The congressional testimony of Stephen Colbert last week continues to be a hot-button topic dividing both Democrats and Republicans. Last week Colbert testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International law to speak the United Farm Workers "Take Our Jobs" campaign. Colbert volunteered to "take the job" of an undocumented immigrant. Colbert's testimony was a mix of humor with some serious notes mixed in as he attempted to argue for an increased number of visas for foreigners to work on American fields. Immediately some questioned the appropriateness of having the comedian testify, while others argued his style of delivery made the point more effectively than anyone else.
On the Sunday talk shows yesterday top Democrats and Republicans continued to comment on the testimony. Not surprisingly, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) objected to Colbert's testimony on "On Fox News Sunday." Boehner's comments reflected the objections of Rep. Steve King (R-IA) who said the testimony was a waste of time and money. The surprise came when House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) agreed with Boehner's point on Fox News, saying that Colbert embarrassed himself and the Congress by appearing.
Still Colbert has his defenders. Most notably is Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who last weekend called Colbert's testimony "great" and appropriate." Extending on her remarks Speaker Pelosi stated, "He came before the committee. He has a point of view. He can bring attention to an important issue like immigration. I think it's great." After originally objecting to Colbert's testimony, Rep. John Conyer (D-MI) changed his opinion and said that Colbert made some "pretty profound" statements. Even some Republicans seemed to enjoy Colbert's testimony at the time, and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) even used Colbert's "endorsement" of the GOP "Pledge to America" after the hearing.
Tonight Colbert will be hosting his show once more so it will be interesting to see how he defends his honor. Many lawmakers believe the testimony was a waste of time, but they evidently do not believe it is a waste of time to comment on that same testimony after the fact.
Comments
If we want the American people engaged and invested in the process of government, then how ever that effort is achieved it is a good thing. Clearly, this stunt/brilliant move has succeeded in egaging Americans and increasing their awareness of ongoing issues that impact all of us. - lg
BS lg. People are not talking about why he was there but that he was there.
I bet many who watch him nightly do not know the subject of the hearing.
Pelosi had no clue he was there in character.
She is clueless.
I bet many who watch him (or anything else for that matter) don't know what world they are in. - lg
And that's BS right there. Of course people know why Colbert was there. How the hell does everyone not know why he was there when every single news outlet tells you that Colbert testified for migrant workers? Even this short blurb of news tells you that.
It's amazing what Colbert can do. On his news shows, he points out something funny in the news, but because you can never take him seriously, his audience always looks up his news items. During his shows, the topics he brings up get huge Google hits. According to several surveys, the Colbert and Daily Show audiences are also exposed to the most ideologically different points of views due to their research -- completely unlike Fox News viewers.
OUCH OUCH OUCH!!! The juvenile Fox News slur HURTS!!
I would bet a poll shows most do not know WHY he was there.
Funny.
An Open Letter
September 24, 2010
Dear Stephen Colbert,
In preparing this open letter to you, I am literally fighting back the tears! It truly breaks my heart that so many people in positions of power and authority continue to make light of illegal immigration!
Are you aware of, and/or concerned with the fact, that American citizens and legal immigrants are murdered everyday by illegal aliens? Have you ever spent one second thinking about that?
In speaking to Congress today, do you think you would have prepared anything different if one of your love ones was murdered by an illegal alien? You think you would make fun of this illegal alien invasion if you lost a loved one to this crime?
What if your mother was shot in the head by an illegal alien? Do you think you could make that funny? What about your children? Would it be comical if your daughter or your son or your niece or nephew was lying in the street dead, shot in the head, by someone living in this country illegally?
Here’s a challenge for you Mr. Colbert. I challenge you to visit a Memorial Plaque in Los Angeles, California. The Plaque where my 17 year old nephew, Jamiel Andre’ Shaw II, was murdered on March 2, 2008, by a documented illegal alien gang member.
Minutes after Jamiel hung up the phone with his father Jamiel Sr., Jamiel was shot in the stomach and then shot in the head, three doors from our home.
