Ask wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:19 PM:Wow, seen it all now.


The ACLU needs to be banned. They are no good. PERIOD.

Scooter wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:20 PM:Would somebody please explain to me what a "Latino activist" is?

Bill wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:41 PM:you got your mouth going again. It is proven that you have no creditability. Was Olga with you on this point like she was during the last election or has she distanced herself from you because of your bad reputation.

jones wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:50 PM:History repeats its self. They tried it in the 60's with the african americans and now they're doing it to the hispanics. Sorry it won't work.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:07 PM:Scooter, and maybe we can get an explanation from Ed Sifuentes, Bill Flores, the ACLU on what is "unfair" about a checkpoint.

And while they're at it, maybe they can answer 'why' checkpoints are criticized by Latino activists?

If a person driving a vehicle on our roadways is an AMERICAN CITIZEN, or a legitimate visitor (with a visa and/or passport) from another country (including Mexico and beyond), and they have a license, insurance, and aren't intoxicated, then there is absolutely no problem.

This isn't 'rocket-science' and all these so-called "Latino advocates" (aka open-border, illegal alien supporters) want to do is put up a smokescreen and take the heat off their constituents.

Hit-and-run accidents are at epidemic proportions throughout California. Who's to blame? You be the judge, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that unlicensed, uninsured, impaired/intoxicated, and illegal drivers are most likely to flee the scene of an accident.

And considering illegal aliens are unable to legally obtain CA (and other US state) driver's licenses they are certainly on the top of the list.

So, considering the circumstances, let's hope ICE, the Border Patrol, SD Sheriffs, US Marshall's, and CHP are present to detain, arrest, and deport any/all illegal aliens stopped at checkpoints. And anyone else driving illegally or intoxicated needs to be arrested and punished accordingly.

Im sorry wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:07 PM:am i missing something here, the whole point of having these checkpoints is to make sure that people are driving legally, the two people that were interviewed are complaining CAUSE WHY? The first one lost his license for driving under the influence, and you complain cause you say that the police know where they are gonna catch people, well no kidding that would be the whole point and last time i checked a D.U.I was not legal, and the second one was here illegally, yes times are hard and they may seem like they are not getting better, but the law is the law, and as far as it just being your neighborhood, these checkpoints are set up all over Oceanside so get over your neighborhood, it's actually a part of Oceanside

Ask More wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:11 PM:Who needs the police when you have the ACLU?

What wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:13 PM:Excuse me? De La Cruz is upset because he got caught breaking the law for a second time and now calls it racist by questioning the locations? News to latino activists, find sympathetic "victims". This one does not promote your cause. A big thank you to our law enforcement officers and officials for getting lawbreakers off the roads.

Im sorry again wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:17 PM:and why is it when these checkpoints are being done, some people want to racial profile it, or it's a violation to their privacy. Driving legal or illegal has no race, and if your driving legal then you shouldn't be worried about your privacy, what you should be worried about is the person driving behind you, or running the red light, hit you while your just minding your own privacy

Mike wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:19 PM:The ACLU is good in other ways but, not here. The cops are just doing their job and protecting the public from unlicensed drivers.

edu deuce wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:32 PM:I agree. Look, what could be MORE fair than making a rule--in this case a law--that everyone is expected to follow, or they shall suffer the consequences? Do you think for a minute that the police wouldn't do the same thing near a neighborhood where they know they'd catch unlicensed drivers of ANY race? The fact is that their presence in the country notwithstanding, the latinos complaining of unfairness are being held accountable for not following the rules--also called breaking the law.

Last time I checked, it's the job of law enforcement to enforce the laws. Any questions??

Oh brother wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:35 PM:I am very liberal and have absolutely no problems with the checkpoints. I have gone through several, shown my license & insurance and breezed on through. Those without licenses & insurance have caused my insurance rates to go up, have caused accidents with me and are generally problems in the community. Kudos to the cops for doing these! Oh yeah..I'm brown and a citzen too!

ylekiote wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:37 PM:What is "not fair" is what happens when these unlicensed/uninsured motorists collide with a law abiding citizen. More often that not, the violator flees. If he/she stays, they still have no insurance, have no verifiable identification, and have no money. Who pays? The law abiding citizen with insurance. Race does not enter into the facts at all.

Oh, and by the way. It is starting seem like Mr. Sifuentes has an ax to grind. He has an article reciting the same things, from the same "activists" every week. So much for unbiased reporting.

Same Story wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:40 PM:This is the fourth article that this writer has written in the past three months about these checkpoints. They fit the same format: portray checkpoints in a negative light, quote Bill Flores, then paint people breaking the law as victims. Edward Sifuentes (the writer) needs to find a new muse.

Breaking the Law wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:41 PM:What does ethnicity have to do with breaking the law. Either you are licensed to drive or you are not. Period.

Ask Mexico wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:42 PM:The so called latino activists need to look at home first in Mexico!

They all want to be treated like angels illegally immigrating when if you illegally immigrate in mexico, LOOK OUT!

Speaking of their own, maybe the ACLU should help out the mayans in mexico which are getting mugged by their own gov't.

I agree with Flores wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:46 PM:These checkpoints DO alienate large segments of the Latino community... THE CRIMINAL SEGMENT. ILLEGAL immigrants who CHOOSE to commit HIT AND RUN rather than call 911 to help someone they just assaulted. Kudos to Escondido for confiscating thier weapons.

checkpoint society wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:47 PM:In the north county, it's clearly about money. The cops (& tow companies) are raking in revenue and needlessly targeting hardworking folks. In the southbay, the BP is harassing folks, nevermind your 4th amendment, b/c folks won't stand up to them. This is the beginning of the end of what you think is a democracy.

BP stopped me wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:51 PM:I was stopped at a checkpoint on the 94. They got me off of my car, tore up my dashboard and found nothing, and when I tried to take them to court about it, some law was passed a couple of years ago that says they can get away with stuff like that. Initially when I asked what was going on, they said the car fit a profile. I understand what the ACLU is trying to get at here. Some of you folks on this blog have yet to have an experience like that to comprehend what it is about.

unfair wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:55 PM:maybe Kevin Keenan would think differently if he were side swiped by an unlicensed uninsured driver. It's unfair these people are driving and put everyone else at risk !!

UNLICENSED DRIVERS wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:25 PM:Have many options to get to work, then to drive illegally. 1. Walk 2. Carpool 3. Ride a Bike 4. City Bus 5. Rail Transport.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:34 PM:Many of the quotes in the article clearly illustrate that Latinos feel like they don't need to obey laws.

This de la Cruz character says he was arrested and lost his license prior to Wednesday's checkpoint for being intoxicated, and he still needs to drive so he can get to work.

Well there are two problems with this; first, he only furthers our concern about the disproportionate number of intoxicated drivers who are Latino. Secondly, he states that he still needs to drive, which tells me and everyone that he is still going to drive his vehicle and doesn't care what the laws are and what the consequences are for breaking them.

Demetrio Antonio says he's an illegal alien so I'm curious 'why' he wasn't detained and deported. Let's hope the judge and court system deal with him appropriately.

I'd like to call a press conference and hope those of us American citizens who care about safe roads can voice our concerns too.

Jerry wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:35 PM:It would seem to me that those who believe that check points are "unfair" are those who are not in compliance with our laws. Get these violators off the roads! It shouldn't matter whether they're illegal aliens or U.S. citizens.

Arlo wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:35 PM:Thank you OPD for the great work you do.

Hmm wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:36 PM:Whats the bid deal, show them your license and they will leave you alone.

Umm.. wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:40 PM:Look, if you have a license, you simply show it and go on about your business. If not .. you get kept.

I, as someone who properly earned my licenses for both a car and an airplane - greatly resent those who just tool around because they think it's their right. It's not a right. It's a privilege.

The police are all about strategy. It just so happens the biggest pay off is in an area that .. so happens to be home to a lot of offenders.

Get over it, and get a license. Oh, and I can be considered of hispanic descent to.

b wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:10 PM:I'd rather live in a "checkpoint society" than a "let's let everyone do whatever they want regardless of who it hurts society." Wow. I'm amazed that any reasonable person could be against the checkpoints. Oh yeah, I said reasonable...

Activists.... wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:15 PM:cry foul and deem checkpoints unfair, obviously they don't care about the victims of the accidents these un-liscensed, un-insured drivers sometimes cause, the repair costs to both the vehicles and the hospital/EMS costs, the long term results, pain & suffering from their actions, sometimes loss of life, these are all acceptable consequences to the activists, who don't want our laws enforced.
Is the ACLU going to cry foul about an illegal alien driving w/o a liscense, getting involved in an accident and killing either someone in his or her vehicle or a vehicle he or she hits.???
Haven't these un-liscensed, un-insured drivers violated someones cilvil rigts by taking their victims life/lives..??
They've impacted their victims ability to persue life & liberty, sometimes forever, but as usual, the ACLU likes to pick and choose it's causes...

I Love Cops wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:43 PM:Thank you OPD for keeping our streets safer.

And to these "Latino Rights" groups...illegal is illegal...stop whining.

Come on wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:43 PM:Why is EVERYONE a victim?????

Too bad wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:10 AM:Can you believe it? Who do these policemen think they are, enforcing the law like that. My tax dollars are going to waste, we pay them to eat doughnuts and drink coffee, right? Get a grip! If you can't do the time ... don't do the crime.

Question wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:13 AM:What would happen in Mexico if a person who was not in the country legally was caught driving without a license?

coastergal wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:26 AM:I can understand arguing about keeping an automobile for a mandatory 30days.... but, to complain about where the police have their checkpoint is crazy! It's the law to have your license. It's also the law to not drive under the influence of alcohol. I live in San Marcos and I've been pulled over in a checkpoint. It's scary and confusing but, if you have proper documentation there isn't a problem!
People who live here legally have a hard enough time finding a job! So maybe if someone is here illegally they should go home!

Ticket AND Deport wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:02 AM:The illegal immigrant is complaining about getting a ticket. My question is why wasn't he deported? What part of illegal do people not understand.

JSten wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:42 AM:I object to the invocation of the use of anti-terriorism as an excuse for this action. I consider the entire concept of anti-terrorism as a terroristic act on the part of my government to throw out my constitutional rights.

I also support the ACLU.

The problem I have with De La Cruz is that driving without a license, uninsured, or whatever is against the law, and the government has the right to stop and investigate me at any time for this. I understood this when I got my driver's license.

I have passed through more than one checkpoint in Chula Vista and Oceanside.

I think that if the government would just stick to the issue of what they are trying to enforce instead of pulling the T-word, I would be more supportive of the motives. I don't believe in the booger man, no matter how much Uncle Sam seems to be trying to act like one.

Local wrote on Oct 23, 2008 4:36 AM:Wouldn't we be better off if we abolished the DMV and didn't require licences to drive? Let anyone on the road in any vehicle. No profiling and no discrimination. Just a big, unrestricted, dangerous free-for-all. Would that meet ACLU standards of fairness?

lady wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:05 AM:TOO bad!!! If you have a license you drive,THAT'S it... Plan and simple. IF illegals want to live here OBEY the laws.I do... I too have been rear ended by a illegal,no insur etc. Activists,ACLU fight for someone THAT is not breaking the law. GREAT job OPD,I want more check points!!!

All Law and No Anarcy wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:11 AM:All law and no anarchy makes Demetrio a dull boy.

All law and no anarchy makes Demetrio a dull boy.

All law and no anarchy makes Demetrio a dull boy.

All law and no anarchy makes Demetrio a dull boy.

All law and no anarchy makes Demetrio a dull boy.

All law and no anarchy makes Demetrio a dull boy.

Maya wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:25 AM:ACLU what took you so long? These checkpoints have been going on for at least 4 years now. People in Escondido have been organizing to stop these checkpoints!
Stop the checkpoints!!

their agenda wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:26 AM:The U.S. Border Patrol and other law enforcement agencies at the U.S.-Mexico border are outgunned by increasingly ruthless and well-armed Mexican drug cartels, a new congressional report concludes.

"The cartels use automatic assault weapons, bazookas, grenade launchers and improvised explosive devices," the House Homeland Security oversight subcommittee report said. "In contrast, U.S. Border Patrol agents are issued 40-caliber Beretta semiautomatic pistols."

The report, scheduled to be released today by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, said drug cartels are able to break the encryptions on Border Patrol and sheriffs’ deputies’ radios.

Fred wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:37 AM:As a person who has been hit by a, No speak English, No have Insurance, No have a Licenses. I say keep the check points....Also stop the 20% SDG&E discount these people get.

ACLU wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:38 AM:Are we fed up with the ACLU?
Isn't it time we all got together and put the ACLU out of business?
There are plenty of lawyers out there who need to make a name for themselves.
Form an organization to cut the ACLU off at the knees and ask for donations from the general public.
You will get all the funding you need, because we are sick of the ACLU's BULL ...

Thank you OPD wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:57 AM:for making our streets that much safer. It seems that the only citizens who complain about this are law-breakers. If you are a law-abiding citizen then you will have no problems going through the checkpoints. To the poster who had his dashboard taken apart for no reason, I would really love to hear the other side of the story.

To Everyone wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:03 AM:It seems to me that just about everyone who has been commenting in saying the same thing and you are all right. Breaking the law is wrong. What nobody has talked about is simple human decency. Being human beings in a time of economic struggle we should look for ways to ease people's financial burdens. Seeking out people who live in poorer communities and giving them citations that cost hundreds of dollars and take their means of making more money away is cruel and inhumane. Sure, the laws are being enforced, but these people are simply trying to live and they've got children to feed. And for those of you who think this is cleaning up the streets you are completely wrong. Poor people who lose their cars and jobs and money end up being homeless people and may resort to worse than driving without a license in order to survive. We are creating poverty and strife in the lives of fellow human beings in order to fulfill laws and rules. Ethically I find it all very immoral. Remember in the movie Aladdin when the Sultan said that "the law says you must marry a prince" and then he realized that he could just change the law because he had written it in the first place. All the problems in that movie arose from a law that had lost its usefulness. In our case, maybe laws should be changed to allow people without citizenship to apply for and receive driver's licenses so that they can be safer drivers and be following at least the law that is in question. America is a country of immigrants and checkpoints will never be able to change that whether or not that is their purpose.

Viva La Raza wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:07 AM:Unfortunately the US does not need the Illegal’s any more. So we need to find a way to get them deported or for them to go back by them selves. These check points are one of the Tactics being used. With the economy going the way it is, it will only cause more of these tactics to increase. Life isn't always fair and they will have to work around it if they want to continue to stay here illegally.

No license usually means wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:24 AM:No license usually means no insurance. They are doing all of us a favor.

Now, if you don't have a license and you're driving, there could be secondary violations observed. For example, alcohol consumption, child with no car seat, no seat belt, no positive identification which then becomes a citizenry check because they need to know who to issue the citation to, etc. You don't have to show them a U.S. driver's license you know...

So, this isn't an immigration issue, it's a: are you legally driving that car issue; which to me is helping control the uninsured driver population. I'm sure each of us knows someone who has been in an accident with an uninsured motorist and the hassle that had created.

enough wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:45 AM:Please detain all ACLU members, and throw away the keys!

Hector wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:48 AM:We need to pat them on the back and say, "That's okay, just keep driving without a license and insurance," and let them go.

What I learned... wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:49 AM:Latinos have no respect for laws....

American Courts wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:53 AM:ruled check points as legal, unlike many families that are in the United States illegally. Now why don't these activist help their fellow Americans in ridding the country of illegal aliens? Could it be they hate Amerika?

kEENAN Needs to stop wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:54 AM:being part of the problem and start becoming part of the solution. These checkpoints are essential to helping lower MY cost of insurance, ect. I guess if I were Mexican and the cops were stopping white people then it would be ok. The ACLLU had been nothing but a royal pain, they need to be disbanned. They are not fighting for freedom of anything. They take away the rights of those of us who live here, pay our taxes, but are of the wrong race. In their mind we should just open the borders and say the heck to everything else.

Go away Keenan and take your racist group with you.

Skip wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:05 AM:QUICK ! Someone forward that picture to I.C.E before he gets away. I cannot believe what I am see.

Here you have a picture of a person described as an Illegal Alien on the page of a newspaper, and what is going to be done about it? It is bad enough he is illegally driving a car and putting the public at risk.

MVet wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:09 AM:Why are the Politicians pushing the American public to use Public Transportation, when they defend the rights of Illegals to drive because they have to take their kids to school and make their doctor's appointments?

Obama is a big supporter of driver's license for Illegal Aliens.

VOTE FOR OBAMA No One is Illegal

set one up... wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:10 AM:in Rancho Santa Fe or Encinitas on a regular basis and see how loud the howling will get from tired soccer moms and over-worked dads.

I just wonder why the police and the border patrol can detain someone without a reasonable cause? Don't they have to have some suspicion that something is "afoot'? I hope we're not becoming the type of society which requires you have your "papers" on you at all times...driving or not.

Bad Habit wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:13 AM:Can someone from the activist side please tell me why they feel that these illegal aliens should not be deported? Are you of hispanic decent and side with them for that reason? Do you feel this is a human rights issue? I do not understand why if you are a true American that you would not be behind the laws of your country.

Scooter wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:13 AM:I guess I'll clarify my first post. If we are all here legally, and are all Americans, why would we need "Latino activists"?

Would somebody please run a background check on Ed Sifuentes and Bill Flores? They seem to be very pro Mexico. Maybe they need to go there and be activists.....

no insurance wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:17 AM:Lets start a quick count of people who have been hit by an Uninsured motorist, we wont even throw race into the count just Uninsured drivers.... well here goes, 1 hit me in a head on collision, had to detain him so he would not run away. Good thing I had Uninsured motorist on my insurance policy, still suffering from that accident!

Al wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:17 AM:Who in the world is this Bill Flores? What planet does he come from? First, he states that there are other ways to enforce the law. OK. Like what? Then he states that reducing the hit and run accidents by using check points has alienated the Latino comuunity. Too bad. If all the illegals would leave, we would not have to have as many checkpoints and the Latino comunnity would not be as alienated. Right? Then the illegals are not eligible to get a drivers license so they drive without one. So! That's the law.

This guy is just a mouthpiece for the ACLU -- American Communist and Liberals Union.

Mike wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:18 AM:Now we need to find out what manufacturing plant Antonio works at and arrest his owner for hiring illegals. Unemployment rates of legal US citizens is climbing. Thanks to OPD for getting unlicensed drivers off the road.
If you like this kind of enforcement, don't vote for Obama...

Skip wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:21 AM:They did a Driver's License Check point in the City of Pomona (CA), last week. In about 6 hours the city impounded over 140 automobiles.

The Activists cried, the Law abiding public Public cheered. What side are you on?

WHERE IS THE BORDER PATROL wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:30 AM:Demetrio Antonio, 29, of Oceanside, who is an ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT (Read Illegal Alien), is surrounded by police officers. His car was impounded at an Oceanside Police Department checkpoint on Wednesday because he was driving without a licence.

Michael wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:30 AM:Imagine, the laws affecting the law breakers. With the economy going into recession, we will no longer be able to financially support the illegal immigrant communities. They will just have to self deport as Americans start cracking down on the law breakers.

esteban wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:32 AM:Activists (racists) don't like them.....who cares? They don't rate.

From the California DMV wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:33 AM:The issue of identification reliability, integrity, and confidentiality is of prime concern to all citizens. Eligibility for government services, issuance of various licenses, assessment of taxes, the right to vote, etc., are all determined through evaluations based on identification documents. It is critical that identification documents be authenticated and accurate in identifying each individual. The California driver license and ID card have been declared as primary identification documents in this state by the California legislature.

State law requires every applicant for an original California identification (ID) card and driver license to show verification of birth date and proof of legal presence within the United States to help safeguard the accuracy and integrity of departmental documents.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#BDLP

No-Spin wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:34 AM:One more reason to deport all illegals.I had a DUI years ago and can't drive just as the person stated in the report, yet the ACLU won't help me because I was born here. Talk about a RACIST organization, the ACLU does not represent me or my fellow legal countrymen. Why is it that when a MEXICAN NATIONAL breaks our immigration laws,and aNY other law, all these mirky characters come out of the swamp and start demanding special treatment?

not amused wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:34 AM:I have been hit by unlicensed/uninsured drivers twice. The first was Hispanic, DUI and he tried to get away. After my following him for 3 miles he finally pulled over and was arrested. The second happened to be Hispanic as well. He crashed into my rear bumper as I was stopped for a red light. Again no license, and he and his family tried to talk me out of calling the police. No racism here, just the facts. I have to have a license, and I have to have insurance, in good times and bad. Seems in America we keep lowering what is expected of us just to be inclusive. As far as lawyers go, they make their money doing this stuff. The system needs a reality check, but for now, checkpoints are one way to make things better one impounded car at a time.

The ACLU wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:37 AM:and activist think it is OK to drive without a license and insurance. Obviously they have never been in an accident with one of these folks. I guess they think it is OK to be here illegally. How about robbing a bank, drug smuggling etc. That OK too? Jeese, leave it to the ACLU and Activist we can be like TJ with heads showing up with no bodies attached, cops getting shot and all the good stuff that happens in that fine city.

Where are the Latino Activists wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:43 AM:When an ILLEGAL alien hit my car and then ran? If you aren't doing anything illegal then you are fine. We need MORE of these checkpoints.

What the ACLU said this Week wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:43 AM:Government agents should not have the right to stop and question Americans anywhere without suspicion within 100 miles of the border, the American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday, pointing attention to the little known power of the federal government to set up immigration checkpoints far from the nation's border lines.

North County lies in this 100 Mile Border Zone so some of our laws do not apply to Illegal Aliens and others.

Does Sifuentes only peddle illegals issues wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:43 AM:There's a lot of people that are hardworking here," he said. "Why only this neighborhood? They (police) know where they are going to catch people."

You have got to be kidding me? Not only are these illegal drivers law breakers, they are felony dumb! You think the police want to set up checkpoints where they will find no one? Smart guy!!

Break the law-SUFFER the consequences!!

P wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:45 AM:"It's not fair," said Demetrio Antonio, whose car was impounded. Someone please tell Demetrio that life is not fair. Oh, and that he i s a criminal for being here in the US illegally. And, at which manufacturing plant is he working? Maybe ICE should pay this business a visit. Demetrio says, "Times are hard and there is not a lot of work." Exactly why he shouldn't be taking a US job from a US Citizen! How "fair" is that?

Skip wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:50 AM:I like the Picture. I especially noticed the Boots the officers are wearing.

I am surprised that no Liberals have mentioned the "N" word yet.

LOL

I wish ICE wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:50 AM:would start raiding construction sites.

Oceansider wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:55 AM:Incredible, a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (alatorre) said:

"agents have the authority to stop and question anyone at the agent's discretion to catch smugglers and "to protect the U.S. from terrorists and terrorist weapons."

Are Federal authorites that ignorant of constitutional law? They have discretion to stop anyone anytime? HOGWASH, they need reasonable suspicion last time I checked. Minor detail, I think not. The people howling for enforcement might think twice when Federal agents go into their house under color of discretion"

More evidence that we are turning into a facsist police state.

Patriot wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:58 AM:These "activists" seem to believe anyone has the human right to walk across our border without permission, use someone else's identification to get a job, drive unlicensed, and while here illegally, get home mortgages, open bank accounts, and have the taxpayer subsidize the cost their children's health, welfare, and education expenses. Having received all these things, it is then their human right to receive drivers licenses, amnesty, a path to citizenship, and the full array of social welfare benefits for themselves and chain migration benefits for their foreign family members.

Scott wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:00 AM:Drive drunk, lose your license, drive again, lose your car, it doesn't matter what color you are. I don't think you need to have a license to RIDE the bus, sprinter or coaster. That's how normal people get around when they don't have licenses or just want to relax, help the environment and save money.
I think there should be drive license readers at all freeway on ramps so you scan your (valid) license to access the freeway, if your license isn't valid or you don't have one you car is directed to a parking off the freeway and dealt with later.

To Where are the Latino Activists wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:04 AM:"When an ILLEGAL alien hit my car and then ran?" If he ran how do you know he was an ILLEGAL?

To everyone wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:06 AM:Are yoiu serious???? You're looking toword a CARTOON to find the rationality of your view? Sit down and stay quite until recess.

Ask Bill and Ed wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:07 AM:what do they propose on doing with the billions of people in foreign countries that are waiting their turn to come to America? Tell them sorry, you aren't latino so you don't count?

BigTony wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:17 AM:More checkpoints please! Good job OPD!!! Next time get some assistance from the BP or ICE and have them verify indentification for all those that don't have it. It's a team effort here people. Previous posters here are correct, why would illegal imigrants want to follow the law when we have bleeding heart liberals that want to give them more rights and assistance than a working american has? Heck, they next they will put them all in houses again and we will have gone full circle again.

What would happen to an american if they were pulled over in Mexico for vilotaing the law and then pouting because it isn't fair. They will march you to the nearest ATM, make you draw out your limit and drop you off on the curb.

Mary Ann Chavers wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:18 AM:Driving is a privalege, not a right. If you do not have a license, take the bus, walk or car pool. Illegals do not have a license because why, they are illegal. Illegals DO NOT have insurance. Why do the rest of us who do have a license, are citizens have to be insurance poor and have to carry the burden if we get hit by someone without a license and no insurance. Oh better yet, what about the person who lost his license due to a DUI PLUS no insurance. I think we ought to have a check point somewhere everyday!! If the illegals can't hang - GO HOME!!

D wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:25 AM:<<Kevin Keenan, executive director of the local ACLU. "They should be carefully chosen and rarely used mechanisms because they interfere with the fundamental concept of American freedom.">> - And you think driving a car is a fundamental freedom???? NO, it is a privilege!! If drivers follow the law: Licensed Insured drivers are allowed to drive - then we will all be safer. ACLU - You're wrong on this one.

MAC wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:26 AM:Driving is a privalege, not a right. If you do not have a license, take the bus, walk or car pool. Illegals do not have a license because why, they are illegal. Illegals DO NOT have insurance. Why do the rest of us who do have a license, are citizens have to be insurance poor and have to carry the burden if we get hit by someone without a license and no insurance. Oh better yet, what about the person who lost his license due to a DUI PLUS no insurance. I think we ought to have a check point somewhere everyday!! If the illegals can't hang - GO HOME!!

writer failed to add... wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:31 AM:that the OPD frequently has a checkpoint on coast hwy as you come in from carlsbad. OPD is not targeting anyone but unlicensed drivers. Thanks OPD.

