Another - you cant make this up

[RIJIMMY]

Why isnt this lady in handcuffs and being escorted out of the country?

The best line - On Thursday, the SEIU announced that it will spend $5 million on radio and television ads in Spanish attacking Whitman.

What a bizarre country we line in.

By ANDY BARR | 10/1/10 8:25 AM EDT Updated: 10/1/10 10:32 AM EDT
After dueling press conferences and numerous statements Thursday, California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman seems no closer to being able to move past allegations that she knowingly employed an illegal immigrant as her housekeeper.

Whitman harshly condemned the story on Thursday, accusing Democrat Jerry Brown in a press conference of pushing the “lies” about her.

But immediately after Whitman finished ripping into Brown and attorney Gloria Allred for airing the accusation, Allred stepped up to the microphone at her own press conference to insist that she had “proof” that Whitman employed Nicky Diaz knowing she was in the country illegally.

Allred produced a 2003 letter from the Social Security Administration questioning whether the number Diaz had provided for her tax documentation was legitimate.

The letter, Allred showed with a giant, blown-up prop, had a handwritten note the attorney insisted belongs to Whitman’s husband instructing Diaz to check into it.

Whitman at first denied that she or her husband had seen the letter, speculating that Diaz may have hidden it from the couple.

But hours later, Whitman’s husband, Griff Harsh, released a statement admitting that “it is possible” that he saw the letter and wrote the note.

“While I honestly do not recall receiving this letter, as it was sent to me seven years ago, I can say it is possible that I would've scratched a follow up note on a letter like this, which is a request for information to make certain Nicky received her Social Security benefits and W-2 tax refund for withheld wages. Since we believed her to be legal, I would have had no reason to suspect that she would not have filled it in and done what was needed to secure her benefits,” said Harsh.

“It is important to note what this letter actually says: 'this letter makes no statement about your employee's immigration status.,” Harsh continued. “The essential fact remains the same, neither Meg nor I believed there was a problem with Nicky's legal status and I certainly don't recall ever discussing it with my wife, nor did I ever show her any letter about it. The facts of this matter are very clear: Ms. Diaz broke the law and lied to us and to the employment agency.”

Whitman has consistently stated that she fired the housekeeper as soon as she learned of Diaz’s illegal status — and she has tried at every opportunity to link Brown to the story.

Whitman’s campaign points out that Allred is a supporter of Brown and has tried to make the case that Brown has a history of pulling off stunts late in campaigns designed to discredit his Republican opponents.

Brown has not yet commented on the story, but many of his allies have begun to seize on the allegation to attack Whitman.

On Thursday, the SEIU announced that it will spend $5 million on radio and television ads in Spanish attacking Whitman.



Read more: Meg Whitman vexed by housekeeper claims - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com

[PaulS]

I agree anyone who hires an illegal should be shipped out. That would solve our illegals problem.

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

Why isnt this lady in handcuffs and being escorted out of the country?

Who would clean the house?

-spence

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by PaulS

I agree anyone who hires an illegal should be shipped out. That would solve our illegals problem.

She hired the maid through an agency, which she paid to check her citizenship. this was fraud on the housecleaners part.
No suprise you believe the maid is a "victim" instead of a criminal.

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

No suprise you believe the maid is a "victim" instead of a criminal.

How did you get that from my post?

I thought your post was about Witman. As I said, if no one hired illegals, they wouldn't want to come here.

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by PaulS

How did you get that from my post?

I thought your post was about Witman. As I said, if no one hired illegals, they wouldn't want to come here.

There is only one criminal in that article and its not Whitman.

[Fly Rod]

Does this mean that I have to fire the two illegals that work on my lawn?

I think that I found a loop hole, they are not mexican, they are guatemalan.

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

There is only one criminal in that article and its not Whitman.

My understanding is that she would only be in violation of a civil offense and not a criminal, certainly not worthy of handcuffs.

Considering there are 12 million or so illegal aliens in this country, you'd think a sense of priority would place a housekeeper who's here simply to improve her life pretty low on the list.

That's not to say she shouldn't be processed as an offender, but that to make an example of her doesn't make a lot of sense.

Of course, she could always be a terrorist.

-spence

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

There is only one criminal in that article and its not Whitman.

Never said otherwise. But if when the Whitman's found out there was trouble with the SS#, they followed up instead of telling the maid "to do something about this" or whatever the husband wrote on the letter she wouldn't have this issue now and if others did the same, the illegal problem would take care of itself.

