Blogging with AFRW

"You don’t want to judge Christ by Christians, someone once said. He is perfect, they are not.

In a similar way you don’t want to judge capitalism by capitalists, or the legitimacy of democracy by the Democrats, or the vitality of our republic by the Republicans. You have to take the thing pure and in itself, while allowing for the flaws and waywardness of its practitioners."

Peggy’s entire article can be linked here.   

Seems Alabama’s Senator Jeff Sessions is man enough to call a spade a spade.  Click here for more details.  We need more Senators willing to speak the truth. 

  STATEMENT FROM ALGOP CHAIR MIKE HUBBARD ON The retirement of Congressman Terry Everett

Birmingham – Alabama Republican Party Chairman Mike Hubbard made the following statement today upon the announcement that Congressman Terry Everett (R-Rehobeth) will retire at the end of his current term:

“Congressman Everett has served the Second Congressional District and the State of Alabama with honor and esteem for more than 10 years.  He has been a valued member of Alabama’s Congressional Delegation as a champion on agriculture and military related issues.  Congressman Everett has also been a wonderful representative of the Republican Party and its values.”

“The Alabama Republican Party will now turn its attention to ensuring that this seat continues to be represented by a Republican and not by an ally of Nancy Pelosi and the liberal Democrats in Washington.”

Thanks for the opportunity to make comments regarding the work and challenges I face as one of the 21 recent impaneled members of the State Immigration Commission.  This is an ad hoc committee and our term ends when we issue our report by the first session of the 2008 Legislative session in 2008.

 Name:  The long name of this Commission is “Joint Patriotic Immigration Commission.”  It remains to be seen whether the “joint” recommendations will be driven by “patriotism” or “profit” motives.  I refer readers to The Huntsville Times article dated September 24, 2007, titled “Charges bog immigration commission” by Bob Lowry.

 Composition:  The first challenge I face is the composition of the commission.  It appears from the first work session that the Commission is stacked with those who wish to weaken requirements for work permits and to lobby for more illegal workers.  For names and connections, please read the linked in the previous post on this issue by Bob Lowry of The Huntsville Times. 

 Mission:  The charge of the Commission established by legislation SJR 22 is to “conduct a fact-finding study on immigration issues” facing Alabama and to issue a report outlining suggestions and proposals to address the issues to the Legislature, Governor, and members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation.  Two favorite terms of those who represent special interests to describe the forthcoming report are “balanced” and “facts”.  It remains to be seen how “balanced” and “factual” the report will be.  For example:

·        The first work session on September 19^th was kicked off by a report of an immigration lawyer and Commission member on “immigration laws.”  He sounded more like a lobbyist than a lawyer.   I expected to hear a summary of the guest worker programs available to employers.  We did not get this.  Instead, he tolled the values of illegal immigrants and lobbied for proposed federal legislation to help illegal aliens.  I was very disturbed by his editorial statements when his assignment was to give the commissions a “factual” base from which to work.

 ·        The chairman proposed that a quorum consist of 9 members (less than a majority).  Rep. Randy Hinshaw (D-Merdianville) immediately opined that the public was already skeptical of this commission and that we should stick with a majority of 11 members and made a motion to this effect.  No one objected.

 ·        Senator Scott Beason (R-Gardendale) proposed that the commission hold public forums around the state to hear from the public.  But many commission members opposed this, with one member stating that only disgruntled residents came to public hearings.  Sen. Micky Hammon (R-Decatur) moved that the public be heard.  Members agreed that at least one public hearing would be held on the final report.  Whether additional public hearings will be held to get input from residents on the problems to include in the “fact-finding” report remains to be seen.

 
Personal Goals:  The chairman asked that each member state what they hoped the Commission would accomplish.  My recommendations included:

 1.      Research the two economic magnets for illegal immigration:  Jobs (that we most often hear about) and free public benefits (that many residents are unaware of).  I stated that we must address both if we are to get the full picture of the problems and impacts of illegal immigration on our state.  I commented that there is too little time and too few experts on this panel to do a “fact-finding” study of the problems and suggest solutions.  Instead of worrying and wringing our hands to try to force the genie out of the bottle, I suggested that we use as a model the Mississippi 2006 study, “The Impact of Illegal Immigration on Mississippi:  Costs and Population Trends.”  This can be viewed online and is a balanced report, showing contributions and negative impacts of illegal aliens.

 2.      Identify and enforce current laws that apply equally to citizens and non-residents.  I cited the example of an illegal alien living in Alabama who recently applied for government services (either unemployment or welfare).  He was using a stolen Social Security Number of someone in another state; that person tracked him down, but the last I heard nothing had happened to him.  I also gave the example (that’s cited in the Mississippi study) that illegal immigrants in Alabama have qualified to receive lifetime benefits such as workers compensation.  I noted that Alabama has two code sections that deal with fraud and false statements to the Alabama Department of Revenue.  Punishment includes fines and possible imprisonment. These should be used – as well as other laws that address crimes committed in our state.

