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What bipartisan cooperation can accomplish

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* From Rebecca Shi, the director of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition…

Hello Rich,

Hope your summer is going great! Governor Rauner signed into law a bill providing health insurance for 41,000 undocumented children. We are celebrating this Friday with Archbishop Blase Cupich, Minority leader Jim Durkin, Latino caucus co-chairs Iris Martinez and Lisa Hernandez, and 350 business, faith, and Latino Asian leaders. Wondering if you would you be interested in this story?

I wholeheartedly believe that this is one bright spot in this year’s Springfield fight: Bi-partisan support for renewal of health care for 41,000 undocumented children in Illinois, passed legislation in the House and Senate with the support of all four legislative leaders, and Gov. Rauner signed the bill. In this era of Trump and his wall, the national anti-immigrant groups weighed in against this legislation and they were crushed.

We had active support from the grass-roots, the faith community (especially Catholics), the business community (including Susan Crown and Bill Kunkler, who put an op ed in the Tribune, Exelon’s John Rowe and Crate and Barrel’s Carole Segal), and the united healthcare community. A beautiful piece of organizing.

I hope perhaps you can tell this story. It is both ironic and beautiful that the MOST vulnerable and least politically relevant people - undocumented children - was where Rauner and Madigan agreed to sheath their swords and each actively worked to move towards a successful resolution.

* Mark Brown has a column about the law today…

Even as Donald Trump was wrapping up the Republican presidential nomination in part with his get-tough rhetoric on immigration, Illinois political leaders moved in a decidedly different direction in the waning days of the spring legislative session.

With bipartisan support that included backing from Gov. Bruce Rauner, lawmakers renewed a state health insurance program for low-income children that includes coverage for undocumented youth.

* A few important points from Brown’s column…

Such celebrations are often held as part of bill-signing ceremonies, but in this case, Rauner quickly signed the legislation to beat a July 1 deadline and is not expected to attend Friday’s festivities. […]

Sen. Chris Nybo of Elmhurst, one of many Republicans who supported the bill, argued that it is in keeping with his pro-life philosophy.

“Being supportive of children and families should transcend immigration status,” Nybo said. […]

House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton kept the bill separate from other Medicaid-funding legislation to keep it from getting caught up in the partisan budget wars.

* Like with his signature on the Right of Conscience Act revisions opposed by the far right and all the new criminal justice reform measures he’s backed, the governor has tried to tamp down coverage of his signatures by signing potentially controversial bills without comment. It’s mostly worked. The uproar over the Right of Conscience Act bill has received almost no mainstream media coverage. And I doubt many people beyond those who read this blog are aware of all the new criminal justice reforms.

Also, Sen. Nybo put to voice something I’ve heard others say. Almost every pro-life legislator (except a few like Nybo) voted against that All Kids bill, despite the fact that it will almost certainly save the lives of newborn infants. And since it came with a 90 percent federal match, it’ll save Illinoisans some cash because those costs won’t be shifted to providers, who then shift those costs to people who have insurance.

And good on all four legislative leaders and the governor for doing their very best to keep this out of the impasse war. Without that cooperation, the bill would’ve never become law.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:30 am

Comments

Let’s see more of this.

Comment by tobor Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:40 am
To the Post,

I want to congratulate Governor Rauner for looking at the social impacts versus political ideology and governing within the constrains of his office and doing what he feels is right, and doing it knowing all the good that will be accomplished.

The Four Leaders and the Governor have proven the age long rule that finding common ground for the common good will lead to good governance. While this is a narrow example, it’s a beacon all 5 should continue to strive to reach for many other governing challenges Illinois faces.

I also want to thank Ms. Shi for recognizing Leader Durkin, along with the Latino Caucus co-chairs making clear how important bipartisan cooperation was here, and putting front and center the importance of recognizing Republicans as important actors in this.

Great stuff.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:42 am
No hostages!

Comment by Facts are stubborn things Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:46 am
I know that these kinds of stories are few and far between, but we need to see more examples of this cooperation.

