The Republic has it wrong: There is a First Friday this week
Despite this AZ Central front page this a.m., there's still a First Friday on Friday, just no shutdown of Roosevelt Street with the accompanying street vendors for the July and August events.
Besides the front-page graphic, the accompanying story muddles the issue too, particularly with the hedline, “Gathering won’t be held July, August as First Friday evolves.”
ArtLink page here:
7:24 AM
Jan Brewer doubles down on lying
The governor said last week that the majority of illegal immigrants were smuggling drugs.
In the face of the predictable outcry—even John McCain distanced himself from the statement over the weekend—Brewer could have acknowledged an overstatement and moved on.
Instead, she’s doubling down on the lie, getting shriller and making even less sense.
Her original quote:
“The majority of them, in my opinion and I think in the opinion of law enforcement, is that they’re not coming here to work. They’re coming here and they’re bringing drugs, and they’re doing drop houses, and they’re extorting people, and they’re terrorizing the families.”
Asked in an interview whether he agrees that most illegal immigrants are “drug mules,” the Republican senator said: “No.”
With the media continuing to press her on the statement, Brewer’s office released a slightly unhinged followup. From the PBJ:
“There has been some media attention in the last several hours regarding statements I made this morning regarding the level of drug and crime activity being perpetrated by illegal immigrants coming into and residing in Arizona,“ Brewer’s said in the statement. "The simple truth is that the majority of human smuggling in our state is under the direction of the drug cartels, which are by definition smuggling drugs.”
Notice how she’s blurring the issue from “illegal immigrants are smuggling drugs” to “they are being smuggled by drug cartels.”
The story continues:
“It is common knowledge that Mexican drug cartels have merged human smuggling with drug trafficking. For example, the Los Angeles Times on March 23, 2009, reported, ‘The business of smuggling humans across the Mexican border has been brisk, with many thousands coming across every year. But smugglers affiliated with the drug cartels have taken the enterprise to a new level — and made it more violent — by commandeering much of the operation from independent coyotes, according to these officials and recent congressional testimonies.’ This article and many federal government reports have drawn the same conclusions.
“The human rights violations that have taken place victimizing immigrants and their families are abhorrent. Border crossers are used by drug cartels as commodities. Mexican drug cartels have merged human smugglers who use their expertise in gathering intelligence on border patrols, logistics and communication devices to get around even tighter controls. U.S. border officials have stated that traffickers are gaining control of much of the illegal passage of immigrants from Mexico to the United States.”
As with so many debates in this state, the real issue here isn’t what it seems.
Of course Brewer is lying. She knows it’s not true that a majority of illegal immigrants are smuggling drugs. We know from numerous government reports that a big chunk of them are just people who’ve overstayed their visa, and we know that most of the rest are doing menial labor, a lot of it outside in incredible heat, just from simple observation.
The real issue is the state of politics in this state. Brewer’s campaign strategy is now apparent. She’s just going to repeat her mantra:
“Illegal immigration, illegal immigration, drugs, violence, illegal immigration, drugs, violence, illegal immigration, drugs, violence, illegal immigration, drugs, violence, child porn, tax cuts blah blah blah.”
And the question for the future of the state is whether Terry Goddard can come up with an effective enough campaign to combat it.
7:16 AM
Employer Sanctions laws to go before the Supreme Court
SB 1070 isn’t the only controversial immigration law in Arizona. When she was governor Janet Napolitano signed another controversial bill tied to immigration. That bill requires employers to verify the eligibility of prospective employees through a federal database called E-Verify and imposes sanctions on companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers.
While the law was upheld by the 9th Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge by the ACLU and Chamber of Commence beginning this fall. According to the Associated Press:
The Supreme Court is entering the nation’s charged debate over immigration, agreeing to hear a challenge from business and civil liberties groups to an Arizona law that cracks down on employers who hire undocumented workers.
[…]
The law is separate from the recently adopted Arizona immigration law that is intended to drive illegal immigrants out of Arizona and also is being challenged as unconstitutional.
In the case under high court review, the chamber and ACLU argued that Arizona and other states that have imposed similar laws are overstepping their authority. Only Congress, they said, may legislate about immigration.
The Obama administration weighed in last month on the side of the chamber and ACLU, also arguing that federal immigration law trumps state efforts. SB 1979 isn’t the only controversial immigration law in Arizona. While she was still governor Janet Napolitano signed another controversial bill tied to immigration. This bill requires employers to verify the eligibility of prospective employees through a federal database called E-Verify and imposes sanctions on companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers. While the law was upheld by the 9th Court of Appeals, the Supreme court has agreed to hear a challenger by the ACKU and Chamber of Commence beginning this fall.
According to the Associated Press:
The Supreme Court is entering the nation’s charged debate over immigration, agreeing to hear a challenge from business and civil liberties groups to an Arizona law that cracks down on employers who hire undocumented workers.
