Tuesday, January 08, 2008

What’s So Special About New Hampshire?

By Bill Rappleye

Gene asked me what is so special about New Hampshire, and why it gets such attention every Presidential election.  I put that question to the Secretary of State, Bill Gardner, and got an impassioned and detailed response.  He says the democracy here is more vibrant than anywhere else.  More than 400 legislators for a state of one point two million.  He said if California had the same ratio of representation, its legislature would be 12,000 members.  Governors run every two years, many other elected officials have to put themselves before the voters each year.  He cites the venerable tradition of town meetings as another factor in keeping democracy true to its roots of public debate and deliberation.  This longstanding tradition of dialogue and decision, he says, cannot be transferred to another locality.  Turning to the presidential contest, he says New Hampshire is the last chance for an unknown to confound the status quo, the monied interests, and the party bosses; simply by being place where voters expect to engage candidates, and demand straight answers.  It’s where a candidate can create a following, and get out a message, without the enormous sums required to mount a nationwide campaign.  Its power may be getting smaller; even here the campaigns require ever more sophisticated organizations and gigantic fundraising efforts.  But to abandon it would be, in his mind, a defeat for the principles of our democracy.

Friday, December 07, 2007

disco shirts

bill rappleye

own a shirt worn on the rapp session!

hey rappers…i’m a little embarassed to be begging on tv, so let’s just keep this on the down low between us rappers…to approximate the era in which rapping was a campus and commmunity activity…which we are replicating with our frank and thoughtful discussions about topics sometimes heavy and sometimes light each week…i’ve endeavored to wear laid back clothing from the ‘70’s.  but i don’t have any old disco shirts.  or dashikis.  or nehru jackets.  sure, they’re available online…at about $75 a pop.  and i’ve children who need clothes more than i do for three minutes of use.  so i’m putting out a call to you of my age, who might have kept one of your old classics in a closet somewhere.  if it’s a medium to large, send it in to me at the station, and i’ll model it on the air during the session!  and i’ll send it back that night.  that way the flashy fashion you’ve got hidden away will be eyeballed by tens of thousands of southern new englanders…and you’ll have made another contribution to the most radical television on the air…and earned my thanks.  and the thanks of rappers everywhere.  (it goes on the internet too, so you can maybe rekindle an old friendship by alerting somebody special to the appearance of an old sartorial item, on the world wide web.)
yours in retro style….bill

lottery winner id

bill rappleye

do we need to know?

whoever won the powerball with a ticket they bought in Warren, is keeping it very quiet…the winner has still not come forward, here on Friday 12/7…more than a week since the number was selected.  I hope he or she is interviewing lawyers, and financial advisers…and possibly engaging a public relations person…because the onslaught after word gets out will be more than any of us could have experieinced.  rappers believe by a huge margin, that the winner should be allowed to be private…here are the emails from this week.

Are you serious? In the political climate of out state of RI you would not want to keep this stuff from the public. Otherwise the pols would win all the money.
Howie, North Prov

simply its no ones business unless you want it to be
renee w, coventry

I do not think it is anyone’s business if I won the Jackpot or not.,
The Lottery loves to splash names all over the place because it shows REAL people win the games.
As a winner all the PR can hurt.  You get slammed with all kinds of people wanting to help you spend your money and for at least a while every move you make is filmed and reported by the media.  Life is stressful enough without the added stress of everyone knowing your business.
judith, coventry

If your a Player
and you WIN;
the played should at least
be given the name and address
of the one that beat them.
Zuke

They can’t live a normal life if everyone knows. They’d have to go into seclusion.
Al, No. Smithfield

No, it is not a right for the public to know who is a winner of any lottery, unless the lottery makes it a requirement to play the game.  If it is stated on the lottery ticket that, if you are a grand prize winner you must go public according to the dictates of the lottery administration.  Otherwise, playing the lottery is a personal and private matter between a player and the lottery administration.  Advertising winners in the lottery is a method used in advertising the lottery itself to garner more players in the lottery and therefore make more money for the state or the promoter of the lottery.  Nowhere, unless so stated on the ticket, does the public sector have any right to know who lottery winners are.
Jimmy P, Dubois, Wyoming

Yes we need to know who won the lottery, because it would be hard to believe that anyone won at all.  Can you imagine all the friends and relatives would appear out of nowhere though?  WHOOPIE, NOT.
ShrinkB

Suppose he owes me money… did you ever think about that!!
Peter T

Yes I think they sould After all the lottery is “state run” we should know where it went. Idon’t like is the medeia make a issue with the winners. Let them be.
MRA

I DO NOT THINK IT IS ANYONE’S BUSINESS WHO WON. THATS THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE TODAY. THEY FEEL THEY NEED TO KNOW EVERYONE’S BUSINESS. WE NEED TO MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS. LEAVE THEM ALONE
DOREEN
MY FIRST OPINION WAS NO—-BUT NOW I THINK YES, WE SHOULD KNOW BECAUSE THAT MONEY COULD BE LINING SOMEONES POCKET -AND WE WOULD NEVER KNOW IF ANYONE REALLY WON -OR THE POWERBALL WINNER WAS FICTITOUS NAME
Sandra L

Although it may seem like a private matter, the public, much like myself would like to know who the winner is just out of curiosity and to be sure that there really was a winner, not the lottery just claiming that there was a winner.
Roxanne

The public has no more right to the information about a lottery winner than to his/her personal financial records.
Curiosity is one thing, but why are people so nosey?
Jan, Coventry

just as we protect the identity of certain crime victims the same anonymity should be afforded the winners of lotteries IF they request it. There are enough checks and balances through all the states that participate in the large jackpot style lotteries to keep it legit. The publication of these peoples names really puts them under siege from golddiggers and scam artists.
Capt Al, Exeter

I’m as curious about the winner as the next person. But, we have no more right to know what they won than we have a right to know how much their salary is.
Bill, Portsmouth

The ACLU would say yes so that all of the criminals they believe have rights can bring suit against you from the cousin you never knew you had.
Sergio, Narragansett

No I do not believe it is anybodys business but the winner and the lottery commission. Publicizing the winner only brings all the nuts out of the woodwork. Why is it so important to let everyone and anyone know that persons business.    It’s about time we regard our privacy with the respect all of us would like to have once in awhile.
Pam,  Cranston

There are things that the public doesn’t have a right to know, but either way one thing is for sure, & that is, that any lottery winner will soon discover that he/she has “relatives & “friends” they didn’t know they had knocking on their door & calling them.
Hound Dog, Bristol

No, I don’t think the public has the right to know who won the Powerball jackpot or any other lottery jackpot.  A person’s financial holdings should be kept confidential as long as it was not acquired illegally.
Nancy S, West Warwick

 

 

 

Friday, November 23, 2007

welfare moms

bill rappleye

can we afford benefits?

