Anti-North American Union measures introduced in three state legislatures; Update: Tancredo to consider guest-worker program?

posted at 9:32 am on January 25, 2007 by Allahpundit

The amnesty approacheth, my friends. Frustrated by their inability to stop it, some lawmakers in Utah are doing what little they can to slow it down — by engaging in total batshinola insanity.

A [Utah] House committee unanimously passed a joint resolution Tuesday that urges the president and Congress to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, now moves to the House floor for a vote.

The SPP, while not an institution, is harshly criticized by some Utah groups. Resolution supporters told the committee Tuesday that the purpose of the SPP is to remove sovereignty from the United States and give it to a North American union, similar to the European Union. The SPP involves the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Wally McCormick, of the Utah Constitution Coalition and Utah Minuteman Project, said that the SPP will allow for “a 5-square-mile area, that is supposedly going to be owned by Mexico, within our own country, run by their officers, run by their soldiers.”

McCormick called the SPP a scam. Referencing previous testimony, McCormick said that “The federal income tax is the second biggest scam perpetrated on the American people. I extend that further in saying that this scam about the SPP and what it is going to do to America may be the first biggest scam upon the American people.”

Similar measures have already been introduced in Virginia and South Carolina. And yes, that’s the John Birch Society webpage you’re looking at there. Note the nifty “I pledge allegiance…” merchandise in the sidebar.

What can be done at this late hour? Who can save us from the impending scourge of having to share sovereignty with Canadians? Comes a man…

tancredo-lancelot.jpg

Update: Heart-ache.

“We’ve lost a lot of momentum,” he acknowledged, his voice growing softer. “I do not know to what extent our efforts have been jeopardized, except they have been. The dynamics around here have changed. There’s no two ways about it.”

The shift in Congressional power was a driving force behind his decision to form a presidential exploratory committee, he said.

Tancredo has repeatedly opposed a guest-worker program because he said it would reward immigrants who entered the country illegally. But now, “if I see we’re truly enforcing the law…I’d be willing to talk about a potential guest worker program.”

Blowback

Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.

Trackbacks/Pings

Trackback URL

Comments

Allah….you photoshop pro you…

My daughter will go nuts over it. Sir Tan is her hero. It will be poster size before she gets home from work.

Limerick on January 25, 2007 at 9:42 AM

This kind of resolution is what I like to call a solution in search of a problem.

I’m organizing a protest to push legislation to logging from destroying the natural habitat of the Yeti. Any takers?

Verbal Abuse on January 25, 2007 at 9:46 AM

Allah,

You’re turning into a troll.

PRCalDude on January 25, 2007 at 9:52 AM

All politics is local. If the NAU is a whacko conspiracy theory, then the pro-amnesty crowd has nothing to worry about.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 10:03 AM

Just as Saxon’s Crusader starts playing, I see that picture.

Ominous.

*deep and meaningful.*

Reaps on January 25, 2007 at 10:11 AM

Watch for the black helicopters and the UN troops!

They’re coming to take you away, ha ha!

rightwingprof on January 25, 2007 at 10:13 AM

Follow the money….I’m sure the people who will benefit from the SPP live in gated communties with armed security that insulates them from having to be exposed to the consequences of their policies.

Generally, I am a capitalist, but I am foremost an American and there HAS TO BE a balance.

csdeven on January 25, 2007 at 10:16 AM

I’m sure the people who will benefit from the SPP live in gated communties with armed security that insulates them from having to be exposed to the consequences of their policies.

Unless they need yardwork, a new pool, or die by the hands of drunk Mexicans on the road.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 10:23 AM

This kind of resolution is what I like to call a solution in search of a problem.

It’s more of a statement to address a potential problem and to put those who want to create an EU-style system in the Americas on notice that some of us, at least, are paying attention.

Call us “whackos” if it makes you feel better, but protecting our sovereignty as a Nation is of paramount concern no matter how slightly perceived the threat.

Limerick, my 10-yr old daughter also loves that pic! Can you make two posters and send one to me? I’ll pay!

CliffHanger on January 25, 2007 at 10:33 AM

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 10:23 AM

You’re dead on! In the mid 80′s I was working as an auto glass installer (a great job with great pay) and my boss hired an illegal and trained him up (an example of an illegal taking a job that an american would do). Anyway, this guy had no drivers licence and was always drinking and driving on his personal time. Boy, I let that guy have it more than once, but he couldn’t have cared less. That is when I developed my opinion on illegal immigration etc.

