-
Iran Nuclear Watch: Big 6 Agree on Iran Nuclear Incentives and Sanctions (?)
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice listen to Britain’s Foreign Minister Margaret Beckett, from left, during a press briefing after a meeting at the British Residence in Vienna, Thursday June 1, 2006. Six world powers meeting to discuss the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program agreed Thursday on a ‘significant’ package of incentives to convince Tehran to halt uranium enrichment, Beckett said.
ASSociated Press: 6 world powers agree on Iran incentives
Six world powers agreed Thursday to offer Iran a new choice of rewards if it gives up suspect nuclear activities or punishment if it refuses, a gambit that could either defuse a global confrontation with the Islamic regime or hasten one.
“There are two paths ahead,” British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said in announcing agreement among the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China on a package deal for Iran that carries the threat of United Nations sanctions.
The package would be on the table for a proposed new round of bargaining with Tehran over what the West calls a rogue nuclear program that could produce a bomb. The U.S., in a major policy shift, agreed this week to join those talks under certain conditions. It would be the first major public negotiations between the adversaries in more than a quarter century.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with the foreign ministers from the European nations that led talks with Iran that stalled last year. Also present were representatives of Russia and China, which have been Tehran’s trading partners and might join in any future talks with Iran.
Last chance for Iran before Russia and China are forced to vote in the United Nations Security Council.
The United States has now earned sufficient diplomatic cover to impose its own sanctions on Iran if the UNSC fails to act.
After Friday prayers, let’s see what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has to say.
Probably nothing diplomatic……..
And what about sanctions?
The powers agreed privately, however, that Iran could face tough U.N. Security Council sanctions if it fails to give up the enrichment of uranium and other disputed nuclear activities, U.S. officials said.
Diplomats feared Iran would immediately reject any invitation to bargain if the threat of sanctions was explicit, officials involved in the discussions said on condition of anonymity because the seven-party negotiations were private.
The foreign ministers’ statement threatens unspecified “further steps” in the Security Council.
The group’s statement also contained no details of the incentives to be offered to Iran in the coming days. Diplomats previously have said the package includes help developing legitimate nuclear power plants and various economic benefits.
Oh, sanctions to be named later……..SIGH……
Stay tuned……..
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum.
Previous:
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Spurns Talks With United States
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran – United States Offer to Join Talks is “A Propaganda Move.â€
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Prepared To Join Other Nations in Direct Iran Talks – IF…
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States to Join Iran Nuclear Talks?
Iran Nuclear Watch: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – “We Are Determinedâ€
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Wants to Resume Nuclear Talks with European Union
The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, MahmoudAhmadinejad
-
Illegal Immigration Watch: Dunkin’ Donuts Now Screening Employees For Work Status
Business Week: Small Biz Screens for Work Status
A number of employers are signing up for a program that uses government databases to weed out illegal hires
A small but growing number of small businesses and franchises are using a voluntary federal program that checks new employees’ legal work status against government databases. Participation in the program, known as Basic Pilot, signals that the debate over how to prevent the widespread hiring of illegal immigrants is spreading to small businesses.
Both the controversial immigration-enforcement bill passed by the House in December and the bill passed by the Senate on May 25 call for mandatory implementation of an employment-verification system similar in theory to Basic Pilot (see BW Online, 5/29/06, “Hiring Illegals: Inside the Deal Ahead”).
But some employers aren’t waiting for the proposed new system (which would require all U.S. employers to submit job applicants’ Social Security numbers or another ID to a new federal verification system and face stiff fines for violations) because it could take at least two years to go into effect.
On May 30, Dunkin’ Brands, the parent company of Dunkin Donuts, announced that it would require all 5,000 of its franchisees to participate in the Basic Pilot verification program starting June 1 (see BW Online, 04/11/ 2006, “Dunkin’ Donuts’ Cheap Chic”). Gerri Ratliff, chief of the verification division for U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), says Dunkin’ Brands isn’t alone — roughly 200 new companies — both small and large businesses — are signing up for the free program every month. Over 6,200 U.S. employers have joined so far.
Good for Dunkin Donuts and the other companies.
Now, let’s get more American business to turn away illegal alien employment.
Michelle Malkin has I SUPPORT DUNKIN’ DONUTS…
…because they support our immigration laws.
