Skip wrote on Jan 7, 2007 8:34 PM:We are on a roll now! Two California health care stories back to back. I GOT NEWS FOR YOU PEOPLE ; THE DEMOCRATIC BACKED AMNESTY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

Reardon wrote on Jan 7, 2007 8:53 PM:Come one, come all...in all the languages of the world.

Ray wrote on Jan 7, 2007 8:54 PM:We just keep paying for Mexico and it's problems. Time to move.

LT wrote on Jan 7, 2007 8:58 PM:"I sleep better at night knowing that all children have been afforde the opportunity for immunization...", says Ross. The funny thing is the mere idea that some illegal immigrant kids receiving basic care keeps bigots up all night. These are the same guys that call themselves Christians.

You have got to be kidding me! wrote on Jan 7, 2007 9:02 PM:Let's remember the operative word-illegal! Why would we reward them for sneaking into our country? In a recent story stating San Diego paid $22 million for the birth of children to illegal aliens in 2004, an illegal mother coming out of a clinic said that she was frustrated that we weren't footing her $35 bill for her toddler's checkup. You have got to be kidding me! Their sense of entitlement stuns me! She said since she paid sales tax the visit should be free. We pay $800 a month for our insurance which is a hardship and they want it for free. I say if Mexico will return the insurance /healthcare favor, then and only then, should we even think about it! The Ca endowment already helps fund illegals healthcare. They provide medical care and health screenings including HIV and TB testing to the illegals in McGonigle through North County Health Services. They also hand out condoms which are used with the underage prostitutes that are sold in the canyon.

Arnold is really a good democrat wrote on Jan 7, 2007 9:08 PM:I like Arnold. It really doesn't matter if the children are here illegally. We have to protect them. God bless this good Christian.

Whynotpaymore wrote on Jan 7, 2007 9:29 PM:I'm all for paying more taxes to help illegal immigrants. Help them get on a bus and get the hell out of this country.

Zack wrote on Jan 7, 2007 10:10 PM:Arnold caves into the demands of the wacked out liberal California legislature (NOT representative of the average California voter). It seems now we will continue to be forced to subsidize free loading Mexicans and their kids. Since the political disaster with the recent Mexican elections, more of these freeloaders will come up and get a free ride and abuse the finances of our great state, not to mention crime, etc,. Arnold, I voted for you, but now I am ashamed of you. Why are you afraid of upholding the basic premise of the Constitution...the Will Of The People?

NoNoNo wrote on Jan 7, 2007 10:43 PM:Why do we always have to cover illegal immigrant cost?

American Citizen and voter wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:29 AM:Yes I knew I voted for the right man. Finally we have an elected representative who understands, respects, and upholds the Constitution of these Great United States. I know I voted for the right person who will do the right thing.

Okay All You God-Fearing Christians wrote on Jan 8, 2007 4:06 AM:Time to rise up in armed opposition to the Terminators act of compassion. Yes, I know, helping out your fellow man is "the end of the free world"

John wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:04 AM:Arnold have you lost your mind?Must have been the anestetic used on his leg surgery.

How many more benefits to illegal immigrants wrote on Jan 8, 2007 6:33 AM:In 2004 40% of the Medi-Cal births were to illegal immigrants. Now our governor wants us to pay for illegal immigrant children's health care. Illegal Immigrants aren't even suppose to be in this country so why are we giving them benefits. What benefits are taxpayers going to pay for next? Construction is slowing due to a slow turnover in real estate sales. Who's going to get the construction jobs, Citizens or cash under the table illegal immigrants? I've already written to our governor telling him that we should not be giving benefits to people that are in this country illegally. Legal immigration in controlled numbers helps keep this country great. Our immigration laws need to be enforced and our borders secured for many many reasons.

Great wrote on Jan 8, 2007 6:49 AM:Kids should always come first no matter what.

Gary wrote on Jan 8, 2007 6:58 AM:This story has broke all over Mexico by now. This is just one more message that America is not serious about enforcing their Immigration laws. How many feel-good stories have you read about illegal Aliens who are getting massive amounts of free medical or social services, and then saying "We don't have this in my country". Well the gravey train is rolling so come on down!

Neese wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:01 AM:This is a tough one. I am angry at Arnold for caving in , but he is probably worried about an epidemic with all of these diseases being brought into our country. If anybody thinks that things are out of hand now, wait ten or twenty years, we are going to see some real trouble.

Ingrid wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:05 AM:For the Ultimate California Anchor baby Story just " GOOGLE" the following "6 + 4 = 1 Tenuous Existence"

Mimi wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:11 AM:OK! Now Americans need a passport to enter back into the USA if they travel to Canada or Mexico but people entering our country illegally are rewarded with health care for their children and citizenship for the children illegal's produce here. On the other hand I think, if they have their immunizations maybe we won't have epidemics or a large amount of death because we would pay for that also. BUT...if officals know they are illegal couldn't we just give them a shot and send them on home.

