The second story on NBC Nightly News last evening involved the U.S. Senate’s sound defeat of the President’s Immigration Bill. The controversial legislation dealt with increasing border security as well as providing a guest worker program, and a “path to citizenship” for several million immigrants who are in this country illegally. Proponents of the bill (like Ted Kennedy, D. Mass, and Lindsey Graham, R. S.C.) claim that it is the right thing to do and the only way to rectify the illegal immigration mess that has gotten completely out of control. Opponents (also on both sides of the aisle) maintained that the proposed legislation simply amounted to amnesty, rewarding those who have broken the laws of this country by coming here illegally. The majority who defeated the bill maintained that existing immigration laws are sufficient and simply need to be enforced.
The simple lesson of 9/11 has taught all of us the importance of border security.
Surely all of us realize that we are a nation of immigrants - the great melting pot. After all, Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus” engraved at the Statue of Liberty says:
“…"Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Most of us are the descendents of that of those tired, poor, wretched refuse immigrants of years past. The difference is that most of our ancestors came here legally. While we do welcome those from foreign lands, “longing to breathe free”, we ARE a nation of laws, and those laws must be observed by our citizens, and those who would be Americans. Hence the absolute public outcry against the proposals of the new Immigration Bill
NBC correspondents Brian Williams and Tim Russert were discussing the bill’s demise on the evening newscast. Russert, NBC’s Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of “Meet the Press”, gave his take on the defeat of the controversial measure.
Although I don’t always agree with Tim Russert’s analyses, he is well informed and articulate. While not always completely “fair and balanced” I do respect him and his opinions. However, one statement he made jumped out at me and spoke volumes as to the common misconception of the role of our Congress.
Williams asked if the sound defeat of the issue were a result of the American people speaking out en masse against the legislation. Russert replied, “Brian, these people go to Congress to do what they think is right…” The rest of what he said was not really important. He missed the point. Although I respect Mr. Russert, he couldn’t be more wrong! The members of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are just that – our representatives.
The framers of the Constitution brilliantly constructed our bi-cameral legislative body. The upper house was designed as a deliberative body that would give each state equal representation. The Senators would serve six year terms, with one third of the members being elected every two years. This gives stability and continuity to the legislative process. Whether large or small, each state has two senators to represent their constituents.
The lower house is a house of the people. Each state is divided into congressional districts based on population and the House is made up of those elected representatives. Their shorter two year terms of office, allow for easier changes as the opinions of the constituents may evolve. The entire House membership is elected every two years. It goes to the “one man, one vote” concept which is a great defining mark of our Republic. Men and women who go to Capitol Hill do not go there to “vote their conscience”, as Tim Russert indicated. They go there to represent us. They should hear the voice of the people, and vote the will of the people to the best of their abilities. That is why I believe they should live in their district and have regular contact with their constituents.
Abraham Lincoln described our government as one “Of the people, by the people, and for the people.” No one could say it better. When elitists and professional politicians lose sight of that fact, we are in serious trouble. Mr. Russert and other media types need to report fairly and state the case correctly.
The simple lesson of 9/11 has taught all of us the importance of border security.
Surely all of us realize that we are a nation of immigrants - the great melting pot. After all, Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus” engraved at the Statue of Liberty says:
“…"Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Most of us are the descendents of that of those tired, poor, wretched refuse immigrants of years past. The difference is that most of our ancestors came here legally. While we do welcome those from foreign lands, “longing to breathe free”, we ARE a nation of laws, and those laws must be observed by our citizens, and those who would be Americans. Hence the absolute public outcry against the proposals of the new Immigration Bill
NBC correspondents Brian Williams and Tim Russert were discussing the bill’s demise on the evening newscast. Russert, NBC’s Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of “Meet the Press”, gave his take on the defeat of the controversial measure.
Although I don’t always agree with Tim Russert’s analyses, he is well informed and articulate. While not always completely “fair and balanced” I do respect him and his opinions. However, one statement he made jumped out at me and spoke volumes as to the common misconception of the role of our Congress.
Williams asked if the sound defeat of the issue were a result of the American people speaking out en masse against the legislation. Russert replied, “Brian, these people go to Congress to do what they think is right…” The rest of what he said was not really important. He missed the point. Although I respect Mr. Russert, he couldn’t be more wrong! The members of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are just that – our representatives.
The framers of the Constitution brilliantly constructed our bi-cameral legislative body. The upper house was designed as a deliberative body that would give each state equal representation. The Senators would serve six year terms, with one third of the members being elected every two years. This gives stability and continuity to the legislative process. Whether large or small, each state has two senators to represent their constituents.
The lower house is a house of the people. Each state is divided into congressional districts based on population and the House is made up of those elected representatives. Their shorter two year terms of office, allow for easier changes as the opinions of the constituents may evolve. The entire House membership is elected every two years. It goes to the “one man, one vote” concept which is a great defining mark of our Republic. Men and women who go to Capitol Hill do not go there to “vote their conscience”, as Tim Russert indicated. They go there to represent us. They should hear the voice of the people, and vote the will of the people to the best of their abilities. That is why I believe they should live in their district and have regular contact with their constituents.
Abraham Lincoln described our government as one “Of the people, by the people, and for the people.” No one could say it better. When elitists and professional politicians lose sight of that fact, we are in serious trouble. Mr. Russert and other media types need to report fairly and state the case correctly.
2 comments:
The news media of today can not just "report the news" anymore...They must add what they "personally think" but doing it in such a way as to try to make it part of the news and part of the "facts", even though it is their opinion. People will hear these comments during the news and believe that they are the "truth". It is sad that we are slowly becoming more and more uninformed and mislead because we don't listen closely or just assume that the "media" is telling us the truth and giving all the "facts". Unfortunately, this is not true!!!
Darrell
Russert IS an analyst, or a "commentator" as they use to call them. He is not a news reader, but is paid to make comments and give analysis on news stories. I have no problem with that. My point is that he is just so wrong in what he said about what the Senators and Congressmen are in Washington for. When the people speak - they DO need to listen.
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