Beginning today, all 5,000 of Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees will be required to participate in a government database program to verify that workers are here legally. The company was responding to customer concerns about illegal employees. Only 6,200 out of the nation’s 8 million employers participate in the screening program, by the way. (Hat tip: Polipundit) The open-borders crowd is up in arms, of course, because enforcing the law = profiling!
All the more reason to buy a dozen chocolate sprinkleds plus a box of Munchkins on your lunch break today. Or shop Dunkin’ Donuts online here.
Polipundit has Dunkin’ Donuts to Screen Workers
As if you needed more reasons to shop at Dunkin’ Donuts:
Stay tuned as the lawsuits from the ACLU fly……..
But, in the meantime, get over there and buy some Dunkin’ Donuts …..
Flap knows you will be glad you did.
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum
Technorati Tags: Dunkin’Donuts
-
New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi Watch: Apologizes For Remark About a Fellow Democrat “Putting a Bullet Between the President’s Eyes.”
ASSociated Press: N.Y.’s Hevesi apologizes for Bush remark
State Comptroller Alan Hevesi publicly apologized Thursday for a “beyond dumb” remark about a fellow Democrat “putting a bullet between the president’s eyes.”
The Quote: “The man who, how do I phrase this diplomatically, who will put a bullet between the president’s eyes if he could get away with it. The toughest senator, the best representative. A great, great member of the Congress of the United States.”
This MORON should resign from office.
“Threats against the president are no joke and this incident raises real concerns about Alan Hevesi’s fitness to hold public office,” GOP comptroller nominee J. Christopher Callaghan said during his acceptance speech at the Republican state convention on Long Island.
The sound of a political career ending…………
Michelle Malkin has DEM: PUT BULLET BETWEEN BUSH’S EYESÂ
Bush Derangement Victim exhibit number 999:
More fodder for Unhinged, Vol. II.
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum
Technorati Tags: AlanHevesi, CharlesShumer
-
Illegal Immigration Watch: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Orders National Guard To Mexican Border
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he would order the California National Guard to the Mexican border during a Capitol news conference held in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, June 1, 2006. Schwarzenegger said he would sign a two-page document promising the state’s share of the 6,000 troops being mobilized as part of President Bush’s plan to solve the nation’s illegal immigration dilemma.
ASSociated Press: Schwarzenegger to order troops to border
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger agreed Thursday to send the California National Guard to the Mexican border, ending a 17-day standoff with the Bush administration.
The two sides had been at odds over whether California Guardsmen would join the effort to bolster the Border Patrol and who would pay for it.
They reached an agreement under which California will contribute about 1,000 Guardsmen for border duty and the federal government will pick up the full cost, Schwarzenegger said.
“It is not my preference to send the National Guard, but there’s an important need to protect the border,” he said.
However, in a separate act that was not part of the agreement with the federal government, Schwarzenegger will sign an executive order that ends the California National Guard’s participation on Dec. 31, 2008, state officials said.
Schwarzenegger intends for the mission to be carried out mostly by troops who volunteer for six- to 12-month assignments. The Bush plan called for sending Guardsmen on border duty instead of their annual two-and-three week training exercises.
The state would have to pay for normal training sessions, while long-term assignments are funded by the federal government.
Too little and WAY TOO LATE…..
And how many positions has Arnold had?
But, it is a start and the sooner the National Guard can deploy the better. Now the Congress needs to appropriate funds for border security walls/fences/barriers, surveillance aircraft and to train more border partrol officers.
The President made the committment – GET BUSY!
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, talks with Major Gen. William Wade II, the Adjutant General of the California National Guard, right, during a briefing on possible guard troop deployment along the border with Mexico, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, May 16, 2006. Wade, accompanied by Col. David Baldwin, third from right, and Capt. Ty Shepard, were among the members of the National Guard assisting Wade in outlining the National Guards capabilities in fulfilling President Bush’s plans to deploy National Guard troops along the border with Mexico to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum
Previous:
Illegal Immigration Watch: George Will – Between a Rock and ‘Reform’
Illegal Immigration Watch: Send a Brick Project Noticed in Washington Redux
Illegal Immigration Watch: Send a Brick Project Noticed in Washington
Illegal Immigration Watch: Minutemen Installing Arizona Border Fence
Illegal Immigration Watch: White House Compares Illegal Immigration to Traffic Ticket
Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Passes AMNESTY Immigration Bill
Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Votes to Limit Debate on Immigration Bill
Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Bill Protects Employers of Illegal Aliens
Illegal Immigration Watch: 10 Per Cent of Mexico’s Population Now Living in United States
Illegal Immigration Watch: Secure The Border?
