Op-ed:
On Mitt Romney and a Heated Debate
By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / Right Side Patriots on http://americanpbn.com/

“Mitt Romney is a stiff...He got killed, he got decimated in the election.”
- Donald Trump on Mitt Romney's pre-debate speech

I will say upfront that I always have liked Mitt Romney. I liked him when he was running for the nomination in 2008 and I liked him as the nominee in 2012...so much so that I volunteered on his campaign believing then as well as now that he would have made one terrific president. And I was angry when he lost to Obama in 2012 by two to three million votes, but my anger was not at Romney for losing but was at the two to three million Evangelicals who would not vote for him just because he is a Mormon...not their particular brand of Christian tea it seems. And guess what, I am still angry at them for not only their not voting...which is the direct cause of the Obama nightmares we face today...but because they are posed to do it again by supporting of all candidates, Donald Trump, the antithesis of all things they claim they embrace...as in God, the Bible, family, and country.

And now their voices continue to be some of the loudest against Mitt Romney's words, this time for the speech he gave at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City in the hours before Thursday's presidential debate...a speech which in my opinion rightfully set the tone for said debate. And set the tone Romney did by exposing Donald Trump as the true threat for “a safe and prosperous future for all Americans.” Saying, "Dishonesty is Trump's hallmark," Romney also claimed that Trump is playing the American people for “suckers”...which I too believe Trump is doing with his loud but lacking in substance bloviations that feed into the misdirected anger many Americans are feeling today.

And playing the American people for suckers is just a part of what Romney spoke about as he added the truths about Trump's proposed tariffs touching off a trade war and killing export jobs; about Trump's tax plan ballooning the deficit and national debt; and about Trump's overall plans being very bad for American workers and for American families. And Romney also spoke truths about Trump's recent mocking of a disabled reporter; of his attributing a reporter's questions to her menstrual cycle; of his disparaging words about Carly Fiorina's appearance; of his bravado about his many marital affairs; and of Trump's continuing vulgar-laced and bullying public rally speeches.

See Mitt Romney's full speech at the University of Utah here: http://www.cbsnews.com/live/video/mitt-romney-addresses-2016-race-with-donald-trump/?linkId=21881772

Summing it up by saying that Trump's “...domestic policies would lead to recession,” that “His foreign policies would make America and the world less safe.” and that “He has neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president,” Romney in no uncertain terms nailed it by painting Donald Trump for what he truly is...a Democrat dressed in thousand dollar 'Made in China' suits trying to pass himself off as a Conservative...and the angry are buying into it no matter that their anger is buying into nothing but lies and excuses.

Especially excuses for his lies.

And at Thursday night's debate presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz together hit that point home... catching Donald Trump like one captures a deer in the headlights on not just one front but on many, a few of which I'll focus on here.

And one case in point is that the man who claims that he will bring jobs back to America actually in his own business dealings does anything but. "When you have chances to help the American workers you're making your clothes overseas and you're hiring your workers from overseas,” were Marco Rubio's words when speaking that Trump's clothing line...The Donald J. Trump Signature Collection...is being made in of all places, China....the very country Trump continuously rails against. And the fact is that Trump does indeed employ Chinese workers to make his clothing line at wages far below what he would have to pay workers here in America...basically bypassing the American worker in favor of making more profit for his Trump empire by his outsourcing jobs overseas.

And Rubio's saying that, “You [Trump] argue that you’re here to fight for the American worker, but when you have a chance to fight for the American worker, you’re hiring workers from overseas and you’re making your clothes overseas,” had Trump retorting with the excuse that countries like China devalue their currencies (a deliberate downward adjustment to the value of a country's currency, relative to another's currency, making imports more expensive while protecting domestic industries who may then become less efficient without the pressure of competition) saying, "I will do that. And, by the way, I have been doing it more and more.”

Adding that, “They devalue their currencies and they make it impossible for clothing makers in this country to do clothing in this country...if you look at what's happened on Seventh Avenue and you look at what's happened in New York with the garment industry, so much of the clothing comes out from Vietnam, China and other places. It's all because of devaluation," words spoken by Trump that did nothing but make excuses for why he did not hire American workers. And Trump hoped that the public did not hear the truth in Rubio words that, "The answer is he is not going to do it...And you know why?...The reason he makes it in China or Mexico is because he can make more money on it," but hopefully many viewers did.

