Illegal immigration « The Sisyphus Files

June 7, 2008 • 4:55 pm 0

Buying Hospital Silence on Illegal Immigration

The Hill: Buying hospitals’ silence on cost of treating illegal aliens By Sandra Miller

(Regarding article, “Illegals haunt McCain,” May 22.) The main reason reimbursement of illegal aliens’ medical costs isn’t a burning issue is that its purpose is carefully disguised.

It’s hush money to buy hospitals’ silence on how illegal aliens have destroyed America’s healthcare systems. Although the “reimbursement” is only 2 to 5 percent of the true cost (with the rest passed along to paying patients) it’s been enough to buy the “ethical grounds” for hospitals’ self-righteous refusal to inquire about immigration status.

Without their hush money, hospitals might join Americans to demand enforcing laws against both illegal aliens and employers, securing the border against illegal entry (including a real fence), and reducing the illegal alien numbers by the attrition via enforcement plan.

Or the hospitals might demand repeal of the 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) that created this problem in the first place.

May Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and his fellow sellouts face an uphill battle. The current reimbursement bill passed only because it was Sen. Jon Kyl’s (R-Ariz.) price for his yes vote and influence on the 2003 Medicare prescription drug bill.

American Hospital Association spokesman David Allen’s hypocritical claim that hospitals’ “mission is to take care of patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, etc.” is a surprise; they certainly don’t object to asking personal questions or refusing treatment of taxpaying, law-abiding Americans who are uninsured.

So the powerful hospital lobby remains solidly in the ranks of special interests that have sold out the American people by supporting illegal migration. And John McCain? Despite his claims that he “gets the message,” he’s been a full-fledged, card-carrying member of that club for years and shows no sign of change.

Phoenix

Filed under: Illegal immigration

May 30, 2008 • 11:45 pm 0

The Bravery of Tom Tancredo

While most politicians have been willing to sell the future of America down the river, Tom Tancredo has spoken against the cowardly tide, often at risk to his life.

Washington Times: Tancredo dedicated to immigration issue — Gives up House seat to join front lines by Ralph Z. Hallow

By the Columbus Day Parade in Denver three years ago, epithets were the least of [Tancredo's] worries.

He recalled a Denver plainclothes police officer saying, “Congressman, are you aware of the threats on your life here today?”

” ‘More than usual?’ “ Mr. Tancredo asked.

The officer read aloud from his notebook what people were overhead saying about “whacking” Mr. Tancredo that day. More alarming, a parade-route sweep had turned up high-powered rifle ammo taped inside a trash can.

The officer suggested that Mr. Tancredo not ride atop a float but walk the parade route surrounded by eight policemen instead. Along the route, however, he recalled seeing a young woman holding up her baby’s hand “and she has the baby flip me off.”

After that day, the Capitol Police, whose job is to protect members of Congress while in Washington, began showing up now and then at Tancredo speeches across the country.

Eventually he bought a “really good” bulletproof vest on the Internet and wears it when he thinks he needs it.

Tancredo’s “crime”? Reminding Congress and America that the law and our borders matter.

Filed under: Illegal immigration , borders, Illegal immigration, Tom Tancredo