Cannibalistic Republican politics claimed another victim last week as House conservatives killed an important measure in a defense spending bill that would have allowed some children of illegal immigrants to serve in the U.S. military and pursue citizenship.

It was a sad, political stunt that affects not only Aurora and Colorado residents, but tens of thousands of hard-working, honest young people across the country.

for edit

House ultra-conservatives abandoned common sense, the will of a large majority of Americans and even fellow Republicans in removing a measure from the congressional annual defense bill offering military service to so-called DREAMers. The name refers to people brought to the United States illegally as children. These people have been raised in the United States, and really know nothing else. They graduate high school and then live in limbo, unable to realistically leave the country or legally get jobs and more education if they stay here. Bipartisan efforts, often led by Republican heavy hitters, to make accommodations for so-called “DREAMers” have repeatedly failed.

The killed measure called for allowing qualified graduates to enlist in branches of the military, serve the country, and, in exchange, move ahead in their pursuit of citizenship. The proposal came with a lot of requirements. It was anything but amnesty. In fact, one of the measure’s ardent supporters, Aurora GOP Congressman Mike Coffman, made it clear how challenging the military DREAM pact really was.

“As a Marine Corps combat veteran, I can assure you Parris Island ain’t amnesty,” Coffman said in remarks about the measure to House members, referring to the Marine’s famously rigorous boot-camp installation. “Their ability to serve benefits us all. It provides an expanded pool of willing and capable applicants, helping to uphold and even increase the rigorous standards to enlist in our military.”

It does. But partisan politics and a minority of ultra-conservatives pandering to upcoming presidential primary forces scuttled the measure, resorting to nonsense.

“This Congress should support and represent Americans by voting to stop military service opportunities from being taken from struggling American families in order to give them to illegal aliens,” GOP Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama said in advance of the failing vote.

Really? What qualified American has ever been turned away from enlisting in recent memory?

Coffman and others realize that at least this part of the DREAM Act — and, really, all of it — does nothing but benefit all of America, as well as the children of immigrants who are no more perpetrators of a crime or wrongdoing than any other child growing up in the United States. While the DREAM Act is certainly about maturity and compassion, it’s just as much about practically for those unable to see this as a humanitarian answer to a serious humanitarian problem.

Shortsightedness by House conservatives in killing the measure on a 221-202 vote immediately handed Democrats an election issue for the next presidential and congressional election. If Republicans here and across the country fear that, it’s time to make it all good by trying again.

71 replies on “EDITORIAL: Ending military DREAM for immigrants spawns a conservative nightmare”

  1. What Coffman fails to recognize is that he is an actual citizen of the US and can hold an interesting position in the military. Any illegal would not be able to pass a security clearance and would necessarily be restricted to the most menial and monotonous jobs the military had to offer. This would then degenerate into a situation where the illegals would complain about not being able to serve in the better jobs. Anyone who has served understands that there are a lot of undesirable jobs in the military. Illegals have everything handed to them now and look at how much they complain. Add military discipline and it is a recipe for disaster. Those who violated the law to illegally enter the US do not have honor and the military is dependent on honor. Those that do not have an attachment to the US can not be counted on to defend it when the stuff hits the fan.
    The military is not the place for an illegal immigrant. The military is for people who want to serve their country and illegals do not strike me as the type to devote themselves to the United States.

    1. Squid, you stated ” illegals have everything handed to them” what exactly are you referring to? They, the Hispanic community, work the jobs others won’t take, are third in welfare recipients, contribute a large chunk to taxes, spend more, account for business start-ups, and are overall a family oriented demographic. You choice of poor words of honor and the military as it relates to the military is just flat out dishonor. I wonder what the Native Americans thought when whites migrated here? Your only response is, we got here in this country via Ellis Island so we get a pass… your send of entitlement is ridiculous. These people serve with integrity for a country that has given them so much… I think your focus should be steered to another demographic, the group that really does nothing for themselves, have no family values, sell drugs, pimp girls, and contribute nothing to society!!! Check yourself!!!

      1. You speak in vague generalities. What are these jobs that others wont take? I know plenty of Hispanics that are educated and hold jobs considered to be good ones. Why do you pigeon hole Hispanics as taking jobs nobody else wants? I also am unsure why you equate illegal immigration with the Hispanic community. That strikes me as patently racist. Illegal immigration has no race and as such is wrong no matter who it is breaking the law. My so-called entitlement (is that from your libtard flashcard set?) extends to real Americans. The theft of public welfare benefits by illegals reduces the pool of resources available for actual citizens who are entitled to it. If you think feeding and clothing illegals is appropriate, open your own home and put your money where your mouth is.