And Trumps response, "This little guy has lied so much about my record. He has lied so much about my record." But I ask what record as Donald Trump has done nothing but pad his own bank account by building luxury condos, hotels, casinos, and golf courses that middle-class Americans...the very ones he is pandering to...could never afford. And Rubio rightfully accused Trump of being incapable of having a substantive policy debate saying, "You see what happens again when you challenge him on a policy issue?...the first thing he does is launch an attack on some little guy thing."

"Don't worry about it, little Marco," was Trump's retort proving Rubio's words true.

And Rubio is right about Trump's favoring Chinese workers over American workers for while it might be somewhat about devaluation of currency, the important thing...even if it means paying American workers higher wages (which Trump can easily afford to do)...is that the monies paid out would go to American workers...that the jobs created would go to American companies...and that 'trumps' Trump's silent whining and fretting about making a wee bit less profit off of every item sold.

And so Marco Rubio...whose campaign clothing sells on his official website and is 100% 'Made in America'...showed Donald Trump to be first and foremost a teller of tall tales as to the jobs he'll create, and that his bottom line is and will always remain the almighty dollar...the very hallmark of a true politician something Trump still claims he is not. But if truth be told Donald Trump is the most consummate of politicians...and who like King Midas will have his supposed 'golden touch' and his all consuming greed being his downfall in the end.

And that point was also driven home by Ted Cruz who reminded people that Donald Trump gave none other than Hillary Clinton four large checks supporting her 2008 presidential campaign. Saying that Trump supporters desire for a political outsider to lead the country was misplaced...and it surely is...Cruz said that, “For 40 years, Donald has been part of the corruption in Washington that you’re angry about...And you’re not going to stop the corruption in Washington by supporting someone who has supported liberal Democrats for four decades, from Jimmy Carter to John Kerry to Hillary Clinton,” also adding the infamous Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to that list as he asked Donald Trump to explain these contributions after being rudely interrupted time and again by Trump as he tried to speak.

And Trump's excuse...“Actually, it was for business,” adding that he also gave monies to Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush during their time. But the truth is that no true conservative...no true Republican...would ever give monies to those named, save of course for Reagan and Bush, unless they expected something in return...as in a favor...a political favor now coming due. And for the man who is all about deals, what really is a political favor but an expeditious self-serving political deal. 

Trump's rudely interrupting Cruz's air time led Cruz to say “Count to 10, Donald, count to 10,” as Trump was obviously in meltdown mode for how dare the two junior senators tag-team against his royal Trumpness. And when Cruz talked about the qualifications needed for the next Supreme Court justice, Trump looked like he was ready to explode. Saying, “Breathe, breathe, breathe...you can do it.” Rubio then jumped in to joke that his two rivals were primed for yoga. "When they're done with the yoga, can I answer a question?"

"You cannot. I really hope that we don't see yoga on that stage," Cruz smiled and said with Rubio tag-teaming with this joke about Trump: "Well he's very flexible, so you never know," a jab directed at Trump’s constant flip-flopping on the issues...issues being something Trump refuses to discuss during the debates...or anywhere else for that matter...instead throwing out 'soundbites' for the media to spoon-feed the frenzy of the misinformed masses.

See  'Breathe, Breathe, Breathe' video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-FZbAiEWsM

And together both Rubio and Cruz demanded that Trump release the full transcript of his recent meeting with The New York Times editorial board, after it came out that Trump, in off-the-record remarks, told the board that he was willing to soften his hard-line immigration stance...after immigration and his hard-line stance was what set in motion the Trump push for the presidency. And Trump's excuse for what he said was, I would “never release off-the-record conversations...I’ve given my answer, lying Ted. I’ve given my answer,” completely ignoring the fact that his inflammatory and vile rhetoric spewed out on immigration might very well halt efforts by the Republican party to reach out to Hispanics and other minorities...and I do not mean the muslim minority for on that I happen to agree with Trump simply because of the art of taqiyya.

Also, Trump's words...his lies...said to both Marco Rubio ("little Marco") and to Ted Cruz ("lying Ted")...comprise the entirety of the Trump campaign...a campaign based upon name calling, mockery, and issues dodging...a campaign headed by the man who actually had the gall to say on camera about our military that, “If I say do it they'll do it” (in reference to killing innocent members of terrorist families)...still doesn't get that America is not a dictatorship nor will it ever be...period.

