Bush: Amnesty bill will reduce the need for a fence(?)
posted at 11:17 am on May 31, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Whatever can this mean?
“When you grow up in Texas like I did, you recognize the decency and humanity of Hispanics. And the truth of the matter is, a lot of this immigration debate is driven as a result of Latinos being in our country,” he said. “I have seen firsthand the beautiful stories of people being able to take advantage of opportunity and make solid contributions to our society.”
He said Americans had nothing to fear from large-scale immigration from Latin America.
“There is an element of our society that is worried about two Americas,” he said. “Our ability to welcome newcomers and the system’s capacity to assimilate them has been one of the great powerful traditions of America. It works, and it will work this time. People shouldn’t fear our capacity to uphold our motto: E Pluribus Unum.”…
Addressing one of the most sensitive issues in the measure, Bush expressed hope that the changes would reduce the need for a fence along the border with Mexico…
The proposed fence has drawn protests in Texas, where officials fear it will hinder commerce and cause environmental problems.
“The fence sends a clear signal that we’re serious about enforcing the border,” Bush said. “A lot of these ranchers down there are saying, `Wait a minute. Bad idea.’ I presume we’re not going to build a fence on places where people don’t want it.”
The suggestion that people who haven’t grown up with Hispanics don’t appreciate their humanity and the vaguely derisive tone with which he refers to the “element” that fears a large unassimilated population are merely annoying, and par for the course at this point. But what’s with the bit about the fence? To what does that word “changes” refer? Does he mean the changes that are being made … by the amnesty bill? Is he actually suggesting that legalizing 12 million people is a reason to keep the borders open?
I must be misreading it. Even he can’t seriously be suggesting that. Maybe by “changes” he means changes in our willingness to welcome illegals into society, the better to assimilate them. But he can’t mean that either since that will only encourage more people to cross over. Or is that the whole point? For all the goofing I do on the nuts who believe in the North American Union, I’m nonetheless moved to ask whether Bush sees any limit to the number of illegals he believes we should take in. 30 million? 60 million? He says in another part of the interview, “I am worried that a backlash to newcomers would cause our country to lose its great capacity to assimilate newcomers.” Does he see no correlation between the numbers and the likelihood of a backlash?
And as for his presumption that “we’re not going to build a fence on places where people don’t want it,” since when does the president of the United States give veto power over security matters to private landowners? Governments don’t mind using eminent domain to build hotels for their lobbyist pals, but they do mind using it to claim ten feet of border residents’ land?
Exit question: Is Kaus right about Bush seeing this as his “Abe Lincoln moment”? “El Gran Libertador”? Because they’re still not going to vote Republican, you know.. Not that he cares at this point, if he ever did.
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Where’s the “red meat” alert !
stenwin77 on May 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Abe Lincoln moment: If Bush thinks that it is a moral responsibility to give the vote to people who break the law, then maybe I guess, but I think that is casting his motives in the kindest possible light.
Exit question: Who will do the work Guatemalans won’t do?
Spirit of 1776 on May 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM
link, sorry:
Spirit of 1776 on May 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Spirit of 1776 on May 31, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Good Lord! He’s become the enemy. This has become absolutely insane … Bush is ignoring the true will of the people.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Maybe Bush is functionally retarded and we’ve all given him too much credit.
Lehosh on May 31, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Are the Minutemen the answer? Seriously, if the bill passes with the key shamnesty provisions intact, you can bet your biscuits that I’m going to have a serious conversation with my wife about volunteering with the Minutemen.
It is just such a mindblow how Bush can be essentially so right on the GWOT, but so so wrong on immigration. it defies logic.
Schweggie on May 31, 2007 at 11:27 AM
link
Spirit of 1776 on May 31, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Wade on May 31, 2007 at 11:29 AM
ARGGGHHH!
They are not assimilating, that’s the problem. They are not assimilating. NOT ASSIMILATING.
reaganaut on May 31, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Reading the last two blog entries together, it becomes easy to find a solution.
We just need to tell the Mahdi Army that illegal immigrants are disguised Sunnis.
JayHaw Phrenzie on May 31, 2007 at 11:30 AM
When do we march on Washington? This needs a million man show, right on the doorstep of the Capitol building.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Sooner than later. Never thought in a million years we’d have to do OUR own President in effigy! :P
Schweggie on May 31, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Bushit!
