Thursday, June 12, 2008

Anthony Weiner, A Man With Priorities

New York Democrat Anthony Weiner, most recently linked romantically with Hillary Clinton assistant Huma Abedin, is demonstrating once again where his priorities lie.

And for once, I must say I have some agreements with a Democrat.
Give me your torrid, your pure, your totally smokin' foreign babes.

Feast your eyes on the latest immigration push by Rep. Anthony Weiner, a likely 2009 mayoral contender who has introduced a bill in Congress to make it easier for foreign fashion models to get visas to work in the U.S.

Apparently, the 43-year-old Weiner - now going steady with Hillary Clinton aide and Vogue hottie Huma Abedin - thinks New York needs more professional catwalkers from Europe, Asia and other fabulous places.

"From Fashion Week to our vibrant publishing industry to the many designers that call New York City home, fashion is a vital part of our economy that drives thousands of jobs," Weiner told the Daily News.

Staffers insist Weiner is mostly trying to redress a flaw in the nation's immigration policies. Models must compete against computer geeks, doctors and other brainiacs for H-1B visas, generally reserved for the "highly specialized."

Demand has outstripped the 165,000 available H-1B's, leaving many models out in the cold.

Some red-blooded American fashionistas yesterday accused Weiner of trying to make life harder for American beauties by easing the way for imports.
Others disagree and believe we have enough fresh domestic meat.
"Forget trying to bring in new meat," said ex-supermodel Janice Dickinson, who hosts the "Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" reality show. "Let's divvy it up between the Americans on American soil, please."

Other fashion bigwigs argued Weiner is right - designers and photographers won't just hire American. They'll more likely take job-producing shoots to another country.

The highest-paid model in the world is Brazilian Gisele Bundchen, who made $33 million in 2007, compared to the $5 million earned by top American model Carolyn Murphy.

"If there are girls that we can't get into the United States, the client is going to take that business elsewhere," said Corinne Nicolas, president of Trump Model Management. "The market is calling for foreign girls."
May I suggest we have a contest where the foreign candidates strut their stuff for a group of judges (I volunteer) to see who gets those coverted visas?

Honestly, when it comes down to whether we allow in some eggheads or supermodels, I have to align myself with Weiner, for once.

No comments: