Rep. Barbara Lee speaks for Me!

This is a very popular bumper sticker in the Bay Area.

As you may know, in September 2001, US Representative Barbara Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against giving the President the power to go to war.

First, our nation is in grieving, we're all mourning, we're angry; there are a range of emotions taking place. Myself personally, I am also grieving and I believe fully and firmly that the Congress of the United States is the only legislative body that can say, "Let's pause for a moment...and let's look at using some restraint before we rush to action." Because military action can lead to an escalation and spiral out of control. So, why I voted no, was one, the president already has the authority to execute a military action. He doesn't need Congress; under the War Powers Act he has that authority. But Congress is the people's house, and the Congress is responsible for providing checks and balances, and you cannot just allow the administration to run ahead with a strategy without reporting back and without having some oversight.

Barbara Lee opposed HR 4437 when it was in the House in December 2005:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this un-American attempt at so-called immigration reform.   At best, this legislation is unbalanced, harsh and unfair.

This bill criminalizes millions of hard-working people, simply for being undocumented.

It would turn local law enforcement into deputies of the Border Patrol, and innocent people will be needlessly scrutinized and jailed, and I can only imagine how this irresponsible provision will affect racial profiling of Latinos and other minorities.

This bill also ignores due process and would expand the government’s ability to keep non-citizens locked up behind bars if they cannot be deported to their native countries.  Jailed immigrants will lose their ability to appeal a deportation order.

Mr. Speaker, these are only a few reasons why this bill makes no sense for America.   

Let’s address the real issues of immigration reform that include a clear path to citizenship and common-sense protections for our borders.

We cannot and must not forget the undeniable history that we have as a nation of immigrants, and the contributions immigrants have had on our economy, our diversity, and our way of life.

This bill flies in the face of that history and should be rejected.

Why am I telling you this today? Well usually I’m kvetching about Dianne, whom I’m always writing letters telling her she’s wrong.

Today I got an email from Barbara Lee, updating me on the stands she’s taken. And it just made me happy. Gave me hope.