Arizona to Obama: We need Predator drones

[sabra]

Source: CNN Money

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Unbowed by a raft of boycotts over her immigration policy, Arizona Gov. Janice Brewer has requested helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles from the White House to patrol the border region with Mexico.

Brewer, in a letter to President Obama, asked that the National Guard reallocate reconnaissance helicopters and robotic surveillance craft to the "border states" from other parts of the country.

The governor specifically asked for OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, used by the military for reconnaissance, noting that Arizona currently has only four of them "available for border missions."

"These helicopters are extremely valuable assets in supporting law enforcement efforts on the ground," she wrote. "The number available, though, is inadequate to provide the kind of support needed on the Arizona border."

...

The governor also requested "wider deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along our nation's southern border." UAVs are flying, remote-controlled robot drones that are widely used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There are several different military models that fall under that description, including the Hunter, Predator, Reaper and Global Hawk, but the governor didn't request a particular type.

Read more: http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/24/news/economy/predator_arizona_border/index.htm

[ck4829]

1. Maybe we can pave all your streets with gold too, eh Brewer?

Maybe every other State should all give a portion of their treasuries like in Monopoly too, huh?

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. Get your own. Stop relying on the federal government, you wimps.

Isn't that their rallying cry?

[SnakeEyes]

11. typically, yes.

Except when they claim it's one of the roles of the federal government which I guess conveniently changes at times.

[damntexdem]

3. Arizona, be careful lest you get what you pray for.

;-)

[Downwinder]

5. If you don't need the missiles, just send up an iPhone in a model airplane. n/t

[Brother Buzz]

14. They should contract the job out to these industrious Iranians.

I'm sure a high resolution camcorder could be mounted in this gem.

[ixion]

4. Heh. Welcome to Arizonastan

If you don't show your papers, you'll be blown to bits by a predator drone.

Enjoy your stay!

[saigon68]

6. LOL

[hlthe2b]

7. fine and we'll deploy them 24/7 over the governor's mansion

:eyes:

[AlbertCat]

8. but the governor didn't request a particular type.

Because the Governor-by-default doesn't know what the fuck she's talking about....as usual.

They're at war with Mexico now? :eyes:

[The Backlash Cometh]

26. Republicans have to be at war with somebody in order to win.

[Jefferson23]

9. They need a new governor, and the one they have now can take

remote controlled robot drones and go to hell.

[green917]

10. This has been my point from the start

Aside from the simple egregiousness of this vile piece of legislation, why should the rest of OUR (those of us who don't live in AZ) tax dollars go to fund THEIR state's law? Who's going to pay for these helicopters and drones? Who's going to pay for the deportation of all the scary brown people (/sarcasm) they round up and ship back over the border only to see them come right back?

For my money, an oldie but goody answers all of my above questions and more:

f@#kthesouth.com

[Bette Noir]

27. Great link!

[EFerrari]

28. The really silly part is that immigration is down in AZ.

[SargeUNN]

56. Your point is more correct than most realize

ICE really had problems when Prince William Co. Va. tried a law much like this one in Arizona. The County couldn't house or pay for all those arrested. 9500 Liberty actually documents this in one of their videos at youtube which was filmed at a Supervisor's meeting.

[PavePusher]

12. So, how many of you have a solution for the illegal immigration problem?

Or are you only here to cast aspersions?

Anyone volunteering to help out the Border Patrol?

[Downwinder]

15. Give me subpoena power and I'll help them out. n/t

[readmoreoften]

16. There is no "illegal immigration problem". There's a predatory capitalism problem.

And I live in Texas in an immigrant neighborhood. If you want to support labor, support labor. Don't bash people looking for work who don't have the $50K to get "in line" and "wait their turn."

[sinkingfeeling]

18. Define the problem. I'm for open borders.

[PavePusher]

33. May I ask what other nations have that policy?

And why you want us to?

[pampango]

42. All of the European Union countries, plus a few others on the continent - 30 in all. n/t

[PavePusher]

48. Really?

If I went there to live, without the proper papers, I would be rewarded by being allowed to stay?

