Congressman Ron Paul made the right call in sponsoring HJR 46 calling for a constitutional amendment to address what has been called the anchor baby problem.

Illegal immigrants know that as long as their children are born on US soil, even if they are here illegally, their children will be US citizens.

That's bad public policy; it rewards criminal behavior and the sooner it is stopped, the better.

Guidrynews has a story with a quote from Ron on his views on this issue.

If you haven't read this article yet from the Austin American Statesman, you should. It came to us from our friend Cathie Adams at Texas Eagle Forum.

As I have said before, until we secure the borders amnesty of any kind should be off the table. If Hutchison and Dewhurst think this is the way to win conservative votes for a 2010 race for Governor, they're both wrong.

Selby: Dewhurst, Hutchison speak out on immigration

Possible future foes stake out stands in San Antonio, Washington.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Just when summer seemed sleepy, two Texas Republican heavyweights aired fresh stands on the simmering issue of illegal immigration. Coincidentally, David Dewhurst and Kay Bailey Hutchison both seek re-election and might fence for governor in 2010.


Lt. Gov. Dewhurst huddled privately this month with folks connected to the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He reportedly said: "I don't see why we don't give all 12 million (illegal) immigrants worker permits after they step forward. Of course, they have to get registered so we can know who they are."


A chamber leader, Ed Riojas, confirmed the wording, which became public in an e-mail blast this week from GOP activist Joe Solis. Riojas, a credit union executive, said Dewhurst stressed the need to identify immigrants so they can pay taxes.


A.J. Rodriguez, chamber president, didn't recall the remark but said the lite guv "understands the need for the immigrant work force here." Dewhurst also supported development of tamper-proof ID cards that hold key information for all U.S. residents.


Solis said Dewhurst would never have suggested work permits for immigrants at the June GOP state convention in San Antonio, where border security was Ouchy Topic A. "That would NEVER happen in a 1,000 years," Solis wrote. "That would be the end of his political career."


Balderdash, Dewhurst said Wednesday, stressing that like other conservatives, he opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants, but believes that it's probably impractical and inadvisable to deport law-abiding workers, who should have shots at seeking temporary worker permits once U.S. borders are secure. At the GOP convention, Dewhurst did not dwell on immigration, focusing on changes in school and tax laws. He suggested this week that if he had waxed on immigration, he would have received as loud or louder applause than others who hammered on the border.


U.S. Sen. Hutchison this week pitched a proposal she cobbled with U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., to start a temporary worker program and establish a 17-year path to citizenship for illegal immigrants once borders are secure. Privately run "Ellis Island" centers would screen applicants once they had self-deported themselves to countries of origin.


"We owe it to our country to solve this issue," Hutchison said.


Hutchison's Democratic opponent, Barbara Ann Radnofsky, called Hutchison's offering wacky and unworkable. "Just puffing; she did it for attention," Radnofsky said. "A sad grandstand."


Partisans are mindful. Cathie Adams of the conservative Texas Eagle Forum, focused on securing U.S. borders, said Dewhurst and Hutchison seem to speak for corporations. "What we are up against is the taxpaying citizen versus the elites who are only looking out for the cost of doing their own business at the expense of mom-and-pop taxpayers," Adams said. "This is hurting. I'm sorry that maybe our voices haven't been loud or clear enough. . . . If Dewhurst and Hutchison are at the same place on this, it's bad news."

wgselby@statesman.com; 445-3644

As the CD 22 replacement process winds its way to a conclusion, the following key information was posted on Juanita's blog over in Ft. Bend County:

The hearing in front of a three judge panel will take place on Monday, July 31st at 10a in New Orleans.

The panel will hear oral arguments and each side has 20 minutes.

Two of the judges were appointed by Clinton and one by Bush 43.

With any luck, we'll have the panel's decision within a week and then move on to the next step.

Depending on which side wins, there could be an appeal to the entire 5th Circuit court en blanc (which means all 14 judges would hear the appeal) or an appeal could go to the Supreme Court if the Justice for the 5th Circuit (Scalia) thinks the appeal has merit.

