Why will I vote for McCain?

[Family]

I have many of the same views as John McCain.

John McCain will address the fact that we have a large number undocumented individuals living in the United States and working in our economy:

All undocumented individuals will be required to enroll in a program to resolve their status.
This program will use background checks to identify criminal aliens for prosecution and deportation.


Assure that the remaining undocumented immigrants learn English, pay back taxes and fines, and pass a citizenship course as part of a path to legal status.


Guarantee that no person here illegally receives a green card before those that have been legally waiting outside the country.


Do a proper accounting of all social security numbers used and attained illegally, rectifying the accounts and alerting those whose identity had been compromised.

The program will also ensure that all undocumented aliens either leave or follow the path to legal residence. America cannot permit a permanent category of individuals that do not have recognized status – a permanent second class.
In addition, the program will provide a system that is fair, humane, realistic, and ensures the rights of the individual and families will be protected.


Ensure that families are reunited.

Address in an expedited manner the status of individuals brought here illegally as minors through no will or intention of their own.

Eliminate the Family Backlog. John McCain will commit to clearing out the backlog of individuals that are waiting legally outside of the country, some for up to 20 years, for their green card number to become available.

I am a prolife supporter. I do not believe the full term women should have the right to abort the child. The other candidate does not have a problem with an abortion at full term.

John has the served our country in the senate and in our military. He is a war hero! John McCain has first hand knowledge regarding foreign affairs.

Who wants to pay a million dollars for gas? Not me. John McCain Will Commit $2 Billion Annually To Advancing Clean Coal Technologies. John McCain Will Put His Administration On Track To Construct 45 New Nuclear Power Plants By 2030 With The Ultimate Goal Of Eventually Constructing 100 New Plants.

This is my opinion, I just ask that you respect it as I will respect yours.

Thank you!

[losguerra]

Guarantee that no person here illegally receives a green card before those that have been legally waiting outside the country.


I never noticed this part of his immigration policy. That would mean a LOOONG wait for anyone in the US illegally. Or else the writers of this policy don't understand the current situation with all the wait times for the different family preference categories for those waiting outside the country for a visa. :(
Edit:
P.S. This isn't to say that I am enthralled with Obama's policy on immigration which seems vague and uninformed.

[blueblue]

I respect your opinions and decision to vote for McCain. Can you share some more info on some of these subjects?

Eliminate the Family Backlog. John McCain will commit to clearing out the backlog of individuals that are waiting legally outside of the country, some for up to 20 years, for their green card number to become available.

I don't recall seeing John McCain or the 2007 CIR proposing to eliminate family based quotas which is what would be needed to eliminate this backlog. In fact, the 2007 CIR proposal would have eliminated visas for several of these family catagories. It would be interesting to read more on this topic in his proposals. Can you point me to where I can find this?

I am a prolife supporter. I do not believe the full term women should have the right to abort the child. The other candidate does not have a problem with an abortion at full term.

What candidate was proposing abortion for full term pregnancies? I believe abortion is only legal before 24 weeks.

Who wants to pay a million dollars for gas? Not me. John McCain Will Commit $2 Billion Annually To Advancing Clean Coal Technologies. John McCain Will Put His Administration On Track To Construct 45 New Nuclear Power Plants By 2030 With The Ultimate Goal Of Eventually Constructing 100 New Plants.[/FONT]

I am not sure what this means? Where is the reference to paying a million dollars for gas, as if that was possible, from? What does the price of gas at the pump have to do with Coal and nuclear power?

[leoshannon]

I found his position on immigration at johnmccain.com Here it is...............

John McCain on Border Security
and Immigration

"As you know, I and many other colleagues twice attempted to pass comprehensive immigration legislation to fix our broken borders; ensure respect for the laws of this country; recognize the important economic contribution of immigrant laborers; apprehend those who came here illegally to commit crimes; and deal practically and humanely with those who came here, as my distant ancestors did, to build a better, safer life for their families, without excusing the fact they came here illegally or granting them privileges before those who have been waiting their turn outside the country. Many Americans did not believe us when we said we would secure our borders, and so we failed in our efforts. I don't want to fail again to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. We must prove we have the resources to secure our borders and use them, while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and legal residents of the United States. When we have achieved our border security goal, we must enact and implement the other parts of practical, fair and necessary immigration policy. We have economic and humanitarian responsibilities as well, and they require no less dedication from us in meeting them."


- John McCain


John McCain believes America's immigration system is broken. He is committed to a two-step process to reform.

Securing Our Borders First. John McCain's top immigration priority is to finish securing our borders in an expedited manner. Governors of border states will be required to certify that the border is secure. Steps to border security include:
Setting clear guidelines and objectives for securing the border through physical and virtual barriers.


Ensuring that adequate funding is provided for resources on the ground, but also training facilities, support staff and the deployment of technologies.


Dedicating funding to US Attorney’s offices in border states.


Implementing sound policies for contracting Department of Homeland Security software and infrastructure.


Deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other aircraft where needed and appropriate in the border region.


Continue implementation of the US-VISIT comprehensive visitor security program.

Comprehensive Immigration Initiatives for a Secure Nation. Once the borders are secure, John McCain will:

Prosecute “Bad-Actor” Employers. John McCain will implement a secure, accurate, and reliable electronic employment verification system to ensure that individuals are screened for work eligibility in a real-time fashion. John McCain will use this new system in conjunction with other Department of Homeland Security resources to identify and aggressively prosecute employers that continue to hire illegal immigrants. The Electronic Employment Verification System will:

Establish a user-friendly system employing a limited set of secure documents that contain biometric data and are electronically verifiable to check a worker’s identity.


Provide responses to employer inquiries in a prompt and timely manner to provide both the employer and employee security in their hiring decisions.


Update and ensure the accuracy of current databases of government agencies that play a role in employment verification.


Protect the identities of each employee being screened and allow both employer and employee adequate time and opportunity to correct possible errors with any information in the system.


Institute targeted auditing by Department of Labor in order to weed out employers abusing the system.
Meet America’s Labor Needs. John McCain will implement temporary worker programs that will reflect the labor needs of the United States in both the high-tech and low skilled sectors while protecting the employment opportunities for US workers:

Highly Skilled workers:


Ensure high skilled workers trained and educated in the United States have the opportunity to stay and work in the United States upon graduation.


Reform caps for H-1B visa program to rise and fall in response to market conditions. Reduce bureaucracy and waiting times for workers to arrive in the United States.


Increase available green card numbers to reflect employer and employee demand.


Extend the ability for H-1B visa holders to renew their H-1B status while waiting for their green card number to become available.


Ensure available and qualified American workers are given adequate and fair opportunities to apply for available positions.
Low-skilled non-agricultural workers:


Implement a usable, market based system for low-skilled workers to enter the United States in an orderly fashion.


Ensure that the cap rises and falls with market demand to meet the changing needs of the economy.


Provide for adequate worker protection to guard against employer abuses of temporary workers.


Protect American workers by designing a program that allows willing and eligible United States workers adequate opportunity to apply for available positions.


Ensure that workers return to their home countries after their temporary period in the United States.


Allow for appropriate visa renewals to assure that both the employer and employee have stability in the workforce.


Offer a limited number of green cards to reflect the small number of workers that may wish to remain in the United States permanently.