        Also, please be more clear about what group it is that you claim “that really does nothing for themselves, have no family values, sell drugs, pimp girls, and contribute nothing to society!!!” You seem to have a nasty habit of stereotyping vast segments of society. Perhaps it is you that should be checking one’s self.

        1. No “nasty habits” for you, right? Seems to me your pontificating know it all attitude reeks of stereotypical nonsense.

          I’m with “young aurora resident”. Perhaps you could “fly elsewhere” and peddle your stereotypical whining.

          1. For such a cool, rainy day there sure seems to a lot of unnecessary hot air. So good to see you support the unsupported rantings of an anti-law, anti-American mumbler.

        2. Can’t you feel the preening sanctimony in this self serving bit of commentarial slop. The commenter obviously enjoys telling everyone other than him/herself.

        3. I fully support what Rep. Mike Coffman did with introducing bill for these dreamers to enter service and earn citizenship. The military service does not automatically grant citizenship, as 35,000 service persons who came, served, thought they were citizens after retiring, started businesses, was married, AND WERE DEPORTED DUE MOSTLY TO MINOR TRAFFIC OR DRUG ARREST. They are mostly from South America and Central America, with family still in USA. Google for info. I will not prolong my entry to look for site. ————-NOW FOR REASON I SUPPORT, WHILE BEING ABSOLUTELY OPPOSED TO AMNESTY AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. –US Air Force was formed in 1947, transitioning from Army Air Corps. In 1950, I enlisted (draft notice received same day, about 8 hours later. I went to Basic in Texas, then to Nevada for duty. 2 officers assigned me to Personnel, working for them, and in next 6 months, reclassified all officers and enlisted on base, from Army, Navy, Marine specialties codes, to new Air Force Specialty codes. I typed all those orders, distributed them, and charted them , promoted from private, to private first class, corporal. to sergeant in 1 year. Next year I made Staff Sergeant. MY POINT: Majority of those I served with 1950-1954, then 1954 to 1959 in Ohio, were foreign born and were 1st generation or 2nd generation. Especially in 2nd term 54-59, Intelligence Unit. German, Italian, Spanish, Japan, Chinese, Russian, were countries they were born in, not race. Many had served in other, foreign services, and joined our side, as needed and areas were conquered. They were USA citizens by time I met them, and I learned of the cultures of the world. Met young man who was born in camp in California where his parents were sent by U.S because they were Japanese. Lost their property, business, and his parents and grandparents all went back to Japan after WWII ended. Angry and frustrated. He stayed here, and joined US Air Force, going though basic in different flight than me, but completing at same time. His family cut him off, and I only hope they later contacted and smoothed it out. Wonderful young fellow, and first I knew of those camps. FDR signed order on that, and regretted it later. But we gained some wonderful people who are patriotic and true citizens. BUT THEY EARNED IT. MY OWN IMMIGRANT GRANDFATHER CAME TO USA IN 1870 through Holland (walked from Palantine Germany) came over on ship Neptune to Philadelphia, indentured himself for 7 years, received $100 (equivalent) and new suit, walked to Cumberland MD, where he became prosperous land owner. Other one came from Wales in 1800s (exact date unknown yet). But all who came, earned their right to be here. We gain about 1 million legally every year, and 1.5 million illegally. I oppose the illegal ones, and it is the parent who came across border, who broke the law, and separated family he/she left, while putting any future family into secret living, outside the law.

      2. The ‘old saw’ about doing ‘jobs no one else will do’ is utter nonsense. They are in every phase of construction, from brick layers to foundations, painting, carpentry, etc. They also do landscaping, the bull about ‘picking crops and cleaning toilets’ is far removed from the truth of the matter.

    2. Is that right. “The military is for people who want to serve their country”. And how did you come to that “striking” conclusion? We’re to assume you are a devoted proper patriot of the United States. How sweet.

      1. You love and support illegal immigration because you enjoy exploiting the cheap labor. Without them, how would you get your lawn mowed for $5. You are the type to sell out your own country with your eagerness to roll out the red carpet for lawbreakers.

        1. More noise. The “oracle” holds court for the fools. No doubt about it. The “squid” is leaky.

          4. No need to run. Simply lay claim to “truth” and run your mouth like a leaky “squid”.

          5. Truth has no meaning to you and your kind. The only reality you subscribe to is convenience and emotion. When confronted with truth, you are more apt to resort to simplistic ad hominem attacks because your fragile position is indefensible. At 74 years of age, I would have expected you to have a better understanding of our world. You may have the last word, you have become boring.

