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VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL ** AMERICAN LEGION POST 639

 THE VETERANS VOICE

An immigration bottom line

The New York Times
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2006

This week starts the endgame for immigration reform in the U.S. Senate. Months of debate have come down to this: whether the comprehensive solution at the core of the Senate bill will survive the hostile attentions of those who do not want real reform at all. A brace of amendments has already warped and weakened the bill - though not fatally, thanks to a bipartisan coalition that has fended off repeated attempts at sabotage. But there is still a danger that any legislation will be further compromised or even gutted to conform with the deplorable bill of the House of Representatives. A good immigration bill must honor American values and be sensible enough to work. It must not violate the hopes of deserving people who want to work toward citizenship. It must not create a servant class of "guest workers" shackled to their employers and forbidden to aspire to permanent legal status. It must give newcomers equal treatment under the law and respect their rights of due process. It must impose rigorous enforcement of labor laws, so unscrupulous employers cannot exploit illegal workers. And it must clear the existing backlogs of millions seeking to enter the country legally, so that illegal immigrants do not win an unfair place in line. 'AMNESTY' AND THE MYTHICAL MIDDLE GROUND The Senate is the only hope for real reform this year because the House has already chosen its plan. It wants to wall off Mexico, turn 11 million or so illegal immigrants into an Ohio-size nation of felons, and then pick them off through arrests, deportation and an atmosphere of focused hostility until they all go home, abandoning their families and jobs. That spirit of wishful hunkering has infected the Senate, where Democrats and moderate Republicans have had to struggle against the obstinacy of those who join their counterparts in the House in seeing immigration entirely as a pest-control problem. President George W. Bush has aligned himself with the thoughtful reformers, but in a slippery way. "There's some people in our party who think, you know, deportation will work," Bush said on Thursday. "There are people in the other party that want to have automatic amnesty. As I said in my speech, I've found a good middle ground."  But nobody favoring the Senate bill wants automatic amnesty. It imposes a long and difficult path to citizenship. Illegal immigrants must have a clean record and a job, speak English and pay a big fine. That is what the president wants, though he tries not to say it. His mildness has only validated the efforts of those who cling to the enforcement-only delusion, and who have tried so hard to strip the Senate bill of any meaningful paths to citizenship. THE BORDER FIXATION An immigration solution cannot be focused only on the border. That's been tried. Border enforcement has swelled in the last 20 years, with no visible effect. Bush's plan to send National Guard troops was seen on both sides, rightly, as a ploy to placate the xenophobes. THE ENFORCEMENT GAP The value of illegal immigrants to many employers is their fearful willingness to work for low pay in bad conditions. People who are secure in their status will stand up against abuses, leading to better treatment for all. Workplace enforcement is one tactic. Employers who risk real punishment will be less likely to flout the rules. But guest worker programs without the citizenship option are also an invitation to worker abuse, and a shameful abdication of America's values. Bush has taken this path. Congress must not.  FAIRNESS AND WORKABILITY The current bill divides the 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants into three groups. Those who arrived less than two years ago would have to go home. Those who have been here for two to five years would be treated as guest workers, and would have to leave and re-enter the country to keep that status. The rest would be able to seek citizenship. Will this cumbersome bureaucratic solution work? It depends on the willingness of he two-to-five-year group to step forward. For immigration reform to succeed it must lure people out of the shadows - a goal that may be fatally compromised by the punitive hoops the bill erects. THE XENOPHOBIA PROBLEM The Senate's debate has laid bare a hostility to immigrants that is depressing in its spitefulness and vigor. From Senator James Inhofe's amendment declaring English the national language to one from Jon Kyl that would have barred low-skilled guest workers from seeking permanent status to another from John Ensign that would have denied Social Security credit for work done before an immigrant is legalized, the debate has been littered with attempts to stifle, stymie or blow up the process. The bipartisan coalition pursuing thoughtfulness over such simplistic hostility has proved sturdy so far. The senators who have fashioned the consensus for comprehensive reform must stick together, or the possibility of a solution this year will die, along with the hopes of millions. 

