Illegal Immigrants: Win Pullitzer Prizes, Start Wildfires

[Symmetry]

Odd week for the the debate about illegal immigrants.

On the one hand we have the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas admitting that he was brought into the US aged 11 without proper documentation.

On the other hand, we have John McCain and a few other Arizona Republicans claiming that wildfires in that state were caused by illegal immigrants. When pushed for evidence, however, they were curiously unwilling to provide it. Questions about how they know illegal immigrants started the fires were replied to with the statement:

While Arizonans continue to face the enormous challenges related to these wildfires, it's unfortunate that some are inserting their political agenda into this tragedy.

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

[AAFitz]

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

You should write an article about it, but be careful...if you win a pulitzer, you too may become a target, and they might light you on fire and steal your prize

[Symmetry]

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

You should write an article about it, but be careful...if you win a pulitzer, you too may become a target, and they might light you on fire...

Oh come on, If I were a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and an undocumented immigrant then even the most conservative of anti-immigration zealots would have to admit that I was an important contributor to society. I think it's pretty unlikely that they'd go so far as to demand some kind of ridiculous punishment.

They're not that unreasonable- I suspect this guy will be heralded as an example of what people can achieve and contribute to American society in spite of entering the country as an 11 year old without documents. Certainly they wouldn't paint him as a criminal, but I firmly believe, as a hero and exactly the kind of example all immigrants should follow. A true exemplar of the American dream.

[radiojake]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'



The most ironic thing I find in regards to people being angry at people who have fled either civil wars or economic hardship and have gone through hell to get to the destination (re: Ayslum seekers arriving to Christmas Island in Australia by rickety boat; half of which end up sinking). They are lamented as cheaters even though this is exactly the same attitude we are supposed to have in every other aspect of our life - -

A true exemplar of the American dream.

[AAFitz]

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

You should write an article about it, but be careful...if you win a pulitzer, you too may become a target, and they might light you on fire and steal your prize...

Oh come on, If I were a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and an undocumented immigrant then even the most conservative of anti-immigration zealots would have to admit that I was an important contributor to society. I think it's pretty unlikely that they'd go so far as to demand some kind of ridiculous punishment.

They're not that unreasonable- I suspect this guy will be heralded as an example of what people can achieve and contribute to American society in spite of entering the country as an 11 year old without documents. Certainly they wouldn't paint him as a criminal, but I firmly believe, as a hero and exactly the kind of example all immigrants should follow. A true exemplar of the American dream.

I meant the immigrants would light you on fire and steal your prize, not the immigration zealots...and when I say meant....I do not mean that I meant it...but only offered it as a ridiculous random satirical addition.

[AAFitz]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'



The most ironic thing I find in regards to people being angry at people who have fled either civil wars or economic hardship and have gone through hell to get to the destination (re: Ayslum seekers arriving to Christmas Island in Australia by rickety boat; half of which end up sinking). They are lamented as cheaters even though this is exactly the same attitude we are supposed to have in every other aspect of our life - -

A true exemplar of the American dream.

The American dream is only for Americans silly. In fact for many, it is achieved, by exploiting said illegal immigrants until they can afford to simply send those jobs overseas.

[Night Strike]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

Kind of like how "Those damn rich people aren't paying enough in taxes."


(Even though the bottom 49% pay 0 income taxes.)

[Symmetry]

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

You should write an article about it, but be careful...if you win a pulitzer, you too may become a target, and they might light you on fire and steal your prize...

Oh come on, If I were a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and an undocumented immigrant then even the most conservative of anti-immigration zealots would have to admit that I was an important contributor to society. I think it's pretty unlikely that they'd go so far as to demand some kind of ridiculous punishment.

They're not that unreasonable- I suspect this guy will be heralded as an example of what people can achieve and contribute to American society in spite of entering the country as an 11 year old without documents. Certainly they wouldn't paint him as a criminal, but I firmly believe, as a hero and exactly the kind of example all immigrants should follow. A true exemplar of the American dream.

