Are we going to hold politicians accountable for the influx of Refugees?

2015-11-20T22:56:50-05:00

I've been hearing a lot of rhetoric from the bleeding hearts that we HAVE to take in these refugees, and BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Obviously, there is a clear and present danger. The FBI has danced around the fact that the vetting process is absolute garbage. The Syrian government has terrible records of their citizens (hell you can buy a REAL Syrian Passport if you know the right people), and we are relying on their incomplete records as a part of our vetting process to accept refugees.
Many "Political Refugees" for the last 10+ years have been getting COACHED on what to say, and how to say it, in order to pass our almost non-existent interrogation process to get into America. This is another issue.
And our borders remain largely unprotected. The FBI recently caught Islamic Fundamentalists trying to cross into America from Mexico...And like Cockroaches, if you see one, you can be assured there are many many more.
So my question is simple: Are we going to prosecute any of these Politicians if ANY American lives are lost by the hands of Islamic Fundamentalists that were let in through this Immigration policy? I think they should all be tried as Accessories to Murder.
......The reason Politicians (Especially Democrats) jump at this whole refugee issue, is because they know they won't be held responsible when/if people are murdered. IMAGINE A WORLD where a Politician is responsible for their policies he/she elects for....What a magical world that would be.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 20 at 2015 11:07 PM

2015-11-20T23:07:15-05:00

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 20 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-11-20T23:08:00-05:00

Ultimately, We the People are the ones who must be held accountable. Making scapegoats of the politicians that we elected only distracts from the fact that they are our representatives. We knew who they were when we elected them. We knew even better when we reelected them. We are as alcoholics who have not yet taken the first step to recovery: We must admit that we are addicted to celebrity, to voting for instant gratification rather than our own well being. Once we are on the road to recovery, our nation will recover

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Nov 20 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-11-20T23:11:23-05:00

Best way to do that is election time. Problem with that? Voter turnout... Ferguson had 6% vote in last major election:-(

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 20 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-11-20T23:26:19-05:00

I would submit the basic answer is no.

The Senate has decided to postpone their deliberations until after Thanksgiving, and the Administration will leverage the interim to press Democrats against supporting the measure by lobbying to prevent a Veto proof majority. If the Administration has learned the lessons o the House vote, they will offer more info, just enough, to get what they are after. Eight days is a long time and will allow time for emotions to flag. Evidence of the Administration's intent may be seen in the appeal to the SCOTUS for support of the wider immigration reform proposal.

If, an attack is successfully carried out on American soil, and it can be linked to a Syrian refugee and/or ISIS, the apologies will spin it, and express their regrets. However, I do not believe it will deter their basic aims. Aside form political action, - recalls, calls for impeachment, etc...the only real action available will be via the ballot box during the primaries and again next November.

As a side note, i believe we are too focused on the Syrian immigrant/potential threat. ISIS is not limited to Syria. ISIS operatives will be citizens of other countries something that often gets lost in the conversation. In my opinion, ISIS co-opted Syrians are only part of the threat as ISIS has demonstrated a knack for drawing supporters form many countries, some of which are not high on the scope at the moment.

As to who is likely to take the fall if a successful attack occurs. That answer will in large part depend upon the location, timing and scope of the attack. Aside for the immediate casualties of such an attack, the blame will in all likelihood not be focused on elected officials (political appointees make great pawns).

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 21 at 2015 1:18 AM

2015-11-21T01:18:42-05:00

Cpl Robert Masi Should be no need. After all, they have been "extensively vetted". Should have nothing to worry about. (cough)

Response by CPO David Sharp made Nov 21 at 2015 2:36 AM

2015-11-21T02:36:28-05:00

These "leaders" make laws which directly impact our and our family's lives without any concern for the people they represent's desires. The rhetoric of gun control, equal this and that, income inequality and free stuff is appalling. Accountable? Will you be able to protect those you care about and love? Be ever mindful they are surrounded by armed guards and security personnel, we are subject to any whims the lunatic fringe throws. The very fact the President is pushing this aspect down our throat and he has heightened security around him while he travels speaks volumes of the hypocrisy of the situation.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 21 at 2015 6:54 AM

2015-11-21T06:54:08-05:00

Politicians need to remember one thing. That thing is they work for us not the opposite way. Just like we were held accountable for our actions or in actions and we are in the military they must and should be accountable for their violations of our wishes as the citizens of this nation.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 7:24 AM

2015-11-21T07:24:52-05:00

Sure we will - then we will re-elect them :(

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-11-21T09:10:53-05:00

Here's the thing. You're advocating that we punish government officials for doing their job. Like it or not the United States is obligated under the international "1951 Refugee Convention" treaty, and specifically the 1967 Protocol, to accept refugees.

