Immigration bill on tap next week
The state legislature will resume discussion of its pending immigration bill this week, with a local legislative crusader against illegal immigration overseeing its final stage.
Three members each of the state House of Representatives and Senate will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday to try to resolve differences in their different versions of the immigration bill. Both chambers agree on a variety of measures to crack down on illegal immigrants through law enforcement, but disagree over the methods private employers should use to check the citizenship of new employees.
After the committee hashes out those differences, the compromise bill will return to both chambers for a vote. If it passes, it will go to Gov. Mark Sanford for a signature.
Among the six legislators entrusted with creating a compromise bill is state Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach.
"Thad has been a leader in the immigration debate," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, who appointed Viers.
Many measures in the bill were introduced by Viers over the years, Harrell noted. Viers was also instrumental in helping form a Horry County chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, an anti-immigration group that fights for reform and recruits volunteers to patrol the border.
Meanwhile, the Minuteman group is protesting what it calls the "weakening" of the bill, with a rally planned for noon on March 10 on the Capitol steps, according to its Web site.
Illegal Aliens and Immigration is NOT the same thing. Immigrant is a legal status granted by a sovereign country. We have to many folks who do not know and are ignorant or outright deceivers, confusing illegal alien workers calling them illegal immigrants with immigrants. Criminals did NOT build America; Citizens and LEGAL immigrants built it. American’s want an end to anarchy! This is NOT a Democrat, Republican, Independent issue. It's an American Issue.
Illegal aliens are criminals, those who hire them are criminals and those who aid-and-abet them are criminals.
Illegal aliens in America have NO rights. We are required by law to arrest and prosecute, deport them. (Title 8 U.S. Code) To report illegal aliens call the DHS National Hotline 1 866 DHS 2ICE. (1-866-347-2523)
No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues. We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen. We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance. See http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl Know whom you are voting for.
Posted by: Dr Coles | March 01, 2008 at 01:37 PM
The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps is anti-illegal immigration, not "anti-immigrant."
If the writer of this article doesn't know the difference between the two, then why is he/she in the news business?
Dave Gorak
Executive director
Midwest Coalition to Reduce Immigration
LaValle, Wis.
Posted by: Dave Gorak | March 01, 2008 at 04:42 PM
"the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, an anti-immigration group"
That's a complete lie and shows why the MSM has lost touch with reality and why Americans, in the latest poll, distrust them to the tune of 70%. The Minutemen are anti-ILLEGAL immigration. Correct your story or continue to put forth false information.
Posted by: Eric | March 02, 2008 at 12:23 AM
...the minutemen are a cover for a white supremicist organization...always have been always will be....their leader was part of a large group that has been proven to associate and promulgate racist rhetoric...this is a fact! ask the southern poverty law center...
Posted by: rick campbell | March 02, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Illegal aliens come to America and expect us to turn our country - its laws, its culture, its system of citizen benefits - on its ear to benefit them. Then they accuse us of being racist, bigoted, and hateful xenophobes for requiring them to follow the law that countless LEGAL immigrants took the time to follow. They refuse to acknowledge how their actions can rightfully be interpreted as insulting. They’re essentially saying, “We don’t give a damn about you, your laws, your country or your culture…gimme, gimme, gimme.”
I’m quite sure that anyone who opposes illegal immigration would have no problem with immigrants of any stripe coming here legally, according to our laws, to make a better life for themselves. But by countless millions invading our country and overwhelming our schools and social systems, criminal justice system, hospitals, degrading our economy, taxing our already fragile infrastructure, crowding our cities and elbowing their way into jobs that are required by law to be given to citizens and legal workers; its just a bit of a problem to those of us who demand that our immigration laws be followed. It’s not racist or bigoted to demand that anyone who wants citizenship show their dedication to their new country by following its laws pertaining to immigration. Breaking those laws as your first action in your “new country” does not sit well with the vast majority of American citizens nor will they ever accept it.
Posted by: zeezil | March 02, 2008 at 07:52 AM
It is not hate to be offended when someone breaks into your home. It is not hate to be concerned when those coming into your country not only spurn assimilation, but mock and ridicule your values and systems. It is not hate when we identify the root cause of the burden placed on the social infrastructure resulting in increases on the taxes of American citizens, closing of hospitals, crowding citizens out of a decent public schools education and the filling of our jails with criminals. It is not hate to protest the actions of illegals when they cause death and lifelong trauma to the citizens of this country. And it is not hate to care enough about one’s country to take a stand against a situation that is hellbent on tearing it apart.
