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Immigration and the GOP Is it still the party of Reagan, or of Tom Tancredo?
Wall Street Journal ^ | 3/31/2006 | Review and OUtlook

Posted on 03/31/2006 3:41:14 AM PST by pageonetoo

As Congress battles over immigration, the consequences are likely to be far greater than the details of border walls or green cards. The most important political outcome may turn out to be the message that Republicans send about the kind of the party they are and hope to be.

To wit, do Republicans want to continue in the Reagan tradition of American optimism and faith in assimilation that sends a message of inclusiveness to all races? Or will they take another one of their historical detours into a cramped, exclusionary policy that tells millions of new immigrants, and especially Hispanics, that they belong somewhere else?...

...The immediate danger is that Republicans will ignore their longer-term interests by passing a punitive, and poll-driven, anti-immigration bill this election year. Any bill that merely harasses immigrants and employers, and stacks more cops on the border, may win cheers in the right-wing blogosphere. However, it will do nothing to address the economic incentives that will continue to exist for poor migrants to come to America to feed their families. And it will make permanent enemies of millions of Hispanics, without doing anything to draw illegals out of the shadows and help them assimilate into the mainstream of American culture and citizenship.

This is not Ronald Reagan's view of America as a "shining city on a hill." It is the chauvinist conservatism usually associated with the European right. How Republicans conduct and conclude their immigration debate will show the country which kind of "conservative" party they want to be.

(Excerpt) Read more at opinionjournal.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: gop; illegalimmigration; illegals; invaders; rino; wsj
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To: Celtjew Libertarian

Thanks for identifying yourself as a quisling.


101 posted on 03/31/2006 6:00:07 AM PST by antisocial (Texas SCV - Deo Vindice)
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To: pageonetoo

More traitors.


102 posted on 03/31/2006 6:00:34 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: Luis Gonzalez
My state flag is displayed on my homepage by FR. My American flag is PROUDLY displayed in front of my home!

You believe freedom to be you telling me how to behave, what to do, and what language to say it in.

I pay my taxes, obey the laws, and carry out all my civic duties.

Past that point, what I do is none of your damned business.

I believe that this country has the right to make laws pertaining to citizenship, and to qualify those laws to protect its citizens. I believe that any outside entity, whether you or another, has no right to change them, or challenge them.

You didn't answer my question. Why did you place the American flag lower than your cuban flag? I don't see any others posted by FReepers doing that, even though they may be celebrating their heritage, as well! There are some foreign flags on the FReeper banner pages, but that is to define where you live, so local issues can be promoted en masse. Are you an American?

Since you appear to be a cubano, you probably came into this country by invitation, or by default (Mariel?), to escape tyranny. Why haven't you devoted your resources to everthrowing Fidel, so you can go back home? He's still there, and I'd bet it isn't your homeland after all! But, you still want everybody to think so!

103 posted on 03/31/2006 6:01:10 AM PST by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: normy
The reason is because of the modern liberal system especially in the public schools. When your ancestors came to America they were not thought of as perpetual victims, but people seeking a better life.

That is not true now to some new immigrants who have been sucked into the liberal victim mentality, but not all of them as the liberals would have you think with their demonstartions.

JMO, the majority of immigrants wish to assimilate, such as when the referendum in California to promote English immersion passed by a wide margin a few years back, but you see the pictures of the demonstrations and react.

The left knows how to play conservatives like a fiddle and these well organized and media savvy demonstrations have given the left the "reaction" they expect from conservatives and their hope to split people apart, the calling card of the modern left.

104 posted on 03/31/2006 6:01:52 AM PST by Dane ( anyone who believes hillary would do something to stop illegal immigration is believing gibberish)
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To: normy
"I have mostly Norwegian ancestry with Irish, German and Lebanese mixed in. I do not carry their flag..."

Hell, you couldn't carry that many flags if you tried.

