My Senator is not a complete idiot

[Eldora, Oracle of Alchemy]

The most interesting bit is the last paragraph.  This also goes to show it helps to contact the people you elect.  Well sometimes at least.  

Dear Ms. <name deleted due to paranoia>:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress as a part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act and signed into law by the President on May 11, 2005 (P.L.109-13). I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

The Real ID Act modifies existing regulations regarding the processing of asylum applications by placing the burden of proof on the applicant to prove at least one ?¢,Ǩ?ìcentral reason?¢,Ǩ¬ù that their persecution is due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. The Real ID Act also broadens the terrorism related grounds for inadmissibility or removal for asylum seekers. Another provision in this bill further restricts an individual?¢,Ǩ,Ñ¢s options for judicial review when seeking asylum by, among other things, limiting the ability of a federal court to delay an immigrant?¢,Ǩ,Ñ¢s deportation, even while an appeal is being reviewed by the court.

In addition to the modifications to the asylum process, the Real ID Act allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive environmental and other laws to expedite the construction of security fences and barriers along our national borders. P.L109-13 also sets minimum federal security standards for states to follow for drivers?¢,Ǩ,Ñ¢ licenses and personal identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes.

I have a number of concerns with some provisions of the Real ID Act, such as those that make it more difficult for individuals seeking asylum. In addition, this law enables the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive all laws, which includes labor, safety, environmental and all other laws, that might impede the expeditious construction of barriers and roads along the border. I am concerned with the costs that the new mandated drivers license regulations will impose on the states. I am also troubled that this controversial bill was included on a must pass piece of emergency legislation to fund the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and did not go through any Senate Committee, did not have any hearings, was not debated on the Senate floor and that the Senate did not have the opportunity to amend it.

Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin

[East Coast Hustle]

interesting. and yeah, Levin isn't a total tard. in fact, Michigan does a surprisingly good job of electing officials that don't have thei rheads buried up their own asses, especially considering how much of the population suffers from that very problem.

and no, that was not a shot at you. it was more like a shot at most of Wayne and Macomb counties.

and Ypsi.

[Eldora, Oracle of Alchemy]

interesting. and yeah, Levin isn't a total tard. in fact, Michigan does a surprisingly good job of electing officials that don't have thei rheads buried up their own asses, especially considering how much of the population suffers from that very problem.

and no, that was not a shot at you. it was more like a shot at most of Wayne and Macomb counties.

and Ypsi.

Well, a certain percentage of the population of Ypsilanti has an excuse, unless they closed the nuthouse there  

I guess you missed when 'we' elected Spence Abraham  

Levin is pretty good.  He has been around for a long time, he knows how things go in Washington.  He is always on some committee, too.  For him to say anything against a bill says a lot about how bad it is.

[Chef]

HOW COME OPIEZ DON'T ELECT SENATORS FROM ITS OTHER STATES, LIKE BRITAIN AND ISREAL?

CHEF D,
THINKS THA FLOOR NEEDS TO RECKONIZE THA SENIOR SENATOR FROM TONGA

[Shibboleet The Annihilator]

NICE RANT ELDORA! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!










IF YOU COULDN'T TELL THAT WAS SARCASM PLEASE PROCEED TO SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FACE.

[agent compassion]

HOW COME OPIEZ DON'T ELECT SENATORS FROM ITS OTHER STATES, LIKE BRITAIN AND ISREAL?

CHEF D,
THINKS THA FLOOR NEEDS TO RECKONIZE THA SENIOR SENATOR FROM TONGA

That would make C-Span's viewing figures go through the roof, I bet.  

[Irreverend Hugh, KSC]

HOW COME OPIEZ DON'T ELECT SENATORS FROM ITS OTHER STATES, LIKE BRITAIN AND ISREAL?

CHEF D,
THINKS THA FLOOR NEEDS TO RECKONIZE THA SENIOR SENATOR FROM TONGA

Easy that.

We don't trust those we like to colonize.

[AFK]

Bump, just because.

[Anna Mae Bollocks]

Because the best part?

NICE RANT ELDORA! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!










IF YOU COULDN'T TELL THAT WAS SARCASM PLEASE PROCEED TO SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FACE.