It is not hate. It is not racism. It is not bigotry. It is not xenophobia. It is a desire for JUSTICE. It is the exercise of one’s right to protect their homes, their culture, their society and their country. It is recognition of the rule of law.
Those concepts may be foreign in countries like Mexico, but they are basic tenants of life in the US. That’s why we are not a third world (yet) country and Mexico is. Mexico so abhor’s illegal immigration into its own country that it has legislated draconian measures to discriminate against immigrants through laws and practices. Want to run a business in Mexico? You are required to employ Mexican citizens as managers. Want to own property in Mexico? You can’t do it as a foreigner unless you put the deed in trust with a Mexican trustee. And even if you become a Mexican citizen, you will never be able to hold elected office because you are not a citizen by birth. Sounds more than a little like life under Islamic rule than life under a democracy.
Yes, there is hate associated with the issue of illegal immigration. But the hate is not generated by US citizens - the hate is borne by citizens of countries like Mexico. Hate is borne by Hispanic supremacy groups like La Raza "The Race" that believe they are superior to the hodgepodge of other races that have melted together successfully in the US.
Keep your hated and racism South of the Border. When, and only when, you are forced to abide by our laws and enter America by LEGAL means ONLY then will you ever be worthy of residing here and be considered for citizenship.
Posted by: zeezil | March 02, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Correcting the Record for Eric:
The Minuteman Group is an assembledge of American citizen patriots that was formed because the U.S. government's failure to conduct any realistic attempt at securing our border with Mexico. The government also covered this up from the American people with lies, indifference, supression of reporting, malfeasance, corruption...you name it. Without the Minuteman group, the American people would never have been made aware of this travesty. Furthermore, the Minuteman group only observes and reports and takes no direct action to stop invaders. There has not been ONE SINGLE INCIDENT ever of any charge against a Minuteman for violence against those that invade America. However, there is documentation of over 400 rescues of illegal aliens by the Minuteman organization that were injured or severely dehydrated in the desert while illegally entering our country. Didn't know about that, Eric? Is that the actions of a "white supremacist organization"?
Oh yeah, I guess you also didn't know that there is significant participation in the Minuteman organization of minorities including blacks, Hispanics and American Indians. Is that the action of a 'white supremacist organization', Eric?
You want to talk about hate and supremacy groups, Eric? Then do you homework and look into La Raza "The Race", MECHA, La Voz de Atzlan, ACORN, Appleseed, LULAC to name just a few. Then get back to us with your findings provided you do a thorough job and not simply post your pathetic lies.
Posted by: zeezil | March 02, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Here's some Homework for you, Eric: Read up and report back to us
Southern Poverty Law Center — Paid Purveyors of Hate Speech
Thought the Southern Poverty Law Center was a nice civil rights organization? Think again!
Here are some links to articles on the Internet which expose the agenda, personal motivations, hateful rhetoric and techniques of the SPLC http://brekespear.googlepages.com/
The Southern Poverty Law Center: A Twisted Definition of ‘Hate’ by Matthew Vadum - On the Human Events site, this is an excellent exposé of the empty rhetoric of the organization.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Hate-Mongers - John Vennari on the SPLC's methodology employed in one of their anti-Catholic campaigns.
Debbie Schlussel on How Morris Dees Seized American Land For Illegal Aliens - The Conservative Jewish commentator takes exception to the litigious side of the SPLC.
Looking For Hate In All The Wrong Places - Judy Andreas on, among other things, branding The Lord of the Rings as white racist propaganda.
Southern Poverty Law Center: Activities, Agendas, and Worldview - Jacob Laksin discusses the SPLC's history and their technique of fundraising with hysteria.
The Church of Morris Dees - From Harper's Magazine, November 2000: How the Southern Poverty Law Center profits from "intolerance."
FACT SHEET ON MORRIS DEES and the SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER - A shorter summary of some of the more incriminating charges against Dees.
Morris Dees’ Hate Campaign - David Horowitz addresses Mr. Dees directly.
