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Sunday, November 30, 2014
Killed by Illegal aliens
Read about this and other atrocities perpetrated by illegals.
Why won't this government enforce our laws?
Park of Commerce - Lake Worth Commission's Pie in the Sky
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It's all about grabbing the cash anyway. Without saying a word, this commission, tells everyone--"It's my way or the highway." In this case it is a County Road. I can't even imagine anyone so arrogant to plow ahead after half the voters said "no."
Lake Worth is signing an Interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County that will transfer county ownership of Boutwell Road over to the city so that we can develop and maintain it. This will be on the agenda this Tuesday night. To make matters even more insulting, they have placed it on Consent Agenda. They don't have to tell us one financial detail. Of course, we really don't have any money for the Park of Commerce but the city commission has miraculously found multi-millions somewhere probably in the capital improvement budget to devote to this project--a project that will NEVER pay for itself even if it does attract developers who build. It will take 50-100 years to recapture the cost in advalorem taxes. So who is really the beneficiary?
At least five years ago, the city applied for a Grant and was awarded one in August 2009 from the U.S. Department of Commerce in order to develop a Needs Analysis at the Park of Commerce. They "needed" to cement their case as this was their Field of Dreams. This was a matching grant, so $500,000 was spent on this "need." At the time, they told us that the vision of the City of Lake Worth is to "develop the Park of Commerce (POC) into the best area for business in southeast Florida. The City’s desire is for the POC to become a vital center for light industry and a major employment center."
Because of this commission's insistence to own the road and cater to development, its ownership must be transferred and the street maintained by Lake Worth along with stormwater drainage. It will cost the City of Lake Worth taxpayers. Scott Maxwell, along with Triolo, Amoroso and Szerdi, believe that developing the Park of Commerce is our salvation. Businesses will re-locate here and all sorts of ad-valorem will enter our city coffers. This is a pipe dream and a lie perpetrated on the people.
The commission complains about our existing crumbling infrastructure. They complain about pot holes. They complain that the voters said "no" to grabbing the cash and putting every property owner in debt for 34 years. But then, they want to actually create a new paved road at 7th Avenue South when they can't fix the roads they already have and plan on spending millions of your money at the Park of Commerce. They complain that they have no money. They can't and never have taken care of what we already own--not once--anywhere in this 6 mile radius.
But the best commission bonus of all--the "visionaries" are getting their way by spending $6 million at the Park of Commerce...they originally wanted to spend 3 times that. We knew not to trust them with the cash and half the voters (plus 25) told them that.
It's all about grabbing the cash anyway. Without saying a word, this commission, tells everyone--"It's my way or the highway." In this case it is a County Road. I can't even imagine anyone so arrogant to plow ahead after half the voters said "no."
Lake Worth is signing an Interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County that will transfer county ownership of Boutwell Road over to the city so that we can develop and maintain it. This will be on the agenda this Tuesday night. To make matters even more insulting, they have placed it on Consent Agenda. They don't have to tell us one financial detail. Of course, we really don't have any money for the Park of Commerce but the city commission has miraculously found multi-millions somewhere probably in the capital improvement budget to devote to this project--a project that will NEVER pay for itself even if it does attract developers who build. It will take 50-100 years to recapture the cost in advalorem taxes. So who is really the beneficiary?
At least five years ago, the city applied for a Grant and was awarded one in August 2009 from the U.S. Department of Commerce in order to develop a Needs Analysis at the Park of Commerce. They "needed" to cement their case as this was their Field of Dreams. This was a matching grant, so $500,000 was spent on this "need." At the time, they told us that the vision of the City of Lake Worth is to "develop the Park of Commerce (POC) into the best area for business in southeast Florida. The City’s desire is for the POC to become a vital center for light industry and a major employment center."
Because of this commission's insistence to own the road and cater to development, its ownership must be transferred and the street maintained by Lake Worth along with stormwater drainage. It will cost the City of Lake Worth taxpayers. Scott Maxwell, along with Triolo, Amoroso and Szerdi, believe that developing the Park of Commerce is our salvation. Businesses will re-locate here and all sorts of ad-valorem will enter our city coffers. This is a pipe dream and a lie perpetrated on the people.
The commission complains about our existing crumbling infrastructure. They complain about pot holes. They complain that the voters said "no" to grabbing the cash and putting every property owner in debt for 34 years. But then, they want to actually create a new paved road at 7th Avenue South when they can't fix the roads they already have and plan on spending millions of your money at the Park of Commerce. They complain that they have no money. They can't and never have taken care of what we already own--not once--anywhere in this 6 mile radius.
But the best commission bonus of all--the "visionaries" are getting their way by spending $6 million at the Park of Commerce...they originally wanted to spend 3 times that. We knew not to trust them with the cash and half the voters (plus 25) told them that.
Good news for property owners in South Florida
Concerned about the tax base, the Lake Worth commission should be happy to know that we are in the top market in the country for property price gains.
Top markets for price gains over last year
South Florida, 10.3 percent
Las Vegas, 9.1 percent
San Francisco, 7.9 percent
Dallas, 7.4 percent
Denver, 6.2 percent
Source: Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index
Top markets for price gains over last year
South Florida, 10.3 percent
Las Vegas, 9.1 percent
San Francisco, 7.9 percent
Dallas, 7.4 percent
Denver, 6.2 percent
Source: Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Lake Worth High School - Blast from the Past
Lake Worth High School Band
at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1969
Photo from Patricia Murphy
Florida Governor election Stats
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Florida Governor's election where only 50.51% of the registered voters turned out to vote, have Democrats complaining. Now the Democrats want to change the statewide races back to presidential years as they used to be in Florida fifty years ago. They think they can get more of their people to the polls.
2,865,343 votes for Rick Scott.
2,801,198 votes for Democrat Charlie Crist
And since the Democratic party is always citing the Koch Brothers for their whopping contributions to the Republican Party, I thought I would add this one in for a little trivia:
George Soros, the wealthy left-leaning investor, gave the Florida Democratic Party $1 million in the final days of the election.
Number of checks: 91,220
Amount raised by his campaign: $16.7M
Number of checks: 12,888
Florida Democratic Party
Amount raised: $27.8M
Number of checks: 128,573
Amount raised by his campaign: $14.7M
Number of checks: 90,939
Source: Florida Division of Elections, Herald/Times research
Florida Governor's election where only 50.51% of the registered voters turned out to vote, have Democrats complaining. Now the Democrats want to change the statewide races back to presidential years as they used to be in Florida fifty years ago. They think they can get more of their people to the polls.
