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GOP Sends Mixed Messages on Immigration(Left Angeles Times Spin)
Los Angeles Times ^ | August 27, 2006 | Maura Reynolds

Posted on 08/27/2006 1:43:47 PM PDT by kellynla

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration's announcement last week that stepped-up enforcement appears to be slowing illegal immigration was designed to send a message: The nation's borders are becoming more secure and it's time to talk about broad immigration reform.

That would appear to contradict the message coming from many Republicans on the campaign trail: The border is dangerously porous and talk of reform is premature.

But it is less of a contradiction than meets the eye. While Republican candidates are trying to hang on to their congressional majority by trumpeting the need for border security, the White House is laying the groundwork for a longer battle over immigration with an eye on capturing the Latino vote.

Republican Party leaders have the task of balancing the party's conflicting short-term and long-term goals on immigration.

In the short term, many if not most congressional Republicans are taking a hard-line approach. In some districts, that means denouncing proposals for a guest worker program or legalization of some immigrants as amnesty.

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


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Government
KEYWORDS: aliens; gop; immigrantlist; immigration; republicans
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1 posted on 08/27/2006 1:43:48 PM PDT by kellynla
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To: kellynla
..the White House is laying the groundwork for a longer battle over immigration with an eye on capturing the Latino vote.

The Republican "capturing the Latino" ruse is just a lame cover for shilling for cheap labor business interests. They know damn well they are not going to get >50% of the Hispanic vote, and if they wanted to appeal to Hispanic voters there are a lot better ways of doing it than letting in millions of more illegals.

2 posted on 08/27/2006 1:51:05 PM PDT by Plutarch
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Comment #3 Removed by Moderator

To: Plutarch
What's more, the "they're only coming her to do jobs Americans won't do" is a lie.

Countless Americans have lost jobs to ILLEGALS. One need only look ot the construction industry for proof.

4 posted on 08/27/2006 1:54:52 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: South40
What's more, the "they're only coming her to do jobs Americans won't do" is a lie.

It's a lie because they never finish the sentence. To be accurate, the complete statement should be:

They do the jobs Americans won't do for the low wages they'll work for"

Guess I'm a racist for pointing that out....

5 posted on 08/27/2006 1:57:13 PM PDT by KenHorse
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To: South40

The fight in the house is only becoming more firmly entrenched with the election of more pro border control republicans.


6 posted on 08/27/2006 1:57:59 PM PDT by cripplecreek (If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?)
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To: South40
Hey. The Feds only need ot pump out 50 billion of these a year to cover expenses incurred due to illegal aliens.


7 posted on 08/27/2006 2:01:08 PM PDT by Cobra64 (All we get are lame ideas from Republicans and lame criticism from dems about those lame ideas.)
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To: South40
Countless Americans have lost jobs to ILLEGALS. One need only look ot the construction industry for proof.
Better start counting. Statistically, anyway, the native workforce is aging, and construction work is largely a young man's field. Secondly, unless Americans are willing to pay higher labor costs as part of their housing costs, immigrant labor is going to be needed if new housing is going to be built.
8 posted on 08/27/2006 2:14:00 PM PDT by rpgdfmx
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To: kellynla

"the White House is laying the groundwork for a longer battle over immigration with an eye on capturing the Latino vote."

Yeah, sure, that's what it's about.


9 posted on 08/27/2006 2:46:47 PM PDT by Shermy
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Comment #10 Removed by Moderator

To: kellynla

I am hardly a fan of the LA Times, but I think the article is on target.

You have Bush, the Chamber of Commerce and some GOP senators on one side and the GOP house and base on the other.


11 posted on 08/27/2006 2:51:44 PM PDT by BW2221
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To: kellynla

"The Bush administration's announcement last week that stepped-up enforcement appears to be slowing illegal immigration was designed to send a message: The nation's borders are becoming more secure and it's time to talk about broad immigration reform."

I hope that conservatives have wised up to the trickery. This in itself is nothing more than trickery. We know what the white house really wants.


12 posted on 08/27/2006 3:19:38 PM PDT by Revel
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To: rpgdfmx
"Secondly, unless Americans are willing to pay higher labor costs as part of their housing costs, immigrant labor is going to be needed if new housing is going to be built."

And the way to handle that is by LEGAL immigration. Close the border, deport the illegals, reform the process for allowing new LEGAL immigrants.

13 posted on 08/27/2006 3:32:49 PM PDT by Wonder Warthog (The Hog of Steel-NRA)
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To: South40

It is a betrayal of the people who put Republicans in office to not only preserve what's right but to protect the interests of our nation and it's citizens. Illegals have no loyalty to anything above the almighty Dollar and are doing their worst by sending as many of those dollars out of our country for the benefit of the nations who effectively kicked them out.