Post Everlasting

On May 21, 2006, the day after our 25th Anniversary Celebration, Jim Sander was called to to Post Everlasting.  Follow this link to his Memorial Page in the Post Everlasting section of our web site:  Jim Sander's Memorial

THIS MONTHS MYST ERY PICTURE

Last months winner was Cindy Forrest.  The first member to tell the editor where this picture was taken in the Post wins a free drink at the bar. No employees of Post 639 or past winners will be  eligible.

COMMANDERS MESSAGE

June is a very important month for us.  The 6th is the election of new post officers, the 14th is Flag Day, 18th is Fathers Day and the 26th The Senate is expected to vote on the Flag Amendment.  We still have time to urge our senators to vote yes.  SJR 12-The Flag Amendment reads: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."  June 21st 1989 the Supreme Court voted 5-4 in a Texas case, that burning the American flag was free speech protected under the First Amendment.  We fought for that Flag and all it stands for.  IF they want to burn it, they don’t belong in AMERICA...  enough said.  Help support the amendment.

Remembrance Day, what can I say?  Thanks go to all that planned and helped support the event.  I'm so proud of each and every one of you and, I'll tell each of you personally.  Our star shined bright well into the night.  The event from the opening introduction to the last song of the night was so great that even I had to smile.  Thanks goes out the Baldknobbers for allowing Gene and the group to sing the anthem, the Air National Guard for the Blackhawk fly in and all the bands that played and the groups that preformed.  A special thanks to the Department Commander John Neger and the Veterans from Mt Vernon for taking the time to share this occasion with us. This was our Silver Anniversary; it was celebrated in the style and respect that it stands for.   Thank you all…

Phil Richardson

ADJUTANTS MESSAGE

Elections of new Post Officers will be the 1^st Tuesday in June. Nominations for officers started in the month of March .You must have a membership card for 2006 to vote or run for any of these offices. There will be a nomination list posted on the bulletin board at the bar. The Post’s 25^th Anniversary went off very well because of the members who worked hard to make this day happen. A special thanks to them for their time and for believing in this post.

J. C. Ponder

CHAPLAINS REPORT

June brings us Fathers Day and the First Day of Summer.  Please stop and give your Father a call.  I hope all you Mothers had a great Mothers Day in May. Everyone seems to be on the mend - health wise.  Thank our true commander in chief for that.  Remember the Jim Sander’s family.  Jim has gone to the Post ever lasting, hope he finds the 3 and 4 cushion bank shots a little easier now.  We will miss him greatly.  Also remember our military, our POW’s and MIA’s in your prayers.

Bob Carroll

LADIES AUXILIARY

May 20th, what a fantastic day! Everything went great. I want to thank the Ladies Auxiliary. You did a very good job. Most of all, thanks to all the people who came & enjoyed the day with us at Post 639 on our special day. Thanks to all who helped with the stage, grounds, sign & beer stand. And how about those kitchen kids? Dea, Lance, Lenny, Ricky T., Doyle & Lloyd, Thanks for all the good service & great food. Hope Lloyd’s arm is doing better Ha! Ha!  MICK, COME HERE! NO CLOSER! THANKS! Thanks to our security, they all did a good job. We were so proud of our girls state, Katie. Thanks for being there. It was great that Mr. Jim Sander was there on Saturday, but very sad we lost him on Sunday. He was a good person and he will be missed. How about those inside girls? Pat, Bobby & Shiela, good job. Bobby is now in her pull-ups! She did a good job with the Ladies Auxiliary water & soda. She even had enough left over for our next function at the Post. IT’S PUT AWAY! IT’S OK! Well, as always, say something nice today & everyday.

