Lott: Something must be done about this conservative noise machine; Update: Bush hails Teddy’s “corazon grande”
posted at 11:53 am on June 15, 2007 by Allahpundit
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St. John is muzzled because of the campaign, relegated to looking nervous and nodding condescendingly when voters complain to him about the craptacular congressional immigration efforts for which he’s materially responsible. So it falls to tools like this and Lindsey Graham to lob grenades at the base and offer sub-moronic procedural justifications for why the bill should be passed. It’s no different than if we said, “Why don’t we hook up with the nutroots and get Lott and Graham impeached, just to see if we have the balls to do it? Just to prove that our democracy still works? After all, are we men or mice?”
Which, come to think of it, isn’t a bad idea:
Comments by Republican senators on Thursday suggested that they were feeling the heat from conservative critics of the bill, who object to provisions offering legal status. The Republican whip, Trent Lott of Mississippi, who supports the bill, said: “Talk radio is running America. We have to deal with that problem.”
Question: What kind of political instinct would identify the one spot on the media spectrum controlled by his constituents as a “problem” that needs to be dealt with? Answer: The same kind of political instinct that believes this bill is going to guarantee his party millions of Hispanic votes for decades to come. His comment here is the logical conclusion of the grand betrayal that this bill and the secretive maneuvering behind it represents — not just ignoring the wishes of the base, not just expressing hostility towards it and/or impugning its motives and integrity (Lott also falsely claims that critics “don’t even know what’s in the bill”), but actually moving against it by threatening to neuter its media mouthpiece. As such, I may have to revisit what I said yesterday about righty bloggers being unlikely ever to organize to take down candidates. This simply can’t go on; it’s a major problem, one which we may, at last, “have to deal with.”
Krauthammer and David Frum each have new pieces out, their tone thick with exasperation, asking why, if everyone’s for border enforcement but not everyone’s for amnesty, we can’t simply deal with the border now and revisit the amnesty question later (in five years, preferable, says Frum). Bush has no answer. But he does have a hot new euphemism, fragrant and brimming with nuance, that he’s willing to try out:
Bush, at the prayer breakfast, said, “We must meet our moral obligation to treat newcomers with decency and show compassion to the vulnerable and exploited, because we’re called to answer both the demands of justice and the call for mercy.
“Most Americans agree on these principles,” the president said. “And now it’s time for our elected leaders in Congress to act.”
Nonsense. Most illegals aren’t newcomers; they’ve been crossing for decades, thanks to Congress’s sustained, steadfast commitment to ignoring Krauthammer’s and Frum’s question. Even the rhetorical puffery on this issue is dishonest, factually incorrect garbage.
I can’t leave off on such a depressing note, not on a Friday. Here. That’ll cheer you up.
Update: Okay, I’m done. GRAVEL IN ‘08!
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Rush is going to have Trent for lunch today.
Enforcing the borders is an executive responsibility. We all knew Bush wanted open borders, but that and gun control were not feasible after 9-11. How fast the memories fade.
Valiant on June 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Bush talking about “moral obligations” to those breaking our laws is nauseating.
Somebody screw his head on a little tighter, the stupid is leaking.
profitsbeard on June 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM
I’d oblige to shove my foot up Lott’s @ss, right after Reid.
amerpundit on June 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM
I wish these buttheads in Washington D.C. would start listening!! We work to pay thier wage, it’s time they start earning thier pay!! If I wasn’t listening to my boss’s I would be fired, maybe if it was a little easier to fire these guys they would listen more?
ChrisIansNana on June 15, 2007 at 12:07 PM
NEWCOMERS?!
My head just exploded.
moonsbreath on June 15, 2007 at 12:11 PM
The sense of entitlement and superiority of the U.S. Senate is beyond comprehension. How dare Lott blame talk radio when every decent poll reflects American’s disdain for this crappy bill. I am so enraged! Time to throw them all out.
MCPO Airdale on June 15, 2007 at 12:14 PM
I will treat all newcomers with respect and decency IF they come here LEGALLY!! ILLEGALS GO HOME and take Lott and Reid with you!!!
ChrisIansNana on June 15, 2007 at 12:14 PM
I have a hot new euphanism for the new bill:
It’s not as catchy as “Shamnesty,” but it kinda follows what I’m feeling right now a little more closely.
looking4statesmen on June 15, 2007 at 12:14 PM
/turns on his mind reading machine, dials in Lott….
Yes… somthing must be done about that pesky Freedom of Speech thing…
I mean… if they call us on our own hypocracy, how can we remain in POWER?