Any politician who does hires illegals (Whitman, Zoe Baird), doesn't know the cost of a bread/milk or the minimum wage (L. McMahon) doesn't deserve to be elected.

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by spence

My understanding is that she would only be in violation of a civil offense and not a criminal, certainly not worthy of handcuffs.

Considering there are 12 million or so illegal aliens in this country, you'd think a sense of priority would place a housekeeper who's here simply to improve her life pretty low on the list.

That's not to say she shouldn't be processed as an offender, but that to make an example of her doesn't make a lot of sense.

Of course, she could always be a terrorist.

-spence

how could that be? She is an illegal alien. Federal offense, no?

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

how could that be? She is an illegal alien. Federal offense, no?

I'm pretty sure that just being in the country illegally is a civil offense under Federal law.

This was a big part of the AZ legislation which sought to make it a "crime" by requiring all immigrants to carry papers indicating their current status.

-spence

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by spence

I'm pretty sure that just being in the country illegally is a civil offense under Federal law.

This was a big part of the AZ legislation which sought to make it a "crime" by requiring all immigrants to carry papers indicating their current status.

-spence

I think Im going to puke, this country is F'd.

[RIJIMMY]

whew, theres still hope....

Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:

Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or

Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or

Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact;
has committed a federal crime.

Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

[Nebe]

If she's hot she should be able to stay
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[JohnnyD]

Lived in this state my whole life. Had to go up to Lynn to meet a vendor today, my first trip that far up Rt. 1A. My immediate thought, "Holy Sh#t this place is a dump."

Do you think the Boston hotels and cleaning companies have a shuttle service set up that runs regular trips between Boston and that area?

As a business owner, it's my obligation to retain documents to assure the people I hire have a legal right to work here. If I screw that up, it should be on me. However, if I do my due diligence and they turn out illegal, screw anyone who tries to put it on me.

Employers need to be held responsible but they are not the INS. Whitman allegedly obtained the proper documents from Diaz. It is up to the government to take it from there if they have any question about status.

This is one of those times that I have to say.... I completely agree with RIJIMMY.

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

whew, theres still hope....

Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:

Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or

Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or

Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact;
has committed a federal crime.

Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

I think this is intended for those caught in the process, not for those already here, unless sufficient evidence existed to make a case...which is highly unlikely.

-spence

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Had to go up to Lynn to meet a vendor today, my first trip that far up Rt. 1A. My immediate thought, "Holy Sh#t this place is a dump."

Hey, Easy there Chief....don't go picking on the "Jewel of the North Shore".....Some of us have roots there

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Hey, Easy there Chief....don't go picking on the "Jewel of the North Shore".....Some of us have roots there

No offense intended... but the area I had to go to, along with the neighborhoods I passed on the way made me question the common sense of my vendor for being based in the area.

[Fly Rod]

Lynn was known for the city of sin

Lynn, Lynn the city of sin, you don't go out the way you came in.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

No offense intended... but the area I had to go to, along with the neighborhoods I passed on the way made me question the common sense of my vendor for being based in the area.

I agree

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

No offense intended... but the area I had to go to, along with the neighborhoods I passed on the way made me question the common sense of my vendor for being based in the area.

Just messin around...I know the place is a bit of a Chithole...That's why I moved out.

I don't know what he's vending but....Lynn has GE and North Shore Community College, is right on the Commuter Rail, is a quick 20 minute ride into Boston, Property is cheap, Labor is cheap, More Liqour licenses and Greek Sub Shops per capita than any other town on the north shore....and a 2 am Bar Closing Time....

Originally Posted by Fly Rod

Lynn was known for the city of sin

Lynn, Lynn the city of sin, you don't go out the way you came in.

Geesh, if you're gonna say it....ya gotta say it right.

Lynn Lynn, City of Sin, You never come out the way you went in..

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by spence

Who would clean the house?

-spence

Someone Legal, perhaps not as cheaply.

Originally Posted by spence

Considering there are 12 million or so illegal aliens in this country, you'd think a sense of priority would place a housekeeper who's here simply to improve her life pretty low on the list.

Come in the front door legally and make a better life. This country cannot afford to not educate our kids, feed our citizens, protect our country, give everyone health care, social security, and then let everyone in the world wanting to make a better life a sneak across a border to do it. We're almost broke, we cannot afford to be the gift that keeps giving.

Originally Posted by spence

I think this is intended for those caught in the process, not for those already here, unless sufficient evidence existed to make a case...which is highly unlikely.