Beverley Miller- Your President

FROM THE EDITOR

Our Remembrance Day celebration was indeed a great day. From the other committee members, to all the workers who made this happen; THANK YOU! We are already in the planning stages for next year so if you have any suggestions, let me know. The celebration for Salute The Troops, held in the Fremont center this year, may be joining us here next year. I would just like to say thank you to all the E-board members who have put so much time and effort into this Post in the last year. Their dedication has proven again that “WE CAN DO IT ALL IF WE ALL DO IT.”  June 6th  is the election of new officers. Be here! Sheila Woods, our weekend bartender has gone on to bigger and better things and we wish her well. Any and all articles and pictures of 2006 are needed for the Post’s yearbook. Please get them to me as soon as you can. I’m having some trouble getting the newsletter articles on time so I’m being forced to move the date for the articles back a notch. June 16th is now the last day I will accept articles for the newsletter. Please get your articles in on time if you want it printed.

GENE BEATTIE

BAR REPORT

I would like to thank all the bartenders for the wonderful job they did on Remembrance Day. Gary, Tom, Tony, Bobby and Shiela did an awesome job. This years winner of the pool tournament was Larry Wilkes. Congratulations Larry. A big thank you to the guys who spent all day out in the parking lot directing traffic and making sure all was well. Thanks to Merle, Doyle, Maurice & Gene. I would also like to thank the “Sons” for the wonderful food, the Ladies Auxiliary, The Legion Riders, and all the members for all of their hard work running the booths and entertainment. You all did an awesome job. I’ve never seen so many smiling faces in one place. The Commander was right;  WE CAN DO IT ALL IF WE ALL DO IT!. Congratulations everyone. Awesome job.

Pat Beattie - Bar Manager

I, Lance, would like to extend a huge thank you for the honor of dedicating the stage in my name. It is the greatest honor I have ever had. Thank you Sam, for the wonderful honorable mention and to all who both voted on it as well as worked on it. I look forward to playing on it many times as well as seeing a ton of great entertainment on the Shockley Stage. I would like to invite everyone to a combo BBQ and birthday party for Dea on June 10^th at 7 PM. Come out and help us celebrate her 39^th birthday and sing karaoke with Gene.

Springfield Fire Fighters Local-152 is sponsoring a benefit poker run, for 19 month old Shelby Grover, on June 10 at the union hall, starting with registration at 9:30 and first bike leaving at 10:00. Last bike in at 4:00pm. Route is about 135 miles. There will be food and a band after the run. Shelby is the daughter of F/F Lee and Nicole Grover. She is undergoing chemotherapy at St. Judes in Memphis Tenn. The run is to help out with medical related expenses. Payout for best hand is $200. Cost is $25 for first hand $15 for extra hand and $5 for an extra meal.  Contact Ron Jackson for further info @ 725-1946 or e-mail @ ronjackson@post639.com.  For Information on Post 639's sponsored American Legion Riders, visit our web site at www.alrmo9.com.   

CHAPTER 9   Scheduled Rides*

June 24th/10am...To ferry-Bull Shoals Lake/Day Ride

July 22nd/10am...To Eureka Springs Ark./Day Ride

August 19th/10am..Hwy 86 Office Pub/Day Ride

Sept. 16th/7am…Beale St. Memphis Tenn. (overnight)

Oct. 14th/7am...Hwy 7-Hot Springs Ark. (overnight)

*All rides meet at the Post unless otherwise indicated

If you were here on Sat. May 20th, you saw all this and more. Due to space, these highlight pictures were all I could include in the newsletter. As soon as we can organize all the pictures, they will be posted in the front entrance for all to enjoy or follow this link to the pictures on the web site PICTURES.     Editor

Letters to the Editor

We, the ladies of the Auxiliary, would like to thank the Post members. The luncheon provided was very much appreciated. From the beautifully set table to the roses in the glass bowls. The classy escort service to the table made each and every one of us feel special. The food and service were the best as in any exclusive restaurant. To each and every one of the members who did this, (and you know who you are) THANK YOU! After the luncheon, the ladies reminisced about their children, mothers present and ones passed over, friends and loved ones. As I left the Post, the closeness with others-the togetherness,  made it seem as if we all had the same purpose. Again, thank you all.  Sharon Richardson-Mrs. Grumpy

