Right As Usual

Rich Lowry, reprinted in National Review , gets it exactly right. Because of copyright issues, I can't quote directly, but he talks about how a process (legislation) that was once the exclusive property of The Professionals, is now anybody's game. Don't underestimate the meaning of this victory - all who played a part in defeating the Shamnesty bill take deservedly take a bow. By writing about it, contacting legislators, and making a major fuss, we stopped it. WE did. That, people, is the essence of what it means to be a Nation of Citizens. That's what the Founders of this Republic had in mind in 1776, when they took upon themselves prerogatives that had been for the King and his Annointed Ones, and took the reins of government in their own hands. Sure, they made mistakes. They erred. But the great thing about a self-governing group of people is that the mechanism is, largely, self-correcting. It allows the minority to express their thoughts, spread them widely, ...

I was alerted to the news when I logged on, checked Michelle Malkin, and realized that the vote had already been taken. What? I should have been glued to the web? No way - I spent the morning in a Texas Instruments workshop, while simultaneously putting in a bid on a new house (for our new jobs), and arranging a mortgage (OK, my husband did most of the work for the last two).

I opened up USA Today, and my blood immediately starting building up pressure. Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas were debating the issue. Bob, as often is the case with liberal supporters of the bill, gets his facts totally wrong. It's the conservative radio hosts who are stirring passions against this bill, not because it's bad policy, but because it's an issue that excites their base and stimulates ad revenue. Wrong. For that chucklehead's information, I have never listened to talk radio, conservative or liberal. I get my opinions the way that I wish more people did - reading a wide variety of INFORMATION about the proposed legislation (including the actual text, when available), and forming my opinions on an educated basis. Not slavishly following the pre-digested biases of others. Finding common ground in the era of polarization is a tough process that requires five things: 1. An agreement that a problem exists. 2. An agreed-upon set of goals. 3. Difficult concessions. 4...

I know it's summer, the weather is great, and we're all a little tired after our massive push that initially derailed S 1348. Those, like myself, who are in the educational field, are more than a little frazzled after a tough year. But, we absolutely have to gear up for another round of "Teach the Senators Who Keeps Them in Clover". We need to write, call, fax, & email our Elected Ones, and let them know how we feel about Shamnesty. Don't forget, the most attention goes to those who are registered to vote. I provided the preferred methods of getting in touch from best to worst. Don't get me wrong, it's better to email than not, just that letters and calls get more attention. So, suck it up. Here's some links to get you mostivated. Secure Our Borders Petition Prosecutor hopes Border Patrol agent is killed in prison This INFURIATING video showing employers how to avoid the unfortunate outcome of actually having to hire Americans! Please conta...

This is apparently the only time the issue of freedom of speech concerns MSM. They can ignore the blatant violation of it with Danny Pearl, Salman Rushdie, and all the others who have been told "shut up" by fanatics eager to make their bones by executing those who transgress their fragile sensibilities. These soldiers flouted basic rules, set down in military regulations. Their only value to the anti-war crowd was that they wear their uniform. They had the right to demonstrate, off-duty, and not wearing their uniform. They chose to disregard that rule, and were warned. Not disciplined, just warned. Oh, the inhumanity!

I've been watching this situation in Washington for some time, waiting for SOMEONE in the Washington state to take it seriously enough to act on it. Voter fraud elected a governor in 2004, who used the courts to ramrod her "victory" - but needed 2 recounts to do it, even though it violated the state constitution. Wonder where the Democratic Party was when that governor was "selected, not elected"? Oh, yeah, that didn't count - because Chris Gregoire was a Democrat, not a Republican. The 133 vote margin raised no eyebrows. It was just a GOOD THING, because the "right" person (a White womyn) won - well, kind of.

I'm posting from the Piedmont-Triad Airport, where I'm testing out the Verizon Wireless Broadband service. So far, it seems to be working seamlessly, no matter where we are. It was handy yesterday, when we needed to change our flight and get a hotel. Cameron Diaz appeared oblivious? Oh, the shock! I thought that's how she spent her life most of the time.

