Immigration reform takes the center stage this week, beginning today with an outline for a bipartisan plan from the U.S. Senate. Tomorrow, Barack Obama flies to Las Vegas to deliver a speech of his own plan for making illegal immigrants legal. The Senate plan would enable a large number of the some 11-plus million illegal immigrants to become permanent residents. There will be hoops to jump through and most will have a long wait behind those who have legally applied for citizenship. But the Senate plan may be overshadowed by a dark cloud of a sex scandal as one of its authors, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), is under investigation by the FBI for allegations of hiring underage prostitutes during trips to the Dominican Republic.
This comes at a bad time for Sen. Menendez, who is slated to be promoted to head the Senate′s Foreign Affairs Committee now that John Kerry will be replacing Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. One can only imagine the sort of jokes to be made about Menendez and foreign affairs! According to documents which surfaced late last week, the Federal Bureau of Investigations has been probing the allegations of possible criminal actions by Menendez since August, 2012. At least one of the prostitutes involved has been interviewed. She claims that three years ago, when she was only 16 years old, Menendez had sex with her and then only paid her $100 instead of the $500 promised.
While prostitution is legal in the Dominican Republic, it is still against United States laws for a U.S. citizen to engage in such acts with a minor when abroad. The probe began during a routine review of lists of gifts that members of Congress must provide. The trips to the Dominican Republic were paid for by a Miami dentist who has been a financial backer of Menendez for many years.
So how will this impact the new plan for immigration reform by the U.S. Senate? Is there enough credibility with the other seven senators backing the bill to make illegal immigrants legal citizens a law? How will there proposal compare with the one Barack Obama will announce tomorrow in Las Vegas? Will the whole matter become overshadowed by the brewing sex scandal involving allegations of Sen. Robert Menendez hiring underage prostitutes in the Dominican Republic? Oddly enough, when the senator appeared yesterday on ABC News′ ″This Week with George Stephanopoulos″, George never asked a single question on the allegations. Why this is strange is because, according to documents released last week, ABC News has had the story even before the FBI, with their investigation beginning in May, 2012 while our Justice Department did not begin its probe until August.
January 28th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
“Send me your tired, your poor, your perverted Democrats.”
January 28th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
This guy Menendez, is a Snake In The Grass.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57558825-504083/senator-menendez-intern-arrested-was-illegal-immigrant-and-registered-sex-offender-report-says/
( nevertheless, his Left Wing Bozo daughter is a POA )
January 28th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
“perverted Democrats.” (Redundant)
Leave it to liberals teach sex ed to kindergartners and their buddies at the ACLU to try and defend NAMBLA.
Hawaii, a state dominated by liberals, no Jessicas law, you can rape a baby and get only two years.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Unless God visits the Land with a sweeping revival like He did before, I don’t see hope of this nation. The USA is going the route of Lebanon: overrun till destruction by values greatly different than the ones that worked so well for so many decades, even with all the imperfections it had. At some point we will have to respond for the blood of millions of babies on the altar of convenience, just like the horrors in the Civil War largely due to slavery.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Or not.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
buzzboo
How many times do I have to tell you ?
Don’t shoot your wad all at once. Spread your Nickles around. Make it look like You A Playa.
January 29th, 2013 at 6:09 am
Yes, Riveria, a day of atonement is at hand for the 55+ million children aborted. I don’t remember now if it was Rush or Mark Levin who said that Liberals are only pro-choice until a child is born. Then they want to control his/her life in every degree.
January 29th, 2013 at 6:09 am
What’s wrong, Buzz? Facts got your tongue???
January 29th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
What facts are you referring to?
I see some sweeping generalizations from a couple of entertainers.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Some people believe that a baby is only generally a baby.
January 29th, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Some people believe that a liberal is only generally a responsible person.
January 29th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
“Some people believe that a baby is only generally a baby.”
“Some people believe that a liberal is only generally a responsible person.”
Some people (me) have no idea what either of those sentences mean. I tried to figure it out, but no, I don’t get it.
