I applauded Assemblyman Tedisco (who appeared on the talk radio show) and Frank Merola and others who are fighting to uphold the rule of law in our nation.
I then proposed, tongue in cheek, that Mr. Spitzer consider a system that is compatible with the Department of Homeland Security Threat Levels.
A yellow driver's license is for illegal immigrants who are migrant workers and who are granted the privilege to drive.
A orange driver's license is awarded to illegal immigrants who are in the country, but who are not working, and thus we don't know of their intentions.
A red driver's license is given to illegal immigrants who have a bomb or other weapon and who are approved to drive.
Spitzer better back away from his politically motivated plan to give illegal immigrants drivers licenses. The more proposals that he makes, the more unfit to serve he appears. He certainly is not listening to the views and concerns of New York residents.
CAPITOL Tedisco keeping the heat on Changes to Spitzer license plan meet with renewed criticism BY BOB CONNER Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter Bob Conner at 462-2499 or bconner@dailygazette.net.
Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, continued to denounce Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s driver’s license proposal Monday, even while conceding that the governor has moved closer to his position by endorsing the federal Real ID Act. Spitzer appeared Saturday in Washington with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to announce his latest plan for driver’s licenses, which Chertoff partly endorsed. But, as Tedisco noted, Chertoff said he disagrees with the most controversial Spitzer policy, letting illegal immigrants qualify for driver’s licenses. Tedisco, who has become the most prominent opponent of the Spitzer policy, said at a news conference that his Assembly Republican conference still plans to fi le a lawsuit Thursday to challenge it. Spitzer is now proposing three types of driver’s licenses. An “enhanced” license will enable bearers to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders without a passport and get on domestic flights. (The ID requirements for Canadian border crossing have become a significant issue in northern and Western New York.) A Real ID license will comply with upcoming federal regulations and allow bearers on domestic flights. Spitzer spokeswoman Jennifer Givner said the enhanced license may cost about $20 more than the current basic license, which costs $100 the first time and $50 for a renewal. The Real ID license also will likely cost more than the basic. U.S. citizens have the option of retaining the basic license, and using a passport to cross borders or get on flights. The basic license by itself will not provide access to borders or airplanes, once the Real ID Act becomes effective, and it will indicate that it cannot be used as an ID “for U.S. government purposes.” A Spitzer statement quoted Chertoff as saying: “In sum, that clarification, along with implementing Real ID and enhanced driver’s licenses, represents a major step forward for security, both for New York and for the country.” Tedisco said this system will be a bureaucratic nightmare, and that he opposes its imposition of additional costs on New Yorkers. He also criticized the secret negotiations between the state and federal governments, and what he said was the governor’s lack of consultation with New York elected officials. Still, when pressed, Tedisco said Spitzer “is making citizens’ documents more secure” by committing the state to go along with the Real ID Act. Not all states are cooperating with the federal legislation, which is opposed by some civil libertarians and immigration activists. Tedisco said that as a result, opposition to Spitzer’s policy now likely tops 90 percent, rather than the 72 percent measured in a recent Siena Research Institute poll. Givner said New Yorkers are free to choose which type of license meets their needs. Any new fees for licenses would require approval by the state Legislature, she said, but the policy changes can be made by the governor and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The state will be in compliance with the Real ID Act, Givner said, even if many New Yorkers choose to keep the basic license or get an enhanced license instead of a Real ID license. The enhanced license will do everything the Real ID license does and more, she said. Illegal immigrants would only be able to get the basic license. Spitzer told The Associated Press Monday: “The plan we put forth makes perfect sense. This is the structure that squares security, maximizes participation, and permits law enforcement to know who in the state is driving.”
Spitzer spokeswoman Jennifer Givner said the enhanced license may cost about $20 more than the current basic license, which costs $100 the first time and $50 for a renewal. The Real ID license also will likely cost more than the basic. U.S. citizens have the option of retaining the basic license, and using a passport to cross borders or get on flights. The basic license by itself will not provide access to borders or airplanes, once the Real ID Act becomes effective, and it will indicate that it cannot be used as an ID “for U.S. government purposes.”
The more your license is going to do for you, the more it's going to cost you. More big government brought to you by the Liberal Democrats. Oh, and don't forget, too, that the CSEA is getting some raises...thanks again to Ellie. A 13 1/2 % raise over the next 4 years, 4% the first year and 3% for each of the following. I believe that's what I heard. Remember, you have to figure this compounding. Here's how that looks on $100.
