WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says illegal immigrants do essential work in the U.S. and that he has firsthand knowledge of that — because they fix his house.
A moderate Republican, Powell urged his party on Sunday to support immigration generally because those who come from abroad are, in his words, “what‘s keeping this country’s lifeblood moving forward.”
Powell said a path to legal status should be offered to illegal immigrants because they do work that needs to get done.
At his own house, he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” illegal immigrants are always around when he needs work done.
He did not specify whether he hired them directly or they showed up with contractors.
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Comments (206)
parmajohn
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:30pmAt Least someone is reporting the illeagals incomes reporting them to IRS and making sure there Paid a Fair wage Ya Right LOL The Jobs americans won”t do M@ FR&^$% A@#!
Report Post »TisSimplyJustMe
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:45pmThis revelation that Colin Powell KNOWINGLY hires ILLEGAL ALIENS to work at his home is unspeakably sad and Disrespectful to every LEGAL resident and CITIZEN of our country!!! Prior to this, I would have absolutely been willing to cast my vote for him should he run for President or even Vice-President. I had considered him an honest American who was above should shameful actions as hiring ILLEGALS. He is even quoted as saying that everyone does it…………. NO, THEY DO NOT!
Neither I nor any of my VERY extensive extended family hires ILLEGALS. I check out the companies whom I hire to do any work at my home, and if they ever brought an ILLEGAL to work at my home, the company would be fired on the spot! No illegal has ever cared for my children or grandchildren, nor cleaned my home, nor worked in my yard or done any type maintenance or construction for me. I have had extensive work done on various residencies of mine in the past, plus I’ve hired several lawn services on long-term basis. NEVER has any of them had an illegal come to my home to work, and to the very best of my knowledge (after much checking), NONE hires illegals. Everyone can and should do their homework in this area before hiring someone to work on or at their home! I’d rather pay a few dollars more and help a CITIZEN or legal immigrant support their family than pay one single dollar to an ILLEGAL!
Mr. Powell should be totally ashamed of himself. He owes the American public a very sincere and LOUD apology immediately. He also needs to clean up his act and CEASE hiring anyone who is illegal. I believe ALL employers who hire illegals deserve a large fine and/or jail. INCLUDING Mr. Powell.
Report Post »kblink45
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:29pmAll you need to know about Cobama Powell is in his autobiography. He supported Carter. He supports affirmative action. His path to fame (and minor military glory) was paved with bricks of mediocrity painted gold.
Report Post »rmsuperglide
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:27pmthats because our goverment allowed illeagles to come to our country and infest the construction industry with substanderd employees that work for low wages,wile there wife and children scam the welfare system!!! i have watched them destroy comunitys, in two different states and it scares me to think what will happen if we as americans dont stop ILLEAGLE IMMAGRANTS from destroying our way of life!!!
Report Post »baldwin4freedom
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 10:24pmThis was helped by LBJ in the 60′s. There were to many Europeans immigrating here compared to mexicans and south americans. They lowered the standards on certain trades to make it easier for them to become citizens. Carpenters, masons and concrete finishers for example. The consequences were a lower quality product, but it was cheaper.
Personally my experience with them is that it takes four of them to do what two good men can do in a day.
Report Post »GraceSullivan
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:24pmPowell admits he takes work from the American citizens. The GOP is not anti immigrant, they are anti ILLEGAL immigrant. And it is not just the republicans who are anti illegal immigrant, it is the dems and independents also.
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:48pmGrace, you’ve got it all wrong. The current repub party is PRO ******* just like their friends in the Progress…er, Democrat party are. CONSERVATIVES are anti-*******! It’s the CONSERVATIVES that want immigrants to enter this country in the proper way..through the front door, with respect and welcome. There is no difference between repub and democrat anymore! It’s now a matter of CONSERVATIVE versus PROGRESSIVE/MARXIST. Forget party lines and start thinking about who promotes FREEDOM AND THE CONSTITUTION!
RickWS
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:24pmLibs are incredible. They’re anti-business so they form labor unions, then they hypocritically hire illegals to do their work. Powell is a nincompoop.
Report Post »patriotwoman
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 5:11pmBINGO!!! Let’s hear from the labor unions now. Let‘s see how much they like having their jobs given to illegals who work cheap and don’t pay taxes or UNION DUES.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:57pmFACT, many labor unions support amensty and fight tight borders. More eventual votes for Obama and Co.