 3.      Post on a state website current laws that can be used to address crimes by illegal immigrants that are being used against citizens. 

 4.      Establish a toll-free number for residents to call and report evidence of illegal activity.

 5.      Determine what work permits currently exist for employers to hire needed labor and why employers are not using these.  If these should be changed or improved, let’s address the needs.

 6.      Recommend that the Governor and Legislature sufficiently fund Sheriff’s services to detain and arrest illegal aliens, under their authority from ICE.  I gave an example of where a man in Tuscaloosa who had worked for years in construction suddenly found himself out of work because employers hired illegals to get cheaper labor.  I stated that the commission would probably hear from others around the table that they can’t find workers who are willing to work and can pass a drug test.  (And, sure enough, we did!) While I cannot speak for business, I stated, I can speak from this one personal experience and I hear other stories of workers who have been employed for years, who work hard and who do not take drugs, who are displaced by illegal workers.  (I also hear from contractors who are being underbid by employers who hire illegal workers.)  This particular worker was told by the Sheriff’s office that he did not have the staff or the funds to arrest illegal aliens that are reported.  If we train state and local law enforcement officials to aid ICE, we should make sure that this is not a platitude but a practice.

 7.      Research laws that neighboring states have adopted to help us create a “regional” approach to work together to address and solve problems.   To date, laws to solve illegal problems in Alabama have been introduced in the Legislature, but they go nowhere.  Once the impacts of illegal immigration have been identified by the different public agencies, then legislation should be introduced to solve problems and both parties should fulfill their campaign pledges to voters in the 2006 election.

 In conclusion, I’m trying to remain optimistic.  But I’m convinced that a “balanced” and “factual” report is only possible if the public pays attention to this commission.  Undoubtedly, it is lopsided in its representation at the outset.  I was encouraged that Sen. Robert Bedford (D-Russellville) supported looking into the Mississippi 2006 study, “The Impact of Illegal Immigration on Mississippi:  Costs and Population Trends” and possibly inviting State officials from Mississippi to meet with us.  Also, Senator Beason recommended that Alabama State officials speak to us on specific problems such as law enforcement, health services, etc.  This was in the original legislation but stripped.  The chairman said he would invite these officials.

 The chairman ended the meeting by stating that the concerns/goals of Commission members would be listed and three subcommittees would be formed to begin the “fact-finding” study and to build recommendations for solutions.   

“Katrina was a disaster that should have been avoided; it was a man-made disaster and we need some solutions there so people can get back into their homes and rebuild their neighborhoods.", Brad Pitt is quoted as saying in a FOX NEWS article posted on it’s website.  Link here for the entire article.

Anyone besides me trying to figure out how man made a hurricane????  Wow, didn’t know man had that kind of power, Brad!  How can an entire town built below sea level avoid a direct hit of a hurricane that is headed directly toward them??? Last I heard, you can’t jack up a city or move an entire town.  Hmmmm.  Since Brad is so sure it was all "man-made" perhaps he can figure that one out for us.

The following is a list of the folks serving on this VERY worthwhile and timely commission.  It includes AFRW’s own Elois Zeanah. 

Gov. Bob Riley’s appointees:

Jay Reed (chairman), Birmingham, vice president, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.

Bill Cotter, Enterprise, contractor.

Patricia DeVane, Dothan, native of Guatemala who became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Jed Downs, Dothan, construction.

Ronnie Mobley, Delmar, cattle rancher.

Ricky Walker, Holly Pond, head of Tyson Foods Inc. in Alabama.

Elois Zeanah, Tuscaloosa, Republican activist.

Lt. Gov. James Folsom’s appointees:

Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale.

Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville.

Sen. Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove.

Chris Issacson, executive president, Alabama Forestry Association.

Wendy Padilla Madden, Hoover, immigration attorney.

Dennis Maze, Cullman, poultry producer.

Jacquealine Myers, professor, Alabama State University.

House Speaker Seth Hammett’s appointees:

Rep. Micky Hammon, R-Decatur.

Rep. Randy Hinshaw, D-Merdianville.

Rep. Rod Scott, D-Fairfield.

Boyd Campbell, Montgomery, general counsel, Alabama Center for Foreign Investment.

Elia Ordonez, Huntsville, Hispanic Programs Officer in Marshall Space Flight Center’s Equal Opportunity Office.

Oliver Washington III, Theodore, greenhouse operator.

Ricky Wiggins, Andalusia, turf farmer.

According to an article in the Huntsville Times, the commission is seeing challenging days considering the charges that are "bogging" it down.  Special interests creeping in.  Read the entire article by linking here. 