/sigh… machine off….
And as to Bushy… he done lost me… I’ve supported him for years… but… sigh… but HE says they are newcomers, and me and my family, who have been here literally since before America was a nation, are racist…. sigh…
Romeo13 on June 15, 2007 at 12:15 PM
In case John Cornyn (one of my Senators) is listening. You better listen to your constituents and vote this down. We are watching you and you will not be re-elected in 2008 if you are on the wrong side of this issue. There are other Republicans out there strong enough to stand up to the President on this issue if you are not. I have already given up on Sen. Hutchinson…I believe she will sadly eventually side with the president. She was part of the 2006 “Look we’re building you a fence, though we’re not going to fund it and we KNOW it will never get built” SCAM. I won’t forgive her, especially if she does the wrong thing her, which I believe she will.
Signed,
Depressed Deep in the Heart of Texas
b4itsover on June 15, 2007 at 12:16 PM
O/T, but important. China is arming terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here’s the Washington Times story. Here’s my post.
amerpundit on June 15, 2007 at 12:17 PM
#$@!!$%^%^#@!~!~~~~!!!!@@####
PRCalDude on June 15, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Remember, this is Trent “Damn Tired Of Those Porkbusters” Lott. This is not a new attitude for him. He really is that arrogant, and has been for years.
Laura on June 15, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Odd, I don’t recall “moral obligations” mentioned in the Presidential oath of office. Constitutional obligations are why we voted you in Mr. Bush, which you are arrogantly disregarding. Impeachment is sounding better by the day.
infidel4life on June 15, 2007 at 12:24 PM
At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist leftard, I have to wonder if the Republicans who are embracing the shamnesty bill aren’t having the palms greased by business interests who are itching for the cheap labor (minus the penalties for employing criminal aliens, of course).
crushliberalism on June 15, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Don’t allow employers to hire and exploit them then. You and your admin. are enabling this exploitation, along with the powerful lefties.
Slavery being addressed in China as we write. Look around here. This is also a form of it. Don’t blame us, blame the enablers, of which you are the Enabler in Chief.
Entelechy on June 15, 2007 at 12:27 PM
I think it’s time for conservatives to start a house cleaning movement to get all these losers kicked out the next time they are up for election. Either that or it’s time to consider the formation of a new party.
matthewbit07 on June 15, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Moral obligation, my ass.
Bush’s insipid demagoguery of this issue is so transparent that it proves the intellectual shallowness of his position.
Lott and Bush, a couple of freaking male cheerleaders, thumbing their nose at the Country.
Beautiful.
there it is on June 15, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Exactly. Why can’t we, especially when we know any effort to allow those who came here illegal to ever become citizens will only encourage illegal immigration?
It really makes no sense to me.
Esthier on June 15, 2007 at 12:35 PM
I think Michael Reagan has captured our sentiments when he says:
Maxx on June 15, 2007 at 12:35 PM
I get letters from Howard Dean and I get letters from the RNC, as a registered independent. Probably from having filled out one or two items from links from commenters here.
This morning one from the RNC, yakking it up about Reid calling Messrs Pace and Petraeus stupid…
Here an excerpt from my reply (it went on with more specifics later)
Entelechy on June 15, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Didn’t he lose one of his houses in the Bush-created hurricane Katrina? Maybe it’s some sort of weird reverse “gotcha” from Lott by making Bush even more irrelevent on this issue.
Or Lott is a spoiled politician.
SouthernGent on June 15, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I must meet my moral obligation to invite both Lott and Bush to blow me.
I knew the GOP was suicidal, but of all the issues they could have died for, beats the #*&$ out of me why they picked this one.
saint kansas on June 15, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Bush, at the prayer breakfast, said, “We must meet our moral obligation to treat newcomers with decency and show compassion to the vulnerable and exploited”
We don’t have a moral obligation to do shyt Bush … you, on the other hand, have a damn big moral obligation to adhere to the Constitution and succumb to the will of the people.
I want Bush out … Impeach his lame ass. Take every scum sucking Republican and Democrat that supports this tyranny with him.
darwin on June 15, 2007 at 12:40 PM
What Bush doesn’t understand is that the job of government is justice, not mercy. If he’d ever read his Bible he’d understand that.
PRCalDude on June 15, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Yes, one of his three houses was flooded by storm surge, which led to the Lott-led nearly total destruction of the insurance industry in MS – massive rate increases, companies pulling out, people being forced into the hugely expensive state plan… I guess Lott’s philosophy is, if you’re going to do something, go all out.