Report Post »papatom48
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:24pmWhat a crock……this guy Powell is no more a moderate Republican than George Soros. He supported Obama, healthcare reform, climate change and a host of other far left wing nutbag ideas. I think he is a legacy republican, in that maybe his parents were republicans and he jsut registered as one but all his sympathies are with the left wing democrats. And the idea that today’s illegal immigrants are “what‘s keeping this country’s lifeblood moving forward.” is as delusional as it is laughable. They are destroying this country’s economy, killing our citizens and fueling a crime wave of epic proportions.
Report Post »2010GOP
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:27pmPowell is simply another Jimmy Carter -both are trying to stay relevant and both are being seen as to who they really are -frauds… much like the current admin and czars, et al.
Report Post »leftylemn
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:22pmHey Powell !!! I am an unemployed landscaper/carpenter. How about jobs for americans. Oh, that’s right….you may have to pay me a bit more than slave wages. Fricken RINO.
Report Post »Old Marine
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:22pmAdd your comments
Report Post »Sicboy
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:13pmI believe your right. As a former Marine, I respect any man who gave as much of his life in service as Powell did. Powell has lost that respect when he said, I have mine, screw you. I’ll hire who I want.
Report Post »krenshau
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:21pmThe title of this article should be, “Powell admits to using slave labor.”
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:43pmInteresting point in that the “old south” also had free blacks who were slave owners too. Powell is reverting to type?
Report Post »usualsuspect
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:17pmWho would had thought that General Powell would want just A few slave’s to tend to his home domestic needs, I can only bet that when one of his slave’s get sick or injured on the job he will send them right directly to the hospital and ask the tax paying citizens to help out with his uncured costs. Mighty White of you there General. Well lets see on the other hand Hell lets just help these poor exploited Mexicans out by helping them to revolt in their our Country and maybe there will be some civility at least in the America’s, as I know they truly have a understanding of our civil Rights are here in the good old USA
Report Post »Eraty Bab
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:17pmThey do the work that needs to be done??????
Well, we did the work that needs to be done too until they came here illegally and started doing it for less, thus taking away OUR jobs. Anything to save a buck and look where it has gotten us. Those that employ the illegals should all lose their jobs so they can experience firsthand the damage they have done. Deport them all and take your sorry employers with you.
Report Post »MESO71
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:16pmYOU @#!*ing &$* @*&%$#
I’ll be back when I calm down enough to not try to stab the keys through the bottom of my keyboard.
YOU DON”T EVEN DESERVE AN INTELLIGENT ARGUMENT YOU SELLOUT TRAITOR!!!
Report Post »AMERICA4EVER
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:15pmI am speechless!
Report Post »Boojer56
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:12pmThe illegal immigrants need to go back home and come in the way all of the legal immigrants did. By paying the illegals to fix his house isn’t Mr Powell breaking the law himself? If so where do I go to press charges?
Report Post »bookofwisdom
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:10pmI use to think Colin Powell was a smart man and a true blue American…After reading this article I am no longer a fan of his. What is happening to our Country when men like him can be swayed to the dark side?
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:41pmHe lost any remaining respect I had for him when he supported and VOTED for our current defacto president. He’s in the wrong partei….
Report Post »unionrockstar
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:59pmI know what you mean. I had great respect for him and now I find that I was dupped.
Report Post »Of course, it seems most all politicians are in the dupping buisness
I have nothing against aliens as far as being my fellow human being. However, what’s all this sucking up to them about? Our people need jobs also……but that doesn’t seem to be on the top of the priority scale. Where I came from we take care of family first (American family). Now we are the outsiders who are degraded for not learning other languages.
Marylou7
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:08pmThis is just great, Powell admitting to hiring illegals! What next? We were told that illegals were only doing jobs that Americans didn’t want to do. Sorry but I know many people who would love to have a job in construction. This is just going too far. And, by the way, there is no such thing as a Powell Republican. Sounds like a progressive to me!!
Report Post »carol m
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:03pmIs this gut for real. Because he wants to get his work done CHEAP we should make a path for illegal immigrants. Heres and idea why not consider paying full pric to do the work around your house Mr. Powell and maybe you can keep some of our americans working. UGGGGGGGhhhhhhhh what an a**hole. Who considers this guy a republican anyway.
Report Post »ADMIRAL747
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:03pmIs it safe to assume that he does not live near the border? Was Arizona a rogue state that he advised Obama on? How many LEGAL Americans could he have employed? Colin, you’re a joke!
