ARIZONA.

Hi everyone... I've been posting quite a bit lately but there are just so many political musings I've come across that I can't resist sharing my thoughts. Thanks so much for continuing to return to PDP; the site is at about 1202 hits! :)

Today I want to refocus on Arizona; today judge Susan Bolton blocked some of the key points of the state's new illegal immigration law. When this bill was first introduced, I did an extensive, in-depth post regarding the law, exploring all sides. If you'd like to reread it, click here or copy and paste this link: http://presentdaypatriots.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html

Unlike many on the left, I love facts. So here they are plain as day. If you remember, the soon-to-be law stated:

-The new Arizona law mirrors federal law, which already requires aliens (non-citizens) to register and carry their documents with them (8 USC 1304(e) and 8 USC 1306(a)). The new Arizona law simply states that violating federal immigration law is now a state crime as well. Because illegal immigrants are by definition in violation of federal immigration laws, they can now be arrested by local law enforcement in Arizona.
-The law only allows police to ask about immigration status in the normal course of "lawful contact" with a person, such as a traffic stop or if they have committed a crime.
-Before asking a person about immigration status, law enforcement officials are required by the law to have "reasonable suspicion" that a person is an illegal immigrant. The concept of "reasonable suspicion" is well established by court rulings. Since Arizona does not issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, having a valid license creates a presumption of legal status. Examples of reasonable suspicion include:

-A driver stopped for a traffic violation has no license, or record of a driver's license or other form of federal or state identification.
-A police officer observes someone buying fraudulent identity documents or crossing the border illegally.
-A police officer recognizes a gang member back on the street who he knows has been previously deported by the federal government.

-The law specifically states that police, "may not solely consider race, color or national origin" when implementing SB 1070.
-When Arizona's governor signed the new law, she also issued an executive order requiring the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to provide local police with additional training on what does and what does not constitute "reasonable suspicion."(13)

Judge Bolton blocked the following provisions in the bill;

• Requiring a police officer to make a reasonable attempt to check the immigration status of those they have stopped;

• Forbidding police from releasing anyone they have arrested until that person's immigration status is determined;

• Making it a violation of Arizona law for anyone not a citizen to fail to carry documentation;

• Creating a new state crime for trying to secure work while not a legal resident;

• Allowing police to make warrantless arrests if there is a belief the person has committed an offense that allows them to be removed from the United States.

This is a subject that I am possibly most passionate about; this does not only affect those who live in Arizona, or another border state. No--this has to do with everyone. This has to do with NATIONAL SECURITY.

I really wonder if the Obama administration or anyone that is for open borders even cares about our nation anymore. Do they care that ANYONE--radical terrorists not excluded--is capable of entering our country at any point in time, with no questions asked (because if we asked questions, we might offend somebody)? Individuals that could potentially take the lives of thousands or millions of Americans? Do our leaders care? Do those of you who think it's ok to "give illegals a chance" care? The unemployment rate is currently at 9.6% and well over 12.5 million Americans are out of work. (http://www.wowowow.com/money/over-125-million-americans-out-work-230610) WHY, I ask, WHY should those present illegally in our country take jobs from those legally here, those trying to make ends meet, those trying to feed a family, if only they had a job?

WHY does the government put the rights and "feelings" of those ILLEGALLY HERE over the well being of the AMERICAN CITIZENS and the nation the swore to work FOR, not AGAINST?

I found some rather riveting stats for ya...

-More than 43% of all Food Stamps issued are to illegal aliens.

-More than 41% of all unemployment checks issued in the United States are to illegal aliens.

-13 people per day are killed by illegal immigrants who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An additional 4,745 premature deaths per year.

-62% of all “undocumented immigrants” in the United States are working for cash and not paying taxes, predominantly illegal aliens, working without a green card.

-95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens.

-83% of warrants for murder in Phoenix are for illegal aliens.

-86% of warrants for murder in Albuquerque are for illegal aliens.

-75% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Albuquerque are illegal aliens.

http://www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/05/illegal-immigration-statistics/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/taxes.asp

As I said, why not put American citizens FIRST? Why give priviliges to those breaking the law? WHY do people continually disregard the law of the United States and believe themselves and their actions are above and beyond it?