Laura on June 15, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Nnnnnnnooooooooooo!!!
Get the freak outta here!!
You think?
thirteen28 on June 15, 2007 at 12:47 PM
I could not get through to Trent Lott. I called every office he had in Mississippi as well as D.C. In one office no one answered the phone at all. All the other lines were busy.
I think this means he is getting a well-deserved rake-down over the coals.
INC on June 15, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Well said, and seconded. They’re absolutely pathetic, and the Democrats are worse.
ReubenJCogburn on June 15, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Welcome back, “Fairness” Doctrine. I wonder if Cave-A-Lott and his fellow Dhimms (did I just say “fellow”?) will try to expand that to blogs, or will they be content to shut up talk radio.
That’s fragrant all right. It smells just like South Shore Beach (right next to the Jones Island sewage plant) after a 6-inch rainstorm caused the local government-owned sewerage utility to dump millions upon millions of gallons of raw sewage.
steveegg on June 15, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Lott’s just added his name to the “He’s got to go” list.
Its time to make sure these jerks are running scared.
Iblis on June 15, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Hey Trent how’s that railroad thing going?
LakeRuins on June 15, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Well, normally I’m not prone to “So-and-so is on the take” sentiments, because it reeks of conspiracy theorist moonbattery.
However, I can’t think of a single reason why a Republican would risk enraging the base to the point of his political peril unless he had something to gain from it. That “something to gain” can’t be an anticipation of future Republican votes, since (a) that vote won’t come and (b) that risk isn’t worth the reward of re-election, but it MIGHT be worth the reward of whatever their biz interests are tossing their way.
crushliberalism on June 15, 2007 at 12:54 PM
You’re just adding him now?
steveegg on June 15, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Has someone actually been keeping a running tab? I think we need an actual list.
amerpundit on June 15, 2007 at 1:00 PM
Has anybody see the movie “Red Dawn” with Patrick Swayze(spelling wrong I know)? It’s been aired here at least 10 times in the passed 2 weeks. Just makes you think sometimes eh?
ChrisIansNana on June 15, 2007 at 1:01 PM
I think that everyone should examine Lott’s track record since being ousted as Senate Majority Leader. I think we would discover that Lott’s agenda has primarily been to sign onto projects that will undermine the GOP. I don’t think he’s on the take; I think he’s a petulant child.
Karl on June 15, 2007 at 1:02 PM
I don’t think it requires any conspiracy theory moonbattery to make such a suggestion – just a little common sense and a little understanding of human nature as it relates to politicians. Politicians by nature are deal-cutters and vote-sellers. Or as Reagan more succintly put it (paraphrasing): “I’ve heard politics is the world’s second oldest profession. I’ve found it bears a remarkable resemblance to the first.”
It’s pretty obvious that they are motivated by something other than the desire of their constituents to see current laws enforced.
thirteen28 on June 15, 2007 at 1:04 PM
Here we’re getting to the heart of the matter. Lott and quite possibly most of the Senate Republican membership see talk radio and blogs to be as much their enemy as does the Democrats in Congress. They’ll gladly work together to pass the Fairness Doctrine if it means shutting down the bright lights that shine on such issues as their votes on amnesty, earmarks, or other pet projects.
The future’s looking dimmer and dimmer, all I have to say is that at least I’m closer to the grave than I am the cradle–but the children and grandchildren–I fear for them.
Matt Helm on June 15, 2007 at 1:09 PM
I hope his home voters are paying attention. Nothing shows thr true intelligence of an individual as much as when he tries to appear thoughtful. Lott is another elitist dimwit.
pat on June 15, 2007 at 1:13 PM
I like what Krauthammer says.
There is supposed agreement on border enforcement.
Build the fence, then we can at least talk about the others issues including deportation/amnesty in a civil manner. Until then, there is nothing to talk about.
MarkB on June 15, 2007 at 1:18 PM
Its time to talk about the elephant in the room.
Who is pushing this bill ? Who has this kind of influence? What is it that is so important about this bill that many Senators will ignore the American people and risk losing their jobs come election time ?
We have heard that it’s “business” that is pushing this bill because they want cheap labor. ….. I don’t buy that for a minute !! Its only a handful of businesses that are concerned about cheap labor, a few farms and Joe’s Car Wash just don’t have that kind of influence with Congress.
We have heard that its Republican’s belief that this bill will guarantee millions of Hispanic votes for Republicans for decades to come. ….. I don’t buy that for a minute !! Not even Republicans are dumb enough to believe it is wise to trade their voter-base for the Hispanic vote, if this would secure the Hispanic vote for them, which is very doubtful.
