talk trash about whites in this country is well OK. But how dare you speak ill of illegals who break our laws, steal jobs, live off free social services. You and people like you really do take the cake.

I happen to be white as if that were not obvious. Born into poverty and remained that way until in the 5th grade. No shoes, no windows in the house and a outdoor toilet pretty far removed from the house. Made for some pretty cold winter trips to the bathroom. It never occured to us to steal someone elses identity or to apply for welfare or to go to the country for health services. We simply did without and lived on my Grandfathers pitiful wages. I have to laugh when the Hispanics come here many times ready to give birth to an already multiple children family complaining about being poor. Well the Pope may not believe in birth control but is there anything in their religion that says they have to abuse women to the point of having children year after year? One of my clients is one of 22 children all born to the same Mother and Father here illegaly. Do you really condone that? Who do you think supported all these children?

So I have to smile at what the people consider “poor.” We were poor. Not having M. Jordon tennis shoes is not poor. I’ve yet to see many people without a cell phone and those cost money. I’ve yet to see a Hispanic on the streets begging for food. Someone is feeding them and their kids and if it is a family member who is here illegally, maybe an American out of work with kids to feed should be occupying that job.

We are becoming a social assistance country headed for a revolution that of course only a “dictator” can manage. You pros are just nuts.

By John

September 12, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

* Nick * You racist pig I hope hell is hot enough for you !! Pig

By John

September 12, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this

Nick You racist pig I hope hell is hot enough for you !! Pig

By Guide For the Mexican Migrant

September 12, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Have you ever read this little booklet that is passed out to immigrants before they cross the border? http://www.amren.com/mexguide/mexguide.html

By FRIEND

September 12, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

My neighbor and I or both Christians but we differ on this issue of illegal immigration. My neighbor feels America should enforce the laws pertaining to immigration 100% with no exceptions. I feel compassion for people seeking a better life. JESUS said the two most important commandments are to love GOD above all and to love they neighbor.

So many people forget compassion and respect for one another, but call themselfs Christians.

We all should try to reach out and help as many people as possible.

By Choctaw Republican

September 12, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Oh Rick,

How typical-mocking the rational feelings of American citizens about the false victimization of illegals. Now, that’s a real gem. Please visit any nearby reservation and preach about the abuses toward illegals-I am sure you would get a lot of support lol After reading your sophmore expressions I am so glad that I do not buy the AJC; what a waste of money!

By t

September 12, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

The problem that I have with hispanics is that most come from poverty stricken areas and that habit is transferred here to the states. So areas that were once nice areas are now cluttered with everything. Once the they understand our culture and how we keep things, they then learn to keep things clean. There is no easy solution to this problem. But if we stop catering to them and expect them to transform to our standards then maybe we might have cleaner areas.

By Dan

September 12, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Replace “Blame Illegals” with “Blame Whitey” and walk in my shoes for a while. No race is better than any other nor does it have a right to place its shortcomings on another. A man is what he makes of himself. It is an individual who knowingly breaks a nations laws and then relies on that nation for income, housing, etc. that is at question. I don’t want illegal Romanians, Pols or Lithuanians either but that doesn’t make me a racist. It’s the “illegal” that I have a problem with the rest is arbitrary.

By MW

September 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Get an apartment in the Westwood Apt. complex. Or Jasmine on the Lake. Or Harmony Station. Or by a house off Pebble Creek drive. Then go to the Chevron at 6070 South Norcross Tucker in the morning for coffee. Or the QT at S. Norcross and Old Norcross. You will feel the push of the illegal alien sucking away your tax dollars while they look for a cash job to feed their multitude of partially government paid for ‘babies’ and alcohol addiction. If you are brave enough, take a walk around that Chevron and look at the trash EVERYWHERE. Then walk that little wood line between the Chevron and the Sinclair Apartments (Old Park Colony). But watch out for the plethora of Budweiser bottles and human feces. Then, with only this small experiment, tell me these people are good and trying their best to assimilate into good American culture.

If you find a good hispanic person that is here without breaking ANY laws, apologize to him for me. BUT, in that apology you must include the old adage “One bad apple ruins the bunch” Or, perhaps in this case, a lone good apple is not enough to deter sight of the spoiled bunch.

Just because there are some good people, it doesn’t mean we need to turn a blind eye to the bad people in cowardly fear of being thrown under the racist bus.

I like another comment here, bank robbers are just trying to make ends meet too. They get punished. Support the law of the land or pray for total anarchy. But when you get your anarchy, don’t call the Police when I break in your house and take your possessions.

Rick, many of us are more frustrated with selective enforcement of laws than anything else.

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

I have said it once, and I will say it again. Illegal immigration is the bane of the American existence. Illegals destroy our country by bringing their lack of respect and morality into our midst; attacking us from within our own borders. They deplete our country of morality, infusing it with drugs, gang violence and a lack of respect for law. They breed as though they were common vermon, and mimic such behaviours in other ways as well. Legal immigration is one thing; but the forced, illegal invasion and occupation of our country should not be tolerated. Those who would support these invaders, make excuses for them and coddle them should be forced to fund them solely and completely. We should not, as American citizens, be forced to take on the burdens of another country’s riff-raff simply because they manage to illegally cross our borders. I say the War On Terror needs to be expanded, aimed at Mexico and we should start enforcing our borders with force. Our immigration laws need to be re-written to give the consequences some serious bite, and we need to get back to the pure Christian values that we were founded upon; returning Republicans to full power and giving Homeland Security the tools and latitude to exterminate this infestation once and for all.

By David Mebane

September 12, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Rick is right. There are many, many comments here that I would describe as just plain fascist. They are grossly overreacting — illegals are destroying the moral fabric of our society, draining our bank accounts, they’re going to take over, etc. Then the prescriptions for dealing with the sensationalized problem are reminiscent of the most horrifying tactics of a right-wing police state.

Listen, compared to this sort of thing, almost everybody in the country is a liberal. What is a bigger problem than illegal immigration, in my view, is this sort of extremism.

By Stephanie

September 12, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Captain America! You silly little boy! I fail to see where me or Mr. Stevens made reference to invite these people to set foot in our homes. They’re already in my subdivision. Christmas lights hanging on the ground from last year, 10 cars parked in the yard, and planting POISON SUMAC trees in their front yard. They’re dirty and disgusting. I am not supporting illegal aliens. It makes me mad as hell. Read my 9/11 blog from 11:02 a.m. And yes, NAFTA opened the flood gates at our borders.

By gtfan

September 12, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

As much as liberals love Canadian Health Care, they should take a look at Canadian Employment.

Employers won’t even attempt to hire you without a SIN (Social Insurance Number) and they check it to make sure it’s valid.

