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New McCain ad: No, it is I who will deliver the nightmarish amnesty America neither wants nor needs

posted at 1:15 pm on September 12, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A de facto response to The One’s recent Hispandering, to borrow one of Kaus’s better coinages.

I like to imagine it was paid for with money donated by our very own readers.

ANNCR: Obama and his Congressional allies say they are on the side of immigrants. But are they?

The press reports that their efforts were ‘poison pills’ that made immigration reform fail.

The result:

No guest worker program.

No path to citizenship.

No secure borders.

No reform.

Is that being on our side?

Obama and his Congressional allies ready to block immigration reform, but not ready to lead.

JOHN MCCAIN: I’m John McCain and I approve this message.

Here’s the RNC donations page in case you suddenly feel the urge to help pay for an ad calling you a racist or something. Whoops: I mean another ad calling you a racist. Exit question: What did these illegal immigrants ever do to put so many people “on the side” of basic enforcement of longstanding American law?


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Comment pages: 1 2 3

Yes sir – that’s the John McCain we all love and adore.

Oye

jake-the-goose on September 12, 2008 at 1:16 PM

If you can’t beat’em, join’em.

My collie says:

So we are emmigrating to Alaska, then?

CyberCipher on September 12, 2008 at 1:18 PM

Prediction: 785 comment thread!

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:18 PM

can we swap spots on the ticket?

Mr. Bingley on September 12, 2008 at 1:18 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

This is…awesome.

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with base-alienating ads like this.

PBoilermaker on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

I’m putting my fingers in my ears and singing “la-la-la-la” and thinking only of the Palin.

D0WNT0WN on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

Second look at Obama!

rslancer14 on September 12, 2008 at 1:20 PM

Just when I think I can vote McCain and be happy about it…

Damn you John McCain!

Palin/Romney 2012

dc84123 on September 12, 2008 at 1:20 PM

Again I ask, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:20 PM

*sigh* I was really trying to forget about that…

Anna on September 12, 2008 at 1:20 PM

I like to imagine it was paid for with money donated by our very own readers.

You are a cruel, cruel man.

BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

Strict enforcement of existing laws –> Self Deportation

pseudonominus on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

I will not “press 1 to hear it in English”!

Say it in English!

Geez.

Over.

1GooDDaDDy on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Second look at Obama!

Go for it. If you’re a one-issue voter, then God help you.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Again I ask, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:20 PM

Aztlan

pseudonominus on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

No guest worker program.

No path to citizenship.

No secure borders.

No reform.

Meatloaf: two outta four ain’t bad!
And what about the first two: what is your plan Allah?
Going to just start shipping 12 million people back to Mexico?
Don’t get me wrong, I work in Dallas, which has become a Mexican city lately, but sounds to me like you are egging the McShamnesty commentators out of their hiding.

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Seriously, though: Is anyone surprised by this?

We’re going to have to fight him tooth and nail on this, after we elect him to the White House.

BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 1:22 PM

I guess flipping New Mexico wasn’t enough. Now Original Mexico’s in play as well.

Chuck Schick on September 12, 2008 at 1:23 PM

We’re going to have to fight him tooth and nail on this, after we elect him to the White House.

BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 1:22 PM

Listen to this man, he speaks the truth.

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:23 PM

Sounds like McAmnesty is back at his old antics again. Not a smart move considering that he’s received such a boost from the Palin pick. He’s better stay away from the immigration issues unless he plans to say that he is for securing the Borders first. Otherwise he can kiss his convention bump goodbye.

Scorched_Earth on September 12, 2008 at 1:23 PM

I guess flipping New Mexico wasn’t enough. Now Original Mexico’s in play as well.

Chuck Schick on September 12, 2008 at 1:23 PM

Ole!

BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 1:23 PM

Going to just start shipping 12 million people back to Mexico?

Exactly! Doesn’t make any sense.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:23 PM

Man, I guess the sissies come out of hiding when the immigration issue gets brought up.

“McAmnesty.” “Damn you McCain!” “Time for a second look at Obama.”

WTF??

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:24 PM

Is it possible for us to vote for McCain, and then attach a signing statement to the ballot allowing us to take our vote back when he says crap like this? Is that legal or what…..

BobMbx on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

people, this is AP putting out red meat FOR HIMSELF. he’ll delight in us yelling at each other for 400 comments.

focus on the following — “No secure borders.
No reform.” — and remember that John has at least acknowledged the fact that the border just might, mebbe, should be better guarded — duh1 won’t even take that step!

Buckaroo on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

Have you borrowed TPM’s “secret decoder ring”? Where does it detect any accusation or imputation of racism from that ad or for that matter the other one?

