Thank you tracie, yes I'm very glad that I've made you smiled and made your day hun

hugs to you

Unlike many of you here I have had dealings with the INS. I am a legal immigrant to the US. In the 80's I lost my greencard. I spent two years in limbo unable to collect unemployment or get a job due to the INS mishandling of my paperwork. I finally had to go through my Congressman to get a personal appointment at the INS in Los Angeles in order to replace the documentation that proves my status. Were my civil rights violated? Did I go crying to the media because I was asked for ID? No and no. I am required to provide my greencard to obtain mortgages seek employment and open bank accounts amoung other things. Does immigration need reform? Yes. The INS is inept, inefficient and seemingly unaccountable to anyone. I thoroughly resent millions upon millions of people coming here illegally and then having the nerve to demand rights and special treatment. My family was subjected to background checks and physical examinations. We paid fees and provided paperwork. Not only that, shortly after we relocated, my Father was drafted.

Do The Stu

Joe & Joe fans alike,

I certainly agree with the right to protest and speak ones mind, that is one of the rights we as American's have that makes this country great. I also mean no disrespect toward you as a person and can't argue the fact that you have meant more to me as a musician than any other guitar player. Your skill and natural ability make me sick by the way lol.

I would like to conclude my discussion on the Arizona law by stating that if you don't live in Arizona, don't assume that you know whats going on. I live in Tucson and work for the sheriff's department that you mentioned earlier, there are on average 5 home invasions in the metro Tucson and surrounding communities a week. Yes, I said a week! These home invasions are occurring due to the drug traffic that is flowing across the border. The invaders are looking for drugs or drug money and many times they hit the wrong house. Now since you don't live here, I can see where that may not be an issue for you.

As I stated before, Phoenix has the 2nd highest kidnapping rate in the world, on average of 1 a day, everyday. The majority of these are due to illegal alien and drug smuggling. And again, not living there either, I can see this as not being a problem for you as well. This is a big problem for all American citizens living in Arizona, and our Governor is trying to force the Federal Government to do their job, period!

So all of these cities and musicians that are boycotting Arizona, take a realistic look at what is really going on here. We aren't protecting ourselves from the illegal working the the fields picking our crops. We are dealing with violent drug cartels on a daily basis, the cartels are alive and well on this side of the border as well and are very active. They cross our border, murder, rape, rob and kidnap indiscriminately and we are supposed to sit back and take it? Now, I haven't even mentioned the hundreds and hundreds of illegals that die crossing our desert each year. How about we secure our border at least to protect them, I can't count the number of times we have found dead or dying illegals in the desert that were abandoned by the coyote and the entire group they were traveling with. We as Arizonans are trying desperately to do something about it. You should too, boycotting a state that is trying to protect itself is not the answer.

I love your music but must do my part to support my state, therefore, I must boycott you as well. I own every album/C.D., video and music book that you have ever made. I go to every concert that you and G-3 perform in Phoenix or Tucson. I will not support you in any way, I will never buy another product that you put out or endorse. It's sad that music must turn political, I wish that you would have stated you opposition to the new law and left it at that, then I could at least respect your opinion and move on. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and will miss the great music that you write and perform!!

The new Dave Weiner CD came in the mail today...woohoo!

A picture (and a song):

http://twitpic.com/1rwu73

I'm a bit behind on posts...I'll have to catch up later.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

I see both side of the coin. People should not be here illegally - especially those that have bad intentions or want a free ride, cause that sucks hard. If you wanna come to America (or anywhere), do it legally! I also see the crap side of infringing on the civil rights of good people, which is so very uncool. Something has to be done, but what's going down right now seems extreme. I guess AZ is fighting fire with fire, which usually means somebody has to get burned.

Joe is not a man that jumps into these things lightly, and I'm sure he's done a LOT of research and has taken many things into consideration before adding his name to the list.

The bottom line is that we have entirely to many yahoos running gov't positions who have no idea what the reality of the situation is. Red tape has red tape, and that red tape is held down by more red tape.The system is broken.

If anybody wants me, I'll be at fatapes bar...unstocking it :-)

If there's gonna be a "Rebelution", brother, I'm down! lol!

