California Assemblyman Refuses to Attend Speech by Mexico's President
by James L. Lambert
June 2, 2006
(AgapePress) - - One week ago Mexican President Vicente Fox addressed the California State Legislature. California State Assemblyman Ray Haynes, however, was not in attendance. The Republican from Temecula decided to personally boycott the event because of his deeply held beliefs on what he felt was really occurring that day. Haynes, a long-time friend of conservatives, commented this week he felt that Fox "was there for the sole purpose of trying to change U.S. immigration policy." The California Assemblyman said that the Mexican president "came to California to promote amnesty for the Mexican nationals that have broken our laws." The Assemblyman added he found Fox's presence in Sacramento for that purpose to be "arrogant and offensive."
The California lawmaker further substantiated his reason for boycotting President Fox's speech.
"[President Fox] has continually complained about our [immigration] policy, openly questioned the legality of Bush putting the National Guard units on the border, and even complained when Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill which would have given California driver's licenses to illegal aliens," stated Haynes.
The Assemblyman also contends that over the last several years, Fox has encouraged Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. illegally because, in many ways, it benefits his country.
"When his citizens come to California, our taxpayers pick up their medical bills, pay for their education, food, clothing and housing," Haynes said. "In return, these Mexican citizens usually take most of their earnings and send them back to Mexico."
Such a relationship, he added, is "all to Mexico's benefit -- and not much help to California."
Consequently, Haynes saw no reason why he should sanction a visit from the Mexican president and listen to what he described as "lies and propaganda."
"Why should I ... listen to the president of Mexico [asking] us to pay for his social problems?" he stated. "He should go back to Mexico, fix his economy, fix his corrupt government, and quit sending us his social problems."
Haynes' term in the State Assembly is set to expire at the end of this year. He is currently running for a seat on the State Board of Equalization. California's primary election is slated for June 6.
James L. Lambert, a frequent contributor to AgapePress, is the author of Porn in America (Huntington House), which can be purchased through the American Family Association. He is a licensed real-estate mortgage loan sales agent and can be contacted through his website.