Oooh la la…70 percent of you responding to the survey say the Governor’s right, we can NOT afford to support the bad decisions made by single mothers who have babies, and welfare mothers should not receive any extra benefits when they have children.  But the e-mails that follow show there are a number of other opinions besides whether we should pay benefits…like, what kind of benefits, pro-life questions, resources for chasing deadbeat dads…as always, the rap session that follows will have something for everyone.  And if you’ve got new ideas, throw them into comments on the backside. 
bill

It’s takes two to make a baby, not just a women.  Why don’t men step
up and take care of what they help create?  As a single mom of two, not on welfare, it’s hard to raise them when the CSE agency of RI does nothing to help collect back child support.  They threaten to take fathers to jail but never do!  I work every day, but never get ahead due to dead beat dad, not paying court ordered medical, dental and support
Janette, N.K.

Where does that sanctimonious idiot get off about women having babies they can not afford.
Maybe he should look at the state employees who said they would quit their jobs when they lost their FREE child care: employees that were making $30,000.00 a year.
One would hope that changes could be made across the board.
I am on disability and my husband has a good job.  But we do not live large.
I know of a woman who works 3 hrs a day and her kids get FULL time child care that’s correct 8 hrs a day when she works 3 what’s wrong with this picture.  She and her husband own their own home both drive very nice late model cars Lots of money to travel and do whatever they want yearly trips to disney world but I pay for child care for them.  that’s just plain wrong.
The dear old gov NEEDS to look at how services are handed out.
As far as Meals on Wheels the people at the top of that group needs to take a long hard look at how they are stealing money away from the people who need it.
Once again, the poorest of the poor are taking it in the shorts so the administrators can live their nice life styles.
I drive a 95 ford escort.  some months are better than others it’s called LIVING on a BUDGET.  Our elected officials and their political buddies don’t seem to get it.  They need to learn that we the people can not support their lifestyles.  As far as the Gov is concerned this is the 2nd time in the last month that he has made the wrong comments.
If he doesn’t want women to have kids then he needs to support birth control!!!!! 
Judith, Coventry

Single women should receive assistance for an absolute maximum of 2 years. That assistance should not be increased or extended when they have another child that they cannot afford to support.  Support should be in the form of services and vouchers only -no discretionary cash. 
Support should include food, housing, heat, medical benefits, education, job training and child care so that the person can attend school, training or employment. Tough? Yes.  Enabling? No. 
KHS Smithfield

If someone is on welfare already they should not get an increase solely because they have more children. There should be a limit as to how many children are paid for. We can not pay for someone who, for whatever the reason, has more children once they are already on welfare.
Matthew F, Providence

I think if a young mother has to go on welfare because of problems she should be allowed to get benefits, but here is the thing. I do not think that a girl that has been in the system should have anymore children while on welfare and I do not think it is OK for them to be living with guys who do not take responsibility for their actions.
They should try to get some schooling that will help them in the job world so they can get off welfare as soon as possible, and not use their benefits like food stamps etc for their boyfriends. And I think the men should start taking responsibility for the children they father.
Mary, Warwick

No one should have children if they’re unable to provide for them.  Period.  That said, “welfare mothers” should have to work for their benefits, and there should be restrictions on those benefits to break the cycle of dependence.  Too many people use welfare as a sole source of income, rather than the temporary supplement it is intended to be.  The sperm donors should also be held accountable for financial support to the baby born into the situation.  Paternity should be a qualifier for welfare.  Once the father is identified, he should be mandated by law to provide child support in order for the mother to receive the supplemental benefit.
Christine M

Me and my fiancee have two children. He works and I stay home with the children. He makes $18.00 an hour. We barely get by after paying $800.00 for rent. Plus all our utilities plus our car insurance every month. That don’t even count our groceries or diapers for the children.  We applied for food stamps but the state says we make too much but they dont look at all the bill people need to pay. I think they should increase the gross income.

I totally agree with the Governor.  We should not be paying for single mothers to have babies.  If they feel that they need intercourse to satisfy themselves, then condoms are available EVERYWHERE and in many clinics, FREE.  there is no reason to have 3,4,5,6 children - and in some cases with different fathers, I might add -and expect us to pay for them.  It is irresponsible.  I understand as well that if a single mother has 4 children, she gets subsidized housing. more money.  It’s a disgrace.  They are not being held accountable. Then they have the nerve to brag that they are pregnant as if it were an award.  They just have another child and, oh, well, we’ll just increase the welfare benefits.  I would LOVE to sit home and do nothing.  let them go out and get jobs. Let them use their family members who are probably also on welfare to watch the children while they work, 2nd or 3rd shifts if needed. This doesn’t even include the anchor babies that we have in this state. It has to stop.  If the Bishop is so worried about it,  let him take his budget - no not what he asks us to pay for Catholic Charity Fund, but what he has in savings for the Church and pay for the care and health costs of these “poor”. He too will soon have empty pockets.
Laura

Most single mothers, that I know, are young, immature, & not highly educated.  The child should not suffer & must receive benefits.  If only the young were blessed with wisdom of the elders.  Two wrongs won’t make it right.
Barbara E

Absolutely not. These single mothers and their babies should be taken care of by their own parents. It is their responsibility, not the states taxpayers. If it wasn’t for the liberal democrats, we wouldn’t be having this giveaway problem.
Al, No Smithfield

If they pay their mortgages
by taking our money and taking
their cut as the middleman.
The State will never solve
the problems of the poor;
there will be a need to perpetuate it.

Those that are truly concerned
should volunteer and-or donate.
Zuke

I don’t think we should penalize a mother with one or two babies who qualify for welfare.  Its when they start using the system by having more babies and still on welfare that I have a problem. I believe there are some states that limit payments to a two child family and that if they have more than two children while still on welfare, they can only receive based on two children even if they have twelve.
Jerry M, Wakefield

FIRST OF ALL CARCIERI SHOULDN’T HAVE COME OUT HIS MOUTH WITH THAT STATEMENT.  SECONDLY, AS FAR AS BAD DECISIONS ARE CONCERENED CARCIERI DIDN’T SEEM TO MIND WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND MADE TWO BAD DECISIONS BY VOTING HIM INTO OFFICE. LAST BUT NOT LEAST,  THE QUESTION SHOULDN’T BE “SHOULD THEY BE ALLOWED TO GET WELFARE BENEFITS”, IT SHOULD BE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP THEM GET OFF WELFARE? BY THE WAY WHERE ARE THE FATHERS OF THESE BABIES? WHY AREN’T THEY BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE? WHY ARE THEY ALLOWED TO COLLECT SOCIAL SECURITY TO AVOID PAYING CHILD SUPPORT? MAYBE IF THE FATHERS WOULD HELP THEY WOULDN’T BE ON WELFARE!
QP, PROVIDENCE

Absolutely not!!!  If a single mother cannot afford to have a child or take care of the one(s) she already has, why should we flip the bill?  As long as we keep giving, they will continue to drain us.  You see these mothers everywhere.  At the mall in the middle of the day, on the street corners, etc.  They have plenty of free time but never have time to look for a job or even keep one.  We make it too easy.  I wish I could sit on my butt all day and get a check from the state, but I was not brought up that way.  You get a good education and a good job and learn to take care of yourself.
Liz, Cumberland

