Helvig's Helvitorials

Former illegal aliens now serving in Congress

Unpublished - Former illegal aliens now serving in Congress

"Former illegal aliens now serving in U.S. Congress" will be the headline in just a few short years if America grants citizenship to these international trespassers. Offering a path to citizenship for illegal aliens will have significant consequences for the future of leadership and government in America. If citizenship is granted to these one-time fugitives, they will have not only the right to vote, but the power to run for political office. They will also be eligible to serve in law enforcement, serve as judges and even work with classified material. They will have the same rights as every other naturalized citizen in this country, in spite of their criminal background.

While the best answer is simply securing the border and enforcing existing laws, the current proposal does include a number of positive steps toward solving America's immigration problems. However, the portion granting a path to citizenship for the 12+ million illegal aliens already living in the United States is unacceptable. Rewarding criminal behavior with citizenship cannot be an option for a number of good reasons.

Giving illegal aliens a path to citizenship would mean giving them the key to changing the political balance in America. Those who failed to respect our sovereignty and our laws will become a strong lobby on the political scene. Look at what they have managed to accomplish without having a legal voice. Our felons lose their right to vote, but these criminals will be given a free pass to the polls. There is no way that anyone who came to America illegally should ever be granted the right to vote, nor should ever be allowed to run for and/or hold public office.

Giving illegal aliens a path to citizenship would also mean giving them preferential treatment over legal immigrants. Illegal aliens should never be given any consideration or receive any entitlement which is not given to legal immigrants. They should not be allowed to do anything that legal immigrants are not allowed to do. Showing such favoritism is not fair to those who abide by the law and will not be good for the social climate of this country.

While many Americans believe that all illegal aliens need to be deported, the practicality of such an operation may be less than realistic. In order to achieve true reform, there may have to be some compromises. If we are stuck with these 12+ million people, the least we can do is treat them according to the status they have placed themselves in. The worst case scenario should include a long and arduous path to legal residency, with no chance of ever obtaining citizenship.

There are huge differences between being a legal resident and being a naturalized citizen. Residents do not have the right to vote like citizens. Residents cannot run for public office like citizens. Residents do not have the right to apply for all of the same government funded programs as citizens. Legal residents are treated with the respect due a welcomed guest, but they are not allowed to work or serve in any position which could compromise our national security.

If we have to allow any of these people to stay in America, let's have them apply for these new visas. Let's run finger print analysis and DNA analysis as part of their background checks. Let's prosecute those who are suspected of crimes and let's deport those who have returned to America after being previously deported. Let's require the tamper-proof identification cards for employment, schooling and other services and let's prosecute any employer or organization who bypasses these identification requirements.

Once those who are eligible to stay have received their new visa, we should treat them the same as we would any other legal resident. Let's hold them accountable to the same laws as our guests from Europe, Asia and the rest of the world. The only difference between these visa holders and other legal immigrants would be that the former illegals will never be eligible to apply for naturalization.

A poem for Rosie O'Donnell

Unpublished - A poem for Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell and Joy Behar too; Spewing dissent to the fans of The View

Theories and conspiracies all day long; Compared to the facts, they're usually wrong

One seems crazy, the other just nuts; Blaming all on Bush, 'cause they hate his guts

"Impeach him!" they shout, "Arrest Cheney too"; Drawing support from the fans of The View

"This war is illegal, too many are dead!"; Their eyes glare crazy, their faces burn red

Meanwhile, sitting patiently, there on the right; Our sweet young Elisabeth, oh what a sight

With child and glowing, a mother to be; Her eyes wide open, truth does she see

Day in and day out, she takes it all in; As left hooks and jabs land on her chin

Until one day she could take it no more; Our sweet young Elisabeth let out a roar

Back off Rosie, it's time for some facts; We've had enough of your left-wing attacks

Our President is okay and Cheney is too; They know way more, than you or the shrew

Our troops are not terrorists, they're good guys and gals; You need to quit listening to your loony pals

Get your facts straight or keep your hole shut; Think with your head instead of your butt

Depart from The View and get a real life; Get off the stage, go home to your wife

Have some more Koolaide or a Baby Ruth; Please leave the news to those who know truth

Illegal Sanctuaries

Published as 'Chruches step over the line' in the Holland Sentinel on May 21, 2007

   The illegal alien situation in America just keeps getting worse by the day.

