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Apr-18-2006 18:59

I love politics but i also love to hear other people's opinions on these important matters although i may disagree. i know it is a very controversial subject and not exactly a dinner table conversation but i feel that people need to express themselves on such matters as long as we can play nicely and not be too harsh. if i am allowed to, i shall suggest the first topic:
The Immigration Act

Apr-20-2006 10:03

I'm from Belgium, can someone briefly enlighten me on this Immigration act?

Unless this is a debate meant for American citizens only :)

Apr-20-2006 15:45

IMHO - I think the US needs to be more concerned about the jobs leaving the country. That is what is really hurting our economy.

Immigrants doing jobs no one wants cheaply, helps everybody. I do not want to pay $5 for a head of lettuce; Also, if they want to pay into our social security system and tax system, who am I to complain.

Apr-20-2006 15:51

Even though I'm not an American I think there are some general principles at stake here...

Does it really benefit an economy if there's no set of minimum wage standards and thus a negative downward spiral is created that will only bring employees in direct competition with eachother? The only ones that will benefit from that are the employers who'll relocate anyway if they can find a place that offers labour at an even cheaper rate...

Also, what kind of protection does the American social security system offer?

Apr-20-2006 16:00

*thinks about joining the canadian politics discussion but decides the only thing needing discussed is why the crackdown on the red mile during playoff time yet*

*quickly ignores the discussion and goes to find cfm in her corner where he knows she is avoiding this topic*

Apr-21-2006 01:26

haha calalta...just figured out what your name means *thinks about starting a new detective called tor/ont*

*timidly waves a little itty bitty Flames flag and is promptly beaten into blue bruises by the newly fired Pat Quinn and the heart doctors he's conned into acting as his heavies*

Gawd...no one outside Canada will get that.

OK, back to politics:

"Immigrants doing jobs no one wants cheaply, helps everybody"

Everyone except the immigrants. That work is worth what it is worth, irrespective of who is doing it, and should be paid accordingly.

BadAss, I'm with you on this one, completely...the American Social security system is so insecure that in fact many are concerned it'll be out of money inside 20 years. The thing is -people in Europe, take note, then gag- politics in North America, at least as far as economy is concerned, are driven almost entirely by the singular notion that whatever looks like it will reduce consumer costs in the short term is politically ingeneous. This is coupled with an equally unique shortsightedness and sense of entitlement so big that it actually allows people here to feel justified in whining about BOTH the loss of local jobs AND the cost of goods and services.

what this means is that here, competition between employees, unregulated wages and relocation (if it reduces end costs to consumers) actually tend to be embraced. More so in the US, but in Canada too.

lol, welcome to New World Politics 101.

Apr-21-2006 09:51

I won't say anything more, than this....I agree with Solve A Lot :)

Apr-21-2006 19:31

*Joins in the corner with cfm and Kris*

Apr-22-2006 02:44

*sees topic and bites tongue bloody*
*heads to corner to curl into a ball, kicking away soapbox that keeps trying to get under her feet*

This reply has been deleted by a Moderator

Apr-22-2006 11:09

I am fine with anyone immigrating to the US.
:-)

My experience with US immigration. For a person who is not a refugee. If you want to play by the rules and not be illegal, unless you want to marry an American, or give birth to child on US soil.....the US is nailed shut.

Ten years ago, I studied in the US on a one year student visa, and I wanted to stay. I could stay in the US on an extended VISA if I was accepted to grad school. Grad school wouldn't process my application, unless I had a VISA.
Chicken, egg, chicken, egg, flight home to the Netherlands.

The US loss I'd say, I readily hand over nearly 60% in just income tax to the Dutch government, as an intelligent hard working individual. Uncle Sam misses out. :)