In an echo of the debate on immigration under way in Washington, the California Legislature gave visiting President Vicente Fox of Mexico a two-edged welcome on Thursday.
Democratic and Latino members, including the Assembly speaker, Fabian Núñez, embraced Mr. Fox, while some Republicans boycotted his evening address to a joint session of the Legislature. Other Republicans attended the speech, but wore yellow buttons reading "No más!" to protest Mr. Fox's support for liberalizing American policies on immigration.
In his address, Mr. Fox praised the immigration bill passed by the Senate on Thursday as a "historic step" and as a "moment that millions of families have been hoping for."
Providing a dose of logic,
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, Republican of Orange County, refused to attend Mr. Fox's speech because, he said in an interview, a foreign leader has no right to come to the United States to lobby openly on a piece of domestic legislation.
"I do not at all appreciate a foreign head of state telling my nation how to deal with its own sovereignty and the issue of immigration," said Mr. DeVore, an aerospace executive and a lieutenant colonel in the California Army National Guard.
Fox stated during his address
"Comprehensive reform will help both countries to concentrate on efforts and resources on addressing our shared security and prosperity concerns. We are your partners in security against terrorism. We are your allies in the war on drugs and crime. Let us work together as neighbors, as partners, as friends."
Mexico calling itself a partner in the war on drugs is like Dr. Kevorkian calling himself a partner in the war on death. It's not only a load of crap, it's an insult to Americans.
"Mr. [Fabian] Núñez, who invited Mr. Fox to address the California Legislature, said lawmakers who boycotted the speech were showing disrespect to an important neighbor and trading partner."
They were just returning the favor.
(Source: New York Times More: Penraker)
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