Why, b/c they get fined big time.

And they don’t just grant citizenship to anyone.

Hell, they won’t even grant legal status to Iraq Soldier Deserters who fled to Canada like the ones from Vietnam.

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Stephanie, I suggest you find a subdivision with a stronger HOA. Something that can prevent the wrong kind of people from buying into the neighbourhood. Yes, my neighbourhood has “the mansion madam” — but we have no illegals. No thugs, gang members, barrio brats or other such riff-raff roaming the streets of the neighbourhood. No cars parked illegally in the front yard, no obnoxious landscaping (or lack thereof) — so we have an accused madam — she is innocent until proven guilty.

By AM

September 12, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t think an invasion of our sovereignty has anything to do with racism. It has to do with breaking our immigration laws and our politicians that actually endorse it. They illegals don’t want to melt in the melting pot, nor should they have the opportunity. As I see them they are “lawbreakers”. Because business has control of our politicians they let them get away with breaking our laws with no consequences for their actions. They have no respect for our country or the people of this country. The ill effects they cause is too long to list and as far as doing Job Americans wont do is a lot of BS. Americans have always done these jobs in the past. They are here to lower the bar for the American worker. The charity they receive is offset by the taxpayer. We struggle daily to provide a decent life for our families and to have them compete with us for lower paying jobs is not right. DEFENDING LAWBREAKERS IS NOT RIGHT. IF EVERY LEGAL AMERICAN BROKE THE LAW, WITH NO CONSEQUENCES, FOR A BETTER LIFE WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY AND PEOPLE WOULD WE BECOME.

By AM

September 12, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

By the way, the name of the article should be “BLAME OUR GOVERNMENT FOR NOT ENFORCING THE LAWS ON THE BOOKS AND THE CONSTITUTION”!

MANY AMERICANS INCLUDING MY UNCLE DIED TO UPHOLD OUR CONSTITUTION!

END OF THE DISCUSSION!!

By Marjorie Robinson

September 12, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Friend wrote: JESUS said the two most important commandments are to love GOD above all and to love they neighbor.

Friend, I asked a close friend of mine who is a servant of God what he thought about illegal immigration. He told me that he belived in the laws of the land and the laws of God, both of which he upholds. I asked him about the very compassion you spoke of. His response:

God is everywhere. God is in Mexico. Maybe the Mexican Government should look into their hearts and offer the compassion they expect of the American people.

God is in Mexico my friend, not just the United States.

By STORM WARNING

September 12, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND MARJORIE ROBINSON

THANK YOU FOR PROVING MY ARGUMENT. IF WE LEAVE IT UP TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU TO GOVERN THIS LAND, WE WOULD ALL BE IN A LOT WORSE SHAPE THAN WE ARE NOW… AND MARJORIE…READ MY POST AGAIN… YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY MANY YEARS OUT OF GRADE SCHOOL, SO MAYBE SOMEONE CAN READ IT TO YOU… MY COMMENTS WERE TO LET THE HARD WORKING HISPANICS KNOW WE ARE NOT ALL LIKE YOU… ANGST-RIDDEN AND LOOKING FOR A CULTURE TO BASH! .. HOW YOU MISCONSTRUED MY WORDS IS BEYOND ME. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE MEDICAID YOU ARE ON DOES NOT COVER COKE BOTTLE GLASSES, BUT READ IT AGAIN YOU OLD CONDESCENDING WITCH! GET OVER IT, THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY. REMEMBER ..”BRING US YOUR POOR…” ? THIS IS THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IF YOU ELIMINATE RACIST, FASCIST, HATE MONGERS LIKE YOURSELF… AND YOUR SAD “BOO HOO” LIFE STORY WAS ALL TOO TEAR-JERKING… TOO BAD YOU DIDN’T CONTINUE TO SUFFER SO THAT YOU COULD UNDERSTAND PEOPLE BETTER. GET OVER YOURSELF! WHO CARES IF YOU WERE POOR, YOUR PARENTS COULDN’T GET IT RIGHT, JUST ADMIT IT, YOU ARE A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A MISTAKE THAT LIVED. GIVE POPS SOME CREDIT FOR TRYING THOUGH! AS FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA I WILL ONLY SAY THIS… I WILL GLADLY GO BACK TO MIAMI WHEN YOU AND YOUR REDNECK, FEEBLE-MINDED, INBRED COUNTRY BUMPKIN, SWASTIKA LOVIN ASSES MAKE ME. WHEN THE STUFF GOES DOWN AND WE ARE LEFT TO CHOOSE…WHO WILL HAVE YOU? YOU ARE NOT TOO IGNORANT TO KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THE LATIN FOOD DISHES, BUT ARE YOU SO KEEN THAT YOU DON’T EVEN REALIZE THAT YOUR 5 DOLLAR AN HOUR JOB WILL BE HAD BY AN IMMIGRANT WHO WILL OUTWORK, AND OUTSMART YOU…BECAUSE THEY WANT TO WORK, AND NOT LAY AROUND WITH STRAW HANGING OUT THEIR MOUTHS LIKE YOU AND YOURS ON THE ‘OL FARM. FACE IT BUBBA, IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, I WELCOME ALL THE IMMIGRANTS LOOKING FOR A BETTER LIFE!!! HOW IS THAT FOR POMPOUS? WHEN YOU GET EVICTED FOR HAVING TOO MANY PABST BLUE RIBBON BEER CANS IN YOUR FRON YARD, MAYBE MR. CARLOS RODRIGUEZ CAN MOVE INTO YOUR TRAILER…. ANS SATISFY YOUR BUCKTOOTHED WIFE IN THE PROCESS.

SEE YOU AT TACO BELL!

By Fog

September 12, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Rick, could you please this blog down. There has not been a useful or original post in about 125 posts. Nothing but venom and ugliness.

Is this what you want promote? Is this really worth “blog points”?

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

If Homeland Security was empowered to exterminate the infestation of illegal immigrant vermon, and the Republican party was returned to power to bring back a sense of moral values to this country, we would be going in the right direction. We need to eliminate the invaders, deportation being the ultimate goal. As a phased process Homeland Security should be allowed to open internment camps, detention centers, or whatever politically correct name the Democrats want to give them, and arrest, detain and control the invaders therein. While in the internment camps the invaders should be steralized, to eliminate their return and the creation of “anchor babies” to drain the liberal welfare system of this country. After sterilzation, they should be put on a list for deportation; being held in captivity until they can be sent across the border to their home country. Further to this, to deny the ability or desire for them to attempt to return, the border patrol should be increased, fully armed and given STK (shoot to kill) orders on site of an illegal crossing. These few, simple steps would eliminate this problem, clean up the crime and disease that these people have brought into our country, and allow us to get back to our rightful place in the world as a superpower, not a country struggling to keep up with the increased crime rates and disease that these gutter rats bring with them.