-spence

Immigrants can be classified as illegal for one of three reasons: entering without authorization or inspection, staying beyond the authorized period after legal entry, or violating the terms of legal entry.[54]
Section 1325 in Title 8 of the United States Code, "Improper entry of alien", provides for a fine, imprisonment, or both for any immigrant who:[55]

1. enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or
2. eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers, or
3. attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact.

The maximum prison term is 6 months for the first offense and 2 years for any subsequent offense.

Where is the ambiguity?

[Raider Ronnie]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Hey, Easy there Chief....don't go picking on the "Jewel of the North Shore".....Some of us have roots there

Could be worse, you could be from Lawrence !
Pretty pathetic how popular the Lawrence police chief is on the local news stations !

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

Could be worse, you could be from Lawrence !
Pretty pathetic how popular the Lawrence police chief is on the local news stations !

He's on the news pretty much every week....

[spence]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Someone Legal, perhaps not as cheaply.

That was a joke.

Come in the front door legally and make a better life. This country cannot afford to not educate our kids, feed our citizens, protect our country, give everyone health care, social security, and then let everyone in the world wanting to make a better life a sneak across a border to do it. We're almost broke, we cannot afford to be the gift that keeps giving.

That's not the point. I'm all for better control of our borders, but from her perspective...she was just trying to make a better life.

Where is the ambiguity?

I don't think she could be charged under this section of code as she's already here...

-spence

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by spence

That's not the point. I'm all for better control of our borders, but from her perspective...she was just trying to make a better life.




-spence

Spence - every criminal is "just trying to make a better life"

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

Spence - every criminal is "just trying to make a better life"

Well, that's a stretch.

The simple fact is that most Americans, if put in her position, would have done exactly the same thing.

That doesn't mean it's right (legally speaking) mind you, but there are moral implications to be factored in. I've heard of a saying in South America that you "can't fault someone for trying to get by" and to some degree this is reflected in the US. Would you fault a parent for stealing to feel starving children?

I'm not sure it's really that easy to relate.

-spence

[detbuch]

Originally Posted by spence

Well, that's a stretch.

The simple fact is that most Americans, if put in her position, would have done exactly the same thing.

Americans (the U.S. kind) are more prone to change conditions in their country to their benefit rather than illegally migrating to another country. This country was founded by that type of revolution. There have been many revolutions south of the border. Perhaps they should keep trying till they get it right so their citizens don't have to leave. I hear they have some places that are amenable to the poor, like Cuba or Venezuala--good health care, everyone has a job or is taken care of. Those would be good models for the downtrodden to follow rather than risking everything to illegally sneak into such an ungrateful, oppressive, and selfish place like the U.S. Even Canada would be better, no?

That doesn't mean it's right (legally speaking) mind you, but there are moral implications to be factored in.

Which moral implications and whose morality? A great deal of the moral implications that resulted in U.S. law, it is said, derived from Judeo/Christian morality. But that morality also includes much tough love. The god of that morality can be very harsh with those who steal and and break the law. That morality does not preach salvation by government, but by personal conduct and personal charity.

I've heard of a saying in South America that you "can't fault someone for trying to get by" and to some degree this is reflected in the US. Would you fault a parent for stealing to feel starving children?

I'm not sure it's really that easy to relate.

-spence

I've heard that "saying" in North America as well. But "getting by" is vague, and when referring to criminal getting by, there is the implication that, if you're caught, nice try but you'll pay the penalty. One of the changes that Americans made was to provide for starving children--traditionally, much of that was done (and still is) by charity, but we've even legislated for such provisions. So it is not necessary to steal to feed starving children.

Does Whitman's illegal ex-maid have children?

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by spence

That was a joke.


That's not the point. I'm all for better control of our borders, but from her perspective...she was just trying to make a better life.



I don't think she could be charged under this section of code as she's already here...

-spence

I figured it was tongue in cheek , almost funny too.

You're all for better control, except for those that want a better life? Then perhaps she should apply for legal immigration status and legally enter this country. Do you think immigrants that come through breaking our laws to get in generally will be law abiding citizens after some kind of amnesty? Sorry, I just have an issue with people breaking the laws and then being given wrist slaps at best.

I think our biggest problem with immigration is that we do not get enough of the best and brightest that come here legally and retain them. Instead, half the elected government turns and looks the other way for the main influx of immigrants we have. But as a country, we stopped looking forward to improve ourselves and instead became the baby sitter.

"I don't think she could be charged under this section of code as she's already here..."

Law no longer applies. Nice.

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by spence

Well, that's a stretch.

The simple fact is that most Americans, if put in her position, would have done exactly the same thing.


-spence

not true, most americans immigrated here legally. How can you say most would do the same thing?