DannoJyd on May 31, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Fixed it.
amerpundit on May 31, 2007 at 11:36 AM
It’s only a matter of time until Bush proposes laying down 700 miles of
WelcomeRecepción Mats.fogw on May 31, 2007 at 11:36 AM
This is why the vast majority of Americans dont like this bill, we were already convinced that this bill will not deter illegal immigration. Now Bush has come out and for all practicle purposes said I have no, as in zero, intention of securing the border.
Build the God D#mn fence put the national guard on the border and secure the border. Then enforce the law’s already on the books, once that is done we can talk about the possibility of making those already here illegally citizens, but not before.
doriangrey on May 31, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Dar Mr. Bush, I have a fence around my yard and locks on my doors to keep people that don’t belong on my property “out”. It works really well! You really should give it a try….
soulsirkus on May 31, 2007 at 11:37 AM
All politics is local.
Keep the heat on the local offices of every local, state, and federal representative. Illegal immigration affects all aspects of government.
Show up at any public appearance by a politician and make this issue front and center.
Valiant on May 31, 2007 at 11:37 AM
He sickens me. I knew we wouldn’t get security - just amnesty. He blatantly lied to Republicans.
amerpundit on May 31, 2007 at 11:37 AM
I’m man enough to admit it. The leftists were right and we were wrong. Bush is a mentally impaired, bats**t crazy, egomaniac who is perfectly willing to destroy the Republican Party, as well as the nation itself, if it serves his masters from south of the border.
dostrick on May 31, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Key statement right there.. he is more interested in large scale immigration than he is in protecting America.
America is a culture, and that culture is changing due to the large influx of immigrants, legal and illegal.
When hispanics become the majority in California, it WILL change the dynamic of that State… it WILL change the culture, from somthing American, to somthing else.
And the very FACT that he is willing to destroy one of the fundamental things that this country is founded on, that the Rule of Law is supreme, by both not enforcing existing law, and then giving amnesty to law breakers, will further erode American culture…
You know, the one that was the first to enshrine personal Rights and Freedom into its founding documents?
Romeo13 on May 31, 2007 at 11:38 AM
And these are the people that are going to save the U.S. economy? That’s what the “smart folks” — you know, the ones who want what is best for America — keep telling us. They wouldn’t lie to us, would they? *sigh*
lan astaslem on May 31, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Dear Mr. President,
No sale!
DannoJyd on May 31, 2007 at 11:43 AM
No … We neither need or want people that have so little regard for our laws and traditions coming here. They refuse to assimilate into our society, learn our customs and traditions and will do nothing more than Mexicanize the SouthWest even more than it is now … not to mention unduly burden the taxpayer even more by swamping the entitlement system. NO MORE … GET OUT.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 11:44 AM
No body tell Bush that our national motto is, In God we Trust. It became our national motto in 1956.
amerpundit on May 31, 2007 at 11:45 AM
They ARE the majority already.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Ditto.
Glynn on May 31, 2007 at 11:45 AM
When do we march on Washington? This needs a million man show, right on the doorstep of the Capitol building.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Ooooo, I like it! A human fence around the Whitehouse. Then when Bush tries to leave and can’t get out, he just might be reminded what a fence and its’ function can really do.
soulsirkus on May 31, 2007 at 11:46 AM
locomotivebreath1901 on May 31, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Presidente Bush está loco!
robman27 on May 31, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Now, how do we block the chopper. lol…
Seriously though, should we even be commenting. Racist and non-learned dolts like us should stay out of such complex issues.
sunny on May 31, 2007 at 11:52 AM
A country club Republican is a country club Republican.
Hilts on May 31, 2007 at 11:55 AM
I don’t view this as a major point in the issue. Not sure why it even matters. As long as the people come here legally and amnesty is not given to law breakers, people are deported who break the law etc, who cares who they vote for? If this whole opposition to the bill is “they’ll vote democrat” and that’s a high ranking argument against it; I think you should rethink why you oppose it.
Enforce the law, get rid of criminals, but make sure they vote republican? Come on.
lorien1973 on May 31, 2007 at 11:59 AM
No MAS!
journeyscarab on May 31, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Typically, the lame duck president uses his time to tick off the opposing party and fulfill some of those forgotten campaign promises. Apparently Bush didn’t get the memo. He’s using his lame duck time to spit in the face of the constituents who got him elected.
wytammic on May 31, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Nice Bush, real classy, we fought for your worthless ass for seven years, and you thank us this way? Nice of you to tell us we’re a bunch of racists, then talk about rolling back the meager enforcement provisions you swore would be put in place, get bent.
I’m thinking maybe we oughta start being Mobys and start calling for Chimpeachment on the Lefty blogs. I’m done with this clown.