I say arrest them all and send them back.

csdeven on January 25, 2007 at 10:33 AM

CliffHanger…wish I could…I’ll be paying myself at PIP!
Long live free enterprise.

Limerick on January 25, 2007 at 10:37 AM

Nevermind Limerick. She took another look and realized it was done to mock him.

“Who did that?!”, she scowled.

CliffHanger on January 25, 2007 at 10:37 AM

Yeah…personally I am not a fan…but she…well….gets entranced by Sir Tan.

Limerick on January 25, 2007 at 10:42 AM

76,000 Hispanic drivers were arrested in my state of North Carolina in 2005 for DUI. The human toll is enormous here. I telecommute, but know many people involved in wrecks with our non-English-speaking friends. You ignore amnesty and rationale behind it at your own peril.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 10:43 AM

That photo brings to mind “The Mouse that Roared”.

honora on January 25, 2007 at 10:47 AM

Allah,

You’re turning into a troll.

PRCalDude on January 25, 2007 at 9:52 AM

No kidding. No traction on this thread. Like Allah would actually debate the validity of a NAU, compare and contrast our current events with the formation of the EU, or even the validity of a currency (Amero) that will consolidate the currencies of Latin American countries as they our become “economic partners”, or the fact that any international treaty (which is exactly what is happening if you read the SPP we would share regulatory bodies just like the EU) must go through the Senate and not the Commerce Dept making any and all such agreements illegal…

Troll on Allah, troll on…

Theworldisnotenough on January 25, 2007 at 10:48 AM

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a look of misery and dejection on the face of my daughter as I just did a moment ago. She just couldn’t understand why Allahpundit would create such photoshops when the NAU threatens the very existence of this country. “Doesn’t Mr. Pundit care about us anymore?” she asked pitifully.

I sat down with her on the sofa and (as calmly as I could) tried to explain to her why Allahpundit seems to be abandoning his country. “Honey, I think his boss, Mrs. Malkin, just wasn’t paying attention for a few minutes and Mr. Pundit got a hold of photoshop and just went friggin’ crazy on Congressman Tancredo.”

I tried to keep my voice steady, but it became increasingly difficult – the rage and feelings of helplessness were just too much. I think my daughter could tell something was wrong. I found myself at such a loss for words – nothing made any sense; nothing makes sense anymore. I finally had to admit, “Honey, I just don’t know – I don’t know what’s going on in this country anymore…”

When I finished her lower lip started to tremble and her eyes began to fill with tears, “Daddy” she said, “why is Allahpundit doing this to the country?” Well, that was it for me: I finally fell apart. She just fell into my arms and we both began sobbing for several minutes.

For once she had to comfort me and get me back on my feet. Sometimes I just think it’s too much, but seeing the strength in my young daughter’s voice helped me to get through.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 10:49 AM

When I finished her lower lip started to tremble and her eyes began to fill with tears, “Daddy” she said, “why is Allahpundit doing this to the country?” Well, that was it for me: I finally fell apart. She just fell into my arms and we both began sobbing for several minutes.

Hehehe. Classic.

Hey, Slu — how long do you think it’ll be before that image ends up on some pro-Tancredo site? Maybe with a “Now more than ever!” slogan added to the bottom?

Allahpundit on January 25, 2007 at 10:51 AM

Hey, Slu — how long do you think it’ll be before that image ends up on some pro-Tancredo site? Maybe with a “Now more than ever!” slogan added to the bottom?

If it does, demand a cut.

Imagine the t-shirts.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 10:52 AM

Slu,

That was hilarious!

PRCalDude on January 25, 2007 at 10:55 AM

CheChe is an American Hero.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 10:57 AM

The SPP benefits the American people in many ways, and much progress has already been made. For example”

Here is a real doozie;

To strengthen border security, Mexican and U.S. agencies are exchanging information and establishing protocols to detect fraud and smuggling, and address border violence.

To DETECT AND ADDRESS???
We all know how well this is going, giving the Mexican army and drug smugglers our defensive positions, allowing for thousands of illegals to walk in unobstructed. Drug prices might go down, for those out there that just cant stand the high price of Cocaine , Heroin and Pot.
How about building a wall to STOP IT?
AP, we might need to start calling you waffles. Its a scam, maybe its real, its an ad by world net daily to sell books???

