SB-1070 Mastermind Russell Pearce: 'Obama May Not Be Visiting Arizona Because We Require Papers'

Russell Pearce, the mastermind behind controversial Arizona immigration law SB-1070, proudly touted his birther views at a panel discussion on Wednesday, ThinkProgress reports.

"I can tell you that the best thing about 1070 is that Obama may not be visiting Arizona because we actually require papers now," said the Republican state senator at the event held by Judicial Watch.

Last month, Pearce took aim at the president over his opposition to the measure on grounds that it's discriminatory. The Arizona Republic reported at the time on what Pearce had to say on the matter in accepting an award from the David Horowitz Freedom Center:

"When you talk about jihad, that is exactly what Obama has against America, specifically the state of Arizona. Think about it. This is the first time in the history of the United States that a sitting president has sided with a foreign government to sue the citizens of its country. For defending our laws? For defending and protecting the citizens of the state of Arizona? It's outrageous and it's impeachable."

Pearce reportedly communicated a similar sentiment a recent Tea Party rally in the Grand Canyon State. According to UPI, he signaled his belief that he sees the president's actions as "treasonous" and added, "I certainly don't want to overstate, but you know we have the Second Amendment for a reason."

Via ThinkProgress comes video of Pearce's more recent remarks targeting the president:

Comments

[MikeyJaii]

03:01 AM on 12/25/2010

Ha!, good title.

[Pamm Stadt]

12:48 AM on 12/25/2010

bballmom - I was just going to put the same thing down.. Only to ask why every time I hear something about the Second Amendment remedies it is out of the mouth of a Tea Partier. Sharon Angle, Jan Brewer, Joe Miller, and now this guy. Even the NRA has backed off using Second Amendment rights for their battle cry. IMHO these folks should be sitting inside a jail cell awaiting a hearing on why the are intimating their right to carry a gun as a solution and POTUS.

You have been F & F!!

[baseballmom]

07:57 AM on 12/17/2010

Every time one of these guys refers to President Obama and the Second Amendment in the same conversation, they should get a visit by the FBI and/or Secret Service. We all know what they are implying.

[voyager48]

12:59 AM on 12/16/2010

League of United Latin American Citizens v. State of Arizona Dismissed for Lack of Standing

Federal U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton granted the State’s Motion to Dismiss in the case filed by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) against the State of Arizona. In today’s order, Judge Bolton agreed with the Governor that the plaintiff’s challenge lacked standing to pursue its claims and failed in proving to establish any real and immediate threat of harm.

[Denni]

09:04 PM on 12/15/2010

Crazy must come in a bottle, these days. The GOP is chock full of people who are just going off the deep end.

[TinaGirlla]

01:55 PM on 12/15/2010

This man should be investigate by the Secret Service - he basically just threatened President Obama's life.

[sprtakis69]

05:19 PM on 12/11/2010

I guess the POTUS will just have to carry his passport with him, like every other American will have to do in AZ now!

[Ronnie Castaneda]

05:09 PM on 12/11/2010

I hope lawyers in the Justice Dept or a Federal Judge can use this interview to show that the intent of the law " to carry papers' is implicit.

[duhtruth]

04:27 PM on 12/11/2010

There are sick individuals in every society and this guy is quite similar in many respects to bin Laden. He wants to destroy American society as it currently exists and in the process is very pleased with his in sa ne behavior.

[YankeeCanuck]

03:29 PM on 12/11/2010

Well, we can visit Window Rock, capitol of the Navajo nation and Chinle,Canyon de Chelly---spending $0 til we arrive in Navajo lands. The canyon is a spectacular and evocative place--you can roam it with a native guide on foot or horseback.There is also an Indian rodeo in Window Rock each summer.
This way, we can support REAL Americans --and they will not ask for our papers.

[Rastageneral]

03:47 PM on 12/11/2010

Good for you, sounds like a good trip and sensible approach to taking the trip.

[Downix]

03:59 PM on 12/11/2010

I miss going to the reservations.

[pakaal]

02:24 PM on 12/11/2010

And I'm sure there are plenty of normal, rational Arizonans living in Arizona too.

[Rastageneral]

03:49 PM on 12/11/2010

There are lots of us; problem is that not a lot the locals vote. The rich snowbirds that come from up north or back east to retire here are the ones that don't miss an election cycle. It's heart breaking.

[duhtruth]

04:27 PM on 12/11/2010

Why are you sure? I am not!

[HGAZ]

02:16 PM on 12/11/2010

In Arizona I'm a minority three times over...I'm of Mexican descent, educated and have a heart. There is no chance a progressive liberal like myself can compete against the likes of a Russell Pearce.

[Rastageneral]

03:52 PM on 12/11/2010

I'm in the same boat with you my brother/sister. I'm of mixed ancestry, born in Mexico, naturalized US citizen, educated in England, Mexico & the US. The ignorance demonstrated by these Pearce types is absolutely astounding. All we can do is our small part, right?

[sprtakis69]

05:21 PM on 12/11/2010

I'd suggest ording your passcard and keeping it in your wallet at all times! ;-)

[pakaal]

02:01 PM on 12/15/2010

I think any phrase having to do with showing ID papers or cards should always be followed by "achtung, baby!"

[KWHOO]

02:11 PM on 12/11/2010

There are lot's of us not interested in visiting a "show me your papers" police state. AZ has decided to exploit prejudice and bigotry for the profit of a few individuals. The for profit prison system Corporate Correction of America and their supporters (including Brewer) are hoping for financial gain associated with increased incarceration associated with SB 1070.

[Living Man]

02:03 PM on 12/11/2010

I think next time I visit AZ, I will be asking every police officer and government official for their papers before they speak to me.

[pakaal]

02:02 PM on 12/15/2010

I think you shouldn't wait for them to speak to you, simply stop every one of them on the street without warning. As the government is now telling them to do to you.

[Martin Houde]

01:58 PM on 12/11/2010

Go on Pearce ! Send the troopers to ask Obama for his papers as he descends Air Force One !! I'd pay to see that !

For all these birthers : did you actually read the Constitution you claim you love ? If so, why make laws that require a US President to present his birth certificate ? Also, doesn't it occur to you that Obama's papers have been THOROUGHLY reviewed by the highest authorities before he could even apply for office ?