– finding common ground for the common good –

Exactly

Comment by illini Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:46 am
Great. Now us State workers and retirees want to know if this health coverage is going to be paid to providers at the same 2-year delay that our insurance is. Just asking.

Comment by No Raise Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:48 am
This is the kind of governing competence that the voters were looking for when they elected Rauner.

Too bad we can’t see more of the practical side of governing …

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:49 am
Good on everyone to pass this bill and move in the opposite direction of Trump. I hope one day the country can pass humane immigration reform.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:49 am
===Now us State workers===

No matter the topic, it’s always about you.

Tiring.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:50 am
===Now us State workers and retirees want to know if this health coverage is going to be paid to providers at the same 2-year delay that our insurance is.===

… this is why public distain grows and grows. Sometimes things that happen for the betterment of Illinois just don’t include state workers, retireees, or the pesky constitution defending them both, raise or no raise, raises in insurance or not.

… but y’all showed Pat Quinn in 2014!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:53 am
Of course the children should be protected, but some adults need to be held accountable here. I believe most “undocumented children” have relatives here who brought them. Those who do should be placed as their guardians and held financially responsible for them rather than laying it on the taxpayers. If the children DON’t have parents and relatives here, they should be re-united with their parents in their native countries ASAP. I think in the best interest of the children, sending kids here through “coyotes” to become anchors for parents is despicable, and any parent doing so should be excluded from immigration to the US or being eligible for work or welfare.

The kids need to be protected from those putting them at risk by bringing them here illegally, and there need to be consequences for those who do.

Whatever happened to the “sponsor” program where you couldn’t immigrate here unless some citizen took responsibility for you? That was required for my wife’s family, but apparently the taxpayer is the new “sponsor”. Sad.

Comment by Illinois bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:53 am
=== Almost every pro-life legislator (except a few like Nybo) voted against that All Kids bill, despite the fact that it will almost certainly save the lives of newborn infants. And since it came with a 90 percent federal match, it’ll save Illinoisans some cash because those costs won’t be shifted to providers, who then shift those costs to people who have insurance. ==

I’d love to hear from one of these so-called pro-lifers to explain why life when it comes out of the womb isn’t so important?

I’d also enjoy hearing from a Trump backer comment on this bipartisan bill. The absence of much controvery on this measure indicates the Donald will be crushed in the Land of Lincoln, which may not bode well for Repubicans farther down the ballot.

Comment by anon Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:59 am
This was the right thing to do, but I would still like to know what it will cost then taxpayers of this financially broke State.

Comment by Harry Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:05 am
Great news for the open borders, multicultural wing of the Democratic party; Not so much for the GOP. The covering all kids program which this bill extends till Oct 2019 has already diverted over 320 million to cover undocumented kids.

http://www.politifact.com/illinois/statements/2016/jul/14/bill-mitchell/illinois-spent-millions-covering-illegals/

Comment by t sowell Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:10 am
Decrim bill (SB2228) got some pretty decent media coverage but overall the point holds

Comment by Doofman Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:11 am
No Raise: Maybe you can take that up with the Gov. you helped put in office. Remember the State Fair? Karma says hello.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:12 am
I totally disagree that any illegal alien should receive public aid of any form. Illegal aliens are ineligible for Medicaid and other health services except in emergency situations under federal law. However, obviously this is not the case. Yes, I know how this is done. On the forms, immigration status is not asked.

Illegal immigration should be discouraged and not encouraged as does this ‘law.’ And using children as social blackmail in the overall push for massive amnesty does not impress me as it does the vast majority writing on this site.

I know all the arguments, they are here so we have to take care of them etc. etc. And that is the illogic used and why the 1986 Amnesty bill was and is a total lie and joke. And it is also why Comprehensive Immigration Reform is really a cover for Comprehensive Amnesty and continued de facto open borders. And that is want the establishment politicians of both parties really want as they have proved over the last 30 years.

Unfortunately, as typical of Trump, he could not stay on message and started ranting and raving about Mexicans (and by implication Mexicans only) were all murderers. A dumb and morally wrong statement that does not negate the reality that illegal immigration is out of control- here for many decades and now Europe as well.