So who/what is the driving force behind this bill ? Voters on the left are not pushing for it, voters on the right are screaming their heads off trying to stop it….. it’s ONLY the Senators and Bush that so desperately want it. So I will ask that question again !
Who/what is the driving force behind this bill ?
I think I know the answer, and I bet you know too. But nobody want to risk being called a “moonbat” for saying it.
We need to face this question squarely and get to the truth of the matter and stop dancing around it. Then I believe our chances of defeating this bill and others like it will be greatly improved.
Maxx on June 15, 2007 at 1:19 PM
And just how would you propose to “deal” with the problem, Trent? Bring back the Fairness Doctrine?
Wow. That’ll really enamour the Conservative base to you.
Typical Washington elite reaction. Shoot the freakin messenger if you don’t like the message.
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 1:24 PM
“I’ll wager 200 Quatloos on the newcomer!”
Brat on June 15, 2007 at 1:32 PM
You can forget Cornyn! He’ll vote Yea on the cloture vote and no on the actual Bill, he thinks this will give him cover. He’s wrong. After days of calling all his offices and not getting a response, I paid a visit to the Dallas office, the staff are really looking down in the mouth.
The simple fact is, after years of inattention and apathy on the part of most Americans, these traitors are now poised to snatch the country away. I feel there is still a much bigger shoe about to be dropped. There is a BIG storm coming and a lot of violence and bloodshed. There are powerful forces arrayed against our Nation that want nothing more than to see this country destroyed, they’ve been working towards that end for decades, now, they see the prize as in reach.
Get ready, the next few years are going to be interesting. I hope to live long enough to see the a$$clown traitors doing their tree ornament impressions.
cmdrsubfleet on June 15, 2007 at 1:33 PM
I hope everybody is spending as much time calling as they are commenting.
PRCalDude on June 15, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Bush and Rove must be letting Trott in on their Mexican oil deal.
ctmom on June 15, 2007 at 1:35 PM
You know, I really wish you hadn’t written that comment. I have never believed “that which will not be mentioned” was anything more than paranoid lunacy. And I’m not saying I’m buying it now either; however, for the life of me I cannot figure out what the hell IS driving this bill! And I have to admit that “that which will not be mentioned” has crossed my mind several times during the last two weeks and I quickly brushed the idea off.
I REALLY REALLY wish you hadn’t made that comment because I would rather believe that the thoughts that were crossing my mind, however fleetingly, were just paranoid manifestations of frustration and desperation and that no other sane person would even consider the possibility.
IrishEi on June 15, 2007 at 1:36 PM
My fingers are calloused: calls, faxes and emails.
IrishEi on June 15, 2007 at 1:38 PM
If I had to guess, I’d say it was Saudi oil money. Given the insanity that is already on display, why don’t you offer up your thoughts on the matter? At this point, I doubt anyone would call you a moonbat.
cmdrsubfleet on June 15, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Oh yes they would. (btw,Saudi oil money is not “the answer” Maxx is suggesting)
IrishEi on June 15, 2007 at 1:42 PM
I’m assuming you’re referring to the NAU? When I first heard of it I dismissed it out of hand as the demented ravings of delusional conspiracy freaks.
But I have looked into the matter and there is some disturbing evidence to support the claim. I’m not entirely convinced, yet, but given all that is happening I am reassessing the data.
cmdrsubfleet on June 15, 2007 at 1:45 PM
cmdrsubfleet on June 15, 2007 at 1:45 PM
BINGO
Maxx on June 15, 2007 at 1:52 PM
We’re not mind readers here, and we’re not gonna play some childish guessing game to see who gets it first.
Either speak your mind, or sit back and let folks talk who aren’t afraid to share their opinions. No matter how nutty they may be.
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 1:55 PM
I am convinced, unfortunately. I don’t buy into every conspiracy-mongering detail of it, but I do buy the broad overview. The last thirty of so years of developments in this country track nicely with the history of the EU, and that persuades me far more than anything Jerome Corsi ever wrote. As to the straw man that it would take all kinds of constitutional amendments – the very fix we’re in with immigration is because the law has little or no bearing on reality when the “powers that be” don’t want it to.
Laura on June 15, 2007 at 1:55 PM
A post from a late friend of mine on another forum:
infidel4life on June 15, 2007 at 1:55 PM
Dissent…don’t you just HATE it???? Castro, Chavez, Ahmadinawhoosit…those guys all know about suppressing dissent. It’s real important, I guess, that some kind of…I dunno…lets call it a “fairness doctrine” get passed. Lott and Reid can spearhead it.
