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First — a quick note to welcome all the new readers to my blog. Glad to have you aboard! Normally, I cover culture war issues — but since I’m embedded with the Obama campaign, we’re pretty much all-politics, all the time.
The big news on the campaign trail today is Senator Obama’s aunt — who happens to be an illegal immigrant. Zeituni Onyango was discovered living in Boston compliments of American taxpayers. She resides in public housing a receives welfare.
Ms. Onyango applied for asylum from Kenya four years ago. Her application was denied. Ever since, she’s been in this country illegally.
But she’s been a constant supporter of her nephew, donating $260 to his campaign, according to the Associated Press. There’s just a tiny problem — foreigners are not allowed to give money to American political campaigns. The Obama camp said it was returning the donation.
The campaign said it was returning $260 that Onyango had contributed in small increments to Obama’s presidential bid over several months. Federal election law prohibits foreigners from making political donations. Onyango listed her employer as the Boston Housing Authority and last gave $5 on Sept. 19.
Otherwise, the campaign is being tight-lipped about this. David Axelrod told me this morning in Henderson, NV that there would be no public statements. A written note from Bill Burton said the senator had no idea is aunt was an illegal and they believed the letter of the law will be followed.
Democrats are already playing politics and there are accusations the Republicans may have leaked his aunty’s information. It’s unclear how it became public knowledge. Nevertheless, Congressman John Conyers wants an investigation. He said he was disturbed by the leak, in a letter written to Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff. Oddly, the congressman did not seem all that concerned that there was an illegal immigrant taking money from American taxpayers.
A few questions are bouncing around in my brain:
1. How did an illegal immigrant get public housing assistance?
2. Will Senator Obama ask President Bush to let his aunt stay in the U.S.
3. Did ACORN register his aunt to vote?
4. Why did Senator Obama take money from a family member on welfare?
1. I think she probably got to live in public housing because unlike employers, a) she didn't have to fill out an I-9 or show proof of citizenship (it would be the job of decent reporters in Boston to check this out and see how often it occurs), or b) Obama knows about it and the "authorities" have decided to look the other way because the woman is the aunt of a U.S. Senator. Exactly the reason that association's, connections and affiliations do matter. When a person running for office or needing a security clearance has these kinds of connections, it leaves them vulnerable to being asked "favors" because they are being extended a favor or being given consideration others are not because of who they are.
2. I don't think he'll have to ask President Bush to let her stay because I don't think that the immigration authorities will touch this one, meaning President Bush won't have to act and Obama won't have to say anything. Since when has Obama had to answer for any of this stuff? It's always someone else's fault! He'll say, as he already has, but more, that he didn't know, it's not his concern, etc., etc.
3. I'm sure someone did. And she probably knew she couldn't vote and couldn't give, but did it anyway, because after all, the rules don't matter when it comes to Obama. I'm sure he'll change all the rules because they are rules that belong to the old white race anyway. The same class rules that ironically, got him the decent education he got and the power that he craves, that has been available to anyone willing to work for it–or at least figure out how it works and make it work for them.
4. This is a good question. Honestly probably Obama didn't know. It's not like it looks like he has regular contact with his Auntie or anyone not able to directly help him (with more than a paltry few hundred bucks–although you have to wonder all that other money by illegals out there that adds up). Even if he did knowingly take it, he probably didn't make the connection that here she is living in pubic housing and him taking money is akin to taking "public" campaign funds! Cough. Unfortuntately, his way of thinking by his speeches is that American taxpayers should pay taxes so that government programs evidently should support people like his Aunt. The bigger question is why HE is not supporting his Aunt. It's high time in America that families support each other. If the future wannabee president of the United States can't take the responsibility to provide support for the woman who was his father's half sister, and evidently living here illegally because she obviously not only can't support herself, but find or hire a good attorney (I guess Obama couldn't do that either) than there is a huge problem. He's a user, just like his Aunt (although I'm much more sympathetic towards her not knowing the full story–maybe he signed for her initial entry into this country and left her high and dry). The only question is, how much do the American people want to be used?
Obama didn't break the law. When you read headlines such as, "Disclosure About Obama's Aunt May Have Violated Privacy Policy" then you must ask yourself this–do you want a government that breaks its own laws?
Obama has not even submitted his valid birth certificate and no one bats even one eye. Why would he even bother to respond to this small matter of his aunt? Obama may become the first invalid President.
Is really makes me mad that our tax dollars pay for her housing and no telling what ever else, and yet she is sending money to Obama's campaign. She is illegal.
Obama didn't break any law…remember aunt Zeituni is an adult…and should be resposible for her own action…Are we going to be resposible for any actions of our relatives?
Get a life guys! Lets talk about something serious!
In response to "Kayamann" while she is responsible for her own actions, so is he….
Just as he is responsible for his lack of action if he was aware of her status…
It is called being an " Accessory after the fact"…
If u planning to marry a person; of course your going to check the background &included family..if you have a good heart; family 1st because blood ticker than water..hope there changes..God Bless everyonep