"Why would I, as an American with no ties to anyone but Americans, trust you or those like you to not side with "Latino" over American interest. The truth is I can't."

I can't help what your prejudices make you do, that's YOUR problem, not mine. You see, you have already drawn a conclusion about me based solely on my obvious ethnicity, and you ASSume that I would side with some group of people loosely defined as "Latinos" on the issue of immigration, you are wrong.

I am an immigrant who speaks English better than a large number of native-born citizens, I became a citizen on July 4th 1976, I am a broken glass Republican, and a GOP activist.

I've assimilated.

You, on the other hand, have not assimilated me, and that's YOUR problem, not mine.

105 posted on 03/31/2006 6:09:22 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: Luis Gonzalez
There are TWO guilty parties here, and two people breaking the law...the person who enters the country illegally, and the person who hires him.

Punish the employers and see how fast the jobs dry up.

I absolutely agree! But, millions of Americans are not giving them jobs. Tens of thousands are. They should be fined, and put in jail.

As for the FL elections, thank you for your devotion to the Republican party. But, it was the Supremes who made the decision. The votes were already cast. I didn't march, but I did send money to aid the legal battles, where the war was actually fought. Did you?

Do your "civic duties" allow you to disenfranchise our American flag, or relegate it to second class? Mine don't.

I did not claim they march due to not having jobs (though the massive student protests this week do show that a lot of them don't). I only gave the reason why the 'gringo's stay busy. The illegal invaders are marching to demand that we accept their illegalty. I would rather round them up and send them home, along with the anchor babies. If they want to come in the front door, I would be glad to hire some of them, if they have the necessary skills I can employ.

106 posted on 03/31/2006 6:12:51 AM PST by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: pageonetoo
"My American flag is PROUDLY displayed in front of my home!"

So is mine...I am also the only one in my neighborhood who flies Old Glory every single day of the year.

I raise a special flag on Holidays.

"I believe that this country has the right to make laws pertaining to citizenship, and to qualify those laws to protect its citizens. "

And you of course ASSume that I believe differently because of my last name.

You are again wrong.

"Why did you place the American flag lower than your cuban flag?"

I honestly had not noticed that, but it was good of you to point it out.

My original homepage was larger, and began with an American flag, a picture of Reagan, and a picture of Presiudent Bush.

I edited out about 80% of the page and didn't pay attention to that.

Having said that, you called me a traitor for that, now I want you to call all the people in the pictures traitors as well.

Why won't you?

107 posted on 03/31/2006 6:15:42 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: pageonetoo
"I absolutely agree! But, millions of Americans are not giving them jobs. Tens of thousands are."

BS...one illegal alien will take care of two hundred different yards in a month.

108 posted on 03/31/2006 6:17:31 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: zook

:-)

I liked it.


109 posted on 03/31/2006 6:18:41 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: pageonetoo

Has open borders done much for conservatism in California?


110 posted on 03/31/2006 6:20:56 AM PST by junta (It's Jihad stupid! It's the borders stupid! "From the halls of Montezuma...")
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To: Luis Gonzalez

I figure a lot of us Bush supporters around here need a pat on the back lately. I also find it funny to think that all of a sudden no one is allowed to raise a flag of any other country, when all kinds of ethnic groups have always done it here as a pride statement.


111 posted on 03/31/2006 6:21:18 AM PST by zook
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To: Dane
I understand the desires of the liberals, thats why I can't understand why the Republicans are selling out on this issue. Its not about immigration, its about illegal immigration. There are millions learning about American culture, history and language just to become a citizen because that is their desire. These people bypass that part, have no health checks or criminal checks but just blend into the background.

If Bush came out and said "first we build a wall and enforce our borders the same way Mexico enforces its southern border. Second, all illegals in our prison system will be turned over to the Mexican authorities to do with what they want. Third, all those who employ illegals have 30 days to apply for a special green card this one time for their employees. If they wish to become citizens they can start the process. If not, when their green card expires they are going home. Finally if any employer is found to have illegals working for him after the 30 day period there will be a 100,000 dollar fine which will increase by 100,000 for every offense, third strike and you are out (jail time)."

