Speak Out!
Illegal Immigrants vs. Terrorists?
Thu, 11/08/2007 - 01:14 | Government
Clark Kent Ervin, The Aspen Institute’s Homeland Security Program director and the former inspector general of the U.S. Homeland Security Department recently voiced his opinion that Gov. Spitzer’s plan to issue New York driver’s licenses to illegal aliens might make the U.S. safer:
In short, there is a right way and a wrong way to crack down on illegal immigration. The right way is to be guided by reason rather than emotion. It might make activists feel good to deny driver's licenses to those here illegally. But such a policy will do little, if anything, to get unsafe illegal immigrant drivers off the streets. And, it might make the already difficult job of identifying terrorists even harder.Should states issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants?
On Air: The Best of Tavis Smiley
Comments
The reference to the “People
The reference to the “People of the Book” is appreciated Alinda; we have more in common than we think. I caught Mr. Smiley’s interview with Professor Gomes; I believe this theology scholar summed it up perfectly, “What is it that Jesus would have us do?”
Without love for one another, we work, live, worship, and speak in vain. I knew a brother from Honduras who had to write his mother two weeks ahead of time so she could walk twenty miles round trip to the one telephone located in their village to speak to him. Yes, he was undocumented, and here alone working for a better life for himself and his family. He spoke little English, had never used a bank before and feared keeping his money there. While walking from his 9pm-4am shift, he was stabbed and robbed of $4500 dollars he saved for eight months and kept inside of the boots he wore. This is just one man’s story that represents the experience of many immigrants.
Someone please explain to me how this crime is acceptable against citizens or illegal immigrants?
Lashanda, it’s not often I find many things to smile about on this blog, but today, I like the way you said what you said sister, it made me smile. You wouldn’t happen to live in a college town in the Midwest would you? That would account for your style.
Peace be with you.
what did the Word say: Be
what did the Word say: Be kind to those that are alien, what do that maen to you? I don't understand the fuss when the have the risk of being caught, the disclosure of address that can change.
You need to know how and where they are, don't talk stupid. you have job all day long where people are paid to spy on you, wake up! smell it, appointed to spy on your freedom, the freedom that has been given to use by God, the one that causes to become.
It is written:to much is given, much will be asked back.
WOW! Where does one start?
WOW! Where does one start? One who is an immigrant - and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be in this country. One who did not have a choice in being brought to this country. One who was raised by parents who made an honest living - irrespective of the challenges that came with being in a foreign country.
Based on the amount of scripture quoted - perhaps I should start w/repentance - as I assume each of us has to come to at some point in the day (every day) (considering we are all sinners and imperfect). For those who sternly quote scripture and give the impression that they follow the words of the Bible to the T - very impressive... Safe to assume you are sinless? Follow the 10 commandments perfectly. Although - that love your neighbor as yourself principle seems to
escape you (just my opinion).
I am a US citizen now - and love this country very much. et - to see this level of hatred toward a group of people is heartbreaking. Immigrants are not all criminals. Many have come to make a better life for their families - and it is much harder thing to accomplish now than it was two decades ago.
I hope that in the process of seeking to find a solution for the problem at hand, common sense will play a role in this. I hope those quoting scripture spend much time in prayer for our government leaders - and remember that God is soveriegn - and the prayer of the just avails much.
For those who are simply anti-immigrant - you may want to consider that we are people too. You musn't have any immigrant friends in your life? Some of us - who are now US citizens were once undocumented immigrants - and we are still the same people - no better or worse!
Hell to the naw!! They are
Hell to the naw!! They are already illegal so why give them a legal piece of paper to let them roam around as freely as they like? Makes no sense to me.
Why not? Ben got his.
Why not? Ben got his.
God so loved the “world” he
God so loved the “world” he gave his only begotten son. “Children of the Book” all observe the God of Abraham. Condemn the behavior, love the person, and hold them accountable. Go and preach this truth throughout the world, how can you serve God and speak truth to the people if you lack the love of God? Does Jesus represent the God of unconditional love?
