Replies

To: JPD, DC, and etropy
info: Yo-Yo

Subj: Republicans are scared of their own shadows

Msg: Fellas, I appreciate what you are trying to do. Really, I do. I understand that Rand Paul’s is trying to make this excrement sandwich more palatable. However, it’s still an excrement sandwich! These illegals deserve nothing. You could make a humanitarian case for the so-called “Dream-act children” who grew up here and, for all intents and purposes, are Americans. However, their parents should never get a path to citizenship outside of the regular process. I could see issuing work visas or creating a special category of some other color cards, so those who snuck in here can work legally and not become a burden on our social and prison systems. I wouldn’t do this for their benefit, but for ours. However, all of this smacks of weakness and appeasement. We are lawful American citizens. They are trespassers. Why should we tolerate these criminals amongst us? Mexico does not tolerate such things within their own country? Why are we so stupid to allow it? If Hispanics in this country think no deal on immigration is due to anti-hispanic bias, that is their problem. Some good communications skills on the part of republican party would be helpful in allaying these fears, but I would not count on that from the “stupid party” (i.e. GOP).

My Grandfather crossed the Atlantic on a crammed passenger ship when he was 5 years old in the care of his slightly older brother. When he and his older brother got here, they was processed, checked for infections, and given into the custody of other relatives who legally came here before them. After arriving here, my Grandfather and my Great Uncles learned perfect English and became fully integrated into American society — so much so that their off-spring are now considered products of privilege by some. This bill, this amnesty, insults the memory of my Grandfather and all the law-abiding people who have immigrated to the US before and after his arrival. These people followed the law and earnestly desired to become Americans. Physically cut-off from their mother countries, most of these immigrants gathered together in ghettos and had menial jobs. But, no matter how poor they were, they were proud to be Americans and they did not ask for, nor did they receive, any public assistance.

We have a problem with illegal immigrants. Something should be done about it. However, ramming an 800 page piece of legislation down the throats of loyal, tax-paying, patriotic Americans is a complete betrayal.

If Congress really wants to do something about immigration, they should do the right thing. Form a commission to look into the matter for several months. Based on the commission’s recommendations, Congress critters can propose comprehensible legislation...say 50 pages of text in clear language, and then have several weeks of debates and amendments, posting the full text of all proposed legislation online so the public can see what’s in the bill if they are so inclined. Right now, they are trying to jam this poop pie down our gullets without having any debate.

I supported Rand Paul’s filibuster on drones. Although that was certainly a very important ethical question, an immigration agreement that will literally transform this country overnight should demand a filibuster even more. I do not see Rand Paul nor any other republican currently talking about that. Perhaps, they will if they can’t modify the current bill to their liking. Right now, I just see a lot of sound without fury, signifying nothing.