What a wonderful show we had this week.  I only wish it was longer than one hour, and more than just one day.

We began the show with a discussion of the S-CHIP legislation that President Bush vetoed.  The focus of our conversation was related to the pressure being placed on Republican Congressmen to override that veto.  I doubt it is likely – and I hope it is not.
  
The featured guest this week was Ms. Betsy Markey, the Democrat challenger to Republican Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave.  Here is the synopsis:

She expressed her full support of S-CHIP, suggestin  g that it is a good investment in our kids.  She also challenged Musgrave’s vote against it because of the claim that it is a tax increase on the lower class, and that it would make it easier for children of illegal immigrants to receive health care benefits.  She suggested Musgrave is actually protecting Tobacco companies with her vote. 

Immigration – Markey seems committed to securing the southern border, but generally emphasized the need to secure the ports.  A few of her quotes:  “We need to do lots of different things.  We need to secure borders and more port security emphasis.  I would certainly be for increased border security.  People wouldn’t be crossing the border if there weren’t jobs available.  We need to do more to make sure we have a better way for employers to make sure they know if people are here illegally, and fine those that knowingly violate this.”

She also suggested that the visa system is broken, specifically in that the quota number for people to come work in the US is artificially low.  She did say that employers are trying to do the right thing, but because of the overwhelming paperwork the current system just contributes to illegal immigration.

Southern Fence – “I support building the fence and other measures such as a virtual fence.”  She also suggested that we will never be able to secure the border entirely with a fence, but should really focus on the key areas of crossing.  “It’s more than just the southern border though – ports are important too and need to be secured so we know what is coming into the country.”

For those that follow my writings, this portion of the podcast is a MUST LISTEN - this is where we discuss free trade agreements, and the comments here are very telling and very alarming in my opinion.

Free trade agreements.  Time into the Podcast 25:25 to 29:40 (so, feel free to fast forward to that point, but definately listen to this 5 minute segment).

• I asked:  What are your opinions of the free trade agreements?
• Markey Said:  I think we need to take a real close look and see what the impacts have been.  A lot of people think that one of the results of NAFTA in place is that it has put a lot of smaller farmers in Mexico and Central America out of work, and they cannot compete with large corporate farming as a result of NAFTA – that is increasing our immigration issue here because some of those people are out of work and looking for jobs in our country.
• I then inquired:  So you are concerned about the implications of the Mexican farmer?
• Markey said:  “Well, I have ….I am concerned about the farmers in both Mexico and Central America. I would like to see how these free trade agreements have impacted those people in smaller industries.  Let’s take a look at that.”
• Geoff asked:  Are you familiar with the impacts on the farmers here in NE Colorado?
• Markey was uncertain about impacts on the American farmers and asked us to elaborate on that a little bit.  She seemed very unclear.

Mexican Trucking
Markey said, “I’m very concerned about that.  We need to take a real close look at it.  More for security reasons.  We need to know exactly who is coming in and what they are bringing in.”  She then asked me for additional information.

Farm Bill
She said it is critical that we pass the Farm Bill.  Pointed out that Musgrave voted against it.

Iraq War
She suggested that we need to get out; she indicated she will work with colleagues in Congress to find a solution that makes sense.  "I would advocate, after talking to the military, to find a way to make sure our troops get out safely, and our equipment too.  We may need to keep a small contingent there with UN troops though."

Feature Interview Concluded.....


When it came time to 'Cruise through the News,' we touched on several issues:

California Governor Schwarzenneger vetoed a Gay Marriage Bill.  I found this to be very consistent and reasonable based on the previous vote by the people of California.

Senator Craig – Idaho Hall of Fame
My comment:  “I understand they set up a special stall to honor his fame…..”

Virginia Republican Party – holding a convention instead of a primary.

Colorado State Representative Debbie Stafford Switches to the Democrat Party from Republican
My comment:  “I think this is fraudulent and immoral;”

New Security at the Colorado Capital Building – “I think it is too much…”

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