I'm concerned about the results of this study. On one hand, the FDA posed a legitimate concern about the methodology - it does differ significantly from the norm. However, that doesn't make it invalid - it just may be a more appropriate way to determine the long-term damage of many drugs and foods. No, my concern is that the study indicates a relatively high intake of aspartame in the typical diet - check out your processed food labeling - it's in so many different things. I know that, because I am sensitive to it, and cannot eat foods containing it. I have to avoid many processed foods as a result. One big issue is the high number of kids who are on sugar-free diets - not by doctor's dictates, but mom's, who want to avoid obesity-related problems in their children. It doesn't seem to be working - kids today are, on average, fatter than ever. This study seems to indicate long-term damage, including cancers.

You are going to want to check out this week's BFB Video Blogburst. It answers the question: If illegal immigration is so unpopular with Americans (the LEGAL ones, that is), why doesn't the evening news show them marching and protesting?

I've been saying this for some time, but this is one of the first decent reports from a major news organization about the value of non-embryonic stem cell research.

The Associated Press shows its bias quite clearly - multiple quotes of those pushing for embryonic stem cell research, but no sources that would point out that the only current research that has actually yielded results has been that which used adult or umbilical cord stem cells.

It sounds as though the case of Andrew Speaker (TB patient who traveled to and from Europe) has sparked this country to get serious about quarantine for non-compliant TB patients. It's about time - with a high-mobility country like the US, we're just a hairsbreadth away from a pandemic.

I like this idea, but I don't think it has a prayer of passing. My concern is that House Republicans will vote for it, planning to use their vote as a way of offsetting their vote for Bush's amnesty bill. I'd rather they put their efforts toward killing that amnesty bill.

This is ridiculous! Rather than being grateful that she got away with her defiance of the law, she is using her children to galvanize public opinion. She may get away with it, but that doesn't make it right. We will have MANY situations like this if the amnesty bill passes. Aliens will take our leniency as justification for their illegal actions, and continue to push for what they want, regardless of the illegality.

In a post by Dr. Sanity , he points to an LA Times op-ed, by CHRISTOPHER J. FETTWEIS , who is assistant professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College. The endgame in Iraq is now clear, in outline if not detail, and it appears that the heavily favored United States will be upset. Once support for a war is lost, it is gone for good; there is no example of a modern democracy having changed its mind once it turned against a war. So we ought to start coming to grips with the meaning of losing in Iraq. The consequences for the national psyche are likely to be profound, throwing American politics into a downward spiral of bitter recriminations the likes of which it has not seen in a generation. It will be a wedge that politicians will exploit for their benefit, proving yet again that politics is the eternal enemy of strategy. The Vietnam syndrome divided this country for decades; the Iraq syndrome will be no different. Correct me if I'm wrong (and I was a history ma...

Michelle Malkin has a Hot Air segment about the Tancredo amendment - it cuts Homeland Security funding for cities with Sanctuary status. About time - I'm tired of cities deciding that they can ignore federal laws with impunity. If they want to make themselves an illegal alien magnet, it should come with a cost. The press release is available here .

The lady in the picture is the statue commemorating the Victims of Communism. Her dedication was today. I've linked to GW's speech. Not bad, not memorable - he rather modestly acknowledges others, particularly Reagan: By remaining steadfast in freedom's cause, we will ensure that a future American President does not have to stand in a place like this and dedicate a memorial to the millions killed by the radicals and extremists of the 21st century. We can have confidence in the power of freedom because we've seen freedom overcome tyranny and terror before. Dr. Edwards said President Reagan went to Berlin. He was clear in his statement. He said, "tear down the wall," and two years later the wall fell. And millions across Central and Eastern Europe were liberated from unspeakable oppression. It's appropriate that on the anniversary of that speech, that we dedicate a monument that reflects our confidence in freedom's power.

Check out Blogs for Borders . They've an interesting video, and a list of actions for those opposing illegal immigration, and S 1348. Watch the video, and follow its suggestion to KEEP THE PRESSURE ON. The elite in government (well, THEY think they're elite) plan to do an endrun around the will of the people. Is the average American all that hot about illegal immigration? Honestly, judging from my non-blogging, personal email list, it's the #1 thing on everyone's mind. While you're at it, don't forget to add the site to your Blogroll or Bookmarks.