Low-skilled agricultural workers:


Reform the H-2A visa program to provide a non-bureaucratic, adaptable, useable program that is reflective of market needs and protects both the immigrant and US workers.
Address the Undocumented. John McCain will address the fact that we have a large number undocumented individuals living in the United States and working in our economy:

All undocumented individuals will be required to enroll in a program to resolve their status.
This program will use background checks to identify criminal aliens for prosecution and deportation.


Assure that the remaining undocumented immigrants learn English, pay back taxes and fines, and pass a citizenship course as part of a path to legal status.


Guarantee that no person here illegally receives a green card before those that have been legally waiting outside the country.


Do a proper accounting of all social security numbers used and attained illegally, rectifying the accounts and alerting those whose identity had been compromised.

The program will also ensure that all undocumented aliens either leave or follow the path to legal residence. America cannot permit a permanent category of individuals that do not have recognized status – a permanent second class.
In addition, the program will provide a system that is fair, humane, realistic, and ensures the rights of the individual and families will be protected.


Ensure that families are reunited.


Address in an expedited manner the status of individuals brought here illegally as minors through no will or intention of their own.
Eliminate the Family Backlog. John McCain will commit to clearing out the backlog of individuals that are waiting legally outside of the country, some for up to 20 years, for their green card number to become available.






On The Issues

• The Economy
• Health Care
• National Security
• Education
• Iraq
• Climate Change
• Veterans
• Immigration
• Values
• Second Amendment
• Judicial Philosophy
• Ethics Reform
• Natural Heritage
• Space Program






John McCain has a remarkable record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. Read More



Watch a video on John McCain's courageous service to our country.
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[sinfronteras]

Guarantee that no person here illegally receives a green card before those that have been legally waiting outside the country.


I never noticed this part of his immigration policy. That would mean a LOOONG wait for anyone in the US illegally. Or else the writers of this policy don't understand the current situation with all the wait times for the different family preference categories for those waiting outside the country for a visa. :(
Edit:
P.S. This isn't to say that I am enthralled with Obama's policy on immigration which seems vague and uninformed.

About McCain:

I believe is fair to give priority for those who had decide to do it the right way & are living outside the USA. (And is not because we are living in Mx.)

About BO: why you think that about his policy?

[dnatej]

McCain 2008

[paradise7n]

I am going for Obama, but I will say that it is good to see that McCain actually has an idea of what is going on with immigration and is attempting to address the issues involved with it.

That being said, his plan is extremely ambitious and it is important to keep in mind the huge promises that candidates make during their runs for elections, just to try to win certain sectors of the vote.

[losguerra]

I am going for Obama, but I will say that it is good to see that McCain actually has an idea of what is going on with immigration and is attempting to address the issues involved with it.

That being said, his plan is extremely ambitious and it is important to keep in mind the huge promises that candidates make during their runs for elections, just to try to win certain sectors of the vote.

I totally agree!!!!!!

[slubberry]

For me, it's the lesser of two evils ( like the last two elections ). McCain seems to have more principle than Obama but lacks the financial experience that the U.S. needs at this time. Obama is a smooth talker but judging by the little time he spent in the senate and his voting record, has very little substance.

On the plus side for McCain, he seemed to have learned from his past mistakes and hopefully, he will not repeat the S & L crisis that he was involved in the past. He seems to have learned from his many, many mistakes in the past and seems determined not to make the same mistakes again. His temperment may be detrimental in consensus building but it also shows how passionate he is on the issues. The problem is, besides the war and fundraising reform, it's difficult to gauge where he stands. But the major issue holding him back is he lacks any kind of financial background to be able to pull the U.S. out of this economic rut.

Obama is very likeable person and his speeches are eloquent. He definitely has the silver tongue to build consensus. He also has the advantage because of his limited political career of not having made too many scandals. He is definitely charismatic ( which some compare with JFK ). He seems to be more about style than substance. I fear that legislators will push through any law ( no matter how lame-brained they are ) just to see him fail. He has an air of arrogance about him that may not bode well for alot people ( simillar to Kerry and Gore ). Besides the war, ethanol by corn, and to a lesser degree, health care, seems to be very vague in his position. And again, just like McCain, has no financial background.

I'll have to see what V.P. they chose to get a better idea on who is the better candidate but so far, I'm leaning towards McCain.

[luvnmysenorita]

Vote for OBAMA! He has not backed down on his stance on immigration. McCain has on plenty of occasions :curse:

He does usually push for reform if he is talking to a latino audience!:dunno:

If he picks Mitt Romney as his VP...you can scrap any reform coming out of this party! Mitt Romney wants to take a hard line enforcement only approach.

Mitt Romney thinks that it is ok that he hires illegals to work around his house!:clap:

I cannot wait until this fall when the immigration questions start coming up in the debates. You will see McCain stutter and backpedal worse than Hillary did on licenses for illegal question!:bounce:
:anyone:

[dnatej]

I am voting McCain, because of his views on more than just Immigration. I know we all want something done w/Immigration, but I do not make my decision for candidate soley on what they say about Immigration. We have a lot more to worry about, and I would NEVER vote OBAMA, becuase I have looked at all his stats, and what he has voted for in the past, and he is for MANY MANY things, I could never personally be for! So in my opinion we need to look at the all around aspects of each candidate, and NOT only on the immigration proposals they have!

McCain 2008

[Klame1983]

luvnmysenorita.... good one.

Go Obama!

[losguerra]

I'm an Obama supporter but I think it undermines our statements when we fling around silly or insulting nicknames about the opposing candidate. Please don't do this. :(

I also agree that the VP choices will definitely help solidify a lot of votes!

[Azul y Vampy]

Do a proper accounting of all social security numbers used and attained illegally, rectifying the accounts and alerting those whose identity had been compromised.

How is this even possible? seriously? I'm not opposed to McCain (or Obama) but I don't think this is even realistic... :huh2:

[ujcdv]

I cannot see how ANYONE who is going through the immigration process would vote for a Republican this time around. It's insane, they want to deport your spouse. They want your spouse to be criminalized for any violation no matter how trivial. And the current executive office is doing just that.

You want proof, Just read the news. Do a goole search for immigration and well...you will see. The OP of this topic has posted that in his town, they want to pass more laws that segragate people due to a piece of paper. Deny you a place to live etc.

Guess who those people will be voting for..hmmm it's not going to be Barack Obama that's for sure. They will be voting Republican. Why? Because the Republican party has sold it's soul to people who hate your spouse because they are not like them. Because they see Latin America as this dirty little place with dirty little people who are going to <insert favorite thing that immigrants do to you>.

McCains Stand on CIR was a joke. It was against Legal immigration which is why we are all here at this site in the first place. It was against immigrants, not just the undocumented, but all immigrants legal or otherwise. Kennedy was snowballed and he even did not like his own bill because it was too restrictionist. It was all garbage that made things worse for all of us here. It even eliminated the 601 waivers of excludabitlity. And people who are going through the immigration process here are thinking of voting for this guy?

Everyone here praises her for helping out there situations with immigration, this site loves her so you would think that people here would listen to her. She is respected on this site as a lawyer and as a person. Here is her take on Mcains CIR
http://laurelscott.blog.com/

I understand if you disagree with me, I was a card carrying Republican all my life. But not after what I have been going through the last two years with my family. Don't get me wrong, the Democrats have blood all over there hands for allowing the INA of 96 to go to then President Clinton in the first place, and he signed it!