There are times in our lives when we lose someone that we just couldn’t imagine life without. Such is the case of the passing of my beloved mother, Ester Bays. How I wish I could have shared her wonderful laughter and gift for loving with all of you. She was so looking forward to meeting all of you when Lance and I have our wedding reception here at the Post.  I would like to thank so many of you for the love and caring you have extended to me during this sad time. You have no idea how wonderful it feels to find out that when you’ve lost a family member, you’ve suddenly acquired a whole new family of wonderful, giving people. Thanks to the Sons and the Ladies Auxiliary for getting me to California so quickly. Without your generosity, I would have never gotten to say goodbye to my mother. I will be eternally grateful for that wonderful gift. Thank you to Sam & Katie for the use of your luggage at the spur of the moment. Your generosity was overwhelming. Crystal, I never could have made it without your expertise; thank you so much. Thanks to Susan for helping me to keep my sanity and helping Lance to maintain while I was gone. Thanks to Pat & Gene for my Guardian Angel and to Dave Williams for the meals & munchies and the jingle in my pocket. Finally, thanks to all who visited Lance in the hospital & made sure he was OK in my absence. My mama may have passed on, and I will miss her, but in the process I acquired a new loving family. All of you!  God Bless  

Dea Gonzales

June Birthdays

6th….. Ann Powell

8th….. Dea Gonzales, Teri Chandler,

             Susanne D’Andrea

10th…..Angela Bougher, Shawna Reed

20th…..Lee Walton

21st…..Randi Davenport

26th…..Terry Rowley

29th…..James (The Painter) Morris

30th…..Freda Sullivan

BABY SHOWER

Teri Chandler would like to invite all ladies to a baby shower for Melissa Chandler on June 4th, 2006 at 2:00

Dates To Remember

June 6  - D-Day Allied invasion of Europe (1944)

June 14 - Flag Day (Fly Your Flag And Be Proud)

June 14 - US Army founded (1775)

June 21 - Summer begins (Summer Solstice)

June 22 - Pledge of Allegiance recognized by Congress (1942)

June 22 - GI Bill signed into    law(1944)

June 25 - Korean War began (1950)

Jun 4  2:10 pm

Neighborhood Excellence 400

Dover International Speedway
Dover, DE

Jun 11  2:10 pm

Pocono 500
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond, PA

Jun 18  1:40 pm

3M Performance 400
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, MI

Jun 25  3:30 pm

Dodge/Save Mart 350
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, CA

SOME THINGS ARE SACRED

On the seventeenth tee, the husband was starting his back swing when the wife blurted out, "I'm sorry darling, I've been so conscience– stricken since you told me, but since we're being honest with each other, I have something to tell you also. Fifty-two years ago I had a sex change operation, I was a man before I met you. I hope you can forgive me." The husband, froze at the top of his Back swing, then threw a fit! He slammed the driver into the ground, Kicked the ball into the woods, stormed Off the tee, pushed the golf cart over on Its side, broke the rest of his clubs One by one, then started on hers. He screamed and ranted, "You liar! You cheat! You despicable deceiver! How could you? I trusted you with all my heart and soul... And all these years you've been playing off The ladies tees?!" Some things are sacred.

 "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship,
support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty and Freedom."  

UP AND COMING EVENTS

June 3rd….Wedding Reception-Jason & Jamie

                    Karaoke with Gene 

June 10th..Dea’s B-Day/BBQ/Karaoke

June 16th..Fish Fry

June 17th  Mt.Vernon Vets Dinner

June 24th...Wedding Reception-Bill Seelye’s Son

Advanced Warning...General Meeting..July 11th

Check The Calendar for times

Check with Pat and Bobby, for “Happy Hour” prices on your favorite drinks

NEW SPECIALS EVERY DAY !

American Legion Post 639

BINGO

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

Pull Tabs start at 4:30

Early Bird starts at 6:30

Guaranteed Pay-out will be $ 3,600

Plus

Progressive & Pull Tabs

The Bingo Hall is located at

2032 West Bennett Street

(Just West of Kansas Expressway)

-Across from The Post Office-

If you can’t help work BINGO come out & play!