That's not what I learned while living in England for 7 1/2 years. What did I miss?

[AlphaCentauri]

53. where you a Eropean Union resident?

[pampango]

55. They have open borders with each other, not with the whole world.

One could advocate open borders with our continental neighbors, Canada and Mexico, since the EU has proven that policy is effective and popular. Only the far-right parties, like the BNP in the UK, want to recreate border controls on immigration and trade within Europe.

[frylock]

20. jail time and severe fines to employers that hire undocumented workers..

next.

[defendandprotect]

23. Open borders . . . STOP the inane and phony Drug War which is creating their problems ....

STOP ignoring the corrupt business that employs slave labor -- illegal aliens in Arizona.

Mexico should also STOP investing in our economy/debt and begin to invest in jobs for

Mexicans in Mexico!

Who would that harm? That's the question to be asking!

[EFerrari]

29. What illegal immigration problem do you mean?

The part where immigration is DOWN in Arizona?

And are you seriously suggesting that posters to this site go hang out with the white nationalist trash that call themselves "Minute Men"?

LOL.

[PavePusher]

36. I said nothing about the "Minute Men".

But thanks for trying to insinuate racism into the discussion.

I'm actually looking for constructive ideas here.

[EFerrari]

41. No, you're not. You're defending that nazi cow's fake emergency.

And I don't have to "insinuate" racism into Brewer's claims, they come fully loaded.

[lark]

32. Oh, oh, I have an answer, pick me!!

How about a million dollar fine to each company that hires an illegal alien? Why not stop the root cause for the immigration, unless this is all showboating?

[fascisthunter]

38. but right wingers hate holding business men and women responsible

and corporations are persons.... speshulll persons just like them.

[PavePusher]

49. I actually think that is a good idea...

albeit only one part of a solution.

[tinrobot]

57. They'd never throw their political base in jail.

[fascisthunter]

37. how about holding business owners responsible for enticing cheap labor

here in America. Also, pressure the Mexican government to be a bit more socialized so their folks won't need to come here for work.

[blondeatlast]

40. What problem?

You might want to check my profile first and I will add--40 years...

[AlphaCentauri]

46. I have a constructive ideas here

Amnesty, then get Arpaio and the border patrol go after the cartels. Amnesty will eliminate any illegals there are.

[PavePusher]

47. Interesting.

Can we declare amnesty for crimes by actual citizens too?

But seriously, I don't actually think that rewarding law-breakers is the answer.

[AlphaCentauri]

50. rewarding law-breakers happens every day

how many people using illegal drugs won't get arrested today?
how many people will avoid to paid some type of tax today?

are they getting rewarded by not getting arrested?

Why not make the illegals part of the economy then implement a system that will prevent future illegal immigration?

[PavePusher]

51. There is quite a difference

between "not caught" and "amnesty".

But nice try at conflation.

[AlphaCentauri]

54. What is the problem with amnesty to end a crime?

in other countries US puppets get amnesty for murdering people why not give amnesty to people who just want to work legaly?

[tinrobot]

58. Why would a Republican ever want to solve illegal immigration?

Demonizing illegal immigrants is how they scare people into voting for them.

If they actually solved the problem, what would they run on?

Asking for Predators is a way to make a lot of fuss and ultimately not get anything done.

[Dappleganger]

59. I do.

Have a barbecue and beer fest to get to know the neighbors.

:toast:

[SargeUNN]

60. Yes there is an answer and it can be done better and less harrassing

I have interviewed people who have spent decades in this, who are affected by this, and strangely enough they have some real workable answers but can't get them to be heard.

I have stated over and over the first step is to learn about the people affected. I have stated more than once the breakdown so I won't do so again, but knowing this helps formulate a workable plan. Sadly most have no clue of the people and are content with stereotyping and lumping all in the same group.

Secondly, to understand the problems of how immigration processes works now will shine light on the fact even those who came here on visas have had those visas expire while trying to work to get them renewed, and spending money to do so. It is a time consuming process and often goes beyond the date of expiration.

