Many are disappointed in the federal court's decision to issue a temporary injunction of SB 1070. But t is often the case that a judge will initially approve a temporary injunction until they have an opportunity to hear and read arguments and legal research from both sides. I expect that Judge Bolton will rule in favor of SB 1070 as many believe that SB 1070 is constitutional.
Based on my prior experience with Proposition 200, I expect this case will go to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The federal government's argument that SB 1070 would have placed and undue burden on them is as absurd as it is a complete dismissal of the tremendous burden placed on Arizona by the federal government not doing its job. The mere fact that they would rather sue the Grand Canyon state than allow us to protect ourselves is patently ridiculous and completely out of touch with needs of Arizonans.
This year’s Fourth of July was another great national celebration of our Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. My family came together as did many others, to enjoy BBQ and to give thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon our nation. Even my 90 year young mom came over to enjoy a hot dog and potato salad!
It is also a time for reflection on the personal risks our forefathers were willing to take in order to establish a more perfect form of government based on the idea that every man was free and possessed certain God given unalienable rights, as so eloquently stated by Thomas Jefferson. I realize we are an exceptional people to have created, maintained and protected so steadfastly our nation for so many years.
We have been entrusted with a great legacy, a free society as such the world has never known. With all great legacies come tremendous responsibilities to protect and cherish that which is ours for now and soon to be passed on to our children for safekeeping. Every generation of Americans beginning with those who first immigrated to this continent have made a sacrifice of blood and treasure and have added to the legacy that is America.
My father’s generation experienced and survived a worldwide depression, won a world war, rebuilt a devastated Europe and Japan, and gave their children a tremendous head start in life; thus, making the world safe for democracy. For that, I am thankful.
My generation is no different. We inherited a cold war and saw it to its conclusion. We created more wealth than had been created by all past generations combined. We rectified many of the inequities that existed in our country, making all Americans equal. We fought a bloody war in Vietnam that divided our country and made our military veterans, at the time; feel unappreciated and less than honorable upon their return. We owed our Vietnam Vets much more for their sacrifices, and we made sure that veterans who followed them received the support, honor and appreciation that they deserved.
Now we have another generation about to receive their inheritance, but our job is not yet done. The legacy we are about to pass on, is not yet secure. To paraphrase the words of Benjamin Franklin, we have a Republic if we can hang on to it.
The principles that guided them in establishing our Republic were those written about by seventeenth and eighteenth century liberal thinkers such as John Locke, Adam Smith, as well as Thomas Paine. Those principles which have served us so well these many years; are being challenged and disavowed by a progressive left wing in our country that believe in an ultimate altruistic government to rule man.
Progressives and our political elites believe they need not follow the laws of nature so eloquently written about by John Locke who stated, “Thus the law of nature stands as an eternal rule of all men, legislators as well as others.” They would remake nature to be fair to all and in the image of man. They would have you believe that the founding fathers are out of step with the modern world. The system of government they created based on their Anglo-Saxon heritage and the laws of nature is inadequate. Progressives and elites would have you believe we need a bigger and much more robust government to adjudicate fairness and equal outcomes for all. They believe American Exceptionalism is passé. There is a new world order and we are no more important to its future than are 192 other countries.
As nature will attest, nations are not people and all are not created equal. How short on common sense and out of touch with the natural order of the world can they be?
My generation needs to return our country to the guiding principles of our founders. Government is beholden to man and not the other way around. We are an exceptional nation and we must defend that legacy. Until we have rebalanced our government with the laws of nature, my generation’s job is not finished.
As various artists, musicians and entertainers jump on the boycott bandwagon to protest Arizona's new immigration law, I'm curious of the motives behind an industry who also suffers from those who ignore the laws of the land.
So often we hear celebrities weigh in on political issues of which they lack a fundamental understanding of the issue. While they are certainly entitled to express their opinion, I would expect that they would at least have one that is consistent. Musicians and artists justifiably complain about copyright infringement and those who willfully ignore the law when it comes to stealing intellectual property. Is it beyond reason to expect citizens and foreign visitors to abide by federal law when it comes to immigration policy?
