New Prove-You're-A-Citizen law

[JimmyLyding]

When Governor Brewer signs this into law, can anyone see some unintended consequences? For those who don't know, this law will allow law enforcement officials to require anyone they come into contact with to prove that they are legally allowed to be in this country whether as a citizen or guest. For the record a valid driver's license is NOT considered proof-of-citizenship. Does this mean that those of us who appear as if we might be foreign have to carry around our birth certificates?
I'm not that worried about myself because I'm a 6'4" white dude, but then I remember reading about 80-year-old nuns being strip-searched by airport security.
As for hiking, I always carry my wallet with me because I'd rather risk losing it on the trail than having it stolen out of my car. But I'm not about to carry my birth certificate around. Anyhoo, this law will probably be struck down by the courts.

[Jeffshadows]

Two educated people can look at a situation and draw opposite conclusions, neither in error; this is part of what makes our country great. Two fools can look at a situation and ascribe their own personal bias, fear, or hysteria. These fools then go and vote based on those false conclusions. That is part of what makes our country absolutely frightening.

[chumley]

I agree Jeff. And I would also add that I have met a few educated people who also happen to be fools, and some uneducated people who are quite intelligent and can draw logical conclusions.

[tibber]

1st time caller on this topic here:

Two educated people can look at a situation and draw opposite conclusions, neither in error; this is part of what makes our country great.

I so agree with this!

I agree Jeff. And I would also add that I have met a few educated people who also happen to be fools, and some uneducated people who are quite intelligent and can draw logical conclusions.

and I so agree with this!

[Jeffshadows]

"Educated" in this sense meant on the issues, science, or technicalities of the issue in question. We have someone running for senate in my district that is living proof that a degree does not necessarily mean the bearer is "wise."

[chumley]

“One week ago, on the night of Thursday October 28 2010, after a discussion with a friend about the state of politics in Arizona, I donated $2,400 each to the reelection campaigns of Democratic Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords,” Olbermann said.

Statement above from MSNBC host Keith Olbermann

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/11 ... z14Q8Z75MQ

Ethical? Certainly up for discussion. Some people are really worked up about this today from what I'm reading. I don't think its a big deal. Its not like there's anybody who doesn't know which candidates he was supporting anyway.

[PLC92084]

Much to-do about nothing! just consider the source...

[Jeffshadows]

It might be unethical simple because NBC has a policy against it. Anyone who thinks that members of the media are above such inborn human traits as bias and personal opinion is fooling him or herself. I'm sure if someone looked hard enough, that person might find that Hannity or Beck have contributed to Repubs. I'm not so sure that such a revelation would be much of a "revelation..."

[chumley]

Agreed. The opinionated hosts do so much more for their supported candidates by putting them on TV in front of a million+ people and allowing them to frame their argument and talking points around softball questions. An appearance like that is worth much more than a $2400 donation.

[Jeffshadows]

Agreed. The opinionated hosts do so much more for their supported candidates by putting them on TV in front of a million+ people and allowing them to frame their argument and talking points around softball questions. An appearance like that is worth much more than a $2400 donation.

Excellent point. I know a lot of people watched the O'Reilly interview with W thinking he was going to put him on the spot and ask tough questions. I might have been interesting is he had...

[survivalhike]

@berkforbes
I'm replying to you about your post for 2 reasons. One, I agree with you, and two my name is Forbes as well. I'm Brian Forbes, pleasure to meet you. I absolutely agree that being asked when stopped by law enforcement to show ID makes sense. And the guy who opened this thread has it wrong, a drivers license IS a valid form of ID, which a police officer will run through their computer, ask you some basic questions like "what is your address" or "what is your social security number" and in 3 minutes you are verified. People who complain about having to carry their "papers" like they are some sort of a dog are just using scary words to get people whipped up. They way it is now when an illegal runs a red light or does something that you or I would get fined for, they get let go because they don't have ID and we cant ask any more questions. That's a bunch of crap, just try telling the cop you are an illegal immigrant and you should be let go next time you are caught speeding. These topics frustrate me, so I doubt you will see me in the political forum anymore, but I just wanted to let you know that someone else who has some common sense understands and is with you. Maybe it's because we are both Forbes...who knows. Great minds think alike.

[SUN_HIKER]

I came here the painful and legal way. Back then it was required (don't know if and why the law has changed since) to carry a green card on me at all times. Every January it was required to register with the Government and provide the most current address. I was required when applying for a job to provide my immigration papers. This I had to do until I became a Naturalized Citizen. I became I citizen so I could participate in the election process and everything our country had to offer. When registering to vote it also was required to prove my citizenship. (Of course I have no issue with this since I know of no other country where this isn't required).

There are sooo many people trying to come to the USA from all over the world who also want to come here and better their lives for themselves and their families. So my question is why should they bother coming here the legal (and correct way) if a certain group of people is allowed to sneak into our country and allow them to stay and oh yes, now reward them on top with amnesty. Never mind allowing them to register to vote without showing proper documentation of citizenship. A driver license is not proof that someone is a citizen, only a birth certificate or naturalization or US Passport. This has nothing to do with 'hate' or 'racism'. It's the Law! Otherwise why not lift the borders and let all from all over the world come over without the hassle.

[chumley]

Otherwise why not lift the borders and let all from all over the world come over without the hassle.

There are quite a few people who think that's the way it should be.

[sidhayes]

I would suggest to those "lot of people", to start, by opening their houses to newcomers so that they will have a place to stay. There are a lot that need help, so open your bedrooms and kitchens to them and their families. If you have a back yard, erect tents for overflow situations which could (will) occur.

[Tough_Boots]

Oh, lord... why the pumpkin did this topic get resurrected?

[azbackpackr]

Because it's easy to do a search and drag these old ones up. We could ask Joe to lock some of these...

[CannondaleKid]

@azbackpackr I realize you may have meant that in jest, but sorry, I don't agree.

@teva joe Please don't lock threads just because some of us don't like a thread. After all, last I heard we aren't being forced to read or post to any thread. If we don't like a thread, all we have to do is not participate in it. But let's not tread on the rights of others who just may enjoy getting into political quagmires.

[Tough_Boots]

But let's not tread on the rights of others who just may enjoy getting into political quagmires.

though, I do not agree with locking threads (though they may be stupid ones)... I do wonder what these "rights" are since this is a privately run website. Its kind of like how every now and then I have to kick out a customer and they yell at me about there freedoms and rights-- I get to reply, "this is a private business-- its my right to make you leave and never come back and if you want to argue about your rights then you can do it with the police."

[azbackpackr]

I don't like political arguments since no one is listening, they are only talking.

[Al_HikesAZ]

If you ever injected truth into politics you'd have no politics. Will Rogers
Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.   - Euripides
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it and then misapplying the wrong remedies. Groucho Marx
"If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed." Mark Twain
The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other. The one that's out always looks the best. Will Rogers

"and that's about all I have to say about" that Forrest Gump

[CannondaleKid]

I do wonder what these "rights" are since this is a privately run website.

Yes, I agree, as a private website Joe has the ultimate authority to allow or disallow anything/anyone as he sees fit. However my point was not invoking any specific 'rights' I was simply equating the rights of those asking for a thread to be locked with those who wish it not to be closed. Is that too much to ask?

BTW, in line with the title of the thread, I'm in favor of requiring states to have citizenship status on driver's licenses. Then if someone was stopped for a vehicle violation, the officer who know immediately if they were legal or not.