From the Montgomery Advertiser:

 

Pork funds require more scrutiny

September 16, 2007

A panel of state officials who have been given the responsibility of overseeing some of the Alabama Legislature’s use of pork funds voted last week to require legislators to provide more information on grant recipients and how the grants will be used. But the commission missed an opportunity to bring even greater accountability to that process.

The Executive Commission on Community Service Grants is made up of four members of the executive branch of government — State Treasurer Kay Ivey, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, State School Superintendent Joe Morton, and Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr.

"Community service grants" is the technical name legislators give to the money they give to special pet projects back in their home districts. The common name for such pet-project funding is pork. The Legislature allocated $14.8 million from education funds for their pork for next year.

The Legislature’s old program was declared unconstitutional because it allowed members of the legislative branch of government to both allocate and spend public funds, a violation of constitutional separation of powers.

To get around the court ruling and to keep the pork-barrel full of taxpayer money, the Legislature last year created the executive commission. We suspect that most legislators expected the commission to simply rubber-stamp their pork allocations.

While the commission did vote Wednesday to require legislators who are sending pork money to education-related projects in their districts to provide more information than previously was required, the commission rejected several proposals by Treasurer Ivey to make the process less likely to be abused.

The chance for abuse is very real. Taxpayers should remember the case of former state Rep. Bryant Melton, D-Tuscaloosa. Melton pleaded guilty last year of funneling his share of the pork funds to a foundation associated with the Alabama Fire College. The money was then rerouted back to Melton in the form of a supposed scholarship for his daughter, but Bryant admitted in his plea deal with prosecutors that he spent much of the money to repay his personal gambling debts. Bryant was removed from his seat in the Legislature as part of his conviction.

With that background, it would be irresponsible of the commission members not to do even more to ensure that the interests of taxpayers are protected in the process.

For instance, the commission requires that nongovernmental organizations that receive these public funds have to be audited regularly. But there is no requirement that audits have to specifically report on whether the public funds were used as intended by the agency. Without such a requirement, the audits might not help the state’s taxpayers to know whether their money is being used for a public educational purpose, or whether its really being used to pay a legislator’s gambling debts .

The commission also supposedly now requires that nongovernmental agencies have to make these audits available to the public. But in fact, the language approved by the commission states: "All grant recipients shall agree to make all audits available upon request." Unless the commission adds the words "to any member of the public," we would bet a substantial number of nongovernmental organizations would routinely deny access to audits to everyday citizens by claiming that the language really means at the request of the commission, not the public.

Finally, Ivey pushed to require all nongovernmental recipients to have to file audits in Montgomery where they would be available in one place for inspection by the public and press. It’s a good idea, but it was rejected by the other commissioners. The Associated Press reported that Superintendent Morton said no office in Montgomery needed truckloads of paperwork "that no one will ever look at."

That’s silly. First, there won’t be "truckloads" of audits. Second, we guarantee that more people — and reporters — would be willing to check to see how this public money was being spent if they could check in one place instead of scores of locations scattered around the state.

Without language that requires that audits ensure public money was spent as intended by private groups and makes it clear that the public can inspect the audits, the audit requirement is toothless.

Ivey hit on the crux of the matter when she told the Montgomery Advertiser Friday, "If a private organization gets public dollars, it should be willing to open up wide to public scrutiny."

The other members of the Executive Commission on Community Service Grants should listen to Ivey. If they don’t, the commission members could find themselves being blamed by the public for future abuses of legislative pork funds that they have approved.

Just when you thought Friday night at the convention couldn’t get any better…..NOW we also have Duncan Hunter coming to speak with  us!  Many of us heard him during "Legislative Days".  He’s a brilliant man with incredible ideas and he is SOLIDLY against illegal immigration.  Always a plus.  Looking forward to hearing him again. 

Get registered AFRW faithful!  Gonna be a great weekend.  

Governor and First Lady Welcome Birth of Their Seventh Grandchild

BIRMINGHAM – Governor Bob Riley and First Lady Patsy Riley welcomed the birth of their seventh grandchild on Friday.  Riley Jenice Campbell, weighing eight pounds and three ounces, was born at 11:59 a.m.  She is the daughter of Rob and Minda Riley Campbell of Homewood.

“This is obviously a very happy day for our family and we are truly blessed,” said Governor Riley.  “Being grandparents is a wonderful experience for us.”

Mother, child and father are “doing great,” the Governor said.

Fred Thompson’s wife is going to be attending the AFRW Convention’s Friday night dinner.  Great opportunity to meet with our possible next first lady.  We were blessed in the spring to spend time with Mitt Romney’s wife and now we can spend some quality time with Mrs. Thompson.  If you haven’t registered for the AFRW convention, now’s the time!