What’s your point in this AP?

shooter on January 25, 2007 at 11:00 AM

I think allah had a brain fart on this one. His wording wasn’t clear, wheather by accident or on purpose, people are all over the board on this. Of course, I think I’ve got it right, but I come from the assumption that AP is a conservative.

csdeven on January 25, 2007 at 11:12 AM

76,000 Hispanic drivers were arrested in my state of North Carolina in 2005 for DUI. The human toll is enormous here. I telecommute, but know many people involved in wrecks with our non-English-speaking friends. You ignore amnesty and rationale behind it at your own peril.

First thought on reading this was, gosh, that’s hard to believe. For good reason it turns out. Googled FBI stats: NC DUI total arrests for 2004 were 49,749. Also, the article linked states that the purported 76,000 were Hispanic and

what percent were illegal aliens seems to be “unknown”.

So, the 76,000 number is clearly bull; and the assumption that these folks are all illegals is bull.

Other than that Mrs Lincoln….

honora on January 25, 2007 at 11:13 AM

AP: Very funny. Keep your head in the sand.

I live in Arizona. I was almost killed on the road by a Mexican who almost T-boned me, and while we were exchanging insurance information in front of the cops I found out he didn’t HAVE any insurance information. Nor did he have a driver’s license. Nor a green card.

They arrested the guy, and I don’t know what happened to him after that. Probably back on the road by now.

To dismiss this NAU stuff as mere paranoia does you little credit, AP – on rare occasions, paranoia may actually be justifiable.

mikeomatic on January 25, 2007 at 11:13 AM

almost T-boned me,

mikeomatic: what does this mean?

honora on January 25, 2007 at 11:15 AM

Well, he is right about the federal income tax…

But I still think the NAU stuff is nonsense.

Of course, I live in MD, so we don’t have to deal with this bullhonkery much.

RiverCocytus on January 25, 2007 at 11:15 AM

honora: t boning is when someone pulls out suddenly and your front end plows into the side of their car.

or the other way around.

RiverCocytus on January 25, 2007 at 11:16 AM

Tancredo is a rare entity in the ’08 race- a conservative who is right about the border issue. I’ll take a crusader any day over an Ottoman Turk like Giuliani who is for amnesty.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 11:19 AM

If there is a plan to erase the North American borders, why are new passport regs going into effect that require everyone to have a passport when traveling to Mexico and Canada and other places outside the US that heretofore did not require a passport?

Texas Gal on January 25, 2007 at 11:26 AM

Silly people. Don’t they know that laws are only enforced against border control agents, but not those who would illegally cross it?

thirteen28 on January 25, 2007 at 11:27 AM

Other than that Mrs Lincoln….

Thanks for the detective work on drunk driving stats. Studies have estimated that only one in three Hispanics are in North Carolina legally. This is still a HUGE problem and you can’t argue with the dead people in the article or the experiences of my friends on the roads of NC.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 11:46 AM

“if I see we’re truly enforcing the law…I’d be willing to talk about a potential guest worker program.”

That is one humongous IF.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 11:50 AM

Thanks for the detective work on drunk driving stats. Studies have estimated that only one in three Hispanics are in North Carolina legally. This is still a HUGE problem and you can’t argue with the dead people in the article or the experiences of my friends on the roads of NC.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 11:46 AM

I totally agree. Which makes the people writing that article all the more foolish–why undermine the credibility of a very serious point by sloppiness?

honora on January 25, 2007 at 12:12 PM

In addition to being unlicensed, they are uninsured. In areas with huge illegal alien populations, more drive without insurance than with insurance, For example, in San Jose, CA., 55 % of drivers are uninsured; in parts of Los Angeles the rate is as high as 90%!

Car insurance isn’t required in California. Only some vague weirdness called “proof of financial repsonsibility.” Most people choose to get insurance, but this column makes it sound as though 90% of those on the road are breaking the law, when a certain percentage of them might have simply made other arrangements.

I think she makes a good point, especially considering that my state is among those that does not require proof of legal status. I just wish she’d done her research.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Car insurance isn’t required in California. Only some vague weirdness called “proof of financial repsonsibility.”

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Errr … is there another California? Car insurance is most definitely required in California. Unless they passed a new law early this morning that I have yet to hear about.

“Financial responsibility” is just a funky alternate name for “insurance” as even indicated by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

You must carry evidence of financial responsibility (proof of insurance) in your vehicle at all times.