Wages Raise Per Year $100.00 Starting $104.00 4% $107.12 3% $110.33 3% $113.64 3%
N.Y.'s license furor First published: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Gov. Eliot Spitzer's compromise plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants will likely please no one. Republicans aren't about to stop accusing him of helping people who have broken the law. And some advocates for the immigrant community, who were among the strongest supporters of Mr. Spitzer's original plan, are already accusing him of trying to stigmatize the very people the governor proposes to help. Until last weekend, Mr. Spitzer had been arguing that giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants would enhance national security, and lower insurance premiums, by reaching out to a large population that has long remained in the shadows. We agree.
But over the weekend, the governor announced a new three-tier license plan that may not achieve his original aim. What it will do, for sure, is address the critics who said his original plan would endanger homeland security. They can't say that now. While illegal immigrants would still be able to obtain driver's licenses, they could qualify only for one that stipulates it is not valid for federal identification. Other drivers who are citizens or legal immigrants could opt for that type of license, but they also would be able to qualify for two higher-tier licenses. One could be used to cross the Canadian border. The other would comply with the federal Real ID program and allow holders to board domestic flights and gain entry to federal buildings.
The question is, will the new plan discourage illegal immigrants from coming forward for fear of telegraphing their status, as some leaders in immigrant communities fear? Of course, Mr. Spitzer could reply that his original intent was to give illegal immigrants a chance to obtain a driver's license so they could get to work, not legalize their status here. And that might be enough for some illegal immigrants who want a driver's license bad enough to apply for one. If those numbers are high, the roads will be safer and premiums for uninsured motorists will decline. Others, though, might choose to remain in the shadows.
In any case, there is less reason now for critics to accuse the governor of ignoring national security concerns by allowing illegal immigrants to apply for licenses. Indeed, he is moving rapidly in the other direction by quickly embracing the federal Real ID program, even though many civil libertarians and several states have expressed concerns about privacy and cost. Congress has estimated the price tag at $23 billion over 10 years, and the National Governors Association has projected the first five years of the program will reach $11 billion, most of which will be borne by the states. Yet Mr. Spitzer hopes to have his plan up and running by next year, far ahead of the federal deadline of 2013.
We can understand the governor's eagerness to get things done in Albany, where gridlock prevails. We can understand his desire to bring a subpopulation out of the shadows. But whether his latest plan is the best way to achieve both these goals is, in our view, still an open one. Hopefully, over the long run, the answer will be yes.
THE ISSUE: The governorchanges his planon driver's licenses.
THE STAKES: By moving too hastily,more harm than goodmay result.
Governor Spitzer responds to comments made by Lou Dobbs 10/30/2007 11:47 AM By: Web Staff
NEW YORK -- Governor Spitzer took his license plan to a national audience today. He appeared on CNN Good Morning, responding to comments CNN host Lou Dobbs made earlier.
Dobbs said, "This man is sitting here putting together a three-tier system of which he is going to give voter registration privileges to people he knows are illegal."
Spitzer on CNN
Governor Spitzer took his license plan to a national audience today. He appeared on CNN Good Morning, responding to comments CNN host Lou Dobbs made earlier.
On CNN Good Morning, Governor Spitzer said, "Look, I'm not going to demean myself with getting into a back and forth with somebody who on TV spews venom, hate and fundamental misinformation, of course not. He knows that this has absolutely nothing to do with voting. This is something seven other states for security. The director of Homeland Security has said we improve security by knowing who is there. As I said, it is beneath me, it is beneath my office to involve myself in Lou Dobbs."
Another example of Spitzer's arrogance and disregard for the opinions of his constituents. All of his critics are venomous hate mongers. Those who oppose him are beneath him. That includes approx. 70% of New York residents.
Well it is obvious that it is beyond Mr. Spitzer to involve himself with his constituents either. And you are right Brad, I guess the 70% of us must be amoung the venomous hate mongers. This governer is apparently out of touch with most New York residents. But he is also supported heavily downstate where the concentration of most illegals reside.
Spitzer still doesn't understand that what he's doing by allowing illegal immigrants to get a drivers license is against the current law in this state.