Many of the voters in CD 22 are getting frustrated and tired of the drawn out process and my sense is that they will take their frustration out on Nick Lampson and the Democrats in November.

Conservative columnist Peggy Noonan had an insightful column last week in the Wall Street Journal. In the column, she makes the following salient points about the liberal and the conservative political views of government as well as a cautionary note about what kind of conservatives we don't need as elected leaders:

I believe liberals in fact enjoy the complexity, not only because they love government--love to obsess on it, and think it is the last best hope of man on Earth--but because complexity justifies big government. Big complex question. Big complex response. Laws and rumors of laws.

Conservatives don't live for government and don't love it, either. They like other things. They think government is a necessity and a potential evil. This is because they know human nature, and they know humans run governments. Ergo extremely flawed and even damaged people are governing us. Ergo don't give them a big sandbox to play in; keep it as small as possible. That way their depredations will be, by definition, limited.

This point of view--humans are imperfect, governments even more so--is not inherently pessimistic but rather optimistic about other things: life, faith, relationships, gardens. A conservative politician who does not enjoy gardening, reading, taking a walk or seeing a play more than governing is a human warning sign: Don't go there.

From time to time, some of our liberal readers insist upon evidence of the liberal bias of the mainstream media; for their perusal, I submit the following editorial from the Houston Chronicle about the CD 22 appeal.

It appears as if, according to the Chronicle, the Harris County Republican Party, led by Chairman Jared Woodfill, as well as Attorney General Greg Abbott are part of the vast rightwing conspiracy for wanting to protect the ability of Republican voters in CD 22 to have a replacement nominee on the ballot.

This a good example of why monopolies are a bad idea.

7/17 - Update 1: Max was kind enough to inform me that the YBL and League City Politics blogs are back up after being down temporarily, so Mallios won't have to go through withdrawal.

The new links are as follows:
YBL
League City Politics


Update 2: League City Biz has launched a new blog as well at: http://leaguecity.blogspot.com/ - stop by and leave a comment. Jimmy needs the work.

Marc Edelman has been wondering where Youvebeenleft.net has gone. The unabashedly liberal League City blog with the anti-Shults and anti-Markum focus has gone dark.

As a service to our liberal readers, you can post here until your YBL issues are resolved and you can even continue to debate the failed strategy of the Democrat party or the latest attempted power grab by your favorite council people, but there will be no personal attacks allowed.

If anyone knows the real story, feel free to leave a comment and let us know.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 23rd at 8:30a and come out an enjoy some golf with Albert Choate, the Republican nominee for Galveston County Commissioner Precinct Two.

The first annual Southern Shootout Tournament to benefit the Choate campaign will start at 8:30a at the Galveston Island Municipal Golf course.

There is a free car from Bob Pagan Ford Toyota Autoplex for a hole in one.

For more information or to signup for the tournament, click here.

If you live or work in League City, the next class of the League City Police Department's Citizens Police Academy is starting next week. The class runs on Thursdays from 6:30p - 9:30p for 15 weeks and you get an inside view of how the police department functions. It is highly informative and interactive.

You can get more information here, or by contacting Officer Schroeder at: 281-338-8201.

If you live or work in Webster, you can get more information here or contact Officer Kelemen at: 281-332-2426.

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) blog published by the Akins & Gump law firm reports that the CD 22 case is one step closer to the SCOTUS arena.

In a related item, Vince over at Capitol Annex has a copy of the press release from the RPT attorneys in the CD 22 case. The 5th Circuit has agreed to expedite the Republican party's appeal.

Attorney James Bopp, Jr., who represents Chairwoman Benkiser and the Republicans, just sent me his press release on the Fifth Circuit Court’s ruling on the motion to expedite:

Earlier today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Republican Party of Texas’ Motion to Expedite the Appeal in Texas Democratic Party v. Benkiser, No. 06-50812. The central question in this case is whether Tina Benkiser, the Chair of the Republican Party of Texas may declare former Congressman Thomas D. DeLay, based on his move from Texas to Virginia, ineligible to serve as the party’s nominee in the general election and replace him with a candidate who is ready, willing and able to serve the district.