2,865,343 votes for Rick Scott.
2,801,198 votes for Democrat Charlie Crist
And since the Democratic party is always citing the Koch Brothers for their whopping contributions to the Republican Party, I thought I would add this one in for a little trivia:
George Soros, the wealthy left-leaning investor, gave the Florida Democratic Party $1 million in the final days of the election.
Republican Party of Florida
Amount raised: $68.7MNumber of checks: 91,220
Rick Scott’s political committee
Amount raised: $45.8MAmount raised by his campaign: $16.7M
Number of checks: 12,888
Florida Democratic Party
Number of checks: 128,573
Charlie Crist’s political committee
Amount raised: $30MAmount raised by his campaign: $14.7M
Number of checks: 90,939
Source: Florida Division of Elections, Herald/Times research
Quotes of the Day - Ros-Lehtinen, Rubio and Murphy
“The Obama administration should realize that the Iranians are not serious about these talks and should abandon the negotiations and with the Republicans in control of both the House and Senate come January, it’s time that we roll up our sleeves and get to work to pass new sanctions on the Iranian regime.”
~ U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
“Endless negotiations and additional concessions will not achieve the desired outcome of an Iran without nuclear weapons that is no longer a threat to its own people and its neighbors. I will continue working in the Senate to significantly increase the pressure on Iran on all fronts -- nuclear, terrorism and human rights -- before it’s too late.”
~ U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio
“There has been plenty of time to reach an agreement so this new extension raises significant concerns that Iran is using these talks only as a stalling tactic to receive economic relief. That is why it is troubling that this extension includes additional sanctions relief. While an extension is preferable to a bad deal – it is time that Congress step in to make Iran feel enough pressure to end its nuclear weapons ambitions. Any final deal must include Iran verifiably dismantling their nuclear weapon capability and coming clean on past military dimensions to their program. Lastly, the administration needs to come to Congress before removing any sanctions or significantly altering the sanctions architecture as established by Congress.”
~ U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy
All discussing the recent extension given to Iran by the Obama administration for Iran to end its nuclear program. During these negotiations, the U.S. has given Iran billions of dollars in sanctions relief. They are jerking us around and Obama has allowed it. He's just not tough enough and Iran knows it. Ros-Lehtinen is calling for new sanctions when the Republicans take control of Congress and the Senate in January.
Obama, Holder and Sharpton ignited the fire in Ferguson
This is what they did:
The Islamic State looks at the rioting
of black youths in the streets of American cities and sees red-meat – an
untapped treasure trove of new recruits.
Within hours of the Ferguson grand jury’s decision not to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, members of the Islamic State, also called IS, ISIS or ISIL, started Tweeting messages directed at angry protesters. Some promised to send in soldiers to help, for a price:
Read more... at WND.
Within hours of the Ferguson grand jury’s decision not to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, members of the Islamic State, also called IS, ISIS or ISIL, started Tweeting messages directed at angry protesters. Some promised to send in soldiers to help, for a price:
Read more... at WND.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Bullies, they're everywhere
We all have encountered bullies. Hell, we have seen it right at city commission meetings. We see it when commissioners tell you to F-off by simply ignoring your call or e-mail or forwarding a confidential mail onto to someone else. We see it in condos every day where people want to change the rules and regulations to suit themselves. It should NEVER be allowed in schools and adults never should condone it. And what is really disgusting is when you see a bigger, more powerful person, in this case a student, bullying someone less than twice his size. More of these will come out of the woodwork now that Ferguson was allowed to burn.
Click here
Click here
How the next War will be Won - The Mighty Dragon
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(Reuters)- "China and "probably one or two" other countries have the ability to invade and possibly shut down computer systems of U.S. power utilities, aviation networks and financial companies," said Admiral Mike Rogers, the director of the U.S. National Security Agency. China can damage our power grids and other critical systems and bring us to our knees.
For all the pacifists who don't want the U.S. to have any more boots on the ground, this is how the war will be won or they could use this mighty dragon. Now that the Congress and Senate have been changed and conservatives are in power, we might have a prayer to reverse this revolting and unthinkable situation. Of course, the possibility of terrorists just walking across our borders is great.
(Reuters)- "China and "probably one or two" other countries have the ability to invade and possibly shut down computer systems of U.S. power utilities, aviation networks and financial companies," said Admiral Mike Rogers, the director of the U.S. National Security Agency. China can damage our power grids and other critical systems and bring us to our knees.
For all the pacifists who don't want the U.S. to have any more boots on the ground, this is how the war will be won or they could use this mighty dragon. Now that the Congress and Senate have been changed and conservatives are in power, we might have a prayer to reverse this revolting and unthinkable situation. Of course, the possibility of terrorists just walking across our borders is great.
Young Jihadist preaches martyrdom
“Make haste and purchase your place in
paradise, my dear brother. Go to the battlefields of jihad and kill the
enemies. Kill [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad and the enemies of
Allah and of our religion. Destroy them, and if you die, you will become
a martyr.”
Read more... at WND.
Read more... at WND.
Yesterday at Atlantis Country Club
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All three dining areas were packed.
There was soup, salad, rolls, coffee and fabulous desserts.
We all left stuffed!
and we didn't choke on any turkey bone!
The Myth of Ferguson's Michael Brown exposed
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Thug or "gentle giant?" You already know the answer. Where was the National Guard? And What about Obama? Personal Liberty says, Obama is back to defrauding the nation with untenable healthcare boondoggles and issuing illegal executive orders.
Ferguson will soon be a horrible memory other than for those poor black shop owners who now have to rebuild their lives and businesses in a city burned down by black punks who had no respect for anyone, especially themselves.
Thug or "gentle giant?" You already know the answer. Where was the National Guard? And What about Obama? Personal Liberty says, Obama is back to defrauding the nation with untenable healthcare boondoggles and issuing illegal executive orders.
Ferguson will soon be a horrible memory other than for those poor black shop owners who now have to rebuild their lives and businesses in a city burned down by black punks who had no respect for anyone, especially themselves.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Farmer Girl
Read about the Farmer Girl and owner Peter Roubekas carrying on the Thanksgiving tradition of providing a free Thanksgiving dinner. It used to be for the "needy" but now many others go and give him a donation for the fabulous feast.