Am I staying on topic. Most certainly. Because if our immigration laws were enforced and the 1986 Amnesty bill had been honored as it was sold to the American public we would not be discussing this.

Of course, on this site I will be a villain. But that will not prevent me from giving another side to this important issue.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:16 am
I was about to withdraw my comment about Rauner’s support for the bereavement leave bill until I saw the 90% federal match on this one.

Well, here’s my 100% - 90% = 10% backtrack: We should congratulate everyone involved in passing good legislation without analyzing motives too closely. There’s plenty of opportunity to examine motives when good legislation doesn’t pass.

Comment by X-prof Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:24 am
This is a mixed blessing. Yes, I want all children to get good medical care. But, I agree with Illinois Bob ( first time for it), and Federalist. We need to fix our immigration issue - and not by giving illegal immigrants a pass to stay here.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:38 am
For a state that’s losing population, some people in this thread are sure in a rush to show folks the door. What we need in Illinois is federal policy for a path to citizenship and higher quotas for legal migration, and to welcome immigrants to our state. It’d be beneficial economically.

Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:58 am
Federalist: Are you a pro-lifer?

Comment by anon Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:12 pm
@ ChicagoVinny - Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 11:58 am:

“For a state that’s losing population, some people in this thread are sure in a rush to show folks the door. What we need in Illinois is federal policy for a path to citizenship and higher quotas for legal migration, and to welcome immigrants to our state. It’d be beneficial economically.”

True but only if they have truly needed skills that the state/nation needs. And I don’t mean little ethnic restaurants, 7-11 stores, nannies, gardeners etc. Far too often the ‘businesses’ are small, pay low wages which they then go back to the ‘old country’ and import more friends and relatives (kind of like the phone plan isn’t it) at low wages that will qualify them for government assistance.

And the very act of this bill should tell you something.

YOU know what I am talking about- or should.

So what I am saying is that this argument, and I have heard it so many tiresome times before, is a red-herring.

Immigration can be positive. For it to be it must identify those individuals who have some unusual works skills the nation really needs. And I don’t just mean a degree so that Bill Gates can get cheaper technology workers. Or millions in capital that is required to create businesses for our existing citizens. And not such instances as in meat packing where unions are busted, wages are slashed down to near FPL, for really hard work and then claim they can’t find American workers (to work like serfs). Beardstown, Il in Cass Count is a classic example and in a town near me.

So think about that for awhile.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:18 pm
@chicagovinny

the problem with Illinois emigration is WHO is leaving Illinois. It’s not the criminal and the welfare class, it’s the professionals and those who are needed to make the economy, and society, work. We just got a new neighbor, and when our for sale sign went up she asked what was going on. She’s Persian. We told her that the three people who just moved left Illinois because there was little reason to stay. Most of our kids have graduated from college and took better jobs out of state, and we prefer the people and culture elsewhere, as well as lower taxes and governmental costs.

my lawyer neighbor moved to Tennessee, my retired teacher neighbor mover to Indiana, and we’re moving back to Arizona as soon as our residence is sold.

Of all the 9 kids from the three households, 2 went to Arizona, 1 to New York, 1 to Silicon Valley, 1 to Houston, 2 to Indiana and only 2 got jobs in Illinois. The ones who left were lawyers, engineers, and business majors.

For our subdivision of $450K to $550K homes, virtually all the move in traffic is from professional middle eastern immigrants.

The people we elect have consequences, and decades of corruption and mismanagement in government have poisoned the Illinois job and service wells.

The consequences for electing the Ryan’s, Blago’s and Madigan’s are here, and the exodus is in full swing…

Comment by Illinois Bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:20 pm
@Anon,

No I am not a pro Lifer. Just the opposite!

Roe v. Wade was bad ‘Legislation’ because it is quite clear that it is not an enumerated power and therefore left to the 10th Amendment (which is as lost as Amelia Earhart in todays judicial illogic.)

But if I were a member of the GA I would support relatively unrestricted limits on the right to an abortion.