The question was .... If single mothers have a baby is it OK to get welfare benefits?  the majority of people said no, but I disagree!!!  The men who leave there pregnant girl friends are to blame. How the hell do people expect a woman to live when a guy just gets up and leaves and he doesn’t pay child support.  Some men get off with no responsibility of the child. It’s the woman who gets looked at like a trashy welfare person. I think its just awful! I was lucky, I had a child at 19 and my husband suck by me I am now 29 and he is still here. I am a stay at home mother and I don’t know how I could do that without him. It’s the absent parent who should be put in jail!
Bella

dont punish children for the errors of their parents—encourage independence with incentives—positive works better
Russell L

Oh of course not!  We should force them to have their babies in the street and live under bridges.
OR MAYBE WE COULD ALL STOP WHINING AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS OUR HELP
Any more questions?
Paul, Wakefield

Having a baby while on welfare is not the ideal situation there is no doubt. Not all pregnancies are planned.
I don’t mind helping support mothers on Welfare if it saves those babies from death. They did not ask to be born
and should not be aborted because there mom isn’t in the best of financial situations at the time.  I think you are very
judgemental. Put yourself in there shoes wouldn’t you want someone to help you for a bit while you got on your feet.
Are you saying murdering a bunch of unborn babies is better sure if you have no heart and or soul. Cutting services such as childcare for the moms on welfare isn’t going to help them get off welfare it is going to make it harder to get off it. I am not on welfare but I can be sympathetic to there situations.
Sue M

They should absolutely not be entitled to welfare or any other social benefits. There are many two parent families that struggle daily to make ends meet, why should tax dollars be given to someone that has decided to have a child that they cannot afford. These so called “single mothers” need to give some serious consideration to their finances before having a child that they expect the state to help them raise.
I am so proud of Governor Carcieri for identifying this as an issue and I hope we do not continue to enable these poor decisions made by so many in our state
Karen W, Warwick

Absolutely NOT!!!  It would be like me buying a brand new car knowing I don’t have the resources to pay for, and then expecting every taxpayer to pick up the tab. Time for unwed mothers to learn to take precautions, or abstain from having sex.
Lee L

This is a difficult question.  No one wants to see the children suffer.  However, the taxpayers can no longer afford to support these people.  This has become a generational problem and it needs to be stopped.  I say give medical care to the children, but that’s it.  If you want children, get a job and support them yourself like the rest of us do.
Lisa, Newport

I can see one child, things do happen.  When the mother continually gets pregnant so they can live off of the people who work for a living, I say no.  I think if you have one child, we can help out, put the the child in day care and put the mother to work, if she get pregnant again, then she is on her own. 
Me in Coventry

Get real!  How can you deny a child food and shelter. These moms need to work for the State in return for subsidizing their support.  Work out a co-operative day care with the single mothers to allow them to work, even part time, learning a skill and taking responsibility for having a family.
Stop the cycle of dependence..
Liz, South County

Why should we pay from our taxes the welfare for a single mother who keeps having babies just so that she can continue the “Fleecing of America” to get her welfare money?  Where’s the justice in that?  It’s like handing out candy to a kid who’s not supposed to have candy because of being fat or has rotting teeth, yet someone stills hands out the candy to the same fat, rotten, tooth kid!  And that’s all these “Welfare Moms” are, just kids asking for a piece of candy so that they can continue to get fatter on it.  They are a waste of our state’s economy, housing (the more welfare babies they have, the bigger housing the welfare fleecers need), and population controls.  Welfare-single mom’s are not contributing to the population control either. 
C-Ann-C, Coventry

Should married mothers get welfare from the state?  I think its a
conscious decision in today’s day and age, either way.  If the
decision is to have and raise a child, you should figure out if and how you are going to afford to do it, and not expect the taxpayer to foot the bill.  Do I feel bad for these children?  You bet, but I don’t think subsidizing Mom is the best way to take care of that child.  I’m of the older generation.  I believe in consequences and responsibility for your actions, so think before you act.
Claire M

So the Governor thinks that single women who have babies they can’t afford shouldn’t get welfare? What would he propose these women do? Get abortions? I’m sure his wife would have an opinion on that idea. Maybe they state should give all single mothers free birth control, or just outlaw sex outside of marriage altogether so that unplanned pregnancies don’t happen. Very progressive ideas, don’t you think? And don’t the men who father these children bear any responsibility for these “bad decisions”?
Governor, where is your compassion??
Peachy

Of course they should. How could anyone be as cold hearted to say no? Some woman I’ll agree, get pregnant to get welfare, but, many others get pregnant by accident (despite birth control, which many can’t afford or take for health reasons) and they can’t all be put in one neat pile and stamped “ no welfare”. Is anyone thinking about that unborn child? Next you will be voting for mandatory abortions for single woman.
Even with welfare, that child will never have the things other children have with two parents. But let’s hope the child will at least have food, clothing and shelter. This child did not ask to be born under these conditions. Doesn’t this country have enough homeless people? Give the mom welfare at least until the child goes to school or she is trained for some type of work. At least if the child is in school when you stop the welfare, there will be teachers to observe if the child is starving, or doesn’t have a winter coat. Then they can call the welfare department, and they will more than likely take custody of the child . Then they will pay a Foster parent (some which are single) and pay them triple what they gave the mom.
Our welfare system is a big mess in this country, but please,  let’s not take it out on the children.
Lillian S

of course they should how are they supposed to care for their baby without any kind of help. they should be able to receive help till the child starts school. and then get in a work program or school programs.
Donna c

I have never had a problem with the state helping mothers (wed or unwed) if they cannot adequately take care of their child. My (and I suspect many others) problem is with the individuals that CONTINUE to keep having children with the expectation that the state should up their aid without comment or in any other way “interfering with their reproductive rights”. NO WAY!! If I and my tax dollars are going to pay for their continued reproduction, then I am going to have plenty to say and I say “STOP” until you can afford it yourself.
How about a flat fee per mother regardless of number of children?
Seamus K

A woman who has children during a marriage, then finds herself without a husband, for whatever reason, is certainly entitled to some help; but if a woman, or a man, has a child outside of wedlock- then they should not be entitled to welfare benefits- It’s not my responsibility to support her/him.  I chose to stay single and childless and in this economy have a hard enough time supporting myself- why should I have to support someone who made poor decisions?
I do feel however, that regardless of the situation, children in the home of low income adults should receive some limited assistance for basic medical care and food.
Karen L

Here we go again with wisdom from Chairman Carcieri.
I see why he thinks Bush is a great President.
If Carcieri is so concerned about the Rhode Island economy,
what has he been doing for the last 4 years. Not much.
How about some jobs? So people won’t have to go on welfare.
Rhode Island is dead last, #50 for business. Work on that problem.
The truth is that Rhode Island loves low wage illegals
that have kids, why do you think they come here.
get real

One of the problems is our young try to imitate hollywood stars and professional athletes who seem to be in competition to see how many children the can have outside of wedlock. Maybe we should have an idol worship tax. If they want to be an idol they can pay for it.