By STORM WARNING

September 12, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN….ALEXIS AND CAPTAIN AMERICA WERE SEEN AT DOLLAR GENERAL THIS MORNING BUYING REFRIED BEANS …IT IS GETTING UGLY FOLKS!

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Storm Warning, honestly could you be less mature? Petty insults are the lament of an overtaxed mind unable to debate properly. I am sure you are a Democrat, liberalism and idiocy tend to be directly proportional.

By STORM WARNING

September 12, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

AS USUAL ALEXIS, YOU ARE WRONG…TELL ONE OF YOUR “COLORED HELPERS” TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A REPUBLICAN, YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE FORGOTTEN IT….. AND GET THE STICK OUT OF YOUR A* WHILE YOU ARE AT IT.. AND BTW, I AM SCOURING ALL THE TENNIS COURTS IN GWINNETT TO LET THEM KNOW THERE IS A PHONY AMONGST THEM. A WANNA-BE DEM WHO CRIES FOUL WHEN MANNY WONT RETURN CALLS TO THE MANSION ABOUT WHY HER LAWN ISN’T CUT. I HOPE YOU GET T-BONED BY AN UNINSURED, BROWN-SKINNED, AND ARE FORCED TO SHARE A HOSPITAL ROOM WITH A MINORITY! WHAT’S THE MATTER? THE COLD-FISH CHAT ROOMS WON’T HAVE YOU ANYMORE? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF DECENCY AND RESPECT FOR OTHER CULTURES? YOU ARE BEYOND HELP…AND YOUR HUBBY NEEDS TO QUIT DIPPING HIS PEN IN THE COMPANY INK….IF ONLY YOU KNEW SHE WAS MUCH BETTER LOOKING, YOUNGER, AND HISPANIC!!! I KNOW WHO YOU ARE… AND SOON THE ENTIRE “HISPANIC COMMUNITY” WILL BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR YOU……YOU WILL BE THE ONE WITH THE TARGET ON YOUR VOLVO.

BE GONE TRAMP!!!!!!

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Storm Warning, I don’t have a Volvo. I have a Lotus. As for my husband dipping his pen — he may do so wherever and whenever, provided my checking account stays funded and my credit card bills paid. To address what you consider intolerance for other cultures — I most certainly am tolerant, within reason. Their culture should not force itself into my life or attempt to thwart the American culture from existing. That is where the problem lies. Illegals who refuse to assimilate to the American way of life and continue to live as though they are still in the nasty ghettos of Mexico City. They continue to think it acceptable to have junk cars on their lawns, unkempt grass, badly painted homes, broken windows, etc ad nauseum. It is disgusting. I can tolerate their culture when it is actually culteral. Hispanic art, music, writing, poetry. That is culture. Gang violence, barrio thug thieves killing one another and innocent bystanders in drive-by shootings and muggings — that is not culture, and no I do not tolerate it. For the record, my lawn maintenence crew foreman is named Jose, and he is a legal immigrant. I checked his status with Homeland Security.

By STORM WARNING

September 12, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

ALEXIS….MAY YOU FALL VICTIM TO A DISEASE SO HORRIBLE THAT YOU ARE IN NEED OF A DONOR FOR A VITAL ORGAN…..AND HERE IS HOPING THAT ORGAN COMES FROM A “HISPANIC THUG KILLED IN A DRIVE BY SHOOTING”IN GWINNET.. HOW WILL YOU EVER SLEEP KNOWING THE BLOOD OF AN INFIDEL LIES IN YOUR BODY? FOR THE RECORD… I GUESS SINCE YOU ARE THE ONLY TRUE BLUE BLOOD AMERICAN…. (YOUR ANCESTORS NEVER IMMIGRATED HERE THEN HUH) YOU DO NOT CONDONE ANYONE ELSE IN THIS COUNTRY UNLESS THEY CAN AFFORD TO DRIVE A LOTUS AND LIVE IN A GATED COMMUNITY AND HAVE WHITE SKIN? WHAT TIME DOES THE KLAN MEETING START OVER THERE IN YOUR LITTLE PARADISE?
YOU ARE A TRUE HATER. AND YOUR HUSBAND MUST SIMPLY TOLERATE YOU BECAUSE THERE ARE CRIMES AGAINST CAPITAL MURDER. BUT TRUST ME, IN TIME… YOU WILL END UP BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM, IN THE TRAILER PARK WITH CAPTAIN AMERICA.

GET IT TOGETHER ALEXIS……. THE GOOD PEOPLE OF MEXICO CITY ARE FAST APPROACHING YOUR FRONT GATE.

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Actually, my ancestors did immigrate. My lineage is traced to the Mayflower. As far as coming from a “trailor park” — hardly. I grew up in Newport. My husband doesn’t just tolerate me, trust me on that. As far as immigrant organs being in my body; so be it. I could live knowing that my continuing to live was enabled by one less illegal invader in our country. It would give me great pride to know that the organ(s) were harvested from someone who was illegal and a non-citizen. However, that would not happen given organ donor laws in this country. Unlike the brutally savage Mexican homeland, we actually have laws governing organ harvest and specimen verification procedures. Not everyone who lives in my community has white-skin, by the way. I will admit that there is a predominance of it, but that is to be expected given the culture and location. We are a PGA golf course community after all. Not too many Julios or Juans hitting the links, n’est pas?

By Thisishilarious

September 12, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Oh Alexis, making valid points about the pathetic remarks made by these SO CALLED Americans here, hardly makes Storm immature. OR DEMOCRAT for that matter! And calling people names, like roaches,that is mature? YOU are as pathetic as they are! I am 100% Republican, and American, but does this sound familiar to any of you??? “Of the people, by the people”?? Last time I checked, they are people too. And, quite frankly, Storm said nothing bad about anyone in his writings accept the feeble-minded few that still believe that being white makes you a better person. Hardly! If anything, I would take any LEGAL immigrant, or person of color over a so-called American with no morals, or values any day! So, I would be sure and get my facts straight before you result to name calling (as any intelligent people know that you are merely making up for something YOU lack in doing so, Private First Class America (as you are hardly a Captain))! What are you people 12??

Storm made valid points about real issues right here in America! Just because you were born here, hardly makes you worthy to bash people who were not so lucky! While your pathetic dreams may include wealth or showbiz, all they want is food, clean water, or good schools for their children. Who wouldn’t want what we have??? I love my country, pay my taxes and my dues, but when it comes to someone wanting a better life for themselves, and their families, as long as they go about it the right way, then I say GO FOR IT!