Obama at the very least represents a change from the demonization of our spouses. I for one will not vote for a Republican until they dump the Numbers USA type haters.

Forgive me for being so passionate about this issue, but it affects me personaly as it does all of you. Ok I said my two cents and will shut up now. :)

[Sandra Rangel]

What do the two candidates think about WAR in Iraq?

[Laura]

Everyone play nice please. :ninja:

[losguerra]

Here are the links for their takes on major issues:

McCain (http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/issues/)
Obama (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/)

[luvnmysenorita]

I could not agree with you more....OBAMA IN 08! We do not need 4 more years of Bush. I will never vote for a Republican again.

Everybody has their own priorities. Housing crisis, economy in recession, jobs being outsourced, war, universal healthcare, preserving social security...etc...etc. Immigration is issue #1 with me this year.:wave:
I cannot see how ANYONE who is going through the immigration process would vote for a Republican this time around. It's insane, they want to deport your spouse. They want your spouse to be criminalized for any violation no matter how trivial. And the current executive office is doing just that.

You want proof, Just read the news. Do a goole search for immigration and well...you will see. The OP of this topic has posted that in his town, they want to pass more laws that segragate people due to a piece of paper. Deny you a place to live etc.

Guess who those people will be voting for..hmmm it's not going to be Barack Obama that's for sure. They will be voting Republican. Why? Because the Republican party has sold it's soul to people who hate your spouse because they are not like them. Because they see Latin America as this dirty little place with dirty little people who are going to <insert favorite thing that immigrants do to you>.

McCains Stand on CIR was a joke. It was against Legal immigration which is why we are all here at this site in the first place. It was against immigrants, not just the undocumented, but all immigrants legal or otherwise. Kennedy was snowballed and he even did not like his own bill because it was too restrictionist. It was all garbage that made things worse for all of us here. It even eliminated the 601 waivers of excludabitlity. And people who are going through the immigration process here are thinking of voting for this guy?

Everyone here praises her for helping out there situations with immigration, this site loves her so you would think that people here would listen to her. She is respected on this site as a lawyer and as a person. Here is her take on Mcains CIR
http://laurelscott.blog.com/

I understand if you disagree with me, I was a card carrying Republican all my life. But not after what I have been going through the last two years with my family. Don't get me wrong, the Democrats have blood all over there hands for allowing the INA of 96 to go to then President Clinton in the first place, and he signed it!

Obama at the very least represents a change from the demonization of our spouses. I for one will not vote for a Republican until they dump the Numbers USA type haters.

Forgive me for being so passionate about this issue, but it affects me personaly as it does all of you. Ok I said my two cents and will shut up now. :)

[Family]

Vote for OBAMA! He has not backed down on his stance on immigration. McCain has on plenty of occasions :curse:

He does usually push for reform if he is talking to a latino audience!:dunno:

If he picks Mitt Romney as his VP...you can scrap any reform coming out of this party! Mitt Romney wants to take a hard line enforcement only approach.

Mitt Romney thinks that it is ok that he hires illegals to work around his house!:clap:

I cannot wait until this fall when the immigration questions start coming up in the debates. You will see McCain stutter and backpedal worse than Hillary did on licenses for illegal question!:bounce:
:anyone:

I respect anyone who would vote for Obama. Senator Obama was my senator until I moved from IL to NE a year ago. My husband wrote to him regarding immigration policies and we attended the immigration rally back in May 1, 2006 in Chicago with Luis G., congressman. Sorry I know I will spell his last name wrong. My problem was that when I tried to contact his office regarding immigration, I was brushed aside. I wrote numerous letters. My husband wrote one letter in Spanish, within one week he had recieve a response. It was a generic response, but a response.

Second, Obama on abortion. I read this on the operation rescue website.

"Obama has been the focus of a widely publicized media campaign by the Christian Defense Coalition that is exposing Obama’s extremist support for taxpayer funding of abortions." If this is true, I don't want to be paying for abortions with my tax dollars. It is the womans choice in many cases, not all.

[emt103c]

Government aid is already paying for abortions. . . .

[slubberry]

Vote for OBAMA! He has not backed down on his stance on immigration. McCain has on plenty of occasions :curse:


Here are both their voting records on immigration issues. I've truncated McCain's voting record since his is much longer than Obama:

Date Bill Title McCain Vote Obama vot 3/13/2008Immigration Enforcement and Border Fence Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=17865&can_id=9490)NVNS Amdt 42313/13/2008Immigration Enforcement and Employer Sanctions Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=17867&can_id=9490)NVYS Amdt 42593/13/2008Restriction of Federal Assistance Based on Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=17940&can_id=9490)NVYS Amdt 4309 to S Con Res 7012/18/2007Inclusion of Consolidated Appropriations (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=16738&can_id=9490)NVNVHR 276410/24/2007Permanent Residence for Certain Undocumented Immigrants (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=16122&can_id=9490)NVYS 220510/3/2007Border Fence and Customs Appropriations (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=15967&can_id=9490)NVNVS Amdt 31177/26/2007Department of Homeland Security Appropriations (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=14537&can_id=9490)NVNVHR 26387/26/2007Border Fence and Customs Appropriations (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=14540&can_id=9490)NVNVS Amdt 24806/28/2007Second Immigration Act of 2007 (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=14122&can_id=9490)YYS 16396/7/2007Immigration Act of 2007 (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13409&can_id=9490)NVYS 13486/6/2007Declaring English the National Language (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13429&can_id=9490)YNS Amdt 11516/6/2007Denying Legal Status for Immigrants Convicted of Certain Crimes (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13435&can_id=9490)NNS Amdt 11846/6/2007Point Based Immigration Expiration Date (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13441&can_id=9490)NYS Amdt 12026/6/2007Law Enforcement Review of Z Visa Applications (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13443&can_id=9490)YNS Amdt 12506/6/2007Five Year Expiration for Guest Worker Program (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13445&can_id=9490)NYS Amdt 13166/6/2007Barring Immigrants with Certain Criminal Histories (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13451&can_id=9490)YYS Amdt 13336/6/2007English as the Common Language (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13888&can_id=9490)NYS Amdt 13845/23/2007Guest Worker Number Reduction Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13431&can_id=9490)NVYS Amdt 116910/31/2006Secure Fence Act of 2006 (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3917&can_id=9490)YYHR 60617/13/2006Double-Layered Fencing Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3888&can_id=9490)NNHR 54416/20/2006Triple-Layered Fencing Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3887&can_id=9490)YYHR 56315/25/2006Confidentiality Requirement Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3836&can_id=9490)NNS 26115/25/2006Immigration Reform Bill (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3838&can_id=9490)YYS 26115/24/2006H-2C Visa Program Ammendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3835&can_id=9490)NYS 26115/23/2006Orange Card Program Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3825&can_id=9490)NYS 26115/23/2006Employer Verification Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3826&can_id=9490)YYS 26115/18/2006"State Criminal Alien Assistance Program" Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3831&can_id=9490)NYS 26115/18/2006English As National Language Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3834&can_id=9490)YNS 26115/18/2006English as Unifying Language Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3852&can_id=9490)YYS 26115/17/2006Employment-based Immigrant Visa Amendment (http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3833&can_id=9490)NNS 2611


Seems they're not that far apart in terms of voting. McCain's seems to be more consistent than Obama's. The reason I lean more towards McCain ( besides the fact that I am a registered Republican ) is when McCain was asked about the economy, his response was that he frankly didn't know because of his limited background in economics as opposed to Obama throwing large numbers around without knowing what he is talking about. It takes a man of character to admit he doesn't know.