i think people need to be responsible, when you work for a company and you decide to have a baby do you think for one moment that you can go to your boss and say i’m having another baby i need more money, and it’s handed to you?
don’t think so, if you can’t afford them, you don’t have them….......
Karen

The question that I have for the governor is this; What about the fathers?  What about the fathers who refuse to pay childsupport?  Why is the state not doing more to get the fathers of these children to pay their fair share?  So that the mothers wouldn’t have to turn to the state to receive cash welfare benefits? 
I am a single mother of 4 children.  Over the years I have had to depend on childcare assistance, Rite care, and on occasion foodstamps and cash benefits, solely because my ex-husband refuses to help support his children, and the state does nothing about it.  My ex-husband has not paid a dime in child support in almost 8 years.  He owes almost $200,000, I would love to know why more isn’t being done to find my ex-husband and force him to pay the child-support he owes.  This man quit a job that paid him $60,000 a year (in 1999) on the day his paycheck was garnished in an attempt to force him to pay his child support.  He then moved out of state and has quit every job he has had when the state does find him and tries to garnish his pay.  Now I am made out to be the bad guy for not being able to support 4 children on my own?  I have put myself through school, while running a business and single handedly caring for 4 children.  I will be graduating from Rhode Island College with a degree in accounting in about a month, and will be sitting for the CPA exam within the next 6 months.  I will not be made to feel like a lazy, no good person simply because I was unable to independently support the 4 children I had with my ex-husband.  Children are not born by one person alone.  I think it is unfair that the mothers are being singled out here, while nothing is being said about the deadbeat fathers.  If the deadbeat fathers would pay their child support, most of the women on welfare wouldn’t need it. 
Anne A

I agree wholeheartedly with Governor Carcieri: women who can’t afford to support babies shouldn’t have them, period. If women (single or married) are on welfare and get pregnant, they absolutely should not be able to sit back and collect benefits, while we, the hardworking taxpayers, support them. 
Anon.

These women (and the babies’ fathers) need to take responsibility for their actions and kids. It’s not MY (or your) job to do so. Stop the payments and see how fast the flood of welfare babies dries up.
Dee

Who are we to judge if they should be helped?
Isn’t it interesting that we can sit in our comfy world and summarily judge others without all the information.
Robert P

Single moms/parents are the ones that need welfare.  My daughter is a single mom working full time, trying to pay for a car, rent, food, day care and other every day necessities on a small pay check.  She asked about getting food stamps and some assistance and was told she didn’t qualify for food stamps or any welfare help.  They then told her if she quit he job to stay home, they would help her with welfare.  Now go figure that.  She is trying to do it on her own and she gets kick down.  She enjoys working and does not want to be on total welfare.  All she needs is a little help, and can’t get any.  The welfare system in this state is so screwed up that it may never be fixed.
Su

.

 

Friday, November 16, 2007

economy or terrorism

bill rappleye

what’s your priority?

Rappers seem much more concerned about economy/health care as a national issue than terrorism/values….leave new comments if these thoughts inspire you!

Health care and the economy is the most important to me right now, because it is two subjects that reflect jobs and family care.  We need to focus here in our country to bring stability
Develop alternative energy and bio fuels to end our dependency on foreign oil,  it could save lives and help end wars in the future.
David B, Albion

Healthcare and the economy!  In the past 7 years my husband has seen 3 jobs go because of either the company having big lay-offs or just plain shutting down. The healthcare offered by my work does not cover Kent County Hospital or any of it’s affiliated doctors. So I am looking for a candidate that can help my family.
Fighting terrorism is important but we need to take care of our families here first.
Nancy G, Warwick

WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE HEALTH CARE AND THE ECONOMY - OR - TERRORISM AND VALUES…THEY ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE - WHY NOT ALL OF THE ABOVE???
Bill

ALL OF THE ABOVE
dennis p

It’s a slam dunk that terrorism and values are more important. We don’t take care of that, health care and the economy won’t mean diddley.
Tripshaft, Westerly

No contest ... No less than forty-four million of our people have no form of health benefits coverage whatsoever. The majority of them are working people, and their children, who cannot afford to pay the health insurance premium that would enable them to get care in time of need. 44 million of our friends and neighbors are in danger of unnecessary pain and death this is terrorism by our elected representative, who all have taxpayer provided insurance themselves. –
Lisa N

A Kleptocracy that can’t keep up with the interest on it’s debt, that thinks it can prevent WW3 by attacking other countries; with working class kids, and does nothing to close the ever widening gap between rich and poor is out of touch with the people.
Are you happy with the product?

Berating the Iraqis for not taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity we’ve given them, Seeing Iran’s Nuclear Energy Program as a Weapons Program and selling the Idea that Iran would dare to go on a nuclear rampage against the mighty US because we are free ?
Is there a Shrink in the House ?
Zuke

are energy and environment not worthy of even mention ?
Russell l
If you look at what happened when our nation was attacked on “911” (9/11/01), what was our economy like back then?  Prices all over our economical indexes jumped up, and so did fuel prices, and have been ever since.  I would hope a Presidential nominee would put more emphasis on terrorism than anything else because if we ignore this and do nothing to stop it, our economy will be affected by it.  That’s why Wall Street is our information center on all things that happen in this country; if we get attacked again, Wall Street will take their actions appropriately and watch the economy fall apart.  I’d advise these presidential “hopefuls” to take heed and be very careful what they say in their opinions about ‘global terrorism’ - it affects the entire world and whatever affects the entire world starts a domino effect on our own economy.                                  C-Ann-C,  Coventry
Health care and the economy gets my vote.  It effects so many people in a lot of ways that these have to be on the front burner no matter what party a candidate is from.
Ken B.  Gulfport, Florida

Economy & Health Care is #1, which go hand in hand for blue collar workers, who are slowly being cut out of the American Dream. Terrorism is an Intelligence/Military/Diplomatic issue. Any discussion of values, which are personal & don’t belong in the public/political arenas, is a Fundamentalist Attempt to Attack the Separation of Church & State, by helping elect others of their ilk in to local, state & federal political positions.
Hound Dog, Bristol

I don’t think we are any safer today than before all the talk of terrorism.
I think that “terrorism” is a replacement for the “cold war” and is
really an excuse to claim resources “such as oil” around the world.
It is also eating up a huge amount of domestic resources.
All the money going to Iraq and other places could be used for health
insurance for us here. Unfortunately the medical and insurance industry
will never allow it. And so it goes on and on.
catch22

Friday, October 26, 2007

parks or condos

bill rappleye

new waterfront in Providence

when the highway move in Providence is complete…in 2012…some thirty acres of land will be freed up…for a city to gain waterfront land this late in its development is a tremendous opportunity.  That land is subject to a process, which has already begun.  But the process is not complete.  some of the land is in India Point Park, below the bridge, at the old shooters nightclub.  And while the state could get a lot of money from a developer for the waterfront property with the view of the Bay, most people who responded to the question about the disposition of the property, would rather see it preserved for the public.  Here’s what the e-mails said…

