Tag: Immigration
Three States, One Territory and Some Reflections Upon Justice
Louisiana
In her condemnation of profit over the good of this nation, last night, Rachel Maddow asked whether Louisiana is part of our country or not?
America has a choice to make about the State of Louisiana. Is Louisiana part of our country or isn't it? Because if Louisiana is part of America, then the American people and the American government have to begin to defend Louisiana against American greed, and multinational greed. Because yes, legally it's the job of BP, the oil company, to clean up this disaster that looms over this wetlands behind me right now.
Photos, Video: Immigration Reform Rally at the White House
In addition to the photos after the "flip," check out the video (below) of Margie (spelling?), a junior from T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA. I think you'll agree that she's very impressive - in Spanish and in English!
UPDATE: Another video for your viewing and listening pleasure - "El Pueblo Unido".
What’s Behind the AZ Immigration Bill (Part 2)

Most Americans believe some immigration reform is necessary. That is not inherently racist. It is how we conduct ourselves, for what reason, and what we seek to achieve that define who (and what) we are inside. How we behave and rationalize what we do forms a figurative charcoal sketch of our national character. In one state, at least, citizens-at-large (on average--actually 73-75%) are flunking the character test. I do not say all Arizonans do so. Far too many fail, however. They will tell you how horrible it is there (It isn't). They will tell you that the death of a single rancher justifies the overarching hysteria in recent weeks. They, even many Obama supporters, will blame President Obama, who's only been in office a little over a year, for the problems arising over three decades of neglect, as literally tunnels were built in a vast lattice-work at our southern border, even as almost everyone else has at some time been frisked/patted down in random airline searches. They will say this new AZ immigration law is better than nothing, when in fact it is far worse.
What’s Behind the AZ Immigration Un-Reform Bill (Part 1).

(The vote suppression tale is below the fold.)
McDonnell On Arizona Immigration Law: “that brings up shades of some...
Bob McDonnell likens the draconian Arizona immigration law to "other regimes that were not particularly helpful to democracy and civil rights." McDonnell is correct in this case (for once!), but I can just imagine how his comment - comparing the Arizona immigration law to...what, apartheid? fascism? - will go over with "the base." Apparently, McDonnell has decided to side with Meghan McCain over John McCain on this one. Heh.
UPDATE: In related news, it looks like the superb film on the Prince William County immigration resolution, 9500 Liberty, will be opening this Friday at theaters in the Phoenix, AZ area.
9500 LIBERTY traces the rise and fall of "The Immigration Resolution" in Prince William County, Virginia. Come find out why a Virginia county repealed the same police mandate Arizona just passed. view the 9500 Liberty trailer No one wants Arizona to suffer the same negative economic impact, negative public safety impact, expensive lawsuits, and higher taxes suffered by the people of Prince William County. This weekend, you can help support an award-winning film that, if successful, will inspire Arizonans to take action, and send a message to the Arizona legislature.
Pay Attention, Corey Stewart
Our failure to act responsible at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others. That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe," the president said at a naturalization ceremony for members of the military.In fact, I've instructed members of my administration to closely monitor the situation and examine the civil rights and other implications of this legislation. But if we continue to fail to act at the federal level, we will continue to see misguided efforts opening up around the country.
He added, "As a nation, as a people, we can choose a different future - a future that keeps faith with our history, with our heritage, and with the hope that America has always inspired in the hearts of people all over the world."
"Misguided efforts" like...portrayed here, for instance?