Duluth.Talk

By Chuck

April 17, 2007 4:59 AM | Link to this

He already broke at least one law, long before he hit you. No doubt you did the right thing, wish our government would.

By Lee

April 17, 2007 5:27 AM | Link to this

For the local and state police to say that illegall immigration is a federal crime and therefore, they can’t do anything about it is the biggest cop out (pun intended) of all time.

Translation: “We can’t figure out how to make money off illegal immigration, therefore, we ignore it.”

You and I roll through a Stop sign at 3mph, that’s about a $100 in the bank. To detain and deport an illegal, probably costs thousands to process them.

I’ve got an idea, for each illegal the state and local governments catch, how about the federal government pay them $5000. They can pay for it by taking the money away from the BILLIONS we send Mexico and South American countries in foreign aid.

You’re very lucky the guy had insurance. Many illegals don’t.

By catlady

April 17, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this

Teachers don’t “decide” whether to teach the children of illegal immigrants (or Sonny-bubba’s bratty kids, either). We are charged with teaching all comers. Me, I will take the children of illegals (most of whom, around here, are American citizens, being born here) over the Sonny Bubbas any day—better behaved, more respectful, harder working, sometimes higher achieving.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

1) You don’t really have the time and I don’t won’t to write a 1,000 pages of dialog just to introduce you to how I feel about illegal immigration, illegal aliens and those who support and sympathize with illegal immigration and illegal aliens.

2) You did about all you could Bill.

3) If you are wrong, it is only in being too kind and all gracious. You should be absolutely stark raving livid!!! Remember the movie line: I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore. Well, that would be a nice place to start in preparation.

4) 2008 is an election year Bill. I hope you will join many of us who are far, far beyond past “FED UP” with bought off politicians who have no spine to rid this country of illegal aliens, illegal immigrations and these Un-American, anti-American worker, so-called guest worker programs.

5) Oh, and if you do Bill, God will bless you sir, and some American will thank you from the very bottom of his bank account. And his family will probably thank you even more.

By chuck

April 17, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

I heard O’Reilly the other night talking about how he is in favor of deporting ILLEGAL aliens who have committed CRIMES. Wouldn’t that be all of them?

By KA

April 17, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

A priest sideswiped my husband on I-85 several years ago. Hispanic, no license, no insurance, and he lived in Dalton. He was ticketed, we reported it to our insurance company, and then we got a call from the Catholic Archdiocese office and they said he was covered under their policy…. I am Catholic and this really irritates me that my church is facilitating this invasion.

By deegee

April 17, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

The police were called, the guy got a ticket and the insurance company is processing the claim. It was a traffic offense and it was handled as a traffic offense. No one was hurt, your life will go on so move on. Did it ever occur to you that the guy is probably working his butt off day and night? If he is here illegally it’s because he can’t come here legally and work.

The American people want you to play by the rules but the American government makes the rules that say you can’t play.

By Jeff

April 17, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Michael:

Cehck out Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado). He’s running for President in 08, but the mainstream media doesn’t like him. (Check out his positions - particularly regarding immigration and education - and you’ll see why….)

By Bill Allen

April 17, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

It absolutely occurred to me that he was probably working his butt off day and night. That’s what brought me to write about this to begin with.

He was a nice guy, on his way to work. If he had been paying (so many of us do this on a regular basis), he would have seen me and all of this would have been avoided. I don’t want to cause problems for a guy who wants to make a better living.

Hypothetically speaking, though (because I don’t know for a fact that he was here illegally) if the situation were reversed, and I was involved in an accident in, say, Monterrey Mexico, and I didn’t have a passport or a license on me, I would be more worried about the Mexican jail than I would be at being deported to the U.S.

This worked out okay for me, but what about for those who aren’t as lucky?

Many thanks, by the way, to Major Woodruff and Mrs. Furmans of the City of Duluth Police Department for their assistance in providing information to me about this article.

By Unclebuck

April 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

The exact same thing happen to me on Jimmy Carter Blvd. The guy begged me not to call the cops but I proceeded to do so. He had no driver license but did have insurance. The cops let him go. If that had been this white boy with No drivers License, would I have gotten off so easy?

By KBB

April 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Our laws are our laws. If we feel our laws are unjust let’s work to change them ~ We should discourage ignoring them and/or breaking them. Obviously this gentleman, illegal or not, tried to show his respect and appreciation for being as he spoke American. If more illegal Latino’s did this perhaps the divide we are seeing would lessen.

Catlady - you must be a vested government paid teacher… Rather than inspire the children of “Bubba” you reject them for the path of least resistance.

By A Customer

April 17, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Even if a van full of ICE (Immigration agents) would have rolled up behind youi they probably wouldn’t have done anything. They don’t deport people simply for being illegal. They don’t deport people for being illegal and committing minor crimes (i.e. failing to yeild). Give the guy a ticket, let him pay his fine and move on with life. As long as I enjoy paying a $1.59 for a 10 pound bag of potatoes and a dozen eggs for a dollar I’ll leave hard working immigrants alone. Once we get folks living in public housing whose family hasn’t worked in a couple of generations up and productive, I’ll worry about some poor farm or agriculture worker.

By Dave

April 17, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

We are all lawbreakers. Due to the vast array of petty laws on the books, its hard not to break a law just in your daily routine. So this begs the question about which laws do we allow ourselves to break. If you use your moral compass, its an easy one. In your situation, I would have let him pay me cash and would have not bothered to call the police. He was kind and contrite and in my book that goes a long way. The macro issue of illegal immigration and politics addresses the big picture. But in this situation, its a person who is making the most out of what he has, most likely with family depending upon his hard work. The law is unfair and unjust in many ways and we should use our hearts to decide the proper course of action.

By carolinagirl

April 17, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Bill, you did the right thing. You followed the law, he didn’t. Regardless of whether the guy was an illegal immigrant or not, he didn’t have a license. His problem, not yours.

KBB have you heard the saying “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink”? I’m not a teacher and you couldn’t pay me enough money to be one because people expect them to not only teach children but to also be their parents as well. “Bubba” needs to step up to the plate and take an interest in his children’s education and behavior instead of relying on someone else to do it. He helped make the kids so they are his responsibility. If he taught them manners, how to respect others, and the importance of an education then the school could focus on teaching the kids instead of dealing with their behavior issues.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Here’s another nice guy Bill I’d like you to meet. His name is Billy Inman. I’m sure he’s worked his butt off too. Meet his wife, her name is Kathy. She remains in a wheelchair to this very day as far as I know. At least she was when I literally meet her a protest rally against Sam Zamarripa’s bank that caters to illegal aliens. I will not forget the pain I seen in Cathy’s eyes as I shook her hand in greetings. That pain was emerging from a mother’s broken heart. Unfortunately you likely will never meet their son, at least not on this side of the grave. His name is Dustin. Just click the link on the top left hand corner of the page:

Who was Dustin Inman?

By Grumpy

April 17, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Most insurance policies will not cover accidents involving unlicensed drivers. Take a look at your own policy. The insurance companies are making millions selling policies to Illegals, and then refusing claims. I know of an illegal who had a two year old expired license from Washinton state, who had moved to Ga. and had a new policy from Progressive in his name. How do you get insurance with NO license?

By Bryant

April 17, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

I don’t fault any human being seeking to better themselves or their families. Most ileagals in this country come here out of poverty and with no education. They come here to better themselves. they work hard and they try to better the lives of their families. Instead of judging these people and often soeaking with racist rhetoric about them in the name of your so called immigrastion reform, you should actually do something if you feel it is such a problem. Out of the three of you racist biggots on here that speak so poorly of illeagals(which you all really mean Mexican’s), how many of you have actually written your congressman, and senators to try and change our immigration policy? You are also the same people who complain if your taxes get raised to pay for better initiatives to help control our borders. You are also the same people who probably thinks the whole world owes you something. I happen to know several illeagals in this country. They work seven days a week, go to church, send their children to school, helped out Katrina victims, and are basically trying to better their lives and their children. How can you fault someone for trying to make a better life for their children?

Your families were once immigrants. Did they follow all the rules? Did they come here leagally. Unless you know for sure you should watch what you say.

Your problem is you stereotype and generalize without knowing the people you speak of personally and their situation.

Bill reacted as any normal person in that situation would do and he did what he had to do. Most of you on the other hand hand never had a true situation involving an illeagal immigrant. Until then, stop your useles rehtoric.

By Jtw

April 17, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Bill,

Regardless of the other person’s status, legal or otherwise, You absolutely did the right thing by reporting the accident. You protected yourself. I was in a similar situation, was ‘nice’ about, and got shafted later for it when the damage was more extensive then expected…

The officer responding to the accident will issue a ticket, which assigns blame to the offending party, giving you a much stronger stance when dealing with the insurance companies. If I’m not at fault, then I will always, always call them, no matter how minor the accident seems, and make sure I get an accurate copy of the incident report…

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Someone said on this blog that God will bless you? For what? Kicking one of his children out of your so called country? Get real. Just about everyone in this country is a product of illegal immigration. I know the Native Americans wish they had illegal immigration laws (and capital punishment for murders.) If we get rid of all the “illegal aliens”, who is going to build your businesses and homes? If you didn’t have slaves, who would have built this country? Americans are so self-absorbed. Get over yourselves you hypocrites. If you got rid of all the “illegal aliens”, the American economy would come to a hault because not many people would want to do the jobs that they do. Good luck on that one. God Bless America.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Deegee:

Who cares if he is working his butt off and who cares if he (and the majority of the developing world’s citizens) can’t come here legally. You seem to forget the millions waiting for years after spending perhaps thousands of dollars all over the world for their immigrant visas.

Should we give a pass to “hard working Mexicans” simply because the US happens to share a border with Mexico?

If the US is going to allow open borders for Mexicans, shouldn’t it allow open borders for all?

You understand that no country in the world—including Mexico—would allow its immigration laws to be violated in such a manner—that is save one—the United States.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry Bill, I went off on a tangent and didn’t answer your question. Yes you did the right thing, not because he may have been an “illegal” though.

By Um...

April 17, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Maybe he didn’t want the insurance company involved. Many people offer to pay claims on sight so that their insurance premiums don’t go up.

If he had not been spanish, the same offer could have been made to you. It’s a little disheartening you automatically assumed his issue was his immigration status.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Bryant:

I am sure the majority of people in Bangledesh would like to come to the US to work hard and make a better life for themselves too—should the US allow all of them in as well—there are only 147 million of them?

And actually Bryant, most people that have immigrated to the US came here legally—Ellis Island ring a bell? And since 65% of all illegal aliens—an illegal alien is not an immigrant, undocumented or otherwise-it makes sense to focus on the core of the problem.

And if I am a racist—I guess that is news to my legal immigrant spouse. And please tell me when “illegal alien” or “Mexican” became a race—I must have missed that when I majored in anthropology all those years ago.

By deegee

April 17, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Akagi, Thanks for recognizing the unique attribute that Mexico shares with the U.S. and that is the land border. Mexicans can walk here in pursuit of jobs and have been doing so for the last 60+ years. You also recognize that the disparity of wealth and job opportunities between Mexico and the U.S. tends to make enforcement of Mexican immigration policy more robust than that of the U.S. In other words, we need them more here than they need us there.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Bryant - I can appreciate your passion for illegal immigrants. This is not about Mexican illegal’s - it’s about all illegal’s. It doesn’t matter the country of origin - illegal is illegal. Still, the person who hit Bill put forth the effort to have insurance and learn the language of the U.S.A. - American English. Perhaps the divide would be smaller if more illegal’s would learn the language of the country they have chosen to reside in. Millions of people are entering this country for what it has to offer ~ legally and illegally. Simple things would make it easier - starting with learning the language. Respect of the American culture and way of life is up there with “things to learn”. Please don’t get in my face about how hard working some generic someone is… it just drives the wedge a bit deeper and broadens the divide. Screaming and pointing fingers isn’t the answer. Offer a viable solution. Vote. Teach English or American culture to an immigrant. Be part of something positive rather than pointing out all the negatives. My sympathy runs low when someone has been here for several years yet has not bothered to learn our language - The woman in Chicago hiding in the church asking for help on national news - her son was born in the U.S.A. 8 years ago… she’s appealing for help… in non-English.

By sharon

April 17, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Amen Bryant.

By deegee

April 17, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Jane, that was cute. Where in your English studies did you learn the phrase “non-english”? She was speaking in Spanish.

By fd

April 17, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

here is one for you, i’m spanish male , been legal for about 15 years now,this white male run a red light and me,we were only going about 15 miles per hour, come to find out the man was drunk,but very nice (i thought)the cop talk to him and then ask me if i want it to prees chargesi told him no cuze he seems pretty nice probably just had one to many.so we let him go.a month later i was at court defending myself becouse he suit me

By William

April 17, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand your angst. The other guy was clearly at fault for the accident, and you did exactly what anyone else ought to have done in the same situation. Whether or not he was in this country illegally is immaterial, especially if he did have auto insurance, which you said he did.

I am dismayed that you assumed he was an illegal based solely upon his foreign accent. Could it possibly have been that he wanted to avoid further marks on his driving record? Your assumptions sadly confirm, for me, the cynical, xenophobic attitudes that are taking over this country- or are merely being exposed. I hope, however, that I am wrong in my assumptions.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Japan has a pretty robust economy as does Taiwan, last I checked they enforce their immigration laws.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Hi deegee, Since I don’t speak Mexican, Spanish, etc. I felt the best way to address it was to call it what it wasn’t - English. Last time I used the term Spanish for what someone was speaking I was corrected and told it was Mexican… Heck - it’s just Non-English to me.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Jane, the person who told you they were speaking Mexican is an idiot. There are different dialects in Spanish from different Spanish speaking countries. Do we speak American or English?

By fd

April 17, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

you are all wrong…we all speak spanish is just different way to espress ourself depending what country you are from

By Bryant

April 17, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Akaji,

The point is that there is already a population of illeagals here from all nationalities. The White House has proposed a plan to deal with the current population. Congress has yet to try and tackle the issue. I cannot degrade anyone who has come here to better themselves regardless of what country they came from. Ellis island may have been the doorway to millions of people but that is not to say millions more came illeagally.

We need to stop with all the hate and find a true solution because thinking we have the tax dollars to round up and deport millions of people because they did not follow the correct pathway here is absurd.

