“Freindly Fire Zone”

There’s an old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Seems logical. 

After all, if you find yourself living in a foreign country, common sense tells you that you should be aware of that nation’s laws and customs and yes, quickly familiarize yourself with its language.

Deliberate ignorance of these things defies rationality, and, of course, should never be rewarded.

Just imagine how an Italian moving to France, for example, would be viewed if he found official French government documents written in… French, and French workers who spoke…French.

What if, in disgust, he wrote to his friends back home, asking, “What is this?  These application forms are in FRENCH!  Who do these people think they are to have official government documents printed only in their own language?  I am entitled --- it is my right --- to be able to read everything in MY language!  What is the world coming to when racist governments ignore my individual wants and needs?”

And do you know what response he would --- and should --- receive?

“Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi.”  Translation: “In Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you are elsewhere, live as they do elsewhere.”

So why is it that the whole world abides by that rule --- except the United States?

The latest example occurred in Forty Fort last week.  The borough council in that northeastern Pennsylvania town voted down a proposal to make English the official language for government business.

                                              *****

Not to be outdone as the center of attention, another northeast PA town also made news when Hazelton’s immigration ordinances requiring landlords to check renters' immigration status were struck down by a federal appeals court.  The misguided judges also decreed that Hazelton could not require businesses to use an electronic database to verify whether potential employees are authorized to work.

The court’s rationale? That the town was infringing on the federal government’s right to control immigration rules.

There’s only one small problem:  The federal government hasn’t controlled the now-widespread illegal invader problem in decades, and cities such as Hazelton, reeling and on the verge of bankruptcy because of the fed’s abdication on this issue, are fighting back.

The court’s ruling is like telling citizens they can’t have guns to protect themselves because that’s the job of the police --- where no police force exists.

It just doesn’t work.

                                             *****

As long as we’re on the topic of Rome, it’s important to remember why the Empire disintegrated.  It wasn’t because of outside invasion, but from internal decay. Rome lost its way after abandoning its values; when that occurred, it was only a matter of time.  Rome was doomed to fall.

Why then, after the benefit of seeing the mistakes of others, would we choose a path of self-destruction?

                                             *****

Ronald Reagan said it best when he stated, “A nation without borders isn’t a nation.”  He didn’t know how right he was, nor could he have seen how much his country inexplicably would run in the opposite direction of that philosophy.

When a nation voluntarily relinquishes its culture and language, bowing to the altar of appeasement in order not to “offend,” it loses the very essence which makes it unique, and surrenders its identity.

And that’s exactly what’s happening here.

Rather than celebrate what makes our country the most desirable on Earth, the marshals of political correctness are relentlessly pushing to homogenize America, making it all things to all people. 

The irony, of course, is that for hundreds of years, immigrants have risked their lives to come to this nation, for the simple reason that America was…America. There has never been a country like it before, and there never will be again. Those that made it kissed the ground in thanks, for they knew they were the lucky few.

And those people were, and are, the backbone of America.

But now, in an attempt to coddle minorities and illegal immigrants --- for less than noble reasons --- some government officials are hellbent on erasing all that made America great, choosing to turn our land into one without respect for the rule of law. 

                                           *****

Is it any wonder why so many second and third generation Americans do not speak the native tongue of their ancestors? Because those who left everything behind to start a new life in America were happy to be here, and wanted their children to reap the rewards that this magnificent land had to offer.  They instinctively knew that, at the risk of losing some of their Old World culture, their children could only achieve greatness if they viewed themselves as American.  It was a branding they wanted to have.

What a pity that we have devolved so much.

Now, our government conveniently ignores the law --- and the will of the people --- to appease an obnoxiously loud but extremely small minority.  But the bigger problem is that a majority of Americans are unwilling to take a stand, afraid of being labeled insensitive, reactionary --- and, of course, racist.

Build a wall?  That’s racist.  And how dare you take away the dreams of people who just want the same opportunity as you --- no matter that they break the law to get here.

Demand proper documentation when applying for a job? No  way--- that would be insulting and disenfranchising to those here illegally.  And offending people is tantamount to harassment.

Affirm English as the official language? How bigoted and exclusionary!  That would be like putting up a sign saying, “You’re not welcome!”

And of course, those who speak out against local, state and federal governments that aid and abet criminals --- which is, by definition, the status of all illegal immigrants --- are swiftly labeled as bigots who hate immigrants.

But don’t look to Washington for answers, since the politicians are as much to blame as anyone.

Under their watch, illegals receive official drivers licenses, jobs, free education and healthcare (for which we foot the bill), and documents in their own language, all while our wide-open border beckons more illegals.

Republicans and Democrats are equally at fault, since both have no motivation to change.  Some in the GOP don’t want to offend the Hispanic vote (which doesn’t vote for them anyway) while others are in bed with Big Business wanting cheap labor. Too many Democrats put politics ahead of national security because they see illegals voting their way --- which they do, and in ever-growing numbers, to the point where they are affecting congressional and even presidential elections.