According to various news reports, a group of entertainers have joined together to boycott Arizona in protest of SB 1070. Whether or not the artists actually had scheduled shows in Arizona remains unclear and unreported.
It's surprising that these people are so out of touch with the overwhelming numbers of Americans that support the bill. With such high-profile acts such as the Jesus Chainsaw Massacre, Los Faggots and Anti-Flag, I'll be surprised if all our concert halls and entertainment venues don't immediately close their doors.
I would argue that our situation is similar to having someone sneak into their concert without a ticket. I'm curious if these artists sing a different tune when it comes to security at their shows. Nowadays, concert security search people more thoroughly than Border Patrol. Seems a bit hypocritical to me.
I respect their right to oppose the federal law that will now be enforced in Arizona. But with nearly two dozen of other states considering implementing the measure, where they are going to play? Canceling non-existent shows in Arizona is one thing, but backing out of real gigs? Now that would be sending a message to the fans who support your livelihood.
On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first flag act. And for the last 233 years, Americans have pledged allegiance to the flag that reminds us of our past and gives us hope for the future.
The flag is a symbol of our national unity, national endeavor, and national aspiration.
The flag tells of the struggle for independence, of union preserved, of the sacrifices of brave men and women to whom the ideals and honor of this nation have been dearer than life.
Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is should stand as a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represent the very best of this nation.
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated every June 14 and it commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that on that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
Today, let us take a moment to reflect upon our flag and recognize the sacrifices of those who have fought to protect it.
To learn more on when to display the flag, salute the flag and how to dispose of the flag click the link below.
Republican Rep. Connie Mack of Florida recently laid out his concerns about Arizona’s new immigration law in a Washington Post article column titled, “Why Conservatives Should Oppose Arizona’s Immigration law.” In fact, conservatives need to continue to support that law.
The national debate over Arizona’s most recent effort to assist the federal government in its continuing failure to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting our borders is all but over. Americans have overwhelming come down, once again, on the side of Arizona and its new law aimed at enforcing federal immigration laws. Clear acknowledgement of this came from President Obama himself when he announced that 1,200 National Guardsmen were being sent to the border.
That is a start, but is nowhere near what is needed to bring stability to our Southern border with Mexico. Now it is more important than ever for conservatives to continue supporting Arizona’s law. We must remain vigilant, or this latest effort at securing our borders and controlling illegal immigration will fall by the wayside, as have all other past efforts by the federal government. The open-borders (pro-illegal immigration) lobby in Washington, D.C., is alive, angry and relentless in its efforts to destroy the foundations of our country.
The pro-illegal immigration crowd would have you believe that defending our borders is the equivalent of apartheid. Lately, some politicians and bureaucrats have tried to compare an Arizona police officer asking someone to provide identification when that officer has probable cause that a crime is or has been committed to China’s record of human rights violations, to the moral equivalent of slavery or to incarcerating American citizens of Japanese decent in detention camps during World War II. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Some politicians would have you believe that it is inhumane and illegal to ask someone for their identification. Apparently, every time I am asked by the clerk at the grocery store or the cleaners for my official identification is a violation of my human rights. No doubt, the next time I am traveling and scold the airport security about violating my human rights multiple times before getting on the flight from Phoenix to Washington, D.C., I can be sure of getting that extra special attention in the examination room we all grave.
The point is we are a nation, and like all other nations we have the right to protect our borders and to establish immigration laws. We have further the duty to enforce those laws and that is what Arizona is doing. It is not racist and certainly not profiling any more than airport security is. Illegal aliens come in all colors, sizes, ages and sexes. We here in Arizona treat all illegal aliens equally, we report them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
For freedom-loving conservatives, the immigration fiasco is just another example of the inability of the Washington elites to govern. Bailouts, takeover of healthcare, student loans, the auto industry, Fannie and Freddie failures, massive unemployment, trillion-dollar debts greater than the mind can imagine, just to name a few of their latest efforts. No wonder Tea Parties are becoming so popular with the American people all over the country. As Ronald Reagan remarked, “The most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I'm from the government and I'm here to help.’”