The Providence River waterfront should not be cluttered with more condos. There should be Restaurants, and shops and parks with plenty of dockage for boaters to tie up to for access to the shops and restaurants. I am a boater and wish that there were more places to go in this state while on the water.
Larry S, Cumberland

You know as well as I do that the common people will have no ability to spend any time on the waterfront.
It will be full of high priced clubs and eateries that will allowed the privileged few to enjoy the water.
If condos are built they’ll go for huge money and again normal working people will not be allowed in the neighborhood.
Judith, Coventry

While I understand that office/condo development would probably bring income to the city and state, I would prefer the land be left open for all. As it stands now both the city of Providence and the State government have no inclination to limit their spending. Why give them more to abuse? The new building in downtown across from the mall is already an eyesore, we certainly don’t need any more of that. But what takes your eye when you stroll along the river is how beautiful it turned out. Waterplace Park and the paths are clearly a major attraction. And if nothing else will stem the tide of buildings, what happens when that “100 year storm” hits Providence. Taking “Katrina” as an example, the hurricane barrier will only be a flash in the pan in stopping the water from covering the downtown area. It will be much cheaper to replace park land than destroyed buildings. Because in the end the money always comes from the taxpayer.
Ed B

Absolutely…..without a doubt…..100%.....PARKS!!!! Condos bring nothing to the table. The cost, of the services they use, & that are also provided to them, by the municipality, just as they are also provided to every other residence, is more than the property taxes they pay. Plus condos, & other forms of gated/private residential development, including private docking areas, & Yacht Club expansions, along ANY waterfront in this state, just restricts “public access”  to the waterfront, by the general public, one little piece at a time.
Hound Dog, Bristol

My son moved to Baltimore 4 years ago, and the 2’nd best thing to seeing him and his wife is spending time at the inner harbor area. Why can’t something like that be done here in Providence, Rhode Island? There is a mix of business, residential, museums, restaurants, shopping and entertainment in an area with about the same footprint. It will be an investment that will take time but with the waterfires a success why not add to that type of atmosphere?
Brian D

It would be parks all the way.  Since leaving the state I can tell you that the majority of the people in Florida would like to have their open space back.  The developers have turned a lot of the beach front into condos on both coasts and one it is gone it is gone and so is the public access.  Rhode Island has taken away a lot of public access as have a lot of states. It is very important to preserve the open areas we have and to open up as much as we can.
Ken B, Gulfport, Florida

It should definitely be parks, there are plenty of condos throughout the state, lets enjoy some of R. I. ‘s lovely areas as they should be.
Dottie

Couldn’t we do what’s best? Perhaps a mix of condos AND parks. The condos to increase the tax base and the parks to promote open areas for people and wildlife (and I don’t mean a nightclub either)!
Many towns and cities are looking at mixed use areas.
PM, Warren

The waterfront area looks like a dump when you come up the highway.
Sure it would be better to have a park there when the old highway is removed, but, I’m sure the “insiders” have plans to sell the property for big bucks just like downtown. What this state really needs is leadership that will bring in companies and jobs. Unfortunately we have another rich guy that just wants to play “King of Rhode Island”.
Az Usual

Of course with the environment getting trashed daily, a park would be ideal. Bring some touch of nature back to the area and let the people have somewhere to go to enjoy it. Alas, our politicians will have nothing of it since they will want condos.  That way they can get a financial cut because they’ll have unions build them.  Of course the condos will be so high priced that no one will afford them and they will sit empty. The politicians will build anything to keep unions employed.
Bill B

I would just say keep an eye on the process, and let the politicians know where you stand on this.  The land at the head of the Bay is a beautiful place that everyone can enjoy.  One of the groups involved intimately with the property below the bridges is the group, friends of india point park http://www.friendsofindiapointpark.org/park.html 
If you care, stay on top of this!

Friday, October 19, 2007

image or job?

bill rappleye

does carcieri need to improve his public relations, or his performance?  or neither…

this question came out of the leaked memo (Download the memo here) that suggested Rhode Island governor Don Carcieri had to revamp his image…which followed a steep drop in his approval ratings.  but, as you’ll see below…a number of you correctly pointed out that the query allowed no positive responses..such as Carcieri’s doing a good job and his image is fine.  so here are the e-mails…and at the end, go right ahead and comment!  if you’re shy about your e-mail address (which will show up), just e-mail me directly, and i can post your opinions anonymously.  Rap on!

There is NOTHING that Carcieri can do to improve his image or performance.  Both of these have been negatively impacted by the severe and consistent egotistical manner in which he serves himself and his upper crust cronies.  I wish he would remember that he won his last election by only 2 percentage points.  Instead of celebrating his so-called victory he should have been wondering why 49% of the voters did NOT approve of him.  Unfortunately,  Carcieri is just too full of himself to even have considered that.
Susan

The dear Gov NEEDS to do what he said he would do As I remember it when he first ran for office the BIG AUDIT was at the top of his to do list.  that NEVER happened.  for all of his first term he did not alot, same for the first part of this term.  About all he managed to do was mess with the Unions and give his buddies from Old Stone huge paying jobs.  In some cases creating these monster jobs for them.
Now he is going after the poorest of the poor and the weakest in this state to take benefits they need to get by.
His administration is racked with greed and coruption and nothing gets done.  A big wig at DOT got caught giving away big money ontracts he was allowed to retire with all his benefits.  Why was he not taken into court and treated like the criminal he is.
His top heavy big money administration is taking jobs from the working people of this state at an allarming rate, going after the union contracts and generally making a huge mess that some person is going to have to try to fix.  He creams about the lack of money in the state but I don’t see the people at the top suffering for it and they are the ones that caused it.
He gets into fights with the General Assembly that he can not possibly win and that costs us MORE money.
I think the whole lot of them need to get voted out of office next time they run for office.  Gee, maybe we need to try to elelct people who live in the real world not the artificial world of politics.
Judith, Coventry

SILLY QUESTION. I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT HIS “IMAGE.“  WHAT EVERY RHODE ISLANDER SHOULD CARE ABOUT IS HIS PERFORMANCE.
Susan

To me the Governors approval rating means nothing because Rhode Islanders are stupid!!
We have had two pro-business Republican Governors serving two terms each trying desperately to bring business and jobs to RI.  However we are a one party (democratic) state and our General Assembly has ALL the power.  And that is why we are ranks LAST as a business friendly state. 
John

RAPPER….
This is typical RI political bull.  The govenor doesn’t have to impove his image or his performance.  BOTH ARE FINE…his actions are proving to be what is best for the majority of citizens of Rhode Island.  (not the hacks in the state house or the way too many state workers milking the system).
NOW…let’s talk about the Hacks and the state workers…...
How much scandal do we need to prove that these state legislators are in polictics for themselves and not for the citizens of the state….and…
How much do we have to get ripped off by the state workers to see that there is way too much waste in the system…?
The govenor is a business person looking to run the state in the most economical feasible manner possible while the hack and the free loading state worker are getting in the way…
KEEP IT UP GOVERNOR!
Signed…
Sick and tired taxpayer!!!!
Marcie

He needs to improve both his image and his performance. Rhode Island has many more small business than large and he needs to help the small business people out. Stop charging us small business the same that he charges large Corporations. I have no idea how he was elected back in office unless he paid someone off. He has to be the worse governor Rhode Island has ever had. He has made many mistakes and now we as residences Of Rhode Island have to suffer because of his own mistakes. Why doesn’t he take a pay cut????? No he cannot do that, he expects us to suffer because for him. Thank you, Smithfield residence.