I'm re-posting the text below. I hadn't realized that the style of display I chose would be so wide. Well, one of the few instances of immigration I'm not totally against is that which occurs when there is a natural disaster. The Central American immigrants in the above story claim to have entered this country due to hardship conditions, caused by natural disasters. However, it's been a long while. Every day they continue to stay, they become more entrenched, and more difficult to get them to return. Wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) to give each one of them $1000-$2000 and tell them "It's time - adios!"

I'm guessing that Lindsay will be there, helping to pressure Republicans to change their vote. Lots of luck, Sen. Graham (RINO, SC). And, thanks to your strenuous efforts to pass 1348, well... have you noticed the clock at the right?

I heard about this, but haven't seen it anywhere, so I use a widget to make one. It's right under the Never Forget pictures. Feel free to grab it for your own. The code is below: Get great free widgets at Widgetbox !

I tried the search for aliens getting special treatment from Congress , suggested by Michelle Malkin . Are you aware that deportable aliens can circumvent immigration laws with the help of your member of Congress? Are you aware that more than 50 bills have been introduced in Congress this year that would grant special, private relief to individual immigrants fighting deportation? It's instant amnesty through special legislation. And it's been happening for years under the radar. Past and present beneficiaries have included smugglers, illegal aliens, and now a convicted murderer wanted in his home country for engaging in terrorist activity and participating in an assassination plot that left a prime minister and dozens of his family members dead. (More on him and his congressional sponsor in a moment.) How does this happen and how can you find out if your member of Congress has sponsored such a bill? Michelle continues, giving explicit directions for finding these bills. When I ...

I received an email from the BlogHers site. They want women bloggers to select a single issue to focus on: Project #1: Choose a global issue – BlogHer's red-hot issue for the year If you could turn the power of the BlogHer community on to making a difference on a single global issue for the next 12 months, what would that issue be? Why? How would you and your community of blog readers help? Do you already have a blog or issue that you're working on and want the BlogHer community to fend for? Great! Tell us below… This year at BlogHer '07 in Chicago on July 27th , we'll be looking at some case studies of using social media to raise consciousness and awareness, and we'll apply them to an action plan for this issue. Project #2: Creating an Election '08 Voter Manifesto Let's create a Voter Manifesto, asking the media and presidential candidates from all parties to answer real questions and address real issues. Let's help them by creating a template: t...

I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, I'm certainly glad the terror suspect is no longer "hard-partying". On the other hand, I just don't see plotting to kill innocent people as an improvement. What do you want to bet that when this goes to trial, the alleged terrorist is described as a " former Catholic "?

I found a trailer for the new Michael Moore exposé. I think once the full video is released, I'm going to buy it. It's only 19.95 (plus S/H). If you have a little cash, there are sponsoring activities . How cool is that? List yourself with those who want a 'piece of him' (and is there a LOT of him to go around!). It's something you can tell your grandchildren.

Unbelievable. Go to this link to read about an immigration case that is unbelievable. I think it's fair to say that Sutton and the courts have declared open war on Border Patrol agents.

The following story from The Newsroom shows that keeping immigrants out is NOT a racist act - both the country, and the illegals, are Black.

The above broadcast showed only one illegal immigration opponent (I use that clumsy phrase, because it must be understood that none of us oppose immigration. We simply want the playing field to be level for ALL the world's people, not heavily stacked in favor of the Latinos). It shows the usual bias of the MSM - women advocating special privileges for the illegals, a good student (a Venezuelan) who cannot take advantage of college, because he can't get reduced, in-state CITIZEN pricing, the posters of children reacting to the big, bad government taking their ILLEGAL ALIEN parents (would pro-amnesty people have the same reaction to children crying as their criminal parents were taken away - say, if they were dealing drugs, or beating their spouses? Because the only difference is the crime). BTW, note how many of the protestors are shown with signs masking their faces, or obscured from the camera. Why don't they want their faces shown? It can't be because they fear a...