January 30th, 2013 at 10:46 am
Just like we have done before, we could bring statistics to the table to prove the immense damage to the economy done by the missing population due to abortion. We could do the same to highlight the benefits of traditional marriage and raising the boys to become men. But generally the very same people that declare that “science” and “hard facts” are supposedly their guiding lights then dart out in fear when the facts challenge their beliefs. The usual case is that they have opinions they hope to find a research paper to support. But the day of reckoning, where all things are going to be exposed, is drawing near.
Truth is, the hearts of men –me included– are rebellious, and constantly chase for a way to please their flesh against the laws of God, against what conscience tells, and ultimately what hard facts validate. What’s missing –some posts here are glaring examples of this– in is not capacity to see, but willingness. For whoever has eyes to see, life is nothing but the experimental validation that God was right and we were wrong from the very beginning. It’s actually better to have a dad and a mom at home, than all the social experiments we have now. Ask any teacher who behaves better in class. Or ask inmates, they’ll tell you.
Normally great empires fall due to internal putrefaction rather than by external forces. In some instances, the population was so blind they were feasting and getting drunk even moments before the disaster came. They mocked the “prophets of disaster”. They said “security and prosperity will surely come.” Every single time, this blindness proved to be fatal.
The US has attacked all their cornerstone values mercilessly. Of course, many call that progress. They are entertained by the destruction of their nation like Nero. When the flames are obvious, then they blame the very same ones that were warning against the decay in society.
Somebody asked me a few months before why Christians felt compelled to bring God to any topic. It was an interesting question that can be answered in multiple was, because there are many reasons that make Christians to act that way. But if I were to choose one, I’d say: because God is always right. Men’s opinions are opinions, but God’s opinion has a name: Truth.
January 30th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
We can’t have this conversation since I am diametrically opposed to your views and it would be disrespectful for me to enter into a debate about the existence of God.
For me to try to change your opinion would not just be fruitless, but simply wrong.
I believe that God is an invention of man to “explain the inexplicable”. I understand that a view such as that is literally blasphemous to you and have no desire for you to see things my way. Why? Because I respect your beliefs. There is literally nothing I could write that would change your mind and additionally, why would I want to do that? I simply don’t need to have people share my beliefs (or lack thereof)
When I ask people why they feel compelled to “spread the word” it is really not curiosity. I know why, but I think it exhibits a certain disrespect for people that do not embrace such a view.
Religious people seem to think that non-believers, such as myself, simply lack enough information. No, we have heard the information, ad nauseam, and simply came to a different conclusion that was not without consideration
My religious friends and colleagues (and there are a lot of them) simply do not engage in any type of persuasive argument regarding Christianity (or any other religion for that matter).
Why? Primarily out of respect, but also because they are aware it is a waste of time, so we simply discuss the myriad of other subjects we share an interest in.
I am sure your belief system is very important to you and is a primary component of your life. What is my reply to that? Great.
I simply do not devote any time to such matters and I am very happy. I would hope your acknowledgment of my decisions would be similar. As in “great”.
January 30th, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Well L.Rivera, I see it more of a public health issue than anything else. Because believers live longer, live healthier lives, are more prosperous, contribute more to charitable causes, and are even happier people, it should be encouraged. Religiosity has beneficial health benefits just like stress balls, PE, and psychotherapy.
January 30th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
You got a solid point, Patrick. I witnessed some of that first hand: in my family there was a long chain of drunkenness that cut a lot of the males lives short, some at the peak of their productivity. My grandfather, many uncles, distant relatives and even my dad died young largely or directly due to alcohol. Not to count the divorces, financial losses, hospitalizations, etc.
God cut that dry in my life. Haven’t had a drop for over 20 years. Just looking at the financial aspect, I have no idea how much money I saved but it must be a lot, plus how much I’ve been able to earn just because I can apply myself to my studies and work without seeing double.
January 30th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
What do you mean by “encouraged”?
Isn’t it fair that people are made aware of the tenets of religion and can certainly hear someone speak of how it may have had a positive effect on their life?
