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Chaffetz, California Demo butt heads

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California Resident | 8:42 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Comparing the internment of American Citizens (which was very wrong) with detainment of illegal aliens who have broken U.S. law and have NO business being here are the doltish ramblings of one of the most liberal men in California politics.

The Mexican (MS 13) gang problems in Rep. Honda's own district are a perfect example of why we need to deport illegal aliens.
Jynx | 8:43 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I have spoken with Chaffetz personally on this issue. His position is totally intended as a response to people who enter the country illegally. Race or ethnicity have no bearing on the matter. He has accurately identified illegal immigration as one of the major problems of our time, and he has stated plainly his ideas for solving the problem. He has not demeaned any one for their racial heritage, their social status, or their wealth or lack of wealth. Frankly, I agree that a serious consequence needs to face those who come to our country illegally and sap resources from those who are citizens or those have "played by the rules" in coming to the United States. Honda didn't get this one right, at all. Jason did.
CA? | 8:54 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Yeah- California is such a stellar example of positive immigration. Let's take a page from their book!
Comments continue below
Ling Ling | 8:59 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
So Bennion Spencer and Mike Honda do not want us to enforce the law against illegal immigrants who commit crimes?

What about American citizens who commit crimes? Should we only let certain ethnicities off the hook? Or should we just stop incarcerating people altogether - so we won't be racist?
CJ | 9:16 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It's too bad the congressman from California has not looked into what Jason actually supports. Jason only supports the use of tent facilities when the federal government refuses to build a prison for fugitive aliens. Those are illegal immigrants who commit crimes that need to be held by federal facilities.

If the federal government does not build a prison, or refund the states costs for holding person who commit crimes than this type of a facility would hold those person for a day until federal agents are able to pick them up.

This does not include those who are thought or suspected of being in this country illegally. This type of facility would be used for criminal acts. (fraud, violence, etc).
Utah Man | 9:25 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Why doesn't Honda keep his nose out of it? Let Utah elect the man we want. I don't need some California blowhard telling me what to do. Honda, you have no jurisdiction over us, so keep your trap shut.
Chaffetz's Temper | 9:33 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It is only a matter of time until he loses it. Chaffetz is a hot head and can't stand criticism.
Republican leader | 9:35 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
McCain of McCain-Feingold? Chaffetz had better start his own party.
Use the FORCE | 9:56 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Use the force Jason...listen to the message not your hate.
Leidig | 9:56 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
This article proves just how much ignorance spews from Chaffetz mouth. I completely agree with Congressman Honda. Having listened to Chaffetz flatulence of the mouth while debating against Chris Cannon, I too feel that he is not ready to represent Utah. If ignorance is bliss, then Chaffetz floating on cloud 9. It'll be a sad day for Utah if Chaffetz represents us.
Jason pandering | 10:03 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
From what I've learned of Jason Chaffetz, it is clear that this guy loves to look at himself in the mirror, and accordingly will say anything he can to pander and win an election.

I really think Utah might of made a mistake by picking this bozo of Cannon... Chaffetz did not have a good reputation among BYU football players when he was a kicker in the 90s
Brittanicus | 10:06 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Don't let Mike Honda turn the beautiful state of Utah into a growing tiolet bowl like California? As a California resident I have watched a once great state deteriorate into a place of violence from unhindered gangs through obnoxious 'Sanctuary city' laws. Right now we have a massive budget meltdown of $17.billion dollars, which $11 billion is directly related to giving illegal alien families 'CARTE BLANCHE' welfare. Go & Read Uncensored Facts and news at NUMBERSUSA, CAPSWEB, JUDICIAL WATCH. Thanks to the state Liberal Democrats and Socialist, California is importing poverty on a grand scale. Unless we stop illegal immigration our nation will be OVERPOPULATED within twenty years. You Decide your families future?
Anonymous | 10:10 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Honda is right. Chaffetz ideas are radical and inane. Only he could make Chris Cannon not seem so bad. Vote Democrat
Miyagi San still remembers | 10:16 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
those painful days in Delta Utah and has been wanting to unload on somebody for 40 years. Jason would make a good whipping boy though.
Chaffing | 10:24 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Jynx, it doesn't make a difference if you've spoken with him "personally" or not. Nice try though. Did you get his autograph by any chance? This Chaffetzz character is really proving to be a political pro. He has a bright future. Putting people in tent cities is brilliant idea. Absolutely fabulous. I can't wait to see what other bright ideas he'll come up with.
Give Me A Break | 10:35 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Honda is clueless, as are most Congressmen and Congresswomen from Pelosiville (aka California). There is a world of difference between arresting and imprisoning illegal immigrants and detaining legal citizens. The first is necessary and expected to sustain the rule of law. The latter is an abuse of constitutional rights of citizens.