Illegals Have Cars Impounded...Oh..Boo Hoo wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:32 AM:...cry me a freakin' river... a drunk driver complaining? Illegal aliens complaining? Sounds like the police are finally doing their jobs!

Viva La Migra!

Driving Instructor wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:35 AM:It's a blasted traffic check, for crying out loud! These crazy-a-- activists crying discrimination is ABSURDE! It's a FACT that many illegal immigrants don't have a driver license, let alone car insurance! What part of ILLEGAL doesn't people get?!? It doesn't matter if you're green, purple, black, brown, white, yellow or blue (whatever stinking color you want to paint your skin--no matter your ethnicity)... If you're unlicensed, you're indeed a danger on the road!

Illegal Immigrant busted: "Oh no! There's a traffic check! OoOoooooo they're picking on me! Waaaaaaaaaaaah! I have my right to pay $300.00 for a used car, don't buy insurance and drive unlicensed, and potentially hurt or kill somebody! WaaaAaAaaaaa! Somebody save me from the big bad police!"
Activist: "Let's draw attention to this matter and raise a stink about it! How DARE our government and police agencies bother such innocent people!?"

One word describes both: IDIOTS!

fedup wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:38 AM:unfair?..........maybe, but very legal as there is no "right" to drive.

To Does Sifuentes only peddle illegals issues wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:38 AM:You know Edward's stories are Pure Gold for the Anti-Illegal Immigration Movement. His stories are carried on ANTI-Illegal Immigration websites all over the Country. There are even some of his stories posted on Congressman's webpages.

When Liberals talk, we listen.

R/ Skip

To Scooter wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:45 AM:The reason we need Latino Activists is because racism is still alive and well in America. Case in point, read the blog by "What I learned" who says "Latinos have no respect for laws...." This blogger insults all law-abiding Americans of Latino descent (I know, I'm one of them). And what do we know about this anonymous blogger?, nothing. He could be a policeman, a teacher, a city councilmen, your boss etc.

Safety First Rights Second wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:48 AM:I find it ironic that those on the left and the right are so quick to give up personal freedoms in the name of "safety".

On the left, it normally takes the form of social safety nets, like welfare and national health care. On the right, it takes the form of expanded police powers, usually by creating things like checkpoints.

The right that is being violated here is not the right to drive. It's the right to move freely without being detained when there is no reason to believe your doing anything wrong. I don't feel sorry for the guy sitting on the curb. I do feel sorry for our kids that will grow up thinking the police can just set up a checkpoint anywhere they want, stopping anyone they want, just to "check" to see if they are doing anything wrong.

Before someone labels me as being something, I'll tell you all I'm not a right-winger and I'm not a left winger. I believe the law should be followed by everyone. Illegals are illegal, and should be deported. Anyone driving who doesn't have a license should be punished.

What is extraordinarily scary is the ever growing belief, on both ends of the spectrum, that "rights" can be just tossed out when it is "convenient". These rights used to be a place we could all come together and agree on things. Now, the gulf between the ends of the political spectrum widens with every election, with the ideals our Country were founded on tumbling into the abyss left between them.

The people will get what the people ask for. I'm just not sure many, blinded by a call to be "safer" and "fairer", realize just what that is. But I'm afraid during our lifetimes we're going to see, and history tells us it won't be pretty.

simple wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:50 AM:in simple words...DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT RIGHT... obey the law!!

be safe

sarah wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:54 AM:"Bill Flores, who was at the news conference, said the frequent use of checkpoints disproportionately affects working-class, immigrant Latinos, many of whom are ineligible under state law to get driver's licenses because of their status as illegal immigrants."

Who's fault is this? Maybe they shouldnt drive without drivers licenses! Or better yet maybe they should not even be in the country illegally!!! People get a clue if you are here illegally you should have NO RIGHTS in "our" country!

Nanchi wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:55 AM:I can see how it could be unfair. About a month ago, my son's friend (white) was coming to visit him and got stopped at the checkpoint on Oceanside Blvd. He had a license, but no regisrtation and no insurance. He showed his license and was able to pass through the checkpoint. If they are going to have checkpoints, ALL drivers need to provide a license, registration and proof of insurance. It's only fair.

Jeff wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:57 AM:Obviously the haters are of hispanic decent and the rest of us who are indifferent to checkpoint usage are LEGAL U.S. CITIZENS who work just as hard as illegals, but actually pay taxes to subsidize public programs that the illegals take advantage of. I am sure that the descriptive statistic that hit-and-run cases are down as a result of these checkpoints is just to justify the fact that the police want the LAW-BREAKING ILLEGALS deported back to their countries so they can focus their efforts on citizens who actually GIVE A DAMN about the laws that this country is based on. If you do not support the laws of this country, go live somewhere else and while you're leaving, grab someone from the ACLU and take them with you. Maybe the latino population should have a "Walk-Out Day" like they did a couple of years ago...it made my commute so much more enjoyable!

oside mom and teacher wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:02 AM:I was pulled over last spring at a checkpoint. I live in Arrowwood next to the back gate. I am caucasian and had my two young boys in the back in their karate uniforms. The police are not targeting specific demographic groups. They pulled over 1/10 cars and checked licenses. I showed them mine and I was on my way. You are supposed to be driving WITH a license. To all of those driving without licenses, you are breaking the law. I disagree with the ACLU on this one. The police are simply doing their job.

Jaycee wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:05 AM:Good for the OPD. As the parent of a son who had $5300 damages to his car from a hit and run driver, I want anyone with no license or insurance off the road.
Just wondering if the illegal immigrant was turned over to ICE and if the manufacturing plant he works at is being investigated?
How advocates ... [can] decry the law being enforced is beyond reason.

No Sympathy Here wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:19 AM:Seems to me that with 7.9% unemployment, our illegal alien is taking a job that a middle class tax paying citizen needs at that manufacturing plant. He already had a DUI so it would seem he is exactly the type of person these checkpoints are designed to and do keep off our streets. I guess the only way to keep him from driving is to take his car away.

Scott in Oceanside wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:34 AM:Where do these criminals acquire such a sense of entitletment? It's mind boggling!

I would like to see one of these offenders explain to the mother of a child killed by a hit and run driver that these check points and laws are not fair.

Karl wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:35 AM:Skip @ 7:50 AM

The boots were worn in anticipation of all the animal droppings of excuses they heard.

Pedro wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:51 AM:The Illegal Immigrant's Bill of Rights, by the ALCU.
I have the RIGHT to:
-Drive; without a license or insurance, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-Work; without paying any taxes.
-Crash into you and maim or kill you and/or your passenger, with no consequences.
-Commit any crime, with no consequences.
-Free trip home to & from Mexico once every 3 months.
-Free education.
-Free food.
-Free medical.
-Vote, for whoever gives me the most free benefits.
-Most of all, I have the right to your, you racist American's, hard earned money because the Liberal politicians want me to be totally dependent on their new socialist government.

Vote for Obama, I will! What a great country. I can never get this in my home country.

Down in the Valley wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:00 AM:Patriot's above comment says it all so eloquantly. If you are here illegally, you do not have the same rights as an American citizen, yet the illegal aliens usually receive the same benefits that we, as hard working, tax paying American citizens receive.
We are just entering one of the worst financial downturns since the great depression, and I for one don't want once red cent of my income being spent on anyone here illegaly! Enough is enough.
In a few short days, Americans will vote for change. Look carefully at the change we will receive.
Do you want to share your income with those who do not share your work ethics and are just looking for a handout? Do you want to share your wealth? Keep funding the ACLU?
God help us all...

Jessica wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:09 AM:How is this unfair? A suspended license for a DUI and an illegal immigrant with no license.....seems like the checkpoints are working perfectly to me. If I drove through they would see may valid drivers license, valid registration and insurance and I would be on my way. The ACLU is such a joke.

More checkpoints please wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:10 AM:Kevin Keenan, executive director of the local ACLU: "They should be ...rarely used mechanisms because they interfere with the fundamental concept of American freedom." WHAT? Excuse me! Does the fundamental concept of American freedom include driving without a license, entering the country (AMERICA) illegally? Aren't we required to have insurance too? Please keep up the checkpoints, even increase them please - we're tired of only ONE segment of the population following the law and paying their way!

To Jeff wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:14 AM:Your comments just showed how naive you are. "Maybe the latino population should have a "Walk-Out Day" like they did a couple of years ago...it made my commute so much more enjoyable!" Honestly do you know latinos will make more than 50% of the population in the years to come. This does not just mean in californian, this means that latinos will be the majority in every state within the United States. This country is founded on immigrants, check your history book. Is it so wrong for people to move somewhere where they will have more opportunities? I know for a fact that if you were born somewhere else that provided you with minimal or no opportunities you would move too. Its human nature to want to provide whats best for your family.

Todd wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:20 AM:Keep up the great work OPD & EPD! Get the illegals out of here.

Christina wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:24 AM:Are you kidding me?! Are you telling me there should be no check points for unlicsend drivers? So if we had an increase of kids underage driving around and at times being in accidents that cause harm for themselves and others.....to have check points for that would be "eroding people's constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures"?! Or drunk driver's leaving a game or an event where there is a lot of drinking - that would be "eroding people's constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures"?!

Patrick wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:26 AM:Fascist Police state!

tired of it wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:35 AM:My husband was involved in an auto accident with unliscened illegal immigrant with no insurance. So our insurance had to pay up and we had to pay out for rental car etc because that person was here breaking the law. IT ISN'T FAIR to those of us who follow the law. I have no problem showing my id at checkpoints because if you are legal it just takes a minute. Its like complaining that the DUI fines are too high but you don't break the law, it doesn't matter how high the fines are. If you are driving legally it doesn't matter if there are checkpoints.

CHECKPOINTS ON MEXICAN HIGHWAYS wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:37 AM:Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S. - Mexico border in an apparent response to the Government of Mexico’s initiatives to crack down on narco-trafficking organizations. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

RG1 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:48 AM:The ACLU and Bill Flores ENCOURAGE people, mostly Latino, and many Illegals to drive unlawfully by claiming that checkpoints are unfair. No wonder De La Cruz and Antonio, DUI and illegal alien respectively, believe they can drive without a license. For the safety of myself, my family, and all law-abiding citizens I want these checkpoints to continue. I guess Flores' other way of enforcing the law is to look the other way.

Umm.. wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:55 AM:ACLU means Another Criminal Left Undetected.

RAY wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:12 AM:THE POLICE SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN TOW TRUCK AND NOT JUST GIVE ALL THE BUSSINES TO TOWING COMPANIES, THEY LOVE THIS

Funny wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:28 AM:When I go down to Mexico, I just worry about the cop frisking me down and taking all my money and then possibly getting car jacked and held for ransom.

ToSafety First Rights Second wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:28 AM:Lawless times call for extraordinary efforts on our part, and if that means checkpoints I am all for it.

Once the lawlessness is reduced to an acceptable level, then and only then do we lobby to reinstate what was once a more normal life.

Until then checkpoints everywhere.

Legal American - Mexican says wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:34 AM:I was born here, 3rd generartion and I am sick of the Illegal activist supporting these illegal criminals.

I don't mind the check points, I am Mexican and go through them sometimes,and never get hassled.

I am sick of the illegals, the Gangs and the drug dealers giving the rest of us a bad name.

Mexican's need to denouce these lawbreakers so we can go back to life before illegals started taking over our cities and schools!!!!!!!

My Great great Grand Parents where here when So. Ca. became the US and they where delighted when it happened!!!
OUT WITH THE ILLEGALS!!!!!

to Safety First Rights Second wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:36 AM:Guess what? None of your rights are violated by these check points. You say that "It's the right to move freely without being detained when there is no reason to believe your doing anything wrong." Only people without a drivers license are being detained. Those with a license go right on through. Show me where your rights are being violated!

JimRT wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:50 AM:Wow, everything from cartoon comparisons to Orwellian scare tactics, you just do not understand, illegal is illegal. If crime is committed in a predominantly blue neighborhood then where do you think they should put checkpoints? Who do you think are going to be pulled over? You people should have stayed in the sixties with your bongs.
Give it up, there are too many people fed up with the typical illegal’s attitude of entitlement to all our country has to offer without paying the price.
Oh, and you people that say, “they only work the jobs that no one else wants”. Well, I give you Antonio; he was on his way to his manufacturing job. Yep, sounds like hot work in the fields to me.

My advise to the wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:20 PM:activist, tell the illegals to take a bus, it is easy and cost little. But better hurry cuz Border Patrol is hitting some of the transit centers, seems like being in the country illegallly is against the law.

I am a victim wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:22 PM:my country has been invaded by illegal aliens. I DEMAND MY RIGHTS!

STOP ACLU wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:31 PM:The ACLU needs to be banned!! They are nothing but whiney activists who only have the best intentions of people who are ILLEGAL! They don't give a rats you know what about all of us who are in this country LEGALLY!!
Furthermore, I can't believe the 2 people who were interviewed are complaining! They have no RIGHT to complain. Driving without a license is ILLEGAL, the reason he doesn't have a licence was due to a DUI, which is ILLEGAL, being an illegal is, well ILLEGAL!! Do we see a theme here?
If you are doing something ILLEGAL or are here ILLEGALLY you SHOULD be caught and punished appropriately. I am not going to have my car/health insurance increase due to illegals - how is that FAIR?!
Get rid of the ACLU and illegals (whichever country they are from), and help those of us here LEGALLY (born or relocated)!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking Glass wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:36 PM:For every good thing the ACLU does, there are 5 things in which they make a stink about nothing. I say we disband the ACLU and replace them with people who use COMMON SENSE when defending other people's liberties.

To BP stopped me wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:38 PM:BP stopped me
[-] wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:51 PM:I was stopped at a checkpoint on the 94. They got me off of my car, tore up my dashboard and found nothing, and when I tried to take them to court about it, some law was passed a couple of years ago that says they can get away with stuff like that. Initially when I asked what was going on, they said the car fit a profile. I understand what the ACLU is trying to get at here. Some of you folks on this blog have yet to have an experience like that to comprehend what it is about.

Here is your answer......

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), August 2, 1946, ch. 753, title IV, 60 Stat. 842, 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b) and 28 U.S.C. § 2671–2680), is a statute enacted by the United States Congress in 1946 permitting private parties to sue the United States in a federal court for most torts committed by persons acting on behalf of the United States. Liability under the FTCA is limited to "circumstances where the United States, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant in accordance with the law of the place where the act or omission occurred." 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b). The FTCA exempts, among other things, claims based upon the performance, or failure to perform, a "discretionary function or duty." 28 U.S.C. § 2680(a). The FTCA also exempts a number of intentional torts, although the United States is liable for specific intentional torts such as assault, battery, and false imprisonment, if committed by federal law enforcement officers. 28 U.S.C. § 2680(h).

Now be glad that there are the Border Patrol, ICE, Police Depts, Sheriff's Office, and all the branches of the military doing their job to keep you safe and FREE.

Checkpoints are about Money wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:44 PM:Sure, checkpoints started out as a means to stop drunk drivers, then to stop unlicensed drivers and those driving without insurance. Then, it became about illegals and now terrorists. Now, it's become all about the cities' bottom line - do you realize how much money the cities make every time a car is towed, impounded & sold when people can't afford the outrageous amounts charged by the cities and tow companies to get the cars back? Not to mention the total obliteration of our civil rights to be free from unreasonable searches & seizures. And, I'm speaking from the perspective of a US citizen, licensed & insured driver, who generally supports law enforcement. Your average person can't afford to get their cars back - no matter what they did or didn't do - Remember: innocent until proven guilty ... even if you've done nothing wrong & are not convicted of anything, you still have to pay outrageous sums to get your car back. That's unreasonable search & seizure.

Border Patrol Agent wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:50 PM:To answer the "money" issue, let me assure you that a checkpoint does NOT raise money for anyone.

When an illegal immigrant is removed to his or her own country, the cost is immense. There are thousands of dollars in costs to effect removals.

Additionally, illegal immigrants who have no license have no reason to pay the ticket for driving without a license. They can't lose what they can't ever have.

Illegal immigrants who are removed from this country will never pay the ticket, because they have no ability to pay from another country.

The only "poor" people who are being targeted here are the people who intentionally do not have a legal right to drive.

Duh wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:51 PM:Are these people kidding? Hello, if you're breaking the law, then expect to get caught! This is so stupid, I just can't believe that the ACLU and what those caught are saying?

While his car was inpounded for DUI, he was heard saying, "but I need my car to get to work", what the HELL is that?

I am a white woman with a clean driving record, but if I got caught drinking and driving, I would expect to be arrested and my driving priviledges taken away.

Red, Yellow, Black or White, thems' the rules!

I haven't read anything that has angered me SO MUCH that I'm PISSED off right now.

Duh wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:54 PM:Okay, I was heated in my last post. I've had a chance to read some of the other comments.

Greg in Oceanside, call a press conference and I'll come stand beside you!

Ya Baby wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:59 PM:Luv it!!
Please put a picture like this everydasy on the front page. God Bless America!

Duh wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:00 PM:We need a bumper sticker! It should read:

Illegal is Illegal-STOP WHINING.

Thank you "I Love Cops" your words cover the entire situation.

ACLU STHU wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:05 PM:The ACLU doesnt have to live in the crime-infested neighborhoods where the illegals are doing their thing. I grew up in Escondido and would be almost afraid to live there now it's gotten so bad. Time to enforce the laws! This was way overdue.

TO Checkpoints are about Money wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:22 PM:RE: ESCONDIDO: City officials worried about car dealership closing

The city is going to have to make up for lost revenue.

I know! How about investing in a few more Automobile Impound Lots and begin conducting more Driver's License Check points.

It is a Win-Win. The city generates more revenue and the Citizens get safer streets.

AMERICAN wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:23 PM:TO ALL: I'm sick of hearing about this...anyway I am "HISPANIC" but i am also an AMERICAN ! i love my country! my brother is serving in the military. But you know what i hate the most? the dirty looks my family and I get when we are out, sorry i'm not illegal so please stop judging us with your looks. Smile, don't judge me because of my color, you hurt my feelings...brown does not mean illegal!

Mary wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:27 PM:It's 'unfair' that illegals are in this country taking American jobs and social benefits from American taxpayers and citizens. The ACLU is a treasonous group of unAmericans. Illegals need to be kept out of this country and deported when they're caught, period. 'Illegal' means against the law and their presence here is against the law - so get them out. The activists need to stop whining - they just ignite the fury over illegals being here in the first place.

Mexicat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:33 PM:How come Flores doesn't complain about the checkpoints in TJ, and those checkpoints are done by soldiers. Why does the local media pay some much attention to what Flores has to say?

Litl Bits wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:02 PM:to Greg in Oceanside:
HEY! CALL THAT PRESSER - I'LL GET OTHERS AND WE'LL JOIN YOU THERE.
IT'S TIME WE WAKE UP THE CITIZENS OF THIS NATION.
WE CAN AND MUST STAND UP AND FIGHT AGAINST THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF OUR COUNTRY.
Get in touch with Jeff at San Diego Minutemen....get a presser going...he'll broadcast it to his contacts....and we'll get something going...and come join us in protests against the illegal invasion of Mexican officials handing out matricula cards to illegals so illegals can just get more car loans and mortgages that you and I end up paying for!
GET ACTIVE!

Why must I suffer wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:29 PM:I have been hit by a unlicensed driver, with no insurance. I almost lost my life and my insurance had to pay. The driver ran away. The police have been heavy handed but until you have been a victim of a unlicensed driver slamming into your car you have no right to complain!

Kelly wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:08 PM:What part of ILLEGAL immigrant don't they understand !!!!!! Illegal means that it against the law........

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:29 PM:Duh, I'd really like to call a press conference to allow citizens to express their concerns about the effect illegal immigration is having on our communities, counties, and country.

Whether it's driving illegally, intoxicated, causing accidents then leaving the scene (aka hit-and-run accidents), the hordes of illegal aliens amongst us are creating more and more burden on our lives, and creating more inconveniences.

Without going into all the other areas we're socially impacted, I think we've had enough.

Peter wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:46 PM:The illegals shouldn’t even be here. The DUI mentioned by one of the checkpoint detainee’s should have been a fast lane pass to deportation. However, I do have a problem with the checkpoints; they are not based on probable cause. Any other time for a law enforcement officer to stop you when operating a vehicle it must be based on probable cause. The US Supreme Court and California courts have found sobriety checkpoints to be lawful provided that certain provisions were followed. The reasoning behind allowing such an exception to the 4th Amendment was the danger of drunk drivers. Extending this to unlicensed drivers, or uninsured drivers, or operators off unregistered vehicles seems to be quite a stretch. Overall, thanks to OPD for your service, but the checkpoints are pushing it.

Artsyrat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 4:08 PM:ACLU - 0
Law Enforcement - 100

Law Enforcement and checkpoints are a good thing.
The ACLU...not to sure about them anymore, they divide this country more than bring it together.

citizen wrote on Oct 23, 2008 4:16 PM:"Drive drunk, lose your license, drive again, lose your car, it doesn't matter what color you are."

Exactly. I have known several *white* alcholics who regularly drive drunk until they end up in jail, then even when they get out again, it starts right back up. Removing their cars has been the only thing that stops them.

I don't care where he/she comes from - if I am caught without a license and ins, MY car will be impounded. It applies to EVERYONE.

Trooper47 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 4:51 PM:Keep up the checkpoints!

Legally here - nothing to fear!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:17 PM:If anyone wanted to see for themself how bad hit-and-run accidents are just go to the SIGALERT web site. Select a city (i.e. San Diego, LA/Orange County, Inland Empire) and hover over the YELLOW DIAMONDS. San Diego County usually has one or two during rush hour. LA areas usually have a few at any one given time throughout the entire day.

As I've said in earlier posts, this isn't rocket science. People most likely to hit-and-run are those without licenses, insurance, are intoxicated, or are driving illegally (basically those who'd have a lot to lose if caught/confronted by law enforcement).

You can be the judge, but illegal aliens are the ones on the top of the list.

Like others have said, Ed Sifuentes, Bill Flores, the ACLU, etal., are more concerned about the plight of illegal aliens than they are about us, the law-abiding citizens, who suffer the consequences of poor choices made by illegal aliens.

As a concerned CITIZEN, I've had enough and support law enforcement and checkpoints 100%.

Sheriffs official Alleged hit-and-run San Marcos driver had baby with him wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:40 PM:A 21-year-old suspected UNLICENSED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT and with FIVE prior DUI CONVICTIONS pleaded not guilty Friday to felony DUI and child abuse and a slew of other charges for allegedly leading authorities on a high-speed chase with his year-old daughter in the backseat and crashing into six other vehicles.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/02/13/news/top_stories/8_35_002_11_08.txt

Adam wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:54 PM:The new checkpoint system has actually proved to lower hit-and-run accidents since begun. In the first half of 2007 there were 281 hit-and-run accidents, compared to 370 during the first half of 2006 -- a 24% drop in hit-and-run accidents in one year.

So why is this new system, that is lowering these terrible car accidents, at such opposition? People coming against the new system say that it is targeted at illegal immigrants and Latinos. Escondido’s policy against unlicensed drivers is also much stricter than most counties. Once found, the unlicensed person will be arrested and their car gets immediately impounded, whether or not there is a licensed driver in the car to take the car. Impounded for 30 days, the car will cost an average of $1,120 to get back.

SOURCE: Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Natali wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:34 PM:This are not checkpoints to stop UNLICENSED drivers, the main idea is to deport illegal aliens, However, I do not have a problem with enforcing the law, but I do have a problem when I am inspection. Since I am hispanic, it is just they are stereotyping my race and for that, I DO NOT AGREE. Please dont inspect just becaus i am hispanic, check everyone not just certain races.

Nicodemus wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:45 PM:Hey Natali, I'm 100% American and was also pulled over and I had no problem producing my drivers license and insurance card. So much for stereotypes. HO HUM.

HENRY wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:00 PM:My dear friends. First shake yourself from all that anger that's infesting this great nation. the point is; we love this country and we do not enjoy to break the law. neither we all desided that out of our anger we will break the law just to give you a hart attack. breath and keep reading.
The law itself provoke many of us not to abide by it. let me put it to you more simple. I'm an elegal emegrant. I been in this country for 15 years, Now let me ask you. do you think, that for 15 years the law have allow me to have a drivers license? NO. The story is long and let me tell you that I'M NOT A CRIMINAL the sound and the thought of it is just so unjustified. Why do i said so; Because I been helping many of you to quit smoking mariguana, quit drinking, stilling, killing, putting families together, and for two years I did this for 24 Hrs, for two years.
and after this 2 years I've been in Oklahoma, California, Utha, New york and I'm not busting I'm just telling you that I'M NOT A CRIMINAL. any way, after the many slaps this country have given me ask a thank you! for all your service. I STILL LOVE THIS COUNTRY. I wish i had another choise but i don't. I wish i could do what you want me to do but I can't. shake your self from all that hatetret you are showing to the world and come back to be an exemple like your grand grand fathers set for the wolrd to see and so became this great country that we all love. help us help you, or did you forgat the words of your president "a house divided against it self won't stand. I don't think it means just the family of that house, but the peaple that surrounds that house. DON"T YOU THINK.
S. P. excuse my english.

Virginia Patriot wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:03 PM:Actually, it's the ACLU that's creating a checkpoint society with it's enabling, defense, and promotion of illegal alien presence in the USA. Every step Homeland Security takes is countered by a legal challenge by the ACLU. They, and activist judges are circumventing the will of the voters, and law abiding citizens.

Cali Native wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:38 PM:Over the years we have been stopped at many different check points for many different reasons. DUI, Immigration, etc. Both my husband and I 3rd generation Mexican. When we go through these checkpoints we are able to produce legal, earned (DL) proof of our citizenship. Is there racial profiling going on? Yes, of course there is. Is it frustrating to deal with it repeatedly, of course it is. My husband is active duty military of 22 years. He gets a little worked up when he gets stopped (he used to produce an active duty military ID when asked for a green card,they used to be green), however, we are thankful that we are citizens of one of the greatest country's on the planet, where checkpoints are a good way to control those that are breaking the law, and we are given the opportunity to show proof of our rights. Just remember it's always the ones who are in the wrong who complain the loudest. Keep the minutemen and the ACLU out of this, they only stand to cause more trouble than they are worth.

aDAMANT wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:40 PM:I do not feel sorry for this driver at all. He new he was breaking the law. Two laws I might add. One for being here illegally and two for driving without a license. He should be deported immediately. Good job for the checkpoints and we should do more of them!!!

Wow wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:54 PM:It is scary that this Flores character was actually a sworn United States Peace Officer.