While we are disappointed that Phoenix was not selected as the location for the 2012 Republican National Convention, we extend our sincere congratulations to the city of Tampa Bay, Florida in being chosen as the site.
From the start, Tampa Bay was the odds on favorite to be selected. This was their third bid for the convention and they put together the best package for the Republican National Committee. Combined with Florida being a key state for the Presidential election, it makes a lot of sense for Republicans to meet as we ramp up our effort to rescue Americans from another four years of President Obama's dangerous agenda.
While many will point to Arizona's new immigration law as one of the reasons that Phoenix was not chosen, nothing could be further from the truth. Members of the RNC overwhelmingly support the immigration bill signed into law by Governor Brewer, and Republicans from coast-to-coast stand with Arizonans as we fight to secure our border.
April 15, 2010
Last week, I spent three days as a guest of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans. It was a tremendous success with over 3,500 activist Republicans and Tea Party members in attendance. With a great lineup of speakers fired up and on message for this election season, the crowd was excited, standing and cheering much of the time. There was a palpable excitement in the air that I had not seen or felt since 2004.
The message of reverse course, repeal Obamacare, roll back the onslaught of regulation that stifles the worlds freest economy and end the latest big government experiment of the Democrats sent a tingle up the leg of every conservative in the room. It is going to be a great election year for conservatives and the Republican Party!
On leaving the Hilton Hotel on early Sunday morning, headed for the airport and home, the bellman at the curb signaled a taxi for me. As we stood waiting for the taxi, he posed what amounted to a rhetorical question, “Don’t know why all you folks are here saying he ain’t doing his job.” Instead of immediately firing back at him, I stopped and thought about it for a second and decided no answer was required.
Clearly he was a big supporter of President Obama and believed he was doing his job. In fact, I would say the bellman is committed 100 percent to the President’s agenda of social fairness and wealth redistribution through more government. The rhetorical question I asked myself was, why?
For him and the 20% of Americans who are deeply committed to the liberal agenda, they have fussed and impatiently waited for this moment in time for 30 years. They who think the America our forefathers envisioned, fought for and risked all they had to secure a better future for their children was one where government would provide for all certain goods and services and a guarantee of equal outcomes for all, do not grasp the essence of our country’s greatness.
Maybe the bellman does not know that government does not create wealth and prosperity. What is given to one has to be taken from another in the form of taxes. Maybe the bellman believes all the lies about the wealthy not paying their fair share of taxes, as reported in the mainstream media. Maybe I could have explained to him that the top 1% of wage earners pay more taxes than the bottom 95% and 47% pay no taxes at all.
Or maybe the bellman thinks the Presidents massive experiment with the failed Keynes theory of big government can stimulate economic growth and prosperity is the way to improve his life. Maybe he should ask the 5 million Americans who have lost their jobs in the past year feel about the job President Obama is doing.
The Arizona Republican Party is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sandy Doty. For as long as I can remember, Sandy has been a friend, trusted confidant and inspiration to those who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Quetzal during this difficult time.
Sandy will be remembered for her legendary efforts to register voters and promote conservative causes. Her commitment and dedication to building the grassroots of the Republican Party is one of the reasons she was elected as Representative of Congressional District 6 on the Arizona Republican Party Executive Committee and Member-at-Large of the Maricopa County Republican Party.
Over the years, Sandy has led with optimism, pride and been a fixture at political events throughout the Valley. It is with that in mind that we will celebrate her life and contribution to Arizona over the coming days.
April 02, 2010
The Price of Border Insecurity
The murder of rancher Robert Krenz this last week on his ranch in southern Arizona, by a suspected Mexican drug dealer or human trafficker (Coyote) tracked back to the nearby Mexican border, was a tragedy in the making for 10 years. Many of us who have been directly involved with attempting to bring illegal immigration under control along the southern border feared this day would come.
