Thursday, May 24, 2007

May 24, 2007 - Thursday - Grafton, ND

There's something sort of pathetic about a horse-fly sitting on the
radiator of a tractor.
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The current temperature is 60 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 75/56
Normal H/L temp for this date is 73/46
It was 95 degrees on this date in 1928.
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"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
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L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
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In case you haven't noticed, the whole world is talking about, and,
wondering how to deal with the millions of illegal immigrants in our
country.
Chuck wrote: >>> Gary
Very interesting letter Armando wrote. Very good example of what
can happen in this great country. It sounds just like the story of
our forefathers from Norway, Germany, Poland and the rest. There
should be a simple way the two governments can sit down and figure a way
that the Mexicans can travel back and forth legally, and, if they want
to be citizens they can achieve that goal too. The system they have
now with all its enforcement problems isn't good.
The one problem that should be solved is the language. They should be
required to speak english if they are in this country. I was in the
Cuban section of Miami last week for a while and nobody speaks english.
Nobody. They all seem to know how, but amongst themselves they speak
Spanish. Thats not right. Whens the last time you spoke Norske.
Its to bad Grafton loses people like Armando, sounds like a great guy.
Chuck <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Chuck. I can tell you,
several folks that know Armando and his family have told me, in person
and by email Armando and his family are "top shelf", first class people
that everyone can be very proud of.
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This note offers a different shade to the issue. >>>>
I read with interest the point of view of Armando Serrano. Hoeing
beets when I was a kid was not a fun thing to do. I didn't like it and
didn't want to do it. But I was told that I had to and I did. I wouldn't
like to do it again. Having said all that....I wonder what the trade off
in expense would really be if we didn't have to pay for all the social
requirements for the undocumented; from schooling to medical,and
welfare costs. From what I've read it's costing the American taxpayer a
bundle. Maybe the increase in cost of fruit would be a savings. I just
don't know how we can allow open borders after 9-11. I feel sorry for
the poor not only in Mexico but in Darfur and in a hundreds other
countries. But because these other countries can't or won't institute
social programs to keep their people from starving, should we be forced
to feed, educate and medicate anyone and everyone who can sneak into our
country, or make a good enough argument for foreign aid.
The bottom line for me is the fact that it's illegal to enter this
country without proper paperwork. I'm sorry that people are in such bad
shape that they think they have the right to by-pass our laws. But it
doesn't make it right. Illegal is just that. If we are going to indulge
the undocumented and pay all these "benefits", then let's make it legal.
If not.....let's send them home.
Gary, the above is just a rant, and I"m not interested in having my
name used. This is a terrible problem for our country and I'm afraid by
the time we screw around trying to be everything to everyone we are
going to lose our country. For every success story like the Serrano's
there are hundreds of stories of abject poverty and social welfare
nightmares for these "undocumented" workers. The food stamps Mr. Serrano
said was available here had to be paid for by somebody. <<<
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I have received an incredible amount of correspondence, both written
and oral on the subject of illegal immigration. It is a most unfortunate
situation to say the least. I think it's important to point out, that
the term "illegal Immigrant" does not necessarily imply individuals of
Mexican origin.
I really believe it's time we drop the subject and move on. I might
add, however, that Bert, by way of rebuttal of sorts sent us some
additional thoughts.
Armando also sent another long, and, I should add, very interesting
note. Due to the lack of time and space the Gazette allows. I am taking
the liberty of sharing the "Readers Digest Version" of Armando's note.
However I will be happy to forward it and Berts, to anyone that might be
interested.
Among many other things, Armando said "America loves Cheap labor and
goods. He stated "todays America requires some kind of formal
training/education to be able to thrive. He quoted Mr. Kapel, as saying,
"If you live in America and you're poor, you're stupid."
Armando credits Mr. Bradshaw as one who made a significant difference
in his life. He also said he didn't want to boast, although in light of
all the facts he shared, he could have. He credits his father as his
authority figure, keeping him straight.
Armando goes on to say that I and others that believe "illegal
immigrants" have broken the law, are ignorant and naive. It also appears
as though Armando thinks we should legalize drugs and he suggests,
taxing the crap out of it is a solution to our drug problem.
Armando finished his very interesting message with the following. "If
you lived in a society where government was corrupt, (all theway to
the president), there was nowork, no food, no chance of improving
your living conditions and just a few hundred miles away was the U.S
border with plenty of work and opportunity. What would you do? People
in Mexico with money and power want more money and greater power.
Armando Serrano, Jr. <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing
Armando. One thing is certain, "the problems of the world will never be
solved, until the people of the world stop creating problems."
Or so it seems to me.
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If anyone has an interest in reading Armando's full and complete
message, - I believe you will find it interesting- and/or the last
message from Bert Overland. Please let me know and I will be happy to
share them with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The latest list of Gazette family members Firefighter draw winners.
Mert Pribula, Tom Campbell, Mardell Niswonger, Barb DeSautel and GVFD
by an anonymous donor all won $20. Kristi Stenso won $500.
Congratulations to everyone and thank you for helping our local
firefighters be all they can be.
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GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
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Ignorance isn't always a bad thing, it makes living here, in the
winter, easier.


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Grafton, ND

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