Countdown to amnesty; Update: Bush calls bill “amnesty” (sort of); Update: Heart-ache, 64-35; Update: 15 16 Republicans switched from no to yes
posted at 10:16 am on June 26, 2007 by Allahpundit
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The cloture vote’s scheduled for 11:50. Updates will appear here throughout the day. Bush’s people are optimistic — with good reason, says the boss, who has her ear to the ground. Go have a look at NRO’s editorial about the seven senators who could kill the bill outright today: six Republicans plus Jim Webb, who campaigned on an anti-amnesty platform last year. The WashTimes did its own count and sees hope fading:
Opponents of the bill counted about 32 senators prepared to block the bill and another dozen senators they said would swing today’s vote. But The Times found four of those swing votes said they will vote to revive the bill today: Republican Sens. Christopher S. Bond of Missouri and Thad Cochran of Mississippi, and Democratic Sens. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico and Ben Nelson of Nebraska. Press reports showed others have also said they are likely to vote to revive the bill, including Sen. Richard M. Burr, North Carolina Republican.
Bond’s “yes” vote is the dumbest of all since he’s planning to vote no on the second cloture vote if his amendment — which calls for gutting the whole bill by stripping out the amnesty provision — doesn’t pass. Which it never, ever will. But to throw him and the rest of the anti-amnesty crew a bone, the three amigos have added an extra moronic, meaningless, purely symbolic if not actually self-defeating “touchback” requirement to the bill:
With a crucial test vote scheduled for today, Republican supporters of a sweeping immigration bill threw their weight yesterday behind a significant change to the legislation that would force illegal immigrants to return to their home countries to apply for legal status…
Kyl, Graham and Martinez had already put together an amendment to secure $4.4 billion for border enforcement, create a tracking system to keep tabs on guest workers and permanently bar workers who overstay their visas from returning. Those measures would augment provisions already in the bill to tighten border security and clamp down on employers of illegal immigrants.
Yesterday, the three senators added a provision that would force illegal immigrants to return to their home countries to apply for Z Visas, not just their green cards. With the architects of the bill behind it, supporters predicted that the amendment would pass easily…
Indeed, it was the Department of Homeland Security that wanted legalization not to be contingent on leaving the country, because DHS officials wanted to bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows and into the legal system, Specter said. With the “touchback” requirement, millions may stay underground.
Everyone understand what’s going on here? They’re so eager to pass this piece of shinola, they’re adding provisions that will make it less likely that the bill will actually work just to get the votes needed to pass it. They’re trading practical viability for legislative viability. And it gets worse:
Two thousand more border agents are to be “hired, trained, and reporting for duty,” bringing the number of agents to 20,000; an additional 100 miles of vehicle barriers were just added, bringing that number to 300 miles; and 105 ground-based radar and camera towers are to be built, up from 70 just two weeks ago.
However, one Republican leadership aide told FOX News that the $4.4 billion is not nearly enough money to cover these substantial increases, warning against any guarantee that the provisions will be paid for down the road. “There’s no way that’s enough. So they’ll have to appropriate more, and there’s a big difference between authorizing and appropriating.”
Not nearly enough. Just like with the virtual fence they’re playing with right now in Arizona.
Jim DeMint’s talking tough by threatening to cut off limbs, but I think he knows who’s got the saw here and it ain’t him. Stand by for updates. I make no promises, but if the rabbit is pulled out of the hat and this crap dies today, we may just see a euphoric, celebratory cameo from Humping Robot to herald the victory. In the meantime:
Update: Freudian slip or the usual Bushian malaprop?
ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: President Bush has spent a whole lot of time in recent months claiming that the immigration bill isn’t “amnesty.”
But in describing the measure Tuesday morning, an apparent slip of the tongue suggested otherwise — providing fodder for the talk-radio crowd that loathes the bill and wants it defeated in the Senate.
“You know, I’ve heard all the rhetoric — you’ve heard it, too — about how this is amnesty. Amnesty means that you’ve got to pay a price for having been here illegally, and this bill does that,” Bush said, according to the official White House transcript.
Update: A superb post at the Corner by Stanley Kurtz says what I suspect a lot of people — and by “a lot,” I mean millions — are thinking right now.