I assume you are going somewhere with this, but I will answer the question openly anyway.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:23 pm
For the Governor, this was easy. With a 90% federal match almost any program is GRF neutral. The income taxes and sales taxes paid on the federal funds as they move through the economy will almost certainly generate the State funds required. There may even be a net gain.

For the Catholic Church, this makes sense. But the Church does not really worry about national borders, nor should they.

Since we have no political will to enforce our immigration laws, providing for the people who are here makes sense. Prevention is cheaper than remediation.

However, I do not support our porous borders policy. The refusal of our elected officials to uphold their oaths and enforce our laws is infuriating.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:32 pm
Rich, did you consider writing a book about who’s emigrating from Illinois and immigrating to Illinois? It seems the political culture in Illinois, and political decisions made over the last few decades had a lot to do with it.

You were there in the middle of it with the people who made the bad decisions that got us to where we are, and unfortunately where Illinois seems to be going.

With your insights, I’m sure it would be a fascinating read…

Comment by Illinois Bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:41 pm
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:45 pm:

Chicago and Cook County - Sanctuary city and county!

YES. And thus by default the entire state.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:47 pm
This kind of action also once again to be me demonstrates that this governor is someone who the Democrats can work with and make a deal with. It takes two to tango and Madigan doesn’t dance.

Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:54 pm
- Ahoy! -

When there’s no turnaround agenda…

Ya keep forgettin’ that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Bob, isn’t AZ kind of close to the border? Are you sure you are going to be comfortable there?? Lol. You should talk and meet your new Middle Eastern neighbors, you might learn something. After all, IL is suuuuccchhh a drag I am sure it will take you at least 10 years to sell your house. lol

Comment by yo Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 1:00 pm
@Anon,

AHHH! Now I see from previous posts where you were going with this.

I am too intelligent to be lumped into any one group. I am not a bobble head for anyone. I too am sick of Republicans who want imported cheap labor and use them as serfs/slaves. But the same goes for Democrats who use them as cheap votes.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Children have no real control over their position or destiny. Not caring for them and providing health care would be cruel by any measure.

I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t agree that illegal immigration is a problem. It’s big. We’ve spent years looking the other way as a country. It really requires stopping or curbing illegal immigration going forward first. If we do that, we’ll have a better view of just how significant the issue of people already here, already contributing or not, is.

In the meantime, these are as much human decisions as American decisions. I know of no circumstance where the child should be penalized for the transgressions of their parents.

A vote to pick up 10% of the care with the Fed picking up 90% isn’t bold. When we treat what should be basic human decency as heroic, our meter is off.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 1:31 pm
Federalist and IB,

I hear what you’re saying, but sick undocumented children lead to sick citizens. This law is a proverbial win-win.

To your point about immigration, in the absence of reform, how about we penalize those who hire undocumented immigrants? A lot of R’s (and D’s) want their factories and home services run on the cheap…then cry about stemming the tide of immigration.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 1:41 pm
@yo

I’m near Scottsdale, right next to the Yavapai nation and about a mile from Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s house near the fountain.

The Yavapai don’t take well to trespassers (unless they’re gamblers at their Casino).

No problem with illegals there!LOL

Comment by Illinois Bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 1:47 pm
@yo

Actually, we got an offer the first week that we listed close to full asking. we’ll see how it works out.

The folks likely buying it are Middle Eastern. The father owns a couple of car dealerships, and he wants to buy it for his married daughter.

Pretty moderate folks. The sister moved next door, and the parents live about a block away.

All college grads.

They’re the kind of immigration we need instead of bringing in unvetted Syrian refugees.

Comment by Illinois Bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 1:52 pm
This entire discussion on immigration as it relates to this particular topic is a complete red herring. The “in” thing now is to blame all of our woes on immigrants. It’s the kind of attitude that Donald Trump is tapping into. If only those bad old immigrants could be stopped everything would be fine. Nonsense.

The topic of health insurance drives me insane. It is unfathomable to me that anyone should have to be faced with a decision on whether or not they can afford to be insured or not. That shouldn’t even be an issue. As far as I’m concerned everyone should have a right to healthcare. No one should be bankrupted because they get sick.