We should all refrain from using scripture to justify our personal ideology which promotes hate, love somebody. People have used scripture to justify war, slavery, and violence. What the world needs now is more love. Let he or she without sin cast the first stone or keep silent, we certainly aren’t Jesus, although I thought the goal was to be more like him.
Where does freeternaly get
Where does freeternaly get that Jesus taught to love unconditionally? He hated the Pharisees and called them vipers and white-washed sepulchres! Which Jesus are you talking about? The love of God IS unconditional, but WE REAP CONSEQUENCES OF OUR ACTIONS; Man's law or God's law. PEACE is NOT the acceptance of everyone doing their own thing; Peace is OBEDIENCE.
Hell NO!
Hell NO!
No, what don't you get about
No, what don't you get about the word, illegal?
One more way of trying to
One more way of trying to keep track. Whatever it takes to find out who our enemies are in America.
I concur sister, those who
I concur sister, those who choose a path of chaos and hate do not represent the teachings I observe. I am not a theology scholar; I simply try to follow what Jesus prescribed, love unconditionally, the greatest of all acts that he demands of me. I reserve judgment for the great reconciler; this is something I try to live by, since I have been misjudged. In my mind perfection is an illusion, we all have failed, we all are capable of gentle as well as horrendous acts (if not for grace), and even those labeled the worst among us can be redeemed (Moses, Paul). Even when I don't condone and implicitly deplore some of our behavior, I must strive to love and forgive people as I seek love and forgiveness (it’s not easy many times). It may be considered foolish to some but human suffering is something that seriously disturbs me, my hope is to help eliminate as much of it as I can, with what I have to work with. I truly respect your passion and thank you for the input; I have much room left for improvement. Stay passionate, Stay involved.
Peace be with you
freeeternally: Got to
freeeternally: Got to challenge you on something you said-This is the minimum amount of respect we should all extend to one another as children of one Love. We are not all children of the one love. We were created by the one love but the bible says...1 John 3:10 (Whole Chapter) This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
1. Ephesians 4:26 (Whole
1. Ephesians 4:26 (Whole Chapter)
"In your anger do not sin" [ Psalm 4:4] : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. I wanted to put emphasis on the illegal immigrant issue. I’m not angry with the people but more so with the Government handling of the law. How can I profess to love the truth but yet see no wrong in how the Government is handling the law here in America? People that love the truth are simply tired and outraged with our Government and the mind games that they play.
Redirecting my anger away from the Government is not an option; it is- justified and it stands tall with truth. How can we begin to create an America as good as its promise when we divide the truth for our convenience? When people break the law and there are no consequences these acts of disregard can happen again. If you feel as though patting the illegal immigrants on the head (reward them) for misconduct then you are missing the point. What would be fair and balance would be to have work visa’s issue for non-citizens here in America… It seems the more you want America to see that this (canvas) is painted with cheap colors (labor) the more opposition you get. You become the anti illegal immigrant advocate-okay if truth reveals that then I will be just that. Not only in this case but where ever truth is compromised. There needs to be accountability here in America. How do we fight strong for truth and justice in our community but lack the insight of the law in other situation? What kind of truth are we embracing, man made truth are genuine truth from God.
If laws are made to be broken then what good is law? Shall we act and do as we please? Can I come to your home take what I want when I want and disrespect you and the law-all because you have a beautiful bay window view of all the beautiful things you behold in your home? Would that be pleasing to you my brother? It’s all about respect for law and man... How can we expect anything different from people of other nations when we embrace their bad habits? Yes Government entices well-but falling for the bait is dangerous.
We lash out at Government on many issues that are outside of guidelines for justice… So my brother do you call this an act of justice for the illegal immigrants or for that matter anyone who breaks the law? Setting examples for life/laws don’t just stop at your house it should be internationally taught and respected…I don’t think you would want your children going to another Country disrespecting the law or for that matter here in the United States.