Types of financial responsibility
A motor vehicle liability insurance policy
A cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV
A DMV issued self-insurance certificate
A surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California

Whatever you want to call it … it’s INSURANCE.

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 12:43 PM

Car insurance isn’t required in California. Only some vague weirdness called “proof of financial repsonsibility.” Most people choose to get insurance, but this column makes it sound as though 90% of those on the road are breaking the law, when a certain percentage of them might have simply made other arrangements.

I do not have time to look it up but “financial responsibility” usually means a surety bond or a large cash sum paid to the state. I’m doubting a 90% rate of uninsured motorists (if true) is due to drivers having made other arrangements.

Theworldisnotenough on January 25, 2007 at 1:05 PM

Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration (California)

Purpose of the law

The purpose of the law is to ensure that vehicles driven on California roads have liability insurance that provides financial responsibility for any damage or injury caused by a traffic accident, regardless of fault, and to remove uninsured vehicles from the highways.

Mandatory vehicle registration financial responsibility requirements

Financial responsibility must be obtained and maintained on any vehicle operated or parked on California roadways and must be provided as specified below:

When requested by law enforcement
When renewing vehicle registration (if requested)
When the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident
Within 30 days of receiving a registration card for a newly acquired vehicle
Within 45 days of the cancellation of a policy for a currently registered vehicle

You must carry evidence of financial responsibility (proof of insurance) in your vehicle at all times.

Types of financial responsibility

A motor vehicle liability insurance policy
A cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV
A DMV issued self-insurance certificate
A surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California

Doesn’t matter what they call it. It’s INSURANCE.

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 1:21 PM

I do not have time to look it up but “financial responsibility” usually means a surety bond or a large cash sum paid to the state. I’m doubting a 90% rate of uninsured motorists (if true) is due to drivers having made other arrangements.

Yes to both. However, that doesn’t excuse the sloppy writing, which makes it sound as though insurance is mandatory.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 1:23 PM

That’s a great pic, mind if I add back lighting to Tom’s head and some God beams?

I would love to see Tom Tancredo elected if for no other reason than to see the look on ‘some peoples’ faces.

Speakup on January 25, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Here’s some more data from VDARE on the alien drunk driving problem.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 1:37 PM

I agree, it is insurance. However, there is a difference between getting insurance in a general sense with a cash deposit or what have you and purchasing an insurance policy.

As I said, though, my point is that the writer should have been more precise. If you want to influence public policy, you’ve got to have all of your facts straight. You can’t leave any opening for criticism or second-guessing.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 1:39 PM

I should add that I don’t find anecdotes or sad stories a compelling way to promote public policy. So my bias is not against this writer specifically, but more because I get irritated by the approach.

Honestly, it reminded me of columns written by people from Handgun Control or similar groups.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 1:44 PM

Here’s some more data from VDARE on the alien drunk driving problem.

Now that’s closer to the approach that sells. I’m not a great fan of VDARE, but they’ve done their homework on that one, and it shows.

Still – who on earth is going to click all the links in that article? Easy on the a href there, fellas.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 1:52 PM

Yes to both. However, that doesn’t excuse the sloppy writing, which makes it sound as though insurance is mandatory.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 1:23 PM

You’re pushing an incorrect argument. Insurance IS mandatory. Whether you purchase your “insurance” through a bond or other means does not change that.

I agree, it is insurance. However, there is a difference between getting insurance in a general sense with a cash deposit or what have you and purchasing an insurance policy.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 1:39 PM

No, there’s not. It’s insurance. A bond agency or DMV is simply the holder of your insurance.

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Honestly, it reminded me of columns written by people from Handgun Control or similar groups.

Good point, instead of blaming the guns, we should blame the law-breakers. Illegal aliens are the problem- not just the aliens driving drunk. You may not agree that they are illegal but, for the moment, they are.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 2:16 PM

I don’t think anyone is opposed to every conceivable kind of guest worker program. If a foreigner has some necessary skill that is otherwise unattainable in the US, I’m all for inviting that worker to the US.

“Necessary” wouldn’t include importing a million Iranians because some American decides they want to be the worlds largest manufacturer of Persian rugs.

Perchant on January 25, 2007 at 2:55 PM

The amnesty approacheth, my friends.

While I fully understand that our lawmakers egos are most important and very pricey (just our lives, our freedom and our future).