Not Fair wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:36 AM:I make $65,000 a year. An illegal immigrant arriving yesterday gets more benefits from my government than I do!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:49 AM:This is just great, as if we had enough incentives for MEXICANS jump the border for the land of "milk and honey" and all the freebees. I voted for Arnold, but more and more I'm seeing he's actually a Democrat in disguise. This latest development is going to cost us taxpayers dearly. It's time we send the governator a message that his 'free medical care' package is not a good idea and is not in the best interest of California's taxpaying US CITIZENS.

Cindy wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:02 AM:A friend of mine had to go to the emergency room at xxxx xxxx Hospital when her son developed a high fever and rash. What she told me about her experience gave me the chills. My friend had to sit for 7 hours before her child was seen. Her son was then admitted to the hospital with a condition where his immune system was attacking good cells. There is a name for it, but I can't remember what she called it. Anyway, after 3 days in the hospital, he is going to be okay, but now she is concerened about his possible exposure to Whooping Cough. My friend told me that the emergency room was full of illegal Mexicans and their children. Many of them could not speak English. She said that one of the children had the strangest cough she had ever heard. A nurse told her that the child had Whooping Cough. My friend was absolutely devastated when she heard this. She and her son were now exposed to a disease that was once almost unheard of in America. Our hospitals have become a breeding ground for diseases that are coming across our border. The illegals are not only killing our way of life, they are going to kill us with disease. This is a nightmare that is becoming a terrible reality.

Come One, Come All FREEBIES at the Expense of Stupid Americans wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:12 AM:And why would we want to pay for illegal's childrens health care when we can't pay for our working poor, mentally ill, homeless and elderly? As if we aren't footing their bills already for social services and education while they send billions back to Mexico? That dog don't hunt in my neck of the woods!

Hey Bob Ross wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:23 AM:I'll sleep better at night knowing all the illegals have been kicked out of the USA, back to mexico where they belong. Why not spend the tax dollars being wasted on health care for illegals on beefing up the Border Patrol? That's "more wisely" spent!

It is time for another RECALL. wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:30 AM:I am sick to death of these politicians forcing US to pay for illegal immigrants.

Mike America wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:30 AM:The joke's on us folks. Schwarzenegger is the Mancherian cadidate. He's gonna make Grey Davis look like a fiscal conservative Minuteman by the time he's gone.

Ron wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:38 AM:I don't know what kind of drugs the doctor's have Schwarzenegger on, but he is obviously out-of-his-mind! You do the math: (his last year's budget) "...left a deficit of over $5 billion." We have another year of structural deficit, and their going to add more spending? Now, I can put my healthcare premiums on my credit card too, but eventually I gotta pay off the card! And finally... their estimates on health care costs: "...estimates that the governor's proposal would cost $300 million to $400 million a year." Now when was the last time a Government "estimate" was even close to being accurate? Try $600-800 million as a starting point. We can't afford this, and the flow from Mexico is going to double.

USA Citizen wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:38 AM:I think that all Illegals should not have any type of benifit. We pay and they get it free. THIS IS STUPID.

Concerned wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:53 AM:Well, they've already ruined our education system. The healthcare system is in dire straights. Sections of every Southern California city have turned into little Tijuanas. Life as we knew it in California is slowly slipping away. And most of you are saying "Ole!"

Catbone wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:57 AM:This is disastrous indeed for the taxpayers. Let the aliens seek treatment in Mexico. Our taxes are for the needs of Americans, not for those in this country illegaly! Ship 'em back!

Another step towards encouraging people to ignore the law? wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:57 AM:If illegal immigrants could get free health care for their kids, then health care should also be made free for the children of legal U.S. citizens. I'm against encouraging illegal immigration or any other crime, but at the same time want to protect the children as it's not their fault that their parents choose to break the laws of our country.

Jeff wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:26 AM:If the Republicans were smart they would insist that the health coverage of illegal immigrant children be done and funded through a separate program. That way the radical immigration agenda of the Democrats and the media to obscure the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants would be made clear to voters. And since they wouldn't be denying coverage for any child, they couldn't be accused of being heartless. This would probably align well with the sentiments of the majority of the state's voters. How will the existing 22 county insurance programs that are mostly for illegal immigrant interact with the new entitlement being proposed? Won't the children covered by those be shifted into the state program?

fedup wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:33 AM:Arnold has lost his brains! Why in the heck should any ILLEGAL get taxpayer funding for anything? Nope, no way, no how........

bryan wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:37 AM:Hold your ground Plescia. Your up against a strong democrat governor.

Need to see the numbers wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:40 AM:I would need to see the cost breakdown of providing health insurance to illegals vs paying for their emergency room care. I really believe that the Federal government should be charged for this expense, as the whole border situation is their responsibility. I'm also having a really hard time accepting this when our 19 year old son, who is a US citizen who pays his state and Federal taxes, has no employer-provided health care coverage. He must pay for his own health insurance, and does not even get a tax break (as a business would) for doing so.Under this proposed plan, if our son was an illegal 17 year old, he could get free health insurance! This just is not right! Shouldn't our own citizens come first?

The California Titanic wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:47 AM:This state is on its way to fiscal suicide. The polititians are like the Titanic's designers who say "She'll never sink!" The reality is there aren't enough lifeboats for the taxpayers and any lifeboats there are are rewarded to any illegal woman or child. Everyone knows how the story ends.