I go to Farmer Girl several times a month. Pete makes the best soups in this world. It is a great place for food and a homelike atmosphere.
Jacksonville looking at Pension reform
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And we think we have troubles-
Jacksonville may vote on major Pension Reform on their police and fire pensions. Read about it... and the major reason hundreds of cities across the country can't meet budgets or have money left over for operations or why they try and grab $63.5 million from taxpayers for infrastructure. All the while, Lake Worth commissioners continue to travel or have the "free" lunch giving us the song and dance that networking and seminars are all for the improvement of our city.
What happened to all that "free' stuff they can read on the Internet?
And we think we have troubles-
Jacksonville may vote on major Pension Reform on their police and fire pensions. Read about it... and the major reason hundreds of cities across the country can't meet budgets or have money left over for operations or why they try and grab $63.5 million from taxpayers for infrastructure. All the while, Lake Worth commissioners continue to travel or have the "free" lunch giving us the song and dance that networking and seminars are all for the improvement of our city.
What happened to all that "free' stuff they can read on the Internet?
John Stossel gives thanks for Property Rights
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This Thanksgiving, I give thanks for something our forebears gave us: property rights.
People associate property rights with greed and selfishness, but they are keys to our prosperity. Things go wrong when resources are held in common.
Before the Pilgrims were able to hold the first Thanksgiving, they nearly starved. Although they had inherited ideas about individualism and property from the English and Dutch trading empires, they tried communism when they arrived in the New World. They decreed that each family would get an equal share of food, no matter how much work they did. The results were disastrous. Gov. William Bradford wrote, "Much was stolen both by night and day." The same plan in Jamestown contributed to starvation, cannibalism and death of half the population.
Read John Stossel.
This Thanksgiving, I give thanks for something our forebears gave us: property rights.
People associate property rights with greed and selfishness, but they are keys to our prosperity. Things go wrong when resources are held in common.
Before the Pilgrims were able to hold the first Thanksgiving, they nearly starved. Although they had inherited ideas about individualism and property from the English and Dutch trading empires, they tried communism when they arrived in the New World. They decreed that each family would get an equal share of food, no matter how much work they did. The results were disastrous. Gov. William Bradford wrote, "Much was stolen both by night and day." The same plan in Jamestown contributed to starvation, cannibalism and death of half the population.
Read John Stossel.
Lessons from the Ferguson Verdict from a Middle-Class White guy
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If you never read another thing on Ferguson, please Read this--it is brilliant.
An excerpt--The Ferguson, Missouri, rioters put on one heck of a show for all the world to see on Monday night, didn’t they? That was not your traditional American Thanksgiving display. But what do I know? I’m just a middle-class white guy. I was raised to respect property, respect police, never say “F– the police,” never desecrate the American flag, never burn down stores in my own neighborhood, love my country, believe in the American dream, study hard, get straight A’s, work hard and good things will happen. And funny enough, my life has worked out pretty well.
If you never read another thing on Ferguson, please Read this--it is brilliant.
An excerpt--The Ferguson, Missouri, rioters put on one heck of a show for all the world to see on Monday night, didn’t they? That was not your traditional American Thanksgiving display. But what do I know? I’m just a middle-class white guy. I was raised to respect property, respect police, never say “F– the police,” never desecrate the American flag, never burn down stores in my own neighborhood, love my country, believe in the American dream, study hard, get straight A’s, work hard and good things will happen. And funny enough, my life has worked out pretty well.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day
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Would the Pilgrims ever have imagined what our world would be like today? Religious freedom was so important to them and they still gave thanks to God at that first Thanksgiving day in 1621 in spite of all the death and hardships they endured. We enjoy so many blessings and take many for granted. We live in a great country, one in which gives us every opportunity imaginable to succeed and live a happy life in spite of our race, creed or gender. Lately, some people have forgotten that and have lost their way.
Pointing at a divine Keylime cheesecake from my good friend, BarbaraJean.
Would the Pilgrims ever have imagined what our world would be like today? Religious freedom was so important to them and they still gave thanks to God at that first Thanksgiving day in 1621 in spite of all the death and hardships they endured. We enjoy so many blessings and take many for granted. We live in a great country, one in which gives us every opportunity imaginable to succeed and live a happy life in spite of our race, creed or gender. Lately, some people have forgotten that and have lost their way.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Sunset and Sunrise
It looks like Laurel Decker is getting great sunrises and sunsets on her vacation whereas our sunsets have been rather blah of late--just a big blast of sun in the sky with no definition or no sun at all due to rain and heavy clouds.
Here's my favorite sunrise pic (the sun rises at 5am!) so far, another one from Koh Jum, Thailand. We were motorbiking back to our end of the island when we saw this and everyone stopped at the same time to enjoy it, said Laurel.
This pic is of the sunset over Bali, looking from Laurel's hotel in Banyuwangi, Java.
FBI raids PBSO offices
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FBI agents descended on the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in West Palm Beach yesterday to seize Internal Affairs files about deputy-involved shootings, Gossip Extra is told by two sources familiar with the inner workings of the sheriff’s agency. One insider tells Gossip Extra exclusively that the G Men were particularly interested in the May shooting of a robbery suspect by Lake Worth-based Deputy Russell Brinson.
If you recall, this was the incident that involved a Lake Worth Guatemalan. Recently there was a demonstration against PBSO in front of the Mayan Center in Lake Worth. Attorney Jack Scarola contacted Eric Holder to investigate the alleged abuse.
Read more...
FBI agents descended on the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in West Palm Beach yesterday to seize Internal Affairs files about deputy-involved shootings, Gossip Extra is told by two sources familiar with the inner workings of the sheriff’s agency. One insider tells Gossip Extra exclusively that the G Men were particularly interested in the May shooting of a robbery suspect by Lake Worth-based Deputy Russell Brinson.
If you recall, this was the incident that involved a Lake Worth Guatemalan. Recently there was a demonstration against PBSO in front of the Mayan Center in Lake Worth. Attorney Jack Scarola contacted Eric Holder to investigate the alleged abuse.
Read more...
ISIS executes two Gays
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Syria and the government does not allow a LGBT rights movement to exist.
Two Syrian men were stoned to death by ISIS for being gay the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, according to AFP. The first man, 20, was killed in Mayadeen, in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, AFP reported. A second man, 18, was stoned to death in Deir Al-Zor. These barbarians are killing everyone in their "struggle" and consider this a crime and a sin under Islamic law.