Southern Poverty Law Center: a Wikipedia article, which has some information on controversies regarding the SPLC. Excerpts: “In 1996 USA Today stated ‘… in a recent report on arsons at black churches in the South, [Dees’] Klanwatch newsletter included five 1990 fires in Kentucky. The article doesn’t mention they were set by a black man.’” The USA Today article cited Stephen Bright, of the Southern Center for Human Rights, saying that Dees “is a fraud who has milked a lot of very wonderful well-intentioned people. If it’s got headlines, Morris is there.”
Morris Dees’ Defamation: FrontPage Magazine’s Myles Kantor takes the SPLC hucksters to task. Says Kantor: “Keep up the great work, Mr. Dees. Don’t let truth and decency get in your way.”
Ronald Reagan, John Wayne members of 'hate group'?: One of America's oldest and most mainstream conservative organizations, Young Americans for Freedom at Michigan State University, was designated a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center for opposing illegal immigration, same-sex marriage and affirmative action. Their name appears along with groups tied to racist skinheads, Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan.
“The Trouble in Paradise is Trouble with the Truth”: A conservative Catholic institution defends itself from the SPLC.
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, etc: “Anti-Racists” Say Lord of the Rings too “Eurocentric”: Sam Francis on the SPLC's diatribe against the movie "The Return of the King."
Posted by: zeezil | March 02, 2008 at 08:19 AM
...uh...i don't answer irrelevant blogs from people with space age names...especially those that are indocrinated...
Posted by: rick campbell | March 02, 2008 at 10:27 PM
The "Minutemen" is an extreme nativist hate organization that targets groups of people based on race and ethnicity. When they set up a chapter to "defend" the US-Canadian border please let me know!
As far as Thad Viers involvement goes, one must only go back to his recorded racist rants when threatening his ex-wifes new lover to know what side of the bread he butters.
Sad-very very sad.
Posted by: PREFAB SPROUT | March 03, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Thad Viers is standing up for his district and the people of South Carolina. He is fighting to maintain fairness for all Americans, those born here naturally and those who have LEGALLY IMMIGRATED here.
So let's stop hurling the insults and clouding the issue with nonsense and look at what his really happening in this country. Illegal immigration and the problem's it causes are real. We do not have to inflate it with mindless rhetoric or insult people to make a point.
We deal with this issue on a local level everyday and I am thankful we have a person of Thad Viers quality in Columbia fighting for the people. This is only one of many issues he has stepped up to the plate to help, he is a great legislator.
Posted by: Randal Wallace | March 03, 2008 at 03:35 PM
oh good god, so mr wallace thinks we have a problem and thad viers is the answer?...jees! i think it is safe to say that YES we do have an immigration problem but to not discuss the motives of groups or people is ridiculous!! i deal with the issue everyday from employees to friends to traffic driving around, but to SIMPLY say quit "clouding the issue", is quite simple minded and does not look at the ROOT of peoples mindset, and be honest during the summer when the russians come to work , do you know how many end up staying here illegally?...i can tell you from first hand knowledge= PLENTY.
good luck to viers and his worshiper wallace, let us just hope the republicans can do a better job on immigration than the job they have done on healthcare, property tax relief, infrastructure, ethics, MIDDLE CLASS tax relief etc etc...republicans have failed miserably in these categories for years....when the wealthy people stop hiring illegals to water their gardens then maybe some kind of legislation will pass, but as long as wealthy business owners continue to screw americans and hire illegals and as long as republicans continue to represent these wealthy people no reform will happen...trust me it is not the liberals or the poor and middle class people who are hiring illegals ....consider these facts before jumping on the viers bandwagon!
Posted by: rick campbell | March 04, 2008 at 12:11 AM
...hopefully my answering machine is full, so i won't get any messages that may be threatening....
Posted by: rick campbell | March 04, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Thad Viers? The same guy that left threatening phone calls? Glad I don't know the guy on any level.
Posted by: Nick | March 06, 2008 at 03:49 PM
What an outright lie.
1. To begin with the bill does not include private employeers.
2. If you notice closely it is for new employees and only covers employers with STATE contracts over 500 employees.
3. Please do not be fooled with this molasses bill-citizens get flavored sugar water, the employeers and illegals get the real molasses.