What a doofus!
Blaise on June 15, 2007 at 1:56 PM
Bush hails Teddy’s “corazon grande”
WTF.
Hey Bush 01/20/09. Turns out the nutroots were right about one thing. You are an A Hole.
there it is on June 15, 2007 at 1:57 PM
You all are kidding right?
You actually think there is a cabal comprised of a majority of the United States Senate which is executing a grand NAU plan?
Let’s see……. Phase 1 – they know they can’t get enough support from the existing voting population, so they need to either get enough Mexicans or Canadians to migrate to the US to inflate the vote in their favor.
Phase 2 – Once the new “amnesty” bill is passed, they just sit back and wait for, oh, 5 or 10 years, to make sure the demographics are right and the “newcomers” have voting rights.
Phase 3 – Somehow incite the new members of Congress, who weren’t part of the original cabal to join in and support the cause. (While praying they continue to get reelected).
Phase 4 – Enjoy the many, many benefits of a North American Union. What were those benefits again??
Gimme a break.
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 2:04 PM
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 2:04 PM
Then…. what is the driving force behind this bill ?
Maxx on June 15, 2007 at 2:06 PM
The emergence of an NAU is obvious, even to the most casual observer. Judging by how well the EU is going, we can expect more of the same here. As Robert Kaplan observes, ‘things that can be handled locally will be.’ Meaning, in large countries with ineffective central governments, local rule develops. This will probably take the form of some sort of local narco-warlordism, just like in Mexico.
PRCalDude on June 15, 2007 at 2:08 PM
Fixed.
infidel4life on June 15, 2007 at 2:12 PM
I thought it was impossible for me to get any more frustrated and angry. As is often the case, I was dead wrong.
TheBigOldDog on June 15, 2007 at 2:13 PM
“Rhetorical puffery”?
Can I borrow that?
Metro on June 15, 2007 at 2:14 PM
How many conservative God fearing Americans are thinking about now…
“I am quickly running out of GOP candidates I will ever vote for at the polls, and since I cannot vote for a liberal, I might as well just stay home…”
The GOP is destroying itself, right before our eyes.
NRA4Freedom on June 15, 2007 at 2:18 PM
Just sent back the advanced RNC Census they recently mailed to me.
They repeatedly asked for money in the mailing, but they’re not getting a nickle from me till they verifiably secure the borders, and I told them so.
I’m very seriously considering officially changing to become a registered Independent until just before the primaries, where I will re-register as republican and vote for FRED!
I’m also toying with the idea of registering as a democrat for the election in 2008 and voting for FRED! That way I get to protest against the friggin’ non-leadership of the republican party in general, and also boost the number of Centrist Democrat votes that I believe will go to FRED!
Not sure if that’s even possible or not yet. Still have to look into it. Trying to find an undeniable way to get the current crop of arrogant deaf and blind republican’s attention. I’m sick of this crap.
techno_barbarian on June 15, 2007 at 2:18 PM
If either of you has a well-reasoned suggestion, just offer it politely and tentatively, and back it up with your reasoning. Speaking of the immigration problem as a whole, I’ve said previously that I think an imbalance in births over the last thirty-five years is an important cause. However, I have trouble understanding the urgency of this bill now, especially its urgency to some leaders of both major parties. Huge campaign contributions must be at stake for leaders of both major parties to make such asses of themselves in the eyes of their own constituents. The seeming involvement of such large contributions does suggest the involvement of a large number of wealthy, well-connected businessmen. The only other possibility that suggests itself to me seriously is that the Mexican government is daring to make threats regarding Mexico’s oil exports to the U.S.
If either of you has something else to offer, with good reasoning to back it up, I’d prefer that you just come out with it. The drama seems silly.
Kralizec on June 15, 2007 at 2:18 PM
Lott’s Washington line is busy. So is his Jackson line. This guy needs to be thrown out.
WisCon on June 15, 2007 at 2:23 PM
I think it’s a couple of things…
First, immigration reform has been a hot polling topic for some time now. In the past year however, the media have “front and centered” the issue, increasing public awareness and raising the poll numbers.
Polls = Congressional action, even if it’s remarkably idiotic action. So, let the frenzy begin.
The Dems see it as a human rights issue, and are passionate about mainstreaming the illegals so they can have a better life.