I meant the immigrants would light you on fire and steal your prize, not the immigration zealots...and when I say meant....I do not mean that I meant it...but only offered it as a ridiculous random satirical addition.

Thanks for clearing that up, and I apologise for the misunderstanding. I think that the problem of illegal immigrants setting fire to Pulitzer Prize winners has been largely ignored by the lamestream media. In fact- Googling it, I found no mentions in any of the so-called "major" newspapers. They basically turn a blind eye when it comes to this.

It's worth bringing up though and I don't think we should be distracted by attempts to politicise this issue by people asking for evidence. Any evidence we give them will be instantly dismissed as not coming from a lamestream media source. I know it to be true- a guy I spoke to told me, and no I won't tell you his name, trust me on this- he's an important guy. Any other questioning is a distraction from the suffering of those Pulitzer Prize winners currently on fire.

[radiojake]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

Kind of like how "Those damn rich people aren't paying enough in taxes."


(Even though the bottom 49% pay 0 income taxes.)

Uhh - That is not even close to being the same thing -

[Iliad]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

Kind of like how "Those damn rich people aren't paying enough in taxes."


(Even though the bottom 49% pay 0 income taxes.)

For f*ck's sake, do I need to bookmark the graph which shows how much wealth and income the rich have?

This is also very rich coming from you, as you regurgitate the Fox ideology that all of the problems are caused by those damn poor people who are too lazy to not be poor.

[AAFitz]

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

You should write an article about it, but be careful...if you win a pulitzer, you too may become a target, and they might light you on fire and steal your prize...

Oh come on, If I were a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and an undocumented immigrant then even the most conservative of anti-immigration zealots would have to admit that I was an important contributor to society. I think it's pretty unlikely that they'd go so far as to demand some kind of ridiculous punishment.

They're not that unreasonable- I suspect this guy will be heralded as an example of what people can achieve and contribute to American society in spite of entering the country as an 11 year old without documents. Certainly they wouldn't paint him as a criminal, but I firmly believe, as a hero and exactly the kind of example all immigrants should follow. A true exemplar of the American dream.

I meant the immigrants would light you on fire and steal your prize, not the immigration zealots...and when I say meant....I do not mean that I meant it...but only offered it as a ridiculous random satirical addition.

Thanks for clearing that up, and I apologise for the misunderstanding. I think that the problem of illegal immigrants setting fire to Pulitzer Prize winners has been largely ignored by the lamestream media. In fact- Googling it, I found no mentions in any of the so-called "major" newspapers. They basically turn a blind eye when it comes to this.

It's worth bringing up though and I don't think we should be distracted by attempts to politicise this issue by people asking for evidence. Any evidence we give them will be instantly dismissed as not coming from a lamestream media source. I know it to be true- a guy I spoke to told me, and no I won't tell you his name, trust me on this- he's an important guy. Any other questioning is a distraction from the suffering of those Pulitzer Prize winners currently on fire.

Actually, my cousins roomates brothers dentists ex fiancees gynecologist just told me that McCain set the fires, because he was so pissed at Palin for costing him his throne that he was hoping to melt Alaskan snow and drown her and her whole damn circus.

We all know old bitter politicians light fires to melt snow in Alaska....it has to have been his fault.

---Im gonna bow out of this conversation now though after looking at my signature...I can sense the accusations already

[Symmetry]

Actually,[...] McCain set the fires [of anti-immigrant hatred], because he was so pissed at Palin for costing him his throne that he was hoping to melt Alaskan snow and drown her and her whole damn circus.

We all know [...]....it has to have been his fault.

---Im gonna bow out of this conversation now though after looking at my signature...I can sense the accusations already

Palin supporters are kind of rabid on the whole, but I'm not sure that I agree with your arguments that it was solely out of annoyance with Palin.

Anyway, you shouldn't feel cowed by idiots who take your sig, or indeed, any other stuff that you say out of context. Just stick to your guns.

I disagree with you on the Palin front- i don't think she has anything to do with it. I think McCain knows that he'll always gain votes among a certain demographic by accusing immigrants, and when called out on it, accusing people of making too much of it.