I think we need to start being more considerate of all people in this country. I have a hard time sending a family back to a place where there is no opportunity. If they made it here, we should work with them to educate and make them a leagal part of our society rather than condemn them.

Our system will never be perfect but until we take true measures to correct the issues we will have to be tolerent of the growing pains of immigration.

I have traveled all over the world educating the less fortunate and working to make their societies better places for them so don’t have to leave behind their homelands in hopes of better lives.

I have worked with my politicians for a viable plan that fixes our immigration policies yet makes accomadations for the millions already here. I have volunteered, I have voted, I have written countless letters.

what have you done other than spew hatred?

By Bryant

April 17, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Akaji,

The point is that there is already a population of illeagals here from all nationalities. The White House has proposed a plan to deal with the current population. Congress has yet to try and tackle the issue. I cannot degrade anyone who has come here to better themselves regardless of what country they came from. Ellis island may have been the doorway to millions of people but that is not to say millions more came illeagally.

We need to stop with all the hate and find a true solution because thinking we have the tax dollars to round up and deport millions of people because they did not follow the correct pathway here is absurd.

I think we need to start being more considerate of all people in this country. I have a hard time sending a family back to a place where there is no opportunity. If they made it here, we should work with them to educate and make them a leagal part of our society rather than condemn them.

Our system will never be perfect but until we take true measures to correct the issues we will have to be tolerent of the growing pains of immigration.

I have traveled all over the world educating the less fortunate and working to make their societies better places for them so don’t have to leave behind their homelands in hopes of better lives.

I have worked with my politicians for a viable plan that fixes our immigration policies yet makes accomadations for the millions already here. I have volunteered, I have voted, I have written countless letters.

what have you done other than spew hatred?

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

fd, and this is an honest question, was I wrong by saying that there are different dialects depending on what country you are from, but it is all Spanish? The reason I ask is because you said we are all wrong.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Hello AH - I speak American English - To me either is correct. Perhaps I should say I speak Southern American English - that would probably be the most accurate.

By Mark

April 17, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Yes, you did the right thing. I would have planted a joint in the wetback’s car though. He would be going to jail for something……

By fd

April 17, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

the dialects are within the countries……..i’m from peru and there are many dialects but none the same as mexico or any other country

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

VERY WELL PUT BRYANT!

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Jane, you speak English with a Southern dialect. fd, but it is all Spanish, right?

By deegee

April 17, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

The person that said that someone was speaking Mexican was most likely making a joke. We speak English in the U.S. but people from England may joke that we speak American because our English grammar is not exactly the Queen’s English.

Mexicans speak Spanish. Every Latin American country has their own idiomatic differences within the Spanish language but it’s all Spanish.

By fd

April 17, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

the dialects are not……….

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

fd, thanks for educating me, I learn something new everyday. I think I get it, like some people in Louisiana speak in a dialect that is a mixture of English and French?

By Bo

April 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

You should’ve taken the $200 and then called the police.

By fd

April 17, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

yeap….,just like that….

By deegee

April 17, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Bryant, I am with you. I have written letters and marched in support of immigration reform that provides a path to permanent residency and then citizenship for those that have come here to work illegally, only because there was no legal path for them to follow. I have no sympathy for habitual law breakers and have no problem with jailing and deporting them. But I want to legalize those that have taken advantage of the opportunity that this country has provided to them to work and make a better life for themselves and the family that they left behind.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

BIll, Get over it he didn’t kill you. He did what alot of us do sometimes. You are in my point of view racial profiling because he is mexican and he didnt have a license you think he is illegal. He where in the books does it teach you to spot in illegal alien. Everyone on here and complain about how good it would be to send them back. Well if you feel so strong about it why dont you stop buying the cheap food you get because of the cheap labor. While we have people leaving in public houseing doing nothing on taxpayers money.. Oh and dont get me started on illegal not paying taxes because if you keep up with the news the statistics show they are paying..I totaly agree send the murders, drug dealers, and gang bangers back but leave the people that come an honest living here..Oh and Bill go on with your life you called the police right thing to do, youdint get hurt and the insurance is going to pay.. So now you can go be happy….

By jd

April 17, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

My son hit a car pulling out in front of him. The guy was hospitalized, then vanished. I always warn people not to drive in the outer lane around immigrant apartments. When there is an accident, they will drive, run - anything to get away. Most of the insurance cards are fake. If they kill you, they can be across the border the next day. Two of my close neighbors in my small subdivision have had the same experience - one drove away, one ran - neither was there to cover the costs or consequences of the accident.

The problem isn’t immigration - it’s unlimited mass migration. And it isn’t tomato pickers. How many friends do you know who had repair companies that couldn’t compete with those living with ten other guys and don’t pay taxes?

By Jane

April 17, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

deegee, the person wasn’t laughing, nor was I after being called an name and told they spoke Mexican, not Spanish. No matter - at the end of the day the rule of thumb is if a person is in an auto accident the police should be called. To do so, or not do so, is up to you. It’s your car… your insurance… your choice. WELCOME TO AMERICA!

By Jan

April 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

What if the driver lost his license due to numerous DUIs? Or was driving a stolen car? Or was a teenager who didn’t have a license? Or ran a red light and didn’t want any more points on their license? In any of those situations would you feel guilty for calling the cops?

You don’t know the guy’s motive for being in this country or being on that road that day. He hit you, you reported the accident. His actions are his responsibility.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Jane, Please explain to me what the heck you are talking about when you say teach them american culture. What is american culture? Mexicans have a culture, the French have a culture, Asian have a culture…..Jane you are free to have your opion but I find it hyprocrytical when you have a bad opion abou tthe illegal population itself when america is thriving on it and your are to..You buy the cheap food that is picked by them.. american hyprocsy, brytan and deegee I agree with all of you guys…..

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

You don’t need to deport anyone if there was actually a work-place enforcement regime in place.

And again Bryant, do you propose letting the majority of Bangledesh come here tomorrow and allow everyone with an immigrant visa waiting for them to enter the US this very minute or do you just want to reward people that broke into the country the right to stay with a path to citizenship?

If industry needs workers, fine, the US can adopt a guest worker program, but this should be a program where the guest eventually go home and not simply an end-around US immigration laws.

I also notice you use the same mindless liberal label of “hate” (and of course racist, xenophobic, et al) to those that disagree with your open borders policy.

And for you Deegee, have you wrote your representatives and marched to get those waiting for their immigrant visas immediate relief—i.e. a visa granted to them today—or do you just march for ilelgal aliens and care less about those that have actually followed the law. What other laws do you support breaking?

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Young Lady:

Asian has a culture? So all of Asia has a single culture?

I never knew that Asia was a single cultural unit—who knew?

By meme

April 17, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t think that his being illegal or not should be part of the problem. If you didn’t call the police it would be your word against his and no one’s insurance would help you pay. You did the right thing.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

AKAgi, These people that your are talking about can acutually afford the money they spend on the visas. What about the people that need the money now, and its not for themselves its for their families. There are illegals that dont commit felonies and are here to better the their lives and that of their families. If you were in there situation I can bet you would do the same. You shouldn’t speak if you haven’t been in there shoes and in their hardships. Do you think it is easy to leave your family behind and everything that you know to better yourself. Do you honestly think that the trip across the border isn’t hard enough for them. Many people die trying to get across the border. To be honest alot of the immigrants that move here dont really want to live here they just want to work. Many of the young children that have come to the USA when they were young want to stay here. Akagi please walk a mile in there shoes and then tell me what you think.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

I am sure it is hard going breaking into homes and stealing to feeds one family as well. While I may feel sorry for their plight, I still don’t excuse the act.

ANd how about those that are seperated from their families for years waiting for their visas—what about them?

Again should we give a visa to anyone in the world simply because they need to support their family?

Sorry. No tears from me.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Akagi, Thanks for correcting me but I would think you would understand that I meant in general… TEXmex: it also comes to show the level of eduction of you have…need I say more….

By Jane

April 17, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

young lady, It appears you may not have been hugged enough as a child. Or perhaps you missed a well needed spanking. So much anger! So much hate! You are questioning American culture? Let’s see… what comes to mind? English. Single family dwelling. Baseball. Apple pie. Speaking your mind and respecting others thoughts. This isn’t about hate. It isn’t about me or you. It isn’t really about illegals or legals. It’s about Bill’s accident and if he did the right thing.

By RCH

April 17, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

If he was illegal, he has already committed one crime, no licence is number two, no insurance is number three. What if next time he decides to drink and drive?Why should he care what any of our laws are!

By young lady

April 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Akagi, Let me ask you something: How do you know when someone is illegal? Have you been taught to pick them out of a crowd? You say they break into houses and steal things.. Let me let you in on something every race has those type of people…You tend to have certain types of characteristics for them when every race has its own set. I am pretty sure not all hispanics view the americans as uptight, greedy, etc as others view them.

By Carol

April 17, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

I was rear ended on 316 by obviously an illegal immigrant. There were 6 people in the van and none had driver’s licence. He was driving like a total maniac. We stopped at the light and when the light turned green, he took off, right into the back of my car. Did I call the police? Your #(*& straight I did.

By Carol

April 17, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

I was rear ended on 316 by obviously an illegal immigrant. There were 6 people in the van and none had driver’s licence. He was driving like a total maniac. We stopped at the light and when the light turned green, he took off, right into the back of my car. Did I call the police? Your #(*& straight I did.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t pay attention to TexMex, he is always in blogs trying to stir up racist stuff. Everyone else on this blog, whether we disagree or not has had intelligent things to say, so don’t give him/her the time of day. He/she probably hates who they are.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

YL:

In general? In general in what sense. Ever gone to a consulate page and look at the waiting list for a 4th preference family immigrant visa? Right now, the waiting list is 11 years—meaning if you applied today expect a visa no earlier than 2018—they are only 65,000 visas in the class available each year—and how many illegals do you and Bryant want to legalized? How long will the waiting list be then when they apply for their family members to come to the US.

Of course you and he don’t seem to care about those that actually follow the law, now do you?

By Carol

April 17, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

To finish my comment from a moment ago. I had a driver’s license. I was abiding by the law. Shouldn’t everyone? Don’t have a DL, don’t drive. Simple as that. They handcuffed him and took him to jail, I am sure just to impose a small fine and let him go to drive again. Six people in one van and no one having a license. If you are going to come over here illegally, which you shouldn’t come at all, and then break the law again. Get a life.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

No YL, you missed my point—perhaps a lack of reading comprehension skills.

I said that some people that break into homes to feed their families have a hard life too. Doesn’t mean I need to feel sorry for them. Just as illegal aliens break into the US to feed their family. Just because their motives for the crime is to provide for the family doesn’t mean I should ignore their illegal activity.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Jane, If you dont know me I suggest you dont make asumptions. I didnt mean any hate towards you, but you do offend people when you cant get the language right. Respecting other dosent seem to cut it. I know alot of american and they dont seem to know that one. You are right it is about Bills accident and yes I agree he did the right thing.. Here is the part that makes it wrong is that because he dint have a license and he was different he assumed more like accused if you ask me of being illegal. Where in the books like I asked before does it teach you what an illegal looks like?

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Jane, I am not trying to pick on you, just educate. The things that you named for American culture, are not culture. Culture- the skills, arts, etc. of a given people in a given period. Things like rituals are considered culture. The things you named are lifestyles that not all Americans enjoy. Before anybody says anything, I did post earlier that Bill did do the right thing by calling the police, but not because he/she might have been “illegal”.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Bill, I am an insurance agent and we always tell our clients, regardless of the extent of the damage, you should always call the police and have them at least fill out an incident report. There have been cases where there was no visible damage on a vehicle and the insured did not call the police, later to find that there was damage to the vehicle, just not visible.

By Jesse's Girl

April 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

How do I feel about this? Nauseated. A member of my family was killed in this exact manner on Dec 31, 2006. Cobb County Deputy Loren Lilly was murdered by a car full of illegal immigrants. They were drunk at 5 am. He was on his way to work. They hit him and were fine, so they ran like the pitiful, cowardly creatures they are. So far nothing at all has happened to these men. They are still sitting in the Cobb County jail. I do agree with a previous post, stating that the main reason this is permitted to go on is because the powers that be have yet to find a way to make any money off of it. I have nothing at all against a person who comes to this country to make a better life for their family. This country was built on that freedom…and I applaude and celebrate it. But the people who come here and enjoy all this country has to offer but refuse to live as a citizen of the country they take advantage of are a cancer. This cancer took Loren from us. I have written letters to Senators, Representatives, anyone who will listen. I am doing all I can do…our family is doing all it can do. But others MUST get involved to stop this. Illegal immigration is destroying lives. It is destroying this country.

By Jesse's Girl

April 17, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

How do I feel about this? Nauseated. A member of my family was killed in this exact manner on Dec 31, 2006. Cobb County Deputy Loren Lilly was murdered by a car full of illegal immigrants. They were drunk at 5 am. He was on his way to work. They hit him and were fine, so they ran like the pitiful, cowardly creatures they are. So far nothing at all has happened to these men. They are still sitting in the Cobb County jail. I do agree with a previous post, stating that the main reason this is permitted to go on is because the powers that be have yet to find a way to make any money off of it. I have nothing at all against a person who comes to this country to make a better life for their family. This country was built on that freedom…and I applaude and celebrate it. But the people who come here and enjoy all this country has to offer but refuse to live as a citizen of the country they take advantage of are a cancer. This cancer took Loren from us. I have written letters to Senators, Representatives, anyone who will listen. I am doing all I can do…our family is doing all it can do. But others MUST get involved to stop this. Illegal immigration is destroying lives. It is destroying this country.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Akagi, Do you really think that the people on the waiting list acutually wait that long? Please tell me a number. I understand perfectly thank you very much but who doesnt seem to understand how tought life can be sometimes is you. Let me ask you something I dont want to make assumptions since I dont know you? Growing up did you have to work extra hard at what you wanted? Did you have to work at the age of 7? I am not asking for sympathy for them but I am asking for something. Let them pay a fine but not a hefty one because I sure dont want that money to go to the war in iraq.. akagi you seem to have a lot of anger…

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Actually AH:

Baseball would be considered part of an American culture as would the type of housing, etc. Although, baseball is now enjoyed as part of many other cultures as well (Japan, Taiwan, most of Latin America, etc enjoy baseball even to a greater extent than in the US).