Somehow this immigration battle feels different. The bill is wildly unpopular, yet it’s close to passing. The contrast with the high-school textbook version of democracy is not only glaring and maddening, it’s downright embarrassing. Usually, even when we’re at each others’ throats, there’s still an underlying pride in the democratic process. This immigration battle strips us of even that pride.
I’m still stuck on the way this bill was going to be pushed through without a public airing of crucial provisions, in the two or three days before Memorial Day recess. But I should be stuck even further back–on the way this bill was cooked up in a backroom deal that bypassed the ordinary process of public hearings. We take them for granted, but those civics textbook fundamentals are there for a reason. We’re going to pay a steep price for setting the fundamentals aside…
Supporters of this bill sell it as a compromise that will heal America’s divisions. I fear it’s quite the reverse. This bill is infuriating the public and undermining faith in government itself. You can see it in the polling on confidence in Congress and the President. If this bill passes, it’s going to aggravate and embitter politics for years to come. Passing a measure over such overwhelming opposition is like slapping the public in the face.
Update: Norm Coleman, facing the onslaught of Frankenmania in next year’s senate election, will vote yes on cloture.
Update: The vote’s coming now. I’m going to liveblog it.
They’re calling the roll now, which, I presume, is just to see if everyone’s present. They’re not announcing how each one voted after reading his/her name so I guess the vote is right after this.
Wait, no — it looks like this is the actual vote. They’re not even announcing the votes as they come in. We’re going to have to wait until all the votes are in.
I count only 29 no’s thus far and most everyone’s voted. Jim Webb just voted yes. We’re going to lose.
Ensign just voted yes.
Update: It wasn’t even close. 64-35. There shall be no Humping Robot today, my friends — nor, perhaps, ever again.
Stand by for the roll.
Update: Like Lowry says, this gives shamnesty a cushion for the do-or-die second cloture vote on Thursday. Even if Sessions and DeMint can peel off a few supporters, the McCainiacs still have 60 to put it through.
Update: Here’s the roll of shame. The cloture vote on June 7th went 45-50; Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, actually switched from yes on that vote to no today. Which means the amnesty wing picked up a cool 20 yeses in the interim: Bennett, Bingaman, Bond, Boxer, Brownback, Burr, Coleman, Collins, Domenici, Ensign, Gregg, Kyl, Lott, McConnell, Murkowski, Pryor, Snowe, Stevens, Warner, Webb.
The boldface indicates Republicans, my friends. Sixteen of them — 15 no/yes switches plus Brownback, who didn’t vote on June 7th. Update: My mistake — I missed that Evan Bayh, like Stabenow, also switched from yes to no. And that Larry Craig switched from no to yes. That makes 17 Republicans who switched.
Update: As mentioned above, the House GOP is planning a resolution this afternoon expressing its displeasure with the bill. According to Boehner, the White House isn’t happy about it.
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I know there will be a simple majority to pass, but is there going to be another cloture vote prior to that? Or has this cloture vote rendered another one unnecessary?
Darksean on June 26, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Well, at least I was in good company when we all got lined up for our gut-kicking.
I love all you guys, and we will fight another day.
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Dam straight. I keep saying to myself, but they can’t do this! but they can and they did. Against the will of the the majority of the American people. Democracy has just been flushed down the toilet today. What will they force on us next, without our consent?
Keli on June 26, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Planet of the Apes, final scene.
Mild content warning.
You’re right - it’s pretty appropriate.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 12:48 PM
At least I don’t have to worry about McCain in the primary anymore.
Go Giuliani!
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 12:48 PM
The Republican party is dead to me.
Willy on June 26, 2007 at 12:49 PM
God help us now. Watch them try to link this with the influence of talk radio.
trainwife1962 on June 26, 2007 at 12:49 PM
We also need to find a realistic and effective plan to repeal the 16th amendment. If money is power, and we don’t like what they are doing with their power, then we need to find ways to keep money away from them. I know people have talked about this before, and it is always met with “it’ll never happen” but we really need to figure out how to make it happen.
Weight of Glory on June 26, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Nevermind, I did it.
http://www.jim-rose.com/2007/06/amnesty-bill-vote-for-cloture-64-35.html
Jim-Rose on June 26, 2007 at 12:49 PM
I just called and emailed Senator Gregg’s (NH) Office.