[leoshannon]

In November I will be voting OBama not just for immigration but for other issues. I just don't agree with Mccain on many of the issues like the war and ect.

[ronizo]

I do not agree with McCain's immigration policy AT ALL. A lot of the things he wants to do are almost impossible and not beneficial for people who are illegally here. Obama's plan may not be great either but I don't see how his McCain's would help people already here illegally.:scratch:

[slubberry]

Date Bill Title McCain Obama
3/13/2008 Immigration Enforcement and
Border Fence Amendment NV N

3/13/2008 Immigration Enforcement and Employer
Sanctions Amendment NV Y

3/13/2008 Restriction of Federal Assistance Based
on Compliance with Federal Immigration
Laws NV Y

12/18/2007 Inclusion of Consolidated
Appropriations NV NV

10/24/2007 Permanent Residence for Certain
Undocumented Immigrants NV Y

10/3/2007 Border Fence and Customs
Appropriations NV NV

7/26/2007 Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations NV NV

7/26/2007 Border Fence and Customs
Appropriations NV NV

6/28/2007 Second Immigration Act of 2007 Y Y

6/7/2007 Immigration Act of 2007 NV Y

6/6/2007 Declaring English the National Language Y N

6/6/2007 Denying Legal Status for Immigrants
Convicted of Certain Crimes N N

6/6/2007 Point Based Immigration Expiration Date N Y

6/6/2007 Law Enforcement Review of Z Visa
Applications Y N

6/6/2007 Five Year Expiration for Guest Worker
Program N Y

6/6/2007 Barring Immigrants with Certain
Criminal Histories Y Y

6/6/2007 English as the Common Language N Y

5/23/2007 Guest Worker Number Reduction
Amendment NV Y

10/31/2006 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Y Y

7/13/2006 Double-Layered Fencing Amendment N N

6/20/2006 Triple-Layered Fencing Amendment Y Y

5/25/2006 Confidentiality Requirement
Amendment N N

5/25/2006 Immigration Reform Bill Y Y

5/24/2006 H-2C Visa Program Ammendment N Y

5/23/2006 Orange Card Program Amendment N Y

5/23/2006 Employer Verification Amendment Y Y

5/18/2006 "State Criminal Alien Assistance
Program" Amendment N Y

5/18/2006 English As National Language
Amendment Y N

5/18/2006 English as Unifying Language
Amendment Y Y

5/17/2006 Employment-based Immigrant
Visa Amendment N N

[carlosalica]

I will vote for McCain,
I just cannot vote for someone for US PRESIDENT who cannot raise his hand to his heart during the US National Anthem. Can't do it!! Very scary to me!

[losguerra]

I will vote for McCain,
I just cannot vote for someone for US PRESIDENT who cannot raise his hand to his heart during the US National Anthem. Can't do it!! Very scary to me!

I know this is my opinion, but that would not be a reason not to vote for him. This is recorded as happening ONE time. Obama said in response,

"I was taught by my grandfather that you put your hand over your heart during the pledge, but during the Star Spangled Banner, you sing!" Obama said.

If you look at the video (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/snopesbinary/Politics/?action=view&current=abc_obama_anthem_071022a.flv) of the event, he was the only one SINGING the anthem!

Just saying... :)

[carlosalica]

I know this is my opinion, but that would not be a reason not to vote for him. This is recorded as happening ONE time. Obama said in response,



If you look at the video (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/snopesbinary/Politics/?action=view&current=abc_obama_anthem_071022a.flv) of the event, he was the only one SINGING the anthem!

Just saying... :)
This, to me, is a sign of what he would be like when president. I just think it shows something bad about him. I heard on the news supposedly "why" he did this.. I'll look for it and post it.
I personally do not think he would be a good US president, (just my personal opinion, not trying to talk bad about anyone else's opinion)

[pen1137]

It takes a man of character to admit he doesn't know.


kinda worrisome that a man of that age and experience doesn't know what he should know running for the highest office of the land...

[dnatej]

kinda worrisome that a man of that age and experience doesn't know what he should know running for the highest office of the land...

I see what you are saying, but I would much rather have someone that can admit to somthing as opposed to having someone who just THROWS out stuff and really doesnt know what the hek is going on!

[luvnmysenorita]

McCain has run away from his support of immigration reform. He would never had received the Republican nomination if he had not backed away from it! Anyone that says otherwise has not been paying attention the last 9 months. OBAMA has not backed down on immigration reform. He did not back away from the question on giving licenses to illegals.

Ask John McCain at one of his "conservative" base fundraising what his stance on immigration reform is. Also ask him if he would give licenses to illegals. He will probably stutter and backpedal. Did anyone see how he responded to the viagra questions a few weeks ago....classic McCain:dunno:

I like what John McCain tried to do in 06 and 07 with reform. I do not beleive he will try again. And immigration is what is getting my vote!:bye:

[dnatej]

Once again I will just say our elections should not be soley based on ONE thing...IMMIGRATION, our country needs to be aware of many more things, that we need to work on and need done! As much as this situation I am in frustrates me, and as much as it may seem like it has consumed a HUGE part of my life, it is not the only thing that we live by in this country. So me being a REPUBLICAN has nothing to do w/the feelings I have w/what I am going thru. But ONE thing I do know is that we need MUCH more work in MANY other areas other than JUST IMMIGRATION.

[slubberry]

OBAMA has not backed down on immigration reform. He did not back away from the question on giving licenses to illegals.

Obama hasn't backed down on immigration reform because his responses to immigration reform as well as his other platforms has been very vague at best. Even his stance on the war has been vague except he wants our troops out in 16 months. Not very feasible since we still have troops in Europe, Asia, and the middle east from WWII and the first Gulf war. He leaves alot of wiggle room by using the term "combat," but our soldiers will still be in harms way even if they are in a "supprting" role. Just look at the death toll figures, more "support" personnel have been killed than "active."

[losguerra]

But ONE thing I do know is that we need MUCH more work in MANY other areas other than JUST IMMIGRATION.
I definitely agree!

Look at all the issues, people! Don't base your whole decision on one issue, one misstatement, one bad moment, etc. Look at the whole candidate and consider your sources carefully!

[sinfronteras]

This, to me, is a sign of what he would be like when president. I just think it shows something bad about him. I heard on the news supposedly "why" he did this.. I'll look for it and post it.
I personally do not think he would be a good US president, (just my personal opinion, not trying to talk bad about anyone else's opinion)

It is definitely a sign (AND NOT THE ONLY ONE) that something is not right.
I want to post this letter courtesy of www.iownmyvote.com.
* For security reasons the name of the writer had not been published.


The following is a letter sent to DNC Treasurer, Andy Tobias telling him why, from a rational investor's point of view, Obama has not earned the author's vote. The letter was sent by one of the DNC's biggest donors, a donor who has historically maxed out to the DNC and who was a maxed out donor in both the Kerry and Clinton campaigns, in response to comments by Tobias that she could not see the forest through the trees. YOU DECIDE.