Read about gays being stoned to death by ISIS
Two Syrian men were stoned to death by ISIS for being gay the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, according to AFP. The first man, 20, was killed in Mayadeen, in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, AFP reported. A second man, 18, was stoned to death in Deir Al-Zor. These barbarians are killing everyone in their "struggle" and consider this a crime and a sin under Islamic law.
Read about gays being stoned to death by ISIS
Elizabeth Warren making the run
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the gal who has no idea why someone would consider her a Socialist, wants to take the power away from the wealthy and redistribute wealth in this country, traveled to Israel over the weekend. Newsmax says that "it is the trip that some say is a career move for the Massachusetts Democrat who could potentially run for president in 2016. Progressives are pushing Warren over Clinton.
Warren met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, according to reports. She will also meet with members of the Jordanian government, the Palestinian Authority, and other groups, as well as troops from Massachusetts currently stationed in the Middle East."
Read more here...
E-Cigarettes
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What is the fate of e-cigarettes? Not too much is known about the harm they may or may not cause. It just stands to reason that inhaling anything into your lungs could be harmful. What we do know is that it’s a booming, billion-dollar industry and it has been said that e-cigarettes will outsell tobacco within the next ten years. Teens are getting hooked and think it cool and those using e-cigarette products have doubled between 2011 and 2012.
Dylan Harrison owns a store that sells these in downtown Lake Worth and generally they consist of a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. Many of these products come from China. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its proposed “deeming rule,” which would regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products. If the rule is adopted as proposed, the deeming rule would extend FDA’s regulatory authority over a variety of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and hookah tobacco.
The Gainesville City Commission officially approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in places where smoking is already forbidden. The City already had a ban on outdoor smoking at city facilities and Regional Transit System bus stops and bus shelters and the ban is now extended to those spots as well. They joined Alachua County and 67 other local municipalities in enacting such restrictions. Read more...
Florida HB 169 prohibits the sale to anyone under the age of 18 and requires certain signage at retail locations. This bill was "laid on the table" but a similar bill passed in the Florida Senate, SB 0224, and was signed by Governor Scott on June 13, 2014 and became law on July 1, 2014.
What is the fate of e-cigarettes? Not too much is known about the harm they may or may not cause. It just stands to reason that inhaling anything into your lungs could be harmful. What we do know is that it’s a booming, billion-dollar industry and it has been said that e-cigarettes will outsell tobacco within the next ten years. Teens are getting hooked and think it cool and those using e-cigarette products have doubled between 2011 and 2012.
Dylan Harrison owns a store that sells these in downtown Lake Worth and generally they consist of a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. Many of these products come from China. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its proposed “deeming rule,” which would regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products. If the rule is adopted as proposed, the deeming rule would extend FDA’s regulatory authority over a variety of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and hookah tobacco.
The Gainesville City Commission officially approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in places where smoking is already forbidden. The City already had a ban on outdoor smoking at city facilities and Regional Transit System bus stops and bus shelters and the ban is now extended to those spots as well. They joined Alachua County and 67 other local municipalities in enacting such restrictions. Read more...
Florida HB 169 prohibits the sale to anyone under the age of 18 and requires certain signage at retail locations. This bill was "laid on the table" but a similar bill passed in the Florida Senate, SB 0224, and was signed by Governor Scott on June 13, 2014 and became law on July 1, 2014.
American Oil will set us free
We have seen the price of gasoline going down at our local gas stations. It got me curious about our own situation in the world and how it all might be if we were energy independent. Years ago I traveled across Oklahoma and it was amazing with all the oil rigs. I had never seen anything like it having never been in that area of our country. Right now, Oklahoma is on track to surpass California and Alaska to become the nation’s third-largest oil producer. The government doesn't talk about energy independence but it will get concerned about global warming, fracking, the Keystone Pipeline ruining our environment with groups filing lawsuits to hold it up. It's all about politics.
As of today, we could tell Saudi Arabia to take its oil and its radical Wasabi religion and shove it! For a spell, we might need some other imports — but not for long. That is because for the first time since the Nixon administration we are no longer dependent upon foreign oil. New recovery technologies such as horizontal drilling, 3-D mapping and fracking have made the United States once again the world’s oil kingpins. If we can break the grip of the Greens and explore Alaska’s rich petroleum reservoirs, the United States has the opportunity to become a major oil exporter.
Read John Myers' article at Personal Liberty
There has been a resurgence in oil and gas production. The sector has become more efficient. The IEA reported that North America would become a net exporter of oil around 2030 and take over Saudi Arabia by 2020 as the number one oil producer. Now that we have a Republican controlled Congress and Senate, we might be on our way to wealth and prosperity and energy independence plus creating thousands of jobs that Obama is always talking about. We will be able to replace our crumbling infrastructure and bridges with new found wealth.
Read about Alaska... and its oil wealth.
As of today, we could tell Saudi Arabia to take its oil and its radical Wasabi religion and shove it! For a spell, we might need some other imports — but not for long. That is because for the first time since the Nixon administration we are no longer dependent upon foreign oil. New recovery technologies such as horizontal drilling, 3-D mapping and fracking have made the United States once again the world’s oil kingpins. If we can break the grip of the Greens and explore Alaska’s rich petroleum reservoirs, the United States has the opportunity to become a major oil exporter.
Read John Myers' article at Personal Liberty
There has been a resurgence in oil and gas production. The sector has become more efficient. The IEA reported that North America would become a net exporter of oil around 2030 and take over Saudi Arabia by 2020 as the number one oil producer. Now that we have a Republican controlled Congress and Senate, we might be on our way to wealth and prosperity and energy independence plus creating thousands of jobs that Obama is always talking about. We will be able to replace our crumbling infrastructure and bridges with new found wealth.
Read about Alaska... and its oil wealth.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Kratom Craze
View Katie LaGrone's investigative report on Kratom on Channel 5 News. She and her team visited Kavasutra in our downtown: At Kava Sutra in Lake Worth, a month ago we purchased a zip-locked bag
labeled ‘KBS 15 year old leaf Kapow!’ The day we visited with our test
results, not only were the Contact 5 Investigators welcomed inside, but
while our camera rolled so did theirs. When we told an employee who
would only identify himself as “Knife” about the “no findings” results,
he responded, “really? Well, that’s an interesting response to our
kratom.” The employee ultimately questioned our test and results.