Robin wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:57 AM:This plan is wrong!!!! If we are going to give free medical to anyone it whould be legal citizens BEFORE the illegal aliens. Anyone that doesn't think this will add to the invasion is CA is not thinking.

TonyD wrote on Jan 8, 2007 10:42 AM:As a Democrat, I think expanding affordable healthcare to children in families that are part of the working poor is absolutely welcome regardless of who touts this, Schwarzenneger, Perata or whomever. As a "moderate" Democrat, I would hope that Schwarzenneger or Perata come to a workable comprise on whether or not to extend affordable healthcare to children whose working poor parents are illegal aliens. One idea: expand healthcare to all children a la Schwarzenneger-Perata, and leave it up to counties to determine if they want to allow illgal alien children to access the program. Maybe in LA or the San Francisco Bay Area, letting illegal alien children access the expanded healthcare program is not a big deal, whereas in Ventura County or other place, it is.

no name wrote on Jan 8, 2007 10:45 AM:I agree with everyone that says this is wrong. However, if I could suggest something. Not only should we voice our opinion here on NCT, but email the Arnie too. I am sure he is not sitting in his office reading the NCT. He needs to hear our voices too.

We all need our Health wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:04 AM:Have you all lost your minds? How many children need to die for you to see that this is the RIGHT way? There is a reason why there is no more Measles, mumps, small pox etc... Legal or not, if 1/4 of the children in public schools do not go to a Doctor then EVERYONE will be sick.

Way To Go wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:17 AM:Isn't it convenient that this issue comes up after Arnold has been re-elected and sworn into office! Being a good politician he didn't dare whisper a word of having such plans prior to last year's election. Hope that all of you that feel that it is wrong to even consider providing illegals one cent of support keep this in mind when it comes time to vote again.

Randy wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:25 AM:The cost of the program may be covered by reducing the cost of general welfare.

Discover wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:33 AM:If this will be used as a method to discover and deport more illegal aliens then it is a good plan. They should also use the schools as points to discover illegals for deportation. What we all really need is a low cost national health insurance plan.

To fedup wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:39 AM:It's because of the 14th amendment, we must repeal it. In the meantime nobody should pay medical bills for their kids, I heard they can't charge interest on delinquent medical bills so if you decide to pay later, you'll have saved money after adjustment for inflation.

The US-Mexico Social Security Totalization Agreement wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:43 AM:The Totalization Agreement will allow millions of illegal Mexican workers to collect billions of Social Security dollars, whether they are living in the US or living in Mexico. Mind you these Social Security benefits for earnings will be paid under fraudulent or "non-work authorized" Social Security numbers.

Angela wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:45 AM:I was wrong when I wrote about another article "We are being invaded and our government is doing nothing". I could not have been more wrong. Our government is encouraging the invasion with open arms. The question is - how long can Californias continue to fund this crap? Many of us are ready to leave...

bvv wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:47 AM:I wonder how many of those posting comments on this story have called the Gov's office to register your opinion? Go online for contact numbers in San Diego or Sacramento. I sending an e-mail put your opinion [NO, YES on meds for illegals]on the subject line, as busy staffers don't read every message.

Frustrated in CA wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:48 AM:Apparently American Citizens want a fast track for Illegal aliens to become citizens. American citizens want to share their country with criminals who broke all the rules. In fact the longer the Illegal alien has successfully broken tour laws the easier it will be for him to become a citizen. How do I know that? Because that is what Senator McCain and Senator Kennedy said, and their polls reflect this.

Ingrid wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:49 AM:I'll bet Edward enjoyed writing this story. It won't be long now before we are called El Mexico Norte de California.

Pedro wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:52 AM:We're taking back California bit by bit. We are over coming you, just relax, it won't hurt that bad.

Adam wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:52 AM:In a sense this is probably a good plan as the Illegals are reintroducing Tuberculosis, measles, mumps, leprosy, and whooping cough to name a few. We at least have to try to protect the American public.

Steven wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:59 AM:Californians and everyone else nationwide will adopt the "let's not step on anyone's toes" attitude and this problem will spread. It will not get better, no matter what we do. It's all about re-election. I just moved to the west slope over here in Colorado and discovered that the problem beat my move. Construction is abundant and now the cheap labor is as well. It's pathetic and heartbreaking. Maybe once the gangbangers start tagging trees and using deer for target practice, the locals over here will understand what kind of mess is in store.

David wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:11 PM:It is in our best interest to provide immunizations to the children of illegal immigrants. Apparently their own countries do not desire to take care of their own citizens so it would be a very big step toward ensuring that legal United States citizens are not infected with TB and the various other diseases that these people bring in from their countries of origin. However, it is not the responsibility of the California tax payer to foot the bill for it. If these people are not capable of paying for their own vaccinations like the California taxpayer must then we need to send the bill to their country of origin for payment. Now, everyone knows that Mexico and the other host countries do not have any respect for their own people or possess a principle of honor to fund the programs within the United States to care for their own people. If they did, they would at least provide a source of revenue for medical and education benefits their people are using. But, we are talking about Mexico and we all know what a useless, third world abomination it is. Therefore if the California leadership feels that we need to continue to provide these services to the illegal immigrants then we need to increase the import and export taxes on all products going into and out of these countries to pay for it or the United States needs to cut off foreign aid to these countries to an amount equal to the expenditures that the United States taxpayer is having to provide for the services these people use. It is time for California and the United States as a whole to start worrying about the legal United States citizens and holding these foreign nations accountable for their illegal immigrants.