Don't hurl the racist stone at me. I don't care what color you are, what race you are, if you're here illegally, you are breaking the law. I am very, very proud to say that my own county is taking a stand against illegal immigration; the St. Charles City Council voted 6 to 1 in support of Arizona's new law. Check out the story here...

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Should-Missouri-enact-a-tough-immigration-law-like-Arizona-93497794.html

Five more states are following in Arizona's lead; Michigan, South Carolina, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are all introducing similar legislation to fight illegal immigration. Is our government going to sue each of these states?

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/07/17/2010-07-17_arizona_gov_jan_brewers_immigration_law_copied_by_five_states_mi_sc_mn_pa_ri.html

In May, 52 soldiers became U.S Citizens on the day before completing Army basic training during a special naturalization ceremony in Fort Jackson, SC.



These are some real Americans... legal, U.S Citizens that believe in this nation enough to respect it's immigration laws and fight in the defense of America.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=ead760657dd68210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Governor Jan Brewer will not be defeated easily; she assured the press, "This fight is far from over. In fact, it is just the beginning, and at the end of what is certain to be a long legal struggle, Arizona will prevail in its right to protect our citizens.” Brewer is one of the few that has stuck with her beliefs and stayed the course of securing safety in her state. I pray other legislators, politicians, the administration, and Americans in general stop and think; in a situation where NATIONAL SECURITY is in the game, it's one we cant afford to lose.

http://www.kpho.com/news/24425243/detail.html

As Ronald Reagan once said, "A nation without borders is not a nation." Where does that leave us, America?



http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/07/28/federal-judge-rules-arizona-immigration-law-dispute/

http://azstarnet.com/news/state-and-regional/aea822e0-9a6b-11df-9fe8-001cc4c002e0.html

In the words of Samuel Adams

Hi everyone, I hope you've had a great Monday. First I would like to say that I will also be posting some of my blog posts on a blog called Conservative Blogs Central... thousands of Conservative bloggers post there every day so it's pretty cool to be among them. :) Check out http://conservativeblogscentral.blogspot.com !

I found some pretty interesting, scary, frustrating, infuriating stories lately and I can't help but share.

I know I'm not the only would that appreciate a little fiscal responsibility from the government. Between 2009 and 2010, while throwing away literally millions and millions of taxpayer money, Congress was bellying up to the table... check out these numbers from the House Expenditure Reports Database! (Click on the link below to see all the stats from our famished Congress...below are just some of my favorites.)

$604,000 on bottled water alone... good grief. Do they not have reuseable water bottles on Capitol Hill? Or how about a DRINKING FOUNTAIN? Think of all those plastic bottles that will no doubt end up in a landfill...I just don't know how they sleep at night.

$397,000 on catering...

$3,694 on barbeque from Gates Barbeque... in KANSAS CITY, MO spent by the House Committee on Homeland Security. As the site says, our tax dollars are literally paying for pork.

$202,927 spent by Republicans...

and $298,734 spent by Democrats...but that's because they have Barney Frank.

So I guess if you're a foodie, Congress is THE place to be. We want our elected representatives working hard at writing thousand page, clear-as-mud, unconstitutional, progressive legislation to be well fed I suppose.

http://www.aolnews.com/house-money/article/congress-spent-604000-on-bottled-water-397000-on-catering/19541719

The hypocrisy of our dear President is just incredible. He recently told Federal workers "to cut down on business travel and commuting by car" in an effort to reduce those pesky green house gas emissions.

But...I guess jet fuel doesn't apply? Because Michelle and Barry just had a nice lil' trip to Maine... oh and so did their pooch. But he took a separate jet. Oh. Wow. That seems like quite a bit of CO2. You don't want dog hair in Air Force One though... but oh, right, Portuguese Water Dogs don't shed...

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/obamas-fly-dog-on-separate-jet-to-maine

And even more exciting, Mama and Daughter O are going on a trip to Spain. More CO2. And about 30 hotel rooms at a 5-star hotel courtesty of American taxpayers. I guess it's a "do as I say, not as I do" sorta thing.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/110911-michelle-obama-to-make-private-visit-to-spain-with-daughters

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/336549,michelle-obama-vacation-spain.html

This next link is just scary. Thanks to Charlie Rangel, there is now legislation out there stating that it would:

To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, and for other purposes.

