Spanish anthem adds fuel to debate
Spanish-language pop stars and artist-producer Wyclef Jean jumped into the immigration debate this week after recording their own bilingual version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as a show of support for illegal immigrants in light of possible immigration changes in Congress.
The song, to be released to radio stations this afternoon and played Friday, has angered opponents of illegal immigration and some immigration advocates, who believe it is unpatriotic, divisive and ultimately damaging to their cause.
Others think the bilingual version will allow Hispanic immigrants who don’t speak English to take ownership of the national anthem after better understanding the country’s principles and values in their native language. . .
Prosecutors May Widen
Congressional-Bribe Case
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether two contractors implicated in the bribery of former Rep. Randall “Duke” Cunningham supplied him with prostitutes and free use of a limousine and hotel suites, pursuing evidence that could broaden their long-running inquiry.
Besides scrutinizing the prostitution scheme for evidence that might implicate contractor Brent Wilkes, investigators are focusing on whether any other members of Congress, or their staffs, may also have used the same free services, though it isn’t clear whether investigators have turned up anything to implicate others. . .
$100 rebates proposed to help pay for gas
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans proposed a $100 rebate check for millions of taxpayers today to counter high gasoline costs, but linked the assistance to drilling in an Alaska wildlife refuge, assuring the measure would face stiff opposition from most Democrats.
Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee called the proposal “a bold package that will give consumers some relief” from gasoline prices that have passed $3 a gallon in many parts of the country.
“We are going to ease the burden,” added Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., at a GOP news conference unveiling the measures. Frist said he hoped for a Senate vote next Tuesday. . .
Talk of worker roundup baseless
Latina Salon in Oakland is usually packed on Mondays, Beatriz Ochoa said, but rumors of an immigration sweep late that afternoon on nearby International Boulevard at 105th Street kept customers away.
The girl at the fruit cart out front ran away when she heard about the van on the corner picking people up, Ochoa said, and the automotive rim shop next door closed.
Other shopkeepers in the area reported hearing about sweeps, though they, like Ochoa, said they had not witnessed anything themselves.
The reason they did not see anything, immigration officials said Wednesday, is because the sweeps never happened. . .