Bad Candy on May 31, 2007 at 12:02 PM
President Bush’s remarks are insulting and myopic. He seems to have absolutely no grasp of assimilation and the contempt that has been shown by various proponents of illegal immigration amnesty to the historical, cultural, philosophical and religious background of our country’s founding. This statement is especially infuriating to me:
How ironic is it that Fred Barnes (with whom I disagree on this bill) said last night:
INC on May 31, 2007 at 12:05 PM
That seals it. Bush is a Democrat. He’s using Democrat tactics to tell us we’re bigots if we’re against illegal immigration. I’m so disgusted.
wherestherum on May 31, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Are you willing to admit that the bill effectively eliminates our southern border and the policing thereof would be granted to Mexico? Go ahead Allahpundit tell me I’m wrong…
Theworldisnotenough on May 31, 2007 at 12:08 PM
It’s just mystifying. What happened to him? Most of us have known from the start that he was kind of a squish, but I really believed that, deep down, he was closer to us than he was to the leftards and would stand up for conservatives when it counted.
His behavior makes no sense!
Kensington on May 31, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I think you all have lost it. You have never supported the president even in a time of war. It has only been lip service and you have called him every name in the book…now you guys get offended and turn away from your commander and cheif in a time of war. Nice.
Learn your priorities and how to manage them. You are worse than Liberals because I don’t expect anything from them. If you would have stopped your entitlement thinking from the start you would be much farther along at this point.
tomas on May 31, 2007 at 12:10 PM
locomotivebreath1901,
Man I need to buy my next Bullshtt meter whereever you are getting yours, because mine exploded in flames and damn near took me out when it came across this cr@p……
doriangrey on May 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
And I doubt I will see any of you in the streets.
tomas on May 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
There is an element of our society that is worried about two Americas,” he said. “Our ability to welcome newcomers and the system’s capacity to assimilate them has been one of the great powerful traditions of America. It works, and it will work this time. People shouldn’t fear our capacity to uphold our motto: E Pluribus Unum.”…UMM sure George whatever you say. Speaking as a displaced US citizen. I remember a long time ago when another President had a vision of ‘The Great Society’. My home town in a welfare state is so great it is the number one city in America for crime and poverty as put forth by Diane Sawyer’s recent documentary. Here I thought I was a hard working indiviual who has overcome the obsticals of the vietman war, drug dealers,welfare mentalityand crime. Now I am reduced to an element. Thanks for clearing that up George.
sonnyspats1 on May 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
After 6 years of defending this guy to people I assumed had either BDS or were just repeating what the MSM said about him, I am beginning to wonder….was I wrong all this time? Is this man a complete moron after all? Am I complete moron for defending this guy?
All I DO know right now is I am beginning to hate the guy. I maybe the latest BDS sufferer. However, I am beginning to wonder if BDS is the correct term. All I know is stuff like this infuriates me.
kcluva on May 31, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Is sufferer a word? Maybe I AM the moron.
kcluva on May 31, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Hmmmm…. So, could it be that Bush is stumping for this bill, because he knows that everyone hates him, so that dooms the bill? Or maybe he’s really for the bill, and knows that we know that he knows… ouch. brain cramp. Bring in the conspiracy theorists!!
lan astaslem on May 31, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Seriously pass the spliff, dude.
Seriously, what? We’ve supported the war effort, what are you talking about, some commenters are veterans and some are active duty. I never called the guy anything bad till he started this stuff. I’ve criticized him for mistakes, but always in a respectful manner, he’s the one that started slinging ad hominem attacks.
Bad Candy on May 31, 2007 at 12:16 PM
There is an anti-amnesty march planned . . .
MARCH FOR AMERICA,
JUNE 14 - 16, 2007
June 14th (D.C)- No Amnesty, “Operation Body Count/Buck Stops Here”
Event Times:
11am - 5pm
June 15th (D.C.)- No Amnesty, “All American Day/Stop The North American Union”
Event times: 10am - 2pm
June 16th (U.S.A)- No Amnesty, “March for America”.
Americans nationwide march forth in unison to offer their direct opposition to Amnesty.
Nationwide Times:
* East Coast 1pm - 6pm EST
* Central 12pm - 5pm CST
* Mountain 11am - 4pm MST
* West Coast 10am - 3pm PST
heroyalwhyness on May 31, 2007 at 12:18 PM
oooops, forgot to place the link:
MARCH FOR AMERICA
heroyalwhyness on May 31, 2007 at 12:19 PM
I never thought I would say this about a Republican President, but I think it is time to impeach him and let Cheney beat up on the Dhimmi’s for the rest of the term. GW has obviously lost his mind !