Dear Andy,

So you want to know what is taking me so long to "get on board"? Let me try to answer with some discussion of what my 25 years on Wall Street and the Hedge Fund community have taught me, and what insights I can share in order to explain my stance.

As you know, anyone in our profession meets with countless management teams on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. The "plots" change from time to time and the cast of characters play musical chairs. After awhile, they become all too familiar. You have seen the movie before. When you spot the corrupt CFO enter the scene, it immediately casts a doubt on the rest of the management team. One or two conclusions can be drawn - either they are inept or they wanted a dishonest player. Neither answer provides any comfort, but always insight. I have been lied to by the best of them over the decades; I am sure you have had similar experiences.

After years of stepping in land mines, I learned to read people and situations. I had no choice - my listening skills were honed, my gut fine-tuned. I picked up on what was and was not said, and I always paid close attention to the cast of characters. The actions of a management team always told me more than anything they ever said. If they were bailing out, so was I. If the head of sales left unexpectedly, alarm bells went of.

In the thirteen years that I have had audited results, I lost money in only one year, and then only in single digits. I am proud that I was able repay my investors' faith and confidence in me by compounding their funds assets, net of fees, at 18% over those 13 years. I took my responsibilities seriously and when I knew I could not give it 110% of my energies, I turned it over to someone who would. My investors deserved someone who would work tirelessly on their behalf, looking under every rock in support of their interests.

The fact that I became successful was not what made me proud. It was how I did it. My soul is intact. It was the self-imposed rules and standards that I adhered to. I believed in a win, win, and still do. My investors always came first. I never screwed anyone over. I made plenty of mistakes, but I always owned them, never blaming others. I treated everyone fairly and with respect, believing everyone has something to offer. I always tried to do the right thing.

So what does this have to do with me not falling in line and
supporting Obama? Well everything as you can see.

Andy, if I worked and served the people in the 13th District in
Chicago, I would have known all of the players. And to win that district, would I have gamed the system to run unopposed? Tony Rezko would not have had a seat at my table. Either Obama is a fool and is blind to what should have been obvious, or someone like Tony is fine by Obama's standards. The guy is a dirtball. And a dirtball would not
be part of my circle, certainly not my inner circle. I would rather not be elected than associate with someone like Rezko.

Nor for political or any other reasons would I choose Rev. Wright, Rev. Meeks, or Father Plager as my spiritual mentors. Again, he is either blind or an opportunist. Would I be hanging out with Mr. Ayers? Would you? Would you refuse to be photographed with Gavin Newsom? There is a pattern with this guy - he manipulates; the ends justify the means. He lacks character.

Getting not one bill passed in the first 6 years of his career is not inspiring. Having Emil Jones hand him the ball 26 times on the one-yard line in order to make Obama a United States Senator does not cut it either. What deals he made, he did to benefit no one but himself. He never worked long enough in either Senate to help the people who elected him. Andy, I could never imagine you taking credit for legislation someone else slaved over. Starting in his community organizing days he claimed sole responsibility for other people's accomplishments all for the purpose to boosting his career.

In terms of the campaign itself, I had the opportunity to witness his methods up close. During the primaries I was in 6 states, 2 of which had caucuses; it was not clean. El Paso was a joke with the Obama campaign stealing the caucus packets, locking supporters out - Intimidation 101, 102 and
103. Fair elections do not seem to be a priority in my birth state. No other machine exists from the days of Boss Tweed, but Chicago's. How many elected officials are in jail? They are the joke of the nation. It is called the Chicago machine for good reason. It was clear that what I saw and experienced was not a fluke or isolated incidents, but coordinated, deliberate and arrogant. I got to see him and his organization for who he is and what it is - not inspiring, to say the least. Not something I would have, in business, endorsed in any way. In fact, I would most likely have reported them to the appropriate regulators.

Andy, I have consistently found you to be a compassionate person, but more importantly you have always put your money where your mouth is. Does it not bother you that a guy like Obama can serve a poor district and give away a paltry $1000 to charity? He only stepped up his giving when he decided to run for President and he knew his charitable
giving would be made public. How could anyone see that much misery and not try to personally do something about it?

Please, show me something this guy ever did that was not done in a calculated fashion to create and advance his own personal narrative? Something selfless, perhaps, just because it was the right thing to do?

Every person I have talked to who worked at the Law Review at Harvard with him, or in the later part of his career, said the same thing: he was arrogant and self-centered. One person laughed, saying Obama wanted to be King of the World, that he was always running for something, never staying in one place long enough to amass accomplishments or be held accountable.

Do you not find it troublesome that he has hundreds of paid bloggers, posting vicious attacks not only about the Clintons but her supporters as well? The whole purpose was to cast him as the second coming, while trashing her and quashing other points of view.

At first I thought is was just some hyped up kids, and then a pattern emerged. He paid others to do his dirty work. The most egregious sexist cracks were rampant, both on the Internet and the MSM. Yet, what did Howard and Obama say? Nothing. Obama promoted it, paid his bloggers to write it. Never once did he try to stop it. Howard, after the damage was done finally commented on it, but barely. Wink, wink.

Andy, I heard remarks that still make my jaw drop.

You know I consider myself a centrist. The right wing of the
Republican Party scares me, but so does the left. Ideologues of either side should not have control simultaneously of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of the government. Absolute power corrupts, be it on the left or the right. Ha, but you will say.... the courts. If you have the legislative branch, all will be fine. McCain voted Ginsberg in, he is not a stupid man and certainly not an Ideologue, and he took heat in the primaries for refusing to have a litmus test for judges. And need I remind you that Obama thought Roberts was an acceptable appointment until some more experienced hands in the Senate told him that would not do?

Painting him as Bush 3 is a little annoying, and what's up with the MoveOn Baby Alex commercial? Give credit where credit is due. McCain went against his own party twice on immigration reform, on ethanol subsidies, and campaign finance reform. He started talking about Global warming 8 years ago. I don't agree with McCain on a number of topics, but I do believe he has principals and a backbone. He is not willing to say anything to get elected.

I can't say the same for Obama who is turning out to be more like Bush than McCain; Obama is at least as arrogant as W, just more polished. Are you not ashamed, in these past weeks, of his reckless abandon of any pretense to a moral center on issues such as FISA, separation of church and state, gun control? And what he did to one of my heroes, Wes Clark? Insulting my intelligence and my standards will not win me over.

But, in this conversation, you will say, McCain wants to be in Iraq for 100 years. No, he said that as in Japan, or Korea, we could have a presence. We have been in both of those countries for 60 years and not leaving any time soon, and the world is safer for it.

Next will be, McCain is not knowledgeable about the economy. While with Carly Fiorina, who I remember from her Lucent days, at a town meeting he turned the mic over to Carly when asked about the mortgage mess, painting her as the expert. Wow - he gave a woman a compliment, praising her knowledge, referring to her as the expert. How often
have you praised Charles, or me, and everyone for that matter? Why? Because you are gracious and you know it reflects well on you.

All this might not bother me so much if the stakes were not so high, but they are. I am an issues person, not a cult of personality devotee. Substance matters. Barack is a politician, an inexperienced one at that, pretending he is different. I just see him as arrogant and power hungry. Our country deserves better, someone I would be proud to do business with.