I personally hold very strong opinions in regard to Syrian refugees along the lines of them being cowards running away from fighting for their homeland, but that doesn't change the reality of the situation or the underlying ethics of it either. We are a nation built upon immigrants. It is who we are at our most fundamental level and to turn our back on those seeking asylum is to turn our back on what it is that makes us the bastion of liberty in this world.

We should never forget the words of Emma Lazarus inscribed upon the Statue of Liberty. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Nov 21 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-11-21T12:36:41-05:00

It takes about $63,000 to move a single Syrian refugee to America and support them for 5 years. The costs to support the same refugee in a regional refugee center is about $5,000. Which is a better way to use our funds? Bring 1 refugee to America or help 12 refugees in the region?
There are now and will be terrorists in the refugees who come to the West, and there is NO valid way to screen all these people to get rid of the terrorists before they come here. The leader of the Paris terrorist attacks came to France as a refugee. Bringing large numbers of young single Syrian men into America as refugees is insane and will expose our citizens to terrorist attacks in our homes, schools, offices and stores. I care about Americans. I don't want them hurt by terrorists masquerading as refugees. Can we please use our heads and not let political posturing rule the day?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 21 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-11-21T14:51:28-05:00

They better be accountable.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 21 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-11-21T16:19:13-05:00

EDIT: The RallyPoint Team made a correction that renders a large portion of my comments overcome by events, I leave them for reference, but applaudKanika Misra's quick action.

<<

RallyPoint Team, SSG Carlos Madden, how is this a "Command Post" entry?

The single time I wrote for "Command Post" there was an editing and vetting process that actually corrected some of my minor spelling and grammar mistakes, (thanks for the help Kanika Misra). There were requirements for topic coherence, grammatical and formatting convention and word count. Has that process been abandoned? Are individuals with barebones profiles now authorized to post on behalf of RallyPoint Command Post and subject to no review process?

If so the "What is this?" link at the top needs to be updated. It still refers to the old policies. http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/portal/articles/1833272-command-post---what-is-it-

Cpl Robert Masi I think your message would be substantially improved by some editing. With overuse of capitals, ellipses (...) and word choices that increase emotional response rather than reduce it you undermine your own argument. To your content: there are bad people in any group, to deny sanctuary to the desperate is a greater comment on who we are than who they are. There have been people who resisted giving refugee status to every group deserving it, notably including the Jews of the 1930-1940s. Refugees are better vetted and investigated than tourists or students, and work harder to build lives in their new homes than other migrants.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-11-21T16:30:21-05:00

Let us see if they open up their spare bedrooms. Ah, didn't think so...f'ing garbage is the country we live in sometimes. Makes me sick to see this stupid shit unfold. Sorry.....

Response by 1SG James A. "Bud" Parker made Nov 22 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-11-22T13:15:25-05:00

If we do hold politicians accountable for the influx of refugees that might be a first. I'm trying to recall a few things "We, the Poeple" have held them accountable for.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-11-22T14:23:03-05:00

Cpl Robert Masi, I love the intensity in your words; I can feel the fire of your passion and I have no doubt as to your sincerity. You are an American Patriot, a Marine, a Combat Veteran, and I see by looking at your profile, a businessman as well. Let me ask you this. Rather than rail at the system from the outside, have you ever considered running for an elected office? Maybe at the State level in New Jersey or a municipal or county office? Have you ever contacted your local Republican or Libertarian Party (I'm going to guess the Democrats are out of the question for you!) and looked at what it would take to run? Because you're right; we need new faces and voices who will represent the Will of the People, but all too often, good people don't run because they think the process is too daunting; so all we ever get in the end is more of the same. How about it? Have you ever thought about it?

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Nov 22 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-11-22T19:06:48-05:00

Make your argument a little less bellicose, it makes you sound very racist and bigoted.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Nov 23 at 2015 1:06 AM

2015-11-23T01:06:13-05:00

I've heard alot of bullshit from the paranoid right about the "clear and present" danger that doesn't actually exist, we should hold accountable the politicians who are clearly and presently acting unamerican by shutting these people out. hopefully we will overcome this disillusion of paranoia and do the right thing.

