I think you make some good points but two things concern me about Fred. First, as you indicate, these are “recent” positions on illegal immigration. Even the RINO’s are now becoming “born again” supporters of secure borders now that it’s a hot issue with the base. Where were they when Tancredo and Hunter were fighting the good fight before it became popular? Second, Thompson is still opposed to stiff penalties against employers who are breaking the law by hiring illegals. This is crucial. If the jobs magnet disappears the illegal invasion will die of attrition. In other words, I’m skeptical about the motives of any politicians who have come belatedly to secure borders now that it’s a paramount issue. Where have they been all these years and what’s their past record?
Look, I'm a Romney supporter too, but we can't escape the fact that our man's positions are also recent. As recently as 2006 he was supporting "path to citizenship" for illegals.
Just about all politicians change their positions on most issues according to the way the political winds blow. I don't like it any more than you do, but it's the way the world works. Our man does it no less than Fred.
But so long as they follow through on their politically-motivated promises, what does it matter that they're not based on conviction? I don't care whether a President Romney or President Thompson curbs illegal immigration and vetoes an amnesty because he really believes it's the right thing or because it's politically expedient. All I care about is that it gets done.
Now you may argue that it's better if he does it out of conviction, because then he'll do it regardless of how the political winds blow. Perhaps, but even there, I don't see much of an advantage. The fact is, without the political winds blowing our way, we can't win this fight even if we are lucky enough to have president who would stick to our side through thick and thin.
Where were they when Tancredo and Hunter were fighting the good fight before it became popular?
There's a reason those two guys, God bless 'em, are destined to spend their whole political careers as congressmen.
Now don't get me wrong. There's a very important place for people like Tancredo and Hunter, and I am very grateful to them for their service to many causes I like. But alas, political reality dictates that people like that almost never make it to higher office.
Second, Thompson is still opposed to stiff penalties against employers who are breaking the law by hiring illegals.
I don't think that's true. Do you have a source?