Personally, I feel that Governor Carcieri needs to improve both his image and his performance. 
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that all of Mr. Carcieri’s policy changes and budgetary cuts are aimed at the working poor/lower income individuals and their children. 
For example, cutting daycare subsidies to working individuals is not the way to save money, as many will be forced to stop working.  This will result in an increase in the number of AFDC recipients.  This measure will also hurt the small businesses(daycare providers and employers) in this state.  So much for economic development!
Reducing the number of state employees will place a larger burden on the remaining employees, and will also reduce the level of services provided to the public in general.
Instead of firing these employees, do the following:  get rid of the high-cost contract employees and hire part-time employees to replace them, eliminating the cost of pension and healthcare benefits.  Require that able-bodied state aid recipients work for the state performing jobs that would ordinarily be paid state jobs(depending on skill levels).
Instead of removing children from the healthcare roles, increase the cigarette tax, applying the increase to healthcare for the state’s low-income children.
I am currently looking for a job.  However, the salaries in Rhode Island do not match the salaries in Massachusetts.  I would need to make at least $14.50/hour to live, not exist!  I am having difficulty finding jobs for even $12.00/hour.  Where are the good-paying jobs that the governor promised during the election?
Governor Carcieri, what happened to all of your promises?
Deb L,  Pawtucket
The Governor’s image is being destroyed by the corrupt Democrats in the State. He’s trying to fix things, but they want no part of it.  Gosh willing, the FBI probe will result in the indictments of many, many self-serving bums in this most corrupt legislature.
Bill, Cranston

This survey is why everyone is claiming bias in the media.  You are assuming that I think he needs to improve in those two areas.  The harm of this bias is that you can claim tomorrow that this % of Rhode Islanders thinks Carcieri needs to improve.

Shame on you.  Be fair, be accurate and report the news.

Joe V, Manville

How about he starts by simply creating a dialogue with people….even the ones he dislikes, like the legislature?  His problem is there is a lack of civility at the State House that he and his minions are allowing to fester. It would almost be better if he and Montalbano and Murphy just slugged it out on the front steps!!!!

Sergio from Narragansett
Hey Bill, who actually comes up with these one-way questions? You have told me before that it isn’t you! What if I believe that he doesn’t need improvement in either way. Of course, since I support him, I’m not given any choice! I can see the bias for sure, again! You had an ok excuse last time by saying you don’t come up with the question, someone else does. But it doesn’t look good for you this time. Just admit it, ok!                                                    Mark R
It seems that the Governor is trying to down size the state government the same as the national conservatives are trying to down size the Federal Government.
Here’s why it doesn’t save money
We will still need to have the services provided.  We will be forced to engage private companies to provide those services.
Sure the workers that actually do the jobs may get less money and rely on the private employers for retirement and medical benefits…
But those private employers will need to make a PROFIT on those services.
Take state hospitals as an example.
When they are privatized, the managing company will negociate a deal where they get paid PER BED.  They will get paid whether the bed is filled or empty.  Since empty beds provide greater profits, the company will have an incentive do what ever it takes to discharge patients.  When the beds are empty they can then cut medical staff because the income remains constant, the profits rise.
Research the other states where hospitals have been profitized.  Read the book “Crazy”  by Peter Fromm (sp?).  All this will be paid for with taxpayer dollars.  We, the citizens of the state, lose out in several different ways.  Today, I am thankful I don’t get all the Government I pay for, but it could be worse - much worse.
I view the firing of state employees and other forms of privatization as the breaking of a sacred promise as spelled out in Article III Section 7 of the State Constitution.  Private employees, as Blackwater Security just proved, are not responsible to the Public.  Privatization just results in big bucks for Haliburton/Dubai, Aramack, Blackwater, the company that supplied the $100,000 secratary, etc.
But it won’t do crap for me.
Just like the Governor’s “BIG AUDIT” did nothing for me.
We pay the government to protect us, not sell us out to the lowest bidder.
The Governor is not earning his pay.
Pete B, Narragansett
Governor Carcieri ran for office with a promise to cut spending.
Everyone, except for the unions, realize that the state government is bloated, wasteful, and inefficient. I’m all for his plan. Cutting a thousand people is just a good start.

Bill, Portsmouth

The Governor has to improve his image.  When the Governor announces a plan to benefit the taxpayers of the state, reduce spending or eliminate a program, the opposition comes out of the woodwork crying woe to the children.  General Assembly members are more interested in furthering their own personal ajenda then in honest government, and the social groups in this state think the taxpayers should pay for whatever they deem necessary.  How can the Governor be rated on performance when he doesn’t stand a chance.  The general assembly overrides his vetoes, the unions refuse to cooperate with him, and the social action groups fight him every inch.  In a state run by unions and a corrupt general assembly, image is the only salvation for the governor.
Bob D, Warwick

Perhaps the Governor wouldn’t have to make these huge job cuts if the legislators would learn how to control their spending. It’s pretty difficult to run a state when you’re about the only republican in it!!

Also I would like to see our congressional delegates do something for RI and not just stick to the party line on issues. We elect these people to do what’s best for Rhode Islanders and end up with them catering to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. I’m for voting them all out and starting from scratch!

Ralph C

Improve his image? Not in my eyes.
Improve his performance? That would be nice, but I will always wonder what he is doing for him and his cronies behind the scenes.
Lee L. Woonsocket
Your negative, survey has no check-off box for those of us who think the governor is doing a good job.

Gov. Carcieri, in his mission to trim the state budget,  has questioned the need for large pools of state-paid translators hired to help non-English speaking people to collect from various
agencies.  The ACLU in on the governor’s case for that.

No one from the communist, left wing, ACLU ever voted for Carcieri. - I hope he tells them where they can go. Standing up to them will improve his image.

Ed G, Warwick

Friday, October 12, 2007

lapel pin flap

bill rappleye

hey rappers…is obama less patriotic because he doesn’t wear a flg pin on his lapel?  the survey had three quaerters of you saying no…rap on!

Peace is not good
for the Arms trade
but conflict is!