As for apple pie—I am not really sure if that would be a unique part of American culture since I am sure apples baked into pies have been adopted by any culture where apples are grown.

There is obviously a distinct American political culture, etc.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

young lady, you exhibit the lack of respect that comes with feeling entitled to something rather than appreciating it. I am a naturalized American. I am thankful for what I have and can appreciate not everyone is as fortunate as I have been. I earned my life - it wasn’t given to me. I didn’t steal it. I worked and earned it. Your attitude is part of what makes a lot of legal persons so frustrated… you want it and so you should have it? I will not apologize for not agreeing with you. I will not apologize for being a proud American. Little minds have little thoughts.

By Ben

April 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I got in a fender bender with a Mexican, and they have about more rights than we do. They can come across the border illegally and get in a car wreck and if its your fault, They can sue you and win and you have to pay. America what a great country even if their illegal. Also on the flip side if its their fault they can just run back to Mexico and leave you with the bill. There are countless cases of illegals getting DUI’s and killing american citizens or hurting them and running back to Mexico. Just do a search on it. Georgia and america in general need to change the laws where you have to be a citizen or a USA creditial to prove that your in this country legally to get a drivers license, insurance etc….. And to send every one back that can’t go thru the process to become a citizen. They broke the law when they crossed the border.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Yes, YL they do wait that long.

I in fact have two familiy members on that list this very moment and they have been waiting since 2000 and they will not get a visa until 2011.

Spouses and children of legal residents have to wait five years to get their visas. Oh and during this time since they have applied to for an immigrant visa—they are in most cases not allowed even a non-immigrant tourist visa to take their family to Disney World. SO don’t tell me they don’t wait that long. I know from personal experience that do.

There are millions waiting for their visas—for years.

And yes another typical liberal response…you must be angry.

All I ask is the US enforce its immigration laws like every other country in the world.

You know people that grow up in say Thailand have it pretty rough too—should Japan then allow unrestricted immigration by Thai workers? Should the US allow anyone from Bangladesh (which makes Mexico look like an economic giant) to enter the US just because they have a tough life?

The answer is no.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Jane, darling typical american…what makes you think I am not proud to be american, because you think you know everything. They work for what the have having to corss the bnorder wasnt given to them darling. They havent stolen anything they are working their butts off so I dont know what part you are talking about when you say steal…It not my attitude is the voice of my opinion that you dont like and very typical of you to say it is my additude. Didnt you say americans voice their opinion?

By aibonez

April 17, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I would have done the same thing in your case. The damage to the car had to be repaired and the insurance will not fix your car without a police report. I would have felt bad about whatever was going to happen to him but I would not have felt that it was my fault. He knew the risk that he took when he got behind the wheel and he also knew that he increased his chances of getting caught if he was illegally here AND driving with no license. But you did the right thing because it would cost way more than 200 dollars to repair your car im sure.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Akagi, I would have to disagree, respectfully, but I feel that baseball is more of a pastime that not everyone plays or enjoys, and in my opinion, that does not constitute culture, but I could be wrong. As far as single family homes, I am quite sure that Americans were not the first group of people to start doing that and again, not everyone in America has that luxury, which again in my book does not constitute culture. Many things that Americans may call “their” culure, were adopted from others.

By Bryant

April 17, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Akagi,

What do you propose we do about all the illeagal immigrants in the country? Should we spend the time and resources to deport them or spend that time and money to make the visa process faster and more efficient?

I think a well thought out plan to curb the problem and deal with the current population could be formulated but you have to start the conversation and be rational in your solutions. Change can only be brought about slowly to the immigration problem.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

YL:

Sure they have stolen. They have stolen a place inside the US—a place reserved for someone waiting in line in Beijing or Chiang Mai.

And will not even go into the tax funds they have stolen by enrolling their children in public schools, using emergency rooms for medical treatment, etc. Oh and since Mexico’s crime rate is a number of times higher than the US is it any wonder than many US and state prisons have a high number of illegal aliens as their residents.

They steal much, my dear, including the lives of those two girls in Virginia killed by an illegal drunk driver.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Akagi, I am not angry at all just upset with all the crap about the illegals. I am a liberal and proud of I am also an american citizen and proud of it. I have come in contact with alot of immigrants and they have a fair and wonderful way of living their lives. I know that the hispanics/ latino communtiy arent the only ones that suffer I didnt really specify a race that should be let in I said have something in force that works for everyone. You are so for the visas topic like I said befor ethese people dont have the money to wait on them.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I propose like Taiwan and Japan a national ID card and a work permit card for legal workers who are not US citizens and I propose work-site enforcement—basically if you hire someone without a worker permit or a national ID card you get a Draconian fine—do it again, you go to jail and the state seizes your business.

The majority of the illegals will simply deport themselves. You add a legal guest worker program for industries that have trouble finding low-paid, low skilled workers (just as Taiwan did in the 1990s with Thai workers). The key point of the guest worker program is they come, work for say 24 or 36 months and then must return home—this would never be a path to citizenship or legal residency in the US.

By BYUGRL

April 17, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

You’re lucky he waited for the police. I was once in an accident where my vehicle was rear-ended in Houston. As soon as the accident occurred everyone (4 latinos)in the vehicle proceeded to run, leaving the vehicle idle. The police officier proceeded to tell me that this was a common occurrance. The vehicle was not registered and they were more than in this country illegally. My insurance company ended up footing the bill.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Kill illegals huh? Just like people in other countries are saying death to America? Are either one of those statements right?

By fd

April 17, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

you are all right but at the same time you are all wrong………. the problem with the ilegals are ionly a hand full of people … if you start to understand were they come from you will see the ones that create all the troubles….most of the trouble makers come from real rural/pour parts of the country either mexico or,el salvador or guatemala………most of this people can’t write in spanish this is people with no education….that leave in pouverty…..and most of this people live close to the border….

By RCH

April 17, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Bryant, There is a reason for a specific number of visas allowed.The economey can only absorbe so many a year. What are you going to do when we have another big recession?

By fd

April 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

this is the same people that most educate spanish people takes advantage of here in this country too, because they can’t reaad or writhe in english or spanish

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

YL:

Let me guess you are probably 20-something and know everything, right? Maybe still in college too?

Have you come in contact with many immigrants or many illegal aliens—they are not the same thing?

And what does your US citizenship have to do with anything?

And if I don’t have the money to wait for say a car, should I be able to steal one and when caught use the “I couldn’t wait to buy one” as my defense. Savage is right, Liberalism is a mental disorder.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Akagi, I agree with you on basically everything that you are saying, especially that work permit idea. What I do think is that the USA will spend a lot of money to try and kick out the millions of “illegals”, so the ones that are here now should be able to apply for these work permits without fear of being prosecuted, because then, they will never apply and we are back at square one. The fact is that most Mexicans that are here illegally, at least the ones I have come across, are just here to work and send money back home and don’t want to make permanent residence. Now the ones that come here, break more laws and act a fool should be deported immediately.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

akagi, They still lives right…blacks, whites, lations, hispanics, asians,etc they all do. You are right mexicos crime rate is higher but not all illegals are from mexico. You talk about taking live and their illegal what abou tthe american citizens that do it (columbine) or the residence that do it the massacre in virgina to add to my point there is that in very culture.

Killillegals: I am not married to one and nor am i dating one…this is all I need to respond to you because oviously you name speaks for itself uneducated and unworthy of my time.. Hey at least akagi is make is point across with some valied coments.

By woodie

April 17, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

You probably should have called the FBI. I had an illegal damage my car. He cause a 5 car pileup on Buford Hwy. He rammed into cars stopped at a stop light. But he didn’t have a name or an ID or a license or a tag or insurance. I don’t think they did anything to him. But he totaled two cars including his own so I know he had to walk home. Oh yeah, he didn’t have an address either. Doh! I figure he did about $30,000 in damages. Cost me about $700 in deductibles and rentals and my insurance company about $3400. But they didn’t arrest him. He didn’t have a green card either. Oh well. He is probably still driving blindfolded on the streets of Atlanta. We really need to do something about this.

By Bryant

April 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I was unaware economic downtrends hinged on the number of immigrants allowed into the country. If people are working and earning incomes, they are spending capitol and fueling the economy. As long as consumer spending remains high, the economy grows or at least remains constant. It stands to reason the more people working adds to the gross national product which in turn adds tax dollars. Illeagal immigrants may not be paying income tax but they are for sure paying sales tax in any store they purchase from. Thus helping to drive the American economy. A majority of illeagal immigrants work and perform jobs that many Americans do not want to perform. As long as there are lazy Americans out there who will not fill these positions, there will be work given to illeagal immigrants.

We base our economic security in part on the number of jobs created every year. The sad thing is there are plenty of jobs out there to be had. Many natural born American citizens do not want to work.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

But AH:

The guest worker program should be a set period—not countless renewals for a de facto permanent residence. I say a period of between 24-48 months and then you must return home and after a set period say another 48 months you can re-apply for another guest period—but the renewal numbers should be limited as well—say lifetime of only two renewals. Again we don’t want to see de facto permanent residency with two-year vacations in between.

By melo

April 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

All of you in favor of deportation of illegals will suffer the hardest when the price of agricultural and other stuff goes up because farmers/manufacturers are passing higher costs of production to the consumers. America cannibalizes the brightest from poor countries like India, Pakistan and China/Russia but wants to treat its southern neibghor’s unsophisticated citizens in the most devlish way!

Are we a country of Capitalistic DEVILS?

By killegals

April 17, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

young lady, I’m uneducated? That coming from a pablum puking liberal? You leftwing nuts are just as big a problem as illegals to this country. How much money have you given in support of your illiterate agenda???

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

This is way off of the topic, but I feel compelled to voice my opinion anyway. What is with the labels, such as liberals and conservatives? As I have heard someone say, I am liberal on certain issues and conservative on others. So why is it that if you label yourself as one thing, you can’t agree with issues that the others agree on? The same thing with most Democrats and Republicans.

By yound lady

April 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

akagi, When did I say I knew everything now I think that the one getting angry is you…about me mentioning my citizenship wasnt consering you it was consering someone else answer. I have came across alot of immigrants, but I wasnt taught to know how to pick illegals out of a crowd…I didnt say stealing was right which back to my point they work for waht they have and if you wana talk about stealing tax payers money. Have you read the news lately ajc did a story about the percentage on illegals paying taxes…so what are they stealing excatly or right an immaginary spot….

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Melo:

Those from India, etc arrive on a plane with a visa in hand and a criminal background check, health exam, etc. None of these are done on the illegals. There are some 3,000 fugitives from justice who have murdered US citizens as an illegal running free in Mexico.

And since the US pays farmers to not grop crops—I find the threat of higher prices dubious at best. And even if true, can be off-set by a legal guest worker program.

Tell me—if all the sugar farmers in the US went out of business would sugar prices go up or down? Food can be imported you know.

By RCH

April 17, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Bryan, Are those the same jobs that people lined up around the building at the Swift Meat Packing plant after the illegal workers were expelled? You also have to remember, these individuals do not reinvest in the USA. They send there money to other countries while they use our services.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

There is no microwave solution to our illegal immigration problem. I agree, we cannot, and will not, deport all that are here illegally.

American Hypocrisy, perhaps you’re correct - perhaps my perception of culutre and yours are different. I’m good with that. And no, I don’t take what you said as picking. You bring up some good points.

At the end of the day we will all need to be part of a reasonable, responsible resolution to our current situation. Finger pointing and narrow minds will do nothing to move us closer to a middle ground.

fp, you are correct, multitudes of people cannot read or write in their native language. Perhaps suggesting to the proper Latino groups (as you reference Hispanic countries) places where these people can learn to read and write English will help them on several levels.

young lady, you didn’t need to tell us you were a lib - it was painfully obvious…

By Andrew

April 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Akagi and others complaining about illegal immigrants. First of all, someone’s legal status cannot be determined based on their accent or heritage. That’s what we call racial profiling.

Secondly, what did you do to earn your citizenship, besides possibly descend from a bunch of illegal immigrants who murdered this country’s native inhabitants. Many of these illegal immigrants work harder to be “American” than you do.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Bryant:

It is not Americans will not do those jobs—just not at those price points.

I can hire a programmer in China for $5 an hour—which is much cheaper than I can get one in the US but more than he would get in China. So if I advertise a job for $5.15 (can’t go below that silly MW) for a programmer—how many Americans will I get to apply?

How about none. So I run to the government and say “Americans won’t do this job.” And I am right…not at that price.

And YL:

how about school taxes for one, the funds toward medical care—illegals have basically shut down hospitals in some areas…the funds needed to house the increased criminal alien population, then add the cost related to the number of US citizens killed by criminal aliens—loss of productivity, tax base impacts, the multiplier effect of the dead citizen’s spending, etc and it comes to quite a good deal actually.

I never said your US citizenship was directed at me—just what in the hell does that have to do with anything? Who cares you are a US citizen—not me for sure.

By Jamie

April 17, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Never assume anything. Perhaps he didn’t want the police involved because he was an ax murderer. Or he was late to work. Or he believes the news and think police kill people at random.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

jane, I am glad you noticed…nice of you to take the time to comment on it I was responding to someone though…anywaz yes you are right with finger pointing and balming isnt going to get us no where (at least we see eye to eye on that one) and at least you would be glad to come up with a system…

By Dear deegee

April 17, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

So if he broke into your home, ate the food, but did clean up the dishes and worked really hard and made the bed, would it be okay then?? Then he was allowed to stay when you called the police because they don’t handle immigration laws, and, by the way, he worked his butt off sweeping the floor and washing your clothes that he had worn. I guess it would be okay?!?!? It’s the same aspect….he entered the country illegally regardless of what he has done since he got here. Taking hard-earned medical coverage from taxpayers is stealing, but I guess it’s okay, since he worked really hard and mowed the lawn!!!!!!

