Videos posted online by the Islamic State and messages on social media contributed to the radicalization of the three men, all of which was monitored by the DHS facilitating in part apprehension. Also, a shutdown for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) a division of the DHS means that most employees would still continue to come to work, without receiving a paycheck for that work until the shutdown ends, which includes about 50,000 employees.The DHS website reports, “Yes, critical operations would continue, but the support for those operations would cease. Approximately 6 percent of the TSA workforce would be furloughed. Hiring would cease. Required training would cease. Travel associated with routine planned security inspections would cease. Deployment of security technology equipment would potentially be delayed.” Maintaining the seamless operations of the DHS is not being taken seriously by the Republicans in the House. Practicing brinkmanship with the Senate and power games with the safety of Americans both in the US and around the world are appalling and a discredit to the democratic system of government. Is this the face of democracy Americans want portrayed around the world, as we pursue diplomacy and peace? If so little regard for the safety of Americans is acted out in Congress, other countries could perceive the US as weak-minded, fickle and unable to solve basic issues tantamount to running a stable government. The three week extension being brokered by the House is a stop gap measure ensuring a few more weeks of attacks on immigration policy reform that Americans are tired of hearing. When Republicans start haranguing that Democrats don’t compromise or “work” with Republicans, I hope they remember this day. Senate Democrats said they would vote for a three-week funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security if that legislation made it through the House, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Friday morning. Clearly Democrats prioritize the security of the US, not brinkmanship or party politics. In Politico, Schumer said he’s not sure if the House can pass the three-week bill, but Senate Democrats would prefer to pass a full funding bill. “The quickest and easiest solution … is for them is to put the bill that Senator McConnell, their fellow Republican, put together, and just fully fund Homeland Security, and then we can debate immigration,” the New York Democrat said. While his party would support the legislation, even short-term extensions hurt homeland security. I predict legislation will be passed before midnight tonight, but not after some Republicans have squeezed out every ounce of propaganda they can muster to confront and neutralize the Democratic agenda to treat immigration reform with the respect and honesty it deserves. Resources http://www.cnbc.com/id/102462671# http://www.pewresearch.org/topics/immigration-attitudes/ http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2014/11/04/3588311/majority-americans-voters-want-immigration-reform/ http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/funding-extension-dhs-democrats-chuck-schumer-115580.html?ml=ri
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Dava Castillo
is retired and lives in Clearlake, California. She has three grown
children and one grandson and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services
Administration from St. Mary’s College in Moraga California. On the
home front Dava enjoys time with her family, reading, gardening, cooking
and sewing. Archives
November 2015
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