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Salt Lake Crawler
Glen Warchol
I've been a newspaperman for nearly three decades and have done hard time at United Press International; small dailies and nasty alternative newspapers, including the Observer in Dallas. In some bizarre convulsion of fate, I joined a few other twisted gentiles at the Deseret News for a few years. Along the way, I reproduced twice. I live in Salt Lake's historic refinery district with my current wife Mary Brown Malouf, another journalist. Now, I'm on a new adventure on the Internet-where the best things in life are (mostly) free.
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Sandstrom's big moment
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Published on Aug 19, 2010 05:25PM
State Rep. Stephen Sandstrom unveiled his immigration bill this morning, standing alone* in the Capitol Rotunda facing a jeering crowd of protesters.

You've got give Sandstrom this, he's got cajones.

Go here and here for details on Sandstrom's "not Arizona-like bill" that he introduced as:

"This is a tough, hard-hitting bill."

Highlights of the press conference:

Sandstrom says his bill "is not about race." (Jeers. "Liar!")

"Not targeted at the Latino community. (Jeers.)

It "outlaws racial profiling." (Jeers. Laughter.)

"The bill has widespread support in Utah." (Jeers, boos, "Where's the support, Representative?")

Sandstrom supports guest-worker proposals to replace undocumented workers who would be deported under his law. (Jeers. "Slavery!")

Sandstrom says many Americans' identities have been stolen by illegals. ("That's a lie!" "What about what you stole, pilgrim?")

The bill would not require anyone to carry addition documentation to the green cards already required by federal law. (Boos.)


When Sandstrom finished answering questions and walked away, the crowded chanted: "Shame on Sandstrom!"

I asked Sandstrom, a Mormon, how his bill fits in with the LDS Church's call for a "compassionate" approach to immigration reform. He says the bill is "in harmony" with church teachings.

"My legislation does take a compassionate approach in dealing with this issue. Compassion does not mean that you can willfully violate the law."

Fun fact for other lawmakers: The Driving Privilege Card supported by many lawmakers because it ensures that undocumented workers who drive are ensured would be an "absolute admission" of illegal status under his bill, Sandstrom says the Driving Privilege Card will need to be "rethought."

*Seriously, where were the Patrick Henry Caucus, Eagle Forum and the Tea Bag Party?

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