The GOP sees it as a security and an economic issue, but rather than just seal the borders, they’re taking the position of mainstreaming the illegals so agricultural, hospitality and a host of other industries continue to have cheap labor. Also, they think everyone will jump at the chance to pay a $5000 fine to have a chance at citizenship.
What neither are saying is they want the votes. It’s a huge voting bloc up for grabs, and both sides want it.
What’s pushing it? We are.
The polls say we want immigration reform. And except for a large majority wanting tighter borders, the polls are quite mixed on how we want it done.
The problem is they never imagined the visceral reaction they’d get due to the amnesty provision. Now, they’ve been forced into a corner, unable to back away and unable to move forward while saving face.
So, here we are. We got what we asked for. Media irresponsibility and unnacountability, Congressional irresponsibility and unnacountability and a public unable to comprehend the sheer lunacy of it all.
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 2:27 PM
My reasonable and measured comments are not appearing! This is a test.
cmdrsubfleet on June 15, 2007 at 2:30 PM
I hope not. I have to vote in a ultra-liberal county in an ultra-liberal state (Hamphire, Massachusetts). I would dnever think of staying home though, if I have to I write in candidates. I write in a lot of names, too. Most of the time I don’t even have the choice of voting Republican.
These guys are never going to force my to give up voting.
reaganaut on June 15, 2007 at 2:32 PM
I never took seriously the idea that the fairness doctrine could possibly be resurrected. However, after this Senate trying to push this disastrous piece of legislation and hearing Republicans like MCcain and Lott whine about conservatives and even more specifically talk radio for its temporary failure, it wouldn’t shock me if Republicans jumped on board with the fairness doctrine.
Apparently the 53% of Democrats who support border security before anything are influenced by Rush.
Then the so called “representatives” in Congress do what is in the best interest for Mexico and big business over what the American people want, the country as we know is finished.
V15J on June 15, 2007 at 2:32 PM
That doesn’t help much; it seems you’ve said, in effect, that the President and the Congress are trying to keep an open border because they want an open border. What I think we’d all like to work out is: What people and what institutions are the sources of sufficient money and other inducements to cause a President, a Presidential candidate and his close supporters, and Congressional leaders of both major parties to work so hard to pass this sloppy bill now, in the face of so much opposition and in the run-up to an election?
Kralizec on June 15, 2007 at 2:36 PM
Consider this:
The 2008 campaign season is nearly upon us. The so-called “debates” (10 candidates playing “answer in 30 seconds” roulette doesn’t count as a debate in my book) we’ve seen thus far barely count as a warm-up.
Bush knows his time to get what’s left of his agenda pushed through Congress is running out. Once Congress begins working in earnest on their 2008 re-election campaigns, he can forget all about any serious business in Congress.
So whatever Bush wants to accomplish, he needs to get it done this summer. Delaying until the Fall and Winter would really be pushing it, especially since his party lost majority status in both houses of Congress.
The Democrats, likewise, should be pushing for their agenda now. I would if I were them. Especially since, for the moment, they may have enough willing accomplices (RINOs) to override a filibuster. The Dems’ hold on power is tied to previous Republican scandals and Iraq…. which means their hold on power will be short-lived unless they find some other gimmick.
It is too big a gamble to punt their agenda to the election-year legislative session, where there will be far greater scrutiny over what they do, or assume they’ll be re-elected to majority status in 2008.
Dave Shay on June 15, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Time to buy more ammo and spend some serious range time. Los Estados Unidos es no mas.
MCPO Airdale on June 15, 2007 at 2:45 PM
Lott you tiny little piss ant. It is a damned good thing talk radio is on the job or people like you would cram more crap down our throats.
Wade on June 15, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Well, this (non-governmental) CFR document offers one explanation. When you want to get something done, set a deadline:
Search the document for “WHAT WE SHOULD DO NOW” and read down to “What we should do by 2010″ for some interesting tidbits. So even though the CFR is not a government agency, there are obviously correlations between what this document proposed and what is actually happening. And, not coincidentally, what actually did happen to bring the EU into existence.
Some of the ideas in this plan are quite reasonable – the problem is that in the case of the EU, all these reasonable, good ideas have led to no borders, a parliament, and a constitution that the elites keep trying to cram down the throats of an unwilling public.
Laura on June 15, 2007 at 2:49 PM
Rush has said it’s Bush’s religious impulse.
I think it’s redder than that.
RushBaby on June 15, 2007 at 2:52 PM
I understood what Maxx was implying the minute I read his post. I think he made himself perfectly clear, and I am surprised that neither of you saw that. I was not being coy or dramatic in my response–I truly thought that everyone knew what we were talking about.
