Text of Speech made by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, May 10 (or watch the video HERE)
I think it is instructive that in this country it takes women to speak up or take any kind of action against intolerable policy failures by our commander in chief, who prefers to demagogue and crack jokes about them rather than take any real positive action.
Governor Jan Brewer: "Thank you for providing us the opportunity to educate Americans about our nations failure to secure our southern border, and the consequences of that failure on the people of Arizona. Arizona has the second longest border with Mexico, over three hundred and seventy miles. Secretary Napolitano, the former governor of Arizona sent most of her requests to the previous administration to secure our border, and to pay for the systemic foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offenses in our state’s prison system. Today, Secretary Napolitano is turning a blind eye to the same problem of which she herself once complained, giving us the same answer that she once got. She’s apparently had a change of positions, in more ways than one. Simply said, the feds aren’t paying for the problems they’ve created.
Today that costs Arizona $150 million dollars per year in corrections alone, and many times that across all functions of state government. This is not defensible. While the president is making wisecracks and playing racial politics, some groups have suggested that Arizona should be punished for enforcing laws that the federal government has failed to enforce. That is misguided at best; at worst it is continuing political manipulation where earnest problem solving and protection of national security ought to be. Haven’t we all had just about enough?
We are a nation of laws, and the rule of law, not of men. Our purpose today is to help the rest of the nation to understand the crisis which confronts our state.
Our nation’s government is broken. Our border is being erased, and the president apparently considers it a wonderful opportunity to divide people along racial lines for his personal political convenience. It’s fair to ask, whether he intends to be the Commander In Chief, or the Comic In Chief. Since the president’s joke was so inappropriate, I suppose if I wanted to join in the comedian game, I could just suggest that he not give up his day job. . . But (applause) unfortunately though, he’s not doing very well at that one either, so.... (applause)
For outreach, to those who want to inflict economic harm on hardworking Arizonans because we have the temerity to enforce federal immigration laws, I say: Come spend some time here with us. But first, put down your talking points, and media interpretations of our law; simply read and understand our statutes. Then pay a visit to Robert Krentz’s family in Cochise County. Do a ride-along with the county sheriff’s deputies in one of the many drug smuggling corridors. Take in the inhumane and deplorable conditions of a “Coyote” drop house here in metro Phoenix....then you will understand. (applause)
Today it seems our border security policy cheapens the value of citizenship and undermines the rule of law. I can tell you this: These governors do not esteem that privilege lightly. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of all US citizens, so today I am making two announcements:
First I am proud to ask back .....to serve as my first appointee to the joint border security advisory committee. This committee was created as part of the legislative changes I requested to senate bill 1070. This committee will analyze the latest information about our border including crossings and crime statistics, and make recommendations designed to increase border security.
Second, I’m announcing the launch of a new website called “securetheborder.org” This website will help educate the rest of America, and perhaps our political leaders, in Washington, that this is not an “immigration” crisis. this is a border security crisis. (applause) "
President Obama, doing stand up comedy at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner: "We all know what happens in Arizona when you don't have ID," President Obama said. "Adios, amigos!"
Another video, taking issue with his ridicule of an important issue closes with the words, "President Obama, Broken Borders are not a laughing matter. No one in Arizona is laughing. Do your job and secure the border."
I think it is instructive that in this country it takes women to speak up or take any kind of action against intolerable policy failures by our commander in chief, who prefers to demagogue and crack jokes about them rather than take any real positive action.
Governor Jan Brewer: "Thank you for providing us the opportunity to educate Americans about our nations failure to secure our southern border, and the consequences of that failure on the people of Arizona. Arizona has the second longest border with Mexico, over three hundred and seventy miles. Secretary Napolitano, the former governor of Arizona sent most of her requests to the previous administration to secure our border, and to pay for the systemic foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offenses in our state’s prison system. Today, Secretary Napolitano is turning a blind eye to the same problem of which she herself once complained, giving us the same answer that she once got. She’s apparently had a change of positions, in more ways than one. Simply said, the feds aren’t paying for the problems they’ve created.
Today that costs Arizona $150 million dollars per year in corrections alone, and many times that across all functions of state government. This is not defensible. While the president is making wisecracks and playing racial politics, some groups have suggested that Arizona should be punished for enforcing laws that the federal government has failed to enforce. That is misguided at best; at worst it is continuing political manipulation where earnest problem solving and protection of national security ought to be. Haven’t we all had just about enough?
We are a nation of laws, and the rule of law, not of men. Our purpose today is to help the rest of the nation to understand the crisis which confronts our state.
Our nation’s government is broken. Our border is being erased, and the president apparently considers it a wonderful opportunity to divide people along racial lines for his personal political convenience. It’s fair to ask, whether he intends to be the Commander In Chief, or the Comic In Chief. Since the president’s joke was so inappropriate, I suppose if I wanted to join in the comedian game, I could just suggest that he not give up his day job. . . But (applause) unfortunately though, he’s not doing very well at that one either, so.... (applause)
For outreach, to those who want to inflict economic harm on hardworking Arizonans because we have the temerity to enforce federal immigration laws, I say: Come spend some time here with us. But first, put down your talking points, and media interpretations of our law; simply read and understand our statutes. Then pay a visit to Robert Krentz’s family in Cochise County. Do a ride-along with the county sheriff’s deputies in one of the many drug smuggling corridors. Take in the inhumane and deplorable conditions of a “Coyote” drop house here in metro Phoenix....then you will understand. (applause)
Today it seems our border security policy cheapens the value of citizenship and undermines the rule of law. I can tell you this: These governors do not esteem that privilege lightly. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of all US citizens, so today I am making two announcements:
First I am proud to ask back .....to serve as my first appointee to the joint border security advisory committee. This committee was created as part of the legislative changes I requested to senate bill 1070. This committee will analyze the latest information about our border including crossings and crime statistics, and make recommendations designed to increase border security.
Second, I’m announcing the launch of a new website called “securetheborder.org” This website will help educate the rest of America, and perhaps our political leaders, in Washington, that this is not an “immigration” crisis. this is a border security crisis. (applause) "
President Obama, doing stand up comedy at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner: "We all know what happens in Arizona when you don't have ID," President Obama said. "Adios, amigos!"
Another video, taking issue with his ridicule of an important issue closes with the words, "President Obama, Broken Borders are not a laughing matter. No one in Arizona is laughing. Do your job and secure the border."
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