I have read your comment and others you have written that seem to indicate a more vigorous campaign.
It seems as if there is a lot of “encouraging” right now on behalf of religion.
Don’t you have friends and/or relatives that are simply not interested? If that is the case, can you simply “leave it alone”?
January 30th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Buzz, let me put it this way because there is no line in my mind. But if it is reasonable for the federal government to spend gobs of money promoting anti-smoking, something I believe is dubious, perhaps the same is reasonable to promote healthy religious practices. And same answer in our public schools. It just depends on what role you view government having in promoting public health.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
I’m a drunk.
A higher power, I call “Jesus”,son of God, got me out of myself, and saved myself.
(Came to me in the form of a little Hawaiian lady)
I’ve watched this process save thousands just like me.
Who cares what anyone thinks if it saves lives and improves the quality of families.
“Don’t you have friends and/or relatives that are simply not interested? If that is the case, can you simply “leave it alone”?”
They may not be interested, but those in misery cant help but eventually ask how I did it.
The elevation of purpose is a force to be reckoned with
January 30th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Buzz is a gift from God.
He makes me realize why sobriety is so important and complacency can mean death.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:03 pm
I simply don’t see religion as “public health”.
I guess we will simply disagree as I have no desire to make any attempt to change your mind on this issue.
I also, however, only ask people to respect my well-considered ambivalence.
January 30th, 2013 at 9:35 pm
“I simply don’t see religion as “public health”.”
Think of it as pubic health and you get a healthier public
January 30th, 2013 at 11:40 pm
I can’t vouch for all religions, but I’m sure that following Jesus’ words on being faithful to my wife must have at least helped my chances against venereal diseases. How much does the AIDS epidemic cost taxpayers? Not to talk about the cost of potential broken bones too.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:54 pm
Patrick, there is no good proof about your claims of religious people being happier or what-not. We’ve been through this circlejerk many times, I can now bring up how there are MANY more religious folks than atheist folks in prison per-capita, or how the leaders of the Catholic church seem to love having sex with little boys, or cover up for those who do, or how other religions like to blow themselves and others up in the name of their god, etc, etc.
Here’s what it boils down to. Getting someone like me (and I imagine Buzz) to believe in God is much like getting you to believe in the Tooth Fairy. In my mind it’s just nuts that people believe in that and I simply cannot believe, no matter how hard I try. You can’t force believe, unless you’re a ‘just in case’ Christian, which there are many.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:56 pm
*other religious people
January 31st, 2013 at 1:18 am
Believing in God is self-evident. However, many struggle with that for a plethora of reasons. I know, I was there. Line, hook and sinker.
In the case of Christianity in particular, nobody can make anybody a Christian. Even when the facts are presented and reasonably prove that Christ existed and His resurrection is well documented, it’s not by far enough to bring a heart to peaceful confidence on Him and what He said and did. That’s the role of the Holy Spirit, not of any man. Some receive His testimony, some don’t. Some wise men according to this age stay running in circles until death catches up with them, other low-key ones receive a full-blown miraculous transformations and conquer Heaven.
I was a neat mix of new-age and believed in a mystical impersonal force that could be tapped. But His finger touched me, what can I say? It happened, I can’t deny it. And, in line with what Patrick said, he has done me well, and that includes rescuing and protecting me from unhealthy practices. He teaches well. And that’s why I give witness of Him. Of course, I can’t expect anybody to believe what I say: not my job, only Him can make that happen.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:59 am
If religion makes everyone so blissfully peaceful and happy, why is it that nearly every war in the history of the world been fought in the name of religion?
January 31st, 2013 at 10:18 am
Most wars throughout history were essentially acts of ‘external taxation’, or in other words, theft! In the 20th Century, the majority of wars were begun by governments with domestic problems, which they hoped to either distract their populations from or resolve by looting wealth from others.
January 31st, 2013 at 1:53 pm
“If religion makes everyone so blissfully peaceful and happy, why is it that nearly every war in the history of the world been fought in the name of religion?”