This case was filed by the Texas Democratic Party in Texas State Court on June 8, 2006. It was then removed to the Federal District Court shortly thereafter. On July 6, 2006, the Federal District Court permanently enjoined Benkiser from declaring DeLay ineligible and from taking any further steps to replace him on the ballot. It also enjoined the Texas Secretary of State from certifying a replacement nominee, should one be submitted.

James Bopp, Jr., counsel for Benkiser, notes that “The injunction is a disservice to the people of Texas Congressional District 22. By allowing a nominee who has announced that he will be ineligible to serve, if elected, to remain on the ballot it effectively disenfranchises those who would like to vote for a Republican candidate to represent them.”

Under the Court’s expedited briefing schedule, Benkiser’s brief will be due Friday, July 14th, the Texas Democratic Party’s brief will be due Friday, July 21st, and Benkiser’s reply brief will be due Wednesday, July 26th. The case will be submitted to the Court on July 31st.

Uber-Liberal Michael Moore is a provocative filmmaker, who challenged America's so-called gun culture in "Bowling For Columbine."

Conservative television and radio talk-show host Larry Elder tried-for a year-and-a-half-to interview Michael Moore. Larry wanted to ask him one basic question: "You tell us how many gun deaths there are in America, but how many Americans are alive because they were able to use a gun for self-defense?" Moore concludes that America has "too many guns." But does it? Larry made this film in an attempt to answer that question.

Click here to order the film and see for yourself.

The Chronicle is reporting that Governor Perry made a phone call to Air Force Colonel Michael E. Fossum, the first Aggie in space.

And wouldn't you know it, Mike's cooped in space with a teasip, Stephanie Wilson.

Stephanie lives in Clear Lake and attends Galveston's historic Reedy Chapel AME Church.

Congrats to all our astronaut's and we'll keep you in our prayers for a safe voyage home.

The saga of CD 22 continues, Judge Sparks ruled that Delay withdrew his position in Congress. As a result, Delay must stay on the ballot in November or withdraw and leave the Republican Party without a nominee.

Chris over at Texas Safety Forum has some updated information here.

Also, the Galveston County CD 22 Executive Committee meeting scheduled for tonight at 7p has been canceled by GCRP Chairman Kevin Corcoran.

Retiring Congressman Tom DeLay will be honored at “A Tribute to Tom,” presented by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Houston Partnership at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 7.

To make luncheon reservations, contact the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce at www.fortbendchamber.com, or 281-491-0222. Tickets are $40 for members of the Fort Bend Chamber or Greater Houston Partnership, or $400 for a corporate table of 10. For non-members, prices are $55 per person or $550 for a table.

Long time Ft. Bend county activist and State Republican Executive Committee member Terese Raia was selected by her fellow CD 22 precinct chairs to serve as the second member of the CD 22 Executive Committee this evening.

Terese joined Harris County's Kathy Haigler as part of the 4-person committee that will select a replacement Republican nominee for Tom Delay's seat.

FtBendnow.com has the full story here.

Update - 7/5/06: Thanks to the eagle eye of Vince, a fellow blogger who covers the view from the Left over at Capitol Annex, it appears that "The Price They Paid For Our Freedom" although inspirational is more folklore than actual history.

You can check out Vince's posting on it here. I think this speaks to the power and relevance of the blogosphere; we all do our part to ensure accurate information is given to our readers, which is why bloggers on both sides of the aisle are an unfiltered and necessary check and balance on the mainstream media.
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I had a very nice visit with Charlie Howard's wife Jo at the Harris County CD 22 meeting. Charlie is a State Representative in Fort Bend County and is as solid a conservative as they come. CD 22 would be well served if he or State Representative Robert Talton were to get the nod.

Charlie has the following essay posted on his website about the price the Founding Fathers paid for us to be a free and independent nation.

I thought it was worth reading as we celebrate America's independence.

THE PRICE THEY PAID

by Carry Hildreth, Erie, Pennsylvania

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft- spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and I a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the revolutionary war. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Perhaps you can now see why our founding fathers had a hatred for standing armies, and allowed through the second amendment for everyone to be armed.