Thirdly, how about passing the Dream Act which would not only bring the law abiding and intelligent ones in the social stream, but would increase our progress as a society with their abilities and intelligence.

Fourthly, set up a process where an acceptable method of working toward citizenship for those law abiding people can stay here and work toward citizenship in a way that would be reasonable and would actually take away several problems law enforcement have to live with. Law Enforcement would be better able to communicate with these people and it would help them going after those who are here to commit crimes. It would also get rid of such grandstanding as Arpaio does. Also it would not harrass those who are Latino but born in this country or gained citizenship through legal paths.

[Ian David]

13. Great. Aliens vs Predators. Just what we need.

[Soylent Brice]

19. LOL

[Robb]

61. You win the thread. nt

[CoffeeCat]

17. Is Arizona trying to create an insurgency?

Cuz that's what they'll get if they go hells bells in America.

If they attack a few illegals crossing the border--and innocent
Americans, including women and children, are killed--will Arizona
consider this collateral damage?

Will Donald Rumsfeld show up, and describe how the weapons are unleashed
with "such great care"?

Oy vey. It's like they're trying to promote war within our own borders. This
country, and every one in it--knows damn well that we've been encouraging people
to come into this country illegally, cross our borders, work here, set up shop
and live. Now that we've got them here, we're going to go all Apocalypse Now on
them?

Sometimes it makes you wonder if their policy was to entrap people here, so they
could start some kind of military action.

[defendandprotect]

21. In reality, much of Arizona's crime is coming from Drug War . . . but don't think...

they want to acknowledge that --

PLUS, Mexico is Arizona's largest trading partner . . . and Repugs sure want that

slave labor!

[unhappycamper]

22. Sure, no problem.

Get the National Guard home and we can talk about it.

Brewster is nuts asking for 'Democracy Drones'.

[LynneSin]

24. Since you so flagrantly ignore the constitution personally we shouldn't send you one cent more

My tax dollars should not be used to create such hostile environments and disrespect towards the constitution. How soon til Arizona can unload that UNELECTED governor?

[Bette Noir]

25. Why does she need military equipment? Are we at war with Mexico?

Or is she just suffering from the paranoid delusion that brown people are stealing her vital essence?

[xsquid]

44. Where have you people been? Drones are already being used, helicopters also.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/drone-aircraft-will-be-used-to-nab-illegal-immigrants-on-californiamexico-border.html


Drone aircraft will be used to nab illegal immigrants on California-Mexico border
December 7, 2009 | 7:33 am
Predator drones, the unmanned aircraft used by the U.S. military in the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones, will soon be employed to track illegal immigrants on the Mexico-California border.

The drone, which will be unveiled later today, will be operated out of the Antelope Valley by the military contractor General Atomics. The drones will fly above the border region with advancing electronic tracking equipment looking for illegal immigrants crossing into California.

According to the San Diego-based company, the drones will transmit information to U.S. authorities on human smuggles as well drug smuggling.

Such drones are already used on the border of Texas and Arizona.

Border Patrol officials told SignOn San Diego that the drone would initially be used to monitor ocean area, which has been used by human smugglers.

-- Shelby Grad


Is the problem really that they are being used or just that she ris requesting more?

[classysassy]

30. Deploy sheriff joe and his storm troopers

along the border.Would prove very interesting, joe and his troops against the drug cartel,

[librechik]

31. That van is probably full of illegals! (boom!) ...oops. Just Boy Scouts from Prescott. n/t

[Unvanguard]

34. Obama: Boycott Arizona. n/t

[xsquid]

45. Drones are being used in Texas and Cali, need to boycot them also. nt

[fascisthunter]

35. send in a tank too while you are at it...

[blondeatlast]

39. I'm so very sorry, world. We didn't elect her. nt

o

[xsquid]

43. They already have predator drones and helicopters on the border.

Funny how nobody is complaining about that, but asking for more is the problem?

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

52. Sorry Arizona.. your immigration control needs to be put on hold.

The oil gusher needs all the attention right now.

We need the drones in the Gulf ... they could sink a bunch of drones mixed in with the golf balls and tires and give it strength.