DoctorDentons on May 31, 2007 at 12:21 PM
I’m Hispanic. Thanks for respecting my decency and humanity, Dubya. And thanks for assuming I’m some kind of ignorant dunce who doesn’t give a crap about national security. When some Hezbollah wannabe sneaks across the border and dirty bombs a shopping mall, I suppose I can take solace that you were only trying to treat me and all Hispanics (since we’re obviously monolithic and don’t think for ourselves or have a wide range of views) with dignity.
Kudos, sir. And kudos again.
Enrique on May 31, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Nonsense. I’ve done everything one can do to support the president both times he ran for office - went door-to-door, helped set up chairs in an auditorium where he was going to speak, donated money, worked the phone banks, ran lawn signs over town when liberals kept destroying them, wrote letters to the editor, etc…etc…
It was one heck of a lot more than “lip service,” so unless you’ve met each and every one of us, I would ask you to stop trying to assume our motivations.
I’ve had enough. Seven frickin’ years of sticking up for this guy and now he insults me because I disagree with him?
To hell with that.
Slublog on May 31, 2007 at 12:25 PM
12- 20 million is an INVASION! The Bush administration has had 6 years to do somthing, and has done NOTHING.
Even Jerkoff, the Head of Homeland Security has said he will not make it a priority to enforce ALL law.
The open borders that Bush is talking about is a DIRECT threat to America, not a possible threat of WMD held by a dictator. Its not just a cultural threat, but a security threat that I will no longer give Bush a pass on.
We send our military to foreign countries, to protect agianst POSSIBLE WMD threats, but will not send them to stop a DIRECT threat to the US itself? We’ll keep troops in Germany to protect against… Poland?… we’ll keep our troops in Japan? and Korea? but won’t protect our OWN borders???
I have not turned against Bush, he has turned against me…
Romeo13 on May 31, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Just freakin’ ducky. And by insinuation, those that didn’t grow up in Texas like him don’t recognize the decency and humanity of Hispanics, and by extension … well, maybe they’re just a little bit racist, no?
Maybe the defenders of Linda ‘Freda’ Chavez over on the other thread can now see what we are talking about. W’s gone right up to the water’s edge on the racist charge and he’s dipping his toes in.
thirteen28 on May 31, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Bush is spouting insanity . . . does he really believe we’re that dumb?
rplat on May 31, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Or could it be that you were wrong about the NAU? Once again, we have someone scratching their head saying “it just doesn’t make sense” while ignoring the only possible explanation.
Why not? He’s too good a person? He’s too smart? It “just doesn’t make sense?”
Duh.
BINGO!
Gregor on May 31, 2007 at 12:34 PM
I guess you just like being wrong?
A lot of people have supported this president in a variety of ways, and gosh, we forgot to call you up and give you all the details and send you the pictures.
It is possible to support someone on certain issues, yet oppose them on others, unless you are a complete simpleton.
reaganaut on May 31, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Actually, believe it or not, multiples of those numbers.
Catching on are we? Stay tuned, incredibly, there’s more on the way.
Speakup on May 31, 2007 at 12:36 PM
DO SOMETHING PEOPLE!
Stop whining and defend your country!
Get involved in the March for America.
Contact your state organizer here.
Gregor on May 31, 2007 at 12:38 PM
It’s becoming clear that his goal is a dissolution of American sovereignty. In addition, the middle class will be drained dry from additional taxes to support the massive invasion and all the offspring they will bear. The elites will laugh as they get their cheap labor and wipe their asses with the soon to be defunct dollar bill.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Maybe the REAL fence we need is all around Washington DC, to keep the people there, OUT…
NRA4Freedom on May 31, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Yup, this POS bill will reduce the need for a fence to the same degree the 1986 bill did. Except it won’t. Any would be immigrant that is excluded for any reason whatsoever, whether not meeting merit requirements; doesn’t like the family reunification provision; can’t pay the fees; or doesn’t want to wait eternally for the visa, will be motivated to cross.
And that motivation will be enhanced by the amnesty supporters’ proud proclamations that “the need for the fence is reduced”, which can only be read, based on past broken promises and the details of this bill, as a guarantee that actual enforcement at the border will crumble to nothing before the ink on Bush’s signature dries on this POS bill.