America’s downward spiral can only be reversed if the majority of people take their head out of the sand.

If the battle for America’s heart and soul is to be won, rank-and-file citizens have to voice the ideas that made America great --- and which have absolutely nothing to do with race---: protection of borders, protection of customs, protection of the English language.

If not, America will continue its plummet into obscurity, ceasing to be the Shining City on a hill.

And all of us --- American and immigrant alike --- will be far the worse for it.

Chris Freind is an independent columnist and investigative reporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com
Readers of his column, “Freindly Fire,” hail from six continents, thirty countries and all fifty states. His work has been referenced in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, foreign newspapers, and in Dick Morris' recent bestseller "Catastrophe."
Freind also serves as a weekly guest commentator on the Philadelphia-area talk radio show, Political Talk (WCHE 1520), and makes numerous other television and radio appearances, most notably on FOX 29.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

Oh the hypocrisy.

Ever since Arizona passed its controversial law allowing police to check a suspect’s immigration status, the federal government had been intimating that it would file suit to stop the measure. 

Which it finally did.  (Although, in a moment of utter embarrassment, Attorney General Eric Holder testified of his intention to file suit despite his admission that he’d NEVER READ the ten page Arizona law!) 

And the results of the lawsuit?  Wholly predictable.

The Right is furious, the Left satiated, and, as always, common sense people are still out in the cold.

Fact is, the Arizona law, signed by a Republican Governor and a red-meat issue to the GOP base, is 100% meaningless.  Beyond providing fiery agenda-driven rhetoric --- for both sides ---, it’s just the latest futile attempt to solve America’s out-of-control illegal invader problem.

Why the hypocrisy? Because instead of focusing on the real issues, like building a border wall and cracking down on employers who hire illegals, the Administration is trying to score political points by hoping the Republican position alienates Latino voters.

If Obama and the Congress were really concerned about reigning in a state for doing its own thing --- against the wishes of the federal government ---perhaps a better lawsuit would be one against those who are in flagrant violation of federation immigration law. After all, these states are the biggest obstacle to sound immigration policy.

New Mexico would be a good start.

*****

After we get through the white noise of Arizona’s law being one that harasses the good illegals who have broken America’s laws to get here, or conversely, that such a measure is mandatory to protect our citizens from the invaders, it would be nice to stop and actually ask the most basic question:

How, exactly, are the police supposed to check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally? What document proving citizenship will they be seeking?

There is no national ID card, and probably about six people nationwide even know where their Social Security card is, so, for the most part, that leaves the driver’s license.

Granted, not everyone drives, but it would be a good starting place. 

Well, except for one small thing.

Several states still issue drivers licenses to illegal invaders.  States like….New Mexico, which just so happens to border Arizona.

(This practice does not comply with Federal Real ID Act requirements.  The Act mandates that, in order for a license to be recognized by the U.S. Government, states may issue licenses only after determining “proof of identity and lawful status of an applicant” and “verification of the source documents provided by an applicant.”)

So when Juan Valdez is pulled over for a traffic stop, on suspicion that he is an illegal, he will be required to prove his status as a citizen or legal immigrant.

As he whips out his license from New Mexico, Utah or Washington, or any of the eight other states that until recently issued licenses to known illegals, along with car insurance (because you can’t get car insurance without a license), a sly smile will creep across his face. There will be no deportation this night.  God Bless America!\

Of course, it doesn’t stop with licenses.  What about school identification cards, since American taxpayers are educating known illegals to the tune of billions a year?  And not just high school, but college, since many states offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students?

Or the work ID cards issued by unscrupulous businessmen looking for cheap labor?  The list goes on…

Bottom line: Arizona’s law sounds good, and gives people a (false) sense of security, but in reality, it changes nothing.

Why the foot dragging on real reform?  It’s simple.

Too many Republicans are in bed with Big Business, which wants cheap labor, and too many Democrats put politics ahead of national security because they see illegals voting their way.  And make no mistake: illegal invaders are voting in ever-growing numbers.  The problem of illegals’ voting has become so acute that they could, in fact, be determining congressional and even presidential elections, especially in those states with razor thin electoral margins ---like Arizona and New Mexico.

So what is the answer?

That too, is simple, but it’s just not easy.  It all comes down to political will. As always, a small dose of common sense goes a long way:

1) Here’s a novel idea: Actually build the border wall. If built correctly, it will stop darn near all invaders ---who number over 500,000 per year --- yet the southern border remains as vulnerable as ever.  And not just to illegals, but terrorists who could be harboring nuclear and biological weapons---- or just a pilot’s license.  (Kind of like that guy Mohammad Atta and 12 other September 11 highjackers who had state-issued licenses.)

