The strange case of immigration politics

Washington Times ^ | January 14, 2004 | Tony Blankley

[Kay Soze]

President Bush's recent, lamentable proposals on illegal immigrants highlight, yet again, that both the Republican and Democratic Parties heed neither public opinion nor their primary governing responsibility to defend and protect the United States, as it relates to illegal immigration.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..people knew where he stood on this issue. They knew what they were getting...

I don't think they ever believed he'd action it, HC.

Most may have known his personal view on illegals, but never expected this plan. When you get into the top job you should only push your personal agenda, if it's in the nation's best interests. I don't think anyone could say that about this initiative.

[hchutch]

The thing is, though, he believes it is. And one thing about him - when he proposes something, I think it's because he BELIEVES it is the best thing for this country. The same can be said for his cabinet officers - even when they have made some calls I disagree with (Colin Powell on the AUC; Tommy Thompson on ephedra - the former I must give Powell some benefit of the doubt on, the latter I hope is overturned via litigation).

I'd rather have someone like that than someone like Clinton, Dean, or Clark.

[navyblue]

What is surprising is the number of "teed off conservatives" that are shocked at this. He has been VERY public in his view on this issue both as governor and in his presidential campaign.

"Guest worker" means different things to different people. To most conservatives it means Jose gets a permit to work for a limited period of time and then goes home!

But the perception about this proposal is that Jose comes in, along with the Mrs. and the kiddies for at least three years with the ability to extend. Also from the President's lips -- Some of them may even choose to stay and become American citizens.

That's not just a guest worker! That is a free pass into the country. And if it applies to illegals already here, then it is amnesty no matter how you distort it!

[navyblue]

Yep let's empty those jails for a misdemeanor.

Naa, we don't have to do that. We'll do just like that Arizona sheriff does. Put them in tents and make them wear pink underwear!

[gubamyster]

pimg

[HennepinPrisoner]

Australia had..

We need...

[Sabertooth]

People knew where he stood on this issue. They knew what they were getting.

Those of us paying attention have long known that President Bush is soft on Illegals. However, it's not quite true that people "knew what they were getting." Many still don't know, because President Bush wants to keep it from them.

What would people be getting with the Bush proposal?

Amnesty, despite his cynical efforts to spin it otherwise.

The major differences, as far as the Illegals are concerned, between the Bush Amnesty and the Reagan Amnesty, are that the Illegals would have to pay a "one-time fee," and would have to get a blue card before they get a green card.

The howls of betrayal ring hollow, IMHO. So is the outrage.

It's easy to see how pro-Amnesty folks such as yourself might kid themselves into thinking so. We shall see, won't we?

One reason, however, why your humble opinion rings a little hollow on this, at least to me, is the fact that you're even on these threads. If you really thought this was a non-issue, you wouldn't be here.

As always, good to see you.

[Poohbah]

Don't know about that. I think a year or two in jail might change their minds some!

Yup, give the illegals a year or two of "three hots and a cot" at taxpayer expense.

Some deterrent.

[hedgetrimmer]

All we can do is kick and scream

No, we can petition the government to stop illegal immigration. We can petition our representatives in the House and Senate to censure. We can as a last resort call for impeachment. These are powers vested in the citizens of this country.

We can also make citizens arrests. And report illegals and hold officials accountable to the law for dealing with them.

[txdoda]

You do know Bush campaigned on creating a guest worker program, don't you>>>>>>>>


YES, most people are well aware of that, however, I think we expected a plan that would be FAIR & ENFORCEABLE.

All I heard was a proposal to legalize *line-jumping*, & apparently the creation of some *super dept.* that can verify illegals (MILLIONS), match them to *legal* employers (MORE MILLIONS)& also monitor the *help wanted* ads they run. Sounds to me like another TAX funded nightmare.

In our post 9-11 'world', I would also expect him to put MORE effort into this statement he's also made "the most compassionate way to deal with illegals is to stop them at the borders". (also in his 1999 book)

[Nanodik]

You didn't tell me you were so close to Tex that he bothered to send you a picture of him with his granddaughter. How nice!

[Nanodik]

Well when you start posting something that shows your break from the "Queen" I may take you seriously.

Are you kidding? I expect my work down here trying to enlighten all those back woods rednecks one tends to run into (I am sure you know a few yourself!) to earn me a knighthood ceremony at Buckingham.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

...I'd rather have someone like that than someone like Clinton, Dean, or Clark...

Me, too.

Bush may be weak clay but I can never forget how close we came to having President Gore. Can you imagine where we'd be with that nutcase, now? Hopefully this thing is not chiselled in stone, if the backlash is big enough. I like the idea of writing 'Tancredo' on the primaries ballot.

[Pelham]

I think the GOP remembers vividly how Pete Wilson's attack on illegal immigration put California into the Democrap's hands big-time.

Only if they "know" as little about what happened in California as you do. You'll get a second chance to learn when "the new 187" comes up for a vote.

[expatpat]

Well, omniscient one, enlighten me.

[JustPiper]

BumPing!!!

[FITZ]

LOL!! It does make you wonder.

[FITZ]

and second, it enables these guest workers to return home with capital, which is critical for Mexico.

And after 3 years here, they decide it's pretty comfortable and don't feel like going back? Then are you going to have roundups with the images of people being herded onto buses and trains? If that doesn't work now---- why would it work then?

[Pelham]

Just wait and see. The petitions are circulating now to put it on the ballot.