Dusty on May 31, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I stopped defending Bush about this long ago. I just never realized the extent of anger the illegal immigration debate would bring forward. I don’t think Bush realizes it even now.
I felt the same way he did about being in Texas and having sympathy for those coming here for a better life, especially when they work so hard. I still don’t blame the immigrants. They hardly know or care about politics. All they know is that it’s possible to get to the country that can give them work, and they are going to go for it. Just like those on boats and inner tubes from Cuba.
Our govt. leaders (as usual) have created this problem. It grew and grew and grew and now it is out of control.
I wish I had the answer, but doing nothing will only get us more of the same.
Rightwingsparkle on May 31, 2007 at 12:42 PM
They also know they’ll be given everything FREE … at the taxpayers expense. You think the money made here stays here?
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 12:44 PM
*changes position on impeachment*
KSgop on May 31, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Not that I think this will sway any of you, but anklebiting pundits have an exerpt from the WSJ by Jeb Bush and Ken Mehlman regarding immigration reform and how it’s divided us and why we need it.
Here.
I would link the article itself, but it’s subscription.
Rightwingsparkle on May 31, 2007 at 12:50 PM
darwin,
My family is from Mississippi. When I was growing up it was almost impossible to find and keep low skilled workers. Welfare was just too easy. People would rather not work and make a little money from the govt than work and make more.
That is, until the Hispanics moved in. They took the jobs, kept them, always showed up on time, and never missed work.
I ain’t buying the whole “free” thing. They take what is free because liberal social services tell them they should. I guarentee if you take away the services, they will still come.
Rightwingsparkle on May 31, 2007 at 12:53 PM
No one’s suggesting we do nothing- only that they enforce the damned laws already on the books, including the recent one mandating the building of a wall. Do that, and we’ll listen to proposals on what to do with the illegals already here and the foreigners who’d like to work here temporarily.
Well, we’ll listen if they can go a day or two without suggesting that anyone opposed to amnesty is a white supremicist racist scumbag.
This Bush/McCain/Kennedy amnesty is worse than no bill by a longshot. I too give up on Bush, and if there’s any justice at all this will sink McCain for good.
Hollowpoint on May 31, 2007 at 12:57 PM
From the second paragraph concerning the immigration bill … “It enhances the rule of law and promotes national unity. And it also does these things in a fair, practical way.”
I couldn’t read anymore. What a crock of crap. It does nothing but encourage even more lawlessness and illegal immigration, it divides the nation, rewards law breaking, and will break the back of the taxpayer.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I doubt it … take away the benfits and the jobs. I’d rather pay more for everything than succumb to an invasion of people who want nothing more than a free ride and another Mexico.
darwin on May 31, 2007 at 12:59 PM
OK, I’ll define “Free” for ya…
I live in Colorado, where I pay property taxes which go to fund the schools, fire dept, Police dept, and roads.
Illegals can’t legaly own property, but use the roads, police, fire depts, and SCHOOLS!
Therefore, they are getting these services for FREE!
Heres another one for ya… Income Tax… Illegals are taking those jobs “Americans won’t do” which are low paying jobs. Therefore, with the current Income Tax system, if they pay in at all, they will get EVERYTHING BACK PLUS EARNED INCOME CREDIT!!! Yep, cause they are “poor” they will get MORE back than they pay in… all the while using everything our taxes pay for (Roads, schools, fire, police, defense….)…
Can you see why its irritating to those of us who work hard to become successful? WE’RE PAYING FOR THEM!
Romeo13 on May 31, 2007 at 1:03 PM
Sorry… above was meant to answer…
Romeo13 on May 31, 2007 at 1:04 PM
I have been ridiculed by peers and professors for standing up for this President and the GWOT. If we cannot and will not secure the border from invaders and possible terrorists, why the hell are we fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan? I never thought I would say it, but if this bill passes, we need to bring our service people home. The war will be lost. Not because of the brave service of our military, but because of empty headed suits who have no comprehension of the word sacrifice.
jeffNWV on May 31, 2007 at 1:08 PM
tomas,we supported this man till we realized he actually means to sell us out.
And, Enrique, kudos to YOU
lizzee on May 31, 2007 at 1:09 PM
Mr. President - there is a huge element of our society that is worried about NO America. You just don’t get it!
I don’t think he’s retarded - I think the SOB is totally insane. What the hell is he thinking about?
Ditto! Hollowpoint. And while Mccain is sinking maybe Fred! will be rising to the top.
He has turned against all of us. If this bill is passed we had all better brush up on our spanish and/or start looking for a better place to live.