By Bryant

April 17, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I have to leave the conversation but I wanted to say this to all i have responded who may need to “label” me. I am a southern born, conservative, republican, Christian who is also gay. I reconciled all my religious and political beliefs along with my lifestyle years ago. I was brought up in the heart of the south and have been around many illeagal immigrants my entire life. I studied abroad and then joined the peace core to travel the world and help out impoverished nations. I still leave my job twice a year and volunteer across the world. I actively participate in poloitics and have worked on many campaigns across the country. It is hardpressed to label me anything other than a caring American citizen born and raised here from a family whose southern roots date back to the early 1800’s. My family still has strong southern conservative ties in the farming indutry. So my views are free of labels and I go above and beyond to make a difference for everyone in this country. I wish you all well and the very best for your families. I don’t know all the answers but I try to educate myself and open dialogue bewteen people no matter what their status is in this country. In the end, we are all humans trying to make it in this world which is not always the world or country we think it should be.

By woodie

April 17, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

My nephew got layed off from a restaurant he worked at for 3 years. He was replaced by a couple of illegals. It saves the restaurant money not having to pay minimum wage or provide benefits. There are a lot of young Americans in entry level positions that lose their jobs to illegals. This is the second case I’ve see. Young people are the most affected by the illegals. They can’t get entry-level or part-time jobs anymore. Oh well. It frees up more young Americans so they can spend more time dealing drugs and doing burglaries.

By Sick-And-Tired

April 17, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Andrew, I’m good with profiling. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it’s most likely a duck.

Hey yl, your writing makes you appear less American and more illegal.

Hey Akagi, you make several good points and have offered up some good suggestions.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Andrew:

Did I ever say that you could tell if someone was legal by their accent or how they looked? Please post where I did.

What did the average Japanese do to earn his citizenship? Does Japan’s treatment of the Ainu negate Japan’s right to enforce its immigration laws?

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Akagi, I do agree with your response to my previous post. Jane, I also agree with your last post, thanks for your understanding. Now this, for the most part, is how all intelligent blogs should be.

By Andrew

April 17, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I see you have no answer to my question, Akagi.

By anspa

April 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

you pay taxes and obey the laws. that is what we are alll taught. i think you have to take an objective approach. you would have called the police had you never spoke to him. i think we need laws that better protect all of us, but more over, we can not keep paying for everyone. maybe if we made it easier for them to get on our grid, we could see them as equal. we would not hessitate to treat them the same with medical, wellfare, and auto incidents. put the truth is a lot of us see them as parasites bleeding us dry. the other truth is that if this happened in their home country, they would probably not hessitate to call the police on you.

so, as to feeling bad, would you feel worse if you got hit with leaving the scene of an accident or a lawsuit for punitive damage later?

By Andrew

April 17, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

And let me applaud those of you who have pointed out that we cannot make assumptions on one’s immigration status based on appearance, accent, or whatever. It is disturbing to me how many of you have assusmed the man who hit Bill is illegal based off nothing more than his appearance and accent.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Only because you are an idiot and I don’t usually answer questions from idiots.

But here goes.

Can you tell who is an illegal and who is not by looking—usually not, but if you see 10 Hispanics on a fence near Home Depot waiting for day labor work you can bet that they will be illegal and according to the state 70% the Hispanics in Georgia are in fact here illegally.

So just by random, if you see ten Hispanics, seven of them will be illegal. But since you can’t tell by looking is why I favor a National ID card and for those not US citizens but who have the permission to work in the US, a workers ID card.

I like most people in the world became a citizen based on my birth. Why I think saying things like “I am proud to be an American” is just plain silly. I have nothing to be proud about as I had nothing to do with the fact I am an American.

But that still doesn’t mean the US (as every other country) doesn’t have the right and obligation to enforce its immigration laws.

As for being descended from illegal aliens. Well since states didn’t even exist when my family came to what would become the US, under international law, the US at the time would be considered unclaimed territory and in any event as I said just because the US drove the natives off the land (as did the Japanese with the Ainu and the Chinese with the Yuanzumin in Taiwan, etc) doesn’t negate Japan, Taiwan or the US from enforcing its immigration laws.

By young lady

April 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

killegal, I did say you were unworthy of my time if you didnt comprehend….

Sick and tired: I am a proud american with voice hey I see you are listening at least….

By BossLady

April 17, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I am business professional, there are three kinds of customers, one that know it all, one that could care less and the Hispanics they are interested, seeking knowledge and following up on doing things the right way. All of them have to pay but they get their money’s worth. You guess who is who.

By BossLady

April 17, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I am business professional, there are three kinds of customers, one that know it all, one that could care less and the Hispanics they are interested, seeking knowledge and following up on doing things the right way. All of them have to pay but they get their money’s worth. You guess who is who.

By Donna P.

April 17, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

In this country, when an accident occurs on the highway, you must call the police. Isn’t it the LAW in all 50 states to do so? I don’t see what your problem is, you don’t know if he was illegal just because he was Hispanic, isn’t that racial profiling on your part? Maybe he didn’t want you to call the police because he has outstanding warrants. You are assuming too much here. I wouldn’t have hesitated to call the police.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I’m going to take someone to task on their generalizations, stereotypes and speaking less than intelligently on persons and the subject matter at hand.

1) Most illegals do come to this country out of poverty but not poverty as you might think of it. One of the reasons Mexicans seem to get a bad rap is because near 60% of the illegal population in this country just so happens to be Mexican nationals, bear in mind also that a nationality is not a race. Race is human, not Hispanic, not Latino, so there is no so-called racial element to this ill begotten thing. Poverty in Mexico is a very deep and long subject. At fault are things like one church, one ruling political party and for many years no constitution as we have. This allowed an oligarchy to exist that has not really disappeared yet. Though the Mexican people (about 50%) do live in poverty, the country Mexico itself is very rich. The Mexicans are not fleeing so much for a better life as they are refusing to stand up and fight for the right of shared prosperity within their own country. It’s easer to violate U.S. sovereignty, make many times more money in this country at the expense of U.S. citizens. Which is my underlying motive behind, as one of a few, for blasting the Mexican government relentlessly, chiding the Mexicans many of whom I know personally from over 20 years working with daily, because socio-economic reforms have to take place in Mexico in order to end not only third world poverty but illegal immigration as well. 2) I’ve written not only my Congressmen and Senators but many of the others from the various states till I’m blue in the face and they are sick of hearing from me. 3) If illegal immigration was gone after with an ugly stick: fining employers, confiscating ill-gotten gains form illegal immigration profiteering then our government would not need to raise taxes to secure the border. Between revenues raise and cost abolished our government would have all the money needed to man the border. 4) My country owes the U. S. citizens first and no others. 5) The next few lines of “better life” balderdash are very simple to answer. For the same reason I fault bank robbers who steal what does not belong to them, they too only want a better life for themselves and their family Jerry Gonzales! 6) My families were immigrants too? Really you know that much about me do you? One of my families, are the Creek Indians. In case that doesn’t ring any bells they are Georgia’s original inhabitants. There were no others around to make the rules then. So watch what you say. 7) Your problem is you stereotype and generalize without knowing the people you speak of personally and their situation. Yes I would say that is one of your problems indeed. 8) I have experienced the situation and so much more with this illegal immigration. So stow it pal I’ve paid my speak fees in full, Mr. Bigot.

By EW

April 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Catlady you really teach? Which part of SW DeKalb do you teach in, is the school that has 20 % of female students with child and the average age of the male in their senior year is twenty-two years old?

By Sick-And-Tired

April 17, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith - very insightful and well put.

By Jaykay

April 17, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I wish ya’ll would use spell check. It’s very hard to read these posts. Please use spell check or consult a dictionary. These posts say alot about American Education. Ya’ll are terrible.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

And Andrew one more thing…

The driver in question didn’t have a driver’s license and only had a ID issued to him from a foreign country…not simply the fact that he had an accent and looked Hispanic.

I suppose you could claim maybe he lost his wallet and all other forms of ID EXCEPT that one issued to him from the Mexican government had been lost.

Yes, you can claim that, but if you actually believe that he was not in the US illegally then you are more of an idiot than even your posts would suggest.

And Michael H. Smith….exactly.

By deegee

April 17, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

That had to be either Barbara or Dusty writing under the “Dear deegee” cover. I remember seeing that once before. It’s kind of a warped analogy. The difference in your example and what is happening on a national scale is that we have given illegal immigrants implied consent over the last 60+ years. We have told them through our actions that they can work as much as they want and stay as long as they like as long as they stay out of trouble. If somone breaks into my home and I call the police they can lawfully remove that individual. If I let that person stay and take advantage of their labor then I have given my implied consent for them to be there. Basically the US speaks out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to this topic.

By EW

April 17, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Jaykay..a lot not alot.

By FairTax

April 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

You should suffer because he broke the law? How does that make sense?

There are too many single mom, american citizens mind you, who can’t get any government assistance because the illegal aliens are using it all. Medicaid is just one example.

I for one am sick and tired of having to work hard to pay for all their medical expenses while they get paid in tax free cash!

fair tax is fair.

By LJ

April 17, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Would you have felt any guiltier if the man had been any other race but was oh-so-nice to you? The problem is who knows how many times this same person may have done the very same thing and by now he figured he could “sucker” yet another American citizen.

Indeed the choices can be difficult but if you stop and think about it, these people come here illegally - knowingly breaking the law. Yes, they are seeking a better life and they do know that they fare far better with us than those south of their home who are foolish enough to cross Mexico illegally.

If you feel guilty is doing what is right, how do you feel when many of those who are here illegally treat you with arrogance…they do not bother to learn the language because they know they don’t have to. The QT’s are making it easier for them to buy foodstuffs because they have an entire Spanish language section.

They know who the fools are, and it’s not them!

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Can somebody explain to me how the “illegals” are getting these services like Medicaid? I have never understood how that works.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

But LJ, it is not that easy to learn a new language especially when you have to work 40 hours a week doing pretty backbreaking types of labor.

I wonder how fast you’d learn Chinese or Taiwanese if I dropped you in say rural Tainan county someplace.

Having Spanish in the stores just makes good business, if you have lots of customers that can read only Spanish (or Korean or Chinese for that matter), it only makes sense you’ll have signs in those languages as well as in English.

By EW

April 17, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Read some stats, open your eyes…who do you think are getting the most DUI’s lately? The illegals are killing us one paint van at a time.

By Sick-And-Tired

April 17, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

FairTax, Just give it a bit of time - sadly the dems and libs are moving our medicine closer and closer to social medicine… pretty soon you too can have sub-standard health care paid for by another unreasonable tax burden! Although quite a few illegals pay taxes there are more that do not. (Drug dealers and hookers don’t either!) Often times the money made is not invested here - it is invested elsewhere. The FairTax is one way to go that would help prevent socialized medicine and would, at the same time, lessen the tax burden on the legal tax payers. Illegals, drug dealers, hookers, waiters, etc. would all pay as they purchased…

The moral of the story is to VOTE !

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I’m for fair tax too. But not as an excuse to allow the illegals an amnesty to stay if they pay taxes. This time repatriations is the only answer for the illegals. Go back home get in the back of the line there and do it right, even if that means waiting a 100 years. In the mean time while in waiting there they might consider making a better country so they’ll not have a reason to leave.

By REBEL WITH A CAUSE

April 17, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I WOULD HAVE THREATENED HIM WITH DEPORTATION AND EXTORTED AS MUCH MONEY FROM HIM AS HE HAD ACCESS TO AT THE TIME.

TAKE A fEW BUCKS BACK FROM THE FILTHY ANIMALS.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

One of the things that I do agree with, and I really got fed up with it when I went to Dallas, TX this weekend, is just about everything thing is written in Spanish. There was a sign in the bathroom, at an American restaurant, that was totally in Spanish. What is that about? I do think if you are going to be here to stay, learn the language at least. I have travelled to a couple of different countries, and outside the airport, they don’t cater to other languages as much as we do here in the USA. I might be wrong, but that has been my experience.

By LJ

April 17, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

BossLady - unfortunately someone forgot to enter this country the “legal” way. Plus many don’t bother to learn the language so the stores are pandering to them by changing the language on their packages.

I would venture to say that if they are (as you wrote) “the Hispanics they are interested, seeking knowledge and following up on doing things the right way. All of them have to pay but they get their money’s worth.”… then why aren’t they “interested” enough to learn our language. Why aren’t they “seeking knowledge as to how to come here legally…BEFORE they come here”. And I fail to understand your thinking when you say…”following up on doing things the right way.” Huh? The “right way” is to come here legally, not illegally and then circumvent the system and use the services without paying taxes. The list goes on.

I’m sorry BossLady, I must be reading from a different dictionary in a different language because what you wrote makes no sense.

If we were to travel to Mexico would we be able to take advantage of whatever system they have, could we demand “rights”, could we expect everyone to stop speaking Spanish and speak in English only? Heck no…we wouldn’t make it past their prison, because we entered the country illegally and guess what. They do not tolerate illegal aliens in no way shape or form. I’m tired of people in this country thinking that that is OK.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith, have you read “The World Is Flat” yet? It hits directly on what you are saying ~ But why would Mexico what to change? Their ecomony gets billions (with a capital B) of US dollars each years because of illegals. Other countries are changing so that their people don’t have to leave in order to live a good life. We need to give the Mexican government a reason to change. I’m not sure how that could or should be accomplished.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

AH:

As far as I know, illegals (as well as many legal immigrants) are unable to receive Medicaide and most other Federal assistance.

They do qualify for some state programs and must be treated by hospitals no matter their status or ability to pay. Their children must be educated in public schools as well no matter what the status of the children (as per US court decision). Many states are allowing said illegals to qualify for in-state tuition, even as their legal F1 visa and out of state US citizen peers have to pay the higher out of state rate.

So they do receive some amount of public benefits.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

LJ:

Most of the illegals than come to the US are semi-literate (at best in Spanish) peasants. There a few visa open for semi-literate peasants—they either come to the US as an illegal alien or not at all.

This is not an excuse for them. If you read my posts you will see I favor enforcement of all US immigration laws and the return of every illegal as possible back to his or her home country.

But this is not simply them not bothering to follow the law or cutting in line. It is come illegally or not at all. But that being said, the US should not be a dumping ground for the world’s poor.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Akagi, your repsonse before on learning the language makes sense, but what about the people that have been here for years that basically refuse to learn the language. People come in my office all the time and ask if we speak a certain language and get upset that we don’t. Now let me explain what type of work I do. I work in insurance and if you are coming in my office to purchase a product, you plan on being here for longer than a visit, so you need to learn the language. The people that are visiting, I have no problem with them not knowing the language. But the sign that was only Spanish really upset me. Am I wrong for feeling this way?