Andy, my country comes first, not the Democrat party. Having said that, I believe that the Democratic Party has just kicked away the best candidate and our best chance to redeem our country, Hillary Clinton, a proven centrist. Given his resume, or should I say the lack of one, he is either ineffective or hiding something, neither answer gives me the warm and fuzzies. If she is chosen in Denver, you can count on my full and enthusiastic support.

Until then,

NOTE: Gavin Newsom is the current mayor of San Francisco. A Democrat who issued a directive to the San Francisco city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

On April 23, 2007, Newsom announced at a community action held by the San Francisco Organizing Project that he would do everything he could to discourage federal authorities from conducting immigration raids.

Newsom supported city identification cards for illegal immigrants in 2007 to allow them access to city services and to be able to set up bank accounts in the city. In April 2008, San Francisco undertook a $83,000 advertisement campaign to inform city residents that San Francisco is a sanctuary city as part of the identification card program. In July 2008, as reported on Newsom announced that San Francisco would change its policy of shielding illegal immigrants who had committed other crimes and that San Francisco would begin to cooperate with the federal government in that regard. However, the city remains a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.

Barack Obama declined to have his picture taken with Newsom at a fundraiser in 2004.

[jeannie]

My dad always says " You want to make enemies? TALK POLITICS!" So I like to keep my opinions to myself, usually.:cheerful:
Any way I think one of the big issues for me is where they stand on immigration. Of course I look at the other things, but this is the most important because me and my family can't even have a life until we resolve this issue. The other thing is the war. Either way I respect everyone's opinions. Just putting in my 2 cents.:cheerful:

[luvnmysenorita]

I agree with you on the importance of the immgration stance by both candidates. There have been people on here talking about lookinig at all the issues. I do not care about all of the issues. I will worry about the recession, war, jobs, health insurance, etc. After I am done worrying about immigration. :waiting: This year is all about immigration for me. I do not care what anyone else tells me to do. They have there issues and I can have mine. Mine is easy, I am only truly passionate about one:cheerful:

Any way I think one of the big issues for me is where they stand on immigration. Of course I look at the other things, but this is the most important because me and my family can't even have a life until we resolve this issue. The other thing is the war. Either way I respect everyone's opinions. Just putting in my 2 cents.:cheerful:

[losguerra]

Here's why I care about all the issues even though immigration has overshadowed everything else in my life:

People. As in the American people who vote and influence the opinion of their congresspeople.

This is a democracy, and no legislation is supposed to overwhelmingly go against the will of the people. Our laws are supposed to represent the will of the population of this country. Meaning, the government isn't supposed to able to force immigration reform on a public that doesn't agree with it. I wouldn't enjoy living in a country where huge legislation is being passed against the will of the population. If that were so, I'd move to a country living under dictatorship.

Here's my problem. People in this country are not happy with immigrants, especially the ones they think are here illegally. There are a lot of reasons why they're not thrilled: the economy is bad and competition for a lot of jobs is getting ugly. They think immigrants are their competition (even if this is wrong). They think the schools are overpopulated, and that the children of illegal immigrants are part of this situation (and where I live, that's very true). They think the long waits and high costs of medical care are being aggravated by the demand from immigrants. They think Medicare and welfare are being inundated by immigrants (again, where I'm from this is true, but they are all supposedly all legal immigrants, otherwise they wouldn't be eligible).

In other words, we can't get people to think positively about immigrants until the economy, schools, health care system, etc. are in better shape. Once people aren't so worried about their environment, and once they don't feel so threatened by immigration, they might open up and be willing to support legislation to make illegal immigrants legal.

That's why I care about all the issues. I want the people in this country to support immigrants like my father and my husband.

[dnatej]

Here's why I care about all the issues even though immigration has overshadowed everything else in my life:

People. As in the American people who vote and influence the opinion of their congresspeople.

This is a democracy, and no legislation is supposed to overwhelmingly go against the will of the people. Our laws are supposed to represent the will of the population of this country. Meaning, the government isn't supposed to able to force immigration reform on a public that doesn't agree with it. I wouldn't enjoy living in a country where huge legislation is being passed against the will of the population. If that were so, I'd move to a country living under dictatorship.

Here's my problem. People in this country are not happy with immigrants, especially the ones they think are here illegally. There are a lot of reasons why they're not thrilled: the economy is bad and competition for a lot of jobs is getting ugly. They think immigrants are their competition (even if this is wrong). They think the schools are overpopulated, and that the children of illegal immigrants are part of this situation (and where I live, that's very true). They think the long waits and high costs of medical care are being aggravated by the demand from immigrants. They think Medicare and welfare are being inundated by immigrants (again, where I'm from this is true, but they are all supposedly all legal immigrants, otherwise they wouldn't be eligible).

In other words, we can't get people to think positively about immigrants until the economy, schools, health care system, etc. are in better shape. Once people aren't so worried about their environment, and once they don't feel so threatened by immigration, they might open up and be willing to support legislation to make illegal immigrants legal.

That's why I care about all the issues. I want the people in this country to support immigrants like my father and my husband.

Very well said!

[MendozaQH]

For those of you whose primary interest is immigration, I am sorry, but the president you shoose will not be the solution to your concern. The most a president can do is "suggest" a possible solution to the immigration issues. However, it is not his or her responsibility to get that law formed or in some cases changed, this is the job of CONGRESS! It is the responsibility of congress to initate the law, format the law and pass the law, upon which once an agreed upon law goes through both the house and the senate then it arrives at the presidents desk. In this event he or she mus tthen sign the law in order for it to be officially passed. Even if they veto it, it can still go back to the house (right?) and with a 2/3 majority (geez, I really should double check these details?) can over rule a veto.

So you see, the president really has little to say in the outcome of immigration. To me, if any sort of CIR goes through congress and arrives at the presidents desk thatis even somewhat decent, either president is going to sign it. So for those of you interested solely in immigration, either one you pick will do the job (considering hte chances of any CIR being passed are slim!). That being said, you should pay more attention to who you pick to represent you in Congress than for president if your voting stance is on immigration!

Not an opinion, just facts!
Edit:
Sorry, and I should add, this ties in with losguerros statements in that the laws being passed represent the will of the people because they are the ones voting for the people that represent them in Congress, who is responsible for making the laws. However, I always worry that this may not always be the case since this country has the tendency to pay much more attention to who they pick for president instead of who they pick to repsent them in congress!

Without looking it up, how many people around you can name the president or even the two presidential canidates? Now how many can name their 2 state senators and their local congressman? How about their state government officials?

[jeannie]

This is why I try to stay out of politic conversations because it is the fastes way to make enemies. People can't seem to respect anyones opinions and everyone gets angry about what someone else thinks. No matter how much I get jumped on, I am going to keep my opinion. And I'm sorry if someway it insults you. I respect your opinion so please respect mine. I think this is the last time I comment on politics.

[simply-heartfelt]

Sorry, and I should add, this ties in with losguerros statements in that the laws being passed represent the will of the people because they are the ones voting for the people that represent them in Congress, who is responsible for making the laws. However, I always worry that this may not always be the case since this country has the tendency to pay much more attention to who they pick for president instead of who they pick to repsent them in congress!

Without looking it up, how many people around you can name the president or even the two presidential canidates? Now how many can name their 2 state senators and their local congressman? How about their state government officials?

Very good and true points Mendoza!

[dnatej]

Mendoza: This is very true!