We have to be so careful in how we embrace things. Our kids are watching and if we compromise for this what examples are we sending? Is it okay to break the law as long as you can justify it? We have a President that has broken just about every law under the sun and yet he still sits in the White House. But yet we challenge him in his wrong so why not challenge him on this issue...
Tell me my brother what is different about this issue when it comes to the law here in America? I would like to hear your response. Should Government not be held accountable? The Mexican, Asian, African, or who ever is here illegally reflects back on our Government so when you see me lash out it’s not towards the people it is with as I stated earlier-FICTITIOUS GOVERNMENT…
We have a Government that’s shameful on paper and off. We have people in positions that refuse to make America better for all. So what good is our Government-oh yeah taxation-very good with that…?
They can tax the heck out of us while we sit idle by and say nothing of the policies and law they violate-well Mother of Pearl. So what rights shall we enforce-the right to remain silent anything you say will be held against you in the court of law?
Again I’m so tired of the old verbiage/garbage that we are given decade after decade… Something is definitely wrong with this picture…Its like we have a small percentage of voices of truth crying in the wilderness while the back biting deceitful army sits on the hill in laughter and we accept that.
If you think you have seen all of the garbage the Government do and uphold- nothing compares to what we will see in the future. I say this to you my brother and I’m finish-never support wrong in any case even when you feel as though it’s not a big deal- it really is. The Government preys on compromise-don’t give them the welcome mat… I really do feel sorry for the illegal immigrant s in so many ways-first off they are being exploited-enticed by cheap labor... Used and abused by many and they don’t even know that it’s being done. I have come in contact with many and its sad to see how they are being pimped and prostituted by the system here in America-this picture is wrong… They are wrong for breaking the law (illegal immigrants) but the Government should be held accountable-without bait the illegals wouldn’t be here to break the law. This is another form of deleting the American Citizens labor for cheap labor for big pocket profit from the labor of the illegal’s tireless hands-heck this is better than Wall-Street-for big business …Is the pictures still not clear my brother… Pimping your tax dollars is what the Government does for a living. Not only will they pimp you -all others (foreigners, Palestine, Islam, Indians, and Asians etc) are no exception. You work they take-the more you work the more they take… But you should never challenge them in their wrong doing-as they think... We are the democracy –but are we the democracy of truth and justice?
This Country brags on how productive they are in the workplace around this Nation but this Country slave drives its people to a point where stress is high and the money is capped... So what are we really doing here in America? PIMPING FOR PROFIT…slavery pyramid…SO WHO REALLY PROFITS FROM THIS-COULD IT BE OUR-GOVERNMENT? Oh no not our bible scholars…
Take a deep breath sister,
Take a deep breath sister, anger can be productive when reversed. Love is established by God. Laws are established by man. Laws are useful although often arbitrary, Love conquers all things. Perhaps if the West had not permeated nations from Africa to Venezuela in search of selfish wealth and power, there would not be a need for this dialogue. God's people have crossed the river and as of this moment have no intention of swimming back. Like it or not they are here living and breathing among us. As long as they remain here, I for one would at least like to know where they're from and what name they answer to. This is the minimum amount of respect we should all extend to one another as children of one Love. That also applies to those entering the country for destructive purposes, who may hide among the innocent.
Peace be with you
Whoosh! I have writer's
Whoosh! I have writer's blogging-block!
Everyone should have some form of legal identification whether it be local, state, nationally, or internationally. We all were born somewhere and therefore, immigrants should have a form of legal identification unless one comes from heaven. Imagine no identification; no one knows your name or who one might be.
Sincerely,
Sister Reginia Howard outreaching
"Question of the day" - When
"Question of the day" - When applying for drivers licenses- American's need proof-right-okay. What legal proof will the Illegal Immigrants have to provide in order to get drivers licenses but yet they can't even prove their citizenship here in the United States? Is there any sane person in the house? Does anyone see laws are being violated and some many people are in favor of this conduct…? Everyone deserves an opportunity to work towards a quality life for their families…but at what cost?