Click here
Click here
Donna Brazile says Michael Brown was murdered
African American, Donna Brazile, is an American author, academic, and political analyst who is Vice Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. Source: Wikipedia. This is another irresponsible Democrat.
In 2008, Brazile said "My momma taught me to play by the rules and respect those rules. My mother taught me, and I'm sure your mother taught you, that when you decide to change the rules, middle of the game, end of the game, that is referred to as cheating."
The entire Ferguson incident went to the Grand Jury that consisted of 9 whites and 3 blacks. They decided that there was NO PROBABLE CAUSE TO INDICT. So, Ms. Brazile, accept and respect the law and play by the rules and stop inciting and promoting racism.
Wes Blackman just got hit with a Monkey Wrench
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On March 17, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission received a sworn complaint against Citizens Come First PAC (principals were Laurence McNamara, President and Lynn Anderson, Treasurer). After extensive time and investigation of the matter, it was heard by the Commission on October 29, 2014.
During the course of the investigation, the Investigative Team found that the complainant, Charles Wesley Blackman, had one prior case against him that resulted in an automatic fine of $1,500 on November 15, 2011. At one time, Mr. McNamara had one other complaint from a College Park resident, that involved two, fifty dollar donations to a campaign as both being given by him when in fact one was his wife's. He was not fined. This complainant was caught stealing and removing Mark Drautz signs.
In this city, you must cross your t's and dot your I's as there are always people with nothing better to do that will scrutinize everything in order to have a "gotcha" and try and make your life miserable by the most trivial and frivolous of charges. They thrive on it and it keeps their hate alive, a reason for them to live.
The Florida Elections Commission just issued its final order in a letter dated November 21, 2014:
On March 17, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission received a sworn complaint against Citizens Come First PAC (principals were Laurence McNamara, President and Lynn Anderson, Treasurer). After extensive time and investigation of the matter, it was heard by the Commission on October 29, 2014.
During the course of the investigation, the Investigative Team found that the complainant, Charles Wesley Blackman, had one prior case against him that resulted in an automatic fine of $1,500 on November 15, 2011. At one time, Mr. McNamara had one other complaint from a College Park resident, that involved two, fifty dollar donations to a campaign as both being given by him when in fact one was his wife's. He was not fined. This complainant was caught stealing and removing Mark Drautz signs.
In this city, you must cross your t's and dot your I's as there are always people with nothing better to do that will scrutinize everything in order to have a "gotcha" and try and make your life miserable by the most trivial and frivolous of charges. They thrive on it and it keeps their hate alive, a reason for them to live.
The Florida Elections Commission just issued its final order in a letter dated November 21, 2014:
No Probable Cause
and has dismissed Blackman's charge and his accusation towards me and Laurence of falsely reporting or deliberately failing to report information required by Chapter 106. 
The Punks ruled Ferguson last night
Comment Up
Do you ever feel like the bad guys are winning? Although there were 29 reported arrests last night, not nearly enough for the amount of crime in Ferguson. If you weren't black, you were in trouble being anywhere close to the "protests."
The punks were out in full force--looting, breaking windows with baseball bats, throwing rocks and injuring people, guns fired and one man reported hit, using the F word and going so far as to give a peace sign and then setting a police car on fire--25 stores were burned down. This was all pre-planned by criminals, bullies, thugs and punks after the Grand Jury's verdict of no probable cause to indict officer Darren Wilson.
The President gave a speech after the verdict, the very one responsible for much of the insurrection. It was he who sent Eric Holder out there to begin with that fueled the flame. Holder had demanded a sweeping civil rights investigation. Other elected officials, Obama supporters, openly declared Officer Wilson guilty. Obama urged peaceful protests but there is no justification for this reaction by the mobs--it is not understandable and all this does is evoke more violence.
These criminals, using the excuse of racial prejudice, were "ready for war" and even though Ferguson was prepared, the destruction and violence could not be stopped. Reprehensible miscreants always cry racial prejudice after they commit a crime when a police officer is doing his job. It happened in Ferguson, Read more... and see the photos.
Do you ever feel like the bad guys are winning? Although there were 29 reported arrests last night, not nearly enough for the amount of crime in Ferguson. If you weren't black, you were in trouble being anywhere close to the "protests."
The punks were out in full force--looting, breaking windows with baseball bats, throwing rocks and injuring people, guns fired and one man reported hit, using the F word and going so far as to give a peace sign and then setting a police car on fire--25 stores were burned down. This was all pre-planned by criminals, bullies, thugs and punks after the Grand Jury's verdict of no probable cause to indict officer Darren Wilson.
The President gave a speech after the verdict, the very one responsible for much of the insurrection. It was he who sent Eric Holder out there to begin with that fueled the flame. Holder had demanded a sweeping civil rights investigation. Other elected officials, Obama supporters, openly declared Officer Wilson guilty. Obama urged peaceful protests but there is no justification for this reaction by the mobs--it is not understandable and all this does is evoke more violence.
These criminals, using the excuse of racial prejudice, were "ready for war" and even though Ferguson was prepared, the destruction and violence could not be stopped. Reprehensible miscreants always cry racial prejudice after they commit a crime when a police officer is doing his job. It happened in Ferguson, Read more... and see the photos.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Juno Beach's Resolution on a national league baseball field in PB County
Comment Up
Just last week, we wrote about Lake Worth's push to still have the County consider John Prince Park as a national league ball field. City Attorney, Glen Torcivia sent out a memo to several cities soliciting their help by voting on resolutions in order to make John Prince Park the site. The Town Clerk of Juno put it on their commission agenda.
Below is their actual Resolution. As previously stated, Juno did not advocate for John Prince Park but just for having a national league ball park in Palm Beach County.
Just last week, we wrote about Lake Worth's push to still have the County consider John Prince Park as a national league ball field. City Attorney, Glen Torcivia sent out a memo to several cities soliciting their help by voting on resolutions in order to make John Prince Park the site. The Town Clerk of Juno put it on their commission agenda.
Below is their actual Resolution. As previously stated, Juno did not advocate for John Prince Park but just for having a national league ball park in Palm Beach County.
Secretary of Defense, out
Comment Up
Chuck Hagel, a former Senator, was the first enlisted combat military veteran to become secretary of defense. He served in the Vietnam War and received two Purple Hearts along with Army Commendation Medal; Vietnamese Gallantry Cross; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a Republican reporting to a Democratic president. His days were numbered.