“Well Mr. Gregg,
I have written you twice now. I also called your office this morning to find out how you intended to vote on the cloture motion for the Amnesty Bill.
I was told you hadn’t announced, which seemed fishy to me.
My suspicions confirmed a minute ago when I called your office after the vote and found out you voted for cloture.
You know very well that the bill is now in an easy position to pass, so spare me the “I voted no later” line.
You have failed your NH citizens. You have failed our LEGAL immigrants, you have failed our border security. You have failed me, my wife (who is a LEGAL immigrant), you have failed my family, my friends, my community.
You will not only NOT be receiving my votes, or my money, but neither will the Republican Party of NH.
Congratulations on not listening to the 70% of us all who are opposed to this travesty. Our “remove Senator Gregg from office” campaign has now begun.
I look forward to supporting your defeat in the next election.”
proudinfidel on June 26, 2007 at 12:50 PM
This reminds me of a prison shower scene. We’re the ones who dropped the soap.
csdeven on June 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Anyone know if the Dems are as ticked about being ignored by their legislators as we are? Given the numbers opposed to this bill in most polls, it’s gotta include a huge chunk of Democrats as well.
It would be interesting to see the voters–on both sides of the fence–rebel against their incumbents over this in the next election.
aero on June 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I have no confidence at all in Washington DC, and that includes the House.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Well…….now the GOP civil war begins. The RNC war chest will be empty in two months. Never seen a party concede an election 17 months early before.
Limerick on June 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Question: Given that a vast number of people illegally crossed our borders and took the life of some of our American people, does that constitute as an act of war by Mexico? Iran’s RGC recently crossed into Iraq illegally and that is considered an act of war. Hmmmm…
If we keep going at this rate our nation will soon be called Amexico. I pray the House saves our nation from this bill.
df4jc on June 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Well, I would like to say Good Job! to the 22% of Americans who wanted this to pass.
With those kind of numbers, the atheists should have no problem tearing God out of our country.
WORST. CONGRESS. EVER.
WORST. PRESIDENT. EVER.
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
The Dems are worse though…
AlexB on June 26, 2007 at 12:52 PM
I’m reading here people, rightly, calling for us to take to the streets. After the vote I scrolled through the news channels…I saw nothing on it. All kinds of stuff on Paris, Jessie, and other trivial garbage but not a word…not even a scroll…on this.
My senators split on this issue apparently. Bunning voted NAY but I haven’t heard yet on McConnell.
I’m all but done. We are attacked leaving 3,000 Americans dead and we go to “war”…the likes of which no one has ever seen before. We are PLAYING war…not waging war. Then, knowing full well we have a global enemy, our Senate votes to open the borders completely, save for a small bit of paperwork. What the hell are these people thinking? Oh yeah…they want my vote. Well…screw’m.
I’ll spend my time on the range and spend my money on more important things. There is a very ugly time coming…very ugly indeed.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 12:53 PM
So much for “of the People, for the People”
ctmom on June 26, 2007 at 12:53 PM
I got an email from my Russian coworker about 5 minutes after the vote:
askheaves on June 26, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Cry havoc…
juanito on June 26, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Democracy is dying and the GOP is dead.
voiceofreason on June 26, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Sure, I know plenty of lifelong Democrats who are upset right now. But they have said to me, “but look at the GOP leadership, and the GOP President on this bill…”
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Devastating.
The Mainstream Terrorist Media marginalized us - and succeeded in silencing us.
Screaming “Hate Bush” messages 24-7, just gives them the wherewithal to blend it all together with THEIR “Hate Bush” messages.
WORST MEDIA EVER!
grtflmark on June 26, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Amen. Never forget that!
aero on June 26, 2007 at 12:55 PM
See FairTax.org Replaces the income tax, capital gains tax, corporate tax, etc. with a 23% inclusive, 31% exclusive national sales tax. It’s heavily researched, transparent (obviously) and currently has 4 Senatorial co-sponsors and 62 Rep co-sponsors. It’s listed as H.R. 25 and S. R. 1025
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 12:55 PM
I don’t care if the “democrats are worse.”
I am a Republican. A proud one. Today I am shamed by our party.
I am not against immigration. I am not against people comign to our country.
I am, however, disgraced that we threw away the system of becoming a citizen so businesses have more cheap labor.