[Family]

I am glad that we were all above to get some more of the issues out. I certainly don't know everything and I appreciate EVERYONE commenting.

Who ever you decide on, good luck to both canidates.

[mayita]

I cannot see how ANYONE who is going through the immigration process would vote for a Republican this time around. It's insane, they want to deport your spouse. They want your spouse to be criminalized for any violation no matter how trivial. And the current executive office is doing just that.

You want proof, Just read the news. Do a goole search for immigration and well...you will see. The OP of this topic has posted that in his town, they want to pass more laws that segragate people due to a piece of paper. Deny you a place to live etc.

Guess who those people will be voting for..hmmm it's not going to be Barack Obama that's for sure. They will be voting Republican. Why? Because the Republican party has sold it's soul to people who hate your spouse because they are not like them. Because they see Latin America as this dirty little place with dirty little people who are going to <insert favorite thing that immigrants do to you>.

McCains Stand on CIR was a joke. It was against Legal immigration which is why we are all here at this site in the first place. It was against immigrants, not just the undocumented, but all immigrants legal or otherwise. Kennedy was snowballed and he even did not like his own bill because it was too restrictionist. It was all garbage that made things worse for all of us here. It even eliminated the 601 waivers of excludabitlity. And people who are going through the immigration process here are thinking of voting for this guy?

Everyone here praises her for helping out there situations with immigration, this site loves her so you would think that people here would listen to her. She is respected on this site as a lawyer and as a person. Here is her take on Mcains CIR
http://laurelscott.blog.com/

I understand if you disagree with me, I was a card carrying Republican all my life. But not after what I have been going through the last two years with my family. Don't get me wrong, the Democrats have blood all over there hands for allowing the INA of 96 to go to then President Clinton in the first place, and he signed it!

Obama at the very least represents a change from the demonization of our spouses. I for one will not vote for a Republican until they dump the Numbers USA type haters.

Forgive me for being so passionate about this issue, but it affects me personaly as it does all of you. Ok I said my two cents and will shut up now. :)

:ditto:

[Family]

I just wish that we would be able to make it a fast easy process with immigration. As you all know, I am stuck in the process like everyone. Make sure weigh all the issues before you vote. Immigration is not the only one. If my husband is not permitted back in the United States, I will make the trip to Mexico and stay there. I knew that was an option if he was ever caught in the United States illegally. The US needs immigration reform and who ever can get it done after the election, I will support. I am voting for McCain. If Obama or McCain wins, we need to come together Republican and Democrat and stay behind him for his 4 years.

[Brisa6]

McCain is just trying to gain hispanic votes. He will not pass any favorable bill because the Conservatives will not allow him to. His original stance on immigration was great and then he did like a pancake:)

[JessyRafa]

Because, THIS, mis amigos, is a charismatic, intelligent, well spoken, thoughtful, humorous man with more personality than 3 Obamas put together who expresses his views without hemming and hawing and ACTUALLY ANSWERS the questions he is asked!

By the way, Uh, if you'd like to see the evasive politician, umm, Obama, you can, you know, watch his, ah, videos using this link as well.

McCain 2008!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=3033435&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://search2.foxnews.com/search?access=p&getfields=*&sort=date%3AD%3AS%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=my_frontend&filter=0&site=video&proxystylesheet=my_frontend&q=saddleback forum

[mmegan2]

John McCain is beholden to the right wing of his party. Did anyone not notice his quick adjustment of rhetoric during the 2007 reform attempt? He cannot govern or lead the republican party without backing off any compassionate immigration reform. This is not confusing. He is a republican and the republican party is swollen with nativist and enforcement oriented ideologies. It would be a serious mistake to hope that as president, McCain would do anything to help us. Most people agree that niether candidate for President will be able to get past the Congressional blockade on comprehensive immigration reform. Whoever you vote for, don't do it for immigration.

[Murillo79]

I watch both of their acceptance speeches and either one said more than a few sentences about Immigration. We have had a Republican in the White House for 8 years and no Immigration reform has been approved!

I haven't decided who I'm voting for yet, but neither candidate is really impressive about Immigration subject or reform!

[lisseth]

I'm going for obama because if i vote for McCain it would be like having bush again
and it has been enough already 8 years is more than i can take.

[akiselyk]

everyone votes influenced by their basic life experience ....

so I've never voted in a presidential election before... this one I will.

a friend of my husband and ours (just happens to be one hispanic and one of mccain's campaign managers) invited us to a small fundraising event for McCain.. this is before he got the nomination. We were introduced to him and basically told him our story about immigration and we are going through the process.... and he talked to the both of us .. very personally about our situation and immigration reform that he hopes for....
basically we both thought he was a down to earth 'cool'guy that really cared....since then his immigration person has helped us with inquiries etc.... so .. he has my vote ..... I dont' know so much about the politics of it all... just know that to us he seemed to actually care about the issue and he listened!

angie

[Brisa6]

^I'm sure he cares but he also listens to his constituents who drown the office with phone calls giving their opinion on CIR, I heard him say "America has spoken" the last time they tried to pass a bill in favor of immigrants, therefore, he is also influenced by the conservative party who don't favor CIR and of course the mini men.

[MendozaQH]

This is directly form his website and his position on immigration (here (http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/68db8157-d301-4e22-baf7-a70dd8416efa.htm):

'As you know, I and many other colleagues twice attempted to pass comprehensive immigration legislation to fix our broken borders; ensure respect for the laws of this country; recognize the important economic contribution of immigrant laborers; apprehend those who came here illegally to commit crimes; and deal practically and humanely with those who came here, as my distant ancestors did, to build a better, safer life for their families, without excusing the fact they came here illegally or granting them privileges before those who have been waiting their turn outside the country. Many Americans did not believe us when we said we would secure our borders, and so we failed in our efforts. I don't want to fail again to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. We must prove we have the resources to secure our borders and use them, while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and legal residents of the United States. When we have achieved our border security goal, we must enact and implement the other parts of practical, fair and necessary immigration policy. We have economic and humanitarian responsibilities as well, and they require no less dedication from us in meeting them."


Notice the part I underlined and bolded. Also, this part is also on the same page and even though it is near the end, it got my attention:
-In addition, the program will provide a system that is fair, humane, realistic, and ensures the rights of the individual and families will be protected.

-Ensure that families are reunited.


-Address in an expedited manner the status of individuals brought here illegally as minors through no will or intention of their own.

[Hermes]

the problem is that he emphasized "when we have achieved our border security goal", which can be indefinite. it can be years, decades.

why can't they enact other parts simultaneously? i find their excuses unsatisfactory.

the US needs a president who's a true patriot with the essence of the leaders of the American Revolution. Philosopher John Locke's idea of social contract theory is the foundation of the American colonists' Declaration of Independence. It states that any fair social contract must respect its citizens' rights to life, liberty, and property. If these rights are violated we're entitled to rebel against the governing authority even the king!

they can argue that immigrants are not citizens of this country but their loved ones are. we need someone who truly reeks of red, white, and blue to stand up for, someone who has the balls to take on the task to right this wrong.

[MendozaQH]

the problem is that he emphasized "when we have achieved our border security goal", which can be indefinite. it can be years, decades.

This is a problem fo rBOTH canidates as they both emphasize this as first. However, this is what a majority of Americans want.......

