Southern Exposure (Fred Thompson)

NRO ^ | 3-20-07 | Fred Thompson

[BobS]

Southern Exposure

By Fred Thompson

Editor's note: Click here to listen to the original radio commentary this transcript is based on.

We are all very well aware of the fact that we have an illegal-immigration problem in this country. As usual, we avoided the problem for as long as we could and when we couldn’t avoid it any longer we were told that, indeed, somewhere between 12 and 20 million people had somehow come into this country unnoticed.

It’s like we went overnight from “no problem” to a problem so big that it now defies a good solution. It’s become one of those “there are no good choices only less bad choices” that Americans are becoming all too familiar with.

We know that the overwhelming majority of illegals come across the Mexican border. Fortunately, we’ve got someone who is all too willing to tell us what we should do about it — the president of Mexico Philipe Calderon. President Calderon doesn’t think much of our border policies. He criticizes our efforts to secure the border with things such as border fencing. He says that bottle necks at U.S. checkpoints hurt Mexican commerce and force his citizens to migrate illegally in order to make a living (and of course send money back to Mexico). He apparently thinks we should do nothing except make American citizens out of his constituents. Calderon also accused U.S. officials of failing to do enough to stop the flow of drugs in to the United States. Mexican politicians gave President Bush an earful of all of this during his recent trip to Mexico.

I think its time for a little plain talk to the leaders of Mexico. Something like:

"Hey guys, you’re our friends and neighbors and we love you but it’s time you had a little dose of reality. A sovereign nation loses that status if it cannot secure its own borders and we are going to do whatever is necessary to do so, although our policies won’t be as harsh as yours are along your southern border. And criticizing the U.S. for alternately doing too much and too little to stop your illegal activities is not going to set too well with Americans of good will who are trying to figure a way out of the mess that your and our open borders policy has already created.

"My friends, it’s also time for a little introspection. Since we all agree that improving Mexico’s economy will help with the illegal-immigration problem, you might want to consider your own left-of -center policies. For example, nationalized industries are not known for enhancing economic growth. Just a thought. But here’s something even more to the point that you might want to think about: What does it say about the leadership of a country when that country’s economy and politics are dependent upon the exportation of its own citizens?"

[LibKill]

I heard this live on the radio. It's great.

[jern]

he is the best of the group right now. I hope he runs

[JHBowden]

The above is pure awesome. I'd have a difficult time remaining in the Rudy camp if Thompson jumps in the race.

[GraniteStateConservative]

I'm in if he runs.

[monkapotamus]

I like him.

[Tinian]

I like Fred for lots of reasons--he's pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment and an excellent, no nonsense communicator. I doubt, however, he'll pass the Michael Wei *ahem* "glass parking lot" crowd test.

[rottndog]

Fred Thompson will wipe the floor with all the other Republican candidates if he runs--He wins hands down. I really hope he decides to run. He would be the first candidate since Reagan that I would actually vote FOR, instead of voting against the other guy.

[BobS]

Some guy called Laura's show this morning: "Imagine Fred Thompson and Mrs. Bill Clinton in a debate together!:):) heh!

[Irish Luck]

Fred Thompson will wipe the floor during a debate with any of the contenders from both parties. He is a natural speaker with a sound knowledge of national and international events. He comes across as authentic, not contrived. He has my vote if he decides to run.

[proudofthesouth]

I've spoken to several people who hope he runs!

[rottndog]

A man with solid convictions and beliefs can do that. Fred Thompson is such a man.

I don't think Hillary would have the guts to debate Thompson--she would be utterly destroyed. She would simply try to find a way out--scheduling conflicts, disagreements about format....you watch.

I really, really hope he throws his hat in the ring.

[JHBowden]

Instead of seeing the predicted NY Hillary v Giuliani matchup, we may see a Tennessee Gore v Thompson race. In each event, the Republican is from the home turf, while the Democrat is a poser with their heart elsewhere.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

This is what people, deep down, are craving. People are tired of the BS, the political-correctness, the Washington double-talk, etc. I think Fred Thompson brings a lot to the table and will attract people from all political stripes. Even some liberals will vote for him.

Plus he's an imposing figure. If he runs, the Presidency is his to lose. None of the other candidates have a chance.

[Irish Luck]

Agree completely. I'm tired of the same old retreads being paraded before us. The current cast is either too liberal, too unknown or too politically scarred already. Fred Thompson will be a breath of fresh air who, I hope, will not change his forthrightness should he decide to return to politics for the biggest prize. This country needs him!

[doug from upland]

I heard it, too. I like this guy.

[Gideons Trumpet]

I like the "we love you, but" part. I think most of us want the best for everybody, but the chaos of the present border situation cannot persist.

[estrogen]

He's got my vote if he runs....I ,too, am tired of the way the Republicans are playing the political game. Being nice and not calling the dems on thier bs is the downfall of this party.

[LaLaLand Conservative]

This commentary sounds great but says little. What we need to know is his solution to the illegal alien problem. Would he have supported the McCain/Kennedy amnesty bill? What would he suggest doing with the millions of illegals that are already here? What is his position on chain migration? Would he support a national registry that employers could check to verify legal status? Would he support strong penalties for employers who failed to check such a registry and as a result hired illegals? Would he support the Border Patrol both financially and politically? Would he support vigorous prosecutions of illegals who are guilty of identity theft? What is his position on drivers licenses for illegals? What is his position regarding the acceptance of Matricular Consular cards by our financial instituitions? What is his position regarding the extension of Social Security benefits to aliens who were illegally present and working in this country? Does he support in-state tuition fees and welfare for illegals? Does he support Federal reimbursement to States for the cost of medical care for illegals? Does he support Federal reimbursement to states for the cost of incarceration of illegals who have committed crimes?

[BobS]

I hope he jumps in. He's being drafted. That's a good point to start with. A lot of these other characters had dreams of becoming president for a long time. To Fred Thompson it's a recent job opening. That's a good sign. Nobody should have that job that wants it too badly.