2 U.S. Congressmen travel to Honduras seeking resolution
Two U.S. Congressmen traveled to Honduras over the weekend to figure out what the next step will be in U.S./Honduran relations. Congressmen Brian Bilbray-R Calif. and Connie Mack-R Fla. traveled to the small Central American country and found shock and dismay by Hondurans that their strongest ally, the United States, hadn’t sided with them.
In a recent interview, Bilbray explained that most Hondurans in the country want ousted President Manuel Zelaya to return, but not to resume power- to stand trial.
“Zelaya has five constitutional violations to his name and he was kicked out of the country by his party and the Supreme Court,” Bilbray said. “Maybe they could have handled it better, but the letter of the law is with Hondurans on this.”
Earlier this month the U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, said Zelaya is “reckless” for trying to sneak back into the country from Nicaragua.
During the brief visit, the Congressmen met with country leaders and the current interim President Roberto Micheletti about the situation. After constructive meetings Bilbray and Mack were able to hammer out a concession with the transition government.
The congressmen were able to create an outline for the negotiations that will help Honduras move forward. Among the concessions, the current interim president will step down, the government will appoint a new interim president and Mr. Zelaya will be allowed to return to the country and face trial.
“If he is cleared of all charges, he can be reinstated as President to serve out the remainder of his term which ends January 27, 2010,” Bilbray explained. However he contends an acquittal is highly unlikely.
“This offer seems fair for a country with rich ties to the United States,” Bilbray said. “I feel the Obama Administration really jumped the gun on this crisis and this is their chance to get it right.”
The U.S. delegation met with various groups and saw calm in the streets. The delegation also met with candidates that will be running for President in November. “There were calm streets and tempered minds,” Bilbray described.
However as the situation continues as a stalemate, the Honduran people have begun to stockpile food “just in case.”
There has been no word from the White House on how they will move forward on this issue and they could not be reached for immediate comment.
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San Diego Sheriff’s race gets a Joe Arpaio endorsement
San Diego- As the San Diego Sheriff’s race heats up, local contender, Jay LaSuer gets an official endorsement from Arizona’s Top Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
LaSuer announced his endorsement on local radio station 1170 KCBQ with Rick Amato. Arpaio’s endorsement comes as the race for the Sheriff’s office is just getting underway.
“Joe is the foremost Sheriff in the country and the person I admire most in law enforcement. His support is very humbling to me,” LaSuer said.
The premier Sheriff in America said he would be willing to help LaSuer with fund raising efforts as well as advertisements, says LaSuer. “He is a living legend and well respected.”
Many think this endorsement might just push LaSuer over the finish line first as Arpaio is well respected. Despite negative press from left wing organizations, Sheriff Joe continues to win reelections in landslide manners.
The bottom line for LaSuer is straight talk. “I want to make San Diego County the safest county in the country.”
Friendship Park on the border to remain closed despite pro-Amnesty groups San Diego- Pro-amnesty gr
San Diego- Pro-amnesty groups, and politicians recently sent a letter to DHS, Janet Napolitano’s office requesting the border Friendship Park be reopened- Border Patrol supervision would be required.
However, the recent murder of a U.S. Border Patrol agent and American advocacy groups firmly stand behind the Border Czar, Alan Bersin who says he is against the idea of restoring access.
Leading the charge to get Friendship Park reopened is Enrique Morones, founder of Border Angels and Friends of Friendship Park. “Having personally met with DHS in D.C. and locally the question is not weather it will reopen, but when it will reopen,” Morones stated. “I personally would like to have it reopen by our annual Posadas Sin Fronteras in December.”
Morones has Democratic Congresswomen Susan Davis and Congressman Bob Filner on his side. In the letter to DHS Secretary Napolitano, the group asked for “restoration of routine public access to Friendship Park, the historic location overlooking the Pacific Ocean…along the U.S./Mexico border.”
Fat chance says Republican Congressmen Brian Bilbray and Duncan Hunter. Bilbray who grew up near the border says this park is just a ruse. “This park was supposed to be a dual effort, we (U.S.) built the park and Mexico built a Bullring, that’s how important it was to Mexico,” Bilbray explained.
The Congressman goes on to explain the second Morones and his group got the Coastal Commission involved was the beginning of the demise for the park; as the Coastal Commission group determined where the fence would be built.
Congressman Hunter’s office says Border Patrol representatives told Department of Homeland Security the fence is completed and there was no intention to abandon the finished fence.