Jamiel’s mother, U.S. Army Sergeant Anita Shaw was serving in Iraq when her son was murdered. Would you like to meet Anita, Mr. Colbert?
I challenge you to visit where Cheryl Green was murdered in Los Angeles. Cheryl Green was 14 years old when she was shot and left for dead by an illegal alien. She was riding her bike across an imaginary line that the illegal alien gang members told each other, “the next black person that crosses this line will die”.
Would you like to meet Cheryl’s mother, Charlene Lovett? I’m sure she could use a good laugh!
Maybe walking the streets of Los Angeles are not a challenge you would accept.
So, how about Arizona, Mr. Colbert? I challenge you to visit the place where Robert Krentz was murdered by an illegal alien. Robert Krentz was 58. He was a well-liked cattle rancher, working on his 34,000 acre ranch, when he and his dog were shot dead by an illegal alien.
These are just three of the American Citizens who I’m sure were not laughing when they were shot and murdered. Unfortunately, we have a long list of names of American citizens who were murdered by illegal aliens. Would you like to see their faces and meet their families?
As a matter of fact, there are tens of thousands of Americans across the United States of America who were murdered and left for dead by people who were never supposed to be in the USA! Many of these criminals have never been caught!
If you decide to accept this challenge, why not invite about 40 families who lost love ones due to illegal immigration, to come to your studio? Then, you can tell us all about your experience working on this farm. You can even tell us, “how bad your back was hurting when you were working with illegal aliens”. I wonder how many families would laugh and think that’s funny.
To be honest with you, I’m having a very hard time trying to understand why Representative Zoe Lofgren invited you, to speak on this serious issue! Perhaps she too thinks illegal immigration is a laughing matter! She seriously needs to be replaced!!
Call me Mr. Colbert if you accept this challenge, because I know my family would love a good laugh!!
Sincerely,
Jamiel Shaw’s Angry Aunt!
Althea Rae Shaw
Los Angeles, CA
And what does this have to do with migrant farm workers? If you want to go after illegal gang members, go after them. Don't lump those people with Mexicans who do migrant farm work.
Who gives a damn what you think?
Well, there's your example of an idiot who didn't know why he was testifying.
He was talking about migrant workers, not illegals.
Ms Shaw: The overwhelming majority of migrant workers are LEGAL immigrants and US citizens.
I'm sure Mr. Colbert will accept your apology.
"The overwhelming majority of migrant workers are LEGAL immigrants and US citizens."
Really? That is a fantasy.
Really? Tell it to the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service:
Demographics of Farmworkers
Percent foreign-born -- 42.2
Percent with U.S. citizenship -- 62.2
First and foremost allow me to offer my sincere condolences and my most sincere appologizies for the patrons who disrespected you in your grief. However, I do think that you need to see past your grief enough to see that your problem is with GANGS. Gang violence happens all over the nation, with all colors, nationalities, creeds and with all citizenship statuses. For all of those illegal immigrints that murdered someone, there are a hundred who work in meat packaging plants for half of what we'd consider decent wages. Illegal immigration is a complex issue-- but you can't just assume that every illegal immigrant is going to join a gang and kill someone. Next time you go out to eat any where, there's a good chance that an illegal immigrint cooked your food. The next time you buy a steak, there's a chance that it passed through the hands of SEVERAL illegal immigrints before it got on to your plate. Illegal immigrints have woven their way in to the fibers of this society and just like any other race in America... you're gonna find them in gangs too.
For you total idiots who are asking what the letter from the victim of illegal aliens has to do with Colbert, here is what Witt wrote in his article.
"Last week Colbert testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International law"
IMMIGRATION! BORDER SECURITY!
And some fool has the nerve to type, "Well, there's your example of an idiot who didn't know why he was testifying."
another ahole asks "And what does this have to do with migrant farm workers? "
apparently YOU did not know the meaning of the hearing as well.
You people are sick and twisted.