Yeah, I’ve asked the same question.
But, I caught up with the times and realized you’re setting an argument based on false parameters.
Try it this way.
If all religion is supposed to keep a population blissfully happy why is the middle east failing ?
Christianity was a huge tool of oppression til America constructed a Constitution allowing freedom of and from religion.
Those wars you speak were only so one country or group could shove their beliefs down others throats.
January 31st, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Snow, yes there is. Your cute anecdotal stories aside, you can look up the studies yourself since I’ve listed them on prior threads. Learn google is your friend and can provide the answers that will make you uncomfortable yet smarter.
Religiosity is good for your health. That makes it a public health issue if you believe our government should be promoting healthy habits. Hint: liberals like that idea.
January 31st, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Google is certainly an effective tool for finding arguments, articles and “studies” that support a premise. The citation below was the result of about ten seconds devoted to Google “research”.
This is an excerpt from Psychology Today: Doesn’t mean it is right or wrong, especially since this subject is mostly subjective, but to continue to state the religious=happier as some absolute is a bit disingenuous.
“In religious countries, including the U.S., religious people describe themselves as happier (1). In relatively godless countries, such as the Netherlands, or Denmark, religious people are not happier (2).
This striking inconsistency between the U.S. and godless countries may have a fairly simple explanation. Religious people are in the majority in the U.S., but in a minority in Denmark and the Netherlands. Feeling part of the mainstream may be comforting whereas being in the minority is stressful.
Even within the U.S. there are curious inconsistencies. The most religious states are the least happy based on Gallup data.
This mirrors the pattern amongst countries.
Countries with the highest average self-reported happiness are the least religious (3). The happiest nations are, in order, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands (4). Sweden, Denmark and Norway are the second, third, and fourth least religious countries, being exceeded only by formerly-communist Estonia in their atheism”.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Buzz, a physiological forum does not make for a good religious argument.
Why would the most unaccomplished fields of medicine supported by scientists speak favorably of a belief system that could replace whatever they prescribe.
Self induced dopamine and endorphine production is so far the most succesful means of therapy for the mentally ill unless they’re organically ill, victims of chemical traumas or physical injury to the brain.
Theres a reason faith based programs have the largest success in the world of compulsion and addiction.
The rewards of a sober and faithful life are most excellent.
Not everyone has to turn into some blind sheepish altar boy
And, as you can tell, yours truly is no altar boy.
If you want to believe that you’re here for some short stint so you can just eat, procreate and die and take no conscience with you when your body quits,its sad.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:14 pm
“If you want to believe that you’re here for some short stint so you can just eat, procreate and die and take no conscience with you when your body quits,its sad.”
It is in no way sad. I am unencumbered by such things and make the most of “this” life.
There is no “bonus round”.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:25 pm
Correction: You BELIEVE there’s no “bonus round”. It’s a statement of faith.
About the happiness measure, we could look into it to see how it was defined and measured, but that could be futile. Furthermore, even a drunk or a junkie can say they are happy when they are high. The question is: what’s the joy, peace and steadfastness measure when adversity strikes?
January 31st, 2013 at 8:28 pm
Exactly Buzz. I always get that “Wow, that’s so sad, you must be miserable” when telling people about my atheism, but like you said, it just makes me enjoy this life so much more.
I can hardly think of anything worse than worshipping some narcissistic deity for all of eternity.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:59 pm
“There is no “bonus round”.”
How the hell do you know ?
“Exactly Buzz. I always get that “Wow, that’s so sad, you must be miserable” when telling people about my atheism, but like you said, it just makes me enjoy this life so much more.”
Dont flatter yourself.
It snot like I’m gonna crucify myself over your limited thought process
Its sad because of the waste of contemplation and the limited credit you give to things you choose not to explore.
Science can only tell us so much.
At some point I chose to ask what happened before the chemical beginnings of life.
What was going on before the creation of man or the big bang.
The process and possibilities are infinite.