And for the record, I wish to apologize for the derelict writings of the few narrow-minded here. We are not all so racist that we cannot welcome change. I am pretty sure that America always has been and always will be the Land of the free, and I stand behind that until the end!!!

GROW UP PEOPLE! There is nothing you can do to stop the change that is a comin! I’ll be glad to leave all the hypocrites and racists behind!

It is the dawn of a new day for us all, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Thisishilarious — let me just point out that your reference “of the people, by the people…” was written by the Framers, greatest of men, in reference to American Citizens governing themselves through our democratic system. It has nothing to do with immigration. Infact, when textually interpreted, it would indicate that illegals are non-people, as “of the people, by the people” is a direct reference to citizen rights. I am not racist, I have many friends of various races. My often tennis partner is a black woman, who also happens to be a lesbian. I have no problem with her and her choice to live that lifestyle that I personally would deem immoral. I think you need to see the big picture. Illegal immigrants are wasting our resources, destroying our country’s morale, eroding the moral fiber of America, bringing crime, drugs and gangs into our children’s schools, forcing their way of life on us. It is time to stand up and let them know that this is not Mexico’s northern suburb. We are a soverign country and we will defend our borders.

By Thisishilarious

September 12, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

That was a different day and time Alexis as I would have hoped you would gather. As it stands, it is about THE PEOPLE, and in this day and time we are all equal.

I suggest unless you wish to remain behind in the little time box you have buried yourself in, you get with the program. You speak using intelligent words, but in an unintelligent form. I am pretty sure I made myself perfectly clear where I stand on my ILLEGAL and Legal immigrant issues.

I will also have you know, that more crime is committed in this America by Americans, so the immigrants bringing crime, drugs and gangs into our schools is a cop out. More than half of the crime, drugs and the gangs are of OUR MORAL FIBER.

Keep reading hon, I am sure eventually the facts will find you.

Have a wonderful day!

By Alexis

September 12, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Thisishilarious - a textual interpretation of the constitution takes a look at it from how it would have meant in the day of the framing. It rejects the notion of an “evolving Constitution” - one that adapts with time. That is the true, literal, and legal way to interpret the document. The way used by the best Justices on the Supreme Court (Scalia, Alito, and Lord Rest His Soul, Reinquist). Furthermore, it is you who needs to educate yourself. Look at simple statistics of the number of inmates in Gwinnett County jail today. What percentage have hispanic names? It is they who are the largest volume offenders of drug related crimes and violence. Latino gangs have ruined most of Norcross. It is an embarassment to drive through that area now; I shutter every time I drive through there to have lunch at Norcross Station Cafe with friends. Disgusting, hispanic filth everywhere. I hope you open your eyes and realize what these people are doing to our country.

By Thisishilarious

September 12, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

You are speaking of Georgia Alexis, where we are speaking in general America terms here.

We both know that the governed laws of the days of our fore-fathers must take on new meaning in our world. I am sure that I do not have to tell you that as times, and people change, so do the laws that govern them. I am not doubting your intelligence here Alexis, nor is it my intention to belittle anyone. I am merely stating my opinion, as well as facts that may,if nothing else, open you up to the fact that generalizing all immigrants because of the few that are bad is unfair.

While I appreciate the fact that you are proud of your heritage, as well as willing to stand and fight for it. All I ask is that maybe you take a little something in from all of this that helps you understand that just as with all races of people, there are always going to be a few out there that try to spoil it for all. And yes, I concur with you on the fact that maybe there are many hispanic names in the jail, but there are many American names as well. I do not embrace the troublemakers that come along with the good people that want as we do, to prosper and maybe make someplace to call home in ANY race,not even our own! And against these pathetic individuals Alexis I will stand beside you and fight until I die. I merely cannot see generalizing and placing blame, nor harboring hatrid towards the entire race because of it. If that were the case hon, we’d have no choice but to hate half of our own as well…..then, where exactly does the hate end.

I understand the points you are making here, I only hope you also can somehow understand mine.

Hope all stays well with you and yours.

By AM

September 12, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

don’t think an invasion of our sovereignty has anything to do with racism. It has to do with breaking our immigration laws and our politicians that actually endorse it. They illegals don’t want to melt in the melting pot, nor should they have the opportunity. As I see them they are “lawbreakers”. Because business has control of our politicians they let them get away with breaking our laws with no consequences for their actions. They have no respect for our country or the people of this country. The ill effects they cause is too long to list and as far as doing Job Americans wont do is a lot of BS. Americans have always done these jobs in the past. They are here to lower the bar for the American worker. The charity they receive is offset by the taxpayer. We struggle daily to provide a decent life for our families and to have them compete with us for lower paying jobs is not right. DEFENDING LAWBREAKERS IS NOT RIGHT. IF EVERY LEGAL AMERICAN BROKE THE LAW, WITH NO CONSEQUENCES, FOR A BETTER LIFE WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY AND PEOPLE WOULD WE BECOME.

By Thisishilarious

September 13, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

Not every immigrant breaks the law AM. That is like saying every American is law-biding and honorable! I have concurred that there are the illegal people that have no concern for us or our laws. I do not condone this behavior, but the ones that ARE legal, and merely want a better life, are NOT to blame.

The hatrid you people hold is eventually going to come around and bite you. Some of these immigrants pay taxes and dues just like you or I! There is no way to stop the change, and holding an entire race accountable for the actions of a few is absurd. If you are that worried about losing your job to a LEGAL immigrant, then do something about it. Go and fight for that job like everybody else! Do you mean to tell me that an American, knowing there are American people that need this work would hire an illegal immigrant to perform duties? They cannot be bonded or insured! What American in their right mind would take that risk and take food out of the mouth of their own? The only jobs we are losing, are the ones we now feel we are too good to perform! And for the record, we let them take those jobs as we have moved on. Don’t blame the lackadaisical actions of a few Americans on the ability of these people to come and steal your jobs. It is not feasible nor is it accurate! If you want to keep the dirt digging, yard cleaning, job-site bathroom cleaning jobs these people hold, then have at it! I chose to stay in school, and get the job I wanted, a job that no illegal could possible get! With an education, the sky is the limit, be it in America, or anywhere else for that matter! My advice to you is to help raise the bar of the American children of today, and help them help themselves by staying in school to become something other than an individual that has to fight for a job that most of us do not want anyway.

I love my country just as much as anyone here, and will not stand for someone illegally obtaining and abusing the privileges, and charity of our great nation! But what I also will not stand for is people that are biased, from this country, that are supposed to be representing the American people, and what we have to offer, acting in such a manner that is rude, and putting a bad taste in the mouths of another type of people. We have plenty to offer here in America, and learning the cultures, and beliefs of others has a lot to offer us! Stop being so close minded to change and let’s work together to in fact make this ONE NATION under God and stop the segregation! We should know, as far as we have come in that department, that hate will never pay at the end of the day. I firmly believe that!

