| |
President Bush has referred to Jim Gilchrist as a "Vigilante."
Many American citizens have an opposite view, calling him a
Patriot. The vast majority of Republican voters want the problem
of a tidal wave of illegal aliens pouring across our borders
solved, not swept under the rug! Their reasons for concern range
from potential terrorist threats, and fears of the importation
of vicious gang violence, as well as the adverse economic impact
on wages and employment opportunities of illegal immigration.
Gilchrist is the widely known founder of the Minuteman Project,
which has mobilized the participation of thousands of volunteers
who have taken up stations along the U.S. border in an attempt
to reduce the numbers of illegal migrants crossing the border.
Although the Minutemen's direct impact in reducing illegal
immigration could be viewed as negligible, there can be no
argument as to whether their "watch and report" mission has
raised this troubling issue to the forefront of political debate.
Most citizens of California are acutely aware of the rise in
violent crime implicated in gang related activities. The state
has experienced a dramatic increase in gang violence and
"syndicated "crime due to illegal immigration, which has risen
to epidemic proportions. The LA Times reported that more than
50,000 illegal aliens with serious criminal records were
deported in the last twelve years alone, including untold
numbers of gang members.
"One thing is clear, illegal immigration is directly feeding
significant increases in felony-level crime and gang-related
violence," Gilchrist said. "While the economic consequences of
our broken borders have been severe, the alarming rise of crime
and violence resulting from the uncontrolled growth of these
gangs directly threatens our neighborhoods, our schools, and
every aspect of security necessary to our society's well-being,"
said Gilchrist.
|
| |
The MS-13 gang, which is comprised principally of Central
Americans, nearly all of whom are illegals, has grown to 50,000
members and is increasing. MS-13, with its signature machete
executions, is involved in appalling street violence,
racketeering, and many other crimes from coast to coast.
What troubles Gilchrist the most is the blind eye cast by
Republican leadership towards these crucial issues of illegal
"invasion" by foreign nationals, and the security threat it
poses to American territorial integrity. Critics inside and
outside of the party attribute this lack of political will, code
word for "courage," to concerns by some politicians who fear the
loss of an emerging "Hispanic voting block" come election time.
Gilchrist, who is a candidate in the upcoming December 6 special
election tofill the vacancy in California's 48th Congressional
District, blasted the National Republican Senate Campaign for
circulating a "Senate Leadership Survey" that omits any
questions which refer to illegal immigration or border security.
"How can any survey, which purports to address the major
political issues facing America, be taken seriously if it does
not include a single question on the issues of illegal
immigration or border security?" asked Gilchrist.
The answer may lie in these eye opening statistics. The number
of Hispanics now residing in the United States has risen past 40
million, out-numbering African Americans as a potential voting
block. Political insiders on both sides of the political
spectrum believe that the future of national elections may very
well rest in the hands of Hispanic voters. Consider that the
winner of Florida, Texas, and California presidential contests
could virtually lock up every future election.
Gilchrist believes that 90 percent of illegal immigrants are
coming to the U.S. to exploit an economic situation vastly more
advantageous than that left behind in their native countries.
Clearly, he says, their reasons for coming here are related
directly to what is happening socially, economically and
politically in their nations of origin. In one interview,
Gilchrist targeted Mexico by name stating that, "There is
something seriously wrong in a country where half its population
is trying to escape." Gilchrist believes it is imperative that
strong actions be taken by the governments of countries south of
the border to improve the living standards of their own
populations. America, says Gilchrist, cannot continue as the
economic safety valve for every oligarchy and petty tyranny on
earth. We need to stay economically strong, while sustaining
America's national unity upon the principles of western
civilization.
The 48th Congressional District, located in Orange County,
California, is thought of as one of the bastions of the
Republican Party. Gilchrist, who is running as an Independent,
has shaken the confidence of his Republican opponent, by
building strong support among many Grand Old Party members who
feel that the party is missing the boat on the issue of
immigration.
Is Gilchrist going to be a surprise winner in the 48th District,
much like former Governor Jesse Ventura was in 1998? In one of
the more unforeseen upsets in American political history, Reform
Party candidate Jesse "The Body" Ventura, once a pro wrestler
known for his spoiler tactics in the ring, shocked the pundits
and his two rivals -- Democrat Hubert Humphrey III and
Republican Norm Coleman -- to win Minnesota's governorship. It
may be the right time again in U. S. history for an upset by an
Independent challenger, this time to create a mandate for
stiffening the U.S. border. Only time will tell -- on December
6th to be exact.
| Bruce Prokopets
Bruce Prokopets, Executive Editor of Press Direct International
Press Direct International is a global information web site
providing indispensable information tailored for professionals
in the financial services, media and corporate markets. Our
information is trusted and drives decision making across the
globe. We have a reputation for speed, accuracy and freedom from
bias. For more info visit www.pressdirectinternational.org
Editor, Card Green Requirement Review - *Editor's Commentary expresses opinions by the Editor and is not part of the original article but has been added to provide additional information and resources about Card Green Requirement and other immigration subjects. |
|
