Bye-bye Barney, Newt's Immigration and Secret SantaDear Mark: I just heard today that Barney Frank isn't seeking re-election for Congress in 2012. What a gift from the Almighty to America. He's had his head in the sand for over 30 years, completely oblivious to reality. We thank God that he'll be gone from power, as Frank has been a thorn in the flesh of Americans for too long. Barney reminds me of the saying, "There are a lot more horses rears than there are horses." — Bob T. in Texas Dear Bob: As a citizen, I agree with the sentiment of your letter. As a political writer, it's with mixed blessings that I bid Frank farewell. Rep. Frank was a "colorful" character, to say the least, who was easily inflamed, which made for easy journalistic fodder. Unfortunately, he evolved into the face of what's wrong in politics today. Frank became an entrenched politician who more often than not did what was politically expedient rather than solve actual problems. Case in point: In 2003, when then President Bush called for Congress to look into more regulations for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Frank declared: "I worry, frankly, that there's a tension here. The more people, in my judgment, exaggerate a threat of safety and soundness, the more people conjure up the possibility of serious financial losses to the Treasury, which I do not see. I think we see entities that are fundamentally sound financially and withstand some of the disaster scenarios." Speaking of "disaster scenarios," we all know today Freddie and Fannie were a major cause of our current economic crisis. Pardon me ... everybody knows that except Democrats. Why else would Barack Obama hail the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Bill as the congressman's greatest achievement when it completely ignored Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Goodbye, Congressman.
Dear Mark: During a recent Republican debate, Newt Gingrich sounded like he might be soft on illegal immigration. Will this be a problem for Newt in his quest to become president? — Play to Stay in Arizona Dear Play: I don't know if he is soft on illegal immigration or just pragmatic about a complicated situation. As simple as it sounds, capturing and deporting the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants is not practical from a manpower or an economic standpoint. As far as Newt's run for the presidency, that answer depends on the details of his solution. My solution is simple. First, completely seal the border by whatever means necessary. A liberal friend of mine suggested utilizing returning military personnel to patrol the border. Second, identify who's here in our country and for what purpose by issuing appropriate visas (student, work or parent) that must be renewed yearly. Renewal will be based on being felony free and up to date on taxes. If a noncitizen is caught without a visa or cannot easily access their visa, they will be deported. Third, our government must re-evaluate and streamline the path to citizenship. Fourth, every immigrant seeking a visa must learn English. If Newt follows my plan, this issue will not hurt his presidential chances. Dear Mark: That asinine Sen. Al Franken from Minnesota has organized a "Secret Santa" party in the U.S. Senate. With all of the country's ills, don't you think that's a waste of time? — Humbug to Congress Dear Humbug: It's all in fun, but it will take a Christmas miracle for the senators to stay under the $10 spending limit for gifts. Dear Mark is a public platform for your enrichment and entertainment. E-mail your questions to marklevy92@aol.com. To find out more about Mark Levy, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM
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