I wish you all well.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 13, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Thisishilarious

I believe people are against ILLEGAL immigration, not immigration. It is a well traveled road that this country was build by people who immigrated to this country. The US has an immigration policy, that by the way has limits per any one ethnic group per year that is allowed to immigrate to this country. The US as well as say, Mexico had the forethought to not want to be “invaded” by any other country and to keep the mix of people here equally represented. The influx of illegals here from Latino countries is certainly causing havox in that policy arena.

The only real hatred I see on this thread (not withstanding strong opinons) is Storm. I haven’t read each and every post but the ones I have read want our laws enforced. They do not want to be peacefully invaded by another country and they want reasonable and available school and medical services for their US Citizen families and others who have come to this country legally.

IF the US immigration policy were enforced, the diverse mix of people here would grow in a manageable manner as expected and planned for. Illegals from any country and I now read that since the Hispanics have been so successful at thumbing their noses at our laws, we now have a very noticiable rise in Indian illegal immigration. Who in their right mind would not want to live here. So if one country or group walks away from the laws unchecked, the world is watching and soon, if not now as we speak, those from other countries will do the same.

Unless the US enforces its laws eventually people from all over the world will flood here and the “better life” that everyone seems to this is the magnet to this country (personally I think that better live translates to “free services and being above the citizens law) will no longer be available. Our natural recourses will dry up, our social programs including education will be on a first come first serve bases. I don’t recall where I read it exactly but a study was completed that concluded that if we continued to grow at the rate we are and people continued to have the large families that now seems to the the trend, we would have to build one school every day to accomodate children in public schools. This is not going to happen. There must be a balance, like it or not, between the poor and the middle class and the rich. If this country is primarily poor, we will soon become the new Mexico (as an example.) Do the math, look at our national budget. It is clear that immigration cannot go unchecked regardless of the personalities of the people who wish to come here. I wish to win the lottery and not have to work two jobs to pay my bills but the chances of that are slim. The US cannot save the world and Iraq is a prime example of that.

By AM

September 13, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

To: thisishilarious; I am not afraid of myself competing with illegals. I own my own business and I am doing well. AGAIN WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT IMMIGRANTS AS YOU KEEP GOING BACK TO. I am speaking of ILLEGAL (that was the name of the article). Again they have broke our immigration law and should not be here period. They are here to supply cheap labor to greedy businesses who will never pass the saving to you or me. Why do you think they live 4 families to a house in a single family neighborhood? Or worse yet 6 grown men to a house? Would you like your young daughter to be subjected to illegals that stare her down and cant speak a lick of English so you could talk to them. They don’t cut their grass trim their bushes, they have garage sales every Sat. or they did). There are many more instances that I don’t have time to get into. If you are such an advocate for them you should move to Mexico, where the majority of them are from, and help them with their country. However I think you have a self serving motive! Time to go work to pay taxes so they can freeload and continue breaking our laws!

By Thisishilarious

September 13, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

What “self-serving”motive could I possibly have AM?? Once again I will reiterate my position on ILLEGALS as you put it! I believe I also agreed with you on this point. So, if legals aren’t your problem, then why the response, if we agree??? I am an advocate for the LEGAL, law-biding, tax-paying people, so your immature comment on my going to Mexico or having a “self-serving motive” not only shows your pure ignorance, but was hardly provoked or required!

You own your own business, and that is great. You sound like you have no worries. I am sure you will never hire an illegal, nor would any other true American business owner right? Then how are they stealing jobs and working illegally?? If the people here illegally cannot find work, then how can they live 4 families to a unit? I ask you that. Sounds like your issue is not with me, as I agreed on your illegal issues, sounds like you need to direct your aggravated issues to the people that give them the work, and the means to “freeload and continue breaking our laws!” as you blatantly put it.

I was clear on my opinions, and where I stand here. Seems you are the ONLY person that fails to see it. Maybe you need to focus on making your business successful, and leave the debating to those of us who are open to all opinions, as well as rebuttals therein. Your petty and immature “name calling” is, at best, reaching to prove a point that was already proven and agreed to in previous paragraphs.

Get over it already!

By Thisishilarious

September 13, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Oh and Marjorie, I totally agree with you, except the hatred I see comes from all around here.

I would like to think that we are all on the same page where illegals are concerned, but if you read within the posts you will see that the hate is generalized, and directed at immigrants in general. Only after provocation did Storm rebut with the same harsh words. His initial post was right on the money. Some people cannot intelligently speak the points that they make so they result to name calling, and harsh words. I speak from facts I read, and draw my opinions from same. Just as I am sure each and everyone here has as well.

Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, and should not be faulted for such!

By Thisishilarious

September 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

A thought for those who simply cannot see through the hatred to find kindness:

**Be kinder than necessary,

For everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly…….

Leave the rest to God

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…

It’s about learning to dance in the rain.**

Find the happiness in every day.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 13, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

We apparently agree on much. However, on my worst day I would not, nor have not, wished diseases or the such horrible examples of hatred as Strom does to some on this blog. I think as a minimum, adults agree to disagree with posture and dignity. He or she may be right in many respects but lost my attention as he or she (I don’t know the gender of Storm)started name calling and wishing bad events on some other posters. So now whether Storm is right or wrong, I don’t read his/her posts. The level of his or her ability to distinquish between racism and a concerned citizen wanting the laws enforced are not evident. To call me a redneck and demean my educational cretis is a prime example. HA HA nothing could be further from the truth. If Storm lived next door to me he would see a LEGAL Latino man with a construction license getting paid very well for construction work at my house, my sister would bring her lesbian girlfriend for lunch, my daugher her LEGAL Mexican husband and two LEGAL children over for visits and my niece would bring her black husband in from out of town for speical holidays. My neighborhood is a very friendly one composed of Asian, Black, Caucasian, Hispanic and Italian people. We all get along and have no issues with one another on any level. So I have to grin that although there are those who are just passionate about profiling, that just because I am against illegal immigration I’m instantly tagged a racist and a redneck.

I have to be against illegal immigration. I belive in law. I belive in safety for our citizens. I believe in this country but fear it has become so political correct that pleasing everyone all of the time is impossible. People are taking to the streets because our government has not been effective in enforcing our laws. That may result in more and more heated demonstrations which can lead to loss of lives or legal action agains what would otherwise be good people. I’m all for a reasonable change in law to accomodate legal immigration and work visas for those who wish to work but not live here permanently. I don not believe in mob mentality nor do I appreciate seeing the streets full of people with signs indicating my country is not really mine and that I (not them) should leave. I don’t appreciate seeing the flags of other countries flown over these domonstration events as if they have successfully invaded a country and are marching through the streets as victors of a war. I don’t think they did themselves any good when that happened, but hey I’m not part of the LaRaza organization or others who would lead them, but I would have advised a much different approach.