   On May 1st of 2007, the Los Angeles sect of the nationwide march of illegals against America got ugly and the police had to step in to restore order. Once again, the authorities have been labeled as the bad guys and the criminals have been elevated to the status of victims. Since they received such sympathetic media coverage, these instigators are now planning another nationwide protest against America. If they want to protest, they should go home and march on their own soil.

   Next, we learned that a terrorist cell, including three illegal aliens, was plotting to attack the U.S. Army base at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Their reconnaissance was complete and their plans were ready to be executed. All that remained was procuring the automatic weapons needed to carry out their murderous assault. Fortunately for the men, women and children on the base, the FBI prevented this jihad from taking place on American soil. So much for “The Bush administration is trying to scare Americans with false threats.”

   Then we saw reports of foreign children, many of which are illegals, crossing the border into El Paso to attend American schools. Did you know that in Texas alone, the cost of educating illegal students is over $1 billion per year? When we add the cost of things like health care and law enforcement, we discover that illegal aliens are costing the American taxpayers over $3.7 billion per year just in Texas. It sounds like its time for a revolutionary-style tea party in the Rio Grande.

   If all of this were not enough, Churches across America are now impeding federal authorities by offering sanctuary to illegal aliens. The United States has no protection clause granting churches the right to shield illegal aliens from the law. Thus, these church leaders are deliberately breaking the law in an attempt to force the government’s hand to change the national policy regarding illegal immigration.

   These activist churches have clearly crossed the line that separates church from state. They have willingly stepped out of their religious-protected status and into the realm of the political lobby. They have chosen the path of anarchy and must be dealt with swiftly and accordingly.

   The first thing the federal government must do is revoke the tax exempt status of these sanctuary churches. Next, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) needs to raid each of these church properties and apprehend every illegal alien present. Once background checks are completed on each of these international trespassers, they need to either be deported or jailed awaiting trial, if suspected of committing a serious crime. Finally, the feds need to arrest every member of the church involved with harboring these fugitives and charge them with obstruction of justice and any other associated crimes.

   When did America give up its right to national sovereignty? Why do we allow illegal aliens to protest our government on our soil? When are we going to require proof of legal residency for all students? How long are we going to allow these sanctuary churches to thumb their noses at the U.S. Constitution and violate federal law?

   Once again, I implore you to take a stand. Contact your elected officials and demand the full enforcement of our immigration laws. Send your e-mails and make your phone calls. Let the bureaucrats know that if they don’t do their job and solve this problem immediately, you will replace them with citizens who will truly be a government of the people, by the people and for the people of America.

McCain plus Kennedy equals McCainedy

Unpublished - McCain plus Kennedy equals McCainedy

    When the going gets tough, McCain and Kennedy offer amnesty?

    Apparently, the McCainedy philosophy is, “If you can’t deport them, you might as well appease them”. Since there are so many illegal aliens here and it would be impossible to round ‘em all up and ship ‘em all home, we might as well offer them amnesty. After all, what’s the harm in giving 12 million criminals an easy path to citizenship?

    For starters, let’s apply the McCainedy philosophy to other aspects of American law enforcement. Since there are so many traffic violators we should just let everyone drive the way they want. Since there are so many people smuggling and using illegal substances, we should just legalize all drugs. Since there is so much gang violence in our cities we should just quit policing our communities. After all, what’s the harm in any of this?

    Wouldn’t this be a better country if we had no immigration laws and no consequences for breaking those laws? Wouldn’t this be a more peaceful country if we just let everyone do whatever they want? Wouldn’t this be a more powerful nation if we offered an easy path to citizenship for people who enter America illegally, then march against our government, demanding equal rights?  Well, NO!