And so we come full circle back to Mitt Romney's remarks said earlier on debate day, words that sum up Donald Trump best, “Here's what I know: Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. He's playing members of the American public for suckers: He gets a free ride to the White House, and all we get is a lousy hat."

And to that I'll add that it's a lousy hat that says our beloved America is no longer great...but what's no longer great...what never was great....is Donald J. Trump and his Presidential Reality Show. And by the way, the Donald Trump Presidential Reality Show will not be attending CPAC...making being scared of a little girl now paling in comparison...just saying.

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Today, March 5th from 11am to 1pm EST, Right Side Patriots Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss Mitt Romney's recent remarks about Donald Trump, Trump's blind following 'Trumpers,' and Thursday's debate circus.

Tune in at: americanpbn.com

Op-ed:
Clearing Up the Pathway Debate
By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / Right Side Patriots on americanpbn.com/

The Republican candidates have discussed many issues during this ongoing primary season but none has been more contentious than the issue of immigration. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are at each others throats over who supported and didn't support what; Donald Trump talks about Mexico footing the bill for the very wall that will 'supposedly' keep Mexicans out of our country; and Jeb Bush (who recently dropped out of the race) said that those coming here illegally are doing so out of an act of love. But nothing is more contentious than the two pathways we hear so much about...one a 'Pathway to Citizenship' and the other a 'Pathway to Legal Status.'

A 'Pathway to Citizenship' whether some like it or not is a vastly different animal than a 'Pathway to Legal Status'...and both are different than what came to be known as 'blanket amnesty.' So now it's time for some truth, and let's start with 'blanket amnesty' and get that out of the way as no candidate running is now or has ever been for 'blanket amnesty.' And that includes Florida Senator Marco Rubio who constantly comes up against naysayers for his being part of the bi-partisan group known as the Gang of Eight...the very group who wrote the first draft of the 'Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013'...commonly called 'Comprehensive Immigration Reform' (CIR)...the very bill many erroneously believe would grant immediate amnesty to 11+ million people who crossed our borders illegally, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The Gang of Eight...four Democrat and four Republican senators*... had good intentions no matter what some say as they at least tried to 'fix' a system that was and still is broken...broken beyond merely saying that enforcing the laws currently on the books will fix it. The CIR bill as proposed basically called for citizenship for illegal aliens already in the U.S. contingent upon certain border security and visa tracking improvements; called for reducing current visa backlogs and fast tracking permanent residence for U.S. university immigrant graduates; wanted to expand and improve our current employment verification system; as well as wanting to improve work visa options for low-skilled workers.

And the truth is that Marco Rubio was indeed part of the Gang of Eight, but while the Democrats in the 'gang' wanted to grant all the illegals access to citizenship (hence the term 'blanket amnesty'), Rubio wanted the illegals...or what the politically correct love to call 'undocumented immigrants'...to have lived in the U.S. for five years with no arrests during that time period in order to be eligible. However, when Rubio saw that our border was not going to sealed first before any reform of our immigration laws took place...a touch point he insisted upon...he did the right thing and voted against the very bill he helped to co-author. And whether some like it or not that took courage to go against the very men he had worked so hard and so long with.

And into this discourse came Ted Cruz, who while slamming Rubio for his part in the Gang of Eight, must also take responsibility for his part in it as he proposed an amendment to the CIR bill that would have set in place a path to citizenship for those currently in this country illegally. And Cruz’s amendment would have left in place the bill’s provisions providing legal status for those here illegally. And while Ted Cruz is now making excuses for what he did, and is saying that the words spoken are not what he meant, the fact is he did what he did and said what he said...just like Rubio was part of the Gang of Eight.

But let me insert a word of recommendation here to both men...stop attacking each other! Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz have more similarities in policy than they do differences (and to see those similarities please refer to my Right Side Patriots partner and friend Craig Andresen's article at http://www.thenationalpatriot.com/2016/0...), and they need to focus their combined strength and political savvy to knock Trump out of the race. This always should have been a two man race not a media generated anointment of a Democrat now dressed in Republican clothing. And by the way...neither man supports 'blanket amnesty' nor amnesty...period.

