BREAKING NEWS: Puertoricans are Foreigners

Or so says U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Dumbf**kistan)

Brown-Waite, R-Dumbf**kistan, was complaining about parts of an economic-stimulus package when she referred to residents of Puerto Rico and Guam as "foreign citizens."

". . . The bill sends hundreds of millions of dollars to people who do not pay federal income taxes, including residents of Puerto Rico and territories like Guam. I do not believe American taxpayer funds should be sent to foreign citizens who do not pay taxes. Americans want an economic stimulus for Dunnellon, Brooksville and Clermont, not for San Juan or Hagatna. As the legislation moves forward, it must be changed to ensure that only federal taxpaying American citizens receive rebate checks."

Emphasis added.  Needless to say, her "error" was quickly addressed.

"My recommendation to the distinguished Congress lady is to go through the story of the country she has sworn to protect," said Carlos Irizarry, a Kissimmee city commissioner who was born in Puerto Rico. "It's offensive, especially coming from a congresswoman who's supposed to know the history of this country."

Irizarry noted that Puerto Ricans defend the country in the armed forces just like mainland-born citizens.

So, the "distinguished Congress lady's" main concern is that the money goes to tax-paying citizens.  Preferably from her congressional district, I believe.  That would be fine if not for the fact that the U.S. Senate's version wants to give rebates to seniors who receive Social Security, which is exempt from taxation.  And other stuff for citizens who are not tax payers.

While the House version made rebates available only to those with an income of at least 3,000 dollars, the Senate version said that figure can include social security and veterans disability benefits, effectively increasing the reach of the benefits to more than 20 million more people, especially retirees..

The bill also extends by 13-26 weeks the period people who lost jobs can receive unemployment benefits. Those in high-unemployment states will get the longer extensions.

Of course, the "distinguished Congress lady" won't let the facts get in the way of some good-ol' xenophobic political rhetoric.

When asked about the release, spokesman Charlie Keller said it was "fine as is."