    Turning the McCainedy philosophy into law would set a terrible precedent and could have a devastating affect on our entire judicial system. It could also cause significant damage to the political process in America.

    What in the world was John McCain thinking when he climbed into bed with Ted Kennedy on this one? He obviously can’t perform simple arithmetic. 1: Conservatives have been adamantly against offering amnesty to illegals. 2: Liberals have been fervently for offering amnesty to illegals. 3: With citizenship comes the right to vote. Add it all up and you realize that these new citizens will support the liberals and possess the power to end conservative leadership in American government.

    If John McCain wants to resolve America’s problems with appeasement instead of enforcement, he needs to resign from the Senate. If he wants to hand our government over to the liberals, he should get out of the GOP and join his brothers on the left. If he wants to exercise his McCainedy philosophy, he should do so by taking it with him to the other side. After all, I don’t see any harm in that!

The US of IA

Unpublished - The US of IA - by Alan Helvig

Our elected officials in Washington are not listening to the voice of the American people. We have been begging them for years to do something about the illegal immigration problem in this country. We have called for secure borders and improved conditions for our border guards. We have requested tougher laws and stiffer penalties for American business owners who hire illegal aliens. Most of all, we have demanded over and over again that there is to be absolutely "NO AMNESTY" for these international trespassers.

A few hours ago, a team of U.S. Senators gave a bi-partisan press release to tell the citizens and every other legal resident of this country that they have heard our voice and they could care less about what we have been saying. These Senators and our illustrious President have reached an agreement to propose legislation which will, first and foremost, grant amnesty to approximately 12 million people who have attacked the sovereignty of the United States of America. This is absolutely unacceptable and it is time for us to turn up the volume on our voice.

This proposed legislation is a slap in the face of every immigrant who has ever stood in line on Ellis Island. It is a kick in the shin of every American who has had the courage to undergo the naturalization process and has raised their hand with honor as they took the oath of allegiance to become a citizen of this great nation. It is a punch in the gut of every red blooded American who has ever exercised their right to free speech to tell this government that illegal immigration is a huge problem that needs to be resolved without offering amnesty!

If we allow our government to pass this proposal into law, we will no longer be the United States of America. From that day forward we will become known as the United States of Illegal Aliens. What is the purpose of being a nation of laws if we are going to let the lawbreakers dictate national policy? What country in the world is going to respect us if they know that we will always cave to the pressure of those who protest the loudest? Who is going to pay to reimburse all of the naturalized citizens for all of the hard work and money they dedicated to legally becoming citizens?

We the people of the United States of America have the power to uphold the sovereignty of this great nation. We the people of the United States of America have the power to demand the protection of our lands against foreign invasion. We the people of the United States of America have the power to replace every elected official who votes to give amnesty to illegal aliens. It is time for We the People to exercise our power.

O'Reilly: Winner in SC GOP Debate

Unpublished - O'Reilly: Winner in SC GOP Debate by Alan Helvig

    If nothing else, last night's so-called GOP Presidential Candidate Debate showed the country why there are first tier candidates and second tier candidates in the race for the White House. Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani clearly came out on top, while Jim Gilmore and Tommy Thompson left everyone wondering why they were even there.

    Even though the event was predominantly a sound bite contest, there were still winners and losers. The FNC Poll results would have you believe that the biggest winner was Ron Paul, as he raked in 25% of the text votes after last night's show. In this case, looks are definitely deceiving. The majority of his votes were obviously not from the GOP's conservative base. He undoubtedly struck a cord with the liberal viewers and Bush haters who appreciated his anti-war position. Rep. Paul has had his 15 minutes of fame and will now fade off into the land of VH1's one hit wonders.

    The biggest loser had to be John McCain. His star seems to shine much brighter when he is on his own than it does when he is in the ring with contenders. Although he delivered a couple of good jabs here and there, he still looked like Rocky after Apollo Creed got done with him in their first fight. McCain appears to be following a version of the Howard Dean path to self destruction. It should not be long before he is replaced in the top tier by Fred Thompson.