However I strongly recommend that our elected officials need to look beyond themselves and take stock in the fact that literally 200 million Americans oppose Amnesty of any sort and they won’t be fooled this time.

The Pro America sentiment that saw a monumental rise starting in April last year is showing no signs of slowing, has many times the demand power than those who took to the streets, defamed our nation and exposed themselves to the light of day.

The illegal supporting crowd does not have a factual or moral leg to stand on in the immigration debate except to yell ‘Racist’ and the contemporary definition of ‘Racist’ is anyone who is winning an argument with a liberal(Brimelow) or while arguing with an anti Americanist (same thing) as the case may be.

Simply, regardless of party affiliation, a vote for amnesty, faux or bold is to enshrine yourself forever in the angry minds eye of 200 million Americans, a memory not likely to fade.

Speakup on January 25, 2007 at 3:07 PM

A guest worker program is fine with me as well, but three things must happen before I would support it:

1) It’s linked to stronger enforcement provisions (more Customs/Border Patrol agents, more fencing, deployment of surveilance technologies, meaningful penalties for employers).

2) No preferential amnesty is offered to guest workers.

3) Anyone who cannot prove they are a legal U.S. citizen AND who refuse to join a guest worker program is deported back to their home country poste haste.

CliffHanger on January 25, 2007 at 3:13 PM

The fundamental problem is that state (and city) governments are deliberately undermining federal immigration laws.

Immigrants are coming in illegally because they’re being paid to do so, it’s as simple as that. There are already existing laws against hiring illegal immigrants, but local governments turn a blind eye to it and even help employers do it, because it’s seen as good for the local economy.

All this talk about addressing the problem at the federal level or at the border is doomed to fail because it’s missing the root cause, which is corruption of the federal system, pitting the states’ short term interests against the nation’s long term interests. This is hard to solve, so people just ignore it and instead rant about symbolic issues and conspiracy theories.

sandberg on January 25, 2007 at 3:51 PM

A guest worker program would make 20 million illegals, legal.
Which means they could no longer be exploited and WOULD be immediately replaced with 20 million more illegal workers.
No matter what anybody says 20 million more replacements will arrive and the amnesty cycle will continue.

Until the flow is permanently stopped our population will illegally grow in amnesty leaps much larger than estimated or admitted too.

Until about 60K guard troops are deployed by a sincere President to secure America, the rest is platitudes.
Properly called BS.

Speakup on January 25, 2007 at 4:03 PM

Good point, instead of blaming the guns, we should blame the law-breakers. Illegal aliens are the problem- not just the aliens driving drunk. You may not agree that they are illegal but, for the moment, they are.

When did I say that, exactly? Debate my points, not what you believe my points might be.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 4:23 PM

Until about 60K guard troops are deployed by a sincere President to secure America, the rest is platitudes.

Or, better yet, we have something other than a line in the sand between this country and Mexico. A wall would be a nice start – you’ve got to plug the hole before you start bailing out the boat, so to speak.

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 4:32 PM

Or, better yet, we have something other than a line in the sand between this country and Mexico. A wall would be a nice start – you’ve got to plug the hole before you start bailing out the boat, so to speak.

Every means needed and necessary must be employed or the message will not be taken seriously.
The list of protections afforded and the number of disincentives needed has grown to about a mile long.

Since the message wasn’t sent seriously and then enforced before the problem has been exacerbated to the point of choosing will it be them or us.

Speakup on January 25, 2007 at 4:39 PM

At one time California made it mandatory to have insurance. You could not register a car without insurance, however I believe it was Gov. Moonbeam, the great liberal, and the dem party quickly revised the law. It is now mandatory if you are stopped for a traffic violation and you will be given a citation. Of course if you are in an accident you receive a citation and the others insurance pays for the damage (uninsured motorist coverage). The citation is to force you to have insurance. You can buy monthly insurance to have the citation removed, then stop coverage. No one can be refused car insurance in California.
This is the democratic party at work, letting uninsured motorists on the road, and us insured pick up the tab.

This is how it was a few years ago, it may have changed. You can bet it is not more restrictive. BTW, the city of Bell Gardens does not give driving citations out for fear of forcing insurance on its residents, finding illegals, or finding drivers without a drivers license. About 90% hispanic is Bell Gardens.

Don’t you just love those democrats, always looking out for their citizens.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 4:44 PM

When did I say that, exactly? Debate my points, not what you believe my points might be.

