Clinton frees American journalists in North Korea!

Well here is some good news.

American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling were freed today from their 12 year labor sentence in North Korea. Amazing! Right?

Let's hope so. The two journalists were arrested on the North Korean border for allegedly crossing into North Korea territory (yeah, ok DPRK...) and were sentenced to twelve years of hard labor for 'crimes against the state.' Bill Clinton, seemingly out of the blue, flew to North Korea and said what apparantly were the right things. The prisoners were freed this morning.

What did Bill Clinton say? Just apologize? Did he threaten them with death (not likely)? Whatever it was, it worked. Maybe he said nothing....maybe DPRK was happy just to have attention.

Either way, a special congrats to Bill. Way to go!

Misguided arguments on misguided legislation

It's not a fluke that this video has been released.

These remarks, comically thrown in with the flurry of multitude of controversial statements leaked during this congressional recess, has sparked widespread public outrage amongst Americans who believe in a private-enterprise solution to one of our nation's biggest problems.

What people don't understand is that the main issue with the current legislation has nothing to do with creating a 'public option' to compete with other insurance companies in insuring the remaining 48 million uncovered Americans. The issue at stake here is a government regulated health care industry that will inevitably run the private insurers out of business. It's a means to an end. The Democratic Party knows darn well that a 'universal health care' plan will not fly - this, they use fiscally conservative rhetoric like 'competition' and 'insurance choice' to portray what indeed is a very fiscally liberal program.
"Regional Family Health Care"?
One of the most frustrating 'strawman' arguments raised is the claim that those against this health care legislation are against the poorest Americans being covered: a claim so callous it contradicts the very views of those who suggest it. Numerous solutions ranging from private insurance legislative reform, to regulating tort insurance premiums on doctors, to proposing subsidized tax credits for uninsured Americans have all been advocated -- only to have fallen on deaf ears.

When the bundled mess that is the Republican party finds its conservative constituency, maybe it can vocally propose workable legislation that will help get all Americans covered under a business-like option. In the meantime, however, those in favor of private enterprise will continue to be in the passenger's seat while our government expands control over our own health.

Of course, in the spirit of politician accountability, that job could already be done for us...

Week two on the west coast.

As far as transitioning into a new life where I don't have any friends, contacts (outside of family an hour away) or knowledge...it's been a breeze. Since I've moved out here into the suburbs of eastern Los Angeles (note: 'suburbs' cannot be compared at all to those in TN. Suburbs here have a millions of people and cannot be differentiated aesthetically at all from metropolitan LA), it's been mostly business: buying all the necessary goods required of a new house, driving around learning about my area and preparing myself for my first year of law school.

I'll start with law school. I am taking a mock course, 'Legal Analysis and Writing.' It's a three week course (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6-9PM) taught by a professor from USC that consists generally of tort and criminal law cases. Each class requires reading of 3-4 cases that we are to brief and/or memo. During class, we analyze each and every possible aspect of the case. In addition, our professor prepares us for what we are to expect from our actual professors this fall. Each class, we are individually challenged (a euphemism for intellectually demolished in front of the class) on our briefing on each case. We have an exam upon completion of the course.

I can see why legal training for attorneys can be compared to physical training for the armed forces. The training is rigorous and competitive; an examination of endurance and will. This 'training' ignites a spirit of competition in myself that not many other facets of my life offer. I have to constantly be on my guard and prepared for absolutely anything that comes my way.

Apart from school, news is pretty good. My first week was painfully dull, with my time spent outside of class and errands in constant desperation for something productive to do. I spent some hours reading, setting up my stereo system, watching TV (a rarety for me outside college sports) and playing guitar.

Socially, things have really gone well, even this week. Not to sound narcisstic, but networking has never been a concern of mine (in fact, I view it as a distraction because I enjoy it so much). The first week was quite boring, as I stayed home. However, I've become on name basis with most of the 30 students in my class and become good friends with my future roommate Natalie, who moves in next week. I hung out with Natalie and a few of her friends in Orange County yesterday, and am going to Knott's Berry Farm (theme park) and the beach with some of her friends on Sunday.

As far as thoughts politically....I have quite a few, but this post is long enough. I'll wait for another day.

In conclusion, things are going great. I love my new life, but I miss Tennessee and every one of my friends back home. I am sure this year is going to go by fast...all I have to do is work my butt off and evaluate my situation in about ten months. If I succeed, rank high enough and find that law school is right for me, I can consider transferring to a nationally reputable school. The good news is that I am certainly not wasting my time...and in respect to a full tuition ride and future opportunities, not much money this year, either.

Alright, finally settled in as California's newest resident.