Now as to the prime differences between a 'Pathway to Citizenship' and a 'Pathway to Legal Status'...which is what presidential candidate Marco Rubio is proposing. First, it must be understood that no matter what bloviator Donald Trump wants, 11+ million people will not be deported as the courts will (rightfully) never allow it. Second, the border must be sealed before any legal status is given to anyone; and third, it must be understood that the critical and all-important difference between citizenship and legal status is that only citizens can vote and serve on juries....legal residents cannot and will never be able to. In other words, no matter how many now illegals would eventually become legal residents...and know that they will no matter how and when the current laws are amended...their gaining legal status as residents in no way would give them the right to vote in any U.S. election nor does it give the Democratic voting rolls a boost simply because residents are not citizens.

And gaining citizenship would be no easy task in what Marco Rubio is proposing as the currently illegal person who would gain only legal resident status would have to wait a minimum of 10+ years before even beginning the process to apply for citizenship...as opposed to the current five year wait...coupled with their having to show good moral character; that they can speak, read, and write English; hold a job; and have committed no criminal offense. With that it must also be understood that granting legal resident status under the Rubio proposal will not give the illegal petitioner 'probationary legal status' during the time it would take to pass background checks...all they would get is a work permit...and most importantly they will under no conditions receive any federal benefits, and must pay a hefty fine for coming here illegally.

Also, remember that while under the existing law if you are illegally in the U.S. you are not prohibited from getting citizenship, you just have to go back to your home country to wait out the mandatory five years. Under Rubio's proposal if you want to stay here, you have to wait the 10+ years, and you have to be holding down a job during that time...meaning it would be cheaper, faster, and easier for them to just go back to their home countries to wait out the now 10+years than it will be to go through this long drawn out process. And people...that in no way is amnesty no matter what the naysayers claim.

And legal resident status as proposed by Rubio simply means that someone granted said resident status has the right to live and work in this country legally, and that they must pay any and all taxes as required by law as they do so. But most importantly, Rubio's 'Pathway to Legal Status' changes the current U.S. policy of legal resident's being able to petition for immediate family members to come here and receive permanent residence, which is a family-based system, changing it to a skills-based/merit-based system...in other words based upon the skills the petitioner has, what they can contribute to our economy, and most important of all, it helps to determine whether or not someone is coming here to become an American not just live in America, but to be an American.

A 'Pathway to Legal Status' is the right thing to do and most will realize that when they separate the anger from the realities that most here illegally...and I do know that their coming here illegally is a crime in and of itself...have become hard workers and just want to live their lives in this, the greatest nation the world has ever known. The fault of what we currently are facing is the sole property of the Obama administration not only because they do not enforce our current immigration laws, but also for their allowing illegal felons to get out of jail and meld back into the populace instead of deporting them all...with many now returning to commit more crimes, including murder, because Obama adamantly refuses to seal the border and allows for 'sanctuary cities' to continue to exist.

Also, we must accept the fact that part of the problems we currently face in regards to the illegal issue is because of partisan gridlock... gridlock which has prevented Congress from overhauling the immigration system, and like I said at the beginning of this article, simply enforcing the current laws won't to do it. And sadly what many refuse to see is that by doing common sense reform...as in a 'Pathway to Legal Status'...would bring the majority of hard-working illegals (those who do the jobs most Americans won't do) off the economic sidelines, and would according to many economists bring $1.5 trillion to the nation’s cumulative GDP over 10 years, and add close to $5 billion in additional tax revenue in just the next three years, amongst other positive things. That is a big plus.

And if background checks are done on all the illegals currently residing in our country before they gain legal resident status...and don't think for a minute that this administration doesn't know who they are or where they are...will then allow authorities to focus enforcement resources on the criminal elements and security threats and send them packing. And a 'Pathway to Legal Status' would expose unscrupulous employers who help bring illegals here and would allow them to be shut down.

But the bottom line remains that no matter the anger Trump has stirred up by his trying to lump all illegals into one pot, the fact is that 11+ million people will not be deported and the Trumpers best get over it. So isn't it better to do what benefits our country and especially our economy, and try to solve this issue with clear heads, and tangible and workable policies...I believe it is. And I surely hope that the next crop of primary voters realize just that and vote responsibly instead out of Trump initiated misplaced anger...anger that should be focused on Obama, Hillary, and the Democrats...which if one pays attention Trump doesn't do...as our country's very survival depends on the voters hopefully doing just that. 
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*The Gang of 8: Jeff Flake (R-A), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-AZ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard J. Durbin (D-IL),  Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY)