Latino lawmaker wants “don’t ask, don’t tell” for illegal aliens
posted at 2:45 pm on November 5, 2007 by Bryan
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At some point we’re going to have to demand that elected officials either uphold their oaths of office, or get out of office, or we just do away with the oaths altogether. The latest in oath breaking for fun and profit comes from New York state.
Lawmakers who met with Eliot Spitzer about his new driver’s license policy have asked the governor to sign a “don’t ask, don’t tell” executive order guaranteeing that undocumented residents can access state services without fear of having their immigration status reported to law enforcement officials.
“I raised the issue to him as sort of a way to help immigrants feel comfortable even applying for this license,” state Senator Jose Serrano, a Democrat from the Bronx, told me a few minutes ago.
Serrano brought up the issue earlier during a breakfast on the East Side, where he and other lawmakers met with Spitzer to discuss the driver’s license policy. A similar policy has long been in effect in New York City, where it was supported by every mayor from Ed Koch to Michael Bloomberg.
Yes, that continuum includes Rudy. It’s one reason that he’s not credible on illegal immigration: He ran the world’s largest sanctuary city.
Politicians like Serrano pay no price for essentially asking their governor to aid and abet lawbreaking. Spitzer himself is only paying a price because he went too far at the wrong time; several other states already allow illegals to get drivers licenses. Which means that several other states are ahead on the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Which means that our elected officials are, increasingly, a class of scofflaws.
If there’s a silver lining in this story, it’s that the Spitzer/DHS compromise hasn’t satisfied anyone, so Spitzer may be forced to choose illegal aliens and their advocates or voting citizens.
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At some point, some Latino activist is going to complain that immigrants are being compared to homosexuals through the appropriation of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” meme.
rw on November 5, 2007 at 2:51 PM
So they have gone from
secretselective news conferences to insisting thatsecretlyadding illegals to welfare and other government services.And who is going to pay for this ?
William Amos on November 5, 2007 at 2:55 PM
I am so sad, I want Rudy to be the nominee, but he just loses it on immigration, abortion, most any social platform.
Wonder if they will use the same “don’t ask, don’t tell” for terrorists.
right2bright on November 5, 2007 at 3:03 PM
Hogwash! This is absolute insanity.
Why not go all the way and extend “don’t ask, don’t tell” to serial murderers, rapists and bank robbers?
rplat on November 5, 2007 at 3:03 PM
ot/ apparently the Ron Paul idiots are closing in on $2 million for the day so far. “remember, remember the fifth of november”
my reaction to Ron Paul has been similar to the 2004 reaction to Michael Moore. Is this a new version of “Bowling for dollars”?
jp on November 5, 2007 at 3:10 PM
Meanwhile, as a law-abiding, tax-paying immigrant with a graduate-level education, a stable job and a reasonably good command of English, I resent that the word “immigrant” is increasingly being used to mean an uneducated, non-English-speaking, law-breaking lowlife who is in this country to leech on the generous welfare system that we so naively provide to all.
factoid on November 5, 2007 at 3:12 PM
God forbid that illegal aliens would feel “uncomfortable” as they go about stealing (that’s right- stealing) government services they have no right to recieve.
highhopes on November 5, 2007 at 3:15 PM
We won’t ask and you don’t tell … just as long as you keep on voting democrat.
Tony737 on November 5, 2007 at 3:18 PM
I’m assuming this “don’t ask, don’t tell” will be in force at the voting booths as well. That’s the whole plan behind any of this ID or licensing marlarky … to give illegals some sort of valid ID they can use to vote with. Since they haven’t been able to “legalize” the 35-40 million illegals in this country … they’re trying another route. The dems think we’re stupid.
Just think what the US would be like 40 million people lighter …
darwin on November 5, 2007 at 3:19 PM
JiangxiDad on November 5, 2007 at 3:20 PM
We pretty much got that right now. What’s he bitching about?
MB4 on November 5, 2007 at 3:23 PM
That would be you (and me).
MB4 on November 5, 2007 at 3:25 PM
Here’s a wild and crazy idea. If the people (elected officials ) who have sworn an oath to, and are responsible for, upholding the law are actively breaking the law, why isn’t someone arresting them?
tomk59 on November 5, 2007 at 3:28 PM
heh. No middle groud to be had. It is one or the other.
“Path to citizenship” vs. “Attrition through enforcement”
The shear numbers of illegals make “Path to citizenship” unpalatable until americans know the border is secure and politicians are serious about enforcing the law.
Democrats have to jettison the illegal alien lobby. They’ll probably suck up to Hispanics by proposing aid packages to Mexico. That is a logical out for them, Republicans should beat them to it, instead of being shortsighted and gloating over the issue. Democrats left themselves no room on Iraq, Republicans need not make that mistake here. Play the Democrats hand before they do. they’ll be completely shut out policy wise. Pay attention GOP.
Theworldisnotenough on November 5, 2007 at 3:30 PM
Bryan said:
Bryan — which states are those? (Just so I know to drive around them.) Our Mayor is considering this, and it makes me ill every time I think about it.
lan astaslem on November 5, 2007 at 3:30 PM
Is it me or has Bryan slowly turned on Rudy?
I think the latter.
Theworldisnotenough on November 5, 2007 at 3:30 PM
I’d like to know when my elected officials are going to suck up to my demands as a citizen instead of the demands of the illegal aliens…
pullingmyhairout on November 5, 2007 at 3:35 PM
Rudy is one of the weakest (and perhaps the weakest) candidates with regards to immigration; if illegal immigration is an important issue to you, then Rudy shouldn’t be your guy- he’s every bit as bad as Bush or McCain, if not worse.
Being how illegal immigration has always been a hot item here at Hot Air and Michelle’s site, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a pro-amnesty, anti-enforcement candidate is going to catch at least a little flak.
Hollowpoint on November 5, 2007 at 3:37 PM
Is it just my imagination, or does Eliot Spitzer look like a comic book villain? Especially when he smiles or laughs. . .
aero on November 5, 2007 at 3:41 PM
I wouldn’t say that I’ve turned on Rudy. He just has a lousy record on this and a couple of other issues.
Bryan on November 5, 2007 at 3:44 PM
Rudy supports illegal immigration because it provides cheap labor to businesses. He won’t capitalize on this like a conseverative candidate would
GogglesPisano on November 5, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Then again, NY is a state that consistently votes liberal. Now, they have to deal with liberal immigration policies and will find hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants migrating to their state. ditto the liberal New England states that are near NY. I mean, they voted for liberal politicians. You get what you voted for.
GogglesPisano on November 5, 2007 at 3:49 PM
Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.
- Charles Mackay
MB4 on November 5, 2007 at 3:53 PM
You know with all these bad ideas and crap about giving illegal aliens all this stuff for free, not to mention them out in huge droves to protest whatever, at what point does the “in the shadows” argument get shown as the absolute BS it is?
Defector01 on November 5, 2007 at 3:56 PM
While NYC mayor he even defied Bill Clinton’s small steps in this area.
MB4 on November 5, 2007 at 3:57 PM
I wonder who’s going to wind up with control of the country - mexicans or muslims? I guess we’d better continue to be nice to both, huh?
countywolf on November 5, 2007 at 3:59 PM
I’m really getting tired of liberal pols flouting the law. Whether its illegals, gay marriage, speed limits, libs get to break the law with impunity.
You know what they’d do to you if you didn’t obey the tax laws.
Its time for the double standards to end. Either we all follow the law, or we stop paying taxes.
If there was a smart Republican, he/she/it would start making ads about this. Might win a race or two.
Iblis on November 5, 2007 at 4:01 PM
I think Hot Air has been fair and harsh on all the republican candidates. I have seen good and bad posts about them all.
Again we have LEGAL immigration. Its not like we dont allow people here. Its those that refuse to work with the System that causes the problems
William Amos on November 5, 2007 at 4:07 PM
“Don’t
askcome here,don’t tellWe won’t send you back.”There, FTFY
second digit on November 5, 2007 at 4:11 PM
I wouldn’t say you “turned” exactly either (even thought I said it). I do believe the “we need somebody to beat Hillary” idea may have influenced you, and many conservatives, to be less critical of Rudy. The op-ed piece you did about his longterm effect on the Republican party and the nation is what I have been harping on for awhile. I just recall that Hotair was not pointing this out.
With Fred as a viable choice you seem to be more willing to acknowledge that Rudy has some serious downsides. If Fred was not in the race, don’t you think your take on Rudy would have to be more nuanced away from those huge negatives?
Theworldisnotenough on November 5, 2007 at 4:31 PM
Hmmm…
We have a petition of redress in the Constitution… just what is the mechanism?