Stopping that artificial lifeline of funding would foment revolution in the corrupt nations parisitizing upon us. It should and must be done for our citizens and the millions who need a legitimate economic base to stand on and be proud of.


14 posted on 08/27/2006 3:37:48 PM PDT by NewRomeTacitus (Americans First.)
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To: kellynla

This isn't LA Times spin... it's the truth.

Bush wants amnesty. Conservatives want secure borders. The LA Times is just pointing out that Bush and McCain are betraying conservative values.


15 posted on 08/27/2006 3:42:31 PM PDT by nj26 (Border Security=Homeland Security... Put Our Military on the Border! (Proud2BNRA))
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To: NewRomeTacitus
It is a betrayal of the people who put Republicans in office

A betrayal led by none other than George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America.

16 posted on 08/27/2006 3:44:26 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: South40

Hush now...you'll end up on the "Ban If Possible" list like I am. You make too many accurate observations to be booted off for passionate outbursts.

Everyone we used to speak with are over at slow-motion LP - and I prefer that those of us who can practice self-discipline remain able here where we can chip at the Neoconservatism that's slowly killing the Republican Party.

We're the only conscience it has left.


17 posted on 08/27/2006 4:03:55 PM PDT by NewRomeTacitus (Goldwater knew the way!)
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Comment #18 Removed by Moderator

To: All
But some GOP House leaders are weighing whether it would help candidates if they were to pass a modified immigration reform proposal before the election. Under discussion is a two-stage bill: first, border security, and second, some form of guest worker program "triggered" by certification of improvements in border security. "We can do it in phases," the House Republican aide said, noting the goal would be to act before the election. "I wouldn't rule that out."

Sure, and if you do, expect others to join me and sit it out. I said I wasn't voting for my amnesty lovin' Republican Congressman and I haven't budged. I'm on the fence about the potential new senator right now.

Others are more "pragmatic" then I am, I suppose, but not if you shove the amnesty red flag in their face 30-60 days before an election.....

And it warms my heart to know the administration has such good friends in LAT. Why else would they peddle this sympathetic dribble to his cause?

I suppose I sound angry again. Yeah, make that still. I'm not open to: dissolving our soveriegnty; burdening American taxpayers; betraying those would be immigrants outside that have done it the right way; reducing human beings to commodity to be abused by business interests; building the liberal voter rolls. Even on the best of days.

Add to that the person I supported for YEARS, good and bad times, has basically said I'm a racist. Why anyone in their right mind would think he's the victim I don't know. Anyone called a racist that is no such thing, which means the majority of Americans that want enforcement, doesn't have to suck it up and bolster his damn poll numbers.

He has two choices if he wants to change the current estrangement. He can continue to push for amnesty, but APOLOGIZE. Or he can do what he did with Miers. he didn't apologize then either for his insults, but he gave us Alito. Pick one. Apologize. Or enforce the border. Since I think neither are coming anytime soon, consider that I remain a FORMER member of HIS base.

How that affects the Republicans, depends on how individual Republicans respond and the House giving Pence and his buddies a shovel to bury their amnesty proposals. After all, President Bush isn't running again. And I'm not generally indiscriminate in my political targets.

19 posted on 08/27/2006 4:53:30 PM PDT by Soul Seeker (Kobach: Amnesty is going from an illegal to a legal position, without imposing the original penalty.)
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To: South40; jimrob

You must have recognized that the respect for our 1st Amendment rights here end at Big Jim's idea of what that means. Chances are excellent that I'll be banned right now for shaming his more sycophant moderators.

On the other hand I've been constantly surprised by their overall forbearance. I truly sympathize with their predicament and know from experience how difficult moderating any web-site can be. This entity needs to strive to allow the most variance of opinion (within the conservative sphere) to maintain moral superiority over the Democrat Underground and hundreds of other less-ethical opponents seeking to tear down this site.

I and most other hard-corps are behind you, Jim. We know your California background has shaped your beliefs but we also hope you understand that we "flyover landers" aren't the backward racist rednecks the elite in the Beltway wants you to believe. We merely want the rule of law and consider compromises on that as giving the game up the Democrats.


20 posted on 08/27/2006 5:18:34 PM PDT by NewRomeTacitus (Goldwater defined Republicanism)
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To: NewRomeTacitus


The current President has done more to destroy this nation than any other (including Jimma Cotta and Billy Clintoon!) president in my memory. And most Americans don't even know it yet.