That would pretty much solve this problem.

Here is a question though. In WWII Germans, Japanese and Italian Americans were imprisoned by the government yet still fought valiantly against the home of their fathers, even winning medals of valor, in defense of their new country America, who was at the same time treating "their people" unfairly. Do you believe the Hispanic population would fight against Mexico if push came to shove? I know some would because i have Hispanic friends who are 100% American, but many of the newer breed would not, and certainly illegals who are citizens of Mexico would not.

112 posted on 03/31/2006 6:24:18 AM PST by normy (Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.)
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To: Luis Gonzalez; Dane
Having said that, you called me a traitor for that, now I want you to call all the people in the pictures traitors as well.

I apologize if I stained your reputation. But, I do not feel it is wrong to march, or ride in a float in a St Patty's day parade displaying an Irish flag. It is in keeping with a long tradition. I see no traitorous behavior intended, since it is a temporary celebratory thing. Any reasonable person would come to the same conclusion (dane).

But, these people taking to the streets burning our flag, and displaying it below the mexican flag, upside down, is a direct assault on it. Their actions speak loudly.

I assume all too often, but some of your postings appeared to reveal those things, not just your name. If I ASSumed incorrectly, I am sorry. I do not wish to improperly define anyone.

Thank you for flying our flag. It is yours and mine, and surely something to be proud of. Mine, too, is the only one in sight..

113 posted on 03/31/2006 6:25:54 AM PST by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: normy
Here is a question though. In WWII Germans, Japanese and Italian Americans were imprisoned by the government

Uh it was only the Japanese-Americans who were interned during WW II.

114 posted on 03/31/2006 6:31:03 AM PST by Dane ( anyone who believes hillary would do something to stop illegal immigration is believing gibberish)
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To: zook
"I also find it funny to think that all of a sudden no one is allowed to raise a flag of any other country, when all kinds of ethnic groups have always done it here as a pride statement."

Yep.

115 posted on 03/31/2006 6:32:45 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: Luis Gonzalez

Are these people rioting for special rights
or simply celebrating their heritage?


116 posted on 03/31/2006 6:33:43 AM PST by RetiredSWO
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To: Dane

Italian-Americans were in prison for reasons not related to th war.

*rimshot*


117 posted on 03/31/2006 6:34:07 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: Luis Gonzalez
BS...one illegal alien will take care of two hundred different yards in a month.

In this area (DC Metro), there are usually no single hispanics mowing yards. They come in one or two trucks with trailers, carrying multiple mowers and weed-eaters. A crew of 3-10 performs the duty, in short fashion. The front man is usually a white guy.

But, there are lots of small contractors using them for carpentry, masonry, and concrete work. The more skilled jobs are usually done by locals (electricians, plumbers, etc), but many of them use the "casual labor" for grunt work.

In the news, we see construction companies, performing work on military installations, getting busted for employing dozens, or sometimes hundreds, of illegals. The chicken factories (Bubba's friends) employ them by the thousands, and the gum't turns a blind eye, though W is in charge (is he?) now.

Illegal is just that. It means breaking the law...

118 posted on 03/31/2006 6:34:44 AM PST by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: RetiredSWO

So, demonstrations are "riots" now?

The MSM classified the pro-Bush demonstrations during the recounts as riots too.


119 posted on 03/31/2006 6:35:32 AM PST by Luis Gonzalez (Some people see the world as they would want it to be, effective people see the world as it is.)
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To: Luis Gonzalez
Italian-Americans were in prison for reasons not related to th war

You are correct, but according to some on FR, that shows that all Italian-Americans are members of the mafia.

120 posted on 03/31/2006 6:37:12 AM PST by Dane ( anyone who believes hillary would do something to stop illegal immigration is believing gibberish)
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