I jokingly called it “that which will not be named” because I did not want to be labeled an idiot for even considering the possibility that NAU was behind this bill. I have seen the battering others have taken here on Hot Air for bring the issue up. Lo and behold, before I even get to post this response, I stand vindicated:
Posts like that are the reason some people are “afraid to share their opinions. No matter how nutty they may be.”
I have been posting here since Day 1, and I have never been a troll, nor have I ever argued with anyone–no matter how assinine I thought their opinions were.
Frankly, I’m a bit stunned at these accusations–hurt even.
IrishEi on June 15, 2007 at 2:52 PM
Oh, and by the way. Can anyone recommend a good solvent for getting the Bush bumper sticker off my truck? It has a painted finish and I don’t want to scuff it. (seriously)
RushBaby on June 15, 2007 at 2:53 PM
John Kyl’s D.C. line sent me to voicemail…which is full.
WisCon on June 15, 2007 at 2:55 PM
RushBaby on June 15, 2007 at 2:53 PM
Use the hair dryer to heat up and peel off bumper stickers, and rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to get the remaining glue off.
Laura on June 15, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Hahahaha, I just spit ginger ale all over my computer, thanks a lot!
Interesting, Lott conveniently forgets Kennedy’s vicious attacks on Lott after Lott’s Strom Thurmond comments. Now they’re best buds. How sweet, he’s forgiven him…awww.
Everyone try your best to get to your state capitols tomorrow or the Washington Monument in D.C. from 1-6! Rally time, we MUST work together to make some real noise here. I can’t take these idiots making us look like idiots anymore.
hollygolightly on June 15, 2007 at 2:59 PM
I probably won’t live long enough to read it myself, but at some point in the future I can’t help but wonder if school textbooks in other countries will contain passages about “Why the United States declined and fell in the 21st Century.” The analysis will center on a collapse of political leadership in the two major political parties of the era, both of which sold out on the idea of “America” because for different reasons, each of them thought it’d work to their advantage.
One party sold out by becoming traiterous: thinking that by undermining their own country’s security, morality, social composition and independence they could become lords over what was left when it all came crashing down.
The other party sold out by becoming suicidally delusional; thinking that they could suck up to the largest peacetime invasion ever recorded in world history, not realizing until it was too late that the invaders had already received an even bigger bribe from the other major political party.
And people will marvel how this once-great country went from “Hyper-power” to “province of Mexico” in the course of a few generations.
Depressing.
Spurius Ligustinus on June 15, 2007 at 3:00 PM
IrishEi, you didn’t say anything wrong. I think we are all pretty fired up about the various topics we have been discussing. I have regretted lashing out in the heat of the moment (for example, I owe an apology to RightWinged on an old thread).
I think we also share the desire to protect this blog from how comments can be interpreted and ridiculed in the leftwing blogs. You should see the theory I laid out before I edited it to [redder} and clicked submit.
RushBaby on June 15, 2007 at 3:02 PM
Sorry, Irish, but remember it’s not personal. WE ALL have nutty opinions from time to time. What better place to flesh ‘em out than here with the HA family?
I guess I was “stunned” at the mention of the NAU. It’s been debated here before with pretty strong opinions on both sides of the argument. Personally, I think it’s nutty. Not that anyone is nutty for discussing it, to me it’s just a nutty concept. To make a stretch that the immigration bill is somehow tied to a grand scheme to ultimately affirm the NAU is nuttier still.
But, that’s just my opinion which may be nutty to you.
Great place isn’t it?
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 3:03 PM
Brilliant, thanks!
RushBaby on June 15, 2007 at 3:05 PM
There is something to be said for parliamentary democracy. Everyone votes for the party that fits their world view, and then the parties form coalitions. The two-party system forces us to choose between tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum, who in turn do their best not to state what they really stand for because they have to be all things to all people.
Question: I hope the Australians hurry up and complete those two perfect balls. We’re all going to need to learn the metric system real soon.
Coyote D. on June 15, 2007 at 3:07 PM
OK, my question was really more of a statement.
Coyote D. on June 15, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Update: Bush hails Teddy’s “corazon grande”
I hail Teddy’s “Liver Flambe”.
crushliberalism on June 15, 2007 at 3:20 PM
I have a hot new euphemism, it’s domestic discrimination and it’s definition includes the appeasement of all persons not citizens or legal residents above all other persons regardless of status or criminal behavior:
Domestic discrimination shall exclude from all lawful charges any persons who upon their discovery on US soil all who have applied for said Z(ippy) visa, this shall include but not be limited to, fraud (a felony) murder (another felony) or rape (yet another felony), drug sales shall also be a waived offense under SB 1348, said person(s) shall promise lawful behavior henceforth and shall be given but not limited to 10 or 12 opportunities to do so.