By Andrew

April 17, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Many of the above statements illustrate ignorance at best and racism (or nationalism) at worst. Before we’re Americran, we’re human. And being born in this country to our good fortune (and through no effort of our own) does not entitle us to think we are superior to any person, race, or nationality.

It would be nice if we could spend a lot more time thinking about what we have in common and those that are less fortunate rather than thinking we’re so great or that we’re entitled to something simply for being born here.

By You know it

April 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Wow..it’s turned really ugly in here with the immigration debate…

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Jane -Are you talking about Tom Freidman’s book?

Mexico will never change without extreme pressure from within and from without. It can be do but it takes real moral guts to accomplish.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Jane -Are you talking about Tom Freidman’s book?

Mexico will never change without extreme pressures from within and from without. It can be done but it takes real moral guts to accomplish.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

It’s been really ugly for a long time, you’ve only begun to see how much work lays ahead to right the wrongs. But many of us know we have to regardless.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Andrew get real. This racial crap doesn’t work. Most like me are working for the best possible outcome.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

LJ:

I can read English and Chinese. If there is a sign in a language I can’t read I pretty much figure that sign is not directed at me. So unsure why people get all upset at having signs in other languages.

If you go to say Taipei you’ll see street signs that say for example: 建國南路一段 and Jian Guo S. Road, Section 1. And of course plenty of billboards and the like in English, should they get upset at all the English about? And I knew a number of foreigners—that meaning Americans and Brits and the likes—that had lived in Taiwan for a good amount of time and could speak very little and read even less of the Chinese language. So not learning languages is not just limited to Hispanics in the US.

By Andrew

April 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Akagi, I can’t tell if you have a problem with illegals because their illegal or because of their nationality. If you are not being nationalistic and have a problem only with their legality, why not make it easier for them to come here and work. Then they would be legal. If you only want to make it more difficult for immigrants to come in, then I fear it is not legality that is your problem, but nationalism.

By Andrew

April 17, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith…excuse me, did I say something offensive by suggesting we not have a superior attitude and look for ways to help those less fortunate?

By deegee

April 17, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Geez, American Hypocrisy. You went into one restaurant in a border state that until 1836 was Mexico and you’re all worked up over finding a sign written in Spanish. Yes, I think you are over reacting.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Okay Andrew.

So by my estimate there are probably some 4 billion or so “less fortunate” in this world, should we grant them all visas?

Sorry Andrew, the US government’s main obligation is to the 300 million citizens of the US and that means the duty to protect the border and decide who gets to come in and who must stay out. And like Michael H. Smith said, you can can your race card play.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong, I have the same expectations when I go to other countries, because when I go, I make sure that I am with someone that is fluent in the language of that country because I do go expecting everyone to speak English or have signs in English. If I am going to another country to live, I will attempt to learn as much of the language as I can, if I can’t, I won’t move there. I know that sounds easier said than done, but if can’t do that, I don’t need to be there, period.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

DeeGee, let me explain. My gripe is not that it was a sign written in Spanish, but there was no English translation to go along with it. Secondly, it looked like it was built fairly recently and the establishment served American food. If there had the English translation, I would have no problem with it. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear before.

By Akagi

April 17, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Andrew:

My problem is the legally. I support a guest worker program but one that doesn’t simply create a loop hold in immigration law.

The US issues 1 million immigrant visas per year—is this amount too small for you?

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Sorry, if there had been the English translation, I would have no problem with it. The sign could have been saying something that I needed to know.

By deegee

April 17, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I totally get it, American Hypocrisy. I understand that you were upset that there was no English translation for you and they served American food. What upsets you about it? I go to a little wing place in my neighborhood that is owned by Koreans. The trash can has “gracias” on it. Nowhere does it say “thank you”. Would that offend you? What offended you about the sign? Did you not understand it? Did you feel excluded? Do you think you missed something important?

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

DeeGee, thinking about it now, I probably did over react because if it were something that I needed to know, I am sure it would have been in English also. The language barrier is my only concern really, and that’s if you plan on making the USA your permanent home. At least make plans to attempt to learn the language is all I ask.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

DeeGee, I don’t think I was offended by the sign, more wondering what it said and was it important for me to know, because if they took the time to get a sign made, it must be important. No, I didn’t understand it because I don’t speak Spanish, which I probably need to learn. No, I didn’t really feel excluded, just wondered why they felt it wasn’t a necessary to post it in English.

By deegee

April 17, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Americabn Hyposcrisy, if you thought you might be at risk by not understanding the sign I am sure you would have asked someone to translate for you. I understand the importance of learning English and so does most of the civilized world. There aren’t many places you can travel where you will find no English speaking people. What is unfortunate is that we Americans can barely pass an English grammar test and have absolutely no interest in learning one word of a language other than our native tongue. What would be so bad about learning some Spanish or French or Chinese? It’s good mental exercise to learn something new and different.

By Michael H. Smith

April 17, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Andrew if you read what I said about Mexican shared propriety with your eyes then you would know better than blather this superior attitude garbage. Listen closely Andrew to the mean and hateful things I advocate to do in Mexico for the Mexicans:

American companies that move to Mexico paying at least 90% of the wages they pay for to have the same job done on this side of the border plus benefits.

Raise the Mexican minimum wage to equal the U. S. minimum wage,

Make micro loans available the Mexican communities to start up businesses that the Mexican government and banks there will not make.

Yes Andrew I really do hate Mexicans now don’t I… Gosh I wish the Mexicans hated me equally as much.

You’re excused now Andrew.

By American Hypocrisy

April 17, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

DeeGee, you are absolutely right and I have thought of learning another language, primarily Spanish. If I planned to move to another country, I would definitely attempt to learn that language. The reason I haven’t, and probably many Americans haven’t is because I have no plans on moving to another country, or even visiting for more than a week. Not saying that to get smart, just stating my reasons.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith, yes, Tom Freidman’s book.

On the language - by posting a sign in non-English only I feel sends the message that this business caters to only those that can read the sign. I don’t disagree with posting signs in multiple languages but to completely exclude English on signs in the United States frustrates me.

Why should the Mexican government do anything to change the situation? USA dollars earned are sent “home” by illegals are a hugh part of their economic past and present. I hated when the “tax” to wire money to Mexico failed to pass - that “tax” money was going to be used to help the schools and failing hospitals.

All in all there is no quick fix. It took us many years to get here. I feel sure it’s going to take us just as many to stabilize this unstable situation.

By a citizen

April 17, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

The local police should absolutely have the authority to arrest illegal aliens. The feds should then quickly deport then after fining them $100,000 (ie. their assets are confiscated). Illegal is just that - illegal. There have to be repurcussions for coming here illegally or we will never stop them. No country can have free and open borders. Just doesn’t work. It is already and will continue to cost more and more to educate their children, build roads to support them, give them free healthcare, etc. Go to any emergency room in the Atlanta area and see who they primarily serve. Instead of 1 MRI machine, now the hospital needs 2 to serve all the people they have. This costs us all HUGE money. It is more than healthcare - many illegals do not pay taxes and use the services taxes normaly pay for. Therefore everyone else pays more. Property taxes and sales taxes going up to pay for more schools? How many illegals are going to the school? The problems go on and on. ENFORCE THE IMMIGRATION LAWS WE HAVE. Build a fence. Start a system that employers must check online to verify employment eligibility by matching social security number and pictures with a $1M fine for not doing so and it would quickly get difficult to get a job illegally. No jobs illegally, no illegal immigration. There are answers to limit illegal immigration. Maybe not ‘politically correct’, but they will work.

By GaNative

April 17, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Do the right thang, as Spike Lee would say and you did. I’m sick and tired of all the immigrants, legal and illegal. I’m a natural born american citizen and I get laid off while the Sand Squatters from India gets to keep their jobs. They can barely interpet an email let alone do competent IT (computer) work. But since they are here on work visas, they get to work and I get booted. SCREW DAT. Now that i’m in the interview process trying to find another job, you wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve encountered an Indian asking me if I have good communications skills. It’s a P****** Joke.

By Liliana

April 17, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

I am Argentinian.I live in Bs.As. right now. I am surprised discovering how hard Americans are with immigrants. When they happen to be in another country, they enjoy being with friendly people, as we are in Argentina. But when latins go into the US, no matter how hard they try, it’s almost impossible to get there legally. I’ve been trying for a long time to get to the US legally. My daughter (8)has been abused and law here doesn’t offer enough protection for her. The abuser is still free. The US doesn’t open the door for us, when it is supposed to defend kid’s rights. I can not take the risk of getting there illegaly because if it would be very risky for both of us. Why don’t people realize that if you have illegal immigrants it is because your laws are extremely hard to handle, and with too much discrimination behind? Why don’t you consider that you get into any country without going through a hard immigration process, extremely expensive, that normally takes years? Why don’t you open your eyes and see that you are also dealing with other human beings that sometimes needs some other security other than a better income? And, above all, a good human treatment. The way that illegal immigrants were sent back to their countries is scary. Kids abandoned, ill people alone, families separated. When you see the film Children of Men it looks like sci fi, but it’s not so far from the reality thousands of illegal residents live now. I work for an American company here, treating with US customers. Most of them are great, and there is a minority that really makes us feel bad for being foreigners working for the US from our own country (by the way, that’s how you pay less for your products and services but blame us for it). Most of these people can only speak English while we are at least bilingual, in most cases professionals. I wonder how they would feel if we were treating them in the same way when they come over here and work also with an accent or even without speaking Spanish. In our country, that is considered attractive, not a problem. Discrimination issues are at the top of the list in the US. When Americans meet Argentinians they are easily confused by our European look, but when they confirm they are talking to Latin Americans their attitud changes dramatically. I still wonder why. What’s so bad about us. I have many American friends who can’t find a good reason for it. My boyfriend is also American. I hope that in the future you don’t have to think about going for the police or not considering you may have an issue with an illegal resident, just fix a situation in the best way for both. I hope people who want to be there legally can do it and be just another legal citizen in the US, just with the same rights Americans enjoy when they come here with a smile.

By Jane

April 17, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Liliana, Laws are not to be picked through to see which one best fits a persons wants and needs. I am an American. Legal guests are very welcome. It’s the gate crashers that has so many frustrated. The illegals crash the gates, very often refuse to try to learn or speak the English, break even more of our laws and then board themselves up in a church when told to leave. I, like millions of other Americans, welcome legal migration. Foreign accents are most often viewed as sexy. It’s the refusal to speak English at all that keeps that wheel spinning.

GaNative, You appear very bitter. The legal guests deserve respect.

Welcome to America. Obey our laws or get out.

By COOPIE

April 17, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

ONCE UPON A TIME IN NORCROSS, WE HAD COMPASSION AND WANTED TO HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE. NOW AFTER WATCHING OUR PROPERTY VALUES GO DOWN DUE TO NUMEROUS VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW BY UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS (I.E., TOO MANY PEOPLE LIVING IN 1 HOUSE, EXCESSIVE NOISE, SPEEDING UNINSURED DRIVERS WITH NO LICENSE, ETC.), WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!! COMMON SENSE NOW DICTATES THAT YOU CALL THE LAW, THE QUALITY OF LIFE UNIT, CITY & STATE GOVERNMENT AND YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPS WITH ANY VIOLATIONS BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WILL NOT TURN INTO A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY.

By Michael H. Smith

April 18, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Jane you’ve brought to fore one of the mainstay points in this discussion. Why should the Mexican government do anything to change the situation?

The obvious answer is the present oligarchy representing a government in Mexico should not want to change when it is tantamount to a death wish of that corrupt system. That is why or at least part-b reason for demanding repatriation of the illegals here; their return will put that inside pressure on the Mexican government necessary to bring about change in the positive direction. I think we’ve all known for some time the Mexican government uses illegal immigrations of their citizen to this country as a socio-economic relief valve to keep the lid from blowing off and those in charge in power. Of course I do realize what I’m saying, it could cause a revolution. But that is the high costs of regaining freedoms and liberties once lost. Sadly for the Mexican people it is somewhat questionable if they ever had such things in Mexico. It’s about time they did and about time we established a well regulated immigration fair policy that is faithful to the American people and conforms to the articles in our constitution.

And to Lillian: Jane’s comment to you summed it up nicely. Personally I’d rather pay that extra dime or nickel to a foreign worker in their home country if it meant them living a more humane life there and some American here in this country keeping a good job and the living wages relative to cost of living sustained.

Main fact of this topic remains point in fact: No one should be here illegally in this country in the first place to ever have the opportunity to commit another crime in the second place.

By Harold

April 18, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

Would you make an exception if you thought he had been a drug smuggler?

“Well, he might get in trouble for that 20 pounds of marijuana on the seat, so I am not calling the cops.”

Ludicrous!

If he broke immigration law that is his own problem that he started and it is between him and INS. You got nothign to do with it.

He didnt put you in any position other than the position of having to get your car repaired, so get over your useless white guilt.

By Rick in Lawrenceville

April 18, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

Major Woodruff and Mrs. Furmans of the City of Duluth Police Department are doing the citizens of Gwinnett county a DISSERVICE! What if the illegal in your accident has another accident and causes one or more fatalities? What if their inaction (not detaining and reporting illegals to ICE) leads to the killing of American citizens? Allowing drivers on the streets without a license and/or insurance? A situation occurred in Virgina Beach about 5 or 6 weeks ago where two teenagers where killed by an illegal alien. Caused a stir between Bill O’Reilly and Geraldo Rivera. Seems Virginia Beach is overun with illegal immigrants and local people are beginning to be very upset, especially at the risk of losing tourists to their city.

750 AM has had a series this week about how illegal immigrants have overburdened the judical system…clogging the court schedule, translators fees, overcrowding of the jails. Is this something that we want to continue? Will the local governments step up and start solving this problem. They may not be able to deport, but they should be able to request clarification of immigration status from ICE. If the local governments created enough NOISE on this issue, the federal government might start to notice!

By Michael H. Smith

April 18, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Harold I agree with what you said, though truth is our cops might ticket a car accident but in this case the same old immigration excuse would have been flaunted:

It’s a federal matter!