The move here is a new chapter in my life. It's a very new experience living out here again. I was born and raised in Southern California until I was eight years old, and have returned to visit family almost every single year (often more than once). The Jensen-Alvarado Ranch, home of my ancestors and founders of Riverside, lies just five miles from my new home.

I officially live in Fontana, CA, a suburb on the main city's eastern side. Although considered a 'suburb,' it feels anything but just that. Fast-paced freeways accompany my commute to school, crowded shopping centers and malls line the city, and the ethnically mixed population (whites are 30% of this area) makes me feel about as far away from the green, quiet rolling hills I've surrounded myself with the past 15 years.

My new house!

I still miss Tennessee a great deal and deep inside feel that it won't be long before I return. However, this new environment provides me with the environment for me to maximize my full potential as a potential immigration attorney.

The demographics of the area perhaps get me most excited about my future. Spanish is the main language here, and I use it about 50% of my day running errands and/or talking to neighbors. For someone who wants to use Spanish in his career, this makes me full of excitement knowing that I can use my interest in daily life.

I've been taking a 'mock course' at the law school that is offered for no credit. Called 'legal writing,' I spend my Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights getting verbally and intellectually abused. We have studied two cases just this week and required to read/write about two hours of material each day. Not bad thus far, but I cannot imagine taking five of these classes (which I will in about three weeks).

I'll post tonight or tomorrow about my conversation with the border patrol in El Paso and the hopeless situation on the Mexican side of the border.

Transition Out West

Just arrived in El Paso, Texas en route to my brand new house in California. With my close friend Michael Mace, we spent left Nashville early Tuesday morning, spending the first night in Dallas visiting my family/staying overnight, the second night here in El Paso, TX, and with the last being tomorrow at my new home in Fontana, CA just outside Los Angeles.

Excellent trip thus far. A LOT of driving, but highlighted by us nearly running out of gas in the Texas desert, as well as stopping by the border despite the violence and having a conversation with border patrol first hand. 

Share my thoughts tomorrow or Saturday on the trip and my new home!

An Illegal Coup to Oust an Illegal President: Legal Adventures in Honduras

A Honduran protester stands in front of a home made fire in the streets of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

This past week, political unrest has escalated in the small central American nation, as calls of an alleged 'coup-de-tat' escalate after the arrest of Honduran president Manuel Zelaya by the armed forces.

This is indeed a coup-de-tat. And technically, an illegal one. However, the circumstances concerning the situation don't emulate the typical military coup we are used to seeing in the 'Banana Republics.' In fact, it's actually a lesson in the importance of checks and balances.

Based on my research of the crisis, this is a basic chronology of events:

1. President Zelaya, hoping for a consecutive term (currently illegal in the Constitution), decides to seek a referendum gauging the people's support for a new constitution.

2. The Supreme Court, Attorney-General, and Congress (yes, both judicial AND legislative bodies) bodies declare referendum illegal.

3. Ignoring ruling, Zelaya fires attorney-general and sends his own personal security forces to raid Army depot where the ballots are stored. Congress discusses impeachment.
Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya: friends with Hugo Chavez, but clearly not as savvy.

4. Army, supposedly under orders from the Court, arrests Zelaya and exiles him to Costa Rica. Congress declares new President, while Zelaya protests his ouster.

That being said, the appointment of the new president before impeachment of the current one is what makes this an illegal coup-de-tat. Prior to the installation of a new president, the actions of the Honduras government and military were completely legitimate. After his installation, well, not so much...


Supposed 'resignation' letter signed by Manuel Zelaya. Good one. Don't you love it when the 'good guys' are sketchy, too?




Now, this whole thing did not come up just because the President wanted a simple referendum. Zelaya's behavior concerning the private sector and media since his election in 2006 have been less than satisfactory. Nationalizations, government intrusion in corporate media and staunch support for far-left policies offer an understanding of why the Honduran government was so eager to depose of him.

However, once again, the lack of due process concerning Zelaya has officially made this coup illegal. Honduras needs to bring back Zelaya, try him, convict him, then make their coup legal.

Or they can just get rid of him the old fashioned way...

Buena suerte con esta, Honduras...

Overhaul of the blog

Well, it's been a few weeks and my posts on this blog have been inconsistent at best. I'm going to change the nature of this blog and basically use it to post anything I find interesting and newsworthy and publish my opinion on it. I think that will allow me to express more interest (and motivation) in keeping up with 'immigrationinflation' more readily.

Right now, viewership does not matter so much to me, at least until I can find a groove. So, in honor of that 'search for groove,' expect posts from me concerning, well, anything!

Of course, immigration is of great interest to me, so expect plenty of it ;)