Also, another wrench in this Friendship Park reopening will be the recent murder of Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas. His death by illegal smugglers has renewed lawmakers attention to ensure that the U.S./Mexico borders are secure.
“Border Field State Park is finally secure with a triple fence after decades of smuggling illegal aliens, drugs and contraband between, over and through the old fence,” says Jeff Schwilk of the San Diego Minutemen. “This area must remain secure and closed to all civilian access as part of America’s overall effort to gain operational control over our dangerous border with Mexico, especially between San Diego and Tijuana.”
However, California Attorney General John Fanestil is endorsing the reopening process. “Just as with any public park, people should be able to look out their window at the beginning of the day, see the sun shining and say this would be a nice day to go to the park.”
What a nice sentiment, however, Oceanside resident Mike Schmid, says, “If it’s such a nice day why don’t you drive across the border to meet at a park to visit with family and friends,” he said. “They don’t do it because they are here illegally and couldn’t get back into the U.S.”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Border Patrol Agent Rosas honored at vigil
Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas, who was murder while on duty last Thursday, was honored by a group of Patriots outside the El Cajon Border Patrol substation. The group brought flowers, cards and well wishes for the family of the slain agent.
“I’m here to honor Agent Rosas,” says Claire Van Aelstyn. “It breaks my heart that he was ambushed like that. He has two small children that will never know their dad.”
Many came out in support of the fallen hero today, because the funeral being held on Friday in El Centro will be for family and friends only. This vigil was their way of showing support.
Congress is also showing its gratitude by filing a resolution honoring fallen Border Agent Rosas. “This resolution is intended to honor Agent Rosas for his service and sacrifice, as well as all those dedicated to preserving and protecting our borders,” Congressman Duncan Hunter-R CA said.
The resolution is also signed by Congressmen/women Brian Bilbray-R, Darrell Issa-R, Bob Filner-D, Mark Souder-R, Susan Davis-D and Lamar Smith-R.
This however is of little consequence to some Rosas family members. One member states; “it is terrible that he was killed in a brutal way because the money, staffing and proper fencing was not available for the protection of the borders”.
Some border agents agree. Speaking out under the radar one agent said the border fence works. However, the dynamics at the border are constantly changing. Illegal crossers move to different locations when gaps close or they use other methods when they can’t climb or dig their way through.
That is why Border Patrol agents continue to move with the fluid border situation as is occurs.
Currently, there are as many as six suspects being held in Mexico in connection with the murder case. The FBI has taken the lead and has been working with the Mexican government, but is skeptical about the main suspect being the killer.
“This case is not solved, we need support from the public,” Darrell Foxworth, spokesperson from the FBI said. “If someone is sitting out there and they have any information, give us a call.”
Back at the vigil Sheriff candidate Bruce Ruff said, “I am sadden by this murder, but unfortunately this is just a symptom of a bigger problem. These murderers are emboldened each time we do not respond swiftly.”
The bottom line says Ruff, “It’s about law and order.”
Local WS Radio talk show host, Jimmy Valentine agrees something needs to be done. “We lost a Marine here, Rosas wears a different uniform, but he should be treated the same. They fight on the frontlines just like they are in Iraq.”
He continues to add that the U.S./Mexico border should be thought of as more important because it is much closer to home and there’s much more at stake.
And this is where it ends, Gabriel Pollock, a Minuteman said, “It’s all about him (Rosas).”
Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas is survived by his wife Rosie, and two children. Funeral services will be held in El Centro on Friday at 9:00 a.m.
For those who wish to help the surviving family members out. A memorial account has been established through Cabrillo Credit Union; Account Number; 186716-02.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
E-Verify, verified by Department of Homeland Security
Washington D.C. –The federal government finally moved forward on E-Verify and will require all federal contract employers use the verification process to prove U.S. residency and ensure tax dollars are going to legal residents.
“E-Verify is a smart, simple and effective tool that reflects our continued commitment to working with employers to maintain a legal workforce,” said Janet Napolitano Secretary of Department of Homeland Security.
“Requiring those who seek federal contracts to use this system will create a more reliable and legal workforce,” she said.
A leading advocate for E-Verify is Congressman Brian Bilbray-R CA; “This is a perfect common sense law that ensures our tax dollars go to Americans or others authorized to work here. It’s important that we use our tax dollars as wisely as possible.”
According to Bilbray the process is simple to use and the right people are getting through.