And I.C.E. or INS would say we only go after the big fish, don’t tell us how to do our job!

Yeah and so is bank robbery, it’s a federal matter too but you see local cops getting involved in that “federal matter” all the time.

Long story short is we U.S. citizens must obey our laws, all of them. An illegal alien receives special selective treatment under our laws. The 14th amendment not only is supposed to provide equal protection but also equal prosecutions. Now why would any American get angered over that fact? We suffer unjust treatment and a violation of our civil rights. If they can selectively break our laws without consequence then every U.S. citizen should have the same right to choose which laws they want to obey or ignore and break.

By should have

April 18, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Should have taken his money and then called the police…

By GaNative

April 18, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

See What I mean? Today on the AJC’s Front Page is a story of the Sand Squatters in India filing a lawsuit against actor Richard Gere just because he kissed their lil precious indian woman on the cheek during an AIDS Fundraiser. I think America should round up all their sorry AZZes and send them back to India.

By lucky

April 18, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

I resent that all the police did was issue a ticket. Will that unlicensed driver show up and pay the fine? For what, he has no license anyway.

You were one of the lucky ones - when we got hit by an “undocumented” who spoke no English, the repair to our car meant $1,000 deductible, out of our budget. No license, no address, no problem, at least for him. We were not hurt, but many people have had catastrophic injuries and death without compensation or justice.

I would gladly pay ten times more for my vegetables, and it would still be cheaper. Illegals are here at the behest of big business elitists who receive obscene compensation packages while the taxpayers pay the price. As long as illegals remain ignorant enough to be allow the corporate greedy to exploit them, while refusing to demand an end to the corruption in their own country, we all will continue to suffer. Our politicians are benefiting from those corporate profits through campaign contributions and other perks, which is why this has escalated.

If and when you are a victim of the continued lawlessness of illegal behavior, you will view this issue differently. But as long as I am paying the price, you can afford to state your views without impact. Thank God for Tom Tancredo!

By GaNative

April 18, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

COOPIE you said it right. Jane you’re dayum right i’m bitter. How else am I supposed to feel when I see a less qualified Indian gets to stay on the job just because he has a work visa, live 3 families to a house and will work for cheaper wages while I’m escorted to the door? Yesterday I had an telephone interview. Guess what? The interviewer was an Indian asking me if I had GOOD COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS. Now when the interview ended there was some things he wanted me to do for the next step in the process. His comment to me was “DO THE NEEDFUL” so we can continue. WHAT DA FUGG IS DO THE NEEDFUL???

By GaNative

April 18, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith you should run for President, you’d certainly get my vote. Your comment and I quote is a very good observation. “Personally I’d rather pay that extra dime or nickel to a foreign worker in their home country if it meant them living a more humane life there and some American here in this country keeping a good job and the living wages relative to cost of living sustained.”

By Terry

April 18, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

I am torn between both feeling sorry and being aggravated.The aggravated part is Congress is in the process of giving illegal immigrants Social Secrurity benefits.So contact you local Congressman as we may not be able to even receive ours after i personally have paid into since 1972.But the feeling sorry is that these people are extremely hard working,work long hours and do the jobs most American citizens will not do.And the general population of them are some of the most kindest, sweetest people you will ever meet and would give you the shirt off their backs.I have friends who are from Mexico and would do anything for me if I asked but even more important if I didn’t they still would.The goverment should come up with the requirement that they need and have to, become a citizen.We would have to if we moved to Mexico.

By Jane

April 18, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Top of the mornin’ to all. Duluth is an interesting city. At the new town hall the speed limit changes to 35MPH. Just down from there (1/8 mile) the illegal day workers gather openly. Just down from there (1/8 mile) the police lay in wait for you to “break the law” and speed. I’ve sent letters to city, county, state and federal officials. Since then the speed patrol has moved either to the top of the hill (as to not see the day laborers) or to PIB. Again, selective enforcement of the laws is dividing the people of the county. I am actively trying to be part of a solution but am not sure how we, the people, can actually have a significant enough impact as to resolve this bleeding wound known as illegal immigration.

By GaNative

April 18, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

OK, lets get this straight. Don’t buy into that Corporate America Bullshid that these Indians work harder. Everyday on my job they’d gather in the break room and talk that native tongue bull that would get the average worker written up. Also, the reason IT departments now have big Quality Control and Quality Assurance departments is because they hire these sorry azz Indian programmers that need someone else to FIX ALL THE BUGS they created. They work cheaper, not harder. And you get what you pay for.

By Michael H. Smith

April 18, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Terry not meaning to be contentious but Americans cannot afford to do these so-called jobs they won’t do. Americans can’t live 20 people to a house, pool money to buy one car and depend on free medical coverage just so they can work a lousy paying next to nothing dead-end poverty job. Another thing, I’ve worked with these guys and over these guys, and I can tell you from first hand real life experience they work no harder than most Americans. The difference is they will put up with a lot of garbage and say nothing in fear of deportation. Will not file any work related claims so slimy employers really like not having to carry them on the books: 1) to beat taxes 2) to beat insurance. So who wouldn’t like to pocket about a third of their gross right off the top or be able low ball every bid and still show profit?

Terry our government, which is we U.S. citizens, already have the pathway to citizenship in place and these Mexicans you so bemoan have chosen not to take that legal path. What you are in fact saying is we must abolish are human rights to sovereignty and allow anyone to enter our country by any means necessary just to satisfy your sense of compassion.

That is ridiculous.

By Michael H. Smith

April 18, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

A snippet from Lou Dobbs conversation with Robert Rector of the Heritage Foundation just to further underscore the real need businesses and corporations have for the unskilled and illegal workers.

DOBBS: Robert Rector, let’s put up this chart of showing the cost of low-scale workers. And this is an interesting way to look at it. They pay under $10,000 in taxes. Yet, they receive more than $32,000 in benefits.

The tax burden, obviously, is the difference between the two. And that is an impressive number. But it rises to over $1 million over the lifetime of such workers.

There’s another way to look at this. It seems to me, Robert Rector. And that is if low-skill workers are being brought in by corporate America, what they’re really doing is pushing the burden of providing for those low-skill workers, particularly, illegal immigrant, off on the American taxpayer, so that the company, the employer of those illegal aliens won’t be paying that 32 — or $22,000, and the difference, if we can assume that, each year.

RECTOR: That’s exactly right. When the Chamber of Commerce will come to me and lobby and say, oh, we have to have these workers. We’d have to pay a dollar an hour more if we didn’t have them.

I say, look, each one of these workers that you bring in like this, if they come in with family, it’s costing the taxpayers $22,000. Do you as an employ want to pay that cost? They say, oh no, no. We don’t want to pay that.

They just want to shift those costs onto the taxpayer so they can make a tiny bit more profit. It’s a terrible, terrible idea. And we have a very generous system for people born in the United States, we support them through welfare. We subsidize their Social Security. We give basically free education for their kids.

But what we really have now is a kind of trans-national welfare outreach where we’re pulling more welfare recipients into the country.

By Jane

April 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

You are correct, Michael. A large portion of illegals don’t want a path to citizenship - they simply want to work.

Don’t you feel it is similar to the difference in owning a house and renting one? As a general rule people have more pride and take better care of a house they own rather than one they rent. Renters don’t have “any skin in the game”… There’s no pride in the American way of life unless you are, or aspire to become, American.

By LJ

April 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

By deegee

“The police were called, the guy got a ticket and the insurance company is processing the claim. It was a traffic offense and it was handled as a traffic offense. No one was hurt, your life will go on so move on. Did it ever occur to you that the guy is probably working his butt off day and night? If he is here illegally it’s because he can’t come here legally and work.

The American people want you to play by the rules but the American government makes the rules that say you can’t play.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hey deegee, okay…so why in the heck are we idiots bothering with drivers’ licenses and what were we thinking by faithfully paying high car insurance premiums! Apparently you have a problem with laws, or rather the obeying of laws. Would you say the same if YOU had been involved in an accident with an uninsured, illegal alien who just wanted to “pal” his way out of going through the legal process like the rest of us? How about if one of your family members were hurt, maimed or worse yet killed by such a person. Would you still hold to your comments above? You know…hey the cops were called, yadda, yadda, yadda. If you would, I pitty your family not to mention our Country!

This is just one problem of many. We have those who think the law is supposed to be obeyed and they go about doing their best to do just that. AND they are put through the wringer and made to “do the time” and “pay the price” if they do something outside the law (you know, something like not bothering with a driver’s license or having car insurance - jut minor stuff.). THEN we have those to whom the law does not apply. Any law, pick a law. I

I’ve heard the “work their butt off” philosophy enough. So, what about the legal, born-in-America people who also work their butt off. Does this mean the laws do not apply to them too? I see now, if you “work your butt off” the laws do not apply and you can do as you wish to whom you wish. Oh! No actually it’s if you “work your butt off and are in this country illegally”, those are the requirements that allow you to circumvent the laws of this Country.

No wonder we are being treated to more and more arrogance from those who are not only here illegally, but are pandered to by our politicians, pandered to by those who don’t have a clue, ripped off and robbed by those who prey on others because they are too lazy to work for themselves…and ripped off by the banks and credit card companies who see nothing but $$$$$$$$$.

They have a wonderfully rich country of their own. I agree with those who say why not begin fighting for their own country…and rid themselves of their “leaders” who apparently don’t want to bother helping their own by voting them out of office. Instead their government facilitate their people to come here illegally and drain our system by passing out “IDs” and advising them that if they make it into this country just go to the nearest Consulate and get an ID, any ID. Maybe it’s because there is the faction who are actively seeking to “take back” what they think is theirs to begin with. Don’t think that’s possible? Think again, hopefully before it becomes reality.

Come here legally and you are WELCOME!

By terry

April 18, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Micheal Simth I do not think that just anyone should enter this country to allow me to be compassionate.Being compassionite built this country to go along with the bring me your hungry, your poor etc. And these people were required to become a citizen.But I don’t know if the Federal Government still does this but if someone came from another country, like a Vietnamese girl I worked with,She told me then they do not have to pay taxes at all for 7 years.I and too even being a female worked with and had mexican nationals work for me as I was a Asst. Construction Superintendent.I only took the hispanic guys as I knew my crew would get the job done and the other guys would still have to finish the next day.Still it should be a requirement to become a citizen no matter what…But the biggest issue is the government will not make them become a citizen so there should be a solid rule, that is has to go forth within the first year of living here.You are correct in your response to me,but our government has lost the ability of common sense.Make it happen and the lawful taxpayers they would become, will help the economy.I myself cannot get free healthcare and if something happens now while I am laid off and I went to the emergency room I would have a huge bill to owe without even a thought by the hospital that maybe it should also be free to me.But it also does not take away the fact that Congress is thinking of giving SS benefits to illegals and that should only happen if made to become a citizen.But then, the good thing we all have an opinion and I do happen to agree with you on all of your posts…..

By LJ

April 18, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith, I appreciate your level-headed, well-thought-out comments. You hit home every time and I agree, perhaps you should run for President! In the meantime, Tom Tancredo can use all the help we can give him!

By LJ

April 18, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

“Young Lady” wrote: “Oh and Bill go on with your life you called the police right thing to do, youdint get hurt and the insurance is going to pay.. So now you can go be happy….”

So Young Lady, are you pleased you have to pay higher and higher premiums because your insurance company is stuck with paying the damages caused by someone who knows they don’t have to bother? You can “go be happy” too, but most of us tend to look through clear-colored glasses and those premiums take a big hit out of our paycheck. And I have a very clean driving record, faithfully pay my premiums and for some reason I expect others are doing the same.

Silly me, so are you going to tell me to “go, be happy” too?

Fool

By Akagi

April 18, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Liliana:

The US is pretty open when it comes to granting entry into the US on non-immigrant visas.

The long wait and expense comes in the form of immigrant visas that will lead to citizenship.

How easy it is for a person to become a citizen of Japan? Possible, but very difficult and very rare. China? Impossible unless you are a member of one of the 55 “native” ethnic groups of China.

The US issues 1 million immigrant visas a year, but there are many more people that want these visas than are available in a given year, but even so the US still admits more immigrants into the country than any other country in the world.

And Michael:

As I said before, the Mexican illegals didn’t simply choose not to take the legal path because for most of the Mexican illegals there is no legal path. No one is going to issue an immigrant visa to a semi-literate peasant and they don’t qualify for employment-based immigrant visas. There is are visa such as the H2A for farm workers, but even in this case I am betting the number visas available is smaller than the supply of workers.

In most cases, illegal labor from Mexico has two choices—come here illegally or not at all. I am not making an excuse for them and think that US immigration law should be enforced, but it is not simply a case of them ignoring a legal option.

By LJ

April 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I have a question that perhaps someone in the industry can answer. Recently I heard that one out of every five new homes being built today (price range doesn’t matter) have been found to have a “major structural fault”. Now trust me when I say I am not trying to blame everything on the hard working, work their butt off, illegal aliens, but seriously, is there some kind of correlation between that statistic and the fact that a large portion of the hispanic construction workers may be illegal aliens working cheap so the contractor can make a bigger profit?

Seeing these high density housing developments that seem to spring up overnight everywhere do you ever wonder exactly how skilled these day laborers are?

Just a thought. I am open to learning the true facts. Seriously

By Jane

April 18, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

LJ, I’ve not heard that % of defaults in the housing market but do know the newer low to mid-level condos or houses are not the quality they were in years gone by. Part is wood is fast grown - not as dense - part is being paid by the job - throw it up good enough to pass inspection and move on. Pride is checked at the border. Higher end homes don’t suffer this poorer quality as much, but are not a “sure deal” any longer - Give me a bit more expensive older brick house over the new, unsquared, weaker wood used for framing, thin vinyl siding house in an unregulated HOA dictatorship any day of the week!

By Akagi

April 18, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Terry:

A permanent resident doesn’t ever have to become a US citizen—it is their choice. Once a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship after five years of living “continously” inside the US—defined as having left the United States for no longer than 6 months at any given time and at least 50% of these five years must have been spent inside the US. Pass a criminal background check and pass a test on US government and history.

However, if you never want to become a US citizen that is your right—but most do sooner or later.

As for your Vietnamese friend, all permanent residents are required to file and pay taxes on all income earned WORLDWIDE. The only way she could legally avoid filing and paying taxes is if her income was less than the minimum income required to file a tax return.