Joe Satriani: As many have pointed out here, you have obviously put a lot of research and thought in to this before you acted, and I applaud that. I think it is fair to say that we are just not going to see eye to eye on this one. I will admit that you are a very brave man to put your reputation and possibly career on the line for something you believe so strongly in--that's big.
I think something we can all agree on, whether or not you like the way Arizona has acted in this situation, hopefully the Federal Government will do its part to fix these problems the right way and we can put all these disagreements behind us very soon. We are all just going to have to accept that nothing that can be done is going to make everybody happy.

Another thing we should all agree on is that nothing we do or have done to stand up for each other's rights comes close to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving this great country. No matter how many problems we as a Nation may have, there is nothing more honorable than a man or woman who has fought and died for their country. I have lost a few friends in Iraq and Afghanistan, and think about them all the time. It is a shame we only have a couple days a year for Americans to remember these men and women, many of whom fought for America in order to gain citizenship, some of them killed before they ever experienced it.

I guess my point is, whether you are for or against the war, immigration... whatever, as of right now 6,506 men and women from around the world have died in Iraq and Afghanistan and I ask that we set our differences aside on Monday and remember that each one of them was a son, daughter, sister, brother, father, mother, etc.. and somebody's world is really hurting without each and every one of them here.

Sorry for the long rant.. I really do hope this is all over with very soon, because as I've said earlier, I would love nothing more than to see Joe a time or two this winter. I really should meet the man now since every time we exchange messages on here it's always Joe responding to me complaining about something Joe or CF related, and that's really not who I am!! I promise I have many more good things to say about you Joe, you just always pick out the messages I never think you'll see!!

Not my place to comment on a US political problem, I don't live there and can't know all the facts. What I do read in all the different posts is that you think the Federal govt has failed to solve this problem of many illegal immigrants and the state has, in desperation, taken a drastic step with adverse possible consequences for the legal residents in that it opens up the possibility of their civil rights being diminished. Since we don't have a huge land border like the US I can only imagine how hard it is to stop people getting in illegally, rather than the right way like elpp. So it sounds like the Federal govt needs the people to tell it to form a solution that works. A couple of times a year we get screaming press about people trying to get to Australia in crappy leaky boats from the north, having sometimes paid people-smugglers and bringing their children on these decrepit vessels with no lifesaving gear, and all crowded beyond belief. They often crash into Ashmore Reef. Might be 100 or so each time and it is a very sensitive issue here. So I can see how if that's magnified by a factor of 10000 your situation needs a big solution.

Joe, glad to hear you're almost in the studio, can't wait for this one.

Hi Everyone!

Hope you all are doing well.

Joe, great to see your posts. I respect your opinions and I agree with you on what you are saying.

TheHawkGuy: Hey Danny. Kudos on chatting with Joe and the info on his upcoming projects.

DTS: Austin, if you're going to the funeral/visitation for Ronnie, let us know how it went.

I'm running in a 12K Race tomorrow and it's a points race for my track club. Hope I do well. Next weekend, I'll be heading to South Bend for the Sunburst Races & I'm doing the Marathon. It's also a qualifier for Boston so I hope I'm able to get in.

I listened to PSATMOR four times yesterday and Joe, it was an excellent album. I enjoyed all the songs. Keep up the excellent work. Next up for me, Live In Paris.

TTYL, I'm doing some volunteer work for the 12K race tomorrow, and then getting carb-loaded for tomorrow morning's race. Wish me luck everyone. I'll let you all know how the race went down.

Peace Lily: Here's my peace for you & everyone: \m/

Deuces y'all!

Michelle - I usually take your stance on these kind of things. Democrats, Republicans... who cares?? They are both crooks, and the Country seems to be f*&c#d no matter who is running it. That's why I tend to remove myself from politics as far as I can. I guess this just kind of hit me in an uncomfortable place, that's the only reason I brought it up.

I wonder if Guam has tipped over yet?

Really hard to choose sides here. This country has changed. Weve given the right to all to come to this country for a better life...and thats what has made us what we are. But over the years people only come here to take advantage of what our fathers have created here. I object to illegal aliens entering this country illegally when so many others have legally..and are proud of it. I dont know the fine details of this bill and clearly, Joe has. I too agree the federal govmt needs to step in and resolve this. The people of Arizona have a right to protect themselves and i feel this bill is there last resort after trying other ways..though not perfect...its getting the attention thats neccessary to resolve it, thanks to many including Joe..WTG!

Ian, I just want to take a moment to say thanks for putting your life on the line and on hold to protect me and mine. I appreciate every single Vet and those currently enlisted, and all who have passed. I shudder to think where we'd be without all of you who have given everything.