Spitzer spokeswoman Jennifer Givner said the enhanced license may cost about $20 more than the current basic license, which costs $100 the first time and $50 for a renewal. The Real ID license also will likely cost more than the basic. U.S. citizens have the option of retaining the basic license, and using a passport to cross borders or get on flights. The basic license by itself will not provide access to borders or airplanes, once the Real ID Act becomes effective, and it will indicate that it cannot be used as an ID “for U.S. government purposes.”
Well folks are we all happy now.....there is our wall of protection....boy are we stupid or what????? Trapped like hampsters in a hampster cage, we are... >
Quoted Text
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream: 'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand, Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause. it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust" And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
And that might be enough for some illegal immigrants who want a driver's license bad enough to apply for one. If those numbers are high, the roads will be safer and premiums for uninsured motorists will decline.
What a STUPID damn statement that is......PLEEEAASE give me something sharp to poke in my eye.......and I dont want a retina eye scan......
We will all remember that this is what????---government by the people for the people(even if the people are cowering under covers and think they live in Darfur)......... >
our nation will be a melting pot for sure---a very shallow pot without a foundation left to stand on......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
EDITORIALS Spitzer detours on driver’s license plan
Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s latest driver’s license plan is a political retreat, no matter how he tries to characterize it. And a well-advised one, as he was not only getting clobbered by the Republicans, but facing an insurrection by the county clerks who were supposed to implement the policy, as well as widespread opposition from voters. The new plan effectively takes away the security argument from Spitzer’s critics. It addresses concerns, exaggerated as they may have been, about illegal immigrants getting a full driver’s license and using it to facilitate acts of terrorism. In fact, U.S. Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff was consulted on the new plan and partly endorsed it (he remains opposed to any licensing of illegal immigrants). The plan would offer three different types of driver’s license. One would comply with the 2005 federal mandate for a Real ID; it would be available only to legal residents of New York state and allow holders to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. The second, an “enhanced” license, would also eliminate the inconvenience and cost of another federal mandate, scheduled to take effect next year, by allowing legal New York residents to go to Canada without using a passport. It is the third type of license, allowing illegal immigrants to drive but not usable as an ID for federal purposes, that many will continue to oppose — and not just xenophobes, racists or Republicans. Although there is a case to be made for identifying and licensing people who are here and driving anyway, there is also a general and understandable reluctance to confer any special rights or status on lawbreakers. Spitzer blundered by going down this road in the first place, especially at a time when he was already under heavy political fire. Now he has taken some plausible steps to extricate himself. It helps that he has removed the security issue from the equation, and delayed implementation of the policy until mid-to-late next year. Our hope is that this time will be used for an honest debate about the merits of the plan, but also for dealing with more significant issues. Our fear is that it will not.
In response to Melanie Trimble’s Oct. 22 letter, “Spitzer’s driver’s license plan would make New York safer.” Ms. Trimble omitted an important word: illegal. In addition, is anyone surprised the farleft New York Civil Liberties Union supports this ridiculous proposal? PAUL H. EATON Esperance
CAPITOL New license scanner passes test BY MICHAEL GORMLEY The Associated Press
As Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s anti-fraud driver’s license scanner passed its first public test, forces opposing his plan to make it easier for illegal immigrants to get licenses continued to plan to block it. The new technology used at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Albany successfully scanned documents in a process Spitzer said will authenticate foreign-issued passports to make sure immigrants — legal and illegal — are who they say they are. The equipment is an important part of Spitzer’s new plan, which includes three types of driver’s licenses. Illegal immigrants would still be able to get a license under Spitzer’s plan, although it would be a license that is clearly stamped that it doesn’t prove legal residence in the U.S. His administrative order, which he said can be enacted without the Legislature’s approval, continued to draw opposition. The state Sheriff’s Association opposed Spitzer’s plan Monday. The Republican-led Senate will hold a hearing Wednesday to further question Commissioner David Swarts about the system scheduled to begin Dec. 1. “We’re just over a month away from the governor moving forward, against public interest, with his plan to give illegal immigrants driver’s licenses,” said Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Thomas Libous, a Broome County Republican. “We need to again sit down with Commissioner Swarts and discuss putting this program on hold.” On Wednesday Assembly Republican leader James Tedisco of Schenectady plans a news conference to again warn Spitzer that if he doesn’t change his plans, the Republicans will sue to block it.
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