All persons not citizens or legal residents shall be ensured greater access to education (in state tuition and language accommodation), health services (may have unlimited visits to the ER for aspirin without charge) and shall have immediate access to subsidized housing and welfare payouts, the production of “new citizens” is to be encouraged and said visa holders shall not incur costs from said activity.
To abridge costs incurred by said new Z(ippy) visa system all persons not citizens or legal residents may apply for and shall immediately be given choice of work and job status, this is a mandatory policy and shall include all pay scales and positions.
The term “illegal alien” shall be stricken from all government documents and those persons henceforth using such a derogatory term shall be fined and imprisoned not less that (100) thousand standard American dollars (shall not be allowed payment in Amero denominations) and for not less than six months or concurrent time and property lienage.
All persons able to show the new Z(ippy) visa shall may at any time approach a citizen or legal resident and ask that person for any or all needs or wants, said Z(ippy) visa holder deems fit, failure to provide said Z(ippy) visa holder with proper accommodation such as but not limited to, car keys, house keys, cash or wife shall be indemnified to said Z(ippy) visa holder for the minimum of but not limited to double the amount asked for.
If said Z(ippy) visa holder be denied assistance at any time 911 may be called for transportation as desired.
Domestic discrimination shall be in force at all times and all places, under all circumstances with no exceptions.
Speakup on June 15, 2007 at 3:20 PM
Thanks. I think I’m just so PO’d about all this crap that I’m over-reacting.
No hard feelings; and yes, it is a great place.
As I said before, I NEVER bought into the NAU stuff. But in light of the totally incomprehensible support for Shamnesty, I admit, NAU makes more sense than religion, compassion, cheap labor and votes. I doesn’t take a huge conspiracy to bring about something like NAU, just a lot of misguided and/or ill-informed people–just like the disastrous EU, which started out as the European Dialogue, and then the European Commission.
I’ve read Eurabia. The template is similar; and I will at least investigate the possibility of NAU now–something I previously pooh-poohed. Some respectable people buy into the theory, e.g. Tom Tancredo.
IrishEi on June 15, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Come to think about it, this is the perfect time for Dems to introduce a new “Fairness Doctrine” bill. It might just actually pass both Houses and get signed by Bush.
CliffHanger on June 15, 2007 at 3:34 PM
Lord. Now there’s an interesting theory. Surely Lott isn’t that stupid.
I think someone should ask Lott exactly what he thinks the “problem” is, and what he thinks should be done about it. Michelle? Allah? Bryan?
BacaDog on June 15, 2007 at 3:39 PM
If talk radio were running America:
we’d have a secure border
Iran and Syria would lie in smoldering ruins now
foreigners here illegally would be arrested and deported
businesses who hired them would be fined with draconian level fines
business owners who hired foreigners here illegally would be jailed
there would be no FEDERAL department of education (it’s the states’ job)
media outlets who betrayed national intelligence secrets would be shut down
reporters who betrayed national intelligence secrets would be jailed for sedition or treason
prisoners on death row would be executed within a year or two, no longer
any country who dissed the U.S. would have all funds cut off
we would leave the U.N. and form a League of Free Nations
…and that’s just for starters.
Mojave Mark on June 15, 2007 at 3:47 PM
This explains why the issued is before congress but does not explain the fervent dedication to THIS bill. Especially in light of all the opposition from the voters.
I doubt that Democrats are concerned with anyone’s human rights, but I agree the Democrats would benefit from this bill and I am not surprised at their support.
This is a variation of the “business is pushing this because they want cheap labor” argument, which as I’ve already stated, I do not believe. There is no combination of agricultural, hospitality or other industries that could convince Senators to put their re-election in serious jeopardy so those business can have cheap labor.
The people we are talking about cannot vote. And again, this is a variation of the “Republican’s believe this bill will guarantee millions of Hispanic votes for Republicans for decades to come.”
That cannot be the driving force for the Republicans because as I stated prior: Not even Republicans are dumb enough to believe it is wise to trade their voter-base for the Hispanic vote, even if it was certian that the Hispanic vote would be secured for them by this action, which is very doubtful.
So again…. what is the driving force behind this legislation ?
Maxx on June 15, 2007 at 4:15 PM
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