          6. “My kind”? Given his/her power of pontification, perhaps the “squid” could elaborate on “truth” as a fragile position before boring us to death with further patriotic lamentations. No doubt about it. The “squid” is leaky.

          7. Ryecatcher, this is one of your postings from another comment section. It seems as if you are hopelessly browbeaten by the thought police and politically correct oppressors. When did “retarded” become a pejorative? You are unable to understand truth due to your fear of being insensitive. You are unable to view illegal immigration for what it is for that same fear of being considered insensitive.
            “You are right concerning my use of the word “retarded”. I thought about that later after posting it. Developmentally disabled is what I should have said. Sorry about that.”

            Here’s another bit of your prior offerings…….
            “I simply cringe at some of the vulgar comments and hateful labels I read on these blogs. They are unwarranted and make us appear childish. Believe me. I’ve been guilty in the past. My late wife a middle school teacher for most of her life pointed out how childish I appeared using the rude and crude labels in my posting. She was right.” What would your wife have thought of your present vitriol and name calling?????

          8. The “squid” is a detective among other things. Quite a resume. I’m duly humbled by such monumental noise.

          9. Another gem from ryecatcher……

            “Just keep that thought doof and keep your head up your anal region. The only thing delusional here is your asinine comment.”

            Your insight is strong. Truly you are a towering intellect capable of deep thought on a variety of topics. Next time we need someone to throw out some insular comments or demean others we will certainly give you a call. Thanks for the entertainment.

        2. squid, have you ever had the urge to join the military by any chance? or do you know of anyone who has the ability to join but does not want to due to the fact that they are scared or maybe they do not have any interest in serving?

          1. I served for several years. The military is highly selective as it is a strictly volunteer force. I have know many that were unable to join due to a criminal past, medical problem or any number of things that prohibited their acceptance. I also have known others that expressed fear of being put in harm’s way and felt that the military was not the right choice for them.

  2. I could not resist to write my own personal experience and point of view regarding this matter about DREAMers. I am a senior at Shadow Mountain High School, Phoenix, Arizona and I am about to graduate. Ever since I was a small kid, my father used to take me out to air shows and as a small kid I saw how fun it would be a fighter pilot. As a kid, my teachers told me that in order to be a fighter pilot, I am going to have to be the best of the best. From that point I realized how valuable education was. I studied and did my best in school like if there was no tomorrow. At the end of my 8th grade year, I realized that I was undocumented. I never knew the fact that I was born in Mexico and brought here to the U.S. to have better life then I would of back in Mexico. During that same year, I received a recruiting letter from an Air Force JROTC unit stationed at Shadow Mountain High School. I took this awesome opportunity to learn from such prodigious militaristic program. Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do is what AFJROTC taught me. The mission of this program is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. I have volunteered over 150 hours of community service and I have served in leadership positions. By the end of this year, I have accomplished to received the rank of cadet colonel and the honor to serve as the group commander and lead over 100 cadets in the unit. Unfortunately, I am graduating this year, with inability to join the military due to the fact that I am a DREAMer and I only have the permission to work and live her in the U.S. for a temporary time. My dream of becoming a fighter pilot or at least a member of our military just keeps getting rejected by this political figures.

    1. Your story, if true, is exactly why illegal immigration should be prevented. Where does your disappointment come from? Is it in the enforcement of well know laws or is it in the willful disregard of those laws? The claim of wanting a better life is noble but does not excuse the breaking of laws. Put it in this context…..a person robs a bank with the sole purpose of using the money to provide a better life for his family. The same noble desire is present in both examples but for some reason sneaking into a country is not looked at as breaking a law while the bank robbery is when in fact each is a willful violation of law. You have nobody to blame but your own father for placing you in this position. Perhaps you could fly in the Mexican Air Force????

      2. My disappointment comes from these ignorant people who do not understand my point of view. I cant just go back to the country was I born at, because I have no family over there and I do not know how to speak Spanish either. By the way, you make a good point with your example however it does not fit my situation due to the fact I that I came to this country the way I did without no conscience of what was going on. My arrival to this country was not planned by me nor I had any say because I was a baby. I had no idea I was even from mexico until I got I did more research in middle school. I was made believed that I was born and raised here in the U.S. I had dreams and I still do like many of my friends do who have the opportunity to accomplish them. All I want is an opportunity to serve the country I was raised in. My real country which is the United States of America.