The E-Verify process simply compares information from the Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9) against the feral government’s data base. The Social Security office works jointly with DHS by offering a free website.
Although E-Verify provides a positive confirmation in 96.9 percent of the cases and the Senate approved amendments to require all federal contractors to use the system, there are some critics, most notably, Chuck Schumer-D NY.
He calls the E-Verify system “half-hearted and flawed.”
The proof is in the numbers according to the Center for Immigration Studies, an independent research institute that examines the impact of immigration on the U.S.
“When this program began in 2007 it was used to screen 1 in 19 new hires nationwide,” says Janice Kephart, Director of National Security Policy for CIS. The current numbers for July of this year show an astounding new number.
“The new figures represent a 274 percent increase, or 1 in 4 new hires are vetted by E-Verify,” Kephart says. “The number of queries so far in 2009 is about 6 million, nearly what they were for all of 2008.”
If the current trend holds Kephart believes E-Verify will identify 12.3 million employees this year. DHS states that there are approximately 511,228 worksites using E-Verify program through July, up from 400,000 in January.
CIS Institute says “E-Verify enables cheap, efficient and accurate compliance with the federal ban on hiring illegal aliens.”
On another front the state of California remains bogged down by illegal immigration issues. Some in Sacramento believe E-Verify isn’t accurate enough and have put forward legislation AB 1288 in February of this year.
The legislation would prohibit the state, or a city, county, or special district from requiring the employer other than the government entities to use an electronic employment verification system.
Many businesses use E-Verify to screen potential employees. For example, construction, farming, warehouse and other large companies who employ many unskilled workers.
Congressman Bilbray finds this odd. “No wonder they (Sacramento) wants to tax marijuana, they seem to be smoking it.”
Kephart concurs, “That’s giving employers a permission slip to break the law, and it’s inexcusable.”
The bill is currently waiting for a final vote on the Senate floor in Sacramento. “If this goes along party lines, it (the bill) will pass it along party lines by Democrats,” says Mike Zimmerman a spokesperson for Martin Garrick-R-Assemblyman. “It’s anyone’s guess if Governor Schwarzenegger will veto this bill or not.”
In the end, California suffers a higher-than- national average unemployment rate and according to Kephart “it’s ridiculous for California to NOT use E-Verify.”
“Let’s all remember the federal law is very clear, you must be here legally to be employed,” CIS finishes.
For more stories: http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Open Carry Gun event in Carlsbad
Carlsbad- A group of North County residents set out with their unloaded guns Saturday morning, to educate the public about their 2nd Amendment rights. Most Californians’ don’t realize it is legal to carry an unloaded gun in public.
Ammunition can also be carried, but it must be in a position from which it cannot be readily fired. Most open carriers just carry a loaded magazine in a separate pouch on their belts.
The group of North County Patriots walked the Village Faire area of Carlsbad handing out informational flyers. “We made lots of new friends and no one called the police or freaked out,” says Jeff Schwilk who helped organize this “open carry” and also heads the San Diego Minutemen group which lobbies for secure borders and Constitutional rights.
The groups also notified local police as to their presence and were greeted by local businesses who welcomed the patronage as well as the educational aspect of the 2nd Amendment right to own and bear arms. This North County group is an offshoot of the San Diego Open Carry Group which was recently featured in the San Diego Reader. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/jul/15/cover/
With continued support on this issue, the group plans to hold open carry events in North County in order to get the word out and promote safe and responsible gun ownership.
Some cities such as Oceanside have apparent illegal city ordinances prohibiting open carry. Oceanside’s ordinance violates citizens’ 2nd Amendment right to carry a firearm in self-defense and is being challenged in the courts.
Citizens are also prohibited from open carrying within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Suspect nabbed in Border Patrol agent’s murder, community on edge
Campo- Area residents and Border Patrol remain on edge after the murder of an on duty agent. Mexican authorities have released few details about the male suspect taken into custody after he sought medical treatment for injuries near the area where Agent Robert Rosas was found executed.
Head of federal police, Commissioner Elias Alvarez Hernandez, reported at a press conference that Tecate police witnessed a man identified as Ernesto Parra Valenzuela, 36, entering a hospital seeking treatment from undisclosed injuries. The Mexican government working closely with FBI and Border Patrol has arrested approximately 25 Mexican nationals in connection with the killing of Rosas.
The shooter was identified by another man, Jose Eugenio Quintero, who along with three other human smuggling (coyotes) were also detained. All are wanted by U.S. authorities for questioning in two additional murders and rape.