He had sent a letter to the Whitehouse that said the president needed to articulate a clearer view of the administration's approach to dealing with Syrian President Bashar Assad. The letter is said to have angered White House officials. That, among other views, Chuck Hagel was forced to resign. Click here...
Chuck Hagel, a former Senator, was the first enlisted combat military veteran to become secretary of defense. He served in the Vietnam War and received two Purple Hearts along with Army Commendation Medal; Vietnamese Gallantry Cross; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a Republican reporting to a Democratic president. His days were numbered.
He had sent a letter to the Whitehouse that said the president needed to articulate a clearer view of the administration's approach to dealing with Syrian President Bashar Assad. The letter is said to have angered White House officials. That, among other views, Chuck Hagel was forced to resign. Click here...
PB County Commission takes a controversial stand on gay marriage
Mariama Changamire Shaw
Over a short time, we have witnessed the erosion of conservative values. One issue is that of Gay marriage. 35 states have legalized it. Children in the school systems are being taught by liberals and if you are opposed to gay marriage then you are homophobic or some other name is hurled at you. We have read about those fighting the Pledge to our Flag and the words "under God." There is a breaking away from the church with negative propaganda from liberals and kids at Ivy League schools and other colleges who believe they are smarter than God who condemn Israel instead of ISIS. What is the world coming to?
We have seven Palm Beach County Commissioners, two of whom are Republicans, Hal Valeche and Steven Abrams. When you think about that, it is an amazing feat to be elected in a county that is so one-sided with registered Democrats. It is also amazing to me that the Palm Beach County Commission continues to vote with developers against the wishes of its constituents. Republicans have always been blamed for ruining the environment and paving over Florida at the expense of business, big or small. Perhaps the stereotypes just don't fit here.
Last week, the County took a stand on gay marriage by signing on to a legal brief asking the State of Florida to lift its ban on gay marriage although they opted to only support one case in Tampa where a lesbian couple want a divorce. The case was decided by a state judge in Tampa who dismissed a divorce petition on grounds that she did not have the authority. The couple was married in Massachusetts in 2010. They moved to Florida, but then separated in 2013. The couple filed for divorce in Florida in January 2014.
The problem? Massachusetts recognizes same-sex marriages. Florida does not. As gay marriage is not legal in this State, our Palm Beach County Commission decided to recognize one gay marriage that originated out of state by saying that it was ok for our court to grant this couple a divorce on a marriage not even recognized as legal in our State. The legal brief initiated by Miami, passed on a 6/1 vote with Hal Valeche dissenting. It was his opinion that the topic should work its way through the courts. However, the other six commissioners, by voting the way they did, indirectly voted to legalize gay marriage.
Shelley Vana's reasoning? By us taking the lead on social issues, we have righted the wrongs of the past. "Let's go for it," she said. She has ignored the vote of 2008 on Amendment 2 where the people of Florida voted down gay marriage by 62.92%. Don't we elect these people to carry out the law and the will of the people and not do whatever they consider "politically correct?"
Quote of the Day - ISIS
“I say to America that the Islamic Caliphate has been established. Don’t be cowards and
attack us with drones. Instead send your soldiers, the ones we
humiliated in Iraq. We will humiliate them everywhere, God willing, and we will raise the flag of Allah in the White House.~ Abu Mosa, a spokesman for the terror group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS
as told to VICE Media in a video interview posted online Thursday
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Quote of the Day - Tomorrow's deadline with Iran's nuclear enrichment
“The administration turns a blind eye to Iran’s support of terrorism,
its constant threats against the United States and our allies, and its
failure to cooperate even during this negotiation period. It ignores every lesson we thought we learned when North
Korea delayed its way into a nuclear weapon. President Obama even sends
secret letters to the Supreme Leader, naively hoping to appeal to the
rational side of a man who has proven himself to be anything but. The
Iranians have made clear that no matter what a final deal contains, they
will not stop enrichment and will not allow access to sites like
Parchin and who knows how many other covert sites. Due to the 'covert nature of Iran’s activities', any deal
with Iran 'could not be adequately verified'.”~ Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
“I don’t think any of us are under the illusion that a satisfactory, comprehensive deal will be reached by Monday. But let me be clear -- any deal must cut off all of Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon and this specifically includes the Arak reactor. A deal must dismantle Iran’s centrifuge program to prevent Iran from becoming a threshold nuclear state, create robust verification and monitoring mechanisms to prevent undetectable breakout, force Iran to come clean on its past nuclear activities including possible military dimensions and cover a long enough duration that the regime won’t simply ‘wait it out'."
~ Ted Deutch
Sunday's Sermon - The Clear and Present Danger
Comment Up
It is sad that our world has come to this...that everyone wants our stuff...too many people who believe the world owes them a living and they are entitled to what you worked hard to achieve. Now we have to take a tire off our bike and lock it up with heavy duty chains because so many low-lives want our chips and think they are above the law.
Now we will have 5 million illegals granted the greatest gift in the world, a passage to citizenship in America. More will follow. They didn't have to work for this privilege. They didn't have to stand in line. All they had to do was walk across our open border or travel here on a temporary Visa and never leave. Employers hire them with no documentation and the government has not enforced E-Verify. Criminals were deported soon to return over and over again. The problem got so out of control that Obama finally said, "Oh the hell with it."
Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch says, "Despicably, the White House's web propaganda arm leads with Obama's misleading reference to Holy Scripture to justify this lawlessness."
Exactly what he said is as follows: “We shall not oppress a stranger for we know the heart of a stranger — we were strangers once, too.”
Fitton further said, "The president, our oppressor, steals our liberty, mocks the law-abiding, violates his oath to God - and dares to lecture us on oppression. Obama's power grab is an attack on the very soul of our representative government. Is Obama king or a man subject to the law?"
The president can't make up his own version of the law. The centerpiece of a free society is fidelity to our laws. We don't expect less from the president of the United States. That fidelity, along with our Constitution, needs to be protected just like that bike tire above.
It is sad that our world has come to this...that everyone wants our stuff...too many people who believe the world owes them a living and they are entitled to what you worked hard to achieve. Now we have to take a tire off our bike and lock it up with heavy duty chains because so many low-lives want our chips and think they are above the law.