American Lives are lost
but Haliburton Wins!
the flag pin helps to figure out
who to vote for.
Zuke

judge the politicians by their records and by proving that they are in office to SERVE THEIR PEOPLE and THEIR COUNTRY before serving themselves,
Claire T

SHOULDN’T THE AMERICAN PUBLIC - AND THE MIDIA AT LARGE - CONCERN THEMSELVES WITH WHERE A CANDIDATE STANDS ON THE REAL ISSUES THAT EFFECT OUR LIVES.  FRANKLY CHARLOTTE, I DON’T CARE WHAT PIN HE CHOOSES TO WEAR OR NOT WEAR!
Bill

Obama’s mistake was calling attention to it. If he had any sense he’s just go about without making any mention of it. But, by saying something, he’s given fodder for other pols to talk about.  Aren’t there more important things than wearing a pin?  Unfortunately, this is another sad example of today’s politics.
Bill, Cranston

I think the press is making too much of this!  Patriotism is measured by action, not whether or not you display a flag on your clothes.
Wake up America! There are real issues out there to be discussed; such as health care, social security monies that go overseas, and ending this senseless war in Iraq.
Mary G, Westerly

What matters most in a candidate is leadership.  Almost all the candidates out there now know nothing of leading the way.
They all ride the crest of public opinion and speak out of both sides of their mouths.  Courage and a sense of right and wrong are missing as well as common sense.
Even worse yet are the voters who fall for this stuff.  They usually elect or re-elect people with more personal problems than them.
Ed W, Norton, MA

If I were a candidate for President I would darn sure wear a flag pin in my lapel. In my opinion, not to do so shows a great lack of sensitivity for every man or woman in uniform,  every veteran (myself included) or families of veterans, and every American who takes great pride in the USA and the FLAG so many fought and died for.  I think “sensitivity” to the thoughts and feelings of his possible constituents should be an attribute he demonstrates instead of smugly considering the flag pin as “a substitute for true patriotism.“  I think it’s especially important for a presidential candidate who never served in the military!
As for any other political candidate running for office, I think wearing or not wearing a flag pin should be a non-issue.
Steve, Bristol

With all that’s going on in this country and the world, it’s a sad state for the “hot” political debate be about lapel pins. I don’t really care what the candidate is wearing. I care about what he or she is saying!
Nancy

Flag lapel pins should only be worn if they are accompanied by an elephant or jackass pin to denote the stupidity of the candidate. Why would we mandate the wearing of a lapel pin by political candidates? Do we require businessmen to wear a flag pin when they are conducting business in a foreign country to denote they are American? Pretty stupid..
Walter, Smithfield

I believe that the debates have sunk to new lows.  They seemed to have strayed from the issues and when they do they have no concrete answers as how to fix the problems.  I still can’t understand how one party says they have all the right solutions and the other all wrong.
Ken B, Gulfport, Florida

I refer you to the June 14, 1943 Supreme Court decision written by Associate Justice Robert L. Jackson. Jackson wrote that compelled forms of patriotism were “analogous to the Nazi salute”. This decision was written about the Pledge of Allegiance. NO ONE has the right to tell anyone else what is or is not a proper expression of patriotism. Any attempt to do so falls under the category of what Jefferson called “tyranny of the mind”.
                        Bill G.

I applaud Obama’s decision to forego wearing a flag pin.  Our country’s ills , which reside in the White House, won’t be cured by any amount of pins.  I am sure you’ll get a lot of negative feedback—mostly from flagwaving pseudo patriots who drive around in bloated SUVs plastered with flags and “Support our Troops” ribbons.  Like Obama, I’ve been asked why I don’t wear a flag pin.  As an overseas Army veteran of WW2, I don’t want any yahoo telling me what I should or should not wear, especially something as insignificant as a flag pin which was, most likely, made in China.
Tony D, Coventry, RI

It makes no difference if they wear a flag pin or not, politicians in America like around the world do what they do best. Line their pockets any way they can.
Silas

What’s Obamas deal? He has to come out and say he doesn’t want to wear a Flag pin. Why what is he trying to prove?
The men and women of the armed forces wear a flag on there uniforms because they represent the UNITED STAES.  Politicians also represent this country and they should WANT….WANT to wear an AMERICAN FLAG PIN.
Maybe we should just call him OSAMA.
ANAKIN

I’m having trouble understanding why some people are so worked up over haberdashery. I think Mr Obama is correct; some people want to substitute a hollow gesture (pin wearing) for active, positive patriotism. To say that only people who wear flag pins are true Americans leaves out all the women that often do not wear them because they do not go well with their blouse.
I wonder how many of those pins have ‘Made in China’ stamped in the back.

Bill, Portsmouth

I think this is not a big deal. The act of wearing a pin does not make one patriotic.
Lee L,  Woonsocket

Friday, October 05, 2007

rapping

bill rappleye

rights for illegals

the topic for this rapp session is whether an illegal worker…no papers, from out of the country…should be able to recover damages in state workers’ compensation court, after a severe injury on the job.  what a hot button!  nearly 25-hundred people responded to our survey, and ninety-five percent said illegals should not have any American rights.  so here are some of the emails from you all.

you come in this country illegally and you get hurt on the job you pay your own medical bills your in this country illegally and should be in prison. this is why our medicaid system is going broke because too many both legal and illegal foreigners are here in this country and this state taking advantage of the system and abusing it, they need to be put to work,not on welfare and handed out medicaid and food stamps,the president needs to close all borders.
William h, woonsocket

1.  Employer should be charged and suffer the consequences of hiring illegals
2.  Employee should be charged and placed in prison
3.  Employer should be responsible to pay for employee’s medical expenses and living       expenses while in our U.S. prisons.  Why should law-biding citizens pay for employee’s     medical and living expenses?
4.  Once the employee’s medical treatment has been completed, and his time served, the     employee should be deported to his country of origin.
There you have it, Bill.  I have a feeling that I’m not alone in this!
Deb L, Pawtucket

They should be deported !!!!!! No questions asked they don’t belong here.
period….
ka1njx

ARE YOU CRAZY?  What part of ILLEGAL don’t you understand?  I worked and paid taxes for 50 years and someone who committed a criminal act is able to get the same rights as me?  Absolutely not!!
Let them go through the process of becoming a legal citizen and then they can have all the rights I enjoy.  That is the way my great-grandparents did it. That’s the way everyone should do it.
Furthermore, I believe that a child born in our beloved country to an illegal alien should NOT be automatically granted citizenship.
Bill M,  Cumberland

I am a taxpayer and I really do not want to have to support these people and their kids.  They need to get legal and stop draining the system.
Judith, coventry

Illegal Alien’s Rights? Gimme a break!
  The only right an illegal alien has is to a boot in the backside when he/she is being kicked out of the country.
  In your newscast of August 9, 2007, your reporters on the street and in the studio used the words “illegal immigrants” about twenty times.
  I am infuriated by you folks in the media for your lack of understanding of the difference between the words “immigrant” and “alien.“ I am also upset by your pandering to criminals in the name of sensitivity to their plight especially after the New Bedford sweat shop raid. You in the media and our spineless representatives in Washington try so hard not to alienate the feelings of these criminals.
  As far as that fellow who was cut by the chain saw is concerned, he should be happy he is not serving time for breaking and entering into this country. He came for financial gain, now he pays with the pain. Tough!
  Illegal aliens in America have only one right, and that is to go back where they came from.
DRDIX, Bristol

Although our laws extend to everyone, I do not think they were intended to accommodate law breaking immigrants who think OUR government services and benefits are their right, too. The operative word here is ILLEGAL immigrant.  If the court allows this case to go forward, what’s to stop more illegal immigrants from invading our already overburdened courts.  This illegal should be sent back where he came from and banned from returning to the US.  What sort of message does it send to others who are contemplating entering the US illegally if we silently and compliantly entertain litigation initiated by someone who has no status to even be here!  No citizenship should equal NO RIGHTS!!  We need to enforce the immigration laws and remove these elements who are draining our government services, programs and other resources.  They obviously have no regard or respect for our laws or the underlying philosophy that made the United States of America the greatest country on Earth.  Throw the bum out!!