Sorry. I must have completely missed your point. I apologize.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 4:50 PM

What amazes me is the placid response by the black caucus, and other African-American groups to this. The high un-employment of the African-Americans are due partly to this increase of illegal aliens. Who filled the jobs at the plants that were raided? African-Americans. The illegal aliens are first attacking the African-Americans, and they are allowing it to happen. Once again, the democrats are not helping their citizens, and in this case, their “loyal subjects”. African-Americans, the democrats slaves.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 4:51 PM

Allah, you’re turning into a troll.

PRCalDude on January 25, 2007 at 9:52 AM

This raises an intriguing question: can one Troll his own web site?

Jaibones on January 25, 2007 at 5:04 PM

honora, that T-Bone reference gave you a little pause, didn’t it?

Jaibones on January 25, 2007 at 5:05 PM

This raises an intriguing question: can one Troll his own web site?

Absolutely, if you are an Ann Coulter-loving devout Christian against a nascent North American Union disguised as amnesty, prepare to be tweaked on Hot Air.

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 5:20 PM

It is now mandatory if you are stopped for a traffic violation and you will be given a citation. Of course if you are in an accident you receive a citation and the others insurance pays for the damage (uninsured motorist coverage). The citation is to force you to have insurance. You can buy monthly insurance to have the citation removed, then stop coverage. No one can be refused car insurance in California.
This is the democratic party at work, letting uninsured motorists on the road, and us insured pick up the tab.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 4:51 PM

I’m not sure how this is different than almost every other State. Insurance is mandatory and if you get caught without it you get fined heavily.

The citation is to punish you for not following the law.

I’m not sure of the point with uninsured motorist insurance. Would it be better to NOT have that available and leave people with no coverage at all when hit by someone who is breaking the law by not being insured?

Maybe I’m just not understanding your point. It just seems that you’re claiming that because people have the ability to break the law by not having insurance … that it means insurance is not mandatory.

How exactly do you FORCE people to have insurance if they choose to just ignore the law? Do you have it automatically charged to them through payroll taxes?

It’s like saying that murder isn’t illegal in California because they don’t punish you unless you’re caught.

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 5:25 PM

It’s like saying that murder isn’t illegal in California because they don’t punish you unless you’re caught.

Better to ask forgiveness than permission?

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 5:44 PM

Absolutely, if you are an Ann Coulter-loving devout Christian against a nascent North American Union disguised as amnesty, prepare to be tweaked on Hot Air.

Really? How often are our Christian readers tweaked? Or did you miss the two posts about Pelosi’s Christian-bashing daughter in the past 24 hours?

Allahpundit on January 25, 2007 at 5:47 PM

Better to ask forgiveness than permission?

Slublog on January 25, 2007 at 5:44 PM

Definitely. Always!

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 5:48 PM

How exactly do you FORCE people to have insurance if they choose to just ignore the law? Do you have it automatically charged to them through payroll taxes?…
Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 5:25 PM

To get a drivers license, or to register a car you present to the DMV proof of insurance; that is how you enforce. If insurance lapses you have x amount of days before your registration is pulled.
I guess I did not make myself clear, you are not “heavily” fined, you are given a citation that is excused if you show proof of insurance. Having insurance after the fact is of no help, and having insurance for one month to get a citation removed is not any help. Because of this lax insurance program, the insured (with uninsured motorist coverage) is carrying the costs of the uninsured..which is substantial in California. Why punish the law abiding, and let the law breakers off?
If you murder someone you are punished (although your analogy is extreme), if you drive without insurance you are not punished. A citation without any real punishment is not very effective in my view. Don’t you think it would be better to be pro-active than re-active?

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 6:00 PM

Definitely. Always!

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 5:48 PM

Therein lies the problem. I think it is better to ask permission first. I think it is better to license people for driving before they are allowed to drive. I think it is better to be insured before an accident than after.
You are proposing anarchy. Do whatever you want, than ask for forgiveness. Why have laws then? The stop light gives you permission to stop or go, so ignore it and ask foregiveness later? What a strange answer.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 6:06 PM

To get a drivers license, or to register a car you present to the DMV proof of insurance; that is how you enforce. If insurance lapses you have x amount of days before your registration is pulled.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 6:00 PM

Not possible and not practiced in any State that I know of. DMV has absolutely no way of knowing when a driver’s insurance lapses.

I guess I did not make myself clear, you are not “heavily” fined, you are given a citation that is excused if you show proof of insurance.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 6:00 PM

Not true.

