Miracles Do Happen

It must be the end of the world because Congress is finally doing its job!  Interesting, an unrecorded voice vote -- they all know that it is the right thing to do.

House Approves $600M For More Drones, Agents at U.S.-Mexican Border

The bill is a step in the right direction.  Comprehensive Immigration legislation is still needed but, not blanket amnesty.  Nothing will do any good though until the border is secure.

Partial Blockage on Arizona Immigration

It was not unexpected that the court would strike down at least part of the Arizona Immigration law.  This one will go all the way to the Supreme Court.  The trouble that I see is at the next level, Federal District Court, in the most liberal district in California.  Will Arizona appeal the items struck down AND the Administration appeal the items allowed?  This one has a couple of interesting iterations before it will land in the Supreme Court.  In the meantime, there continues to be no check on illegal immigrants (or, is that future Democrats).

Federal Judge Blocks Part of Arizona Immigration Law

The ruling is linked below:

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/072810_ArizonaRuling.pdf

The law is linked below:

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/SB1070-HB2162New.PDF

Meeting Arizona

I laughed when I read the following headline:

Arizona Hotels Thriving Despite Boycotts Over Immigration Law

Where do you suppose all those protesters stayed when they were in Arizona?  On the streets?

On a similar note, I've been doing all that I could to help boost their economy.  Last year I did not go to Arizona.  This year I spent a week there in May, I was there last week and I will spend a week there in August.  I spent on hotel, rental car, meals and fuel.  All of the travel was associated with business meetings so there was also rental on the meeting facility and other associated expenses.  I don't meet by myself, so there were others doing the same thing.

I wonder if maybe the whole Immigration Uproar is just a marketing ploy to raise the country's awareness of Arizona!

Texas Business and Arizona Politics

I realize that in an election year it is necessary to "toot one's horn" as much as possible.  Fortunately for the Governor of Texas, there is plenty to "toot his horn" about.

Gov. Perry: Forward Thinking Companies Invest in the Future and in Texas

Last night I heard Arizona Governor Jan Brewer speak.  Her message sounded a lot like a Texas-style approach to business and government.  Business friendly, shrinking state payroll, individual liberties, anti-Washington -- just a few of the things on the list.  She described herself as a pragmatic conservative.  It was the right message and it was delivered over the course of about 30 minutes of perfectly executed speech from memory while her prepared folder remained closed on the podium.  It makes me laugh to read the desperation in her opponent's complaints as you will read in the article linked below.

Ariz. AG: Governor a 'one-trick pony'

By-the-way -- I got to meet the Governor and tell her how much the people back in Texas support her stance on the border.

The image is a little dark -- cell phones don't always make the best cameras.  That's me wearing my "attitude" shirt.  The Governor is a very attractive and gracious lady.  Thank you Governor Brewer!

Arizona Law: Pros and Cons

From the "Houston Chronicle" comes the piece linked below with a list of 10 pros and 10 cons on the Arizona law.

Debate over Arizona law churns rhetoric on both sides

At least they are attempting to be fair and balanced......

Border Sensationalism

It is a sad state of affairs when citizens feel it is necessary to step in and do the job the government is unwilling to do.  I do not agree with the beliefs of the National Socialist Movement, if indeed the individual to which the article linked below refers is sympathetic with their cause.  What I do find interesting is the sensationalism of the title to the article.  It certainly speaks of an agenda designed to paint proponents of a protected border in the worst possible light.

Man with neo-Nazi ties leading patrols in AZ

Have Mercy on the Illegals: Enforce the Border

Here's a thought for you.  Enforcing the laws of our country and preventing Illegal Aliens from entering could be an act of mercy. 

Immigrant deaths in Arizona desert soaring in July

Armed Escorts Necessary to Do Job in New Mexico

It's a sad state of affairs when workers need armed escorts in order to do their job.  The article linked below is just another example of how the Federal Government's failure to secure our border is costing us.

Armed Escorts to Accompany New Mexico Livestock Inspectors

I do take exception to the following clip from the article:

Illegal activity, such as human and drug trafficking, has "pretty much been shut down" in Luna County since 2005, Cobos said, but he acknowledged the "big potential for violence" at any time.


I don't believe for one minute that it has "pretty much been shut down".

Will the Unemployed Take the Difficult Jobs in Agriculture?

The article linked below from "The Arizona Republic" is a thoughtful look at the new law in Arizona for enforcing the Federal Immigration statutes.  It looks at the impact on agriculture in relation to employment of illegals and the possible impact on those suffering from the near 10% unemployment rate in Arizona.  It asks the difficult question that has been one of contention among those who support guest worker programs and those who do not, "Will unemployed citizens take the difficult jobs that are going unfilled because of the implementation of the new law?

Arizona immigration law opens farm jobs to unemployed

On a related note:

Statement by Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Attorney General’s Amicus Brief in U.S. v. State of Arizona Case

Cornyn Enjoys Significant Lead in Poll

U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas has demonstrated strong leadership in border security/immigration issues, energy production to ease our dependence on foreign oil, taking care of our military and their families and in promoting high ethical standards for members of Congress. In spite of -- or perhaps because of --his efforts in the service of his constituency which shares those same values, the Democrats have painted a large bullseye on his back. Their recruit for those purposes is a seemingly confused Rick Noriega.

In spite of their efforts, Senator Cornyn continues to enjoy a significant lead according to the latest Rasmussen poll. There will be continued attacks from the left, but the voters of Texas are usually fairly astute at seeing through the smoke screen.

Help: Guest Worker Program Wanted

Farm labor -- particularly seasonal labor in fruit and vegetable farming -- is a difficult issue. Most of the jobs last for only short periods and are difficult, back-breaking, hot, laborious jobs. They are jobs that few U.S. workers will take. They often are for low wages.

Just across the border to the south of many large agricultural areas where fruits and vegetables are primary crops, live large numbers of unemployed, or underemployed, workers who would jump at the chance to gain additional income by working in the fields. They are hindered from doing so by the border.

Border security is a major issue for our country. It is one that I won't dwell on in this post. It is also a factor in how to deal with the issue of migrant labor from south of the border.

It is time for a guest worker program. It must be part of a larger immigration reform that provides for border security. It is important for agriculture and therefore important to the U.S. consumer who desires -- and even demands -- low-cost, reliable food supplies.