Technorati Tags: illegalimmigration, HR4437, illegalaliens, California, Mexico, Congress, UnitedStatesSenate
-
Illegal Immigration Watch: George Will – Between a Rock and ‘Reform’
U.S. Rep. Steve King ( news , bio , voting record ), R-Iowa, speaks during a rally to build a fence along the U.S./Mexican border near Palominas, Ariz. on Saturday, May 27, 2006. Scores of volunteers gathered at a remote ranch Saturday to help a civilian border-patrol group start building a short security fence in hopes of reducing illegal immigration from Mexico.
Real Clear Politics: George Will – Between a Rock and ‘Reform’
As members of the House and Senate head for a conference to try to reconcile the stark and probably irreconcilable differences incorporated in their two immigration bills, Republicans are between a rock and a hard place. And another rock. And another.
First, if the conferees agree to anything like the Senate bill, the House will reject it — if it comes to a vote. Speaker Dennis Hastert has a “majority of the majority” rule: Nothing comes to the floor that does not have the support of a majority of Republicans. Probably 75 percent of House Republicans — including Sensenbrenner, who will probably be the lead House negotiator — oppose the two pillars of the Senate bill, a guest worker program and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already here. Actually, there are three paths — one for those who have been here five or more years, one for those who have been here between two and five years, and a path away from citizenship and the country for those who have been here less than two years. This plan, which is a huge incentive for the sort of traffic in fraudulent documents that is already pandemic, is to be enforced by a government that will not or cannot enforce existing immigration laws.
Second, if the conference agrees to anything like the House “enforcement first and, for now, only” bill, it will be rejected or filibustered to death in the Senate. All but six Democrats voted for the Senate bill, which a majority of Republicans opposed, so it has no momentum for respect among House Republican conferees.
Third, if any legislation is passed that contains any provision that can be stigmatized as “amnesty,” come November some of the Republican base, which is already boiling, will emigrate from the political process by not voting.
Fourth, if no immigration legislation is enacted, voters of various stripes may say, as voters said of congressional Democrats who were in disarray over a crime bill in the summer of 1994, these people cannot govern and should be given, like unruly 8-year-olds, a time out. The time out is now in its 12th year.
But if Congress fails to pass immigration reform, that will not really deserve to be called a failure, for two reasons. First, the moment may not be ripe for reform because the country is of two minds — actually, more than two — about the issue. Second, the system the Framers created, with two legislative bodies having different dynamics because their constituencies have different characteristics, is in this instance performing approximately as the Framers intended.
Will has it partially RIGHT.
If the Congress were to pass legislation granting illegal alien amnesty, the GOP would lose majority control of the House and possibly the Senate.
The President has already committed the National Guard to secure the USA-Mexico border. There is no reason to believe that funds will be not appropriated for this mission and additional border security measures will be added incrementally without passage of “comprehensive” or AMNESTY legislation.
Flap handicaps a less than a 50 per cent chance that House-Senate conferees will be able to agree on ANY immigration bill. If the House Republican majority holds firm, and resists the Senate AMNESTY Path to Citizenship the GOP will benefit – or at least not lose their conservative base.
There is no advantage to the GOP to pass ILLEGAL ALIEN AMNESTY.
Will President Bush show increased resolve to secure the borders without a comprehensive plan/bill?You betcha unless he plans to veto appropriation bills.
KEEP THE PRESSURE ON YOUR CONGRESSMAN.
Send a Brick to YOUR Congressman.
But, most importantly tell your Congressman if they do NOT vote to Secure OUR Borders First that you will NOT VOTE for their ELECTION OR RE-ELECTION.
Tell them NOT ONE DIME NOR ONE VOTE.
BORDER SECURITY FIRST…….