This is a defacto conspiricy to break the law… both Federal and State law within New York… and the Feds are sitting it out… or activly abetting it…
Where is our petition of redress?
Romeo13 on November 5, 2007 at 4:37 PM
It’s all about illegal voting in 2008, and beyond. Law obiding citizens of all persuasions must revolt. Alas, can we count on the liberals to be a part of that? NO
Entelechy on November 5, 2007 at 4:40 PM
I don’t blame you! Thank you for speaking up!
Hey, HA Commenters: Please remember that we do have legitimate immigrants in this country, who have done all the right things in order to become productive members of our society.
FACTOID (and any others) should be praised and commended for his/her accomplishments and commitment.
leepro on November 5, 2007 at 4:56 PM
That’s a tough call, I’d say the Muslims, as they are more inherently willing to spill enormous amounts of blood to acheive their goal.
commonsensehoosier on November 5, 2007 at 4:56 PM
Absolutely. Those who come here legally with the desire to become American citizens and productive members of our society deserve our respect.
Hollowpoint on November 5, 2007 at 5:11 PM
Time to remove him from office. Recall, sue for breaking the law… whatever.
I’m SICK of these pols, in ANY FORM.
madmonkphotog on November 5, 2007 at 5:18 PM
I finally started my own blog watch out hot air ! Or more accurately dont tread on me heh
First post up is about Illegal Immigration and candidates positons. Please pay me a visit !
William Amos on November 5, 2007 at 5:50 PM
Absolutely, its a liberal ploy to institute a motor voter law just like California.
Liberals love crooks, especially if they vote, if they’re a foreign nationals no problem, vote early and often, for liberals.
Speakup on November 5, 2007 at 6:21 PM
You should do a google search on “coupon codes” and “web hosting.” Netfirms and Dreamhost often offer deals for about $20 for your first year of hosting. Your hosting package would come with Wordpress and possibly other blog engines. You could blog to your heart’s content and run your own banners for revenue, or no banners at all.
Good luck with your blog!
The Race Card on November 5, 2007 at 6:25 PM
.
Wow, that’s pretty harsh. He had a valid point.
Bad Penny on November 5, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Funny. 14 million votes counted in a city that only has 8 million people. How is this possible? Ask Elliot. The Shadow knows.
MaiDee on November 5, 2007 at 7:21 PM
How do you get to pick and choose which laws you can break and which ones you don’t? I mean, as we’re talking about this all I keep thinking about is this:
http://www.moonbattery.com/archives/elian_gonzalez.jpg
He came at the wrong time! Or liberals are all for illegal immigration except if the person is from a dictatorship, or communist country.
Sultry Beauty on November 5, 2007 at 7:24 PM
Look, I’m not sure why Congress is having such a hard time with illegal immigration.
I used to live in a part of the country where basements are common. One thing about basements - every so often, a pipe breaks and you get a massive water leak.
Now, I’m no genius, but I do know one thing: when the basement floods, the first thing you do is turn off the water. Unless you do that, any bailing you do is going to be slow going at best, and a losing battle at worst.
Hopefully the application to illegal immigration is obvious: dry up the inflow by as many means as possible. Secure the border AND enact and enforce employer sanctions.
Once you have that done - once you’ve slowed the flood to a trickle - then you can start dealing with the illegal immigrants who are here already. That doesn’t necessarily involve a “mass pogrom and roundup,” as many liberals claim - it just means ICE keeps doing what it’s supposed to be doing. You don’t even need to step up arrests and deportation - attrition will take care of the ones who are here. Of course, you should also let local law enforcement help in the process, not usurping the Federal government’s right to control immigration, but assisting in maintaining it.
This just doesn’t seem to be that difficult, conceptually. Of course, we all know that CONgress is the opposite of PROgress…
psrch on November 5, 2007 at 7:48 PM
how about you illegals don’t ask for special rights and i wont tell you to go F yourself.
Mojack420 on November 5, 2007 at 9:09 PM
From Michelle’s site:
http://michellemalkin.com/2007/10/31/taxpayer-lawsuit-filed-against-spitzer-over-illegal-alien-licenses/
Speakup on November 5, 2007 at 9:51 PM
1. Seal the border (we did it on 9/12/01 ya know).
2. Go after criminal aliens legal or not.
3. Shut down businesses that employ illegals.
4. Detect, detain, and deport those that don’t deport themselves
There, now that was simple, huh.
Mojave Mark on November 6, 2007 at 1:27 AM