OBX Pete on May 31, 2007 at 1:11 PM
What a display of utter ignorance.
Conservative Republicans have a long history of disdain for entitlements of any kind. Bush is about to embark on the Mother of All Entitlements by granting amnesty, forgiving back taxes and handing out health and social security benefits to illegal aliens, who have no business being in our country and have contributed little or nothing to the Social Security funds.
Unlike liberals who can alwalys be counted on to march in lock step to the DNC talking points of the day, conservatives are willing and eager to criticize a presidential decision that flies in the face of conservative values.
The Democrats stood by their president when he was unzipping his fly for an intern in the Oval Office, saying that was a private matter and we should leave the pervert alone. Libs are loyal to the bitter end, where values are judged on a sliding scale and power is attained thru spin.
See the difference?
Get a clue.
fogw on May 31, 2007 at 1:11 PM
There’s an embarrassing number of people who seem to be exactly that dumb.
Gregor on May 31, 2007 at 1:22 PM
“Amnesty bill will reduce the need for a fence”
BULLSH*T!
georgej on May 31, 2007 at 1:25 PM
And I doubt I will see any of you in the streets.
tomas on May 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Right you are Tomas! Won’t see me there, I’m too busy working 3 jobs. One job for the money I need to survive and the other 2 jobs to pay all the taxes I’m forced to pay…..
soulsirkus on May 31, 2007 at 1:26 PM
Yes and no. I agree I’m done defending him, and yes he is a moron. However, BDS is still very real. You’re blaming him for doing something stupid, he admits he’s doing. The BDS sufferers blame him for everything in the human race that goes bad. You weren’t a moron - he is. He allowed us to defend his @ss, then turned around and stabbed us in the back.
amerpundit on May 31, 2007 at 1:29 PM
I don’t see what ‘conservative values’ has to do with this amnesty issue.
This has to do with the law and upholding the laws which the president has sworn to do. I don’t know what the voters can do about a president who refuses to uphold the law but maybe one of you legal experts out there can enlighten us.
When you say ‘conservative values’ I think of things moral. When you say ‘amnesty’ I think of upholding the existing laws.
OBX Pete on May 31, 2007 at 1:31 PM
If you mean you doubt you’ll see me physically marching, you’re right. Like soulsirkus, I’m busy working. I have a mortgage to pay, gas to buy, food and clothes to purchase, and taxes to pay. On top of that, figuring out how to pay for the increase in the taxes I’ll be paying.
However, I’ll do what I can. I can send faxes, emails, and letters. I can make phone calls to my Congressmen and the White House. I can help spread word on the latest stupidity on the amnesty bill. I can help elect Congressman who will vote against any future amnesty. That’s what I can do…and I will.
amerpundit on May 31, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Everyone has a different excuse. Those who truly care enough to do something, find a way to get involved. I know plenty of people working brutal hours and multiple jobs, but I see them out there on the streets. Most people can find ways to find time off of work to attend a baseball game, or a kid’s soccer match, but somehow can’t find two hours of their time to attend a protest.
You think it’s tough now, having to work three jobs? What do you think it’s going to be like if this amnesty bill passes and the floodgates are opened up? Do you have room for a fourth job?
Some of you people seem to think this problem is going to go away because you type in some blog that you’re pissed off?
Find a way!
It’s really not that hard if you feel it’s important.
Gregor on May 31, 2007 at 1:42 PM
A well documented phenomenon in the blogsphere is that of liberals pretending to be conservative and then posting what they think a conservative would say if that conservative were a vacuous uneducated narcistic self-indulgent bigoted racist.
They do this with the intention of denigrating and debasing conservatives by way of guilt of association blanket smear. The idea is that if you make the conservatives look like unhinged radicals then none of their ideologies or political positions will be taken seriously by the rest of the population.
Conservatives by and large tend to be rational logical educated well thought-out individuals, a fact profoundly lost on liberals who value emotive response over calculated rational interrogatory dialog.
What trips them up and makes their efforts so obvious in this endeavor to disparage the conservative points of view, is their inability to engage in rational discourse once they have become emotionally invested in their assertions.
As conservatives we have an obligation, which we take quite seriously, to publicly correct our error’s in facts and judgments, a burden the left has never been willing to shoulder. Hence the ease with which those pretending to be conservatives are spotted.
Combine this with the lefts inability to dispassionately set aside emotion and engage in constructive rational logical dialog and the disparity between diametrically opposed ideologies becomes glaringly obvious.
