Operation: Fast and Fail!

I read an article on USAtoday.com that talks about “Operation: Fast and Furious.” This was an operation that started back in 2009 by the Bureau of ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) that let firearms “walk” into the hands of the Mexican Drug Cartels. The plan was to track these weapons and see who and where they would lead the ATF agents in the hopes of fighting the war on these cartels. Unfortunately, the ATF lost the trail and the guns would end up at murder scenes and a tragic shootout that happened in Arizona. This story caught my attention mostly because it spoke about firearms and our government; two things that never go good together. The claims that the author makes are based on facts about how the government has done nothing but lied about events that have unfolded in this so called operation. Every time that someone lied about the events of this operation, someone else has uncovered the truth. What does this do for the civilians that read these stories? For me, it makes me not trust our government even more. I agree with the author when they state  “With a few exceptions, fights over executive privilege between the White House and Congress have historically been resolved through negotiations that give investigators access to what they need while preserving the confidentiality of sensitive information. That should be the goal in this case, too.” It has been the way of the past, why should it change now? By president Obama asserting “executive privilege” only makes him look like a crook just like the rest of them. By going about this the way he is, it makes it look like whatever is being covered up, he doesn’t want the citizens of the U.S. to know about it before election time. It’s safe to say that regardless of the information that is being withheld from the public, he never had my vote.

Take it or leave it,

Nicholas J. Quaschnik

Immigration Irritation....

I recently read this article in USA today that talked about immigration reform and how it’s back in the hands of Washington where it should be. This article speaks about different issues of the immigration laws that the state of Arizona has tried passing as well as the other states that have adopted similar laws. The authors of this article obviously don’t feel the same way I do about immigration. They believe that immigration laws are back to where they should be; Washington. This article targets voters who have strong views on the status of our country’s immigration laws and what the current or next president is going to do about it.

The author does point out that the reason that the amount of immigrants in the country is Washington’s fault. But the author then states that this is where it needs to be fixed as well. Congress has refused to work out any type of compromise regarding immigration. This is problem as it’s becoming more and more of a problem in the United States.  

I don’t agree with the author of this post. I think that the immigration laws should be up to each individual state. In my personal opinion I don’t think that any immigration law is too harsh either. My opinions come off as very harsh when it is regarding immigration. I have no sympathy or patience for someone who comes into this country illegally. I am sick of paying their bills and supporting their families. The author believes that these issues will get resolved at some point. I don’t think that Washington will ever make the right choice. Arizona has the right idea. The author states that Arizona’s “show me your papers” law opens the windows for racial profiling. When you look at illegal immigration in the United States, it is all racial profiling. If people get offended by it they need to toughen up and stop complaining. Show your legal documents and get on with your day. If you don’t have them, you don’t belong here. That’s it. These laws need to be up the each individual state. I believe that over time the illegal immigration numbers in this country will decrease.

Take it or leave it.

Nicholas J. Quaschnik

Immigration Schmimigration!

       I recently read an article on USA Today. It was titled "Evangelicals push Congress for immigration changes" and spoke of religious groups getting together to push for revamped immigration system. The group is calling themselves the "Evangelical Immigration Table" and claims that due to Congress, it is impossible to get any legal immigration legislation to treat illegal immigrants fairly. The article goes on to explain about the DREAM act that was attempted to be put in place by the Bush Administration. This DREAM Act states that it would grant legal status to illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and have either completed some college or served in the military. Pres. Obama is saying that he supports the DREAM Act and would like to create a comprehensive immigration package. On the flip side, Presidential candidate Mitt Romney stated that he would veto the current DREAM Act but support a version for illegal immigrants who serve in the military. 

       My opinions on this subject are very blunt. Some may find what I say and feel as offensive and if you do, my apologies. When it comes to immigration, I feel that the U.S. Government should stop trying to impress and instead fix the problem. I feel that if you are in the U.S. illegally you should be removed from the country until you can obtain a legal citizenship. I have worked in the law enforcement field and have many friends who work border patrol. When an illegal immigrant is detained, they receive an ICE detainer. What this does is gives ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the rights to take custody of the illegal immigrant. The illegal immigrant goes through the standard booking process except they are placed on a national database vs. a local or state. The illegal immigrant is then deported from the country. During this time they are informed of the consequences for illegal re-entry. This is considered a Federal offense and will give the up to 5 years in an ICE detention facility. What I want to know if why they are given a second chance? The illegal immigrant already knows what he is doing is wrong, it's just like stealing, you get a ticket or arrested for doing it the first time, not the second. Instead what our country does is gives way for that illegal immigrant to re-enter. Say they don't get caught the second time, they have a child in the U.S. Now that child is entitled to an education and is offered the chance to join our military.  Now how does this affect me or my family? By that child (who is here illegally whether by choice or not) is taking up a seat in my classroom, taking away from my education. Sure that sounds selfish, but that's my opinion. When that illegal immigrant wants to go to college, they are given grants and financial aid and such to do so. I still have to pay for my education, "because my parents make to much money". Then on the topic of the military, as a service member, and knowing and seeing the effects of the downsizing in the military, this is obvious. My fellow citizen has to fight for his job against someone who doesn't deserve to be there. I believe that people can come into our country and compete with me for my job. I don't mind that, just do it legally. I understand it can be a process, but that's life, get over it.

Take it or leave it, 

Nicholas J. Quaschnik