Just because US citizens are talked about as lazy I really don’t think they will let go of their country easily. It would be nice if the illegals would return to their homeland and put half as much passion into changing the home country they say they love so much but cannot afford to live there.

Have a good day.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 13, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

And Storm, I agree. My boo hoo story of poverty in my early years has no place in this political debate. My apoogies. With this said, lets not hear any more boo hoo stories about people who come here for a “better life.” Let’s keep to the facts. They are either here legally and welcome, or they are here illegally and they are not welcome.

Good idea. We’ll leave the “personal” out of this and stick to the facts. Thanks.

By ungabunga

September 13, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

The illegals are NOT “illegals,” they are Conquistadores for MEXICO. They are here to reclaim their land and then some! Watch out, white boys!

By Marjorie Robinson

September 13, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

ungabunga, I’m not sure why you would only caution “white boys” to watch out. I imagine there will be many causualties of many races invovled with this in the end.

By Mike

September 14, 2007 4:25 AM | Link to this

Our borders are open and their is an agenda. We are being pushed towards a North American Union make no mistake about it. The border just opened up to 100 Mexico trucking companies who made their first trip from Mexico to SC yesterday. If you think we’re not being intergrated you are sadly misinformed. (and you have the bought and paid for mainstream media to thank for that)

By stanley

September 14, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

This is in response to Alice’s September 8 comment - if you think illegals are reluctant to apply for benefits, please come to Morristown, Tennessee. You can’t get into the social security office, the emergency room of the hospital, the school system, or anything else that is “free” - that is, free to the illegals, not to me a working, taxpaying citizen. Every line i Walmarts is full of Mexicans all using their food stamp “credit card” looking card, but paying cash for beer and acting like they don’t understand anything the cashier is saying - except they sure know how to apply for and receive every entitlement our liberal government has available. So it would be best if you crawled out from under that tree that you are apparently hid under and face the facts - illegals use our entitlement system as their primary source of income while working for cash in the communities.

By Ryan

September 14, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

A question for all those who have submitted their thoughts & to all that will submit their thoughts:

What would YOU do if YOU were them?

By Ryan

September 14, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I have a solution to everyone’s problem. It’s a proposal I plan to send to my Congressmen & State Senators, as well as my State government officials, to correct all of which is debated so intensely. I will strive to do the impossible…make everyone happy.

By tp

September 14, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Be careful what you wish for folks. If the mexicans suddenly left southern gwinnett, it wouldn’t be white folks replacing them. Think you got problems now..hahaha

By Alexis

September 14, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Ryan…are you going to share your proposal with us?

By Marjorie Robinson

September 14, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

What would YOU do if YOU were them?

Actually I would do the same thing I am doing now. I would fight for change in my own country. I would not run across the Canadian border illegally, steal someone’s identity, work for slave labor wages (although that is somewhat passe’ as they have infiltrated the construction industry where the pay is reasonably good,) I would NOT have children I could not support and I would not treat the host country I stole into like they owed me.

That’s what I would do. I would stay put, fight for political and social change in my own country, like many many many people do. Because they chose not to, they have forced the American people to do just that in this country at the cost of billions of dollars.

There is no way anyone can make what the illegals have done right. It just isn’t going to happen.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 14, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

And…I would be a citizen to vote and support the US helping them achieve social and political change.

The US is supposedly doing that in Iraq where success is doubtful. We should have focused our engery to our neighbor Mexico and helped these people gain in their own country. Instead off we went to Iraq, and as we left we left the back door open to politically “silently” invite people from Mexico to this country by not enforcing our immigration laws.

The political and social change in Iraq is questionable and still Mexico continues to treat their poor like dirt by giving them a map to the US for help. Mexico is rich and there is absolutely no reason whatsoever their people should have to come to the US for a better life. They just need to have the guts to stay in their country and fight for what is right. Otherwise, we might as well invade Mexico and take it over and make it a part of the US. The way it stands now, just the opposite is happening. The Mexicans have “occupied” our country and we are paying for them to do it. Great plan!! Kudos to the Mexican government.

By RH

September 14, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Marjorie Robinson, well put. Its hard for most people to see it that way unfortunitely. They just do not have the mental capacity or do not want to think about it enough to put more thought other than calling someone a racist. People need to learn how to think before they speak.

By Mike

September 14, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Complain, complain, complain. I bet not one of you is actually doing anything about the problem.

I serioulsy suggest you check out Ron Paul for president and do something more than flame message boards while our country vanishes before our very eyes.

By Mike

September 14, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

North American Union

go google it now

By Marjorie Robinson

September 14, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

RH, I’m not easily baited but I assure you I do more than share my options with other on message boards or blogs. Quite a lot more by communicating strongly with my goverment representatives and mostly ensureing to the best of my knowledge that the people I hire are in this country legally. Other than that, there is only taking to the streets and we aren’t at that point as yet. When and if we come to that point, rest assured I will be there along with other Americans who value their country.

By Jorge Taco

September 15, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Two things we can definitley blame on the illegal fruitpickers..

1.The dumbing down of America to mexicos third world standards

By Marjorie Robinson

September 16, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

News just in. A woman with 4 children last Sunday in Los Gatos Ca (a town nearby) was crushed while loading her son’s bicycle in the back of her car by a drunk illegal. Get this, as usual, he had already been cited for DUI and was driving on a suspended drivers license. One has to wonder how he got the drivers licence to begin with since he is illegal and then of course why at his first court date he was not deported. Now this woman of 4 may loose at least one of her legs and of course this thug has no insurance, no way of helping the family pay the expensive hospital bills and the most we as a country can offer her and her family is “this is a nice guy only here for the better life.” This is a worn out now ignored politically ideal which is proving to be deadly for many Americans.