Now then....I know Cappy, but I guess I figger u just gotta keep trying and one day something will catch Joe's eye when he has a free moment and he'll respond. I hear ya :) I guess back when this website was "birthed" (I wasn't around here then but some were and still are) Joe posted much more frequently than now. I attribute that to him becoming busier and busier over time, always a new project, always more demands on his time, things constantly in development. All of us fans have fueled this though by our desire for more Joe...more music, more tours, more signature products, more interviews, pics, videos.....GAH!!! So the more we love him and want from him, the less time he has to spend with us here. It's a heckova circle, ain't it!! I'd bet a quarter that Joe rarely gets a vacation these days.

Not that anyone should care one bit but....

I don't pretend to understand all the finer points of any political issue. This is going to sound extremely naive and simplistic, but that's part of being me. We're all human beings, all part of this planet and we must share and get along and care about what happens to our neighbors, whether they be right next door or across the world. I am a social worker so believe me, I see plenty of good....and way too much bad between people. The bad is gut-wrenching and leaves me hating people for a time. But somehow I seem to always come back to that naivete' where I believe in the fundamental good in people, and I'm ready to give chances again and continue to believe. I keep thinking if only all humans would just be kind, work hard to take care of themselves and their family, find ways to give to those less fortunate and just wish for happiness for others, what a world it would be. But instead too many people get caught up in greed and wanting more than they have. That causes nuthin but trouble and I feel is at the heart of most problems.

If only we could all find a way to make the place that we live, that we occupy, our little space in the world, a good place. If everyone was concentrating on that....I wonder.

And so, since the world is not Utopian, we have constant issues and problems. People have to stand for what they feel is right. You will find your share of supporters, as well as nay-sayers. Someone will ALWAYS take exception to your beliefs, it's impossible to get 100% support on your side of any issue. It doesn't matter, follow your heart and stick up for your beliefs....and give respect to those who don't share your views. Something I know I need to keep working on myself.

OK, I absolutely LOVE the new Dave Weiner album...I think it's a definite contender for my album of the year. Everyone needs to go buy it right now.

What does everyone else think about it? michelle, has your copy come in the mail yet?

Joe is sneaky like that! ;-)

Austin, I pre-ordered TWO of Dave's new album and neither has come yet....I'm chompin at the bit...

TurboIan, I think it's cool to hear everyone's thoughts on this issue. Understandably people are very upset by the way illegals are coming in. The ones that F it up are the "bad guys" and the ones who come to live off of our system the whole while waving the flag of their country (not just Mexicans) and demanding rights - the whole time ignoring ours. The ones I feels sorry for are the ones willing to work their fingers to the bone to make a better life for their families in a free country where they don't have to be in fear for their lives from drug cartel & armies raping and slaughtering people just because they're there. These people will be jailed indefinitely or possibly killed upon return to their country, and if I was in their shoes, I might do the same thing. I mean, how many dudes were running to Canada when the draft hit back in the day? You run to save your life. musical brain takeover

Anyways, like I said, I see both sides of the coin.

Austin, I still haven't gotten my Weiner cd yet. Hopefully tomorrow.

castle, yer story about the INS confirms my thinking on it. It's crap.

skippy, yer pretty much spot on.

T-Bones, that's why we love you so :-) And now you said "chompin' at the bit" musical brain takeover.

TurboIan, cheers!

For everyone!

My gawd I feel like a proud parent....just LOOKIT U GO WITH ALL YER LINKS!!

And not a mistake in de bunch, LOL!

Hey T, here's a love song just for you !

:-)

OWW OWW!

Stick with me kid, I'll show ya the dark side...unlike our girlfriend Al & his Enya fetish. lmao!!

Ohhhhhhh HELL TO THE YEAH, LOL!!!

U know I LOVE that song!!! It's best played reeeaheeeally loud, lol!!!

A boat & a bus to Bangkok - prolly holdin' hands & skippin' all the way. lol! He disappointingly forgot his Irish tra-la tra-la flag at home too. That made for some good pics on the "Rome '06 Tour". lmao! I do so miss the little feck.

Way to go Axe! Blow them away in the next round of competition.

Al, hope you're enjoying your vacation.

Time to get some rest for tomorrow. 12K race in the morning, and then a banquet function in the evening. It's going to be one big, busy, hustling & bustling week for me.