Posted by: Patricia Matthews | March 07, 2008 at 01:16 AM
A legislator who is attempting to go all out and rectify an illegal problem we are facing today, gets insulted, half way slandered and lied about by sniveling illerate jerks who only care about making up stupid wisecracks instead of commending a fine conscientious lawmaker. The issue is not about immigration BUT about people who enter this country illegally, use false documentation to get jobs, welfare, medical care, plus many of them bring into this country tuberculosis (TB),gonorrhea, other contagious veneral diseases, e-coli, etc. Our insurance rates get increased by the high incidents of DUI accidents, buglaries, shop-lifting, there is an increase in crimes of violence by gangs such as S13, Latino bloods, the Russian mafia swindles etc.; taxes go higher with the increase of students, the need for more police, fire, water, sewerage, as well as other public resources. All caused or responsible to ILLEGAL law breakers.. We welcome responsible law abiding legal immigrats. Seemingly there is no end to these problems, however the public is desperately crying out for a fair solutions, and in our midst we have a legislator Thad Viers whom is trying to do just that, find some common ground solutions that are fair, honorable and good for all. And yet Viers gets slammed by nincompoops.
Should you have the patience to read Rickie "me boy" Campbell's incessant assinine attacks upon Republicans and his sweeping indictments against one category of American against the other as in class warfare you can begin to see what the problems are. We are facing fake rhetoric as championed by the likes of hatemongering people, with no solutions to the illegal issues BUT only racist dumb commentary. Rickie me boy relates the Minutemen as being white racists ignoring the fact that all people are welcomed to join their organization and do. Once again Rickie me boy shows his true colors as one being the authentic hatemongering racist. There may be help for him Brainstrom 2
Posted by: J E Bonsignor | March 08, 2008 at 11:43 AM
...i do not support politicians who threaten their wives or threaten the lives of others, if you choose to support them that is your choice....the only hatemongering going on are those on republican right wing chicken hawk radio....they appeal to the weak minded and uneducated, i can not help the FACT that these people are republicans....just like dragnet monsignor...just the facts ma'am...just the facts...
Posted by: rick campbell | March 09, 2008 at 10:59 PM
The last time I looked it was illegal to enter into America if you did not enter legaly. To say that a fine conscientious lawmaker like Rep. Thad Viers is a extreme nativist hate organizer that targets groups of people based on race and ethnicity is sick and insulting. Rep. Viers heard the cries of his constituents and as any good elected offical would do......He answered the call and acted on it to help FIX a problem that is much needed. So to Rep. Viers, I say to you sir, Thank You.
In Service to God, Country and Community,
Keith Van Winkle
Posted by: Mr. Keith Van Winkle | March 10, 2008 at 06:02 AM
...just don't call me ...
Posted by: rick campbell | March 11, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Rick, What your saying is you don't care what the majority of the people of this state and country wants? To say that then I am Glad that your NOT my Rep.
In Service to God, Country and Community,
Keith Van Winkle
Posted by: Mr. Keith Van Winkle | March 12, 2008 at 03:59 PM
The facts can be facing you Rickie me boy and you're just too blind and confused to recognize them...Brainstorm 2
Posted by: J E Bonsignor | March 12, 2008 at 11:40 PM
again.... if you can support the likes of a man who would threaten his wife her friends and use racial slurs against them, then that says a whole lot more about you than it does about me...this america you can support whomever you like just be prepared for the consequences when you support a person of this lower caliber...
Posted by: rick campbell | March 13, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Thad Viers "answered the call" per Mr Van Winkle. Are you saying you didn't get his answering machine? As far as Mr Bonsignors allegations of "insults, half way slanders, and lies" regarding my recollection of Thad's colorful choice of racial epithets when threatening his ex wifes new lover I will remind you of a simple fact: Truth is a defense to any such allegation and the truth is in a very public court record should you seek it out.
Posted by: PREFAB SPROUT | March 13, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Get real guys, attack Viers on his Legislative record, not his domestic imbroglio. Love evokes many strange and embarassing consequencies...Learn the story before you bespeak such evil upon a good person I dare say you both don't know Thad, and the anguish he had to endure over this ugly incident. Prefab what court records? I believe they were sealed...
Posted by: J E Bonsignor | March 14, 2008 at 12:42 AM
...as with most politician i am sure he had the records sealed...a luxury the average citizen does not have...only primadona legislatures that think they are above the law...i am sure monsignor would definetly be in favor of republicans "sealing" the records of his idols....thad viers, thomas ravenel, earl morris, etc etc....again frenchie poo monsignor misses the point entirely...how can a known racists expect the citizens to support him when we all know his true feelings towards minorities...
Posted by: rick campbell | March 14, 2008 at 04:28 AM