    The true winner last night was Bill O'Reilly. He must have been proud as both Chris Wallace and Wendell Goler made it clear that the debate stage was a "No Spin Zone". When the question asked was not answered, they went back to the candidate and gave him a second chance to respond. This proved fatal for the likes of Tommy Thompson, who floundered when asked what programs he would cut from the federal budget. 

    While it is certain that some will take advantage of the poll results, it is clear that this scale was not calibrated. For starters, most seniors, who make up the majority of primary voters, don't send text messages. To be fair, this probably hurt McCain the most, as he received less than 5% of the votes. Next, Dems were allowed to text in their votes, essentially taking weight away from the candidates they fear the most and giving it to the candidate they fear the least. The smart candidates will simply walk away from this poll and stay focused on the challenges they face in key states.

    After last night, it would seem the second tier candidates are going to stay in the second tier. In fact, Tancredo, Gilmore, Brownback and Tommy T are probably already finished. Although last night's sound bite contest was fun to watch, I can't wait for the toilet to flush and for all of the second tier candidates to go down. Then and only then will we be able to enjoy a real debate. Unfortunately, I think we'll have to wait until after the Iowa Straw Poll to hear that swishing sound.

Think First of the Troops

Think first of the troops - Published in the Holland Sentinel on April 16, 2007

The following is a history lesson from a Vietnam veteran. "When I returned from Vietnam in 1968, I was treated like a criminal. While still in Thailand I had secured two tickets over two months in advance on TWA from L.A. to Wichita. One was first class and the other coach. Why? I had been forewarned that the airlines were not honoring the tickets of uniformed military personnel. I had a planned stop at my dad's in L.A. so I could meet my brothers and sisters for the first time, which was so important to me that I delayed getting home to my wife and three children after being gone a year from them.

"After that wonderful visit I arrived at the L.A. airport and learned it was spring break and the planes were loaded with college students going skiing in Arizona. As I stood there I caught stares of anger and disgust from other passengers. I was told by the gate clerk that in spite of having two tickets, there was no room for me on the airplane and I would not be allowed to board. I was one of about six military personnel trying to get home on that flight and none of us were allowed to board.

"Fortunately, there was one person who was openly outraged by this injustice. He loudly insisted that I be allowed to board that plane and return home to my wife and children after being gone a year, serving my country. It was my dad! He made such a fuss that security and supervisors arrived to control the situation.

"In the end, TWA refused to remove any passenger to give me a seat, but did pay a couple to hold their 3-year-old child in their lap to Flagstaff so I could have a seat. Finally, I hugged my dad and boarded the plane under the angry stares of the passengers, especially the college students, dodging the draft and on a holiday. Luckily, the plane from Flagstaff to Wichita was 75 percent empty.

"The Vietnam War Monument in Washington, D.C. was an apology of sorts from the American people for all the hate and pain they put on us and our families as a result of the fervor raised by the media and liberals during that period. Families, including mine, were threatened with suffering and even death, while we were serving in Vietnam. My wife received a number of threatening phone calls and some of these people even came to our home. Eventually, my family had to be protected by local police and federal agents prior to my return. You have no idea how she suffered alone, nor how I endured fear for her safety and that of my children, while thousands of miles from home.

"Freedom is never free or paid off. Please think about what the actions of the few have on the lives of all. Truth is only known when sought and is not found on the 6 o'clock news. Seek the truth and don't let another's agenda influence you. Look on both sides and decide for your self."

This letter carries special meaning for me, as I was one of the three children in this story. I do not frequently hear tales like this from my father or other veterans I know. Most just accept the negative events of their pasts and press on with their lives.

As we debate the necessity of war, supporting our troops and the funding of military operations abroad, we should consider the impact of such debates on the people who are most directly affected, -- the service member and his/her family. If we think of them first, maybe we will choose our words and actions more carefully, thereby avoiding a repeat of past transgressions.