By G.

April 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

To GaNative: Maybe you can’t get a job in the IT field because you are an inept. I interviewed a lot of people for an entry level position at a NOC, and 98% of americans with a Bachelors Degree in IT couldn’t tell me what an IP address was!. (Out of the 98% wrong answers, more than 70% said it was a piece of hardware.) Immigrants, because of the lack of financial resources in their countries, tend to think “outside the box” finding more creative and less expensive solutions than american educated people. Yes, i agree our english is not perfect, however, americans don’t qualify as English Experts either (Just look at the spellings in this blog). On the other hand, immigrants usually speak at least one other language. That gives them a adventage in a globalized world, where, specially in the IT field, resources and services are provided to entire regions (if not worldwide).

To Liliana: I’m sorry for the situation with your daughter, however, that is not an excuse to emmigrate. Maybe you should start working on changing things in your country, specially when as you say “our europen look” like you think you are better because of that. Your country if any, needs to change and you have to fight there. After all, argentinean sociaty is just starting to lear what democracy is (The first democratic government in Argentina that transfered government to another democratic elected government in the 20th century, happened in the late 80’s when transferred to Menem, and that happened only because they anticipated such transefer) Anyway a few yearas later the next democratic elected president was kicked out, and now that you have a new democratic elected presiden, you celebrate giveing him “superpowers”. Stay in your country, fight for it and for your rights.

By Michael H. Smith

April 18, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Akagi thanks for the comments but here is where we disagree and why. Yes the illegals did choose to come here by choice illegally no one made them cross the border; they did so of their own volition. Then you must realize we in this country have the right, and that is unalienable, to establish whatever government we desire to have and to make laws that satisfy ourselves not foreigners. That is part of our sovereignty along with the right to secure our borders, insure domestic tranquility, assure economic stability within the citizenry and to allow whomever we choose, as many as we choose, under whatever terms and conditions we set forth to have them enter this country, by any means we deem necessary. Not to ignore the fact we as a nation the U.S. has what is probably the most liberal immigration policy in the free world. We take in 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 legal immigrants every year; this does not include the thousand more immigrants allowed by visas in addition, as in guest worker program visas, which by the way, our government cannot manage that accounts for about fifty percent of illegal immigrations via overstays.

There is absolutely no doubt there are more who want to come to this country than we will allow a worker visa; and to that I’ve this to say, so what. So what the U.S. Chamber of Commerce the Business Round Table and every business wants to control the wages within the our labor market and enjoy a labor subsidy at the taxpayers expense. So what the Mexican government wants to retain a corrupt system that excludes most of their citizenry from the true prosperity of that country. So what everyone who wants to come here and milk the proverbial cow so to speak can’t get in legally. We are not governed by these groups; we are a representative Republic that is obligated only to ourselves by afore mentioned sovereignty.

The Mexicans have three choices in fact: Wait and do it legal like all the rest who do not have the same geographic advantages of a shared border even it that does mean they never get here, or they can change their country to enjoy the very kinds of things we have that our generations of parents built and we continue to build upon for our posterity in an passed on inheritance or don’t come illegally.

I not buying this line of thinking we are obliged to take any and all comers or that we don’t allow for enough immigration. That simply is not the case.

No one is going to issue an immigrant visa to a semi-literate peasant and they don’t qualify for employment-based immigrant visas? Point in fact we do. Whereas New Zealand does not.

By GaNative

April 18, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

G, I dare your SAND SQUATTING AZZ calling me inept. I’ve got over 34 years in the IT Industry. I know what an IP address is. I work on mainframe, midrange, pc’s and I’m capable of doing web applications. I know all about what goes on behind the pointing and clicking of a mouse. So you my friend can take that INEPT statement and stick it up your azz.

By Heard it here first

April 18, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

GaNative: Your “do the needful” comment… you didnt by chance happen to work for a major internet company in midtown didja?

By GaNative

April 18, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Heard it here first, No I didn’t but it’s common among them. They can’t talk worth a shid, yet they are the ones getting the jobs and doing the hiring.

By LJ

April 18, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith, you did it again! I don’t need to add anything to what you say except this. I find it sad to the extreme and quite alarming at the number of people in this Country who seem to think we should be totally ashamed of who we are and what we have.

It’s not so much a matter of not wanting to share, but rather a matter of two centuries of hard work by people from many countries who wanted a better life. I fail to understand why this country has achieved its status while others either slide backwards or remain stuck in a quagmire. I’m sure we would be shocked out of our minds if we could walk where most of the people of this world walk on a daily basis, but why should we be ashamed of what we have and more importantly who we are?

As one poster mentioned earlie, we strike him/her as being “superior”. Well, if pride in one’s country makes him/her think that person thinks they are “superior” then there are a lot of “superior-thinking” people all over the world.

Does it strike anyone else as to how odd it is the American citizen should not be proud of their Country? I’ll never figure that one out.

I am not and will not be ashamed of my Country!

Thanks again Michael, you have written so much with obvious common sense. A commodity I fear is swiftly becoming extinct in this Country with each new generation…

By Jane

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

Profiling, by any other name, still is profiling. No doubt jobs are filled by less qualified based on where they appear to be from versus who they are. I’ve read several books saying Americans are becoming more lazy and falling further behind because we lack ambition. Don’t you think we profiled and profile others without ever meaning to?

IT or Customer Service - India Construction - Mexico Nails - Viet Nam Beer Drinker - College student or Red Neck

It may not be right, but profiling is done every day - all the time - without ever thinking about it.

At this point the question to ask is what can I do, if anything, to set myself apart from others. Should I stay in this field or change fields?

A sapling is supple and can bend when the winds of change blow. An older tree usually hardens with age - is less supple - and will most likely break under the same wind. Stay young. Don’t be afraid to change careers if you feel the one you’re in doesn’t view you as you would like to be viewed. After all, most of us work to live… we don’t live to work.

By LJ

April 18, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Jane wrote: “Give me a bit more expensive older brick house over the new, unsquared, weaker wood used for framing, thin vinyl siding house in an unregulated HOA dictatorship any day of the week!”

**Hahaha, hey Jane did you happen to see what happened to a relatively new home in Georgia last week? There was a wind storm that cut through a subdivision and one of the houses split in half! I’m not kidding, it split right in half. I don’t know whether it was on a crawl space or slab but either way, if that house did not have a “major structural defect” then I wonder why it just fell apart. Imagine the owners’ surprise when they rolled up to their garage, they were out-of-State when that happened.

My sentiments exactly!**

By Jane

April 18, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Hi LJ, Yes - I did see it - Not sure what caused the split but I was wondering if their insurance would cover it (act of God? wind?) while being glad it wasn’t my home! It would be nice to hear a follow up on what happened to split the home and if the insurance company covered it.

By Akagi

April 18, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith:

I agree that illegals come here of their own freewill. Where we disagree is they had a choice to enter legally and simply chose to take the easy, illegal route rather that bothering to fill out paperwork and do it the right way—this is almost verbatim what Hannity says on the issue.

But this is not the case—their choice is to enter the US legally or to stay in Mexico—and many decide that being an illegal in the US is better than being a legal in Mexico.

While I agree the US needs to secure the border and the internal worksites. It is not just a case of them being too lazy to fill out the paperwork or wait their turn…for them there is no turn.

Doesn’t mean we should be the dumping ground for the world’s working poor though.

Had a person at work tell me today there shouldn’t be borders. I wonder if they are aware of the consequences of their policies if they were put into place.

As I said yesterday, Savage is right, Liberalism is a mental disorder.

By Michael H. Smith

April 18, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

So Hannity is stealing my material again… just joking. I never said anything about too lazy to fill out paper work and the Mexicans still have those “three choices” as stated. I can choose to go to New Zealand, I’ll probably never get there but still I have the choice to try legally. And because I never get there, it doesn’t mean I had no choice, though the results mean I remain here.

By the way have you noticed how little is ever said about the hard workers building a better Mexico? And if something is said along those lines the first defeatist thing a retort brings up is: But how do you do that?

I am afraid the “better life” people (liberals and elitists) are more than just a little bit disingenuous. Perhaps I should ask them to think about that one, while they grimmest at the gas pump fuming over near three dollar a gallon gas?

But I wonder does the person who said there should be no borders, do they equally think there should be no right to property lines for homeowners as well? I’ll bet they would be against locks on doors too?

The cruelty of people calling the undocumented house guests, burglars and home invaders, the very nerve of “those people”.

By LJ

April 19, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this

Akagi: “Had a person at work tell me today there shouldn’t be borders. I wonder if they are aware of the consequences of their policies if they were put into place.”

That is a scary thought! Remember when I mentioned that Common Sense was fading away with each new generation? Well, that is a fine example. And to think that the numberof people who think that way is growing. This is a fine example of the effects of the “dumbing down” of America.

And Michael, good post!

By jd

April 19, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Thank you Jesse’s Girl. You’ve said it all…and very well.

May I add that I am an immigrant who has been in this country since the 60’s. My parents needed a sponsor and had to prove that my father had a job (with taxes taken out) and a place to live before we were welcome. We have never required government assistance for anything and nobody in my family has ever been arrested. I like to think we have respected our new home and contributed to the country that accepted us.

Unlike the illegal that rear-ended me, showed a bogus insurance card, was ticketed and disappeared. I was left to foot the bill to fix my car. I had insurance, but was still out $250 for the deductible.

I write to my congressmen all the time and also belong to numbersusa. Yes, this LEGAL immigrant fights against illegal immigration. I’m tired of paying taxes to pay for their education, healthcare and incarceration, not to mention the way they have no pride in their environment. I know it’s not all, but if they were legal to start with, they would be held responsible for their actions and if they had to pay taxes, they may appreciate what they have.

By the way Bill, you did the right thing. That was the initial question, right?

By crystal

April 19, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I am tired of the ‘if the illegals weren’t here who would build your house’ and ‘the country would collapse if they were all deported. I say our houses would be built by people who actually know how to build a house. Plus, the builder’s are not passing the cheap labor savings down to the consumer, they are putting it in their pockets. The ‘savings’ along with their fed, ga, unemployment, fica, medicare, and workers compensation taxes. I also say, let’s send all back to whereever they came from and then find out for sure if the country would collapse. I bet there are some hard working folks in Darfur that would love a job here, let’s give them a chance too. I do realize it’s harder to cross an ocean than an line in the sand, but why are the only ones deserving of this great life are south of our border?

By Akagi

April 19, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

LJ:

Actually this person is not some 20-something that doesn’t even know what they don’t know, this is someone of an advanced age that should know better.

By Michael H. Smith

April 19, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

My apologies jd, it is very, very, regrettable that LEGAL IMMIGRANTS get slapped in the face most disrespectfully by our country that allows ILLEGAL ALIENS to remain here – and worse talk of another amnesty – while you honorable legal immigrants who did all things by our laws and have shown nothing but the utmost respect for America and we Americans, that you are being so callously disregarded for your having done things right and making a “genuine contribution”.

I’ve said many times that the naturalized legal immigrants are the very best citizens.

Going back to original questions (three actually posed to bloggers) this is one more reason why I said Bill should be angry along with all other U.S. citizens, and probably more so the legal immigrants. We should never allow our legal immigrants, future citizens, to feel in anyway diminished or to suffer in any manner because of the illegal aliens.

By LJ

April 19, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

You know what? No matter what we all write on this blog, now matter how right those comments may be, in the end the ILLEGAL ALIENS know they have the last laugh…

Fiddle, they’re even laughing at the “politicians” who are aiding and abetting their staying here.

Akagi, very sorry to read about the age of the person you mentioned! I suppose that’s one defense for those of the younger generations who lack common sense. Obviously he passed along his own lack of common sense so he certainly could not teach the next generation anything about it.

Hey guys, there is one more area that the government is working on (just subscribe to NumbersUSA.com) is SOCIAL SECURITY!

Perhaps the next blog question should be: How do you feel about allowing the ILLEGAL ALIENS “legal” access to Social Security? How do you feel about the ILLEGAL ALIENS then being allowed to move back to Mexico…and continue receiving their “hard-earned benefits” in Mexico?

So, not only are our “politicians” dipping into the SS funds to fund their “bridges to nowhere”…they now want to send it down to Mexico.

Think I’m making this up???

I wish I were!

I would love to be a fly on the wall in the room every time our government and Mexico’s government meet and probably are still meeting. (Don’t worry about anything, just “trust” us.)

By Crystal

April 19, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Also, how did it happen that the schools don’t have enough money to pay for music, art or p.e., but they “find” the funding for ESOL? Schools are falling apart all over this country not to mention the new schools that are needed in New Orleans and yet millions of dollars are poured into paying for anchor babies to learn English.

By natali

April 19, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

this is not about illegals.it is about driver license and all kind of responsibility.i know many citizens who does not have a driver license or insuarence. don’t get me wrong but whoes gonna feed usa if not illegals.i don’t think that any of you( who left comments) will work in constraction, housekeepers,taxi drivers and ext….and they only get maximum $200 a week.

By Rick in Lawrenceville

April 19, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Natali: We subsidize illegals by paying their share of taxes to support public educations, medical, judical, correctional, utilities, roads and highways!

If an illegal is deported, that illegal can not kill, rape, or rob someone.

By natali

April 19, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

rick: i watch tv all the time. and tell you what: all murderers, bandits,bank robers,gangsters all are citizens. and if you think after goverment will send everybody in their contry there will not be any crimes you are wrong

By Jane

April 19, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

LJ, perhaps we need to vote to have our elected officials receive the same “government mandated” retirement… Social Security. If their future were impacted perhaps it would be handled differently - especially when it comes to including groups who have not earned it. Since this is my money that I have been forced to set aside why is it I can’t leave it to my heirs as I can with my IRA’s, 401k’s, property, china, whatever.

Chrystal, you are correct - legal students are being cheated out of a great education because our schools are forced to “balance the playing field”. Since it appears we are going to do bloody little to deport the illegals perhaps we should set up schools with English being the second language as to not retard the progress of students who have a great grasp of it. Dumbing of America has been progressing quite well thanks to bleeding hearts that want to solve the problems of the world before they address the problems at home.