Perplexed? wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:11 PM:I "Googled" California health care, and found a couple dozen stories relating to Arnold's new health plan. Only one media outlet had the word's "Illegal Aliens" (illegal immigrant) in the Title. Hmmm I wonder who could have wrote that story.

Skip wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:13 PM:I sent my letter to Arnold yesterday, just as I have every week for the last year. I did not vote for hism this time either.

jay wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:26 PM:This is total bull **** !! Ok I am a hard working Real American and a veteran yet I have no Health coverage and if I do get it I will pay thru the nose for it! I am ready to hit the streets and protest this garbage ! Real americans deserve heatlth care not illegals!! No matter what the age!

Roberto wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:29 PM:To TonyD - As a United States citizen it is a big deal to me regardless of where. These people are criminals an do not have a right to health care, education or anything else at my expense. They have their own countries that they are so proud of (and so quick to leave). Let them pay for it.

Un Freakin Believeable..... wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:29 PM:I can't believe some of the comments people are leaving regarding "christianity" and that our governor is a good Christian by providing health care to families who break the law to begin with. UM HELLO??!! Wait a minute here. Where is the "christianity" in that? One of the 10 commandments is "Thou Shall Not Steal". Well, if these illegals are NOT stealing from us by sneaking into our country and 'stealing' health care benefits that should be provided to hard working Californian's, then what are they doing?! Bottom line is this: ALL YOU ILLEGALS OUT THERE--QUIT BEING LAZY, GET YOUR BUTT INTO THE PROCESS AND BECOME LEGAL IF YOU WANT TO BE HERE!!! OTHERWISE, GET OUT OF THE USA!!!

Pedro wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:31 PM:you and the other "Mexicans" don't have anything to do with it. This is a self inflicted wound caused by Democrats, liberals, corporate America, and the left. The United States will fail because of our own stupidity not because of some ethnic group.

LLD wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:35 PM:I agree with No Name. Everyone against this health reform really needs to voice their opinion to the governor by e-mail @ gov.ca.gov. What doesn't Arnold Schwarzenegger understand about the word "ILLEGAL"?

Davie wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:36 PM:Does anyone ever wonder why Los Angeles have the most Gang Problems of any city in the United States?

What? wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:38 PM:Who elected this guy again? If Gray Davis had suggested this he would have been removed so fast. So can you tell me why Arnie gets away with this crap? George and Mark, please fight the good fight. We legal U.S. citizens need you now more than ever. I bet Fabio and his crew are loving this. Hey Bob Ross, you should be fired.

Politcal Wizard wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:38 PM:Since Bush/Pelosi plan on granting amnesty, Arnold & California would need to pay for this anyway!

Ridgerunner wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:42 PM:I am a Vietnam era veteran with a bachelor’s degree from a prominent eastern university. I was forced into bankruptcy after ending up in Palomar with an acute illness contracted while I was without medical insurance. I also lost my home. Do not come to me telling me my taxes are going for free healthcare for illegals, until Governor Schwarzenegger restores my credit rating and my home, and so I don't need to work seven days a week for my family to survive, paying rent that is more than my mortgage was. Perhaps all of the fortunate ones with disposable income can choose to contribute to a special private fund for illegal alien health insurance. I wonder how far their compassion would take such a program.

Dominos wrote on Jan 8, 2007 12:58 PM:Now that California has fallen to La Raza, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas are next.

IGNORANT PEOPLE wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:01 PM:Children are children whether they are illegal or not! And if you people think that removing all illegal immigrants from the United States is going to solve something you have another thing coming to you! I would love to see someone other than a Mexican out in the field picking fruit! I can guarantee that non of you would be willing to work out in the field for a day! I can also guarantee that non of you know someone who would pick fruit to make a living. So why dont you just grow up and realize that Hispanics do make a great contribution to the United States. Another thing Hispancs are NOT the only illegal immigrants!!!!!!!!So lets be a little more educated!!!!

Arnold wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:03 PM:You have 2 choices my man, Global Warming will kill us all and the Bankruptcy of California Hospitals will kill us. Me I would rather go the faster way, Bankrupt the hospitals!

esteban wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:08 PM:Americans...we have lost. Repeat with me...come on, you all know my prediction...the USA will CEASE to exist in 50 years.

I went to the ER wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:08 PM:told them I was not of this country and had no id, you got it, I got free medical services. Everybody should do it, they can't ask your nationality, then can't ask if your are a citizen, Bankrupty the hospitals!!!!

If Mexico is so great why do they come here? wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:11 PM:Answer me that Pedro?

