Dean afraid Frist immigration bill will criminalize clergy, church members

[madfloridian]

who show compassion to immigrants.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=62899

WASHINGTON, March 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Next week, Republican Senate Leader Bill Frist is likely to introduce a harmful immigration bill on to the Senate floor that will criminalize good Samaritans, including church members and clergy, and does not provide a larger, comprehensive framework for reform or a path to citizenship. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on President Bush and the Republican Congress's failure to lead on the issue of immigration:

"President Bush and his Republican Congress's failure to offer comprehensive solutions on immigration reform and their attempt to use the issue to divide Americans is contrary to our values as a people and does a disservice to all who live and work in this great nation. The hostile anti-immigrant bill passed by the Republican House and now being considered by the Republican Senate is not the answer. America needs comprehensive immigration reform that protects our borders, keeps our communities safe, and brings America together.

"Criminalizing families and the work of clergy is not the way forward. A comprehensive and compassionate approach must protect all U.S. workers and their wages, prevent exploitation of immigrant workers, and offer immigrants who have earned it the opportunities and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. The American people want change, not more of the same scape-goating and ineffective, piecemeal immigration reform Republicans are proposing."

[Deep13]

1. Don't know about this bill, but Dean is wrong on this issue,...

...if we want to win in November. There is no way to convince people that illegal immigration is anything other than a violation of the country. We need to hear what the people we purport to represent are saying, rather than trying to tell them they are wrong.

Illegial and undocumented aliens are not "immigrants." Immigrants come here with passports and follow the rules to become citizens. They don't sneak across the border to find low paying jobs that undercut organized labor.

[madfloridian]

2. Other Democrats are speakng out on this.

You can not make criminals of people who feed and clothe and help others. Sorry, but this is not a political football.

[Telly Savalas]

14. It was the top story at washingtonpost.com on Friday.

Which means the top story there had nothing to do with Iraq, health care, poverty, Katrina, GOP corruption, etc. etc.

Touchdown GOP.

Democrats hopping on Sensenbrenner's bandwagon are getting played.

[On the Road]

3. Frist Wants to Arrest Members of the Clergy

who give humanitarian assistance to illegal aliens. That's what this is about.

Immigration has pitfalls as a political issue, but I think Dean has the right position and the issue can be framed to show how bad the Republican proposal is.

[demosincebirth]

4. Here is a reply from

Cardinal Mahoney of LA


http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/front1.htm

[cally]

9. I disagree with your analysis

When I read your post, the first thing I did was check where you live. The politics are different in other parts of the country. Years ago, then Gov. Wilson supported an initiative which hurt illegal immigrants in California. It passed and helped Wilson win re-election. That law changed California to a Dem state (Arnie won because he's a movie star.) I think we may turn many of the SW states Dem for years to come with Dean's approach.

[Cleita]

15. They seem to have dropped partial birth abortion as a wedge

issue. I guess it got too many women pissed off who still have a vote. This immigration issue is a better wedge issue because these people have no vote.

[Renew Deal]

5. Peter King wants to imprison priests

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=741924&mesg_id=741924

[madfloridian]

6. Kick

:kick:

[alphafemale]

7. I've heard even giving communion could be a felony.

Is this true?

This is a sick, racist, evil bill.

[madfloridian]

8. I hear any aid to an illegal would be a felony.

Not sure.

[Rainscents]

10. If this is true, than, bill is very disgusting and INHUMAN!

[madfloridian]

11. Someone needs to post at Laura Flanders' blog....

About Dean and Boxer and Hillary speaking out on this issue. Earlier she said they were not.

[Rainscents]

12. I sent her email!

[madfloridian]

13. Thanks. I want credit given when it is due.

A lot of our Democrats are speaking out on this. Glad you did that.