AKA, a draft. Lord help us.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-5741

This last one really, really makes my blood boil. I regret that I have to subject my readers to a clip from CNN (I'm sorry, I really am) but in light of the Shirley Sherrod case, I fear our First Amendment rights are going to be one of the next liberties under attack.



First and foremost, these people just make me cringe with their laughable discussion over "checks and balances" over anonymous bloggers. Roberts says anonymous blogging would be acceptable in Iran or North Korea, but not here. Wait. Whoa. Stop the train. Hold the phone. Folks in Iran and North Korea aren't at liberty to write what the believe because of totalitarian dictators...but yet you suggest checks and balances on internet blogging in the United States, where we DO have the right to free speech and press?!?! Where in the world did you go to college, John Roberts of CNN?

I could pick apart their terminology all night (freedom of first amendment? I think we are entitled to the rights IN the first amendment, Kyra.) And I'm not sure if she meant that all bloggers are "cowards, and people seeking attention"...and if so, I take a bit of offense to that overgeneralization; but if she meant anonymous bloggers who are the attention-seeking cowards...if they don't put their name, I don't see how they can be wanting attention...hmm.

Roberts asserts that bloggers should at least put their names on comments...and with this, I kind of agree, because I've had so many anonymous comments on my blog that I'm just DYING to know who wrote them :) ... but their call for a "crackdown on bloggers" is a red flag.

People with too much free time put trashy, incorrect, blackmail-material type stuff on the internet every day. It's in one's best interest to sort out the good and the bad and to find the REAL FACTS (but, remember, last week I discussed how Obama, and the left in general, finds facts rather inconvenient). And no, Mr. President, too much information is not a distraction or source of confusion to the country that put a man on the moon...



They can call me a coward, or a crazy attention seeker, but they'll never shut me up. :)Even when the government regulates how many a's I can have in my name, I'll keep on writing the truth.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/alana-goodman/2010/07/23/cnn-host-calls-crackdown-bloggers-wake-sherrod-incident-something-s-g

I don't write these things to scare people, I don't write these things for attention or to get credit. I write because people need to know. I still see people oblivious to what is going on in our country, still "choosing to ignore", still choosing to be that token ostrich in the crowd, with their head in the sand. It's no longer a matter of if you have an interest in politics or not. It's a matter of the level of interest you have in our country and everything we have--our right to live as a free people. And if you don't think it could happen in America, think again, because it's happening right now.

We can't be on the fence anymore. We can't afford to be passive and submit to those who assure that tomorrow we will wake up and the good old government will take care of us. They won't. And they shouldn't. It's time to decide if you value the republic and the future of the republic enough, or if you really don't care. Let me remind you that our fight will not be fought with firearms and weapons, but with words, with facts, and with reason. In the words of Samuel Adams...

"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!"

Question With Boldness

Hi everyone! Hope you have had a great week... it's been an eventful one, and if you've watched any news you've probably seen at least a few tidbits on the Shirley Sherrod case.

This has brought something to my attention... the Obama administration has a real problem with FACTS...and with speaking out of turn before all facts are known.

A little over a year ago, the Cambridge, Mass. police arrested Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in his home for disorderly conduct after he refused to show I.D to arresting officer Sgt. James Crowley, whom Gates called racist and got rowdy when the Sgt. asked him to calm down.

Read the full story here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/23/cambridge-police-officer-obama-butt-arrest/

President Obama had quite a bit to say and, thought personally I think this should have been handled locally, not taken to a national level, stated before he knew all the facts, the Cambridge Police "acted stupidly"... see the video below (1:55). He even admits he doesn't have all the facts!



We can't forget Obama's most recent nonexistent attempt to tell the truth: Arizona's newest immigration law. Of course, we must remember that the entire administration also has a problem with actually READING legislation... whether it is thousands of pages long or, like Arizona's law, a mere three.



If Obama had read the law, he would have known that it specifically prohibits racial profiling. His statements are completely untrue regarding this law and, as I have reiterated over and over again in my blog, the only way people can be asked for identification is if there is reasonable suspicion of their illegal presence. I'll post a few examples of reasonable suspicion again:

-A driver stopped for a traffic violation has no license, or record of a driver's license or other form of federal or state identification.
-A police officer observes someone buying fraudulent identity documents or crossing the border illegally.
-A police officer recognizes a gang member back on the street who he knows has been previously deported by the federal government.

