Some good news (re: my brother) and a bit of a rant (re: BP & immigration)

[The Straight Story]

My brother got home from the hospital. Not a heart attack, seems he has blood pressure issues. Lots of tests and I am happy to say his heart is OK.

On BP:
I went fishing tonight (as I do most nights now) and while I could rant more about the creek and pollution I won't. I will say I realized tonight that my driver side brake light is out. If I got pulled over and did not have insurance or a valid license here my car would get towed and I would get a ticket (and I could face misdemeanor charges like I did in CA when I got pulled over and had my Ohio license which had expired, I forgot all about renewing it as I did not get my usual thing in the mail to remind me).

BP and crew fuck up a big part of the ocean, people die, a huge oil rig sinks, and they face what? A few fines that are but a small percent of their income? Hell, I had my car towed in CA, had to pay over $500 to get it out plus a fine (and I could have gotten jail time) and I was unemployed at the time. It was a big % of my income.

How is it these corporations can call themselves people and be able to contribute to campaigns but they don't want to be treated like people when it comes to things like facing jail time for their screw ups? I got what was coming to me for my own screw up, yet BP and bush walk around free and the only thing they have to worry about is a small fine (which they won't end up paying anyway because they will just raise prices).

On Immigration:
Back in the 80's I used to play chess - I played in tournaments and at a local chess club (Mainly the YMCA and later at the Leo Yassenoff Jewish center.) I played with guys from Russia. Folks who escaped from oppression. These guys just wanted a better life, they were looking for freedom. No one gave them grief over it all. Hell, if anything, I felt it a privilege to be able to sit across the board from them and play. I was not alone - many fellow players were glad to have them here.
I felt it an honor to play a guy named Markzon, a grandmaster, in a simul. I lost that game, but was one move away from a draw (I moved my rook the wrong way one square, I was excited - still kick myself for that. Had a dang draw). I didn't sit there playing him wondering about his immigration status. I was just glad he and others were here to share their life and experiences.

What would you do if you were living in some hell hole and wanted to make a better life for those you loved and were caring for?

We used to think people coming here was a good thing - when the people coming here were from the Soviet Union and such. We threw open our borders for the 'defectors' yet we want to close it for those south of our border?

I still remember the 'Iron Curtain' and how folks on the right would be happy when people from there came to the US. They felt it was a good thing. What has changed?

[Duer 157099]

1. I'm very glad to hear about your brother

On the other hand, I can feel my own blood pressure rising through the roof after reading your post. Of course you are correct and I think all of us think about that more than we'd like, and we don't have any good answers other than "well there are two sets of rules, depending on your wealth/status."

And it's infuriating.

[Catherina]

2. That's great news on your brother. Rant rec'd n/t

[Rex]

3. Thank goodness!

Glad to hear your brother is okay.

What changed is the Baggers came along and they are meaner than the Repukes.