One of Many wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:25 PM:My January health care bill, which I pay fully for myself and my 2 children, basically said, "Happy Birthday and here is a 30% increase in your premium." The bulk of the letter might as well have said blah-blah-blah with the justifications some Vice-President cited for the increase. Why do I think that this company's executives didn't take a commensurate pay decrease before passing these costs along to consumers who have literally no alternative?? As I was drafting an incisive response letter in my head, I wondered if they would blackball my and my children. Question: Since we all are born, live, face illness and eventually die, how long until we as a country use our best and brightest minds to set a program for universal health care? Charges of socialism are too facile a response, and I guess, come from people who think they have the economic means to meet their own needs. But spiraling health care costs might change their minds in a few decades. And in the meantime, the vast majority of legal, hardworking Americans are left to a future of rather bleak and worsening choices for late-life and end-of-life care. My beef is that ONLY when we count all citizens, and when we put ALL costs (fair pay to professionals, current medications, progressing technology)on the table, can we come up with a fair system. Why do we settle for anything less than the very best care for everyone??

bvv wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:31 PM:If this gets passed into law, then all of us should find out what paper work is required to access the free healthcare and take our own children in for that care - refuse to give full name [variation of illegals refusing because the authorities might deport them - "I refuse to give correct name and ID because I fear you will come after me to pay for the care" You can't refuse healthcare to my child because all CA children will get free care."] And BTW - tell the Gov. what you plan to do, when you call in to tell your opinion. see govDOTcaDOTgov for contact info

Concerned wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:32 PM:Ignorant People? Sometimes I can't believe what I read on these strings. The good thing is 95 percent of us are on the same page. Forget about the Pedros, and Vivas and Reubans etc, the rest of us can make a difference. Write our elected officials. I just dropped Arnold an email, and I'll do the same for Diane, Barbara, and Darryl. And I'll just keep hammering until they get the message. The normal, tax-paying Americans of all faiths and creeds are fed up with illegal immigration! As far as "ignorant people" are concerned, you speak for yourself my friend.

To : IGNORANT PEOPLE wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:43 PM:There is no doubt that Hispanics do contribute. Problem is that there are millions and millions of Illegal Aliens flooding our borders. I am pretty sure that we have filled our quotas on Field workers and leaf blowers for the next few years. Since you mentioned Ag workers; it is now a known fact that Illegal Aliens are passing up these jobs for higher paying jobs in the cities. It is really sad that America seems to be so dependent on an Illiterate slave labor class of labor, and I do not feel that is something to brag about, or to receive special treatments. In California Illegal Aliens are well over 50% from Mexico, and another 24% are from South America, so you see Mexicans do make up the majority. The next biggest group of Illegals after the Hispanics is the Chinese. They are very quiet and unassuming because they know that if they ever get deported; It is a one-way ride for life.

Adam wrote on Jan 8, 2007 1:48 PM:IN A SENSE THIS IS PROBABLY A GOOD PLAN AS THE ILLEGALS ARE REINTRODUCING TUBERCULOSIS, MEASLES, MUMPS, LEPROSY, AND WHOOPING COUGH TO NAME A FEW. WE AT LEAST HAVE TO TRY TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.

To LT wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:00 PM:It has nothing to do with christians, brother. It has to do with the Democratic individual who somehow has put a gun to Schwarzenegger to make him implement this insidious proposal. We have to take a stand, we have to write to him and we must convince him not to make this happen. As one person commented here, California is slipping daily into the illegal mexicans hands, and many here are just sitting back snoozing away. We have to turn our anger toward stoping this, not just talk about it, yes it is good to comment on it, but we must act, now !! For the sake of our sanity, our freedom, and the american citizen way. Let's get to work ! ! !

confused wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:02 PM:I just do not understand how, these illegal immigrants, do not qualify for unemployment or any employment benefits, yet can get welfare and medical aid. My husband and I both have jobs, yet cannot afford the health care offered by our employers. I tried to apply for medical coverage and was told I had a share of cost of $700.00 per month in order for medical to help me. If I were to quit my job then we would qualify for a no share of cost medical. Where is the logic in this? If I quit my job how am I to help sustain my family. I pay taxes and wish that my tax dollars would assist me and other tax paying citizens. Not the ones coming here for a free ride. They get jobs, yeah, they get paid under the table and don't pay taxes. Someone explain this to me, PLEASE!!!!!

Laura wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:05 PM:What part of illegal does everyone not understand? Illegal is illegal and they don't deserve any of the benefits the we Americans earned! Come into the United States legally,pay all the taxes, insurance and such we have to pay and then we can talk!

Heart4US wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:07 PM:Arnold Schwarzenegger is the biggest disappointment in years to fill the seat of Governor of California. However, it fits right into the plan of a corrupt U.S. Federal government that is in the process of creating the NAU (North American Union) by which the United States of America will be reduced to occupying the center section of the continent called NAU, and we will all be known as North Americanists! "We," meaning the Canadians, the Mexicans and us! Woooo-hoooo! We topped the ridge, and now we are on a break-neck trip to the bottom. Just think of it...no more middle-class blues! We will all be as one. Except, of course for the very rich. The plan is working, America! Because so many have stood idly by and ignored all the signs, you now will be less than the nobodies you already were to the government...and you'll get to work side-by-side with the former illegal aliens you ignored for all those years! Ain't life grand?

Let Them Eat Cake wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:12 PM:Give illegal aliens the insurance for their children. We,re already funding their education. It can be paid by a special tax on money that is wired to Mexico, and Central and South America.That should just about cover the cost and set up reserves for the millions more who will come for the free handouts from our government.

IGNORANT PEOPLE wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:18 PM:Although I am of Hispanic culture I would still love to see all the illegal aliens deported just so I can watch all if you ignorant racist people squirm. Id love to see you white people put a black man out in the field to pick fruit..!!!!!!!!!

Protection for all wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:39 PM:This has everything to do with protecting our legal children from diseases that might not be taken care of otherwise. Thank goodness Arnold is using common sense instead of caving into the emotional hysteria.

Ric wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:40 PM:Illegal Aliens Already receive Free Medical Care. Arnold said he "would not raise taxes and would narrow the state's estimated $5.3 billion spending gap". This plan will have the "Ears" of many, including mine. I'm a Republican. My Medical Plan and costs for myself and my Wife are a major portion of the income of many Californians. Like most Republican's, it will take a solid plan to convince that including Illegal Aliens is a wise choice for our Tax Money. A recent article discussed the Massive Expendatures for the Health Care of Illegal Aliens in California. I'm moving toward Health Care for Legal State Residents, though.

To Those Afraid of Illegals wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:40 PM:And are ready to move? I wish you would.

Definition wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:47 PM:If "racist" is defined as someone that is fed up with supporting people that break laws or that can't\won't fend for themselves then I guess that's me.

IMPEACHMENT TIME! wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:55 PM:Didn't Grey Davis get impeached for much less? To steal a line from a movie Arnie "GET OUT!!!"

Really Confused wrote on Jan 8, 2007 2:58 PM:We cannot even get insurance for my granddaughter in the state of California. She was dropped from Healthy Families because my daughter did not make enough money and MediCal does not return phone calls or send the right insurance. We have been going around in circles for over a year with these and now the Governer wants to give insurance to illegal immigrant children. This is not right!

Changing my name wrote on Jan 8, 2007 3:30 PM:Okay enough is enough, my family name is Hatfield, my ancestry shows that my family helped build this country out of nothing. I had cancer 6 years ago and couldn't work. Before that I worked everyday of my life and only had taken 15 sick days my whole working life. I filed for help because my insurance canceled me in the middle of Chemo treatments and we had to start paying medical bills ourselves (I had reached my life time limit with regency blue cross blue shield). So hubby and I knowning that we had paid all our lives into this fund should be able to get a little help. NOT we were told that my hubby made $15.00 too much and we didn't need the help we thought we needed. So we had to go to churches, and any other organization and "beg" for food and $$ to pay our rent utilities. I have just realized that my family name is WRONG changing it to Mejia, Garcia, or something. Then maybe I can get the help I Need Very upset here in Oceanside

Patriot wrote on Jan 8, 2007 3:31 PM:Arnold needs to collect some numbers to make his argument. For example, if he was to say we spend $500 million a year in taxpayer money for health care to illegals, and projects we will spend only $400 if we get illegals out of the emergency room and into clinics, then he can claim his proposal "saves" the taxpayer $100 million. The sorry fact is the federal government mandates that the California taxpayer educate and provide emergency health care to illegals, but provides no money for it. The feds leave illegal immigration uncontrolled, and tell us to pay for their ineptitude. This is out of the control of the ordinary taxpayer. If our state senators and assemblymen can't go demand reimbursement from the feds, then the California taxpayer is stuck. Then it's a question of whether giving illegals health care insurance will stick it to us less. I'm very skeptical about such a claim, though. I think offering free health care will make California an even bigger magnet for illegal immigrants, and the program cost will grow exponentially.

To IGNORANT PEOPLE wrote on Jan 8, 2007 3:41 PM:Did you take time to read your own words before you posted that comment to all the "racists" out here?

Mark wrote on Jan 8, 2007 3:43 PM:I think there are a lot of confused people posting here. Half the comments mention something like "immigrants get more benefits than we do! that's crazy!!!". No, they don't. There are NO special programs that give extra benefits to illegals only. The issue is whether or not the normal programs for citizens specifically check immigration status and deny service to those who cannot prove citizenship. So quit some of the whining, because you DO qualify for all of these benefits. Most of the conservatives who talk of the fabulous lavish perks of being an illegal would never want to come remotely close to living a day in the shoes of an illegal worker.

Don't understand? wrote on Jan 8, 2007 3:59 PM: I am trying to understand this? If I am against illegal immigration I am racist? I don't understand how being un-Christian and a racist has anything to do with it. I see people from all countries that come here either by sneaking across or over staying visas. In your eyes should I hold my arms open and greet these people? Why have borders if we are not going to enforce them? If I was living in Mexico I would be telling all my friends that if you make it here you are greeted with hospitality. Free medical, free breakfast and lunches for your children, free food with the WIC program. Housing is great too. It doesn't matter if you are a murder, rapist or pervert. You can work under an assumed Social Security number and send all your money that you make to your relatives? I know of many "illegals" earning more that $10 an hour under the table and their families getting all the freebies. To all you people that say we are racist or un-Christian please answer this question? When do we stop or do we ever stop these "illegals" from entering? Please answer this question?