[babyblue12121]

This is a problem fo rBOTH canidates as they both emphasize this as first. However, this is what a majority of Americans want.......

Well then that makes them a bunch of hypocrites because anyone who is not of American Indian descent is descended from immigrants and what would they feel like if they were in our shoes. This country was built by immigrants, it was the original melting pot. What gives anyone the right to suddenly say sorry, but you all aren't worthy of entry.

People like to try and forget who this country really belongs to, and it isn't any of us... it is people like my grandfather, a full blooded Cherokee whose culture has been all but wiped out and whose tribe has been sequestered in a small reservation.

[yogirlautumn]

Yeah and his VP is just not intelligent enough.

[JennyM]

I am voting McCain, because of his views on more than just Immigration. I know we all want something done w/Immigration, but I do not make my decision for candidate soley on what they say about Immigration. We have a lot more to worry about, and I would NEVER vote OBAMA, becuase I have looked at all his stats, and what he has voted for in the past, and he is for MANY MANY things, I could never personally be for! So in my opinion we need to look at the all around aspects of each candidate, and NOT only on the immigration proposals they have!

McCain 2008

:ditto:

Plus, dems love spending money. Take from the rich, give to the poor. I'm sorry but I work to make it to the top then its mine!

McCain 2008

[salsasdad]

Here's why I won't tell you who I voted for (already did it by absentee ballot) and why I won't try to influence how you vote. I love you all and consider you my friends and I want to make sure it stays that way.

But I am glad that you can have a meaningful dialogue from opposite sides of the voting booth and still stay friends. I just don't want to chance it myself.

[Pinkpig]

http://townhall.com/columnists/MichaelBarone/2008/10/11/the_coming_obama_thugocracy

The Coming Obama Thugocracy
by Michael Barone
Sunday Oct 11, 2008

"I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors," Barack Obama told a crowd in Elko, Nev. "I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face." Actually, Obama supporters are doing a lot more than getting into people's faces. They seem determined to shut people up.

That's what Obama supporters, alerted by campaign emails, did when conservative Stanley Kurtz appeared on Milt Rosenberg's WGN radio program in Chicago. Kurtz had been researching Obama's relationship with unrepentant Weather Underground terrorist William Ayers in Chicago Annenberg Challenge papers in the Richard J. Daley Library in Chicago -- papers that were closed off to him for some days, apparently at the behest of Obama supporters.

Obama fans jammed WGN's phone lines and sent in hundreds of protest emails. The message was clear to anyone who would follow Rosenberg's example. We will make trouble for you if you let anyone make the case against The One.

Other Obama supporters have threatened critics with criminal prosecution. In September, St. Louis County Circuit Attorney Bob McCulloch and St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce warned citizens that they would bring criminal libel prosecutions against anyone who made statements against Obama that were "false." I had been under the impression that the Alien and Sedition Acts had gone out of existence in 1801-02. Not so, apparently, in metropolitan St. Louis. Similarly, the Obama campaign called for a criminal investigation of the American Issues Project when it ran ads highlighting Obama's ties to Ayers.

These attempts to shut down political speech have become routine for liberals. Congressional Democrats sought to reimpose the "fairness doctrine" on broadcasters, which until it was repealed in the 1980s required equal time for different points of view. The motive was plain: to shut down the one conservative-leaning communications medium, talk radio. Liberal talk-show hosts have mostly failed to draw audiences, and many liberals can't abide having citizens hear contrary views.

To their credit, some liberal old-timers -- like House Appropriations Chairman David Obey -- voted against the "fairness doctrine," in line with their longstanding support of free speech. But you can expect the "fairness doctrine" to get another vote if Barack Obama wins and Democrats increase their congressional majorities.

Corporate liberals have done their share in shutting down anti-liberal speech, too. "Saturday Night Live" ran a spoof of the financial crisis that skewered Democrats like House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank and liberal contributors Herbert and Marion Sandler, who sold toxic-waste-filled Golden West to Wachovia Bank for $24 billion. Kind of surprising, but not for long. The tape of the broadcast disappeared from NBC's Website and was replaced with another that omitted the references to Frank and the Sandlers. Evidently NBC and its parent, General Electric, don't want people to hear speech that attacks liberals.

Then there's the Democrats' "card check" legislation, which would abolish secret ballot elections in determining whether employees are represented by unions. The unions' strategy is obvious: Send a few thugs over to employees' homes -- we know where you live -- and get them to sign cards that will trigger a union victory without giving employers a chance to be heard.

Once upon a time, liberals prided themselves, with considerable reason, as the staunchest defenders of free speech. Union organizers in the 1930s and 1940s made the case that they should have access to employees to speak freely to them, and union leaders like George Meany and Walter Reuther were ardent defenders of the First Amendment.

Today's liberals seem to be taking their marching orders from other quarters. Specifically, from the college and university campuses where administrators, armed with speech codes, have for years been disciplining and subjecting to sensitivity training any students who dare to utter thoughts that liberals find offensive. The campuses that used to pride themselves as zones of free expression are now the least free part of our society.

Obama supporters who found the campuses congenial and Obama himself, who has chosen to live all his adult life in university communities, seem to find it entirely natural to suppress speech that they don't like and seem utterly oblivious to claims that this violates the letter and spirit of the First Amendment. In this campaign, we have seen the coming of the Obama thugocracy, suppressing free speech, and we may see its flourishing in the four or eight years ahead.

Michael Barone is a senior writer with U.S. News & World Report and the principal co-author of The Almanac of American Politics, published by National Journal every two years. He is also author of Our Country: The Shaping of America from Roosevelt to Reagan, The New Americans: How the Melting Pot Can Work Again, the just-released Hard America, Soft America: Competition vs. Coddling and the Competition for the Nation's Future.

[MendozaQH]

Here's why I won't tell you who I voted for (already did it by absentee ballot) and why I won't try to influence how you vote. I love you all and consider you my friends and I want to make sure it stays that way.

But I am glad that you can have a meaningful dialogue from opposite sides of the voting booth and still stay friends. I just don't want to chance it myself.

Good for you for making sure your vote counts! Hopefully everyone follows your lead!

I hope the message here isn't to say who each person should vote for, but more to get the info out there on each canidate so that people are more informed when it comes to their decision! :cheerful:


Well then that makes them a bunch of hypocrites because anyone who is not of American Indian descent is descended from immigrants and what would they feel like if they were in our shoes. This country was built by immigrants, it was the original melting pot. What gives anyone the right to suddenly say sorry, but you all aren't worthy of entry.

People like to try and forget who this country really belongs to, and it isn't any of us... it is people like my grandfather, a full blooded Cherokee whose culture has been all but wiped out and whose tribe has been sequestered in a small reservation.

This is true, and it is part of the discussion about immigration. Some people accept it, some don't. However, accepting it is not going to take away the laws the US has on immigration. The best case scenario is to adjust them, and both canidates basically want the same thing for immigration (based on their platform)

[babyblue12121]

This is true, and it is part of the discussion about immigration. Some people accept it, some don't. However, accepting it is not going to take away the laws the US has on immigration. The best case scenario is to adjust them, and both canidates basically want the same thing for immigration (based on their platform)

Just to clarify, I am just saying that McCain says that he is doing "what most Americans want" by backing off of his original immigration plan. And I am saying that those Americans are hypocrites and they suck. My comment wasn't aimed at either of the candidates really...