But of course you’ve already made it finite and have all the answers right ?
If you knew a belief in a higher power could put your Aunt at piece would you treat her the same way you do other believers ?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:10 pm
Who knows, the whole thing could be more physical than we imagine.
Maybe theres other life that planted us and our beginnings here millions of years ago thats been watching and has the means to reanimate every human being ever born with just a speck of DNA ?
If they think we were a worthy endeavor.
And whos to say they wouldnt have a God whos existence they can prove who promises an elevated afterlife if you adhere to certain morales ?
Maybe they intentionally planted the circumstances and incidents that lead these ancient prophets of ours to feel the need to inform us theres away to eternal life in other forms ?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:24 pm
I have my beliefs (or lack thereof) and you have yours. So be it, I really have no desire to change yours.
The point I am making (and it is continually borne out on these pages) is that is not a lack of information or consideration.
It has been considered and I have decided that it has no role in my life.
I gain nothing by dispelling someone else’s beliefs, but people of religion do seem to have a compulsion to change mine.
I find it somewhat disrespectful and condescending.
I know if comes from a good place, but I am content and am not seeking a “change”.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Patrick,
What if I told you that Allah was the key to happiness, would you be persuaded into worshipping him? Something tells me that plenty of Muslims might believe such and something tells me that they might be able to conjure up plenty of ‘proof’. It’s a lot like that.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:12 pm
“What if I told you that Allah was the key to happiness,”
Coming from you it would mean nothing.
Good for you if you think you’re as happy as can be.
I wanted more
January 31st, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Right, whatever makes you happy. I’m just saying that it’s nearly impossible to change someone’s religious beliefs. People can tell me all day that their religion makes them happy and that I should follow suit so I can be happy, but that’s just not going to affect how I view religion, no words will persuade me, or anyone else for that matter.
January 31st, 2013 at 11:37 pm
Religion is only worth if if you want it because you feel a calling.
Whats sad is that too many die during their pursuit because they’re not made to or ask themselves to imagine past normal constructs.
I’ll be alright monetarily, my love life, my kids future, its all good.
But my existence and mark in all of creation I believe goespast that.
Actually, as much asthe bible gives good example of spiritual virtue, it doesnt even begin to touch what I think there is to look forward to.
For me, hell is dying with guilt.
Heaven is dying with peace and clear conscience.
The afterlife all depends on the levels of peace and guilt you take with you. And there is ajudge who determines what morales righyly apply to that peace.
We all know basic right from wrong.
You may be just as kind to another as I am.
You may do it for your own reasons,I do it because I believe I’m not totally in charge of the dispensing of the euphoria.
The Islamic homicide bomber thinks he’s going to heaven. I argue otherwise.
There are two extremes you can end up with. Heaven or Hell.
But, I believe, most will end up in the middle somewhere, depending on levels of morality exercised in life, morality not left to me to judge alone.
The list goes on and on because life and people are just too freeking complex to be settled by a few thousand pages of scripture.
Jesus did have it right.
But left out a lot of details, that could maybe be his intention or the fault of the prophets and disciples who no doubt wrote from interpretation.
Whatever, its a good start.
I look forward to my spirit, my Chi, my life force, birthing and nurturing my own planet should I be deserving.
I mean really, life is no fcking picnic. I think were all destined for better.
January 31st, 2013 at 11:39 pm
Sorry, I typed that in the dark while going 80 mph in the passenger seat of Boxter
February 1st, 2013 at 12:14 am
Show me the study that says allah is the key to happiness and i would gladly convert. For now, look at the actual studies that show religious people in the US are happier, healthier, more charitable, and live longer. Confucius say ostrich puts head in sand, but even a monkey can learn.
February 1st, 2013 at 10:27 am
Muslim males are the only ones who might be happy, or think they’re happy.
I’m sure the women have different feelings but will not and cannot ever say so.
Seriously, just about every Muslim nation cannot get past living like poor stupid idiots.
The proof is in the pudding , or cous cous, tahini, whatever.