My wife came to this country at the age of nine. She spoke no English. She came legally. She took her English classes. She became a citizen. She became proud to be an American becuase of the long trials and tribulations it took to become one.
Today, being American means a lot less.
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Not to be dramatic or anything, but will June 26, 2007 be traced to the day that America officially went on the decline? I shudder to use the example of Roman Empire not being able to control it’s border against the “Barbarians.” Initially when Rome was invaded by outsiders, Rome allowed these peoples to settle in their border areas as long as they paid taxes to Rome and served in the Roman army. This placated the various peoples for a while, only until others tried invading Roman territory. Soon the idea of identity of what it was to be Roman broke down, and hence the empire fell apart. Again, not trying to be dramatic, but those who don’t learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.
reppac122 on June 26, 2007 at 12:56 PM
GOP is dead. Democracy is dead. Future doesn’t look bright.
JustTruth101 on June 26, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Humbling, but very relevant.
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Call Kucinich’s office.
Connie on June 26, 2007 at 12:59 PM
So they are somehow managing to NOT blame Kennedy or their own Democrat senators as well? No rebellion against their guys over this? It’s completely and totally Bush’s and the Republican leadership’s fault? Sometimes I envy liberals’ ability to hide from reality. I blame both sides equally.
aero on June 26, 2007 at 1:00 PM
I refuse to give up on having this bill killed.
There is another vote Thursday, for cloture on the entire bill.
ALL WE NEED TO DO IS CONVINCE 5 OF THE YEA’S TODAY TO VOTE TO KILL THE BILL ENTIRELY. So maybe they wanted a chance to see how the amendment process goes.. but we know Reid will rig the process so only crapola gets thru and nothing that really improves it gets thru.
So maybe we can focus on 5-7 likely switches… I’ll throw out Burr, Coleman, Ensign, Webb, maybe even the idiot Brownback to get this bill deep sixed.
lets keep up the pressure on these guys. We cannot let this abomination pass.
Always Right on June 26, 2007 at 1:00 PM
I agree with those forms of taxation, but it needs to be done in conjunction with a repeal of the 16th amndmnt. Otherwise, they will simply do both forms of taxation. We need to cut socialism off at the head, and that is located at any form of a taxation on income. If we can do that then all the social programs offered by congress for votes will dry up; effectually stopping this immigration problem also.
Weight of Glory on June 26, 2007 at 1:00 PM
Well, as a resident of Mn my illustrious Senators showed their colors, Coleman and Klobochar.. both yes votes today. As a lone voice in this wilderness, I sense a need to organize the Wolverines…. and I’m not referring to the Michigan kind. Anybody coming on board?
MNDavenotPC on June 26, 2007 at 1:00 PM
They are one and the same. The only difference is the (R) or (D).
jeffNWV on June 26, 2007 at 1:01 PM
“Rome fell September 4, 476AD. It was overrun with illegal immigrants: Visigoths, Franks, Anglos, Saxons, Ostrogoths, Burgundians, Lombards, Jutes and Vandals, who at first assimilated and worked as servants, but then came so fast they did not learn the Latin Language or the Roman form of government. Highly trained Roman Legions moving rapidly on their advanced road system were strained fighting conflicts worldwide. Rome had a trade deficit, having outsourced most of its grain production to North Africa, and when Vandals captured that area, Rome did not have the resources to retaliate. Attila the Hun was committing terrorist attacks. The city of Rome was on welfare with citizens being given free bread. One Roman commented: ‘Those who live at the expense of the public funds are more numerous than those who provide them.’ Tax collectors were ‘more terrible than the enemy.’ Gladiators provided violent entertainment in the Coliseum. There was injustice in courts, exposure of unwanted infants, infidelity, immorality and perverted bathhouses. 5th-Century historian Salvian wrote: ‘O Roman people be ashamed… Let nobody think otherwise, the vices of our bad lives have alone conquered us’.” —William Federer
Dersu on June 26, 2007 at 1:01 PM
It upsets me that President Bush himself insists on living in a house with a secure, guarded fence around it, yet us tax-paying American citizens have no border security in our once great country…
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 1:01 PM
Remember this date. Like all republic’s before the USA, eventually our leaders will sell us out. The senate joined forces with our ‘trojan horse’ gang.
mustang1 on June 26, 2007 at 1:01 PM
And this differs from what happened last week how exactly?