"
Texas and every other state needs to upgrade there security when it comes to voting, for as early the early seventies? Acorn, was involved in the a voter fraud controversy, but was batten down and seemed to have died out. High population of majority ethnic communities have been caught in undermining our voting system. for those citizens interested should GOOGLE--voter fraud and illegal immigrants. The Liberal press will suppress any articles about voter fraud, but their is a mass of evidence that this goes on around the country.
. $113 Billion a year says (FAIR) along with another $60 billion out the country, to foreign families. Nobody believes the lawmakers any more, as all the promises of enforcing illegal immigration has turned to bitter waters. The Sanctuary Cities and states like California are allowed to thrive, driving up taxes for its citizens. Even the Judicial branch is not fulfilling its duties to detain and deport all illegal aliens, they are just removing the criminals that taint America.
Grade cards for incumbents on immigration can be evaluated at NumbersUSA
The only way we can ever take back America, for the people is sending a resonant message to Congress that we mean--BUSINESS! NO MORE AMNESTIES! We must dismantle the old boy political power network, starting with the removal of—ALL-- incumbents. If you want to pay fewer taxes--we need to remove Sen. Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Janet Napolitano, Sen. Barbara Boxer and a list of incumbents on both sides of the aisle in Washington. Keep an eye on Senator Reid as he stealthily nearly tabled E-Verify and has been singularly involved in blocking the 287 (g) local police illegal alien detainment and other immigration power plays. Outside of the main corruption in the Capitol, state assemblies are out to build a nest egg for themselves. That’s why we need to view carefully the Governors, Mayors and other elected officials who are supposedly representing us and should be under the gun. Finally--it’s a repeat performance that if we vote in the same old lot, nothing will change.
There needs to be a contract with all new candidates, of no more "earmarks." These things are in most cases taxpayer money, which is squandered on many incomprehensible projects. In November be assured that unknown numbers of illegal aliens will try and keep their pro-amnesty endorser in power, so all States with low security in polling stations should be scrutinized. The absentee ballot is specifically easy to forge without officials addressing this situation. As I said previously, the "honor System" cannot be trusted as today we must demand government picture ID to prove you are a citizen and have a right to vote—not just a utility bill.
We must be on our guard, as senator Reid may try to slip this law into the Senate once again, before November. Use the empowerment of your vote to demand that your US Senator does not vote for this Sen. Reid Dream Act by calling the Washington switchboard at 202-224-3121. The Public servants we voted into power, doesn't seem to exhibit any compassion for the 15 American workers out of work. This week-- a charade of summoning a comedian Stephen Colbert to Washington, to promote a path to citizenship for farm workers was madness and with better things to discuss? I think the whole situation was a prime embarrassment to all citizens. What did they hope to accomplish? If American non-skilled labor was paid wages they could live on, using more new generation machines to do the work of fifty, they would get more citizens hired?
My grandfather picked grapes before the Second World War and his two boys also helped out during the harvesting season in the hot sun. One thing none of should forget that the farmers do not pay for the health care treatment and the farm workers children's education, the US taxpayer does. Then while there here picking our fruit, vegetables any child born becomes an instant citizen. Females with multiple births can then claim citizenship for their infants and collect a whole lot of welfare benefits. This part of the 14th amendment has become a very expensive proposition for taxpayers. While citizens wait years to get on a list for low income housing, our government supply housing under section 8, food stamps, health care and a generous supply of welfare cash for each child. According to Pew Research Center there are approximately 8.5 million foreign nationals in jobs, citizens and legal residents should occupy.
LEAST WE FORGET IN NOVEMBER
Let us make it very clear that anti-illegal immigration groups--the majority of them are not racist. The Tea Party is certainly--NOT--racists, as one can see in the mix of demonstrations; it’s composed of everybody who believes in the "Rule of Law." Which doesn’t mean just white people? In the 1986 an Amnesty was proposed in Congress by the late Ted Kennedy, who promised implicitly--NO--MORE—AMNESTIES prior to being enacted. Since just the 1990's there have been six small amnesties, under the radar, hoping that the general public didn’t realize it? Senator Harry Reid, speaker Pelosi and the mob of pro amnesty politicians, thinks the American people are stupid when attaching an immigration rider to the the War appropriations bill ten days ago. The Dream Act (The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) had a limit under the house bill, but there are—NO- restrictions under Senator Reid, Dick Durbin who said nothing about people being able to be processed up to the age of 35, as being considered for citizenship under the Dream Act.
