Hey Arizona... We don’t need no stinkin’ “papers”!

[Eric James]

Imagine Arizona in the old West. A man with a badge comes up to you for no apparent reason and asks to see your "papers." What would have happened?

One thing is for sure. Today we’d be reading about a lot more gunfights and murders.

Come Saturday, if Arizona’s new law is not vetoed, any man with a badge can stop anyone for any reason at any time and ask for their "papers." What would you do?

If I was riding my horse to California next week, I’d sure by-pass Arizona territory. I don’t need any harassment from a lawman, bent on making a reputation for himself. Hey Arizona...I don’t need no stinkin’ "papers"!

[Eric James]

Hi Rio, I'm a publisher, writer, and historian. I had a research trip planned for Arizona this year, but I'll by-pass that, too, and spend the money elsewhere. Tobacco farmer? I can't grow a tomato. But I was married to a granddaughter of R. J. Reynolds, whose business the family sold off.

[Eric James]

Hi James, The bill is indefensible on the basis of unlawful discrimination. So a lawmen finds me, and I'm wearing my green contact lenses, and I still have dark makeup on from doing a gig as a re-enactor, but I can't produce papers that show I have legally immigrated to America from a foreign country, because in fact I was born in Chicago, but I'm not carrying the papers to prove that either, and I now stand prosecuted on no basis of fact, only upon a lawman's suspicion. If lawmakers plan target illegal aliens in that manner, what's to stop them from targeting anyone else whose appearance they don't like and would like to see run out of Arizona?

[Kevin Hogge]

James, don't listen to this. Arizona is trying to do something; the federal government wouldn't touch this 'vote killing' issue for love nor money. They would rather let illegals run wild and eventually turn them into voters. The new law says you need probible cause, and that doesn't mean the color of their skin, to stop and question anyone. This is not some crazy Nazi scheme. Eric, I'm sure you will be safe in Arizona.

[Stan H]

Haben sie paperien, bitte?

sound familar?

My son, who presently lives in Prescott, will not go to Maricopa County, thanks to Aripio, the sheriff. My son is dark compliceted, thanks to his Navajo mother. Should he have to produce papers? What about the other "dark skinned" people of Arizona? what is the defiantion of "probable cause?" From what I have read of this new law, it is left to the police officer, if he "suspects" something.

Another less mentioned point is the part where people will not be allowed to gather near building supply stores, garden stores, etc. I believe there is a slight mention in that old Constitution about "peacefull gathering."

This law is a step on a very slippery slope.

[Eric James]

Kevin, I have probable cause not to trust law that leaves arbitrary decision making to lawmen. Several years ago I was hauled off for a day of jail time in the People's Republic of Santa Monica (CA). I was given a speeding ticket to sign that stated I agreed to appear in court on the date specified. I informed the officer I couldn't sign it, unless the she changed the date. I knew I would be on tour on the specified date and unable to appear. She said she couldn't change the date. So instead, she arrested and incarcerated me. At the end of the day when my attorney obtained my release, I was given back the ticket with the date for court appearance easily changed. It took me two years, but I closed my office in Santa Monica and took my business elsewhere. Rep. Brian Bilbray today says, "trained professionals" can identify undocumented workers just by looking at their clothes. Godforbid, I'm not wearing the same shirt bought at Wal-Mart by an illegal alien.

[john r. larkin/cowboy johnny]

i am dark compliceted, Hispanic American, a former law man, registered independant, home owner, married, Christian, etc. etc. etc. etc. i totally support the new law. do not support illegal immigration for any nationality, and in the old days, if i were asking you for your papers - my guns would already be out and ready. If you don't like Arizona, no one is begging you to come. Us cowboys here are danm proud of our state and doing something about the illegal immigration issue.

[Kevin Hogge]

Eric, I see what you mean. My point is that something needs to be done and the federal government couldn't care less. I think John McCain would be happy to stand at the boarder like a Wal-Mart greeter. I commend Arizona for taking a stand. IMHO......

[Gold Lady]

Cowboy Johnny, I'm an Arizonan, and I'm sure glad you're a FORMER law man. You'd pull your gun on me to ask to see my papers? Jeez.

[Joe Bethancourt]

Driver;s license and proof of insurance, please?

[Unkle Sherman]

Than goodness I live in Californie, the only papers I'm concerned about are ZIG-ZAG's.
Hopin' I don't run out !!