posted on May 20, 2005 10:51:03 AM new
I wasn't speaking of the illegals voting, Linda. I think it's wrong if they are. If they want to vote, they need to take the steps to become citizens. I was speaking in general. You know . . . great almighty Bush . . . all hale the almighty Bush . . .
Oh, geeze, I just realized I left myself wide open for Classic's comments. LOL! There I go, I did it again.
posted on May 20, 2005 05:50:33 PM new
Cheryl's haling her almighty bush....hey, who am I to argue???
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
[ edited by classicrock000 on May 20, 2005 05:51 PM ]
posted on May 20, 2005 06:14:44 PM new
I think that if Mexican workers are going to be exploited by American corporations and allowed to travel across the border to work for low wages that a more liberal immigration policy should be considered. Most people who want to immigrate from Mexico don't have the money, time or connections needed to establish legal immigration status under the current immigration policy.
Why do so many here object to giving immigrants the right to vote for candidates that serve their community?
posted on May 20, 2005 06:17:59 PM new
we're talking about ILLEGAL immigrants--aka
THEY DO NOT BELONG HERE
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
I don't object to legal immigrants citizens voting. I object to illegal immigrants voting. One of the privileges of being a citizen is your right to vote.
Voting should not be considered just a right but also a responsibility. The community should welcome the contribution of every member and encourage voting. All residents should be allowed to participate in local elections regardless of where they may come from. Immigrants have an interest in schools, housing, health care and community safety just as you and I do. And this interest in the community and voting makes a stronger democratic society.
It sometimes takes several years to acquire citizenship status. There is no reason that immigrants should be prevented from voting during this time period.
I have a problem with the term, "illegal" immigrants. Maybe my compassion is blocking my acceptance of this term.
posted on May 21, 2005 04:48:28 AM new
Or, maybe I'm just being a bit more middle of the road and a tad old fashioned. I just think that if there are no benefits attached to becoming a citizen, why become one? I feel that allowing immigrants without citizen status to enjoy all the benefits of this country (including voting) that we enjoy as citizens would be slap in the face to my ancestors who worked hard for their citizenship status. Why learn the language, the country's history, the laws or feel the need to be loyal to this country if you don't need to become a citizen to enjoy its many benefits?
I don't think our rules for becoming a citizen are all that stiff:
1. Live in the U.S. as a permanent resident for a specific amount of time (Continuous Residence). (3 years if married to a US citizen; 5 if not)
2. Be present in the U.S. for specific time periods (Physical Presence).
3. Spend specific amounts of time in your state or district (Time in District or State).
4. Behave in a legal and acceptable manner (Good Moral Character). The "Good Moral Character" thing I have a problem with. What consitutes good moral character for one person may not for another. Who sets those standards?
5. Know English and information about U.S. history and government (English and Civics).
6. Understand and accept the principles of the U.S. Constitution (Attachment to the Constitution).
Why become a citizen?
Voting, serving on a jury, traveling with a U.S. passport; bringing family members to the U.S.; obtaining citizenship for children born abroad; becoming eligible for federal jobs; becoming an elected official; meeting tax requirements; keeping your residency; becoming eligible for federal grants and scholarships; obtaining government benefits
Voting is a responsibility. We've learned that lesson the hard way more than once. But, I just don't think that anyone who is not here legally or who doesn't have a real stake in the future of this country, can be really relied upon to vote responsibly. If things go poorly here, they can just pick up and go back home. Terrorists are in this country illegally. Should we allow them the right to vote? It's like if you have a permanent employee and a temporary employee. Are you going to extend detailed company information to the temporary employee knowing that he or she owes nothing to the company and can move on at the drop of a hat? No, most will not.
Okay, I'm done now. I have three lilac bushes to plant today and a ton of mulch to go out and buy. If I don't start to get a move on soon, I'll just be lounging around all day. Can't have that on my day off. LOL!
posted on May 21, 2005 05:43:58 AM new "But, I just don't think that anyone who is not here legally or who doesn't have a real stake in the future of this country, can be really relied upon to vote responsibly"
That's where we disagree. I believe that the majority of immigrants who have courageously risked their lives to migrate to this country and who have the motivation to vote recognize their stake in the future of this country and will be responsible citizens. And many of these migrants have children who will learn from their parents that voting is important to their future and they in turn will become good citizens. Voting should be a requirement to achieve full citizenship...not just a privilege of citizenship.
BTW...Many Indians may have considered Columbus an illegal immigrant.
posted on May 21, 2005 05:55:12 AM new
Helen, its been my observation many illegals live underground from the main stream. They commit petty and otherwise crimes, forced to or whatever most of the time. But I dont think on the whole, if youre catagorizing them, they care much about voting. I think many have way too many other things to worry about.
edit to add: most people live in the now and i bet they are no different. Whose then bright idea thinks giving them voting priviledges will somehow solve all their problems?
.
[ edited by dblfugger9 on May 21, 2005 06:00 AM ]
posted on May 21, 2005 06:10:17 AM new
Hey, Helen, we've agreed to disagree without any smiley faces or LOLs or name calling or the use of any other derogatory comments or the need to absolutely prove each other wrong.
Now, before anyone flies off the handle, no names were used in the making of this post. No one was shot down, shot up, or maimed in any way.
It's 9:10 a.m. and I'm about to awaken sleeping beauty to start digging holes in my garden and I'm not waking him with a kiss. LOL!
posted on May 21, 2005 07:19:40 AM new
Now it's my turn to laugh out loud @:
Hey, Helen, we've agreed to disagree without any smiley faces or LOLs or name calling or the use of any other derogatory comments or the need to absolutely prove each other wrong.
Now, before anyone flies off the handle, no names were used in the making of this post. No one was shot down, shot up, or maimed in any way.
blinded by the fact that it's two progressive/socialist supporting/ultra-lefties that are conversing.
Too bad the lefties can't do that when disagreeing with those on the right.
but no surprise there.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
[ edited by Linda_K on May 21, 2005 07:21 AM ]
posted on May 21, 2005 09:22:01 AM new
"Now, before anyone flies off the handle, no names were used in the making of this post. No one was shot down, shot up, or maimed in any way."
Thats true..however crow hasnt come in here yet.
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
posted on May 21, 2005 09:24:43 AM new
"It's 9:10 a.m. and I'm about to awaken sleeping beauty to start digging holes in my garden and I'm not waking him with a kiss. LOL!"
thanks for the compliment Cheryl-however I prefer to be woken by a kiss.Digging holes in your garden? I dont remember this being part of the deal...by the way whens hubby coming home???
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
I just think that if there are no benefits attached to becoming a citizen, why become one? I feel that allowing immigrants without citizen status to enjoy all the benefits of this country (including voting) that we enjoy as citizens would be slap in the face to my ancestors who worked hard for their citizenship status. Why learn the language, the country's history, the laws or feel the need to be loyal to this country if you don't need to become a citizen to enjoy its many benefits?
I have three lilac bushes to plant today and a ton of mulch to go out and buy. If I don't start to get a move on soon, I'll just be lounging around all day. Can't have that on my day off. LOL!