Thread: Holder hasn't read Ariz. law he criticized

The Washington Times
Originally published 05:34 p.m., May 13, 2010, updated 06:00 p.m., May 13, 2010
Holder hasn't read Ariz. law he criticized
Stephen Dinan

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., who has been critical of Arizona's new immigration law, said Thursday he hasn't yet read the law and is going by what he's read in newspapers or seen on television.

Mr. Holder is conducting a review of the law, at President Obama's request, to see if the federal government should challenge it in court. He said he expects he will read the law by the time his staff briefs him on their conclusions.

"I've just expressed concerns on the basis of what I've heard about the law. But I'm not in a position to say at this point, not having read the law, not having had the chance to interact with people are doing the review, exactly what my position is," Mr. Holder told the House Judiciary Committee.

This weekend Mr. Holder told NBC's "Meet the Press" program that the Arizona law "has the possibility of leading to racial profiling." He had earlier called the law's passage "unfortunate," and questioned whether the law was unconstitutional because it tried to assume powers that may be reserved for the federal government.

Rep. Ted Poe, who had questioned Mr. Holder about the law, wondered how he could have those opinions if he hadn't yet read the legislation.

"It's hard for me to understand how you would have concerns about something being unconstitutional if you haven't even read the law," the Texas Republican told the attorney general.

The Arizona law's backers argue that it doesn't go beyond what federal law already allows, and they say press reports have distorted the legislation. They point to provisions in the law that specifically rule out racial profiling as proof that it can be implemented without conflicting with civil rights.

But critics said giving police the power to stop those they suspect are in the country illegally is bound to lead to profiling.

Mr. Holder said he expects the Justice and Homeland Security departments will finish their review of the Arizona law soon.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/201 ... riticized/

FOXNews.com
May 13, 2010
Holder Admits to Not Reading Arizona's Immigration Law Despite Criticizing It

Despite repeatedly voicing concerns about Arizona's new immigration enforcement law in recent weeks and threatening to challenge it, Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday he has not yet read the law, which is only 10 pages long.

Despite repeatedly voicing concerns about Arizona's new immigration enforcement law in recent weeks and threatening to challenge it, Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday he has not yet read the law -- which is only 10 pages long.

"I have not had a chance to -- I've glanced at it," Holder said at a House Judiciary Committee hearing when asked had he read the state law cracking down on illegal immigrants.

Holder told reporters last month that he fears the new law is subject to abuse and that the Justice Department and the Homeland Security Department are in the midst of conducting a review.

The Arizona law requires local and state law enforcement to question people about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they're in the country illegally, and makes it a state crime to be in the United States illegally.

The law has sparked protests across the country, including a City Council-approved boycott of Arizona businesses by Los Angeles.But proponents deny that the law encourages racial profilng, with some saying the local controversy is a symptom of a broken federal immigration system.

Holder said last month that a number of options are under consideration, including the possibility of a court challenge.

On Thursday, Holder said he plans to read the law before reaching a decision on whether he thinks it's constitutional.

When asked by Rep.Ted Poe, R-Texas, how he could have constitutional concerns about a law he has not read, Holder said: "Well, what I've said is that I've not made up my mind. I've only made the comments that I've made on the basis of things that I've been able to glean by reading newspaper accounts, obviously, television, talking to people who are on the review panel...looking at the law."

On Sunday, Holder said he does not think Arizona's law is racially motivated but voiced concern that its enforcement could lead to racial profiling.

Holder said he understands the frustration behind the Arizona law, but he warned during an appearance on ABC's "This Week" that "we could potentially get on a slippery slope where people will be picked on because of how they look as opposed to what they have done."

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/05 ... -slamming/

And he might file a lawsuit against it - without reading it. He's going to look like an absolute fool in front of the judge.

Neil Cavuto has this as breaking news today. Neil covered the Arizona bill today, he has it posted for anyone to read on his website. It takes 15 minutes or less to read, and the bill is around 10-16 pages.

http://www.foxnews.com/yourworld/

Psalm 143:8 (King James Version)
It is written,... Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

What a complete idiot...how can anyone in his position make any kind of a statement on such an important issue when he has not taken 15 min. to read the 16 page bill...either that or he is out right lying, he read it and knows it is exactly like the fed law and there is not a darn thing they can do about it!

He looks like a complete fool. How can you criticize and even threaten lawsuits if you havent even read it? hahaaa

Oh yeah, its all politically motivated...

Congrats Eric Holder on looking like a FOOL....

Eric Holder - FAIL

Kind of like Pelosi..."we have to hurry up and pass it so you can find out whats in it"!!! Sorry I don't believe any of them went to college, it is all lie's

Holder must have been given his orders but got caught up by having to admit he hadn't even read the bill. And this is the country's top attorney?

Added to Homepage:
http://www.alipac.us/article-5258--0-0.html

Originally Posted by SOSADFORUS

Kind of like Pelosi..."we have to hurry up and pass it so you can find out whats in it"!!! Sorry I don't believe any of them went to college, it is all lie's

If they did go to college, these Ivy League Universities aren't worth the salt in their snack bars. Americans! STOP WASTING YOUR MONEY sending your kids to Harvard and Columbia. Based on Chris Kobach's performance, Yale Law is still getting the job done.