21 posted on 08/27/2006 6:21:58 PM PDT by Paperdoll (.........Washingtonians, vote for Mike McGavick for Senator)
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Comment #22 Removed by Moderator

To: NewRomeTacitus; South40
"You must have recognized that the respect for our 1st Amendment rights here end at Big Jim's idea of what that means. Chances are excellent that I'll be banned right now for shaming his more sycophant moderators."

Please list the part of the first amendment you feel we're disrespecting when we ban (disassociate with) people who are attempting to disrupt our efforts to achieve the political goals we've set for this forum?

23 posted on 08/27/2006 8:28:34 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
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To: Jim Robinson
Please list the part of the first amendment you feel we're disrespecting when we ban (disassociate with) people who are attempting to disrupt our efforts to achieve the political goals we've set for this forum?

I've never said that nor have I ever felt it. I did in fact say this.

24 posted on 08/27/2006 8:35:41 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: South40
Disrespecting the president by referring to him as "Jorge" is a personal insult to me and every other member of this forum that supports him and I see it as a disruptive tactic of a common DU troll. When you post like a DU troll, don't be surprised when you get banned like a DU troll.
25 posted on 08/27/2006 8:35:51 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
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To: Jim Robinson
That's why you think I felt you've "disrespected" anyone's 1st Amendment rights? Sorry Jim, but you're wrong. I've never felt that, not even once. And have stated so in an earlier post.

I supported Bush in both elections, both physically by volunteering my time and with more monetary contributions than I'd like to remember. I still support him on the WOT but I do not support his amnesty plan nor do many conservatives both here at FR and in congress.

And I'm no more a DU troll than you are. I just feel betrayed by a president that I helped elect.

Respect is something you earn. It's also something you can lose quite easily.

26 posted on 08/27/2006 8:47:19 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: South40

If and when we can no longer see any difference in your posts from those of a common DU troll, then it shows you've lost all respect for this forum and likewise will receive none in return. At that point, a parting of the ways is usually called for.


27 posted on 08/27/2006 8:55:26 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
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To: South40

My post #23 above was directed to NewRomeTacitus. I included you on the ping list because he was making certain assumptions about your being in agreement with his viewpoints re FR and the first amendment.


28 posted on 08/27/2006 9:00:40 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
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Comment #29 Removed by Moderator

To: Jim Robinson
My post #23 above was directed to NewRomeTacitus. I included you on the ping list because he was making certain assumptions about your being in agreement with his viewpoints re FR and the first amendment.

He made an assumption, Jim. I never agreed. Please don't judge me as if I had.

30 posted on 08/27/2006 9:20:59 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: South40

I didn't.


31 posted on 08/27/2006 9:22:02 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
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To: Jim Robinson

Okie dokie.


32 posted on 08/27/2006 9:26:47 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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Comment #33 Removed by Moderator

To: rpgdfmx
Secondly, unless Americans are willing to pay higher labor costs as part of their housing costs, immigrant labor is going to be needed if new housing is going to be built.

Yes, Americans can pay a higher price for their new McMansion, or they can payer higher taxes for more social services, schools & police; higher health insurance costs; and accept a lower standard of living for themselves and their children. The "cheap" labor provided by immigrants only benefits the employer, not the society.

34 posted on 08/28/2006 11:21:58 AM PDT by AppleButter
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To: BW2221
You have Bush, the Chamber of Commerce and some GOP senators on one side and the GOP house and base on the other.

Correct. I'd add that MOST of the House Republicrats would vote in favor of amnesty & guest worker program if they could do so by a secret ballot. Most politicians side with Cheap Labor Lobby, but the House must face the wrath of the People every two years.

35 posted on 08/28/2006 11:24:21 AM PDT by AppleButter
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To: TWOJAKES
The Housing bubble broke and is becoming a moot point. Joblessness in construction is going to create big problems as the illegals move into other areas of work. Hope they don't impact your job.

An important point that bears repeating! The residential construction and remodeling gravy train for illegals has reached the end of the line. Hopefully, they'll go home instead of turning to a life of crime.

36 posted on 08/28/2006 11:28:31 AM PDT by AppleButter
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To: AppleButter
The "cheap" labor provided by immigrants only benefits the employer, not the society.

That's not entirly. I have crews I've employed for 15 years or more and I pay them well. I am being underbid by thousands by Latino employers who hire their ILLEGAL brethren. The Latino employer doesn't mind charging less because he's making more now than he's made in his entire life; more than he could ever make in Mexico.

So to say cheap labor benefits the employer is not entirely true. It is destroying businesses that have been around for decades, mine included.

37 posted on 08/28/2006 12:53:36 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: AppleButter
The residential construction and remodeling gravy train for illegals has reached the end of the line. Hopefully, they'll go home instead of turning to a life of crime.