By J.Wallace

September 16, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

If any of you have been following this debate you are aware of Hazleton Pa,and its continuing fight against illegals and the ACLU. A little history for those of you who don’t know. For the last 8-10 years the illegal population in Hazleton has exploded to as many as 8 - 10 thousand or as much as 1/3 of the city, with no increase in tax revenue. The ESL program went from 500.00 a year in 2000 to 1.2 million in 2006. Classroom overcrowding has made the construction of several new schools a certainty, who pays, not the illegals they are all working off the books. However what begain the Mayor’s fight was a long time resident of Hazleton went to his truck early one morning and was shot in the head by 2 illegals from the DR. After a mistake by the local police, the DA or ICE all the wittnesses were deported and refused to return to appear in court, the men could not be tried for murder and 1 was deported the other is going to be tried for attempted murder for a stabbing just 2 weeks before. Just 3 days ago another alien from the DR used a little girls head as a baseball ( his 5 year old daughter ) She made him angry when she begged him to ” stop hitting mommie ” with the same baseball bat both were life flighted. The mother will make it the fate of the little girl as I write this is still uncertain. He claims to have a green card but no one has been able to find it so legal or illegal, who knows. There was a very large drug bust in Hazleton just 2 weeks ago many of them were illegal or had green cards. The two police officers shot in New York early in the summer killing one. The man who did the shooting fled NY to ( you guessed it ) Hazleton …bar fights…drunk driving, id theft, stalking, theft car theft all these stories have made the news in local area all by illegals. Yet we continue to be told they are just here doing the jobs we won’t do and their harmless….REALLY… google these illegal alien kills … or …. illegal alien murders …or ….. illegal alien rapes….now convince me its a no harm no foul crime

By Mary A.

September 16, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

I am new to this discussion. I got here following links on THIS discussion: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2007/09/13/hispanics1_0914.html

Anybody care to take a look at the picture and tell me what you think of what I’ve seen some on here call “helpless” and “defenseless”? Check out the shirt first of all. This is the U.S.A. and we speak English. But that’s not the big thing, even though most Americans are really tired of having the spanish language shoved down our throats. Check out the flags in the back of this…I won’t call her what I’m thinking…twit’s store. Once again, we see the American flag flown upside down. I don’t advocate violence in most cases, but if I lived anywhere NEAR this store, I’d rip that mexican rag off the back wall, place our own RIGHT SIDE UP, as it should be and run that twit out of the country on a rail. And, quite frankly, I don’t CARE who disagrees with me or what RICK says.

By filthywetback

September 16, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

the problem is the wetback vermin has no intention of assimilation and, like every other parasite, has no problem turning its host into a fetid, festering mass of filth.

look at mexico.

but libz would have you welcome the “values” the wetback brings: pedophilia, DUI, violent crime, drugs, corruption…all the fundamental lib core values.

By Mary A.

September 16, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

And, quite honestly, it’s people like you who keep some Americans divided. I am what was traditionally considered a Liberal, but I’m totally against this illegal alien invasion and do everything I can on a daily basis to stop it. This is an AMERICAN problem, not a politically divided one at all. Pedophilia and all the other crimes you listed are hardly “lib core values”.

By Mary A.

September 16, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

And, quite honestly, it’s people like you who keep some Americans divided. I am what was traditionally considered a Liberal, but I’m totally against this illegal alien invasion and do everything I can on a daily basis to stop it. This is an AMERICAN problem, not a politically divided one at all. Pedophilia and all the other crimes you listed are hardly “lib core values”.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 16, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

This from the World Daily Net on November 2006. Intersting that this is not a current subject. I suppose since we quit identifying illegals as problems, this information is not provided often.

Illegal aliens murder 12 Americans daily Death toll in 2006 far overshadows total U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq, Afghanistan

By Marjorie Robinson

September 16, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

I just heard the first radio broadcast about the local woman who is in the hospital with crushed legs due to a drunk illegal. The entire segment mentioned NOTHING about the person who did this to her being drunk or illegal.

Tell me the illegals do not have the goverment and the MEDIA in their back pocket. Daddy LaRaza must have stepped in to hush this up.

By George U.

September 16, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Illegals indeed have not only messed up Gwinnett County. Ever been to Gainesvilles, GA?? Looks like GA’s East LA. However now with GA’s new laws, I have seen impacts already and just read of how much GA’s immigration laws are impacting illegals. It is clean up time, GA!

Illegals bring in poverty, crime, drugs and disease. Look at the history of the cities of Miami and LA. They have turned those once paradises into drug-n-thug hellholes. GA’s new laws will prevent Georgia into becoming the next LA and Miami.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 17, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Good for you and Ga. George. I wish you much success. Unfortunately in California, the illegals pretty much have our local goverment sewed up. too many farms count on the cheap labor. I should have seen this coming 25 years ago when my daughter got hit by a carload of illegals and the police did nothing. I ultimately had to take the car (totaled) off as a tax write off and pay the hospital bills myself. I thought “how can this be?” Figuring it was an isolated, bad luck, incident, little did I know that this invasion had already began and the loosers were going to be all Californians who would ultimately pay the outrageous medical and educational and lack of insurance out of pocket bills for what? Getting a head of lettuce or a roof cheaper. This just simply doesn’t make sense. Do the math for pity sakes. They need to be deported with their children and re-enter the USA legally with some dignity. Oh oh and plan on becoming Americans. Is that too much to ask?

By George U.

September 17, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Vote Tancredo or Ron Paul in ‘08 to stop the invasion. And most of all, stop this amnesty Bill, the Dream Act Bill the Senate is voting on this week. Get those faxes and phone calls going to blast those traitors who support amnesty.

By joyce

September 17, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

George U and Marjorie Robinson I agree with you both people do not understand what you are saying trust me I lived it I am originally from Miami raised there was there when the influx of cubans came the government set up a freedom tower for all immigrants to get a check when leaving the boat okay take 10-15 family members all get check put money together and live in one house now they have taken the city corrupt government have spent all te hud money no help have illegal people running government areas that were thriving for caucasians,afro-americans,legal immigrants from russia or whereever have been taken see I am not calling a race card I am calling it like it is it is impossible to get a job in Miami unless you speak spanish, I was an American Express employee when I left and they had started to get in then, the hospitality industry was taken over by them at that time I could give you history if you let it happen in Ga you will be surprised, I was living in Atlanta my spouse was transferred to Ca I hate it they own Ca lock,stock and barrel have been here 4 years my husband was laid off in in June from a middle management job sales job which he had held in Ga for 10 years because the majority of clients here were hispanic and he could not communicate with them and sales were down Marjorie get this I have a chronic illness have experimental medication have never not had insurance when he was laid off he lost benefits they gave him cobra 775.00/mo can not afford my meds 2100 dollars now get this I am a medicaid biller by professional I know the rules for all states due to company is a well known air-ambulance company so I applied for medicaid for help I am a US citizen been here all my life was told not 62 and do not have any minor kids at home when I started to question worker about the MISP,MIA programs that you given to illegals and the births you bring across the border and the drunk drivers the ambulance carry and call them in a week they have medicaid she got to stuttering I told her I want a hearing and then she tells me I will be denied anyway so I got my friend involved who knoows a legislator and wrote a letter I got a hearing for 9/25 and have all backup Okay Ga better take a look and gang violence will be next trust me.

