What’s happening in the United States Congress regarding immigration is historic and will affect our childrens’ future. If you don’t believe it, think back to the last time ‘reform’ was passed in 1986 and consider the outcome — our current pickle. Therefore, it’s our civic duty to understand what’s going on and communicate our resulting views to those who vote. After all, they work for us. Ahem.

The Senate just passed their version of the bill. Our Tennessee lame duck Senator Frist voted in the affirmative, while his not so lame duck colleague Lamar Alexander punched the nay button. You can figure out the politics on that one.

The competing bills in the House and Senate are in many respects similar but have some glaring differences, show-stoppers, perhaps. Found this helpful at first glance, but it doesn’t take into account side effects such as what Senator Sessions talked about, among other things.

I’ve voiced my opinion to my elected representative in DC, which is not really far askew from this one. And if a goofball like myself can contact a congressman, surely anyone can.

Bob Corker and his campaign handlers continue their refusal to debate the issues of this election, outside the comfort zone of the paid-for 30-second-television-spot.

Remember this past January? The Corker campaign refused invitation to the Main Street Journal sponsored debate here in Memphis, opting instead to head to Washington to attend a fundraiser. Ben Mitchell, campaign manager, seemed “concerned” with media involvement for the Memphis debate. Sound familiar? Well, the Corker camp is at it again, this time offering their critique on what is “serious” media in Nashville.

So who exactly is “serious media” to the Bob Corker Campaign? I mean, the panel for the Main Street Journal debate included the Commercial Appeal, the Memphis Flyer, the Bartlett Express, the Information Radio Network, and the Main Street Journal. What better list could there be from the Memphis media market? We are open to suggestions.

Mr. Corker, serious debate is not 30 seconds of paid-for smiling and waving between episodes of Desperate Housewives. If Bob Corker and his handlers are not interested in discussing the “serious” issues facing Tennessee for longer than 30 seconds, in a forum that is not paid-for or bought by campaign dollars, then he has no business running for Senator of this state, or any state.

Jonathan Lindberg
Publisher, Editor
Main Street Journal
Memphis

Corker does not plan to participate in GOP forums

Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker does not plan to participate in a series of five “town hall” forums proposed by Republican U.S. Senate rival Ed Bryant, Mr. Corker’s campaign manager said Tuesday.

Corker won’t participate in debates

U.S. Senate hopeful and former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker will not participate in a series of debates initiated by one of his Senate Republican primary challengers.