If they've been living and working here ILLEGALLY they've been living a life of crime.

38 posted on 08/28/2006 12:54:49 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: South40
So to say cheap labor benefits the employer is not entirely true. It is destroying businesses that have been around for decades, mine included.

Yes, let me be more specific:

Cheap labor benefits the unscrupulous employers who exploit illegals, not society in general -- including the honorable employers who still pay good wages & benefits.

39 posted on 08/28/2006 12:57:00 PM PDT by AppleButter
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To: AppleButter

Exactly.


40 posted on 08/28/2006 2:54:12 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: kellynla
the White House is laying the groundwork for a longer battle over immigration with an eye on capturing the Latino vote.

The idiots!! They will never capture the Latino vote. The RATS and the unions have been signing up illegals for a long time and they are registering them to vote DemonRAT. They have been scaring illegals into believing that ALL Republicans are evil and want them deported. Illegals voting as RATS will result in losses to the GOP for the rest of time. Considering how many illegals there are, we will never win again. Too bad the Republicans are so darn stupid and can't see what's happening. The LAST thing they need to do is grant them amnesty!!

41 posted on 08/28/2006 3:02:23 PM PDT by NRA2BFree (PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW ISLAM ARE KORANIMALS!)
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To: NRA2BFree
the White House is laying the groundwork for a longer battle over immigration with an eye on capturing the Latino vote

I don't believe that for a second.

The White House no doubt has its motives, but it could not care less about votes. The fact that it is alienating millions of conservative voters is proof of that.

42 posted on 08/28/2006 6:06:26 PM PDT by South40 (Amnesty for ILLEGALS Is A Slap In The Face To The USBP!!)
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To: Jim Robinson; South40
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

My apologies for posting a statement I didn't think through. As South40 stated, it's your forum and we abide here at your forbearance. My primary grievance lies with how so many former members have been banned for numerous reasons while having one factor in common: the demand that our government enforce the laws it has passed regarding the security of our nation's border. While many were censured for losing self-control I noticed that those who goaded or insulted them to that point seem to enjoy a laxer standard.

Perhaps my viewpoint is biased toward the "border bots" or my foil hat is losing it's effectiveness, but I've not been the only one to perceive this. Your forum allows members to post nearly anything politically relevant, yet the prevailing consensus belongs to amoral party cheerleaders willing to give anyone "R-attached" a pass no matter whether they're lobbying for the Muslim vote, pandering to organizations trying to engineer mass amnesty or spending time thinking up ways to hinder the Border Patrol - even cosponsoring bills with Ted Kennedy. They prattle on about the necessity of putting the lesser evils in office in order to fight another day for what's right...as we see that day slipping farther into a future where any gesture to correct the system would be futile (and possibly incarcerating).

I know you possess an exceptional intelligence and clarity of thought. I ask in all sincerity if you see any way out of this continuing degradation of our representation without the horror of a new Constitutional Convention. If there's anything we can do to restore representation to citizens within the bounds of legality we are morally obligated to do so.

43 posted on 08/28/2006 10:00:08 PM PDT by NewRomeTacitus
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To: Paperdoll
The current President has done more to destroy this nation than any other (including Jimma Cotta and Billy Clintoon!) president in my memory.

I cannot recall seeing a more ignorant statement in all my time at FR.

44 posted on 08/28/2006 10:02:16 PM PDT by Howlin
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To: Howlin

Thank you for illustrating my point.


45 posted on 08/28/2006 10:48:51 PM PDT by NewRomeTacitus
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To: NewRomeTacitus

So it's now your position that ignorance on parade is the new standard at FR?


46 posted on 08/28/2006 11:47:07 PM PDT by Howlin
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To: Paperdoll
The current President has done more to destroy this nation than any other (including Jimma Cotta and Billy Clintoon!) president in my memory. And most Americans don't even know it yet.

Wow ........... bad memory or perhaps it's just the reasoning ability, eh?

47 posted on 08/29/2006 12:41:10 AM PDT by beyond the sea (Rain please.)
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To: South40

All Right Then!


48 posted on 08/29/2006 10:06:56 AM PDT by GulfBreeze (No one can show me one shred of evidence that atheists even exist.)
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To: GulfBreeze

There you have it!


49 posted on 08/29/2006 10:07:12 AM PDT by GulfBreeze (No one can show me one shred of evidence that atheists even exist.)
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To: GulfBreeze

Well Okaaaay


50 posted on 08/29/2006 10:07:27 AM PDT by GulfBreeze (No one can show me one shred of evidence that atheists even exist.)
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