Zetterson on June 26, 2007 at 1:01 PM
Yeah, the idiots with the “wait and see” approach better deliver. As someone else said “First step to getting out of hole: Stop digging”
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:02 PM
RIP, Senator Coleman. You’re dead to me.
Hollowpoint on June 26, 2007 at 1:02 PM
The metaphor changes. We are now the dog in the video. And congress/president is the robot with its hand behind its head violating us.
lorien1973 on June 26, 2007 at 1:03 PM
The first skirmish against amnesty was lost by the GOP turncoats BUT the battle has yet to be engaged.
Now is the time for even more outrage and making it clear to the RNC that their coffers will be empty if they continue down the path of legalizing gangbangers and drug lords without even a background check.
I suspect some of the GOP traitors will find cause to vote against the bill if the pressure is maintained.
highhopes on June 26, 2007 at 1:03 PM
Where do we get a list of who voted and what their vote was?
csdeven on June 26, 2007 at 1:03 PM
You are correct.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 1:04 PM
reppac122, you’re not being dramatic, you’re simply stating facts…history tends to repeat itself…bush thinks we need to merge US/Can/Mx to protect ourselves against the islamic tidal wave of violence which inevitably will come…this is a day that only those of us who were paying attention will remember, and we will never forget when the end began…
JustTruth101 on June 26, 2007 at 1:04 PM
I don’t know where else to put this idea, and this will soon get buried in this thread.
I wish Rush and other hosts (especially Rush, though) would announce a new Dan’s Bake Sale. This time though, have it be on the mall in DC. Having that kind of voice draw the masses would give quite a showing, I firmly believe. It would dwarf the million man march, the illegal alien protests. It would be huge, loud, and civil. It would be a sight to behold. There would be pilgrimages.
I would go.
Darksean on June 26, 2007 at 1:05 PM
So what now? It goes to the House? I’m just wondering if people should be donning the sackcloth and opening up the ashbin just yet.
Asher on June 26, 2007 at 1:05 PM
I resent being called an idiot apostle26. I think there is always HOPE..especially since this has not PASSED and even if it DOES, it STILL has to go to the House.
Namecalling someone who most likely agrees with you isnt very nice.
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:05 PM
Ah, but that would require the media to actually report such stories. And the legislators to actually care.
aero on June 26, 2007 at 1:06 PM
Our “remove Senator Gregg from office” campaign has now begun.
I look forward to supporting your defeat in the next election.”
proudinfidel on June 26, 2007 at 12:50 PM
The emails and phone calls didn’t work. The will of the people clearly expressed in every opinion poll didn’t work.
The only recourse now is revenge. Your senator doesn’t think you and the others like you can take his office away from him. I sure hope you can prove him wrong.
Rico on June 26, 2007 at 1:06 PM
Michelle has a list.
The roll isn’t up yet, but when it is, it will be here.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
didn’t realize how similar the times are
JustTruth101 on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
Whoops, forgot the whole point of the post. The bill is also followed by companion legislation to repeal the amendment (it can not be included within the bill). Also though, the bill itself (H.R. 25) orders the IRS to immediately begin to destroy in phases the Tax Code as well as all information (about income etc.,) gathered on taxpayers. Essentially it eliminates the info needed to actually conduct the income tax. (As the website says, breaks it into a million pieces). If it were broken in this manner, a true uproar would be set off if they tried to put it back together.
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
We can blame both sides all we want. Joe Public will blame the GOP. 1984 folks in reverse. Prepare for the ‘Village’ cause it’s coming for you.
Limerick on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
Lou Dobbs is about to blast the funk out of this vote on CPSAN2
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
I have always thought of the Republican Party as the more principled party. But no more.
I supported President Bush and his policies through thick and thin always giving him the benefit of the doubt. But no more.
I am saddened to have to admit that the President is not the leader I thought he was. He is just another politician bitten by the need to leave a legacy at our expense.
Verinder
Verinder on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
…the citizen who thinks he sees that the commonwealth’s political clothes are worn out, and yet holds his peace and does not agitate for a new suit, is disloyal; he is a traitor.