I hear this a lot. Families separated by the Big, Bad, US government. The trouble is, it's not the Fed's fault. Think about it. The illegal alien has made a conscious choice. He (or she) left the home country, by one means or another, evaded the legally-appointed guardians of the border (both theirs and ours), and proceeded to squat in this country. What do I mean by squat? Occupying space without a right. That's correct, taking up residency without the proper papers is a crime. Just because it's possible to do so does not mean it's correct to do so. If I slap you, it was possible, but not right. The Sisters feel that "breaking up families is immoral and un-American". Uh, Sister, WE didn't break up the family - the illegal did, when they chose specific actions that had that potential to cause the family to be separated. Further, we, in our generosity, allow all of the family to leave at the same time. We don't hold part of the family as...

I found this article on The News Room. It's a relatively new service that allows bloggers to pick up feeds from different news sources. This is a PR feed from Negative Population Growth (did they used to be called ZPG?) It clearly shows that "bigotry" and "nativism" are not the only reasons to oppose the immigration reform bill (now in a coma, but, like Frankenstein, may be revived at any time). (Disclaimer: I receive income from these feeds)

From the National Review's Robert Rector: Consider two foreigners who were here on temporary visas that expired in December 2006. One of these individuals lawfully returned home upon expiration of his visa; the other chose to remain in the U.S. unlawfully. Under S. 1348, which of these individuals will be granted the privileges and benefits of citizenship? Answer: the one who broke our laws. Meanwhile the individual who respected our laws and returned home will remain abroad and will have little chance for citizenship. Is this fair? Of all the people in the world who wish to come to America, why should we feel compelled to grant citizenship to a group whose sole qualification is that they broke our laws? I personally know some of these individuals who came legally, and I oppose disrespecting them, in favor of someone who shows no respect for the law. It just isn't fair. It's the Animal Farm approach to citizenship - some non-citizens are more equal than others. Mel Martine...

In this weeks edition... Johnny Sutton puts another Border Patrol agent behind bars, wait till you hear why! A gangbanger responds to MJ! And three horrific crimes that would have been prevented had our president done his job! Vote for us at RealClearPolitics... Here ! Learn more about Noe Aleman here , and donate here . Digger's had the opportunity to interview Noe in Washington his report is here . As always, we need to keep the pressure on until the 'Shamnesty Bill' dies a fitting death. You know what to do . This has been the Blogs For Borders Video Blogburst. The Blogs For Borders Blogroll is dedicated to American sovereignty, border security and a sane immigration policy. If you'd like to join go to the Blogs For Borders Website and send us an email with "sign me up" in the subject line. Technorati Tags: illegal immigration , amnesty , noe aleman , johnny sutton , 100% Preventable , rape , gang rape , mexico , shamnesty , john mccain , president bush ...

I found this Top Ten list at The Curt Jester . Signs You Are Spending Too Much Time Blogging 1. You think to yourself, “Am I spending too much time blogging?” And then you blog about it. 2. Your wife’s lawyer serves you with divorce papers by leaving a comment on your blog. 3. Your mom finds out about your son breaking his arm by reading your blog. (Sorry, mom). 4. You find yourself thinking, “I can’t wait to blog about this,” and you’re flossing. 5. You sometimes have nightmares about posting in front of a large group of people in a standard Blogger template. 6. You start a caption contest so you don’t have to spend as much time writing, and then you get mad when one of your 20 captions doesn’t win. 7. You’ve stopped using the terms “blogger friends” and “real-life friends” because you no longer have any of the latter. 8. While skimming a particularly long post you find yourself thinking, “Man, will this guy ever shut up about his family?” and then you remember you’re reading Deut...

This is fascinating! I found a section of the bill dealing with Human Smuggling - that's an activity we can all oppose, right? Wrong. SEC. 115. COMBATING HUMAN SMUGGLING. (a) Requirement for Plan.--The Secretary shall develop and implement a plan to improve coordination between the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection of the Department and any other Federal, State, local, or tribal authorities, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, to improve coordination efforts to combat human smuggling. (b) Content.--In developing the plan required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider-- (1) the interoperability of databases utilized to prevent human smuggling; (2) adequate and effective personnel training; (3) methods and programs to effectively target networks that engage in such smuggling; (4) effective utilization of-- (A) visas for victims of...

I've touched home base - but will be back on the road again by noon today. I have a family get-together in another state. I'll be working on more on the immigration bill (1348) while I'm gone. When I'm not partying or lounging around the pool, that is.