Report Post »Ellie
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:03pmInvestigate, if he spent any money directly paying them then ARREST HIM for illegally employing them. The law is very clear on this issue and it does not matter if the offender hires one Illegal to fix his sink or 1000 to work in a sweatshop the crime is the same.
Report Post »COjohngalt
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:10pmThe law is clear…even if you are a former General/Cabinet Member it is illegal. RULE OF LAW, EQUAL JUSTICE etc. Just another elite acting accordingly.
Report Post »PhilipJames
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:01pmIf this pretend Republican pays for illegal labour, charge the dick head. This just shows you what this doofus really is like… does he pay his taxes as well as the other people in Obama’s camp? does he always vote by race?
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:01pmMr. Powell, can you afford the litigation cost if one of them gets hurt while preforming your work, or do you carry worker compensation insurance? http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »MissouriGandplainolMamma
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:00pmGreat, even retired cabinet members are breaking the law by knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. Rule of Law people, Rule of Law !!!!
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:38pmThere is no more rule of law! When the Constitution is deliberately ignored, and Congressional members ADMIT they ignore it, then where is the law?
Report Post »Powell demonstrates this by his INTENTIONAL DISSOBEDIANCE to the law. Moderate republican my butt! He’s just another elitist PROGRESSIVE!
Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:55pmHOW FAR EVEN A MILITARY HERO CAN FALL. I wonder if H said it was OK when someone disobeyed his legitimate orders because they didn’t like them???
Report Post »Debrabate
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:58pmLOL… c’mon… that’s funny!
Hey I live in Texas… half my house repairs and lawn work are done by Illegals. Hence, closing the darned borders, there are too many… when the tub is overflowing, it might be time to turn off the faucet and drain the tub.
Report Post »tex4
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:45pmI live in Texas also but I NEVER use a contractor that hires illegals. IF WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE WORK, THEY WILL COME. AND THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE EXPLOIED BY CYOTES AND DRUG LORDS. THAT MAKES THOSE OF US WHO HIRE, AND THE DRUG USERS, CONSPITORS IN THESE INHUMANE ACTS.
Report Post »The people do work hard but are exploited everyday because they are afraid. How would you like to live like that?
Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:52pmYou’re admitting your a law breaker in public???? Ar you bragging about that?
Report Post »Sicboy
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:58pmmoderate Republican, Powell, my ass. I’ve been in the construction industry for 19 years. I’ve seen illegals slowly take over the trades. This baffoon and others like him are partly to blame for this countries down fall. For cheaper prices we are forcing Americans out of the industry.
Report Post »Old Marine
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:21pmSicboy,
Report Post »And just who is responsible for the “hiring” of illegals? I say the owners and most importantly the lobor unions.
baldwin4freedom
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:10pmThe demand for labor could not be met by American citizens. Businesses must do what they must to survive, not that I agree, but that is the way it is.
Many Americans taught their children that they needed to be a lawyer, doctor, business manager and so on. Which is fine, but they forgot to teach their children to work hard and that they may have to do physical labor for their own survival. So, many of these young adults are not worth having on the job site.
Then you have the large entitlement system we have that has destroyed the ambitions of millions who could have also been doing the work that many illegals do. If you have had any of these on your job site then you know they are even more worthless than the spoiled educated kid.
The kids must be taught from the time they are very young as to what their options will be and that they are accountable for their actions.
Look at the older generation that were working a job at 10 years old, or younger. They learned how to work at whatever job they got. It was second nature to them. So many did not want their children to “suffer” as they did, but by protecting them they have only helped lead their children to their own demise.
Hopefully we learn from our parents mistakes as well as our own. Our country is counting on it.
Report Post »pavnvet
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:23pmYea, what is this moderate Republican crap…he supported his homeboy, Obama. Just because he pissed up my pant leg, it doesn’t mean it was rain.
Report Post »Croaker
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 5:57pmTo Baldwin:
It is not accurate to merely say they are doing work Americans won’t do or that we cant supply our own labor. It is more accurate to say Americans can’t to the job for as a low a price as the illegal immigrants. Her are some things illegal immigrant labor dont have to worry about. Liscense fees, insurance fees, payroll taxes, unemployment insurance payments, OSHA compliance costs. Often times more than one family occupies the place where they live which many times is against zoning and rental laws. Many times they don’t have auto insurance. So when the bid time comes a legal crew of law abiding Americans cannot do a job for as low a price as the illegals can. This artificailly drives the labor cost down to a point where legal american labor cannot do the job for a profit. All thart is left in that particular market is illegal crews. The consumers are the enablers here because it translates into a lower labor cost for them, wether they be contractors or private owners. If you are a homeowner paying a crew of illegals 10 bucks to cut your grass, are you willing to pony up the 20 bucks it costs in the real world? So, it isn‘t so much they won’t do the work, its that they CAN”T afford to do the work because the illegals have driven the labor cost to too low.