[BigBallinStalin]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

Kind of like how "Those damn rich people aren't paying enough in taxes."


(Even though the bottom 49% pay 0 income taxes.)

For f*ck's sake, do I need to bookmark the graph which shows how much wealth and income the rich have?

This is also very rich coming from you, as you regurgitate the Fox ideology that all of the problems are caused by those damn poor people who are too lazy to not be poor.

Are you sure he isn't trolling or just ... ?

[Iliad]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

Kind of like how "Those damn rich people aren't paying enough in taxes."


(Even though the bottom 49% pay 0 income taxes.)

For f*ck's sake, do I need to bookmark the graph which shows how much wealth and income the rich have?

This is also very rich coming from you, as you regurgitate the Fox ideology that all of the problems are caused by those damn poor people who are too lazy to not be poor.

Are you sure he isn't trolling or just ... ?

Nighstrike legitimately believes that the left blames the rich for its problems, and will throw that statistic out there, that bottom 45% or so do not pay any Federal Income tax, as proof that the poor are freeloading.

[thegreekdog]

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

What in the world is a boat person?

Nighstrike legitimately believes that the left blames the rich for its problems,

You don't think the left blames the rich for its problems? I'm pretty sure that's true. Now, whether or not the rich are to blame for problems regardless of political affiliation is another issue entirely.

On the other hand, we have John McCain and a few other Arizona Republicans claiming that wildfires in that state were caused by illegal immigrants.

I'm convinced that John McCain has an unconscious hatred for people that aren't white. The man wants to bomb pretty much every Middle East and North African country that exists including, but not limited to, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, and Egypt.

On a serious note, I've heard from both left-leaning and right-leaning news sources (radio, so I don't have links) that illegal immigration is one of the most significant issues in Arizona right now. So while it is unfortunate with the blame thing, I can sort of understand the psychology behind the pointing of fingers.

[PLAYER57832]

Odd week for the the debate about illegal immigrants.

On the one hand we have the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas admitting that he was brought into the US aged 11 without proper documentation.

On the other hand, we have John McCain and a few other Arizona Republicans claiming that wildfires in that state were caused by illegal immigrants. When pushed for evidence, however, they were curiously unwilling to provide it. Questions about how they know illegal immigrants started the fires were replied to with the statement:

While Arizonans continue to face the enormous challenges related to these wildfires, it's unfortunate that some are inserting their political agenda into this tragedy.

While I'm unsure if that statement represents some of the most rank hypocrisy I've seen recently, I do think that Americans should be concerned about immigrants coming over and stealing their Pulitzer Prizes.

Irony, yes. However, McCain's statement was not, as you claim without evidence. He made the comment based on statements by Forest Service and state fire fighting agency officials.

As a point of fact, illegal aliens do start some wildfires, not necessarily intentionally, but because they may wind up living in the woods, having campfires, etc. You also have to understand that conditions out west can be so very, very dry that anything from a random piece of debris hitting a car muffler and flying to lawn mowers to, of course, the old improperly tended campfire can cause a wildfire to start. Of course, there are a few arsonists and other idiots among the illegal workers. However, what this really shows another reason to provide some kind of safe housing for illegal workers.

[AAFitz]

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

What in the world is a boat person?

Those are the people that instantly transforms into Todd and Muffy and get all nautical when anywhere near water and anything that floats on it, such as a canoe. All directions become port or starboard, and the nose upturns at least 30 degrees. Every boat that passes is described in detail as if they have personally driven it, or have any real clue what it is.

Oh...Im sorry....I thought you were asking: "What in the world is an annoying boat person?"

My bad.

[PLAYER57832]

Always need an 'other' to be able to blame all of our collective problems on -

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

Kind of like how "Those damn rich people aren't paying enough in taxes."


(Even though the bottom 49% pay 0 income taxes.)

(resized by me, but words the same)

Nope, not going to get away with that one. The bottom 49% do not BENEFIT from the taxes any more as much as the wealthy, therefore they should not have to pay as much.

