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 ;)

'Immigration Bill this year? Don't bet on it.'

This title was taken from a Washington Post article referring to congressional apathy concerning immigration. Of course, understandably, we have a lot of other (and arguably more) important matters at hand. This could also be based on the fact that core solutions proposed by Barack Obama don't really exist. Through my research, Democrats are all over the place when it comes to immigration reform.



However, the Republicans have more or less a general consensus on how to handle immigration. I found it interesting that the RNC actually does not even have immigration listed as an core issue. It's actually considered a part of national security. Many Republican leaders such as Rick Santorum (featured on the Hannity and Colmes show), advocate 'security first' - that is, building up walls on our borders then dealing with amnesty.

These 'walls' are being touted as to keep our enemies such as Al-Qaeda out. However, we all know their real purpose...to keep illegal immigrants out.

Nah...I'm sure 20 million illegal immigrants won't have any impact on tax and social program reform...

My opinion? We don't need to live in East Berlin. If a terrorist wishes to enter our country, he/she is going to do it. Our borders are FAR too large (Canada as well) to justify the enormous monetary and personnel expense to keep everyone out (and if my some magic chance it does become effective - if you look towards the far future - maybe it could also keep us locked in...?)

But back to my main point, I consider it un-American to fence out the borders to the land of opportunity. Yes, the problem with 12+ million undocumented workers IS a serious issue. However, the reason for them coming up here has a lot to do with the political and economic instability in their own countries. Proper policy changes implemented in other countries (and we can help with those policies) is the only long-term solution.

So alas, immigration reform isn't happening anytime soon. We don't seem to want it. Watch these deficits and spending though...when we realize we don't have enough people paying into our system, I can bet one place where we're certainly going to look.

Obama nominates federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court justice

"WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, praising her as "an inspiring woman" with both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely."

Intellect is good. How does one interpret the Constitution 'compassionately?' Let's hope the Senate can sort that one out.

"Yo no sé si soy un estadista. Lo que es cierto es que, de la política, lo que me interesa es mandar."
-Manuel Azaña (ex-presidente del segundo república de España)

US Census: Valient logistical effort. Can it work accurately this time?

Ah, the most exciting time of the decade: the US Census!

The census, as we all know of course, is a constitutionally-mandated procedure performed every ten years by the Federal Government designed to apportion money and designate representation in the House of Representatives. Everyone is required to take it.

Batter-up, we're on deck for next year. No argument there.

However, one could make an argument (as a friend of mine recently has) pertaining to who exactly the House of Representatives represents. Does it just represent citizens, or non-citizens as well? With an estimated 12 million+ illegal immigrants in the United States (4 million more than in 2000), these numbers could directly affect the given amount of seats in Congress, especially in those states experiencing a rapid influx of migrants.

My constitutional approach would be that because the census is constitutionally required to document every individual living in the United States - legal or not, the census has every obligation to count those illegal in the United States, and thus use their numbers to apportion seats. Therefore, each representative represents everyone living in their district - legal or not. One could disagree and mention that the rapid influx of illegal immigrants was unforeseeable 250 years ago, which is understandable (thus advocating change). I'd be more inclined though to trust the constitution that has guided through the tumultuous events of our past. Regardless, the census is doing its best to prepare for such documentation, despite the widespread fear amongst immigrants that participating in the census could jeopardize their stay in the U.S.



The new representation in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas is bound to increase, and we'll see the extent of that upswing in the allotted representation following 2010. For those of living in those areas, get ready for the gerrymander. For those of you living in those states with one representative - do not worry, you can't lose seats anyway. For those of you in states bound to lose representation - sorry. But don't worry, the illegal immigrant population may be on the decline. As long as the economy is doing poorly and forcing illegal immigrants to go back home for work, there probably won't be as much change as you think.

Opening Remarks

Bienvenidos amigos!

My name is Justin Schober, and I'm a 22 year old student from Brentwood, TN. I just recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Spanish (concentration in Hispanic Studies). I will be attending the University of La Verne School of Law in Ontario, CA this fall.

I've decided to start this blog to compile my studies regarding the ever-changing nature of American demographics. As a graduate in Spanish with experience in travel and study in Spain, Ecuador, and Mexico, along with internship experience in immigration services, I hope this blog will allow me to sharpen my expertise and share it with others.

Most people roll their eyes when it comes to the workings of immigration, especially concerning immigration from a factually-based perspective (as opposed to an agenda-based one). However, the topic of immigration itself is anything but an 'eye-roller,' and often leads to heated (and unfortunately, uninformed) debate within the American private and public sector about legislation, regulation and assimilation.

That being said, immigration is not only a political and economic issue - it's a cultural issue.

Awareness is key, and thus my stated purpose for this blog. I will of course insert my own opinions that I feel the reader should take into consideration, however promoting a political agenda is of no current interest to me. I encourage anyone reading to comment, criticize and contribute new information concerning the material I post on this blog. Enjoy!