Personally I’m so tired of the nepotism of the pro-illegal immigrant’s consultants. There seems to be a redoubt/tolerance on illegal immigrant’s behavior and the depth and oversight on the Government part vs.… the will of the people. I personally know and have confidence that if this were the behavior of the Black Community there would be no debate-breaking law is breaking the law... How much naiveté fruit juice will America consume?
Masticate on reality Black America –is it right to break the law as long as you’re not black? I‘m uncompromising when it comes to illegal immigrants and the law. “How much cowardness can one Behold?
This is why America is loosing its integrity only to replace it with schemers back biting advisers. I’m all for change but not at the expense of the American people…Fictitious Government shall I say will sell its soul for a piece of the dead presidents colored with green. It is inactive to think that lying and deceiving the people will continue to reign.
I’m not favorable, tolerant, pliant, dissemble, recreant, friendly or wavers when it comes to truth and what truth really defines. Truth so many times has been absent; fading in America’s vision of what is right/wrong. We have substituted truth for excessive wickedness. We no longer demand that laws are followed and the truth told. We have exercised our rights to accept the card of deceitfulness with Platinum Status laboring every core of the devil's desires.
Love has an understanding of law-it never force itself across unlawful boundaries. Love understands the law of the land must be followed so if you want to use love as a scapegoat for law-breaking activities-don’t bother; love wants no association. The truth is if you sow bad seeds you will reap bad seeds...
Compromising is hell bent on filling its auditorium with its people. I can’t fathom how so many people are so lenient with law breakers. Is wrong not present in the picture?
Businesses are to blame for attracting such large crowds of illegal immigrants but does that make it lawful to uphold their behavior? That’s just like me saying the Bank enticed me with the money on display so therefore I robbed them-give me a living break “Excuses are like A__ holes everyone has one!
“Good Day”
Should states offer illegal
Should states offer illegal immigrants restriction such as becoming legal?
Should states’ issue driver’s
Should states’ issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants?
How is this issue relevant to identifying terrorists? I thought we were fighting them over there. Based on what it's costing the U.S. to occupy Afghanistan and Iraq, the answers and solutions to terrorism must be there. Let's stay focused and follow the money and the bodies. I don't see the president asking for billions of dollars to increase the Department of Immigration spending.
Anyway, it's not a matter of will these licenses be issued, it's a matter of when; because the national ID card is the next thing to show up on the population tracking radar.
Gov. Spitzer has a point,
Gov. Spitzer has a point, identifying who pose a threat and those simply trying to make a living are valid concerns. However, perhaps state issued ID cards which would allow illegal immigrants to continue working may be a better option. I primarily oppose issuing drivers’ licenses because that would require insurance, which in my view is another form of extracting profits for corporate America, who post-Hurricane Katrina, exposed their greed and malicious practices in compensating victims.
A better course of action may be to mandate that landlords, financial institutions, and employers require state identification prior to renting, hiring, and providing financial services to illegal immigrants. While Congress interminably deliberate over a just and viable immigration bill, maybe the INS could actually perform their jobs for a change by investigating those businesses and individuals who benefit most from the exploitation of human beings and hold them accountable.
I know this is a point of huge contention among the community at large, however, I don’t hold any contempt for any person seeking out a better quality of life for themselves. What if it were you or I? I do agree that there must be some regimen established and instituted by our government that will protect us all, citizens as well as illegal immigrants who live in fear, below the radar. That includes tightening up border control where drugs, weapons, and human capital are imported into the country, none of which benefits our communities.
I also have not forgotten what happened in NJ, the majority of Latinos are not vicious criminals, the same holds true for us; again, we need a way of identifying those who are.
Peace be with you.