[…]
Find out more here.
10:42 AM
Arizonans send a message to Congress
Last weeks, Phxated.com mentioned an event called SOS Congress. The event took place yesterday (Sunday) morning. Despite the heat, over 200 people from diverse backgrounds stood shoulder to shoulder and spelled out SOS CONGRESS. This was a united effort to send a message to Congress that they need to step up to enact immigration reform.
11:01 AM
Arizona's Budget: From Bad to Worse
In the kerfuffle over Arizona’s immigration laws and protests, it has been easy to forget that the state remains is a desperate financial situation. Even with the recently approved sales tax increase, the state budget remains a mess.
In fact it appears that the state is in a worse situation that ever, given that the one time costs savings have been exhausted, most of the federal stimulus money has been dispensed, the easy cuts have been made and the budgetary gimmicks have run their course. Add the fact that the primary season is right around the corner, complete with it’s political grandstanding, and the situation looks dire. The state will find out just how bad when the new budget discussions begin on Thursday.
Mary Jo Pitzl gives an overview of the pending fiscal storm in today’s Republic:
…State analysts are projecting deficits that range from $368 million to $1.3 billion, even before the spending starts. The size of the deficit hinges on the outcome of two ballot measures in November and whether Congress approves another dose of stimulus dollars.
Last last week, budget analysts warned that more trouble could loom: The K-12 budget has a potential $130 million shortfall, though that won’t be certain until after enrollment counts are made for the new school year.
All of this points to another round of anguished debate at the state Capitol, as lawmakers and the governor will struggle to bring a budget they approved nearly four months ago back into balance.
“We are in very, very tough shape now,” said Rep. Rick Murphy, R-Peoria. “It’s going to be a rude awakening for voters who voted for the sales tax (increase), thinking it would get us over the hump.”
Last month, Arizona voters increased the state sales tax by 1 cent, to 6.5 cents on the dollar. It was sold as a bridge to help the state weather expected tough financial times through 2013. Although its supporters didn’t call it a cure-all, lawmakers such as Murphy believe that’s what many voters heard.
Budget forecasts show that, even with the expected $1 billion a year from the sales tax, Arizona is poised to start the 2010-11 fiscal year with a $368 million deficit.
The deficit would burrow deeper – by nearly a half-billion dollars- if voters reject ballot measures in November that seek to redirect spending from two voter-approved measures.
[…]
If the money doesn’t materialize, the deficit could swell to more than $1.3 billion.
Read the whole article here
2:48 PM
McCain and Hayworth will debate!
To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, the two public faceoffs will be the most buffoonish concentration of Arizonicus fucktardicus ever—with the possible exception of when Ev Mecham dined alone.
According to the Republic:
The first debate will air on KTVK channel 3 in Phoenix at 7 p.m. on July 16.
The second will air on KUAT channel 6 in Tucson at 7 p.m. on July 17.
4:22 PM
Census ranks Arizona 49 in education spending
The implications of missing the state budget go beyond Arizona’s borders. Ability to compete nationally in attracting business investment is directly linked to providing a well educated work force. Is Arizona taking the necessary steps to create a pro-business environment? Anything but. According to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona ranks 49, near dead-last in education spending among states. From the Phoenix Business Journal:
Arizona spends less per pupil on education than almost any other state, according to a report issued Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Arizona’s public elementary and secondary schools spent $7,608 per pupil in 2007-08, which was only 74 percent of the national average of $10,259 per pupil.
[…]
The new figures are contained in “Public Education Finances: 2008,” a Census Bureau report that provides data on revenues, expenditures, debt and assets of elementary and secondary public school systems.
“This report on public school spending shows us how taxpayer money is being spent on education,” said Lisa Blumerman, chief of the bureau’s Governments Division. “Public education is the single largest category of all state and local government expenditures. These data provide a detailed picture of how available resources are spent within the public education system.
Read the entire article here.
To see a breakdown of spending state by state, go here.
Previously in PHXated:
Arizona’s Budget: From Bad to Worse
4:51 PM
PHXations—Monday, June 28, 2010
File this gift under “you shouldn’t have”:
Happy 100th, Arizona … What to get the state that turns 100? In the case of Arizona’s pending centennial in 2012, it appears the perfect gift is … an elevator. Seriously.
The Arizona Capitol Centennial Committee updated lawmakers last week on progress toward the 2012 centennial. John Driggs, the committee chairman, said plans to upgrade the circa-1901 elevator in the original Capitol building have been approved. clear pixel
And although fundraising is slow, Driggs said it looks like the upgraded elevator will be in place by the time the 100th birthday rolls around on Feb. 14, 2012.