        1. Until you become LEGAL, you have no pov, and if you do, it’s challenged by rule of law. ‘ignorance is no defense for wrong doing’ that’s in our criminal code.

        2. I do sympathize with your situation but the law was in place prior to your parents illegally entering the country. They should have reasonably understood the potential for this situation to present itself as a result of their willful violation of the law. The legal immigrants, who paid in both time and money, deserve to be rewarded for their respect of the law while the violator deserves nothing but a bus ticket to Juarez.

        3. I sympathisize with your experience, and would like to see you trying to serve and earn citizenship. See my longer post in reply to squid of my experience (1950-76 in USAF). Meeting and serving with so many over the years, learning of their birth culture, and even one who was a child in Warsaw Ghetto (5 years of walled city, with Nazi oppression. At age 9, “ski” was handed a German Luger and knife, and not much later, now 10 he killed Gestapo agent, during escape through the sewers. I met him in Nevada, SSgt, with burns and welts all over his body where he had been almost killed in getting out. Now married with 2 young children, “Ski” assured me he would never be without a weapon, and defend himself, family from harm. —- With that I lived in Colorado, with 13 bachelors (age20 to 30) living next door, from Sonoma, Mexico. Only one spoke English. One had handicapped, Colorado plate on his car, and when I wore my “Retired AF cap” one day in front yard, and next day wore a “Border Patrol cap”, they next day he had a different Colorado plate on his car. Denver metro area was listed as sanctuary city for metro area, so no use calling police or anyone. That was in 2006, into 2007. They trashed that house (value $186,000 appraisal in 2006-) By 2008 dropped to $89,000 as fixer-upper which lender sold, as 7 other houses were sold at auction or by agents. With my house still at code, new roof, furnace, storage facilities, new doors and windows, at $28,000, my house dropped from $186,500 to $92,000 in 2008. Rose to $106,500 in2010. In March I received increase up $49,900 to $150,000 now. I cannot afford that kind of equity loss, in case health requires me to sell, since that is my savings account. Although I kept my house up to standards, my whole neighborhood dropped below $100,000 valuation, and slowly regaining. Tippers have been buying Aurora houses, to resell in future. I have paid taxes on this property since 1963, with military also adding funding for schools when my children attended. So I resent those who come in uninvited, and believe they should get benefits of my taxes, working all those years, plus other benefits I worked for.

          2. Well, let me ask you something. My initial loss of equity value was $80,000 from house, which has been paid off for many years. Could you stand that loss, by someone’s policies, based on illegal folks being pampered? If so, you must have one terrific income with pension plan. Next, I have two care providers. Cardiologist to watch and help manage my heart since 2008. As I joke, I have been rebooted 3 times. Went to hospital on S. Potomac twice in 2008, heart electrically stopped by fibrillator, then restarted under careful monitoring. Again in 2011, same procedure, and I see him on regular basis, for EKG, and changes to prescriptions. Then I have general care provider since 2003, and have regular checkups. Both informed of each others work, and all my prescriptions and over the counter purchases. NOW FROM YOUR MEDICAL EXPERIENCE, WHEN THEY TELL ME TO KEEP ON DOING WHAT I AM DOING, How is resentment unhealthy. At one point some folks told me that with my stress level, I would get ulcers. I replied then, I give ulcers, by venting. Are you venting? Have a good summer. Will be 86 this fall, married 63 years to same spouse. But would be interested in your advice,

          3. You certainly have much on your platter my friend. You are a survivor and I admire that. I doubt there’s much advice I could give or qualify to give to a man of your experience and background. Thanks for your service by the way.

            Yes an eighty grand loss is nothing to sneeze about. I recall watching the property values go down here in my neighborhood. I wasn’t overly upset as my home is paid for but has fortunately regained it’s value and then some. Given the Colorado market we are fortunate to own property in Colorado presently. Real estate has become a very hot commodity as you are probably well aware.

            I had to chuckle at your “give ulcers” comment. You have a good point about venting. That can be healthy at the right time. Nothing wrong with getting ticked off from time to time. Hang in there and keep the faith. It’s all any of us has when you think about it.

            Take care and thanks for your reply.

          4. Just heard the news yesterday that House passed VAMC short term to try for more funding. Senate signed today, and sent to President, expected to sign. And read two other items that thrill me. U.N. Scientist that studies global warming of over 8,000 years determined the earths temperature had changed 0.98 degrees Celsius- higher than the 0.85 degrees climate scientists say the world has warmed over last century —- Came with photo of Al Gore grimacing and clenching teeth. Hooray.
            And entry that Democrat candidates are concerned they cannot retain their seats, and the DNC is looking at some candidates of earlier years as being more attractive, though they were voted out of office in past. ——————2016 may be interesting with GOP and DNC overloaded with candidates, and all in disarray. Could even say in CHAOS.
            Thanks again, and have good summer with the drought broken.

        4. Some kids also wish their parents were not in prison. There are consequences in breaking the law.

    2. Christopher, as a parent who’s worked with many high school age children, Please know that you do have support. Not all Americans lack compassion. You are in no way responsible for the position you are in, and I hope you are able to proudly serve our country!
      I won’t come back, this thread seems quite uncivil, and I won’t read any more responses. I just wanted you to know that you have support amongst many Americans!

      1. I guess that if you are the victim of crime at the hands of an illegal immigrant, it is not the illegal immigrant that is to blame?

    3. Yeah, it sucks to have parents who are criminals. One of the reasons your home country (Mexico) is such mess is that people do not respect the law.

      Your home country (Mexico) suffered a Marxist/Communist revolution ~100 years ago and is still suffering from it. We are trying to prevent the same thing from happening here.

  3. Go to the ‘back of the line’ go back to Mexico, change your government, don’t try to alter ours. I’m worn out from dual language classes and pressing one for English, which is the language of this country. Take the ‘dreamers’ and send them home!

    1. How much money is wasted in printing everything twice? Every school note sent home and every government document is printed in English and Spanish. How much is diverted to paying Spanish speakers in order to accommodate those who will not assimilate.

      1. Of course I agree. Our kids are held back while teachers try to teach English to those who came illegally, and I’m supposed to feel compassion for them, well, I don’t.

        1. I do hold some degree of sympathy and compassion for their desires to make a better life for themselves but that is greatly tempered by the displays of entitlement and spurning of our society when they don’t get their way. Overall, breaking our laws, draining our resources and making unreasonable demands make illegal immigrants a losing proposition.

          1. The “squid” has some degree of sympathy. My congratulations for a “degree” common sense on his/her part. We’re making progress.

          2. As an aging, bitter widower, you bring nothing meaningful to the debate. However you do make a good showing at posting meaningless, juvenile comments. Good job!

          3. Great! Thank you you old fart! Looks like you spend tons of time on here you low life. Do something better with your old retired behind… I thought id lower to your level; there you have it! haha!

          6. The “squid” is reaching. I’ve seen it before. When bested he/she condescends like a adolescent juvenile.

          7. Squid, I read your comment above with ‘young aurora resident’, Do you need someone to walk you by the hand on what he means about pimping girls and drugs. The Hispanic community from my view and understanding, is they are to be embraced more than any other immigrant group. They are in fact more family oriented, they pay taxes, they clean toilets, pick fruits and vegetables for literally $40 a day, the wealthy business community definitely embraces them because of the less whining to work more, They are in fact in third when it comes to social welfare programs; what exactly do you all mean? show me proof, send me links to your source because it is false what you are stating.

          10. No need to speak of “cleaning toilets” with the “squid”. I’m certain he/she is familiar with cleaning toilets. His/her comments are good examples.

            I’m with you TP. The “squid” is likes to pontificate and he/she is quite good at it.

      2. “Those who will not assimilate”. My how deliciously sanctimonious. “Those who will not assimilate”. Right.

    2. “Worn out” are you? We’re to assume you couldn’t cut it attempting to learn Spanish or anything else for that matter. Let’s just send you home whining.

    3. gofastgo, We had a back and forth a few days ago; “go back to Mexico” why so much hate? and to specifically target this group; wow! come on man; I thought you would be wiser than that…

      1. We are a nation of laws, and want them followed or enforced. This isn’t ‘hate’, this is a law-abiding citizen who wants others to respect those laws or pay the consequence, deportation.

      2. And BS like this:Colorado’s immigrant driver’s program to resume scheduling Tuesday

        Notice, we cannot even call them what they are, ILLEGAL ALIENS,

    4. you will forever press 1 for English….soon you will press 2 we run this country….its ours now…THE SOUTH HAS RISEN AGAIN….THE FAR SOUTH THOUGH MEXICO. We will take your women and land…and all your riches.

  5. “unable to realistically leave the country”
    Leaving the country is pretty realistic. Drive south.

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