Tomas..jummy stand up and be counted. Engage now in constructive rational logical discourse or concede the lack of veracity of your assertion and your ability to engage in conservative interrogatory discourse.
doriangrey on May 31, 2007 at 1:46 PM
blockquote>“When you grow up in Texas like I did, you recognize the decency and humanity of Hispanics. And the truth of the matter is, a lot of this immigration debate is driven as a result of Latinos being in our country,” he said. “I have seen firsthand the beautiful stories of people being able to take advantage of opportunity and make solid contributions to our society.”
This is complete BS.
First, I would like to say that I am married to a US born Hispanic. He is a wonderful, hard-working man and I do have to give credit to his father for that. My father-in-law came to the US illegaly over 40 years ago. As soon as he got here, he applied for legal status. He went through all the hoops to become legal and after about 25 years of waiting he is now a bonafied US Citizen.
That aside, my husband and I lived in S. Texas for 7 years. My husband has A LOT of family that lives there, illegally. They are really great people who work hard and take care of what they have. But, I have also witnessed how awful most of these illegals can be. They have turned parts of the USA into little Mexico and it is disgusting. I went into Mexico many times while living there and could
only imaginestrike> see what this country would turn into. The pot holes in the street could swallow a car whole, the donky’s pulling the trash cart, pan-handling, people jumping on my car to wash my windshield (to which I would just turn on my windshield wipers until they finally go away), dead cars everywhere, and you don’t even want to know about the smells….So, when my wonderful President says s*** like this, he obviously didn’t venture out of his multi-million $ gated subdivision.
heatherrc77 on May 31, 2007 at 1:48 PM
amerpundit,
And that my friend is quite a lot……
doriangrey on May 31, 2007 at 1:48 PM
Oops…continue without strikes
see what this country would turn into. The pot holes in the street could swallow a car whole, the donky’s pulling the trash cart, pan-handling, people jumping on my car to wash my windshield (to which I would just turn on my windshield wipers until they finally go away), dead cars everywhere, and you don’t even want to know about the smells….
So, when my wonderful President says s*** like this, he obviously didn’t venture out of his multi-million $ gated subdivision.
heatherrc77 on May 31, 2007 at 1:49 PM
Did you take that quote from Bush’s speech? Geesh.
Last time I checked breaking the law was illegal, unethical and immoral.
That aside, my post was directed at entitlements, and conservative thinking thereof - not amnesty.
fogw on May 31, 2007 at 1:51 PM
This is what I ment to post, sorry, Im new :)
This is complete BS.
First, I would like to say that I am married to a US born Hispanic. He is a wonderful, hard-working man and I do have to give credit to his father for that. My father-in-law came to the US illegaly over 40 years ago. As soon as he got here, he applied for legal status. He went through all the hoops to become legal and after about 25 years of waiting he is now a bonafied US Citizen.
That aside, my husband and I lived in S. Texas for 7 years. My husband has A LOT of family that lives there, illegally. They are really great people who work hard and take care of what they have. But, I have also witnessed how awful most of these illegals can be. They have turned parts of the USA into little Mexico and it is disgusting. I went into Mexico many times while living there and could
only imaginesee what this country would turn into. The pot holes in the street could swallow a car whole, the donky’s pulling the trash cart, pan-handling, people jumping on my car to wash my windshield (to which I would just turn on my windshield wipers until they finally go away), dead cars everywhere, and you don’t even want to know about the smells….So, when my wonderful President says s*** like this, he obviously didn’t venture out of his multi-million $ gated subdivision.
heatherrc77 on May 31, 2007 at 1:52 PM
George W. Bush as Abe Lincoln:
It is a fact that as “emancipators” go, compared to Bush, old Abe was small potatoes. It is a fact that Bush has liberated 2 nations with a combined population of 52 million people from murderous regimes, one secular, one sectarian Islamist. It is a fact that Bush has planted the seeds of a nascent democracy in both of these two nations — whether the seed blooms or not, is for the future to say, but it is a fact that two murdering dictatorships holding FIFTY-TWO MILLION PEOPLE in chains were ended by the policies of President George W. Bush. And for this he must be praised.
However.
NEITHER OF THOSE TWO COUNTRIES WERE THE UNITED STATES NOR MEXICO!
What ever the faults of Mexico’s government, their people ARE NOT SLAVES. Mexico is a democracy. Their politicians may be corrupt (as ours are), but the people can vote. And they can freely apply for legal permission to stay in the United States without hindrance by their government — a trait not common in the dictatorships of the past.