By Marjorie Robinson

September 17, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this

Interesting about needing to communicate with Spanish spekaing people in business. My daughter has been looking for a job off and on for 2 years. Her maiden last name is a common white name while her married name is a common Hispanic name. She usually goes by her maiden name because one of her children have that same last name. Well for the longest time she was not even called in for interview. So I said, send in your resume using your Hispanic last name. Whoooa. No problem, come in for an interview. Sure enough as soon as they saw she was white, the job position had been filled. Now we’re not talking rocket scientist jobs. Pet Smart, Walmart, etc. Low paying jobs. Forget it. They may have a token white/black/asian here and there but these people want people who are either Hispanic or who can speak easily with Hispanics. Funny, I thought we had got pretty much past all this needing to be a certain color of skin to get a job. Apparaently I’m wrong. Another friend of mine with 20 years in the mortgage loan business got laid off. Another friend called me inquiring about her for a job but informed me she would have to know Spanish fluently. So there you have it. Big business is paving the way for a Spanish speaking nation and English and other languages second. Go to Best Buy. All their sign (as are many stores) are both in Eniglish and Spanish. I wonder when they will drop the English as it being non-American. LOL

By jim d

September 17, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Rick,

I hope you know you caused me a couple of sleepless nights with this topic. After reading the blog Friday I really had a problem sleeping for thoughts of all the people crossing our southern border in the dark of night.

However, it did occur to me that perhaps it isn’t really a Mexican plot at all. But a plot hatched by our neighbors to the north that are setting quietly, watching us focus on the 1,951 miles (3,141 km) of southern borders while they deftly send multitudes from the north to infiltrate our country, wreaking even further havoc on our economy.

I believe we should really focus on the Canadian problem. Think about it, they are able to sneak in undetected in as much as they are Caucasian and generally have a handle on the English language. Well with only one word that would give them away—aye.

Indeed, we should be building a wall along that tranquil line, which snakes 8,891 kilometers or 5,525 miles across North America undefended.

By ASD

September 17, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Mr. Badie, I don’t wish to show any dislike for a certain group of people, but I do dislike my neighbors across the street. There are four men, four women, and at least seven children living in the three bedroom house across the street from me. They play their music so loud that I can hear it all through my house even with the windows closed. We live on a dead end street, and there on only four houses on this street, they take over the street ever weekend playing soccer, kicking the ball into my yard repeatedly and running in and out of my yard at will. The children have gone behind my house and attempted to steal my son’s basketball goal, which is now kept in the house. The children break glass all over the street, throw trash in my yard and the men stare at my daughters, which has made them very uncomfortable with going outside into their own yard. I am afraid to call the police as I am a single mother and I fear retribution from across the street because the men and women across the street try deliberately to intimidate me, by coming out and staring at my house every time something else happens. The oldest boy, who is about 12 or 13 points his BB gun at my 10 year old and pretends to shoot him. I have lived in my home for seven years in peace until the last 3 months when these people, that I am pretty sure are illegal moved in. I don’t wish to blame an entire group of people, but I must tell you since I no longer sleep well at night, can’t work in my yard without being stared at, feel uneasy about these men watching my daughters constantly, and am afraid for my sons. I am angry now and more than a little fed up

By George U.

September 17, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Starting posting those faxes, emails and calls to your Senators. Vote for the so-called Dream Act Amnesty Bill is as early as Wednesday. Go to the site www.NumbersUSA.com and blast those senators to NOT vote for this Bill!!! If this Bill or ANY amnesty Bill passes and gets signed, it’ll change the American landscape FOREVER; crime, drugs, poverty, disease and worst….CIVIL WAR!!

By George U.

September 17, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

THIS IS URGENT, PEOPLE!! This Senate will not stop and we have to continue on fighting them to make our message clear, whatever it takes!! Make those calls and faxes now!! DEFEAT THE DREAM ACT BILL!! Amnesty will change the American landscape forever and will lead to the collaspe of this once great nation!!

By Tigger

September 18, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

This idea of blaming a group for all of the problems is not new, and immigrants are not the only ones to suffer. A few years ago, it was homosexuals who were responsible for all evils in the world, including 9/11. The truth is that hatred and intollerance are more to blame than any single group of people. And our “thought leaders” would rather seek power by telling you who is to blame, than by telling you the truth. Yes, illegale immigrants are breaking the law, much the same as 99% of people driving over the speed limit on the interstate. We all like to think that the sins (or illegal acts) of others are worse than our own. And maybe by pointing at them, we can avoid thinking about our own transgressions. There are no easy answers to the problems that we find ourselves facing. And hate will only make it worse.

By RPH in Roswell

September 18, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

What gets me is the immigration protesters want the right to work here, to be granfathered in on the green card path (preferably w/out going home to do the paperwork), then can someone explain to my WHY they held up their own countries flag and not the stars/stripes? If they want to stay here to work, then try showing it.

For that alone…they can bloody well GO HOME and get in line behind the folks who are trying to get here legally. IF they dont like there, they know how to go get back home.

By master

September 18, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Rick Barbie is just another silly want to be writer or just a lot of hot air. Why dont Rick move into my old subdivision and in Lawrenceville.Once a beautiful mix subivision is now gone to the dogs. I was one of the first to move out thank God. Hispanics still think they are in south america’s whem they move into this couintry.The first hispanic moved into the subivision piant thier house pink.The second parked four yellow carpet claening vans in the driveway and park thier personal cars in the road way.The third parked six trucks in front the house and had trhe construction crew living in the garage.Home owners around the third home were complaining about the killing of chickens in the back and the guys throwing the insides of the chikens over the fence. The fouth house they parked a large yellow moving van in the driveway.ThankGod I had forsight and put my house on the market and sold before all these issues came up.Two weeks after I sold my house I got a call for the Purchaser asking me what going on in the neighborhood.My neighbor sold his house the same day as me and the it was purchae by an hispanic family. the family that bought my house told me that the house next door had at least 20 hispanic guys on the sidewalk of the subivision in front of this house every morning. This question is for Rick Babie how would you feel if you had kids and they had to walk to the bus stop ever morning with 20 strange men? Rick find something else to squirt about . Yor proving yourself to be an idiot on this subject.

By jim d

September 18, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Rick,

Ever wonder how many of these hate speech bloggers are 100% Native American or of Native American descent? One can’t help but ask how these folks came to be in the USA.

By master

September 18, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Belive me I dont hate hispanics,but we all have to learn to blend in with the cultures we met here.

By jim d

September 18, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Yeah right,

Couldn’t help but notice you blended your a* right out of the neighborhood.