Yeah there are bad people in the world, but hey we have bad people in the country who are born here, it doesn't mean we're suddenly going to ban firearms even though they've murdered thousands of people every year now are we.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 4:21 AM

2015-11-23T04:21:59-05:00

It's ridiculous to me that so many people on here are so against helping these people. I don't know if is just hatred or ignorance or fear. Just take a second and think about this, it takes 18 to 20 months for the vetting process. So if you are coming here for nafarious means why would you take the time to come as a refugee, why not just come on a tourist visa or sneak in. There are a lot of innocent people getting killed over there for no reason all these people want is a bit of safety. I have this link if anyone is interested.
http://www.factcheck.org/2015/09/stretching-facts-on-syrian-refugees/

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 8:00 AM

2015-11-23T08:00:48-05:00

Well .... we the people voted them in .... right?

Response by TSgt Dave Beem made Nov 23 at 2015 8:30 AM

2015-11-23T08:30:58-05:00

I'd bet malpractice insurance would skyrocket in price!

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 23 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-11-23T09:13:59-05:00

I've read quite a few posts here.
1. yes, we elect them.
2. No, they seldom listen to us and they do what they think is right or in the best interest of the American people.
3. Should we hold them accountable. Why not? It's the WE, the American people making the decisions...it's the politicians. I see many of you have written we shouldn't hold them accountable...Why not? It's not you or I or our friends, family or neighbors who are making these decisions...it's the politicians.
.....So, I'm wondering .....for all of you that say "no" we cannot hold them accountable for making decisions, why? who do we hold accountable?

Response by PO1 Richard Knox made Nov 23 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-11-23T11:09:30-05:00

Addressing your last few points, there are three things to put light onto Cpl Robert Masi. First, we can't fire or impeach a Congressman or Senator for their poor work, they can only be voted out or benched by their peers. So as long as they are unimpeded by term limits or how they draw up their districts they will likely remain in power until they die. Second, if we can't get Congress to pass a sensible bill like "Kate's Law" it is obvious they don't want to fix the immigration problem. Third, some say it's because the illegal immigrants are the Democrats largest new voting block. Why else would the Dems want to give illegal immigrants drivers licenses at the same time insist that people be allowed to vote without a photo ID? It's obvious Congress doesn't care because they have no real risk of losing their job (POWER).

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 23 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-11-23T12:27:11-05:00

We hardly ever hold elected officials accountable. A Congress with a 10% approval rating last year saw a 90% re-election rate.

Additionally, we are bound by treaty to accept refugees. It's part of that whole "works well and plays well with others" thing that the rest of the world expects the US, a superpower, to adhere to. Furthermore, we've been accepting refugees since before this nation was officially a nation. The only reason this is news is because clownish media talking heads are ramping up the fear-mongering rhetoric in anticipation of talking points for the upcoming primaries. To me, there are other topics that are more deserving of our efforts.

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 23 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-11-23T17:39:24-05:00

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Nov 23 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-11-23T20:01:15-05:00

I with you! I would vote or protest or whatever it would take to prosecute Senators or Representatives for Accessories to Murder. But it's not a question of if, it's merely a question of when. Actually, the REAL question might well be, Would we even hear about it?
Thanks,
Rick

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 25 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-11-25T07:46:57-05:00

“If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it.”

― Stephen Colbert

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 15 at 2015 4:22 AM

2015-12-15T04:22:51-05:00

I'm one of those "Bleeding Heart Liberals". Yes I just gave you a thumbs down. I'm a German American that has not tolerance and patience for Fascism, Hitler had the Jews and Gypsys and way too many Americans have just gone down the same path they have just replaced Jews and Gypsys with Muslims and Mexicans.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 8:15 AM

2016-03-25T08:15:21-04:00

If we are, it's going to be in the voting booth. If you vote for Hillary or Bernie, you are voting in favor of more illegal immigration. Deal with it.

One of the stupidest things I can imagine is to vote for a candidate then try to hold him accountable. If you didn't know where he and his party stood, that's your problem.

Who is more at fault, a douchebag, or the idiot who votes for the douchebag?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 25 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-03-25T08:23:55-04:00

A great idea, but would never happen- someone would cry diplomatic immunity (joke). Seriously - We the people have elected and kept in office much of the scum we call politicians. And now it would be almost too late, just look at what happened at the last election. We turn power of Congress to the Republicans and nothing happened. Both parties are in bed together. But worst of all is the handlers behind the politicians - the money people. Why do you think someone with the track record like HRC can run for POTUS? It's money and power. If we could get rid of this strangle hold on the politicians then things would be much better. But this is a problem older than time.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 23 at 2017 11:47 PM

2017-11-23T23:47:51-05:00

Well the question I would like answered is. How are we going to hold politicians accountable for seeing that the Nations Veterans get what they deserve?

Peace!