According to the FBI, crime scene evidence pointed to additional blood left behind at the murder location was from someone other than Agent Rosas.
The outlying community of Campo is now on edge since the murder took place. One resident, Sharon Courmousis said, “We usually feel safe, even though we are only three miles from the border. Border Patrol and Border Patrol Auxiliary are out in force protecting the community, however this took something away,” she said. “It’s sad, really.”
Most residents in San Diego County don’t realize that Border Patrol agents often work alone. Since the murder they are now traveling in pairs, with separate trucks. This seems logical; however what it does do is leave more border fence unprotected.
With heightened violence in the region and many gaps in the fence many locals and community leaders are questioning the politics and why the fence is far from complete. It is these poorly-fenced areas that Border Patrol focuses their time and resources on.
Border Patrol agents on duty admitted they were concerned this recent murder could prompt further violence along the Southern border. They also contend that as the border tightens up, it is getting tougher for the human and drug smugglers to get their product into the U.S.
A local bartender in the area also stated that the recession is playing a big part in the increased border violence.
While it’s always tragic to lose life, this incident will increase the spotlight on the problems the U.S. face on our Southern borders.
A spokesperson from Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office, Joe Kasper said, “The Congressman’s thoughts and condolences are with the Rosas family and the thousands of Border Patrol agents who risk their safety on a daily basis.”
“Secretary Napolitano has rightly responded by directing the Department to fully assist in the investigation to ensure whoever is responsible for this vicious crime is brought to justice,” he concluded.
Governor Schwarzenegger’s office had no comment regarding the death of a Border Patrol agent. However, they did release a press statement regarding a Caltrans employee death. This non-statement prompted many residents to question how serious Sacramento is taking the escalating border issues.
However, Gubernatorial Candidate Meg Whitman did make a statement regarding the murder of Agent Rosas. “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of this U.S. law enforcement official. I believe this attack on our Border Patrol is a tragic reminder that we must remain vigilant in making our border safer and more secure.”
Locally, San Diego Sheriff Gore assisted in the early stages of the crime scene but referred the matter to the FBI. Sheriff Gore commented; “There are no jurisdictional boundaries when a peace officer is killed. We will assist in any way necessary and provide all resources to help bring those responsible to justice.”
This isn’t good enough say Bruce Ruff who is running for the San Diego Sheriff Office in the upcoming election.
“These evil events serve as a constant reminder to the people who serve us all are real people – American husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters,” he said. “Our elected and appointed leaders have consistently failed to send the necessary clear and strong message to the evil doers – we will prevail.”
Despite the federal law passed in 2006 regarding the border fence, many areas of the U.S./Mexico border remain unfenced and magnets for illegal human and drug trafficking. Until the U.S. provides the Border Patrol and the American public with a continuous fence, agents will continue to face life-threatening days on duty.
Agent Rosas leaves behind a wife and two children under the age of three. Border Patrol agents insist his death will not be in vain and they will catch the murderer.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
California Border Patrol Agent shot dead in San Diego
San Diego – Increasing U.S./Mexico border violence leads to the death of a California Border Patrol agent late Thursday night. Robert Rosas was gunned down while he was protecting the region’s border.
“This act of violence will not stand, nor will any act of violence against Border Patrol,” Secretary of DHS Janet Napolitano said. “I have directed that full resources of the Department assist in the investigation to find and bring to justice those responsible for this inexcusable crime.”
She goes on to remind everyone that these brave agents put their lives on the line everyday they report to duty.
Sources on the scene say the agent was shot fatally while working near the border in the Campo region. This was no different than any other routine round up of illegal border crossers.
Once, Border Patrol spots the group they begin detention. However, this time the group scattered and agents split up to trail the presumed illegal group, according to Agent Daryl Reed. Moments later something went horribly wrong.
San Diego police reported the agent was shot several times in the head. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler said, despite fire engines, ambulance and medical helicopter assistance the agent suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The agent was monitoring the Shockey Truck Trail area near Campo when the shots rang out. The area of Campo is the scene of spotty border fence coverage.
Currently there is a massive search underway, however law enforcement has yet to find anyone in connection with this crime, Reed says.
According to U.S. Officials the Mexican authorities have been notified and are searching their side of the border. Reed points out that details are sketchy and they do not know if drugs were involved.