Now we will have 5 million illegals granted the greatest gift in the world, a passage to citizenship in America. More will follow. They didn't have to work for this privilege. They didn't have to stand in line. All they had to do was walk across our open border or travel here on a temporary Visa and never leave. Employers hire them with no documentation and the government has not enforced E-Verify. Criminals were deported soon to return over and over again. The problem got so out of control that Obama finally said, "Oh the hell with it."
Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch says, "Despicably, the White House's web propaganda arm leads with Obama's misleading reference to Holy Scripture to justify this lawlessness."
Exactly what he said is as follows: “We shall not oppress a stranger for we know the heart of a stranger — we were strangers once, too.”
Fitton further said, "The president, our oppressor, steals our liberty, mocks the law-abiding, violates his oath to God - and dares to lecture us on oppression. Obama's power grab is an attack on the very soul of our representative government. Is Obama king or a man subject to the law?"
The president can't make up his own version of the law. The centerpiece of a free society is fidelity to our laws. We don't expect less from the president of the United States. That fidelity, along with our Constitution, needs to be protected just like that bike tire above.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
The Armory Art Center a/k/a the Shuffleboard Court Building
Comment Up
Now called the Armory Art center, our shuffleboard court building has been violated by those who believe spray painting is "art." Actually using spray cans of paint is against our Ordinance unless you have permission from the City as obviously these people have. This artist, when asked, told me that it is the City that is paying him for his "creation."
Graffiti is against the law but all you have to do is twist the narrative and it becomes "art" at the click of your fingers. I would suppose that we can look at the positive and thank the city for creating jobs for graffiti experts, a deed that is normally considered a crime.
Paul putting on the finishing touches of his spray can art.
Graffiti is against the law but all you have to do is twist the narrative and it becomes "art" at the click of your fingers. I would suppose that we can look at the positive and thank the city for creating jobs for graffiti experts, a deed that is normally considered a crime.
Graffiti implement means an aerosol paint container, a felt tip marker, a paint stick, adhesive decal, or etching tool capable of scarring glass, metal, concrete or wood. Possession of a container with paint inside in conjunction with a paint brush or paint roller cover is also considered an implement.
(4)
Paint stick or graffiti stick means any device containing a solid form of paint,
chalk, wax, epoxy, or other similar substance capable of being applied
to a surface by pressure and, upon application, leaving a mark at least
one-eighth-inch in width visible from a distance of twenty (20) feet and
not water soluble.
(b)
Unlawful activities.
(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person to, or endeavor to, write, paint, inscribe, scratch, scrawl, spray,
place, adhere or draw graffiti of any type on any public or private
building, structure, or any other real or personal property.
Obama's Imperial Immigration Edict
Comment Up
Should anyone be interested in Obama's lawlessness--
From: White House Office of Communications
Sent: Thu, Nov 20, 2014 9:08 pm
Subject: Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Immigration
Should anyone be interested in Obama's lawlessness--
From: White House Office of Communications
Sent: Thu, Nov 20, 2014 9:08 pm
Subject: Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Immigration
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press
Secretary
_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate
Release
November 20, 2014
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON
IMMIGRATION
Cross Hall
8:01 P.M. EST
THE
PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, tonight, I’d like to talk with you about
immigration.
For
more than 200 years, our tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the
world has given us a tremendous advantage over other nations. It’s kept
us youthful, dynamic, and entrepreneurial. It has shaped our character as
a people with limitless possibilities –- people not trapped by our past, but
able to remake ourselves as we choose.
But
today, our immigration system is broken -- and everybody knows it.
Families
who enter our country the right way and play by the rules watch others flout
the rules. Business owners who offer their workers good wages and
benefits see the competition exploit undocumented immigrants by paying them far
less. All of us take offense to anyone who reaps the rewards of living in
America without taking on the responsibilities of living in America. And
undocumented immigrants who desperately want to embrace those responsibilities
see little option but to remain in the shadows, or risk their families being
torn apart.
It’s
been this way for decades. And for decades, we haven’t done much about
it.
When
I took office, I committed to fixing this broken immigration system. And
I began by doing what I could to secure our borders. Today, we have more
agents and technology deployed to secure our southern border than at any time
in our history. And over the past six years, illegal border crossings
have been cut by more than half. Although this summer, there was a brief
spike in unaccompanied children being apprehended at our border, the number of
such children is now actually lower than it’s been in nearly two years.
Overall, the number of people trying to cross our border illegally is at its
lowest level since the 1970s. Those are the facts.
Meanwhile,
I worked with Congress on a comprehensive fix, and last year, 68 Democrats,
Republicans, and independents came together to pass a bipartisan bill in the
Senate. It wasn’t perfect. It was a compromise. But it
reflected common sense. It would have doubled the number of border patrol
agents while giving undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship if they
paid a fine, started paying their taxes, and went to the back of the
line. And independent experts said that it would help grow our economy
and shrink our deficits.
Had
the House of Representatives allowed that kind of bill a simple yes-or-no vote,
it would have passed with support from both parties, and today it would be the
law. But for a year and a half now, Republican leaders in the House have
refused to allow that simple vote.
Now,
I continue to believe that the best way to solve this problem is by working
together to pass that kind of common sense law. But until that happens,
there are actions I have the legal authority to take as President –- the same
kinds of actions taken by Democratic and Republican presidents before me -–
that will help make our immigration system more fair and more just.
Tonight,
I am announcing those actions.
First,
we’ll build on our progress at the border with additional resources for our law
enforcement personnel so that they can stem the flow of illegal crossings, and
speed the return of those who do cross over.
Second,
I’ll make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and
entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy, as so many business
leaders have proposed.
Third,
we’ll take steps to deal responsibly with the millions of undocumented
immigrants who already live in our country.
I
want to say more about this third issue, because it generates the most passion
and controversy. Even as we are a nation of immigrants, we’re also a
nation of laws. Undocumented workers broke our immigration laws, and I
believe that they must be held accountable -– especially those who may be
dangerous. That’s why, over the past six years, deportations of criminals
are up 80 percent. And that’s why we’re going to keep focusing
enforcement resources on actual threats to our security. Felons, not
families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mom who’s
working hard to provide for her kids. We’ll prioritize, just like law
enforcement does every day.
