Free Republic

TIJUANA, Mexico — Mexico lobbied for six years for a comprehensive immigration reform that would allow millions to cross into the United States legally. Instead, it's getting a fence. Mexicans — from leading politicians to migrants preparing to cross illegally — consider the U.S. plan to fence off much of the border shameful, offensive and ill-conceived. President Bush on Wednesday signed a bill that would allot $1.2 billion for hundreds of miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexican border and for more vehicle barriers, lighting and infrared cameras.

When Christine Drake worked as a Starbucks barista, the Seattle woman with psychiatric disabilities said it was the first time in her life that she "felt a sense of accomplishment." But after two years on the job, a new manager at the Starbucks store at 425 Queen Anne Ave. N. in Seattle allegedly discriminated against Drake, decreased her hours and berated her in front of customers, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lisa Cox, an EEOC lawyer, said the world's largest coffee retailer ignored Drake's requests for help and violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not accommodating...

ROCK ISLAND -- Mo likes to twirl fire. A red stripe crosses her face like a mask. The words "Kill Your TV" are written in black from forehead to chin. What appears to be a red nylon bath puff is strapped on top of Harrison's head, like a rooster's comb. It matches his red cutoff T-shirt. "Turn Off Your TV" is in black on his right cheek. He sits on the upper stage of two handmade pontoon boats, strumming an acoustic guitar and singing. Bare feet dangle over the Mississippi River. Sunshine and blue skies welcome their journey here. "Harrison...

PALMETTO, Florida (AP) -- Mark Giorgio figured a 50-foot plunge was worth $20. Giorgio, 47, was counting his money and walking across the U.S. 41 bridge over the Manatee River Monday when a $20 bill blew out of his hand and flew over the rail. He followed. And plummeted 50 feet into the river. Then he swam about 100 yards to fish the bill from the water. "I got my money back, hell yeah," Giorgio told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. "Twenty bucks is a lot of money when you're broke." He was fished from the water by a passing Florida Fish...