Teddy wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:18 PM:“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also (note from Scott: take for instance African-American, Asian-American…) isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.” Theodore Roosevelt

Suspicious wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:22 PM:Can someone enlighten me as to the 'key words' the 'editors' use here to screen posts?

I have left 5 'comments' today . .and NONE of them have been posted. Do they just block your IP after one 'gaff' in the 'code' or are there certain words or phrases that are verbotten? I feel like I am in Moscow, pre the fall of the Evil Empire.

OfficerFriendly wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:25 PM:As I was reading this article yesterday then i received a call on my radio about a Drunk -driver. Has had almost ran into 3 other vehicles I pulled him over(at least tried to) He almost backed into my unit. We stopped him and suprisingly he drank 3 more beers while he sat in his vehicle. Yes he was a illegal who was a danger to himself and others. So that goes to show people about how effective these checkpoints are.Everyone has something to say until it's one of your loved ones gets ran over by the uninsured non-liscensed driver

Please wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:34 PM:I SURE hope than any officer who might pull me over is a little more articulate and familiar with grammar and composing a sentence.

I would be hard pressed to not laugh and likely get harsher treatment when someone in authority is an obvious doofus who should have paid more attention to studies in high school.

El Grupo wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:15 PM:should find another spokesman. Flores is dragging El Grupo through the mud. He is a very angered person and just happens to use Escondido to set his own agenda. He is doing on one a favor but illegals.

Greg in Oceanside for President wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:54 PM:...his posts are always on target.

anotherview wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:14 PM:The traffic checkpoints exist because of scofflaws who endanger the public by their lawbreaking behavior. The state vehicle code requires a driver of a motor vehicle to have a valid driver license in order to operate that vehicle on the public roads. Scofflaws drive without a license. The checkpoints catch these lawbreakers. As a result, public safety must improve. The boneheads at the ACLU seem not to grasp the logic of this civil matter. Moreover, the proper enforcement of the traffic laws as a way to uphold road safety falls under the foremost responsibility of government: public safety. The knuckleheads at the ACLU seem not to understand this fundamental of civil society. Out of touch with law-abiding American society, Bill Flores has made himself irrelevant. Finally, while Mr. Sifuentes possess writing skills, he shows a social bias favoring illegal aliens and their scofflaw mentality, by portraying their illegal status with sympathy. As bad, Mr. Sifuentes invokes the "poor me" syndrome of the illegal alien who struggles owing to his status, in an attempt to create a sympathy in the reader. Let us citizens ignore this journalistic bias and the false positions of the ACLU. After all, illegal aliens have no right to live and work in America. Thankfully, the police continue their traffic checkpoints to remove lawbreakers from the public roads.

William wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:14 AM:Show your papers and give the Sieg Heil when questioned by the Oceanside police.

The innocent have nothing to fear.

Stephen wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:28 AM:There is no reason for anyone to be driving without a California License. It doesn't matter if the person is a U.S. citizen or not. All the foreigners need to do is apply for a license in their nation of origin. Upon its expiration, they must get ours. Also, I don't appreciate it when other drivers make inappropiate use of their horn. I mean come on people, honking at someone because they refuse to turn against the light is wrong.

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:52 AM:To American, get used to it because of the mass hysteria and xenophobia is only going to get worse for all Mexican....yes I'm Mexican Amaerican. I had to work my ass off and more than most to get to where I'm at only to get treated like a foreigner in my own country....and hell yes, I resent it.

rich wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:59 AM:i agree with the first guy who lost his license for a dui. Times are tough. You should be able to drive without a license if your here illegally but are driving to work. Or to the bar after work. And finally from the bar back home. They should issue stickers like they do for fasttrack. And those with stickers should be waved on through checkpoints

Brad wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:39 AM:I AGREE!!

I think in protest ALL illegals and their supporters should move from this country and teach the rest of us a lesson!!

To poor Demetrio wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:42 AM:Now you have an inkling of how legal residents have felt for years when you and your people have taken most of the jobs!

To Roberto wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:44 AM:Then you should be working at getting rid of the illegals so this won't have to go on anymore. We resent having to live like this and pay for it. If I want to visit Mexico, I should have to travel, not just walk out my front door!

Brad wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:53 AM:All the whiners talking about how this is to stop illegals. If the feds would do their job, there wouldn't be any illegals to stop.
If someone is doing something illegal to me, my family or property and the law does nothing about it, I certainly will.
Same thing is happening here. The feds do nothing...which is a story in it's own...the state won't do anything and you have mayors, like the clown in Escondido who won't do anything, so someone comes up with a great idea and implements it!

Thanks. Keep up the good work!!

Skip wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:12 AM:Hi Greg, I got your note and could not agree with you more.

Dont forget tonight wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:36 AM:is Escondido's checkpoint. GO EPD!

JJ wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:23 AM:I am an alcoholic with 5-DUI's and a revoked drivers license. I think Sobriety Checkpoints are unfair!

Funny wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:39 AM:My pro America comments aren't posted. Way to go, NCT!!!
Let's hear a story of how Barry Sotero is not now, nor has he ever been an American citizen and is ineligible for POTUS. Oh, I guess not, that, too would be pro American.

It is unfair wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:59 AM:If I steal and get caught or even get caught drunk driving it is unfair. I will have to spend time in jail and it will affect my income. I will also be out lawyer fees. I hope these men will come to my aid when I get caught. It is unfair.

JP wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:06 AM:Fourth Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Mother Against Drunk Driving wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:02 AM:Thank you for taking this man off the street..again. He needs to serve his penalty - most drive drunk again untill they receive treatment hence why the lic is removed. This check point saved a life maybe his...

Randomly search Houses too wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:50 AM:I think the police should be allowed to randomly search houses. Go through em' and check every cupboard, drawer etc for contraband and make the residents show proof of citizenship. As long as all neighborhoods are searched (not just latino) it can't be considered racist. If you're not breaking the law you shouldn't have a problem with the cops searching your house. ;-)

Oside Res wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:52 AM:Great idea. Check points are about money, and I have nothing to worry about. Make more money, in fact, make all the money you can through this program. I have nothing to worry about.

Wow wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:00 AM:I hope the ACLU is reading this blog because from what I see

Check points WIN

ACLU - LOOSERS

Thanks to our Law Enforcement for upholding the laws even with the few that has to put them down.

To Roberto a victim wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:08 AM:I too am an American of Mexican descent and a female, sorry one up on you! My grandparents were field workers and farm workers here in North County. My Dad had a 10th grade education, my Mom had a 7th grade education because they had to work the fields to help support their families. My grandparents and parents taught us work hard and you can accomplish anything you want. They had no government help, during the depression they didn’t get the food stamps that were given out, as they were too proud to accept what they called welfare. My Dad always taught us to walk with our head up and shoulders back. “Don’t look Timid” My Grandparents and parents taught there is nothing free in this world. They also never had a Mexican flag waving; the United States was their home. They worked hard to get respect here and then all these new Mexicans come here demanding rights. I don’t feel being picked on if I have to go through a check point. I have a license and registration and I go right through. I am for check points!

Kelly wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:12 AM:Hmmm...Let's see. I was born in America and have committed crimes in the past(drugs). Got caught and did my time. As the saying goes,"You play, You Pay". Whether you are black, white, brown , yellow or even green if you are not here legally then you should be deported. This has been going on for soooo many years. What's so hard in understanding that? If you come here illegally and commit crimes you are deported back to your country. It is no difference if we went to your country and did the same thing. Except the punishment is usually harsher...Hmmm makes one think...:-)

Atheist wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:35 AM:Hurray for the checkpoint society. Take the streets back for law abiding citizens. Only criminals will whine and cry when they are arrrested..HA HA

Henry wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:35 AM:You guys don't get it. It's impossible to get a driver's License. I have a two year old son who is a us citizen, I HAVE TO WORK. we don't have a choice. the law is broken. all of this comments are just anger against mexicans.
If this check points is to stop people from driving drunk. Why do they only do it in communities where hispanics reside. shouldn't they do it every where. or may be we posses all the alchohol.
Thinks are just going to get harder and this is not helping the economy. I was watching TV the other night and i could not believe my ears when in a comfrontation betwin obama and mckain and one of thier representative said in national television that "Illegals are necessary to keep the price of the tomato low if we legalise this peaple the tomato will cost a fortune" COME ON. don't you see the what you want are slaves but with redeculous pay to keep it low profile. DOn't we deserve to wish for more and for our sons to be educated and reach for sonething higher.
This is inhumane We are targets of a new era. Punish the guilty, help the innocent.
for the guy that wrote "I SURE hope than any officer who might pull me over is a little more articulate and familiar with grammar and composing a sentence." With the turn's of events that are just around the corner. How many people do you think will be able to go to school if they couln't paid for it. so you may just find many i the future. and i sure hope i won't get stop by you and insted of writing me a ticket you'll write me a recipe for chicken soup. STAY ON THE SUBJECT IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR CREDENTIALs YOU ARE ON THE WRONG FORUM.