“This incident demonstrates the serious danger connected to the Southwest border and tremendous responsibility undertaken by the brave men and women of the U. S. Border Patrol,” a spokesman from Duncan Hunter’s office said. “The Congressman’s thoughts and condolences are with the Rosas family.”
Echoing those sentiments is Carl Braun of the Boarder Patrol Auxiliary; “All of us in the Border Patrol Auxiliary and other citizen watch groups mourn the death of Patrol Agent Rosas. Everyone knows it is a dangerous job.”
He continues to say, “As vigilance along the border increases, so will the smugglers desperation. This tragically underscores, once again, the need for a secure border and will certainly escalate the intensity of the law enforcement in this, the most dangerous neighborhood in America.”
The California Border Patrol has scheduled a press conference for later this afternoon.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Congressmen respond to unfinished border fence
San Diego- In an effort to erect the remainder of the southern border fence, Congressman Duncan Hunter-R Calif. has introduced new bipartisan border fence legislation that would give Department of Homeland Security’s, Janet Napolitano, additional ammo to keep in her back pocket to finish the fence.
The new legislation was co-sponsored by Congressmen, Bilbray-R Calif., Royce-R Calif., Ryan-D OH and McIntyre-D NC and “provides the Secretary of Homeland Security with complete discretionary authority to build as much as 350 miles of additional reinforced fencing along the U.S./Mexico border.”
A similar bill passed in the Senate this month. The DeMint amendment 1399 (original amendment 1373) passed with a vote of 54-44. This legislation requires the completion of at least 700 miles of reinforcement fence along the southwest border by December of 2010.
The bipartisan group of congressmen believes it’s important that DHS continue to receive the tools necessary to do its job effectively.
“The threat of violence, illegal drug smuggling and terrorist activity along the U.S./Mexico border continues to escalate,” Congressman Hunter said. “As the last few remaining miles of border infrastructure are completed and we work to strengthen our overall security presence on the Southwest border, it is important that DHS continue to receive and retain the necessary tools to do its job.”
Leading to the question most Border States contend with, why does the fence remain incomplete a full two years since the 2006 mandate under the Bush Administration?
If the Obama Administration is looking for a shovel ready project that would create jobs, this is it. Joe Kasper a spokesman for Hunter concurs, “This would be a great shovel ready project that would also create jobs and protect our country in the long run.”
In May, Congressmen Hunter and Bilbray sent Secretary Napolitano a letter pointing out that the success of the reinforced fence in hotbed “Smugglers Gulch” in San Diego, can be duplicated in the yet to be fenced area known as Goat Canyon and Bunker Hill.
They note that the government superseded in the Smuggler’s Gulch to get the fence completed and wish to see the aforementioned fence project be finished in a timely manner.
Responding to the San Diego Congressmen, Secretary Napolitano office said this; “To date, no viable engineering solution has been established that effectively impedes illegal activity and also adequately preserves the historic value of the World War II era bunkers and the surrounding rugged terrain at Smuggler’s Gulch.”
Until a plan is figured out the California Border Patrol will continue to use personnel and lighting to deter dangerous drug smugglers from entering the United States.
However, that’s not good enough for many Californian’s who continue to feel the brunt of the illegal smuggler’s constant barrage of drug smugglers and poor to feed from the free services trough, according to border watch groups.
If the Chinese can build the Great Wall of China some 2,000 years ago, certainly the U.S. government with its vast knowledge and new technology can build a fence to slow the mass traffic of people seeking refuge in this country.
Agree?
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Mason Weaver explores the idea of running for US Congress in the 53rd District
San Diego- Mason Weaver, a radio broadcaster, newspaper columnist and public speaker has announced his intent to form an exploratory committee for a run at the US Congress in the 53rd District.
Weaver has been a part of the San Diego community for the last 40 years. After constant urging from community leaders, he has decided to explore the idea of running for Congress against Democrat Susan Davis.
“Someone has to tell them (Washington D.C. politicians) to reverse the bailouts, reduce taxes, drill here drill now, reward job creators, marriage isn’t broken- don’t try to fix it and parents, families, government in that order,” Weaver explains his campaign issues.
As a conservative, Weaver intends to change the way Washington D.C. politicians do business. “I’ll stand for dignity, honor and hope,” he says.
Weaver goes on to say that civil rights “was not about white folks liking black folks, it was about justice and law enforcement.”
As a potential candidate for the 53rd Congress District, Weaver will work for all San Diegans not the special interests or unions.
For more information regarding Mason Weaver; http://www.masonweaver.com
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