Go Arnold!! wrote on Jan 8, 2007 4:06 PM:A nice first step. Next - let's dump the insurance middlemen and make health care avaiable to all.

Fed Up wrote on Jan 8, 2007 4:19 PM:That's just great, let's cater some more to the law breakers. Funny when my son was young I had to pay for his health care out of my own pocket, you see his deadbeat dad took off and I could not afford insurance for him, but according to the welfare people I made too much money and I owned a car that was worth too much. Oh well, water under the bridge now. But send these deadbeat worthless foreigners back to their own country.

Time to imprison wrote on Jan 8, 2007 4:28 PM:the LAWBREAKERS IN SACRAMENTO AND WASHINGTON DC. Use to be at one time we had Law Makers in office.

What fools don't understand wrote on Jan 8, 2007 4:31 PM:You who choose to stay in California are going to see soaring taxes, property, state income, housing fees, development all to pay for the illegals. Oh well as they say a fool and his money is soon departed.

Skip wrote on Jan 8, 2007 4:58 PM:Imangine that! This story and yesterdays story about Medi-Cal births to Illegal Aliens will top out the "MOST COMMENTED STORIES OF THE WEEK' section. It appears that this topic is even more important then Football (Chargers Move to Oceanside). I think people, a whole lot of people, especially California people, are really getting pissed off at our politicians giving away California and the United States, to Illegal Aliens from foreign countries. Just wait for the Amnesty story to break, and see what happens neext.

Mary wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:22 PM:What I'm thinking about doing is give up my US citizenship, move to Mexico, and then come back as an illegal immigrant. That way, I could get medical help and probably a job, maybe head lettuce picker.

Angela wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:23 PM:Yeah, Pedro, you wait until all the gringos leave. Then you will have your own Mexico right here - crime, poverty, disease.

wilro wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:39 PM:Amnesty Arnie is out of his mind. I will never support him in anything he does.

LVdyehard wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:49 PM:In a way, I hope he does give all of them health insurance. Maybe they will leave Nevada and go to Calif. Why don't he just give them Calif? It would be cheaper or even better deport them back to their own countries. More freebies and more will come. Just great Arnold. What else are we going to give them? The whole country? The taxpayer will foot the bill. I just told him what I think of his plan and what he can do with it. Now I've got to go into my room and ask forgiveness from God.

Ingrid ( Soldiers' Wife) wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:52 PM:There is no doubt that when the millions and millions of Illegal Aliens turn California, Arizona and Texas into Mexico, that the people will then be climbing fences to get into Kansas.

Sandy wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:53 PM:This is starting to sound like a Sally Struthers Commercial for "Save the Children".

Come on all you taxpayers, let's sing! wrote on Jan 8, 2007 5:59 PM:It's a world of laughter A world of tears, It's a world of hopes And a world of fears, There's so much that we share, That it's time we're aware It's a small world after all. There is just one moon And one golden sun, And a smile means Friendship to ev'ryone, Though the mountains divide And the oceans are wide, It's a small world after all. It's a small world after all, It's a small world after all, It's a small world after all, It's a small, small world.

Marty wrote on Jan 8, 2007 6:25 PM:And Schwarzenegger said his plan would require every Californian to have health insurance. Yeah Right! I also thought that every automobile driver was required to have Auto insurance, and we know how that turned out (Especially in Escondido).

Reardon wrote on Jan 8, 2007 6:46 PM:Anything you subsidize, you get more of...and anything you tax you get less of. So the plan is to get more illegal aliens abd fewer taxpaying American citizens? I guess if that is the answer, I don't understand the question!

To Pedro wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:40 PM:You are such a goof. You make no sense man. You say you illegals are slowly taking over California? You realize IF you actually do, in time it will look just like what you ran from. Hey man you can have it. Think before you speak next time.

Frida wrote on Jan 8, 2007 7:59 PM:Yes! We need healthcare for all...starting with our children is great. Universal Healthcare is the answer people!

cb wrote on Jan 8, 2007 8:22 PM:Please, please, people! Try to put hateful and biased feelings aside and think about this issue logically. Universal healthcare (at least for our children) = greater educational/social opportunies for our kids = a better future for all of us, brown, white, black, etc. The governor's proposition is not negative; unless of course, you have some deep disdain towards "illegals" (Mexicans), in which case the only solution is for you to leave California. Bigots are not welcome here.

to Frida wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:02 PM:"Who will be left to pay for it?" is the question.

anotherview wrote on Jan 8, 2007 9:51 PM:America can free itself of illegal aliens, but the decision to do so must come from the top. The U. S. Congress must pass a law, with teeth, prohibiting employers from hiring illegal aliens, and must say no to amnesty for illegal aliens. The U. S. Congress must also speed up implementation of the national ID, and mandate employers to require present workers and job applicants to show this national ID to prove a right to work. Every other modern country (including Mexico) controls who lives and works within the exterior boundaries of the country. America must follow suit, to put its citizens first. In turn, without the prospect of either a job or an amnesty the illegal aliens will tend to self-deport (at their own expense), and the foreign nationals will tend not to migrate here illegally. The outlandish expenditure of American treasure on illegal aliens will moderate. Minus the presence of illegal aliens, employers and the general economy will adjust, as always. America will prosper all the more without the burden of illegal aliens. Let us agree that America has no obligation to provide jobs and housing for illegal aliens. These responsibilities, along with medical care, rest with the home countries of the illegal aliens. The presence of illegal aliens brings a criminal element, yearly costing the State of California millions and millions of dollars to imprison these criminal illegal aliens. America already has enough criminals. Freeing America of illegal aliens will surely reduce crime. America can along fine without illegal aliens.