“Know what you believe and why you believe it.”
Report Post »baldwin4freedom
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:28pmTo Croaker
The jobs that illegals do can be done by young kids, but most young kids today are not willing to dig a ditch or chop weeds and so on. More than likely you are like me and have skills that are above what the illegals do.
Anyway, they usually have to hire at least two illegals to do what should only take one person to do.
Kids have no work ethic and the illegals fill them jobs. Teach your kids that it is ok to hurt and sweat a little doing something that they do not like to do.
Report Post »Question with BOLDness
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:57pmThat is just great! Just another creep supporting what’s ILLEGAL. Just like ALL employers that need to be held accountable for hiring illegals, so should Powell! Even harsher for him as HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER
ADMIRAL747
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:05pmAgreed! Isn’t illegal to employ undocumented workers?
Report Post »ADMIRAL747
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:09pmSorry, I meant “Isn’t it”.
Report Post »Croaker
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:24pmDon’t we ALL support LEGAL immigration. I thought it was the ILLEGAL immigration we all are and should be against. Otherwise we need to change the laws we have.
Know what you bel;ieve and why you believe it.
Report Post »Croaker
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:24pmDon’t we ALL support LEGAL immigration. I thought it was the ILLEGAL immigration we all are and should be against. Otherwise we need to change the laws we have.
Know what you bel;ieve and why you believe it.
Report Post »TeaPartyTim
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:31pmIt‘s not that they do jobs that American’s won’t do, it’s that they take away the skilled labor jobs. There are only so many field labor jobs. Crops do not need people full time. What do you think these illegals do when they have time off from the field labor jobs? They take another job or get on entitlement programs.
Time to start enforcing the law! A flood of lawless and uneducated people can only hurt our society. Powell wouldn’t want to hear any of that because he likes the fact that he can enslave the illegals.
Report Post »Isn’t he against slavery?
Isn’t he black?
It seems that slavery is only bad when it is your race being enslaved.
FoundersKeeperUSA
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:50pmillegal immigrants dont hurt him because hes longer out looking for jobs! He is an elitist he isnt in touch with us the american people and never was.i hope it dosent take an ISLAMIC TERRIOST coming across the border and nukeing a whole city before these progressive/liberals get with the program! We the people want our country secure! PERIOD.
Report Post »bookhound63
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:03pm“Just another creep”? How about “He supports modern day slavery”. If he hires illegals, that‘s what he’s doing.
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:10pmits republicans like him that are helping democommies to destroy this nation. if they want to come here the right way we will welcome them. but sneaking in just because you can and then to reward them only opens the flood gates for more to do what they did. we are a country of laws we need a law to make it illegal to not enforce our laws. then this would of never happened.
Report Post »hstacey Army Mom
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:23pmYes, but I guess that law is just for us common folk…
Report Post »CoFX
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 4:43pmI don’t know where Mr. Powell resides, but I expect the local law enforcement to follow up on his admission. Oh please please please, let him live in Maricopa County, AZ!
If you happen to be reading these comments, Colin, do everyone a favor. Stop calling yourself a moderate republican. That term fit 15 years ago, well before you became the Dems tool for claiming bipartisanship.
Report Post »aesaac
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 5:12pmlicensed and bonded construction requires disability insurance. if one of your laborers falls off the roof what is your liability. the fact they are working under the table and outside the law, makes you accomplice. do you have them remove asbestos from your attic, strip lead paint, do you provide respirators, safety equipment, but apparently it is the price and the quality of the work and the no hastles of government red tape. and who does the inspection and the permitting. it subverts the licensed and bonded employers. why dont you take bids from three licensed contractors that are insured, who follow permit laws. it would cost too much.
Report Post »DaveChen
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:13pmMr Powell
Illegal aliens have status now. They are ILLEGAL. That’s why we refer to them as illegal aliens. Get it yet.