In 2006, legislation was signed into law for a special double-layer fence along 700 miles of the most heavily violated border.  Four years later, 34 miles have been built.  Given the millions out of work and trillions spent on government stimulus, how is this possible?  I’d say make the illegals build the wall before kicking them out, but since they’re already stealing jobs from Americans, that just wouldn’t be right.

2) Put employers who knowingly hire illegals out of business ---and in jail. Deliberately accommodating illegals is a national security risk, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.  And here’s an added bonus: tough enforcement will reduce demand for cheap (slave) labor, thereby decreasing supply ---i.e., illegals --- at the border.

3) Since the rate of criminal recidivism among illegals is seven ---that is, the government is knowingly placing illegals back on the street who have committed an average of seven crimes --- let’s try something called deportation. Instead, we are being dictated to by third-world rat-hole countries that don’t want their own criminals back and refuse to take them.  And they still receive foreign aid.  There was a Senate bill introduced to stop this insane practice, but it died. Go figure.

4) Consult the dictionary.  Last time I checked, “illegal” means “breaking the law.” So when the government ---local, state or federal --- knowingly accommodates illegal invaders for any reason, they are, by definition, breaking the law!

That means no more licenses, jobs, college education, school tuition, or legal rights.  And no amnesty.  Rewarding people who break the law --- and slapping the face of those who have toiled so hard doing it the right way --- is the epitome of un-Americanism.

It’s time Americans band together to demand sensible immigration policy.  We are the most generous nation on Earth, but will only be able to continue that good work if our economic and physical security is no longer jeopardized. 

Stopping the invading hordes ---just like Mexico does on its southern border --- while maintaining our national identity  as the most welcoming country in the world, needs to be our first priority.

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is aggressively pushing a plan that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain drivers' licenses. As you might imagine, there has been quite an uproar.

But why?

The Governor, who is sworn to uphold the law, claims that roads will be safer, auto insurance rates will drop, there will be fewer uninsured drivers, and drivers' licenses for illegals will enhance law enforcement efforts.

Sounds like a plan. And its not like al-Qaida operatives will be flocking to the DMV to apply for legitimate identification credentials that would allow them to move freely---and legally--- throughout the country.

Oh, wait. The 9/11 high-jackers actually did do that, allowing them to open bank accounts, rent houses, and, yes, board planes.

Scratch that last one. But 9/11 happened eons ago. Its not like theyre planning to attack again.

Anyone opposed to the license plan is clearly racist, bigoted, pro-law enforcement, and doesn't like burritos, manicured lawns, or fair wages. Illegal invaders are such an integral part of our society that to limit their rights in any way does irreparable harm to these United States of Mexico.

Go Eliot!

One small caveat, Governor. If the brotherhood of Mohammed Atta decides to target the Empire State Building with weapons and explosives bought legally with their state-sanctioned drivers license, or, on the off-chance, they take a one-way joyride in a 767, you may have a few people knocking at your Mansion door.

In such a case, I am sure that if you explain the merits of safer roads and lower auto-insurance rates (even though they won't decrease), all will be well again. Of course, you may encounter some opposition when you invoke the enhance law enforcement line, but thats just a guess.

Why is this man not running for President? Hed definitely be in the 'driver's seat'.

It wouldn't be the first time we had a criminal in the White House.

You see, Spitzer's action is undeniably in violation of federal law. Any attempt to encourage or assist illegal aliens is against the law. Period. Since there is no gray area in this regard, Spitzer is committing a crime.

Where is the President Bush's Justice Department? Why have they not brought the hammer down on this proposal, as well as the other states that already have such a law on the books?

If only we had Alberto Gonzales to rescue us, but he's busy mounting his own legal defense for perjury.

And if a Democrat wins the White House next year, expect more of the same.

How is it that, since a clear majority of Americans oppose these policies (in a recent poll, 72% of New Yorkers are against the Governor's plan), and such action, by its very nature, violates the law, we continue to see programs solely designed to coddle illegal aliens?

Follow the money.

Republicans are in bed with big business, and these fat cats want the cheap labor. Democrats want the votes. There are already a significant number of illegals voting in our elections, and that number will rise as more of them can provide legally-obtained drivers' licenses. Since the majority of these invaders vote Democratic, the D's continue their push for these programs and ignore the destruction of America's sovereignty. What's the point of American citizenship when foreign nationals are participating in, and affecting the outcome of, our elections?

The most blatant example of this treason---and that's exactly what it is--- is that the Spitzer administration reversed a policy that would have prohibited the DMV from handing out motor-voter forms without receiving a Social Security number. So illegal alien and terrorist alike will now be able to obtain a license without a Social Security number, and use that license to vote. All of which is---let's say it again---illegal.

When our highest elected officials are so blinded by arrogance that they show open contempt for the oaths they took, the Republic is in serious jeopardy.

In the midst of the most dangerous time in our nation's history, our "leaders" go out of their way to aid and abet the enemy.

In case you're interested, the Governor's Mansion is in Albany.