We need some form of national healthcare system. Whether or not you have good healthcare shouldn’t depend on your job. Healthcare should be a right.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:05 pm
==For it to be it must identify those individuals who have some unusual works skills ==

Using that litmus test my wife, who is an immigrant, wouldn’t have been allowed in. Should I tell her that you don’t deem her worthy to be here and that you would have opposed her citizenship?

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:31 pm
@ Jocko
To your point about immigration, in the absence of reform, how about we penalize those who hire undocumented immigrants? A lot of R’s (and D’s) want their factories and home services run on the cheap…then cry about stemming the tide of immigration.

I have repeated pointed this out. When I rail against Republican elites, the CC, the Farm Bureau and that the entire 1986 Amnesty bill which was to stop hiring illegal aliens, well, what do you think I was talking about.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:33 pm
@Demoralized

“The signing of this bill and the actions Rauner is taking on health insurance only proves that this is not a RED Herring.”

I can see why you are ‘demoralized’ as you seem to try to dismiss logical thought since it does not agree with you. And what I have presented today really annoys those who only have their little HuffingtonPost type mantras ready to use.

Would love to have a public debate/discussion with you and others in a format that would be televised with no stacked audience in attendance when taping.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:39 pm
==They’re the kind of immigration we need instead of bringing in unvetted Syrian refugees.==

You’ve fallen for that talking point hook, line and sinker haven’t you. There is nothing “unvetted” about them and I think that’s been pointed out about 1,000 times.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:42 pm
“Using that litmus test my wife, who is an immigrant, wouldn’t have been allowed in. Should I tell her that you don’t deem her worthy to be here and that you would have opposed her citizenship?”
@Demoralized
The fact that your wife is from another country and you and her want to be here is hardly the basis for a sound immigration policy- except for those whom it benefits personally.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:43 pm
@Demoralized

As usual, you completely miss the point. I don’t know of anyone complaining about highly skilled professional “immigrants” who come into this country, just those who come here and take more than they give or commit crimes against people here.

You also clearly don’t understand the difference between “healthcare” and health insurance.

Health CARE is the system of medical service delivery, while health INSURANCE is merely a payment plan.

Most of the non-governmental plans these days require virtually all the costs to be “self pay” due to high deductibles. If you count those paying their own health expenses as “uninsured” regardless if they have what amounts to their insurance plan, I believe that we have more “uninsured” personally paying far more than the insurance used to pay before ACA.

The problem is that single payer inevitably leads to rationing and decline of quality. Perhaps the substandard care for high expense is most evident in the shameless way vets are treated by the VA.

You’re simply not going to get the quality of care and service we get today if you expect doctors to work their usual 100 hour weeks, and go to school for at least 8 years plus residency at low pay for compensation rates less than suburban PE teachers.

We need to ensure that everyone has access to adequate health CARE. Health insurance is only a part of that equation.

Comment by Illinois bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:44 pm
@Demopalized

=Nothing is nothing “unvetted” about them and I think that’s been pointed out about 1,000 times.=

Erroneously, as usual. When you don’t have papers or a reliable personal history record, you can’t be adequately “vetted” as our refugee program requires.

Having a bureaucrat sit down and have a chat simply doesn’t cut it.

Comment by Illinois bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:48 pm
@Demopalized

=Nothing is nothing “unvetted” about them and I think that’s been pointed out about 1,000 times.=

Erroneously, as usual. When you don’t have papers or a reliable personal history record, you can’t be adequately “vetted” as our refugee program requires.

Having a bureaucrat sit down and have a chat simply doesn’t cut it.

Comment by Illinois bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:48 pm
Bob:

Thanks for the “education.” But, I do know the difference. But (gasp) I agree with your ending sentiment with a caveat - everyone needs access to affordable healthcare. How we get there is debatable.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:48 pm
Hey Bob. Federalist doesn’t want my immigrant wife in the country. I think you and I are in the same boat there. Apparently our wives aren’t worthy of being here.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:50 pm
@Demoralized

That’s not his point at all. He just doesn’t want to foot the bill for my wife, and if he saw her VISA bills he’d like it even less!

Comment by Illinois Bob Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Actually that is what he said in my particular case. Just because I want her here doesn’t mean she should be. Pretty clear to me.

The xenophobia sweeping this country disturbs me.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 2:59 pm
@Demoralized,

Yes, you are correct in what I said. But it is not personal it applies to all such situations and people.

Just because a person wants to come here is not the basis for a sound immigration policy. This is a complex topic as to whom should be able to immigrate to this country and would take more time that this website could or should handle.

I wish I had a forum to discuss real Comprehensive Immigration Reform and then a more intelligent discussion could be pursued. Obviously that is not going to happen.

Regardless. I hope you and your wife have a happy life. You followed the rules that were set out and that is the present law.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:10 pm
Federalist/Illinois Bob- I’ve got to part ways with you two on the Legal Immigration part. I want illegal immigration to be prevented and punished, but I want legal immigration to be expanded. The words on the base of the Stature of Liberty don’t say give us only high income immigrants..

Comment by Thoughts Matter Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:14 pm
Federalist:

We are a country of immigrants. We shouldn’t turn our backs on that history and, I’m sorry, I’m not going to be very tolerant of anyone who would effectively tell me who I can and cannot marry.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:29 pm
Thoughts:

It seems to me some people would prefer we lower the Statue of Liberty’s torch and replace it with a hand with a certain finger held high in the air.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:31 pm
@Demoralized,

What you make for with a lack of knowledge and thought you more than make up for with intolerance of other opinions.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:40 pm
Demoralized,

Granting citizenship the the spouses of citizens is a long standing policy and I think few would suggest changing it.

Things may get a little dicey when the Supreme Court decides that the one person one spouse rule violates the Constitution.

The chaining effect of family reunification can be a problem. Suddenly 10 people move to the head of he line because one person became a citizen. I prefer a more skilled based approach, but I understand those to whom family is most important.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:41 pm
@Thoughts Matter - Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:14 pm:

Federalist/Illinois Bob- I’ve got to part ways with you two on the Legal Immigration part. I want illegal immigration to be prevented and punished, but I want legal immigration to be expanded. The words on the base of the Stature of Liberty don’t say give us only high income immigrants..

You have spouted ‘high sounding’ platitudes that mean absolutely nothing in terms of the real world today.

The fact that the French gave the Statute of Liberty to us in the 19th C. is meaningless as an immigration policy in the 21st C.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 3:43 pm
=you more than make up for with intolerance of other opinions==

Only when they xenophobic

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 4:05 pm
==What you make for with a lack of knowledge and thought==

Again, go fly a kite.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 4:06 pm
==Granting citizenship the the spouses of citizens is a long standing policy and I think few would suggest changing it.==

Um, one of those “few” is suggesting it here.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 4:07 pm
Demoralized,

At least the Donald is on your side.

John Wayne too if I remember correctly.

Me too, though I hate to agree with Trump.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 4:26 pm
Maybe the U.S. should annex Mexico as the 51st state. /s

Comment by Mama Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 4:41 pm
Now you all know why your insurance rates are going to the moon. The United States and Illinois cannot afford easy access and affordable care for ILLEGALS!!! U.S. Citizens first!!!!

Comment by The All Knowing Oz Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 5:45 pm
Trump and Wayne had a number of wives so eventually they ended up having to go to a foreign country.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 5:51 pm
Federalist: Thanks for responding to my question, and for providing a lively counterpoint on this issue.

Comment by anon Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 7:12 pm
Bob, you are a quote machine today.

“She’s Persian.” Haven’t heard that one in years.

“They’re Middle Eastern.” Who cares as long as the check clears?

“They’re moderate.” The NSA appreciates the screening and will take them off the ISIS Watchlist.

All you needed to throw in was “Oriental” and “Jew” and you would get a hundred on the Ethnic Insensitivity Test.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:07 pm
@ Anon,

And thank you for your kind response.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 4, 16 @ 10:29 pm