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 11:36pmi got a status to give them. DEPORTED! if they cant go about doing it the right way they dont desreve to be here at all. regan gave amnesty to 3 million illegals. now we have 20 million more. why not just invade mexico and make it part of this country. most of them are here anyway. we have laws on our books enforce them. put any AGs in jail who dont enforce them. that goes for holder too. mr obama if you even try to pull a back door amnesty in this nation your butt wont be worth 2 cents. better ask for a room on the space station. youll be safe there.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 11:40pmColin Powel had better not run for President.. he could find AMERICAN workers.. that’s FUNNY cause I did.. oh it cost me a few extra dollars but it wasn’t hard.. He just went down as SCUM in my books.. Did he ever consider that because he allowed the illegals to WORK ON HIS HOUSE he caused AMERICAN CITIZENS not to be hired.. what don’t they have AMERICAN construction workers in his area?
Report Post »Mr.Citrus
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 5:28amWhy does everyone comment on the first commenter?
Report Post »OBEONE
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:25amWell, the IRS can not go after back unpaid taxes on Mr. Powell because that would be racist.
Report Post »judy1270
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:53amHow Dare you!! _Powell……….You just told the country the_ RULE OF LAW DOESN’T APPLY TO ILLEGALS_
Report Post »We are a Nation of Laws, US CITIZENS HAVE TO FOLLOW THE LAW OR WE GO TO JAIL. POWELL DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE SAID TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE……………THIS IS FAVORITISM TOWARD ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE…THIS IS RACISM………………..WE THE PEOPLE SHOULD SUE THE GOVERNMENT FOR RACISM..A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE FILED……………….TODAY..OR BETTER YET, BRING THEM UP ON ( ETHICS CHARGES ) RULES IN ASSISTING SUPPORTERS!
A Member/ Senator_ should not discriminate in favor of political supporters, neither need he or she “discriminate against them.” As this Committee has stated.
We have laws, and the American People have the Power to stop this……Call your Senator today.. Demand Ethic Charges be brought against Obama and Pelosi. They are discriminating against the United States Citizens, in favor of ILLEGAL MEXICANS.
cwo
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:31amPeople like Mr. Powell sit in their Ivory Towers, and never have to interface with the illlegal AILEN problem. Tell me Mr. Liberal if we continue to do nothing, just where are these people going to live. We have our own citizens starting out that can’t afford a place to live, because all the moderate priced accomadations are all taking by illlegals that live 2 and 3 families to a unit and also get rental assistance, and pop out babies like ping pong balls. I am not against people looking for a better life, but if they started demanding things in their own countries, and revolting against their corrupt governments, perhaps change would come about, but looking the other way just to hopefully get votes is disgusting. It has to stop.
Report Post »RepublicAnn
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:05pmIf he didn’t pay the illegals, there might actually be work for LEGAL residents of the US. When you get paid in cash and get to keep 100% of your earnings, as those without SS#s do, you can work for less. Powell should be fined for hiring illegals and the fines can be put towards unemployment payments of the legal residents who are unemployed.
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:00pmI’m confused….”I‘m telling all of ’MY’ citizens around the country….”??????
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:02pmI’m confused….”I’m telling all of MY citizens around the country”????
Report Post »edward56
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:52amChange We Can Believe In
When did it change?
Those who once opposed intolerance can no longer tolerate the opposition
When did it change?
Those who once protested for openness, now only hide behind the doors of privilege and power
When did it change?
Those who once spoke of brotherly love; unconditional regard, now only regard hatred of dissent
When did it change?
Those whose hands once formed peace signs, now only hold or accommodate the club of intimidation
When did it change?
Those who once called for balance, have now been swallowed up in bias
When did it change?
Those who once called and clamored for the truth, now obediently purchase and promote the party’s lie
When did it change?
Those who once raged against the machine have now become its’ grinding gears of conformity
When did it change?
Those who once pledged love for this nation and her God, now proudly and loudly denounce them both
When did it change?
Those who once would not settle for anything less than breathing the sweet air off courage and victory, are now content to only lap up the excrements of appeasement and defeat
When did it change?
Those who once benefited from our quality of life; our “Dream,” are now dedicated to dismantling it
When did it change?
When did the patriot become the profane and the profane become the ideal
When did it change?
Edward N. Middleton copyright 7/27/10
Report Post »Cog
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:36amI’ve never once hired an illegal alien. This remark just validates the arrogance and hubris of the DC set. They will never venture forth with a stance that is in strict accordance with the Constitution. The next law WE pass should be the forfeiture of one’s government pension for the breaking of the laws of the United States of America. Call it the “Get Outta My Tea Act.”
Report Post »AnnMarie
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:52amWhere is ICE and our federal government.? This is equal to admitting to robbing a bank and in this case, the bank is the US. I don’t care what he has done with his service How is this different than what Rangel and company has done with not paying taxes???
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