Jimbo to "Ignorant People" wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:05 AM:Illegal aliens DO NOT contribute more than they take from our society. Anyone can pick fruit. Allowing for a LEGAL guest worker program is beneficial and pracical, yes. Illegals however, are not beneficial in any way. They take more than 10 billion dollars in CA alone each year in benefits. They're kids hold up the education system, they have no interest in assimilating into American culture (if they did, they wouldn't raise their flag, make demands on the US gov and its citizens, and continue to support open borders. Oh yeah, and they'd learn ENGLISH!!!) This is NOT their country, it is American tax paying citizens' country. And those anchor kids who are technically American citizens don't have US interest in mind, and thus I do not include them in my definition of American citizen. Not to mention that they are here only due to illegal behavior. If they disregard the law by supporting illegals, I disregard the current interpretation of the 14th amendment. (Yes, I know it doesn't matter what I think) Now, back to the topic. I would agree that prevention is the key to keeping disease at bay. At the same time, we need to be focusing our efforts on border security and enforcing the law against those who have broken it...yes, this means deportation. I agree with the guy who recommended higher taxes for import/export to countries whose citizens are illegally here. I also agree with the idea of billing such countries.

Jimbo to cv wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:25 AM:It's not a matter of bigotry, it's a matter of not wanting to contributing to ANYONE who breaks the law. Yes, treating the kids is beneficial to all, but we MUST also focus on stemming the problem of illegals entry into this country, as they are a drain on resources, obviously. Taxes are supposed to be for the benefit of the US citizen, not those who illegally come here and take advantage. Sorry, not going to buy into your bigotry claim. I'm really not ignorant, and thankfully, neither are the majority of the posters here. And if all of us "bigots" leave CA as you suggest, I suppose you would hold up just fine with your impoverished state with no tax base to support it. OH yeah, wait a minute, the Fed gov would bail you out, forgot about those in Washington for a moment.

mike wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:32 AM:coverage for the children of illegals is totally unnaceptable. the government of mexico should be providing this out of their oil revenues as opposed to placing the burden on the american taxpayer. it is time to close the border and control immigration. this is the right as fairly demanded by the citizens of america within a democracy. they undercut wages and force citizens into the streets. their children should not be as an anchorage system to attach themselves to us. i'm sorry if any wealthy californians have to mow their own lawns but life is hard. and no, i'm not a republican!

Pat wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:54 PM:I've my doubts about the Governator's plan. But I'll say this, it's clear to me that a Single Payer (that's not socialized medicine, folks) plan is long overdue. We just got my son rejected by Blue Shield. Flat out rejected. The justification? This otherwise utterly healthy kid sprained his foot at the beach (pretty badly) last summer, and we got it looked at and treated to help it heal completely. He's taking martial arts. If there were any trace of foot problem left, he'd be in agony because of the stuff he's doing. But he's an insurance risk so bad that they won't even cover him. Because of a sprained foot, six months ago. No Other Health Concerns. So rail about the illegals and all the rest... but the bloodsuckers have broken our existing health care system to the point that even those of us who can afford insurance and try to get it... and are HEALTHY... can't. At that point, I don't care what your whining is about the flaws of such a system. This one's dead and rotting on the beach, and you just wait until you're downwind of it, folks.

Mary wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:51 PM:I think it is time to start a petition drive to recall the backstabbing weasel governor Benedict Arnold S. and his buddy GW Bush He is using the same bait and switch tactics as our treasonous president. Recall Benedict Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Pedro wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:01 AM:Viva la California!!

Skip wrote on Jan 13, 2007 4:49 PM:I really do not understand comments like those of our friend Pedro. It is almost like he will be happy when California is reduced to a failed country like Mexico. The more illegal immigrants that sneak into our country, the more they will bring their ignorance, violence, and drugs with them. Well, not on my watch.

Harry wrote on Jan 14, 2007 11:38 AM:Man the barricades. We are about to be invaded by hordes of illegals from Mexico and, heaven forbid, Nevada, so claims a recent letter writer about the governor's proposed health program.

Pardon me? wrote on Jan 14, 2007 9:58 PM:I'd like to know what being a good Christian has to do with anything. Since when does being the Governor of California require Christian behavior?

John wrote on Jan 15, 2007 7:06 AM:I always knew something deep down was wrong with Arnold. Hes a Republicrat.Im not paying for this nonsense.People,contact your represenatives and let them know they will be fired if this trash happens.A simple phone call works.

Rich wrote on Jan 19, 2007 5:33 PM:Maybe we should switch countries with Mexico and once we make it as good as the U.S. then they can go back.