Perhaps Honda could actually take a break from his vacation and fix the broken and misguided immigration system.
Jason's Naive | 10:38 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
What Jason doesn't say is the tent city is for people detained who are only SUSPECTED of being illegal aliens. Those that we determine to be illegal are deported, usually in a matter of days. Who are the people that get detained? People that don't look like us.
Ask yourself this: do you carry your passport or birth certificate with you at all times so you can prove you're here legally? Why not? Is it because you'd never have the need to prove citizenship because of the way you look or sound? How long would YOU be willing to spend in Jason's tent city while you wait for someone to bring your proof of citizenship?
This is nothing but sound bite politics; intended solely to snag a few votes from the uninformed. Illegal immigration is a serious problem and we need serious answers. The resource devoted to create and maintain Jason's tent city would be far better spent toward prevention, enforcement, apprehension and adjudication. Detention is simply not the problem, Jason. But then, Jason isn't interested in solving the problem, he just wants to win an election.
Madden | 10:39 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Enforcing immigration is NOTHING like what happened to US citizens during WWII. Throwing out a quote about tent cities makes for a great headline, but totally misses the point.

Who knows where the concept came from? Oh yeah, the Maricopa County Sheriff has been using these types of "camps" for lawbreakers who otherwise would be overcrowding Arizona prisons. If we ever (good luck!) decided to enforce immigration laws, those who continue to break the law would need fines followed by prison. And since we cannot fit many more folks into high-security prisons, guess where they would end up for their sentencing? Tent camps. This isn't rocket science.
Anonymous | 10:43 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The families I know along the Wasatch Front that were impacted by the Japanese internment camps don't wish to let those memories die. As to recent immigration matters, most "public" and political commentary re immigration in Utah relates to one group - Hispanics from Mexico. One wonders where the energy and passion against this one group comes from and so when the "tent" metaphor is hoisted, it's no wonder some folk in some corners get defensive.

Politicians, some anyway, and some supporters, are so single minded on the immigration issue, when nuance and diversity might be better handles. What prism to view immigration through? As a business person supposedly impacted or a politician that wants to beat the drum and gain attention.

I love it every time I hear the mantra, illegal immigrants are criminals. I'd like to hear more discussion re how much in taxpayer money has been spent on the war in Iraq; when is a more viable and widespread heath care system going to exist and how will politicians ever jump start the economy (fuel costs, bankruptcy, foreclosure)? Lot's of serious issues bearing down on us.
Defeat Chaffetz | 10:49 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Chaffetz is a disgrace. Cannon was bad, Chaffetz is a whole lot worse. What a conservative fool.
Blame America Losers | 10:55 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Honda is just race baiting for personal political reasons. quit dividing and do something constructive!
Angela | 11:56 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
As a lifelong Rebuplican I am offended that Jason Chaffetz is our nominee. His position on immigration is unacceptable. I have never in my life voted for a Democrat until now. I cannot in good conscience support Jason, and it's not just his immigration position, however, it seals my decision. Thank you Congressman Honda. Please know that Jason Chaffetz comments in no way reflects the good people of Utah. We are a tolerant and compassionate people and the thought of interning immigrants is unconscionable. Shame on you Jason.
nottyou | 12:20 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Keep up the good work Jason. I guess you should let them sleep under the stars...save tax payer's money and forget the tents.
S.A.K | 12:31 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Mike Honda was my congressman for several years in California. He is an outstanding man of the highest integrity. I am a former Cannon supporter who will not be supporting Jason Chaffetz. I've researched Bennion Spencer and I will be voting for him. He holds my values; pro-life and a fair immigration policy. Enough of party politics. Jason is not our representative.
3rd Tanks Bravo | 12:35 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
OK. So Chaffetz is whacked! I still won't vote for a Democrat. I'm voting for McCain/Palin and leaving the rest of the ballot blank. He'll have to win without my support. Fair enough.
Ryan | 12:35 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Truly embarrassing...the real change we need in this country is moving away from the people who have destroyed the Republican party. Perhaps a few years out of power would do the trick!?! Look at what the party has done since it had TOTAL power. Sad!!! Do we really need to hasten the apocalypse with Chaffetz?
Mikey D | 12:54 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Gosh, where did it all go wrong? It all seemed to work so well against Leavitt and Cannon. Just rally a few fringe Republicans with some FOX-news-inspired politics of hate and let the coronation begin. Chaffetz did not count on someone other than his band of freaks to actually listen to what he has to say. If I'm the Western Governors Association, I'm offended to be dragged into his sordid rationale. Come on Utah. We cannot be silent.
arc | 12:54 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
the department found that 36% (280,987) of illegal aliens apprehended during the past three years were "released due to a lack of personnel, bed space, and funding needed to detain illegal aliens while their illegal status is being adjudicated."
The unanimously adopted Western Governors Association resolution which was sponsored by Governors Janet Napolitano (AZ-D) and Jon Huntsman, Jr. (UT-R) calls for facilities "to house criminal aliens who have been apprehended and convicted in state criminal justice systems."