Mark Twain
ne0365 on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
Now I’m even more terrified if we pull our troops out of Iraq for two reasons. First they have to come “home” only to see the atrocities occurring in the Senate by having an open border. Second, when terrorist’s come this way (and they will if we just abandon Iraq) then they now have an easier entrance to our nation. United we stand and divided we fall. American’s better work together for a bipartisan grassroots push for the House to shut this bill down.
df4jc on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
This bill has NOT passed the Senate. The vote today was ONLY on bringing the bill BACK to the floor to be debated, Amendments offered and THEN VOTED on..sometime NEXT week.
It has NOT PASSED. There IS HOPE!
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:07 PM
If only we could get Tanc past White House security in his full suit of armor…………….
Joey1974 on June 26, 2007 at 1:08 PM
Right On!!
KEEP CALLING THE PHONES. Keep informing your co-workers, neighbors, relatives.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 1:08 PM
He means the idiots who voted aye today who plan to vote no on Thursday.
World B. Free on June 26, 2007 at 1:08 PM
I blame the Republicans more than the Democrats. The Dhimmis were just being dhimmis. The Reprehisicans turned on their own. The traitor is worse than the enemy.
Nosferightu on June 26, 2007 at 1:08 PM
World B. Free on June 26, 2007 at 1:08 PM
OK World B Free, if that is what he means, I can accept that. I understand emotions are running high today. Mine too.
Thanks!
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:09 PM
Did anybody else notice that Dick Durbin (D-IL) inserted an amendment that reduces the number of H1B visas? What kind of ‘tard logic is that?
askheaves on June 26, 2007 at 1:10 PM
Senator Kit Bond (tRaitor - MO) just lost my vote and my financial support for the next Republican Primary. I will contribute to his opponent’s campaign, whomever that may be.
Dave Shay on June 26, 2007 at 1:10 PM
Kit Bond and Norm Coleman voted yes. And Claire McCaskill voted no. *sigh*
I’ve been voting for the wrong team this whole time.
Tanya on June 26, 2007 at 1:10 PM
I hoping that’s the case, that some senators like Coleman who tried introducing amendments earlier want another shot of applying another shade of lipstick on this pig, but might become disgusted enough with Reid’s tactics that they’ll vote “no” on the next cloture motion.
It’s a longshot though- the Senate seems determined to shove this POS bill down our throats. Maybe the House will be more receptive to what’s actually best for the country instead of their campaign contributors.
Hollowpoint on June 26, 2007 at 1:11 PM
Sounds like the Dems are pissed too, From Daily Kos “A Day That Will Go Down In Infamy, Very rarely in American history do moments come along when our Congress publicly and openly flaunts the fact that it has stopped even trying to pretend it cares about this country. Usually, the disdain lawmakers have for ordinary citizens and the nation’s well being is hidden behind fake promises of altruism and idealism. But today is one of those truly rare moments - a moment that should go down in infamy for its nauseating candor.”
Well said..
JackS on June 26, 2007 at 1:13 PM
true enough labwrs…there is still hope. How much louder can we be without crossing the line of “dissent” to “rebellion”? I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m on a first name basis with my Senators office staff because I’ve called and written so much on this issue.
We see polls from all over saying the country is 60% against this…and that is the polls MOST FAVORABLE TO AMNESTY.
We are a representative democracy. We elect these bozos because we agree with their positions…NOT FOR THEM TO VOTE OUR WHIMS. So…they have made their positions known. Our ONLY recourse here is to vote them out next time they come around and make their lives as miserable as possible between now and then.
…or…
cross the line.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 1:13 PM
Exactly. The people on HotAir are the only sane people
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:14 PM
And the 62% that hate the thing of course
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:14 PM
Take a step back from the ledge folks.
The Cloture vote most likely means the Shamnesty bill will pass in the Senate, but before it becomes law the will have to go on to the House of Representatives where it faces an uphill battle.
Keep up the pressure. It ain’t over ’til it’s over.
Mike Honcho on June 26, 2007 at 1:14 PM
Rush is railing on this right now. “They have made no effort to explain this bill to us, they have only insulted us. They expect you to come around and forget this. THIS is such a VISCERAL THING it is different”….
Yep.