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum
Previous:
Illegal Immigration Watch: Send a Brick Project Noticed in Washington Redux
Illegal Immigration Watch: Send a Brick Project Noticed in Washington
Illegal Immigration Watch: Minutemen Installing Arizona Border Fence
Illegal Immigration Watch: White House Compares Illegal Immigration to Traffic Ticket
Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Passes AMNESTY Immigration Bill
Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Votes to Limit Debate on Immigration Bill
Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Bill Protects Employers of Illegal Aliens
Illegal Immigration Watch: 10 Per Cent of Mexico’s Population Now Living in United States
Illegal Immigration Watch: Secure The Border?
Technorati Tags: illegalimmigration, HR4437, illegalaliens, California, Mexico, Congress, UnitedStatesSenate
-
Election 2006 Watch: Democrat Senate Leader Reid Took Free Boxing Tickets – “Culture of Corruption?†– MY BAD
Clutching his hands to his heart, Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nev., center, calls for lawmakers, and especially Republicans, to clean up the tainted relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists, at a Democratic political event to outline their agenda for reform in the wake of the scandal involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, at the Library of Congress in Washington in this Jan. 18, 2006, file photo. From left are: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nev., House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., and Rep. James E. Clyburn, D-SC. Reid accepted free ringside tickets from the Nevada Athletic Commission to three championship boxing matches while that state agency was seeking to influence Reid’s unsuccessful effort to increase federal oversight of boxing.
ASSociated Press: Reid Says He Won’t Accept Free Tickets
Reversing course, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid’s office acknowledged Wednesday night he misstated the ethics rules governing his acceptance of free boxing tickets and has decided to avoid taking such gifts in the future.
The Nevada senator still believes it was “entirely permissible” for him to accept ringside seats for three professional boxing matches in 2004 and 2005 from the Nevada Athletic Commission but has nonetheless decided to avoid doing so in the future, his office said.
“In light of questions that have been raised about the practice, Senator Reid will not accept these kinds of credentials in the future in order to avoid even the faintest appearance of impropriety,” spokesman Jim Manley said.
The announcement came after The Associated Press confronted Reid’s office early Wednesday with conclusions from several ethics experts that the Senate leader misstated congressional ethics rules in trying to defend his actions.
OOPS MY BAD….
Senator Reid was caught with his hand in the political cookie jar.
Culture of Corruption indeed……and didn’t Senator Reid accept money from Jack Abramoff?
This guy is a Mormon hypocrite and is toast when he comes up for re-election in Nevada. 2010 cannot come fast enough for voters to throw his ASS out of office.
Blogosphere:
Captain Ed: Reid Forswears FreebiesÂ
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum.
Previous:
Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: MoveOn.org Endorses Challenger Ned Lamont
Technorati Tags: HarryReid, cultureofcorruption
-
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Spurns Talks With United States
Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki speaks to journalists in Tehran, June 1, 2006
Reuters: Iran spurns US talks
Iran on Thursday spurned a U.S. offer of direct talks on its nuclear program as major world powers sought agreement on incentives to coax it to scrap potentially weapons-related atomic work.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Iran was open to talks with Washington, which severed ties with Tehran in 1980, but rejected a U.S. condition it stop enriching uranium first.
“We will not give up our nation’s natural right (to enrichment), we will not hold talks over it. But we are ready to hold talks over mutual concerns,” Mottaki said in Tehran.
Why, of course.
Did anyone think otherwise?
Iran wishes a nuclear weapon and no matter what incentives or disincentives developed in Vienna over the next few days NOTHING will be acceptable to Iran.
Speaking before Mottaki’s statement, a senior U.S. official said Tehran had only weeks to accept the diplomatic overture before facing sanctions.
And will Iran sit idly by and accept United Nations sanctions?
Nope.
Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs will provoke Israel and/or the United States in the Gulf.
The “POINT OF NO RETURN” is imminent.
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum.
Previous:
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran – United States Offer to Join Talks is “A Propaganda Move.â€
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Prepared To Join Other Nations in Direct Iran Talks – IF…
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States to Join Iran Nuclear Talks?
Iran Nuclear Watch: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – “We Are Determinedâ€
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Wants to Resume Nuclear Talks with European Union
The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, MahmoudAhmadinejad
-
Day By Day by Chris Muir