It’s a key part of the first phase of renovating the original sandstone Capitol building. Driggs said the hope is the first phase also will include upgrading office space in the building to Class A standards, with the goal of moving some legislative offices and meeting rooms into the building.
Driggs assured lawmakers that all of the improvements will be paid for through private fundraising.
The Phoenix Business Journal is reporting that the list of musicians and other acts boycotting Arizona continues to grow:
Comedian Chris Rock, hard-edge rockers Nine Inch Nails and alternative pop band Maroon Five have joined the list of artists boycotting Arizona over its new immigration law.
The three were added to the list of boycotting artists compiled by a group called the Sound Strike (www.thesoundstrike.net).
Vocalist Ben Harper and alternative band Throwing Muses also joined the Arizona boycott. Sound Strike was formed in May by Rage Against the Machine singer Zack de la Rocha in protest of Arizona’s immigration law, which gives police more authority to question detain suspected illegal immigrants.
Cypress Hill, Kanye West and Rise Against already previously announced boycotts. Critics of the law say it unfairly targets Hispanics. Supporters, including Gov. Jan Brewer, say it will help police combat Mexican drug cartels and smugglers.
7:47 PM
EaterAZ spanks Noca
The local food blog likes the Arcadia restaurant helmed by Eliot Wexler:
On a regular visit, diners leave Noca with a check average of $40+ and that is by no means a lavish meal, but definitely worth the money spent. Noca generally has good service, top notch comfort food in a fine dining environment, and of course the affable Wexler keenly and shrewdly working the floor. Wexler has made an art out of giving just the right amount of attention to the right people, ensuring their loyalty.
But it doesn’t like a new gambit the place has embarked on. “Sunday Simple Suppers” is supposed to get you three courses for $35:
It was just two small/medium-sized pieces of fried chicken on a bed of potato salad—ZZZ… And therein lies the rub (or not enough in their case). No biscuit and honey (as advertised). No special somethin’-somethin’ goin’ on with the chicken. No item on the plate that seemed to justify a (we’re figuring) $18 or $19 entree price.
[A chef like Daniel] Boulud, worth it or not, creates an experience in your mouth in a dish that is not likely easily found elsewhere. Noca’s could easily have been found at KFC for about 80% less cost. […] In fact, it seemed odd that after actually spending double than the advertised $35 menu price (we had two drinks, plus tip and tax) that we should still be hungry–a common complaint we later heard from other diners that night.
EaterAZ is here.
NOca’s Sunday Simple Supper menu is here.
8:55 PM
National Review endorses McCain, tepidly
The leading doctrinaire conservative magazine can’t muster up enough enthusiasm for Hayworth to overcome its long-standing distrust of McCain.
In the endorsement of the incumbent in the GOP primary, there’s a palpable sense of wistfulness that his challenger wasn’t a little stronger:
Hayworth is, to say the least, not obviously a more exemplary statesman than McCain. On one of the most pressing issues of the day — the need to control federal spending — McCain has had the better record. That Hayworth appeared in infomercials to tell people how to get “free money” from the government underscores the point rather emphatically.
If McCain had a different challenger, we might think differently. But, taken together, these considerations move us to suggest that Arizona Republicans nominate Senator McCain.
Hayworth is a buffoon, of course, but McCain has done dozens of worse things than Hayworth’s infomercial.
The endorsement is already drawing fire from right-0wingers.
9:16 PM
"Conservative Christian and a Pretty Fair Shot"
From Talking Points Memo:
Not sure what else to say beside this House candidate down in Arizona is running an ad with a mix of politics as gunfight metaphors and a bunch of footage of her firing machine guns and other weapons. Good times.
[…]
Pamela Gorman (GOP) is running for Congress in Arizona’s 3rd district, and wants you to know that her policies are “always right on target.” But how to show that in an ad? With a montage of Gorman firing different kinds of guns, of course!
Damn, this is a fun place.
10:18 PM
Templar, Arizona
Thought you might want to visit an alternative Arizona occasionally. From the “Templar, Arizona” alt-history comics website featuring the panel above:
Templar, Arizona is a story about a town that doesn’t exist, and the people who live there. I alternately describe it as speculative fiction, an alternate timeline, and an alternate history.
This isn’t the Arizona you’re probably thinking of. This is a different Arizona. This is a slightly irregular Arizona that fell off the back of a truck somewhere, and now all the power outlets are a weird shape and a couple of wars never happened.
Templar’s populated with junkies, fuck-ups, pretty girls, millionaires, hockey teams, weird religions, dumb subcultures, and people in love. So it’s a lot like the cities you might already be familiar with, except the air there gives you Miner’s Lung and nobody has a cell phone.
[…]
This is a long-format comic with an ongoing storyline. It’ll make the most sense if you read it from the beginning. Click here to start with page one.
The comics home website is templaraz.com.
6:52 AM