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:15 PM
America has a collective soar throat today because of an awful bill being shoved down our throats. Always remember, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.
reppac122 on June 26, 2007 at 1:15 PM
I don’t think we help ourselves by talking of rebellion. We should focus on political solutions.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Hollowpoint
I hope you’re right, but my experience with Mr. Coleman leads me to believe he’ll go back to his liberal persona from years past. Having said that, I will go forward from this day still endeavoring to call, cajole, argue, influence as I have before so that this illegal immigration issue is resolved to the satisfaction of this country’s security. I am of this day no longer a Republican but a conservative republican( note the small r)
MNDavenotPC on June 26, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Dobbs just said if you called illegal aliens “undocumented workers,” than you should call drug dealers “undocumented pharmacists.”
he’s a smart man.
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 1:16 PM
How is it that the left lives in constant fear of Bush’s gestapo, cloak and dagger tactics, yet is completely silent of the issue of this bill being crafted in the dark and without any debate, against our will, with Bush’s blessing?
World B. Free on June 26, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Webb, you are dead to me.
SicSemperTyrannus on June 26, 2007 at 1:17 PM
How low will the Presidents approval numbers be after this? Congress?
ctmom on June 26, 2007 at 1:17 PM
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:14 PM
OK, that was the first chuckle I have had today. I get it..thanks for the clarification.
Mike Honcho on June 26, 2007 at 1:14 PM
EXACTLY! This is NOT over Folks! I have emailed, faxed, phoned until my head is swimming but we have to KEEP IT UP!
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:17 PM
Is there any common denominator to the 35 who voted No? Are they the outline of a new America-first party?
dhimwit on June 26, 2007 at 1:17 PM
Ex-soldiers are going to be running parts of this balkanized country when Washington becomes irrelevant/nonexistent. They’ll be the new tribal leaders. Read up on your dark-ages history.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 1:18 PM
We really need to recall one or three or five of these arrogant s.o.b.s to put them all on notice that we won’t roll over. Preferably some of the ones who think they’re safe til 2012.
NellE on June 26, 2007 at 1:18 PM
This is just sad.
The Hort on June 26, 2007 at 1:18 PM
True enough Mike…for me this is a bit more than just a vote on a bill. This mess was concocted behind closed doors and then failed. So these bozos took it BACK behind closed doors, twisted some arms, came up with some arcane strategery, and tossed it back on the floor again.
For me, this is also about how the country operates. It seems the Senate has decided to become the “Star Chamber” and woe be unto us, the little people, for questioning them.
F**K that.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 1:18 PM
Well Slub, what political solution would you suggest? I have called and written and emailed and asked my friends to do the same. We now have a vote that tells us that our political elites think we are misguided and stupid…
At this point I don’t want to give one thin dime to the Republican party. I would also be willing to march in the streets.
What constitutes rebellion in your mind?
Babs on June 26, 2007 at 1:19 PM
Bush insisted Congress not miss this “historic opportunity.”
An opportunity for what? 12 million legal minimum wagers?
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 1:20 PM
That is enough Malox for one morning……I got a truck to try and go sell……a truck ‘Americans’ won’t drive.
I’ll be back after these self inflicted wounds heal.
Limerick on June 26, 2007 at 1:20 PM
I’d also like an answer to this question. Everyone telling us to keep calling and “putting the heat on” is delusional, I think. Today proved that THEY DON’T CARE WHAT WE THINK. You think a few phone calls and emails are going to turn them now? Let’s be optimistic, but let’s be realistic optimists at the same time.
The time for phone calls and emails is over, people. It didn’t work.
World B. Free on June 26, 2007 at 1:21 PM
The first one that comes to mind is dump these guys in the primary. Run for office yourselves if you have to.
Jack M. at ace’s had a good idea. Don’t vote for these guys in the general, write in the name of an anti-amnesty politician, like Tancredo. If a pro-amnesty senator loses because 50,000 votes went to an anti-amnesty write-in, there’s your message.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Well everyone, it could be worse…
El Presidente Hillary RRRRRRRRRRodham Clinton.Alright, nevermind. Today’s events with the thought of that is way too, too much.
reppac122 on June 26, 2007 at 1:23 PM
I feel like were on the world’s scariest roller coaster and were going to the biggest drop and the bolts are shaking loose on the tracks.
Drtuddle on June 26, 2007 at 1:23 PM
Good on Hutchinson and Hatch
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 1:23 PM
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