Mr. Krentz and his family are well known along the border as hard-working, God-fearing Americans with hearts of gold. Their property has constantly felt the pressure of tens of thousands of illegal aliens crossing in their migration north. Yet they had continued to act as good Samaritans, helping those who were in distress with food and water.
The pro-illegal immigration crowd would have us believe Mr. Krentz’s murder is merely the result of increased border violence. They refuse to see any connection to the tens of millions of illegal aliens who have crossed our southern border in the recent past. But for those who live along the border, and for those who have taken the time to visit, the truth is plainly obvious: Our southern border has been under attack for years. The fact that we have avoided such a tragedy until now is shear luck.
As the Chairman of Prop 200 in Arizona, the citizens’ initiative requiring proof of citizenship to vote and to receive welfare benefits, I have been on the frontlines of Arizona’s and America’s immigration debate, and this is not the first time I’ve seen the open-borders, pro-Amnesty special interests attempt to deflect attention from the debate at hand. I, myself, and many others have been subjected to personal attacks and racial slurs in our efforts to enforce the rule of law along our border as well as in our state, and such tactics are not likely to end soon.
Prop 200 easily passed on Election Day in 2004, with a majority of Arizona’s Latinos voting yes. They believed then, as they do now, in the rule of law, and understand as we all do – Democrats, Independents and Republicans – that an unsecured, open border and millions of illegals entering our country each year is a formula for disaster. Latinos and legal immigrants support our conservative values on this issue. It is their leadership who are out of touch with America.
What makes the Krentz murder so incredibly tragic is that it was avoidable. Securing our borders is a federal problem that was, and is, solvable. Unfortunately, the will to act in Congress and at the White House is simply not there. The best illustration of our federal government’s commitment to inaction on border security, despite the risks it poses for American citizens, comes from President Obama’s Secretary of Homeland Security, who would remark during her days as governor of Arizona, “Show me a 50-foot fence and I will show you a 51-foot ladder.”
But my response to such ill-conceived logic remains the same today as it was back in 2004: “Show me a guy carrying a 51-foot ladder and I will show you one lonely, tired hombre.”
Now, after the fact as far as Mr. Krenz is concerned, we are beginning to hear calls from congressional leaders to put troops on our southern border. It is my hope these calls will not fall again on deaf ears in Congress and at the White House, nor be used merely as election-year tools of political gamesmanship. When our National Guard has been sent to the border previously, they were deprived of a clear mission, actual authority to enforce the law, and the ammunition needed for their success.
In the past two years, drug and gang violence has soared along America’s southern border. Let us honor the memory of Mr. Krentz by doing all we can to assure this tragedy is never repeated.
March 15, 2010
RNC Co-Chair Jan Larimer is coming to Phoenix for a special breakfast with the Arizona Federation of Republican Women. Only a few tickets remain. Purchase your's today. http://bit.ly/96189m
For nearly 60 years, Democrats have had a stranglehold on a US Senate seat that Scott Brown took back this evening. This race was won by a candidate who earned the trust of independent minded voters who are deeply dissatisfied with the direction the Obama Administration is taking our country -and Arizona’s voters feel the same way. If Democrats like Gabby Giffords, Harry Mitchell and Ann Kirkpatrick didn’t hear about the results from New Jersey and Virginia, I have one message for them. Can you hear us now?
Massachusetts voters have spoken loud and clear. "Now the Senate must continue their long-standing tradition of quickly seating the elected representative of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The people deserve nothing less than full representation in Congress, especially with health care reform on the agenda.
Tonight's results show that the Republican Party is continuing its resurgence around the country. But it is important to recognize the undeniable enthusiasm in which independent voters are supporting candidates who represent a proactive, pro-growth agenda that doesn’t include bailouts, handouts or a bigger, more burdensome government in our daily lives. It’s an exciting time for Republicans in America, and even more so in Arizona where we continue to look forward to relieving Arizona’s congressional Democrats from their duties supporting Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and President Obama’s liberal agenda.