Facts. They're a beautiful thing, Mr. O.

But wait, there's more. And this one is disgusting, disturbing, and saddening. Just last fall, Obama ensured the American public that federal tax dollars would not be used to fund abortions.

See story here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/10/redux-obama-claims-health-care-plan-cover-abortion-services/


But alas, what's just one more broken promise from the administration? Except this one comes at much too high a cost. Maryland and Pennsylvania now offer federally funded abortions.

Maryland will receive $85 million in federal funds for its federally mandated high-risk insurance pool, which will cover abortions. As CNSNews.com reported on July 14, Pennsylvania will receive $160 million in federal funds for its high-risk insurance pool, which will also cover abortions
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/69559

Sickening.

And now I return to the Shirley Sherrod case...let me preface by saying that I do not condone anything she has to say, but its just another example to my point. This woman is obviously classist. She spoke to the NAACP on how she realized it wasn't about race, but about the haves and the have nots. However, when a sound bite was released out of context stating how she did not help a white man as she would have helped an African American, tempers flared... the White House called Ms. Sherrod three times encouraging her to tender her resignation immediately over her "racist" comments... that in all actuality, took place several years ago and did not reflect her current opinions. But the administration jumped the gun and fired her anyway.

Now the WH has apologized and Sherrod even recieved a phone call from Mr. O (how thriling) and Pillsbury Spokesboy Robert Gibbs (as Glenn Beck called him) apologized on behalf of the administration.

Like I said, facts: they're a beautiful thing.

And just to add, Glenn Beck was one of the few to stand up for Sherrod when the injustice was done. But now Sherrod claims Fox News is racist. "When you look at their reporting, this is just another way of seeing that they are racist", she said in an interview. http://mediamatters.org/strupp/201007210037

At this point, pulling the race card and hurling the word "racist" at someone is starting to get really old. Kind of like blaming George Bush. It seems like if someone can't think of something coherent and logical to say, either say the opponent is racist, or blame it on George Bush. Come up with a newer, more creative line if you're going to deflect debate with name calling and blame...please!

This brings me to a Thomas Jefferson quote that Glenn Beck uses often, but it applies perfectly to all I have shown you in this post:

‎"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear."

If we are to be a self-governing nation, we must question everything... our leaders, our media sources, everything. If something doesn't make sense, we have to go searching for an answer, even if the answer is something we don't want to hear. We must do our own research rather than rely on the media to do it for us, and then distort the picture. Facts, proof, and reason: something that our current administration has NONE of. But as Washington said, "Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light."

The truth will ultimately prevail.

Hi everyone! I realized that I have not posted since July 5th... time flies when you're having fun. For 12 days, I was in Washington D.C. During that time I came to a lot of realizations--I should say, I was reminded of things I knew already, but they were just intensely reinforced. I learned even more about our nations history on my vacation (because, in my family, vacation means tours of historic sites, history, history, and more history =) ) and was constantly reminded that our country is the greatest on this Earth, but it was not raised to such high a standard by a group of corrupt bureaucrats or citizens dependent on their government for unemployment checks.

It reminded me that we live in a very special country. One that was founded on the idea of the individual, an idea never really thought of in government until the American Revolution, when a group of men who believed that rights were derived from God, not government, weren't afraid to secure those rights for future generations.

It reminded me that much blood was shed to preserve our Constitution and our way of life. We visited just about every war memorial in downtown D.C, and each one was moving. To think that those faceless men and women, forever remebered by a granite marker or steel monument, went through unthinkable pain and sacrifice for me. My family. Every American. Our way of life. Our flag, our Constitution. Maybe I'm a sap, I don't know... but seeing these things rekindles a patriotic flame in all of us.

In front of the World War II Memorial, within plain view of the Lincoln and Washington Memorials, and if you look close enough, the Vietnam Wall, a slab of granite with the following statement sits:

"Here in the presence of Washington and Lincoln, one eighteenth century father and one nineteenth century preserver of our nation, we honor those twentieth century Americans who took up the struggle during the second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us; a nation concieved in liberty and justice."

This quote sums it all up. Americans have fought for this glorious cause, our nation, "concieved in liberty and justice" for centuries, and have believed in themselves, their neighbors, and most importantly God.