By LJ

April 19, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Natali: “…don’t get me wrong but whoes gonna feed usa if not illegals.i don’t think that any of you( who left comments) will work in constraction, housekeepers,taxi drivers and ext….and they only get maximum $200 a week.”

Please, may I respectfully suggest that you not assume something about people whom you have no knowledge of. You know nothing of any of the people who are posting, you know nothing of our background (I don’t assume to know) and you know nothing of our past experiences. So your blanket statement is inaccurate.

By Jane

April 19, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Natal - illegal means not legal. They’ve already broken the law. Before the wage erosion by illegal’s we did managed to do all those tasks ourselves - for fair wages so we could continue to live our American lifestyle starting with one family per single family dwelling. This person also didn’t have a drivers license. Our laws require if you are going to drive that you have one. So illegal’s that drive are already breaking two laws.

By LJ

April 19, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Natali: “rick: i watch tv all the time. and tell you what: all murderers, bandits,bank robers,gangsters all are citizens. and if you think after goverment will send everybody in their contry there will not be any crimes you are wrong”

Are you serious Natali??? Are you really serious??? I don’t believe there is one person on this blog that thinks that our crime will go away once all illegals are deported.

I am sincerely interested in your answer. Exactly where did you learn this? Or perhaps the better question would be…WHO told you this?

By crystal

April 19, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Who does all of these jobs that no American will do in the areas where there is a low percentage of illegal aliens? I used to work some of these jobs myself in high school to earn money for college and continued while in college. I didn’t require a ‘living wage’ but places still payed well enough that I felt it was worth my time, especially for my ‘skill level’. I also worked part-time as a waitress AFTER I got my degree to pay for some of the expenses for my wedding. Illegals are not the only ones who ‘bust their butts’ in this country. My husband and I still bust our butts everyday yet we are held to different requirement in regards to our ‘responsibilties’. Why to some folks does “being fair” only work one way?

By jd

April 19, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

It appears from the spelling, grammar, etc. that Natali has not learned much of anything.

On the subject of crime, maybe we could keep our jails open for our own criminals if they weren’t full of illegals who shouldn’t be here in the first place.

By LJ

April 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, along with my comments about Social Security why not pay close attention to a vote that is about to take place by the Georgia Legislature. I cannot remember the exact wording but it has to do with raising the minimum amount a driver must carry for uninsured drivers.

I think we should all stand in a huge circle and clap loudly for the Georgia legislature! Raising our car insurance premiums even HIGHER! YEAH!

Atleast those who seem to see no wrong doing by those who refuse to go the legal route, will have to pay the higher premiums right alongside the rest of us! YEAH!

I heard about this on 750 WSB radio this a.m. and so I do not have the exact name of the bill or the exact details. Believe it or not, are you ready for this? Would you believe the insurance companies are AGAINST this?

Now THAT is amazing!

By Michael H. Smith

April 19, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Last time I checked the stats our U.S. federal prisons have a 27% non-citizen population in them.

By Jane

April 19, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

And with the exception of the lovely jail in AZ that provides a meal for under a buck - what is that 27% costing us?

Venting is nice - change would be much better.

Crystal, like you, a lot of teens filled entry level jobs because of wanting/needing the extra money.

It was brought to my attention by a friend who owns a hauling business (dump trucks) that our government is working on opening up to allow 500 Mexican trucking companies into the USA - Can you imagine the nightmare of a big rig takes out a few families and it belongs to a company that is not bound by our laws and requirements? Have all of our reps sold themselves out for the potential of a vote down the road?

By jais

April 19, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

You know what, Bill? We need your help. We need anyone at the ajc’s help with turning these spineless policemen, city council members and soft political leaders from our lives. I recently came back from Mexico and guess what: I regularly see more Mexican citizens by the big lots on Buford highway.

Randy Belcher- chief of police in duluth is one of the big reasons for this. I could take a video camera and record for you ANY GIVEN DAY Duluth police officers wasting time on duty, ignoring illegal alien activity

By jais

April 19, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

You know what, Bill? We need your help. We need anyone at the ajc’s help with turning these spineless policemen, city council members and soft political leaders from our lives. I recently came back from Mexico and guess what: I regularly see more Mexican citizens by the big lots on Buford highway.

Randy Belcher- chief of police in duluth is one of the big reasons for this. I could take a video camera and record for you ANY GIVEN DAY Duluth police officers wasting time on duty, ignoring illegal alien activity, and basically being worthless, lazy chumps.

Bill, do you really have to ask? Sure you should have called the cops. You should have insisted that he be arrested, too, then took his name and badge number with a car number to put a little fire under his belly. I saw a guy the other day who broke his wife’s nose and his bail was 250 dollars. He was on a work visa from Mexico. I also saw a very nice white lady given a marginal DUI by duluth police the same night. Her bail was 1400 dollars and the charges were grossly exaggerated. The police aren’t necessarily your friends people, remember that. Most in this state are corrupt and have very poor attitudes and moral standards.

The last time some Mexican hit my car in duluth, I reached into his truck and pulled him from it by his hair. Just like you, he begged me not to call the police. I gave him the option of 1500 dollars or I beat him bloody then call the cops. He was 100 dollars short, but I accepted it, seeing as my car was repairable by hand. Do I feel bad? Not at all. He earned that money illegally, was obviously driving illegally, and got a taste of what happens when you’re in a strange country you don’t belong in and p** someone off. Maybe a hard line stance against these people is what we need, not understanding. When I visited Mexico I did not see starving children in the streets. I saw professional, fun people all over who were willing to work, and not wearing good will clothes, I might add. One I saw was driving a new dodge caliber, those aren’t a Benz, but are more than a stick of gum. Point blank there is money to be made in Mexico, just like there is anywhere else. The illegal aliens just come here because they can work easily under the radar and exploit our system.

By Michael H. Smith

April 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Well, the larger picture, as you know Jane, is that what this federal prison 27% is costing us is only the beginning of total incarceration cost to us in this country. Add in the prison and jail populations at State, County and possibly City level then a true accounting would be portrayed accurately. Notwithstanding the very significant costs to the victim of the actual crimes these criminals have committed, including the court cost and defense fees that are taxpayer funded. Anyway if we U.S. citizen spent one red copper on an illegal aliens, even for so much as this incident Bill was involved in for anything other than a deportation, in my opinion as you might agree, it would be a shamefully waste of our tax dollars.

Well, the larger picture, as you know Jane, is that what this federal prison 27% is costing us is only the beginning of total incarceration cost to us in this country. Add in the prison and jail populations at State, County and possibly City level then a true accounting would be portrayed accurately. Notwithstanding the very significant costs to the victim of the actual crimes these criminals have committed, including the court cost and defense fees that are taxpayer funded. Anyway if we U.S. citizen spent one red copper on an illegal aliens, even for so much as this incident Bill was involved in for anything other than a deportation, in my opinion as you might agree, it would be a shamefully waste of our tax dollars.

To the other part of your comment Jane, I can only say this: Our means to bring about the change most of us desire is the vote, other than literally revisiting the Declaration of Independence to dispose of this government and in crating a new one, which is our inalienable right our creator gave to us to do once a government becomes insufferable.

For my measly part a certain State Senator who did not get my vote the last time around which was actually cast for his opponent Mr. Mickey Mouse, he should no by that event my anger with his anti-American worker comment in favor of an amnesty for illegal aliens. His statement was along this line: If we send them (the illegals) back who will build the houses, pick the beans and chop the cotton?

Does the word American still sour your mouth, now Senator?

By Michael H. Smith

April 19, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Forgive the typos and double post if you can, cooking dinner and typing a reply don’t mix very well.

By jd

April 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Can someone get a list of those running for office that will do something about the illegal problem? I will vote for every last one of them…Democrat, Republican it doesn’t matter to me. It seems no politician has the balls to stand up and take action. It seems this is what we want, but nobody is representing us because they are considered insensitive. The (illegal) minority is making all the noise. We are the victims of these people. They are not victims.

By the way, when are they going to protest by taking another day off? My ride to work was great when they did that. Maybe they can take a whole week or even a month.

By natali

April 19, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

lj: please watch court tv all you gonna hear is everybody kills everybody for money. jd: i think my english is much better then your russian am i right? what USA stands for is anybody knows? this is a free country.when your grandparents came here they were illegals too. native americans is only indians. i think goverment is smarter (that’s why they sitting there and you here)and they will decide what is best for USA

By Michael H. Smith

April 19, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

This is a link you might find of value.

http://www.thedustininmansociety.org/

There is a reason why the illegal minority is making all the noise. It is the same reason why nobody is representing us, and it is not from a fear of being called insensitive. The people pushing this illegal immigration agenda are very well funded. Check out the people, foundations, and organizations that are pumping money into the various illegal immigration groups in this country. Then consider the K street lobbyist in Washington D.C. who are pushing this amnesty so-called guest worker agenda on our members of Congress and who they represent: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Business Round Table and numerous other corporate, business and trade associations. The Mexican government even lobbies our Congress; they hired the same PR firm Bush used, trying get the amnesty so-called guest worker agenda passed into law. Then consider that politicians spend most of their time raising funds for re-election. Well, you’re an intelligent guy jd, so I think you can put things together on your own;though lists may be published of the candidates to support at later date as the elections draw near. As for me, I’ll just use some words Cynthia Tucker recently wrote:

I think I know hos when I see them.

By LJ

April 20, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Michael: “…The Mexican government even lobbies our Congress…”

Yes, and for some reason we allow their president to freely come to our country, enter three different states, and actually rally and stir up all his citizens who are here illegally. I think perhaps we should send our president to Mexico and have him stir up the Mexican citizens into a strong desire to remake their own country.

There is atleast one movement afoot in California (and perhaps elsewhere) where the illegals have in the past attended legislative meetings and when they start to vote on illegal alien proposals the gallery becomes so boistrous the legislators postpone the vote and leave.

So why aren’t these people forced out of the building at gun point by “security”?

We will be able to find politicians in the near future who say they are for dealing with the illegals…until they get your vote…

Cynthia Tucker’s comment hits the nail right on the head!

By LJ

April 20, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Natali: “lj: please watch court tv all you gonna hear is everybody kills everybody for money.”

Yes, and if you watch all the other “court” tv programs you’ll soon come to assume there are so many incredibly stupid people out there you will wonder what in the world has kept this country alive for over 250 years.

Natali I am being respectful when I suggest that perhaps you should turn that tv off. Everybody does not kill everybody for money…plain and simple. Many kill because they are jealous, possessive, etc. Others kill for some possession the victim owns (car, electronic device, etc.) and some kill just to kill. Money is the furthest from their mind (or atleast they never mention it when they are caught).

Natali, you tend to lump everyone in one group. That is not only very inacurate but also very unfair to the vast majority of Americans.

By LJ

April 20, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

Of course, if you’ll notice, even the AJC caters to the Hispanics. “Mundo Hispanico”, and they’ve been doing this since 1979.

By jd

April 20, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

You’re right Natali, your English is much better than my Russian, but I’m writing into a Russian newspaper defending illegal activity.

My grandparents did not come to this country illegally. My parents came to this country through legal means. I was 4 at the time and really don’t know anything other than the American way of life. My family has paid taxes and social security from day one and never taken a handout from anyone. None of my family members have ever been arrested or been a burden to this country.

I think this post exhibits how angry Americans are. This anger can be a good thing or it can be dangerous. We can only take so much before everything comes to a head and we turn on each other. We need to start working together now to protect our ideals.

I came to Gwinnett County in 1976 and it pains me to remember how it used to be and to think that it can never be like that again. I fear for my daughter when she goes to school. I fear everytime I get in my car, I’m afraid to leave my door unlocked while I’m working in my yard. My fear isn’t caused by the illegals but by the fact that we no longer have the funds to protect our community because of the added burden of those that shouldn’t be here in the first place. Our government’s priorities are in the wrong place.

By Akagi

April 20, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Natali:

Most people who have come to the US have done so legally. If you want to claim that the US doesn’t have the right to enforce its immigration laws because of the treatment of the American Indians then does Taiwan have the right to enforce its immigration laws since it basically did the same things to the Yuanzhumin or how about Japan who did the same thing to the Ainu, should Japan be able to enforce its immigration laws?

And let us not forget the what your home country has done over the centruies as it expanded eastward. Does Russia have the right to enforce its immigration laws? Or is it that the United States is the ONLY country that must have open borders to the entire world?

By Michael H. Smith

April 20, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

There are more than a few people well informed thankful, their comments made on this blog subject attest to that fact. LB and jd you guys certainly know which way the political wind should be blowing – about 180 degrees in the other direction.

Well, Tom Tancredo is running for President and so is Duncan Hunter, these two gentlemen will not sell the American people out on issues of illegal immigration or on the issues of offshore outsourcing of living wage jobs that once were the mainstay of our middle class.

So perhaps LB we can have such a President of whom you speak. I sincerely believe that Tancredo or Hunter will have the interest of the American people at heart and will put this nation’s priorities were they should properly be. None of the media’s favorites, now top contenders, in either Party will ever get my vote. They don’t deserve it and they will not get it because of their political positions on illegal immigration and the outsourcing of America.

By Michael H. Smith

April 20, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Excuse me LJ for calling you LB, it’s a quarter past my beddy bye time. Have good day to all.

By Last American

April 20, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

I know you did the right thing. If I had hit you - you would not think twice about calling the police. You did answer a question for me. I know someone that was recently in a car accident (not their fault) the police were called and she was asked for her drivers license - does not have one - only an identification card. The police wrote up the accident report and that was the end of it. I also agree with some of the comments - that they are hard working people and kind. One difference is that they know how to work the system and get all the free benefits from our country. As an American - we can hold our hands on our a* before we can receive anything.

By GaNative

April 20, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

I want to revisit the comments to me made by some Indian smart azz named G and his comments were and I quote. **”By G.

April 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

To GaNative: Maybe you can’t get a job in the IT field because you are an inept. I interviewed a lot of people for an entry level position at a NOC, and 98% of americans with a Bachelors Degree in IT couldn’t tell me what an IP address was!. (Out of the 98% wrong answers, more than 70% said it was a piece of hardware.)”**

Well G you can bet your azz you were not interviewing GA Tech Grads. No doubt you were probably interviewing people from the now defunct Morris Brown College because those are the only ones that would work for your low wages.

You really need to take your pompus azz back to india.