According to CarInsurance.com

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in California?

Failing to show proof of financial responsibility, meaning insurance coverage, is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 16029. Violating this code could result in fines up to $500 plus penalties, impoundment of the vehicle and suspension of the driver’s license. If the vehicle is impounded the owner will have to pay for all storage and tow charges as well.

The consequences can be far more serious if you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance. You may have to comply with the financial responsibility laws (SR22, SR22s, SR16) including having to pay for any injuries or damages from the accident out of your own pocket.

A coworker of mine was busted without insurance, given a fine of $475, and after showing proof that he obtained insurance … the fine was only reduced to $350.

Also, per the California Courts self help center

Car Insurance in California

In California, you must have car insurance that covers you when you’re driving any car. If a police officer stops you, you must show proof of insurance. If you have insurance but don’t have proof to show the officer, you’ll be charged with an infraction for driving without proof of insurance and must take proof of your insurance to court and pay a fee.
If you don’t have insurance, you must buy it. Then, take your proof of insurance to court and pay a fine.

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 6:23 PM

To keep on kicking my dead horse…

Where I live, illegal labor is employed in plain sight.

There’s no plan or discussion about putting a stop to that, but people want to militarize the border? It’s a symbolic feel-good guesture. It may gain some votes for Tancredo, but it won’t solve the problem.

In the absence of any local-level will to stop the employment of illegal labor, a border fence will fail. People will come through gaps, or they will come on boats, or they will come on airplanes. So long as local governments continue to protect illegal labor, it will happen.

The problem is not at the border. Trying to solve it there will fail.

sandberg on January 25, 2007 at 7:26 PM

Gregor on January 25, 2007 at 6:23 PM

Show me where an illegal alien was forced to pay any substantial fine.
If you think it is impossible to know when insurance lapses, then you must know it is impossible. That is the exact argument the insurance lobbyists gave the legislature, I don’t buy into their propaganda, you do.
Seeing as this thread is about illegal aliens, gregor, how do they pay out of their “pocketbook” when they have no assets, or at least any traceable assets.
Your last paragraph just confirmed my post. You show proof of insurance (which can be one months worth), and you pay a fee, not a heavy fine like you stated. That is what I wrote.
I had an employee (hispanic) that was caught without insurance and did not have to pay a fine, just prove the car had insurance. For 50 bucks he got temp insur. designed to beat the system. Your friend was honest and did the right thing, we are speaking about illegal people beating the system.
You spend to much time googling, and not enough analyzing. You basically confirmed what I wrote. Thank you.

You and I will not agree, you think that it is OK to drive without insurance, I think it is wrong. I think systems could be put into place to assure that one has insurance, you think it is impossible. You think Cal law is severe enough, I do not think it is severe. The democrats have lessoned the law for the ones that abuse it, and strengthens it for the ones that try to adhere.

You believe in forgiveness over permission, I believe in following the rule of law and pay the consequences and not ask for forgiveness. We have different views.

right2bright on January 25, 2007 at 9:47 PM

Really? How often are our Christian readers tweaked? Or did you miss the two posts about Pelosi’s Christian-bashing daughter in the past 24 hours?

Allahpundit on January 25, 2007 at 5:47 PM

No offense intended. Rarely are Christians tweaked here. I am not accusing you of being anti-Christian. Christians are tweaked about as often as Southerners- perhaps I should have used that in my example. Who can forget:

The “He is Risen” teaser for

http://hotair.com/archives/2006/10/17/pastors-encouraging-christian-couples-to-get-their-freak-on/

Your focus on Christianity often tends towards the flippant:


http://hotair.com/archives/2006/05/10/bbc-wants-to-know-what-would-jesus-drive/

http://hotair.com/archives/2006/12/14/video-where-would-jesus-hunt-for-bargains

http://hotair.com/archives/2006/10/25/chuck-norris-facts-analyzed-by-chuck-norris/

http://hotair.com/archives/2007/01/24/video-the-bible-says/

However, these are stories in line with the unique flavor yu bring to this site. Keep doing what you are doing!

Valiant on January 25, 2007 at 10:23 PM

honora, that T-Bone reference gave you a little pause, didn’t it?

Jaibones on January 25, 2007 at 5:05 PM

I have the feeling this is some sort of double entendre but I am going to have to ‘fess up I don’t get it???

honora on January 26, 2007 at 10:46 AM