This State goes to great lengths to opening their arms to undocumented aliens.  This is just one more situation in which the undocumented alien have more rights than ordinary RI citizens.  If you or I stole a social security number and began setting up an identity with this, it would be considered fraud.  In this state we say “Come on in, in fact we’ll also give you state assistance.  On top of giving you state assistance on your stolen identity, we’ll look the other way, create a system social security number to process your case, and we won’t count your income dollar for dollar.  Because your here illegally, we’ll prorate your wages so you’ll qualify for all kinds of services.“  If Joe U.S citizens came in because he lost is job, became sick, his money is counted one hundred percent.  This states hypocrisy and the Governor’s misrepresentation on this subject to the voters of this state is appalling.
KC

Stupid! For you to even ask the question “should someone in the U.S. illegally have the same rights as an American citizen?“ What the heck is wrong with you. Deport all illegal now
Smithfield

I don’t understand why people in this country can’t distinguish between Legal and Illegal immigration. Particularly in Rhode Island where a lot of money is spent on education. These illegal’s aren’t stupid, they know what they are doing is against the law, but when they get caught they want the law to apply to them differently. I am the second generation of LEGAL immigration. My grandfather immigrated from France at the turn of the last century. Learned the language, had a job, and learned to be a good citizen. He had no problem understanding the difference between right and wrong. There are a lot of people outside of this country going through the appropriate process to obtain legal immigration status to the United States. It is not fair to the people abiding by the immigration rules to allow the illegal’s to get away with their inappropriate behavior.
Proud to be a Rhode Island native, in spite of our politicians.

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! If a person enters this country ILLEGALLY they are NOT entitled to ANY benefits the USA has to offer. If a person risks all to enter illegally, takes a job using forged documents or even worse steals someone’s identity to get a job there is just no way they should receive one penny in compensation. IT IS JUST ONE OF THE CHANCES and CONSEQUENCES THEY TAKE BY NOT ENTERING LEGALLY. Furthermore, the employer should face charges for hiring anyone that is not in this country legally. The fact that this matter is even getting a Worker’s Comp Court hearing just astounds me.
CM in NK

Those that announce themselves
to those that create
systems of dependencies
deserve to be certified
licensed, taxed and bound
in servitude to a system
that cries we can’t give
nothing back because we
didn’t take enough.

tax ya when ya work
tax ya when ya pay
tax ya when ya own
tax ya when ya die
are ya certified for dat
are ya licensed for dat
are ya registered
have ya complied
where’s our cut

we should register their kids
to find meaning and value
in the heroism of disaster
since Bushes daughter is better
off as a teacher

give them the hazardous toxic work conditions
and let them work their way up to
jobs without benefits, retirement without security;
and let them pay for our
speculative risks we underwrite.

Zuke

No way, this is getting crazy these court cases.  The man is not legal what is he thinking. We have too many American citizens without benefits of any kind and we must draw a line and hold to it.
Ken B, Gulfport, Florida

There is absolutely no way that illegal aliens in this country should have the same rights as a citizen of the United States of America!
We all stem from immigrants some how, some way; that is how this country was created, but they didn’t go through all the legalities that they did. You earn your place in this country; you can’t just walk in and expect to be treated like every legal member of this country. They are not apart of this country, and they do not truly stand for what we as Americans do, not until they are official members of this great country. It is like being a freshman on the varsity team, you have to earn your place and role!
Dan, Coventry

Why should the State of Rhode Island provide worker’s comp coverage to an illegal alien?  What happened to the verification process where an individual provides the employer with proper documents i.e., resident alien card, passport and alike.  Don’t you think the HR Personnel should have paid close attention to this?  I think he should be deported back with no monetary damages awarded.  Enough is enough – they get everything they need for practically nothing. 
Susan,  West Warwick

It seems that these illegals have more rights than us legals.  Something has to be done.  They are over running our country!!  The legals are being out numbered & we are becoming minorities in our own county.  This is NOT a good sign!!
Sunset

If you are in this country illegally - why would you be able to sue and use our LEGAL system?
Joyce

I think it’s the employer’s responsibility to have Worker’s Comp insurance on ALL employees, regardless of the employees’ “legal” status.  That said, the illegal immigrant shouldn’t have been employable in the first place.  The employer and employee share responsibility when entering into an illegal employment arrangement.  Has anyone bothered to investigate how many other illegals this guy has hire? I’m sure it’s not an isolated incident.
Christine, East Greenwich

I strongly believe that anyone who comes into the country illegally should not have the same rights as a US citizen. By coming to this country undocumented, they have already broken the law. To come in to this country and reap the benefits of hard working citizens should no way, shape or form, be allowed. 
Linda D

I do not in any way support helping and assisting any illegals here in this country.  I don’t believe we should educate, give medical or food stamps, welfare or assist in child care for those who enter this country illegally.  They broke the law entering - they need to be rounded up and brought back to their home lands
Brenda M

there you have it.  nobody concerned about rights for these HUMANS…everybody thinks it’s cut and dried…send ‘em back.  a few worried about the pigs making money off the sweat of people who have no recourse…but everyone else believes that we’re in danger of being overrun by mexicans.  i know, i know, nobody used race in their diatribes…but if these were all irish students overstaying their visas, i think there’d be less of an outrage.  i wonder what answers i’d have gotten if i asked: would you be willing to pay more for your kids’ toys if china outlawed prison labor?  i’dlike to know, just where is the tipping point between our wallets, and our sense of humanity?
rapp

blogs rule

bill rappleye

scoff at the internet if you will…but you’ll be missing out.  remember the story about linc chafee leaving the republican party?  well, that was broken in the blogosphere.  anchor rising was the first with that story http://www.anchorrising.com/  quickly picked up by ri report by http://www.rireport.com/  and blogs are good about telling you where their info comes from…so rifuture http://www.rifuture.org/ was quick to give credit out…and all this happened before the providence journal ever went to print.  so skip the web, and you’ll probably be behind the times.
i’m going to use this site to point out interesting stuff… i and my massive staff of surfing trolls who are constantly on the ‘net…  but those three sites i just mentioned are probably the cream of the local crop…though you’ll also want to check out ian donnis’ blog at the phoenix…not for nothing http://thephoenix.com/notfornothing/  there’s lots more, and i’ll be highlighting good stuff off them in posts to come.