Pedro wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:41 AM:Flores said that even if they do reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents, it comes at a high cost by alienating large segments of the Latino community. Good!!! We don't want criminals here!!

Bob wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:53 AM:Hey, whether you like it or not and personally, I don't, a HUGE % of the crimes committed are by illegal immigrants. For anyone, to come to this country illegally or legally to commit crime is unacceptable. It addition, the unfortunate close proximiy of Mexico to California and other states, means that we really get hammered by these people. They come here illegally, join gangs, kill people all day long. Look at the statistics if you don't believe me. It is what it is and trying to make it a "race" issue doesn't wash anymore. When someone in your family becomes a victim, or you become a victim of someone here illegally, maybe you will wake up. It's enough that we have to deal with our own criminals, we don't need any help from Mexico or any other country.

Keep it up wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:37 PM:Checkpoints should be conducted on a daily basis. Way to go OPD and EPD!

Dennis wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:11 PM:LEGAL MEXICANS and other colors went Free, crooks no mater what color got busted. Get your paper work in order, Citizens crooks don't

Dont you wish wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:19 PM:You could just slap those two guys mentioned in the story. UGH, what disgusting display of people. Breaking LAWS, and there are those who defend this. UGHHHHHHHH!

To Suspicious wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:52 PM:They have some rules you see above where you post, but they print whatever they want. I think it might depend on who the screener is at the time. So much for the first amendment!

Des wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:53 PM:When are we going to be able to read about something that is a true violation of ones civil rights? We throw around this term like it is meaningless.
How is making sure a person driving a motor vehicle on a public street (regardless of race, sex, orgin, etc..) is obeying the law a violation of CIVIL rights? Isn't it a violation of my rights to have people driving without licences, insurance, registration not to mention here in this Country illegally?
Mr. Sifuentes I think you are violating my rights by not providing a FAIR AND BALANCED article! Oh and I am hispanic too so who should I run and tell?
Get real people!

To El Grungo wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:04 PM:you don't speak for me! I ride the bus:)

adios wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:25 PM:The way things are going, the illegals will be heading south soon. No mas trabajo. The recession is taking good care of that . Now the checkpoints can just deal with the drunks, drug addicts, murderers, the usual stuff. I wonder ,Would that violate those folks civil rights?

Lisa wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:12 PM:Has ICE been to the manufacturing company that has this ILLEGAL ALIEN Antonio as an employee.
This needs to come to a halt as well, we AMERICAN CITIZENS need these jobs for OUR families.
You see illegal driving takes away Americans livelihoods and for others has taken away lives and money from hit and run drivers.
Driving without a license is only a portion of the problems that illegal aliens bring to the USA.
Keep up the checkpoints!!!
ACLU, start working for the people who pay taxes and keep you employed, that would be American Citizens.

Safety First Rights Second wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:32 PM:The checkpoint itself detains everyone that goes through it.

If the rights lost were given back, then it wouldn't be a problem. But, that just doesn't happen. Check history. The "slide" just continues.

It's called socialism from the left, and fascism from the right. And if you don't think that is what is happening, then you aren't paying attention.

Go ahead, checkpoint all you want. Tax all you want. "Give" people all the healthcare and welfare you want. There is a cost, and the cost is steep. Like I said, in 20 or 30 years, you'll all look back on this once great country and all be very, very sorry.

Jay wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:05 PM:They should change ACLU to MCLU since their representation is rarely that of an American.

I have an idea. . . wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:24 PM:let's ask one of these unlicensed, drunk drivers to take Bill and his gang for a ride. First, let's get them "liquored up", and them let 'em rip! Bill, would you get in the car with them? Would you want your family to be in the vicinity? Didn't think so.

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:55 PM:To Roberto a victim...you are obviously a fraud who attacks without reading what was posted.

UNFAIR Such a poor choice of Words wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:54 PM:California State Driver's License Rules state that you MUST have a VALID Driver's License (and Insurance) to LEGALLY drive on California Public streets and highways.

What is truly UNFAIR is the double standard expected from the Activists.

What is unfair is the Costs and degradation associated with quality of life issues all over America due to the influx of Illegal Aliens.

What is really unfair is that Americans Tax Paying Citizens must pick up the tab for the costs of providing Education, Medical care, Social Services, and Judicial and incarceration expenses for Illegal Aliens.

You want to talk UNFAIR? I could post dozens of Illegal Alien Crime stories or dozens of Illegal Alien Hit and Run stories and I would have to look no further then the North County Times Achieves to find them.

R/ Skip

Do You want to read a story that is Really UNFAIR wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:02 PM:Here is a story that exemplifies what I refer to as being "UNFAIR". This story was printed in the North County Times a few years back and was also written by Mr. Sifuentes.

COST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ESTIMATED AT NEARLY 9 BILLION

And this was in 2004.

Let’s say this number stayed the same since then. Then today at 4 years later that would represent about 36 BILLION DOLLARS.

How much is our state budget deficient now?

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/12/06/news/top_stories/19_56_5812_5_04.txt

Mourning Mother wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:01 PM:My daughter was run over and KILLED by an UNLICENSED DRIVER. Is her right to LIVE 'less important' than alienating a segment of the population that refuses to obtain driver's licenses and follow our laws? NO!! Why not spend the precious dollars (paying these advocates) towards educating unlicensed drivers in our roadway-laws and getting those unlicensed drivers LICENSED?!?! My daughter would be alive today if that driver had been pulled over at a check-point.

Arlene wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:39 AM:Good we need more checkpoints throughout CA. But why was this guy just given a ticket he should have been turned over for deportation. And to the whining drunk driver, American's who drive drunk have their licenses revoked also.
To many citizens are beng killed by illegal aliens, get over it.

Racist is a code word for white wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:18 PM:I am proud of being white and am sick and tired of being forced to feel racial guilt for sins that I and my ancestors did not commit. I disapprove of half-century old attempts to give my country away to about anyone just because he is not white, to re-write its history into a collection of white-bashing smears, and to turn this once most prominent cornerstone of Western civilization into a Third-World country ruled by free riders who consider white race as the root cause of their collective lack of success. And I will not begin or end my statements with "I am not a racist" semi-apology.

Arlene wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:46 PM:"There are other ways to enforce the law," Flores said during the ACLU news conference.

Yeah name a few you'd protest those also.
In 90 minutes 7 people caught that works.

Jacky wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:35 PM:To all you ignorant people out there who think that all illegal aliens are criminals and are here to destroy this country should really get a reality check! There are many illegal immigrants who do have insurance. I personally know a few and they are probably some of the safest drivers i know. Yet no one says anything about the many drunken hillbillies out there that think drinking and driving is fun. Lets cut the B.S. and see whats really going on here. This is a racist attempt to humiliate and belittle the Hispanic population. Why don't we ever see pictures of white or European people getting arrested. Cause admit it, there are a lot of them too! And to the racist a-hole right above, why don't you degrade people some more just so you can feel better about yourself. This white power crap is not cutting it anymore. We live in the 21st century people! Time to grow the hell up! Why don't you walk a little in someone else's shoes.

Jacky wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:04 PM:If these checkpoints are to "help" with drunk drivers and drivers without licenses, then why is the border patrol necessary. This is just a way to harass and degrade the Hispanic community. There are many different types of illegal immigrants. Not just Hispanics. Why don't we ever see photographs or images of white skinned people. And if officials are really trying to stop "drunk drivers" from driving on our streets, then why aren't these moronic debutantes not in jail. Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Nicole Richie, just to name a few! Come on people, walk in someone else's shoes for once. This country isn't far from becoming just like Mexico. The way this economy is, we might want to show a little more sympathy.

Syl wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:19 PM:These Check Points are very necessary, and an important process in reducing the proliferation of Unlicensed Drivers on California roads.

There was an excellent story in today's NCT paper which illustrates just how bad our North County cities are becoming.

Read: "Office of Traffic Safety ranks North County cities"

Oceanside is rated in the top 1/3 for Hit and Runs (19 / 52), and way at the top for pedestrians under 15 (Children) being Killed (8 / 52), with 23 children killed by drivers.


http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/10/26/news/sandiego/z6a083f844a12f52d882574ef000ca921.txt

CHECK HOW SAFE YOUR CITY IS wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:21 PM:CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY

http://www.ots.ca.gov/Media_and_Research/Rankings/default.asp

Just do not expect them to have a breakdown of unlicensed drivers, or to compile the information as to readily see trends among cities. But you can figure it out!

Skip wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:30 AM:For those of you who think Checkpoints are "Unfair", Don't Worry. When Oblama is elected, nobody will be "Illegal" and everyone will have Driver's Licenses".

The only problem that may remain is "Will all of these new potential drivers get licensed, take Driver's Ed, Learn English, and properly Smog, License, Register, and insure their Vehicles.

Will they? Or will the next "Rallying Cry" be "Insurance is so expensive (and it is "Racist")

Don’t forget! Once they get their new Driver’s License it will be their Civic Duty to Vote and be available for “Jury Duty”