And, the real figure is 43% pay income taxes, not 49%. BUT, when you realize that a number of those are single parents (42.2%), then you also have to realize that they are getting child support upon which taxes very much were paid, so in some ways, it is not much different than the figures for married people where one spouse makes a lot less than the other. In truth, those figures are yet one more reason for changing the child support system (they way money is paid, how it is counted, not that it is paid, of course).

http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/1410.html

Also, you might find interesting where the majority of these "non payers" reside -- Massachusetts, Minesota, etc. Not the stereotypical "poor southern states".

[Borderdawg]

'It's those damn illegal immigrants/boat people/muslims - they are ruining our society!!'

What in the world is a boat person?

boat people refers mainly to the mass of Vietnamese refugees who fled by boat in the late 70s, I believe.

Nighstrike legitimately believes that the left blames the rich for its problems,

You don't think the left blames the rich for its problems? I'm pretty sure that's true. Now, whether or not the rich are to blame for problems regardless of political affiliation is another issue entirely.

On the other hand, we have John McCain and a few other Arizona Republicans claiming that wildfires in that state were caused by illegal immigrants.

I don't much care for McCain, but it's very possible (even likely, IMO) that at least one of the fires was started by illegals. It's a pretty common trick used by illegals in Arizona and Texas to try to distract law enforcement. And one of the Arizona fires started in an area that was off-limits to the general public, because it IS an area heavily traveled by illegals

I'm convinced that John McCain has an unconscious hatred for people that aren't white. The man wants to bomb pretty much every Middle East and North African country that exists including, but not limited to, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, and Egypt.

McCain should have been put to pasture several years ago

On a serious note, I've heard from both left-leaning and right-leaning news sources (radio, so I don't have links) that illegal immigration is one of the most significant issues in Arizona right now. So while it is unfortunate with the blame thing, I can sort of understand the psychology behind the pointing of fingers.

If ya'll really want to understand the problem with illegals, go spend six months or a year on the Arizona or Texas border. It would be interesting to hear some of ya'll's observations after!

[Phatscotty]

Odd week for the the debate about illegal immigrants.

On the one hand we have the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas admitting that he was brought into the US aged 11 without proper documentation.

Why does where someone is from have anything to do with recognizing talent with an award?

I don't see any connection.

[Symmetry]

Odd week for the the debate about illegal immigrants.

On the one hand we have the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas admitting that he was brought into the US aged 11 without proper documentation.

Why does where someone is from have anything to do with recognizing talent with an award?

I don't see any connection.

That's great to hear Scotty, to be honest I did kind of have you pegged as one of the people who might be calling for this guy to be deported, or punished. Sometimes you surprise me when the classic liberalism in your libertarianism trumps your conservatism.

It does seem to show that the American Dream Act would probably be a great piece of legislation as a means of recognising people in spite of their origins.

[Phatscotty]

Odd week for the the debate about illegal immigrants.

On the one hand we have the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas admitting that he was brought into the US aged 11 without proper documentation.

Why does where someone is from have anything to do with recognizing talent with an award?

I don't see any connection.

That's great to hear Scotty, to be honest I did kind of have you pegged as one of the people who might be calling for this guy to be deported, or punished.

and....how do you get that out of me asking what the connection is between talent and what county one is from....???

[Symmetry]

Odd week for the the debate about illegal immigrants.

On the one hand we have the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas admitting that he was brought into the US aged 11 without proper documentation.

Why does where someone is from have anything to do with recognizing talent with an award?

I don't see any connection.

That's great to hear Scotty, to be honest I did kind of have you pegged as one of the people who might be calling for this guy to be deported, or punished.

and....how do you get that out of me asking what the connection is between talent and what county one is from....???

Just from previous discussions with you. As I said, I was wrong, and it's great to hear that you're on this guys side. Sometimes you come across as just following whatever line the right wing radio-hosts are following that week, and sometimes you surprise me.

[Phatscotty]

only when I'm right

[Symmetry]

sometimes you surprise me.

only when I'm right

Yes- that about sums it up.