Kerry: No licenses for illegal immigrants

Discussion in 'Politics & Current Events' started by argentine soccer fan, Jul 1, 2004.

  1. argentine soccer fan Moderator

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    http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=694&ncid=703&e=1&u=/ap/20040701/ap_on_el_pr/kerry

    Do you agree with Senator Kerry?

    First of all, I think it is an issue for the individual states to decide, not for the president or a candidate for President of the United States.

    Secondly, I think it is hypocritical for government to allow illegal immigrants to live in the country and contribute to the economy and yet they cannot drive, and therefore are unable to get insurance. Does this 'no license' policy keep people from staying here and driving, or does it discourage them from practicing safe driving skills and getting insurance?

    Third, I think to have these illegal immigrants registered with the DMV will contribute to having them on a database, which helps rather than hurt with security issues.

    This is not about controlling our borders, I agree America should control its borders and needs to take steps to improve this. But the the fact is that we allow these people to stay here because we need their labor, (Some of them have been here all their life, since they were little children), while we deny them some very basic rights. And in the case of Drivers Licences, we also make the streets less safe for everybody.

    This is one instance in which I agreed with Governor Gray Davis, when he gave the licences to illegals, even though he only did it as a last gasp desperation political move.
          
  2. Danks81 New Member

    Member Since:
    May 18, 2003
    Location:
    Philadelphia
    I agree with Kerry. People that are in this nation illegally do not deserve the privilege to drive on our roads.
  3. verybdog New Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Houyhnhnms
    Kerry should shut his mouth and be quiet and be prepared to be the next president.

    No licenses for illegals? Oh please, Senator Kerry, stop being a Bush lite.

    How are they going to go to work? They need to drive a car to where you work in order to clean up the mess in your office, right?
  4. dawgpound2 Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 3, 2001
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    Gee, where's GringoTex screaming about how ruthless and horrible John Kerry is?

    We better hear from you soon, Gringo.
  5. Revolt Member

    Member Since:
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    I'll have to read the article a little later, but uninsured drivers are a huge problem in California. Anecdotal evidence says that something like 1/5 to 1/3 of all drivers are uninsured. It goes beyond illegal immigrants - insurance is too damned expensive.

    Not long ago, a guy (who I assumed was illegal) bumped into the back of my car and put a small dent in the fender. He was totally freaked out, like I was going to call the INS or something. After I sort of talked him down, dude pulls out a $100 bill to make me go away. I didn't take his money (I've got uninsured motorist coverage - at extra to cost to me - grrrr), but did take his license plate number down.

    Big surprise, car was unregistered and that was good enough for me to get insurance company to pay for repair.

    ASF, to respond to your larger point - yes, its toally hypocrictical, but not just for licenses. The government could end this business in heartbeat by cracking down harshly on employers who hire illegals. But that would throw the US economy for a wild loop - and think of the landscaping chaos that would ensue. (Its all very complicated. Depending on the reponses, I might comment more later.)
  6. Revolt Member

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    This is part of Kerry's race to the center of American politics (The place where Jim Hightower said that dead armadillos live - but that's another story). The whole licenses for illegals is HUGELY UNPOPULAR to most Californians. However, whenever you have one-party states, you get silly bills like this receiving serious consideration.
  7. Chicago1871 New Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 21, 2001
    Location:
    The City
    I have to agree that this issue, IMHO, is a state issue, not a national one. However, I understand where some people can see it the other way.

    Let's recap the following statements.
    Note the bold. Why exactly should illegal immigrants have the same rights as tax-paying citizens of said country? You make a vaild point about safety, but a government agency (state or country) can't license illegal immigrants when they're not even supposed to be here. Sure, everyone knows they're here, but just because they are doesn't mean they deserve the same rights. Yea, it sucks, but it doesn't change the fact that it's wrong.
  8. Matt in the Hat Moderator

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    Will Kerry please keep his mind on federal issues.
  9. superdave Member+

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    Yep.

    I really hate people who run for the US Senate with education as their main priority. Drives me nuts. Hey, jacknut, if you really truly ooly care about education, run for the damn state legislature.

    He's pandering.
  10. GringoTex Member

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    There's not an illegal in the whole of the United States who's going to sign up for a driver's license and make themselves trackable for auto insurance purposes.

    Wetback has its privileges.
  11. GringoTex Member

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    He answered a question put to him in an interview. He didn't advocate policy.
  12. IntheNet New Member

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    So what this post actually means is that the latin and asian vote goes to the incumbent office holder, while the new guy running gets the black and liberal vote. Right?

    IntheNet
  13. DoyleG Moderator

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    No license for illegals?

    That will cost him.
  14. Foosinho New Member

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    I think they very much should have the same rights as citizens. Just not the same privileges. And driving is, incorrectly IMO, viewed as a right in this country. It's too easy for everyone to get licenses. It should cost more, and it should be far more difficult to pass the test.

    I understand why it's the way it is, but it'd be better for everyone in the long run if licensing was stricter.

    [edit: Just my rant on licensing laws in general. Not really addressing Kerry's statement - I hadn't given it much thought.]
  15. argentine soccer fan Moderator

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    Illegals are paying bribes of over $1,000.00 to crooked DMV workers who promise to illegaly get them a driver's licence. Do you think they won't get one for 35 bucks if it is legal?
  16. GringoTex Member

    Member Since:
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    Location:
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    You couldn't pay them to take a real driver license. They're illegals- why the hell would they want to be tracked?
  17. GringoTex Member

    Member Since:
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    Cost him what - the illegal vote?
  18. Chicago1871 New Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 21, 2001
    Location:
    The City
    You are right. "Privilege" is a much better word for it. And I wholeheartedly agree on the strictness of licensing.
  19. bostonsoccermdl Moderator

    Member Since:
    Apr 3, 2002
    Location:
    Connecticut
    how about the strictness of entering the country through a proper legal means?

    The problem with this proposal of Kerry's, is by accepting it, you accept the fact the illegals should be allowed to stay in the first place.

    I have no problem with people coming to live in the country, as long as it is done thourgh a legal means. Keep a strict stance on the issue, and issues like this simply wont exist..

    Why do we bother being strict with europeans for example, but we turn mexican immigration into a playground game of hide and go seek?
  20. Chicago1871 New Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 21, 2001
    Location:
    The City
    My (sarcastic) answer would come across as stereotypical and a little mean so I'll have to refrain from using it.
  21. Foosinho New Member

    Member Since:
    Jan 11, 1999
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    Columbus Crew
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    Average border length with European countries: zero.
    Average border length with Mexico: 2000 miles.

    Actually, if you went and saw F9/11, maybe you'd see part of why our border is so notoriously difficult to patrol.
  22. verybdog New Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Houyhnhnms
    Learn from Israel, Build a Berlin Wall

    [IMG]
  23. Chicago1871 New Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 21, 2001
    Location:
    The City
    Re: Learn from Israel, Build a Berlin Wall

    Again, I have a smart-ass comment on this, but it would start a ****-storm.
  24. Foosinho New Member

    Member Since:
    Jan 11, 1999
    Location:
    New Albany, OH
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    Columbus Crew
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    United States
    Re: Learn from Israel, Build a Berlin Wall

    How do you build a wall down the middle of a river?
  25. bostonsoccermdl Moderator

    Member Since:
    Apr 3, 2002
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Our governement should either get serious with immigration/sneaking into our country, or change the rules.

    Either way, sending such a mixed message isnt the way to go..

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