And every day I feel like everything the Founders, and those that came before us fought to preserve is slowly, painfully, but nonchalantly being dissolved.

Look through any of my past blog posts if you still believe we're on the rise, if you believe the Obama administration truly has the best interests of the AMERICAN PEOPLE as it's number one, and if you still believe our government's priorities are on the right track.

Regardless, I have a few links for you.

What did the Declaration of Independence state? "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

What does the Fifth Amendment state? "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

Due process. Right to a fair trial by jury. I think we traded due process and the Fifth Amendment for "hope" and "change". The CIA has a program, which the Obama administration supports, to assassinate U.S citizens. Yep. U.S Citizens *suspected* not tried, not charged, but *suspected* of involvement in terrorist activities are now fair game. And these days, that could be my 85 year old neighber with her Don't Tread On Me flag.

http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/usnews/politics/2856-cia-has-program-to-assassinate-us-citizens

Or how about the New Black Panther case that was just... dropped by Obama's Justice Department? Blatant voter intimidation, racial slurs, and plenty of proof... just dropped. Liberty and justice for all? I have to wonder.



http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/29/charges-new-black-panthers-dropped-obama-justice-dept/

And yet the NAACP hounds the Tea Party Movement for being racist. How about the New Black Panthers? They're the ones that seem a little bigoted and racist to me....

http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/article_a2d60bcc-6be4-57af-8a86-c5dbd4f81a25.html

Just some thoughts to ponder. If you'd like to see some D.C pictures, find the Present Day Patriots fan page on Facebook and go to the photo albums; and while you're there, become a fan and suggest it to friends. I want to close with a quote that I found while in D.C, engraved at the steps of the National Archives, where our founding documents--the Constitution, Declaration, and Bill of Rights-- are all held.

"Eternal vigiliance is the price of liberty."

If we are to maintain our liberty, we've got to remain vigilant. Learn our history so it doesn't repeat anymore that it already has. Educate ourselves on current events rather than blindly following the mainstream media. Get our priorities in order and find out what is really important in our lives; learn the truth and live it. As Washington said, "Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light."

A few thoughts...

Hi everyone! Hope you had a safe and fun Fourth of July. I will be pretty busy in the coming week so I will try to post as much as possible. For tonight, I found a few links that were worth sharing...

NASA's foremost goals now include "improving relations with the Muslim world"... WHAT?!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/07/05/nasa-chief-frontier-better-relations-muslims/

Obama also wants NASA to "help them feel good about their historic contribution to science ... and math and engineering". Wow. Instead of furthering space exploration we're... patting Muslim nations on the back. Great job guys, keep up the good work. Lord help us...



Nancy Pelosi never ceases to amaze me. Now unemployment checks, she believes, are the greatest stimulus to the economy. Again, I say, WHAT?!

The greatest stimulus to our free market capitalist economy are lower taxes... lower taxes that allow small business to HIRE employees... which in turn will put money BACK into the pockets of those previously unemployed... who will then SPEND money on items they need... in turn creating more supply and demand. Common sense.

And just think of how many jobs would actually be available to LEGAL US CITIZENS if those present ILLEGALLY in this country were removed. I find it sad that when it comes to jobs, those here ILLEGALLY take priority over legal, taxpaying citizens.

Just a thought. Have a great week! :)

In Congress, July 4, 1776... The Birth of a Nation

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).

...These were the words of John Adams regarding the Declaration of Independence. The part in bold is my personal favorite, as it clearly depicts what dedication and reverence Adams felt for the cause of independence, a cause he fought for his entire life.

America turns 234 years old today... our Republic has lasted longer than most, and undoubtably thanks to those in uniform that continually pay the price for our freedom, and those that have stood and continue to stand for the principles our Founders built the nation on.

Fifty six men pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor by signing a document severing ties between their 13 colonies and strongest empire on Earth at the time. They knew that it was time to put liberty first, to stand up for the idea of individual rights and freedom for all Americans. Below is the document itself, and I encourage everyone to read through it once or twice today!

http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/freedom/doi/text.html

I hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July... take a moment to remember the generation that created America, the men and women in uniform that have paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom, and those that continue to fight in our defense. God Bless America! :)

Virginia's Resolution on Independence...



``Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and inde­pendent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.''