Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer

What he's said:

I support comprehensive immigration reforms that reflect or serve the following concerns or principles:
"Immigration reform must address why so many people are driven out of their countries of origin. I believe we need to control our borders. But while better border security is needed, addressing root causes is essential if we are to successfully control our borders and stem the flow of millions of economic refugees.
"I support repeal of the NAFTA and CAFTA 'free trade' agreements that fuel immigration by undermining living standards in Mexico and elsewhere.
"I propose more U.S. support for the UN millennium development goals and other aid and development policies that help make communities livable.
"I propose full funding for UN family planning efforts and programs to empower women, and aggressive efforts to address global warming that threatens to cause hundreds of millions of climate refugees.
"Immigration reform must recognize the many positive benefits immigrants bring to our economy and our communities, the vulnerability of immigrants and their families because of illegal status, and the need to protect the rights of immigrants and all workers.
"I support a clear path to legalization, respect for family unity, and due process protections.
"I support cracking down on employers that exploit undocumented workers. "I support the right of all workers to organize, and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.
"I support the 'Dream Act' that allows immigrants who arrived as children to become legal permanent residents after graduating from high school with unblemished records and after completing two years of college or military service."
Statement issued Oct. 31, 2007

What he's said:

Al Qaida is not the major factor in Iraq. Al Qaida was no factor in Iraq until we invaded, but it is now not the major factor...The British Broadcasting Corporation did a survey about a week ago that showed that 21percent of Iraqis think the U.S. military presence is helping and 69 percent say they want the troops out. I would say it's time to get the troops out. I would also say the reason that the troops are still there gets back to the point I made in my [opening statement]..., the United States invaded Iraq to put permanent military bases to take control of Iraqi oil. Those are the two agendas that we have not completed yet. That's the real agenda. Once we take that real agenda off the table then we can see that we actually can get out and we need to get out...A United Nations official last week said it's possible to have reconciliation in Iraq. It's possible that the United Nations can play a positive role -- and neighboring countries, as well. But it can't happen until the U.S. ends the occupation."
DFL candidates debate hosted by Golden Valley Progressives, Sept. 5, 2007

We must bring a responsible end to the Iraq War within six months and ensure that returning veterans receive the medical care and other support they need. We need to improve prospects for peace in the Middle East through determined, balanced diplomacy."
From his website

What he's said:

We would get much further if we treated terrorism as a criminal enterprise that basically needs a lot of investigation, a lot of sharing of intelligence and a lot of police action. When we use the war on terrorism, when we use 9/11 in this country to create a politics of fear, that has actually aggravated terrorism and undermined, I would say, the security issue. We have to stand up to that politics of fear...If we want to address the issue of terrorism, one of the greatest things we could do in this county would be to help make every community livable. In other words, if we had spent the money we have spent on the war in Iraq on overcoming poverty and underdevelopment, we would be in much better shape in terms of the issue of terror...If we want to do something about terrorism, we need to have a better, more balanced policy in the Middle East including in Israel/Palestine -- in ways that address the security needs of the people of Israel but also the needs of the Palestinian people. I think that would go a long way to help reduce terrorism."
DFL candidates debate hosted by Golden Valley Progressives, Sept. 5, 2007

We have to reorient our thinking about national and global security. Our security depends on the health of our communities, mutual respect, just and sustainable economies, international partnerships, the well-being of others, and the ecological health of the planet."
From his website