My guess the majority of either parties, didn't read the Dream Act attachment? By the time it would be passed, somewhere between 2 to 4 million students of illegal alien Mothers would be involved. The quality of high school performance didn’t seem to be a pre-requisite? It would be a grand award for parents who fraudulently moved to the United States. One thing Reid didn't mention at all are those students legalized over 21 could sponsor their parents and immediate family circle. In addition even up to the age of fifteen you could still claim a visa under the Dream Act, even if you had just slid through the border. Senator Reid and top leadership cannot be trusted, as they will do anything to attract votes from the illegal minority population. Any promised Amnesty will attract people who didn't even think of leaving there home country, until they heard that the generous American politicians were implementing another green card rush.
SPAM-BOT strikes again.
Hello,everybody,the good shoping place,the new season approaching, click in. Let's facelift bar!
===== http://www.shoptrade.us ====
Air jordan(1-24)shoes $33
UGG BOOT $50
Nike shox(R4,NZ,OZ,TL1,TL2,TL3) $33
Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $33
Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16
Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30
Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci,Armaini) $12
New era cap $9
Bikini (Ed hardy,polo) $18
FREE SHIPPING
http://www.shoptrade.us
Hello,everybody,the good shoping place,the new season approaching, click in. Let's facelift bar!
===== http://www.love-shopping.org ====
Air jordan(1-24)shoes $33
UGG BOOT $50
Nike (R4,NZ,OZ,TL1,TL2,TL3) $33
Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $33
Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16
Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30
Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci) $12
New era cap $9
Bikini (Ed hardy,polo) $18
FREE SHIPPING
http://www.love-shopping.org
Hello,everybody,the good shoping place,the new season approaching, click in. Let's facelift bar!
===== http://www.love-shopping.org ====
Air jordan(1-24)shoes $33
UGG BOOT $50
Nike (R4,NZ,OZ,TL1,TL2,TL3) $33
Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $33
Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16
Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30
Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci) $12
New era cap $9
Bikini (Ed hardy,polo) $18
FREE SHIPPING
http://www.love-shopping.org
Hello,everybody,the good shoping place,the new season approaching, click in. Let's facelift bar!
===== http://www.love-shopping.org ====
Air jordan(1-24)shoes $33
UGG BOOT $50
Nike (R4,NZ,OZ,TL1,TL2,TL3) $33
Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $33
Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16
Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30
Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci) $12
New era cap $9
Bikini (Ed hardy,polo) $18
FREE SHIPPING
http://www.love-shopping.org
http:rad.yahoo.===== http://www.buyshopping.us =====
50%off ca,ed hardy t-shirt$15 jeans,coach handbag$33,air max90,dunk,polo t-shirt$13,,lacoste t-shirt $13 air jordan for sale,$35,nfl nba jersy for sale
puma gucci$35,nike jordans six ring,yeezy$%5!!
new era caps$13 gucci handbags jeans,t-shirts sunglass,caps
true religion jeans$35,ca,ed hardy jeans$35
LV,CHANAL,HANDBAGS$35
NIKE SHOX+AIR MAX+TL3+OZ+NZ ONLY $35
UGG TIMBLAND+LACOSTE SHOES+ED HARDY SHOES$35
DIESEL T-SHIRT,GSTAR T-SHIRT,CA T-SHIRT,50% OFF FOR SALE $15
DIOR SUNGLASS,DG SUNGLASS$15
our website: ===== http://www.buyshopping.us =====
Maybe Cobert should do some shows on location from southern AZ, and CA.
I am puzzeled why we have people drawing welfare and unemployment, yet need migrant workers ? could it be that the welfare life pays better than working ?
hand up, not hand outs. Teach to fish.....
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!