Jason agreed with the governors. Honda and Bennion are distorting this for political gain. They should be ashamed of themselves.
arc | 12:55 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
As you are aware, Bennion Spencer (the guy that thinks Jesus would vote for him) wasn't at the State GOP Convention when Jason made his comment. I was. It has been on youtube, between 3:30 and 5:00 minuites into his 7 minutes speech. I have listened to Jason's comments again, and again, and he is being misquoted by Bennion, and by Mr. Honda. They are using a race card that was never used. Jason isn't prejudiced against someone because of race. The whole point is we have individuals that commit crimes, and we don't do anything to them because we don't have room. We put our soldiers in tents in the middle of a desert. If it is good enough for them, it is good enough for prisoners. Honda is out of line in distorting Jason's comments for political gain. He should be ashamed of any honor he had. The Japanese Americans were treated poorly during World War II. Honda is intentionally used intolerance to promote his own political agenda, or Bennion has put him up to it.
arc | 1:27 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Jason didn't say anything about interning anyone.

The unanimously adopted Western Governors Association resolution which was sponsored by Governors Janet Napolitano (AZ-D) and Jon Huntsman, Jr. (UT-R) calls for facilities "to house criminal aliens who have been apprehended and convicted in state criminal justice systems." In fact, the press release from the Western Governors states, "The Western Governors' Association unanimously approved a policy resolution on immigration reform that they said is 'based in reality'."

Jason Chaffetz endorses this specific provision of the resolution.
Anonymous | 2:13 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
I don't think the des news should be calling either one of them "butt heads".
Blowhards | 2:50 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
How many of you are disingenious? You post half-truths and outright lies here to manipulate others. How can we support your cause when so many on both sides are not honest?
Bob G | 4:21 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
The detention camps of WWII are completely different reasons and not at all the same. Illegal aliens being detained in camps are not the same as detained americans as was the case with the Japanese suffered with. Illegal aliens being detained is to keep illegals out of america and deport them back to their homeland. It's not a hate camp, it is a matter of national security and knowing who is breeching our borders illegally and to detain those that do. The majority happen to be me mexican but these detention centers apply to all illegals. America needs to imporve its security and there is no other way to do this. There is not enough room in our jails and we need these detention camps to provide an organized means to control and deport the illegal aliens and all their family memebers, including their anchor babies. We don't want to break up their families and hear them whine about abandonening their offspring. They are not being forced to abandon their offspring, they can take them with them when they are deported. This is not a party politics issue, it is an issue of preservation of americas rights, soverignty, and security.
IMT | 5:39 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Jason is so ridiculous. He spews out this sort of garbage at the state convention and now decides that he can't live with his comments. I dare say that just because the Western Governors agree to something doesn't make it right. Theses are the same Western Governors who voted to NOT ALLOW US TO DEVELOP OUR OIL SHALE!

Are you sure you want to be on that same side?
James | 6:02 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
How can I say this politely? I told you so!!!

I have been saying for months now that Chaffetz said he wanted to put all illegal immigrants in tents in the desert. Call it what you will: Tent city, pathway to deportation center, a place where you can concentrate Hispanics, what ever.

And for months Chaffetz supporters have called me a liar. Well, well, well.

The best quote comes from Jynx.

Jynx says,"I have spoken with Chaffetz personally on this issue. His position is totally intended as a response to people who enter the country illegally."

Jynx is one of dozens, and dozens of delegates or other people who INSIST that they have spoken to Chaffetz personally and Chaffetz tells them that the tents are for all illegal aliens. Then you get Chaffetz campaign workers who insist that Chaffetz never said this and it is all a lie of the Cannon or Leavitt campaign.

Jynx is just one in a long line of people demonstrating that Chaffetz is a bold liar, who will say anything for a vote.

Dead dog Republicans unite!

A Republican who would vote for a Dead Dog over Chaffetz.

Vote Bennion Spencer!
Yuck! | 6:33 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Chaffetz is an extremist who will embarass Utah if elected.
PLEASE!!! | 6:43 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Let's not embarrass ourselves by electing Jason Chaffetz. He will bring so much ridicule to our valley and state. On the other hand, if we send him to Washington, I guess we will deserve what we get.
Chaffetz is wacked | 7:17 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
I heard Chaffetz say on more than one occasion during the primary that these tent cities with barbed wire should be erected to detain illegal immigrants. And he frequently added, "if it's good enough for our troops, it's good enough for the illegals."

Hello! Wake up, Chaffetz. The military is voluntary; being detained in a desert prison indefinitely is not. Sure, the Maricopa County Sheriff started doing this and there have been law suits and criticism galore. Has Chaffetz ever been to southern Arizona in the sumer? If he had, he would know that it's an climate where humans should not be in tents behind barbed wire.

