By Paddy Notar
If you illegally cross the North Korean border, you get 12 years of hard labor. If you go into China illegally, you're considered a spy and get sent to prison. Don't cross into Germany and Britain if you're not wanted, because you'll pay a huge fine and be deported immediately. But cross into the U.S. illegally and you get a driver's license, a social security card, welfare, and free health care.
I wonder where our Senators sit on this issue. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, simply put, is against illegal immigration in all forms. No freebies as far as she's concerned. On the other hand, Senator Begich voted to continue to allow illegal immigrants credit cards (H.R. 627).
What does that mean? Basically, let them in with a Visa or Mastercard. But who pays if they don't?
Senator David Vitter, a republican from Louisiana, wanted the current legislation repealed. The bill, already in place, also states that illegal immigrants can obtain credit cards without proper documentation, like a social security card or drivers license. But if they want one they can get it. Let's make it as easy as possible for them. After all, they're here illegally.
Vitter's bill to get it tossed was defeated 65–28. That's a lot of Senators voting “yes” for people to illegally obtain, what should be, citizens privileges.
Our own Sen. Mark Begich also voted against a bill (H.R. 2892) requiring employers to do a mandatory background check (E-Verify) to see if their employees are illegal immigrants. This would apply to any business receiving federal dollars. So, let me get this straight. If you say you're an illegal alien then they can't do a background check but if you are a U.S. citizen they can? Are you kidding me? Senator Begich also said that he is leaning towards giving illegal immigrants retirement benefits as well. Now you know where they stand.
The Double Musky is opening up again. There is nothing like a medium rare, filet with bearnaise sauce, baked potato with sour cream, butter, and chives…using the jalapeno-cheddar bread to slop up the juices. Just delicious on every level. Quite possibly, the best award winning wine selection of any restaurant in the country. Co-owner Justin Persons has done an incredible job. The Silvertip Angus burger, loaded with bacon, onion, and mushrooms, with an ice-cold beer, fills the soul too. Get a side of crumbly blue and just devour it. Great stuff for skiers. Also, check out the Silvertip's website for live music updates. I'll visit Maxine's, with their new menu, the Dive and Sprat and let you know what I think. It better be good or you'll hear about it. And they will too.
The Anchorage School District says that they have over $800 million worth of projects on their “to do” list. Are they nuts? $800 million for fixing up schools! What is this Camelot? Give me a break with this fiscally irresponsible school district. They have $10.5 million left over from unused monies that taxpayers gave them and, instead of giving it back to the people, the board is looking to spend it. I know, I know. If the money was allocated towards capital projects then they have to spend it on that. Guess what? Change the law. Also, enough of putting money towards pools. Swim in the tub or go to the YMCA. I never had a pool in high school. Do you know what people do in pools? That's right, they swim, and I can't.
Furthermore, why don't we take that money and dump it back into the MUNI and help balance the budget? Why don't they write everybody a check? Why don't they give teachers free health care? Every year we get hit with a referendum of around $90 million for a new pool here, fixing stuff up there and whatever else they didn't look at down the road and budget for. I say, to hell with that. If the board and superintendent can't get a five-year game plan together, that doesn't require trying to milk the taxpayer every year, then we need some fresh minds. This idea of “you're children will perish if you don't give us your money” is total garbage. Get your act together ASD by formulating a long-term plan and stick to it. Let people know what your five-year facilities plan, for improvements, looks like. They have one, you know. At least, they used to. Include the taxpayers early on instead of shoving this ‘we need it now or its doomsday' idea down our throats at the last minute.
By the way check out our radio show The Citizens' Soapbox on KBYR 700 AM from 7:00–9:00 p.m. every Saturday with my co-host Citizen Ken. Anything goes on the show and ranting is encouraged.
Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad to our neighbors in the south.