What is happening is that rather than follow our rules, these people ARE CHEATING. They are cutting in line ahead of thers who are following the rules. That they are doing so is NOT for political freedom or human rights, BUT FOR SIMPLE ECONOMIC GAIN.
By not enforcing our immigration laws, WE ARE NOT FREEING THEM FROM TYRANNY! We are, instead, aiding and abetting the notion that our laws mean nothing.
Does anyone really NOT understand that scofflaws that ignore our immigration laws will also ignore our laws concerning auto liability insurance, driving without a license, paying taxes, or driving while intoxicated? Chicago has almost 1 *FATAL* hit and run car accident a day. When the perps are caught, in ratios that exceed their percentage of the population, they are ILLEGAL ALIENS.
True, not every illegal alien willfully calls attention to himself by breaking our laws. But 600,000 have ignored orders to leave the country. I’ve seen estimates that many of these had prior histories of criminal violence. The child of one of my wife’s clients was MURDERED by an illegal alien who was a serial killer who had been deported at least once before. Texas, BTW, finally put him to death despite protests from the Mexican government to spare him or deport him (again!) to Mexico.
The hypocrisy of the left here is breathless, besides.
When the United States *has* intervened in Central America (including Mexico) where the vast majority of these illegal aliens originate, we have been pilloried as imperialists and worse. The same American assclowns who are screaming the loudest demanding that we open our borders are the very same assclowns who took to the streets DEMANDING THAT WE STOP BUTTING INTO THE AFAIRS of the Central America, including Mexico.
Bush is wrong on this issue. PERIOD!
Keep up the resistance to the immigration bill.
georgej on May 31, 2007 at 2:01 PM
Actualy, yes you will see me on the streets on this one.
I’ll be the 48 year old white guy, in a Navy Ships ballcap, probably wearing my Desert Storm Jacket….
Romeo13 on May 31, 2007 at 2:01 PM
Again I’ve been paying attention to politics my whole life and all of a sudden you guys want something done. That is because you are trying to take advantage of a president when his #’s aren’t high. It’s like this issue just became important. I really think you guys are hypocrits. I think you look foolish…he is warning you…be smart enough to realize it and you will get what you want. Geez, this is the party of Reagan?
tomas on May 31, 2007 at 2:03 PM
Ever heard the saying “the straw that broke the camels back?”.
I was IN the party of Reagan… and at the time of HIS AMNESTY left it and became an independant, but I was already mad at him for the crap he pulled on me and mine in Beruit (yep, was there).
This idea of voting AGAINST the other party does nothing but perpetuate the current power structure. Its what got us Bush last election (I didn’t vote for Bush, I voted against Kerry).
Now see where its led us?
Your blind faith in the GOP leadership is sad, and if we let them get away with this travesty of justice, they will just go further next time.
Romeo13 on May 31, 2007 at 2:14 PM
Dictator Bush? If I trusted the guy anymore, I wouldn’t read too much into this.
National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive
“(b) “Catastrophic Emergency” means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions;
MrC_5150 on May 31, 2007 at 2:27 PM
An implicit argument may be that the guest worker provision will lessen the need for people to come over illegally. Another argument is that with a legal employee verification card and enforcement system that illegal immigrants wouldn’t be able to get work except through legals channels. With the stream of illegals down to trivial numbers, there is no reason to build a fence. If that is Pres. Bush’s notion, then he puts a lot of faith in DHS/USCIS future competence. Some potential problems:
(1) Employee verification and enforcement is currently rhetoric. Mandating counterfeit-resistant cards doesn’t mean there will be any that work. Enforcement arguably would be a problem unless citizens submits to it as well which seems unlikely to be popular, and businesses are unlikely to let the 5-75grand fines get through without a fight.
(2) Guest workers can stay legally for only a couple years before they must return, and many current illegals are people who have stayed anyway. What’s to prevent another several million legal guest workers from staying on as illegals. Unless employer enforcement is robust and trustworthy, new illegals have nothing to lose. If we are unwilling to deport mass numbers now, and the amnesty results in a constituency or potential constituency, then future immigrants can game the system by just being large enough in numbers.
(3) The front-end of the amnesty and guest worker provisions requires USCIS to process a deluge of applications. What if USCIS fails to do so? Will the U.S. still enforce laws from the employer end?
jaychandra on May 31, 2007 at 2:35 PM
Ooooops. My cat submitted my comment before I’d finished:
Further reading:
Bush’s detention facilities
Bush grants presidency extraordinary powers
MrC_5150 on May 31, 2007 at 2:38 PM
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