Further, I can't tell from this article whether Rep. Honda ever accused Chaffetz of being racially motivated. He merely stated that during the 1940's there was a group of people who were detained in similar camps and it was grievous and wrong. Illegal immigration needs to be delt with, sure, but we need to remember that these people are humans. So, let go Jason and don't think that everyone who criticizes you should apologize.
jim | 7:23 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Why do some people try to put up smoke screens and cloud the issue? Illegal aliens, undocumented workers or what ever you want to call them, have broken the law. they are a drain on our society and our social systems. They are wanted here by greedy people who do not want to pay a fair wage and want the rest of the community to foot the bill. color it how you will, but its wrong the the majority of the american people are tired of it and want it stopped.
Ross58 | 7:31 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
WHOOOPEEEE!!!! another opportunity to INCORRECTLY represent the Chaffetz statement on incarcerating those illegal immigrants CONVICTED OF COMMITTING FELONIOUS CRIMES (Rape and murder and theft and drug trafficking, Etc.)in tent cities, (like is done in Arizona), then deport them. Great plan! Stupid attack!

My understanding of Chaffetz' plan is to support ACTION that reforms legal immigration first so that it has reasonable viability, and then address the illegal immigration problems aggressively.

Hey I got an idea...let's build a great big fence. That will let everybody know to stay out. Anybody that might slip by it we can give them education and welfare and jobs and tax immunity. Change we can believe in...you know...like in California.
Iegal citizen | 7:56 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Good for you Chaffetz and set the record straight! We in Utah will not tolerate law breakers! GO HOME or be prepared to live in tents, wear pink underwear and watch Disney in ENGLISH!
Eugene | 8:00 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
As an Idahoan that also had Japanese interment camps, I never want to see American CITIZENS being treated like that again; however, we are not talking about CITIZENS. We are talking about ILLEGAL NON-CITIZENS that should not be here since they broke our law to be here. In that case, strong enforcement to current immigration laws is the only way to protect ourselves from being invaded from a foreign country. This is a national security issue and until politicians abandon rhetoric and require law enforcement, we are at risk of losing everything we hold dear in this country. While I don't want to see anyone housed in a tent, I don't want to see any illegal alien housed in the USA at all. I am not against immigrants at all, I am against illegal immigration. I welcome all legal immigrants with open arms and admiration.
arc | 8:21 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Bennion and Honda are distorting what Jason said. Listen to the GOP Convention speech. It is on youtube, and on Jason's website.

Jason is advocating enforcement of the law.

He is advocating the plan put forth by the Western Governors' Association.

He has never suggested targeting people based on race
To "Naive" | 8:33 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
You are continuing to take things that were said (use detention facilities - which could be tents - to hold convicted criminals on their way to deportation) and use them to paint Chaffetz in the worst light possible. Spencer must be desperate (with good reason) to pursue such negative actions. No one EVER said we would round up "suspected" illegal immigrants. No one EVER said we should detain all illegal immigrants. Actually take the time to check your facts. Something Honda should have done.
Get the facts | 8:39 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Honda needs to find out the facts before he attacks others. I respect his background, but he should know all the facts and see who actualy said what.
Oh Please | 8:43 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Chaffetz, like all fascists, loves the idea of concentration camps. He's just like Mitt "Let's have more Gitmos" Romney. Honda is right. Chaffetz is a disgrace.
Utah Conservative | 8:46 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Our legal system was based on the English tradition of 'common law.' Fundamentally, the rule of law is based on what's enforced rather than what's codified in some book, some where.

Our nation's history & culture are founded on entrepreneurial immigration. We owe much to those who left their home country for freedom and opportunity.

My appreciation for life, liberty and property rights has led me to align myself with the Republican party all my life. While I disagree w/ John McCain on some issues and priorities, I respect his maverick position on realistic, humane immigration policy. Ironically, his victory could be one of the more important ones for conservativism in my lifetime. Without it, I worry that the myopic nativism of some could doom the GOP to generations in the minority.
B. alan | 8:47 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Cannon made a coment after the convention that only 3% of the people in utah has a problem with illegal's. That is just one of the reasons that he is not in the race this year. He was not in touch with the people in his district, or of Utah. If you don't belive in law and order I guess California is the place for you!!!
WS | 9:01 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Honda does not seem to understand the difference between US citizens and illegal immigrants. Sad, but true that we are being invaded by individuals who seem to feel it is their right to be here. Honda should try to run-across the boarder into Mexico at the check point and see if he gets shot...?
Elect Chaffetz | 9:07 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008
Perhaps Honda would like to put the foreign law breakers at the local Holiday Inn. He and his comrades
are great when it comes to spending our tax money.

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