But
even as we focus on deporting criminals, the fact is, millions of immigrants in
every state, of every race and nationality still live here illegally. And
let’s be honest -– tracking down, rounding up, and deporting millions of people
isn’t realistic. Anyone who suggests otherwise isn’t being straight with
you. It’s also not who we are as Americans. After all, most of
these immigrants have been here a long time. They work hard, often in
tough, low-paying jobs. They support their families. They worship
at our churches. Many of their kids are American-born or spent most of
their lives here, and their hopes, dreams, and patriotism are just like
ours. As my predecessor, President Bush, once put it: “They are a
part of American life.”
Now
here’s the thing: We expect people who live in this country to play by
the rules. We expect that those who cut the line will not be unfairly
rewarded. So we’re going to offer the following deal: If you’ve
been in America for more than five years; if you have children who are American
citizens or legal residents; if you register, pass a criminal background check,
and you’re willing to pay your fair share of taxes -- you’ll be able to apply
to stay in this country temporarily without fear of deportation. You can
come out of the shadows and get right with the law. That’s what this deal
is.
Now,
let’s be clear about what it isn’t. This deal does not apply to anyone
who has come to this country recently. It does not apply to anyone who
might come to America illegally in the future. It does not grant
citizenship, or the right to stay here permanently, or offer the same benefits
that citizens receive -– only Congress can do that. All we’re saying is
we’re not going to deport you.
I
know some of the critics of this action call it amnesty. Well, it’s
not. Amnesty is the immigration system we have today -– millions of
people who live here without paying their taxes or playing by the rules while
politicians use the issue to scare people and whip up votes at election
time.
That’s
the real amnesty –- leaving this broken system the way it is. Mass
amnesty would be unfair. Mass deportation would be both impossible and
contrary to our character. What I’m describing is accountability –- a
common-sense, middle-ground approach: If you meet the criteria, you can
come out of the shadows and get right with the law. If you’re a criminal,
you’ll be deported. If you plan to enter the U.S. illegally, your chances
of getting caught and sent back just went up.
The
actions I’m taking are not only lawful, they’re the kinds of actions taken by
every single Republican President and every single Democratic President for the
past half century. And to those members of Congress who question my
authority to make our immigration system work better, or question the wisdom of
me acting where Congress has failed, I have one answer: Pass a
bill.
I
want to work with both parties to pass a more permanent legislative
solution. And the day I sign that bill into law, the actions I take will
no longer be necessary. Meanwhile, don’t let a disagreement over a single
issue be a dealbreaker on every issue. That’s not how our democracy
works, and Congress certainly shouldn’t shut down our government again just
because we disagree on this. Americans are tired of gridlock. What
our country needs from us right now is a common purpose –- a higher purpose.
Most
Americans support the types of reforms I’ve talked about tonight. But I
understand the disagreements held by many of you at home. Millions of us,
myself included, go back generations in this country, with ancestors who put in
the painstaking work to become citizens. So we don’t like the notion that
anyone might get a free pass to American citizenship.
I
know some worry immigration will change the very fabric of who we are, or take
our jobs, or stick it to middle-class families at a time when they already feel
like they’ve gotten the raw deal for over a decade. I hear these
concerns. But that’s not what these steps would do. Our history and
the facts show that immigrants are a net plus for our economy and our
society. And I believe it’s important that all of us have this debate without
impugning each other’s character.
Because
for all the back and forth of Washington, we have to remember that this debate
is about something bigger. It’s about who we are as a country, and who we
want to be for future generations.
Are
we a nation that tolerates the hypocrisy of a system where workers who pick our
fruit and make our beds never have a chance to get right with the law? Or
are we a nation that gives them a chance to make amends, take responsibility,
and give their kids a better future?
Are
we a nation that accepts the cruelty of ripping children from their parents’
arms? Or are we a nation that values families, and works together to keep
them together?
Are
we a nation that educates the world’s best and brightest in our universities,
only to send them home to create businesses in countries that compete against
us? Or are we a nation that encourages them to stay and create jobs here,
create businesses here, create industries right here in America?
That’s
what this debate is all about. We need more than politics as usual when
it comes to immigration. We need reasoned, thoughtful, compassionate
debate that focuses on our hopes, not our fears. I know the politics of
this issue are tough. But let me tell you why I have come to feel so
strongly about it.
Over
the past few years, I have seen the determination of immigrant fathers who
worked two or three jobs without taking a dime from the government, and at risk
any moment of losing it all, just to build a better life for their kids.
I’ve seen the heartbreak and anxiety of children whose mothers might be taken
away from them just because they didn’t have the right papers. I’ve seen
the courage of students who, except for the circumstances of their birth, are
as American as Malia or Sasha; students who bravely come out as undocumented in
hopes they could make a difference in the country they love.
These
people –- our neighbors, our classmates, our friends –- they did not come here
in search of a free ride or an easy life. They came to work, and study,
and serve in our military, and above all, contribute to America’s success.
Tomorrow,
I’ll travel to Las Vegas and meet with some of these students, including a
young woman named Astrid Silva. Astrid was brought to America when she
was four years old. Her only possessions were a cross, her doll, and the
frilly dress she had on. When she started school, she didn’t speak any
English. She caught up to other kids by reading newspapers and watching
PBS, and she became a good student. Her father worked in
landscaping. Her mom cleaned other people’s homes. They wouldn’t
let Astrid apply to a technology magnet school, not because they didn’t love
her, but because they were afraid the paperwork would out her as an undocumented
immigrant –- so she applied behind their back and got in. Still, she
mostly lived in the shadows –- until her grandmother, who visited every year
from Mexico, passed away, and she couldn’t travel to the funeral without risk
of being found out and deported. It was around that time she decided to
begin advocating for herself and others like her, and today, Astrid Silva is a
college student working on her third degree.
Are
we a nation that kicks out a striving, hopeful immigrant like Astrid, or are we
a nation that finds a way to welcome her in? Scripture tells us that we
shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger –- we were
strangers once, too.
My fellow Americans, we are
and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once,
too. And whether our forebears were strangers who crossed the Atlantic,
or the Pacific, or the Rio Grande, we are here only because this country
welcomed them in, and taught them that to be an American is about something
more than what we look like, or what our last names are, or how we
worship. What makes us Americans is our shared commitment to an ideal -–
that all of us are created equal, and all of us have the chance to make of our
lives what we will.
That’s the country our
parents and grandparents and generations before them built for us. That’s
the tradition we must uphold. That’s the legacy we must leave for those
who are yet to come.
Thank
you. God bless you. And God bless this country we love.
END
8:16 P.M. EST