Notice that he’s selling “secure borders” in Spanish to Spanish speakers? No props for that at all? Of course not. Much better to take another whack at the ol’ beehive. Guess it’s time to muster the last angry drones.

CK MacLeod on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

It’s the thing I like most about McCain. He doesn’t trim his sails for anybody. And I think he’s basically right about letting immigrants that are here to work stay, as long as they keep their nose clean otherwise. On balance, it’s a plus for the United States. Better than the kind of immigrants Europe has.

RBMN on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

He should have left Obama alone on this one. First Rule of Holes.

Steve Z on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

The problem is there will be an additional 20+ million citizen voters most of whom are from south of the border with no more than a third grade education.

Talk about a huge voting block looking to the officials who’ll give them the biggest hand out.

Say goodbye to the middle class and say hello to the USSA.

BowHuntingTexas on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

This is a non-issue for me. I’m not convinced that McCain’s approach is not the best approach. We’ll have to cross that bridge (river) when we come to it.

There are plenty of more important issues to concern ourselves with at this magic moment. This is a distraction we do not need right now.

I lived through the Carter administration (as a teenager). I don’t want to go through that again. I don’t want socialism. But I do want to win this election – more than any other since Reagan-Carter.

connertown on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM
carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Attrition through enforcement.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

I like to imagine it was paid for with money donated by our very own readers.

Cut to the bone.

I just hope border security isn’t just it’s initials, BS.

Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

Ugh.

This was what I was afraid of. Lose the Hispandering, McCain, or lose the election. The majority of them are going to vote for BO no matter what you promise.

thirteen28 on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

Attrition through enforcement.

+1

Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

Enforce the laws and make it so unbearable to live here illegally they go back themselves. My wife took the legal route, so can they.

Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

RBMN on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

yep. If they are working and making a living. Who cares.

If they are criminals or living off the dole, send em home. Pretty simple to me.

lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 1:27 PM

And I think he’s basically right about letting immigrants that are here to work stay, as long as they keep their nose clean otherwise.

RBMN on September 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM

The problem isn’t immigrants — it’s illegal aliens.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:27 PM

Still, I’d rather fight McCain on this than Obama.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:28 PM

Michelle Malkin: “Allahpundit, Hot Air has become too friendly lately. Not enough flamewars. This whole Palin thing has sissified your threads!”
Allahpundit: “Well, I could start slamming Palin and throw in some McShamlesshitlerhalliburtonExxonValdez!!!! posts.”
Michelle: “Brilliant, after all you get pain 6 Cents per comment.”

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:29 PM

The best way to stop this is to get more republicans in congress. Amnesty was a no-go before the Dems took congress.

phronesis on September 12, 2008 at 1:29 PM

Allah, why do you have to make me sick to my stomach right before lunch time? Right before the weekend? Couldn’t this wait until Monday?

Zetterson on September 12, 2008 at 1:29 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

Why do they need a path to American citizenship? You do understand that they ALREADY ARE citizens of countries, just not the US. They don’t need anyone giving them extra citizenships. That’s just plain stupid.

On top of it, we get to decide who we want living in OUR COUNTRY and who we want to invite to become citizens.

progressoverpeace on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM

lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 1:27 PM

If I was a Mexican peasant, I’d be here working too. Round me up, and my punishment is a free trip home to Mexico. Big whoop.

RBMN on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM

Enforce the laws and make it so unbearable to live here illegally they go back themselves. My wife took the legal route, so can they.

I’m all for enforcing the laws. I’m just saying you can’t ship back 12 million illegals. It’s not possible.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?
Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

I have no problem with a path to citizenship, and would welcome a guest worker program. But what about those who are patiently waiting in line, doing it legally. I prefer to reward lawful behavior over unlawful. I do not believe in “cutsies.”

rbj on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM

PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012

say it with me…..

SDarchitect on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM

Still, I’d rather fight McCain on this than Obama.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:28 PM

+1

I repeat, we’ll have to fight McCain tooth and nail on this issue, after we put him in the White House.

BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM

Immigration and Muslim outreach czar will be Obama’s position in the McCain Administration

econavenger on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM

Attrition through enforcement.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

Attrition through enforcement? Sounds great. How does that work?

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM

Still, I’d rather fight McCain on this than Obama.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:28 PM

100% agreement there.

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM

History shows that a self-righteous megalomaniac is far more dangerous than a great man with a tragic flaw.

indythinker on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

This simply destroys my Palin high. Thanks.

darwin on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Why do they need a path to American citizenship? You do understand that they ALREADY ARE citizens of countries, just not the US. They don’t need anyone giving them extra citizenships. That’s just plain stupid.

On top of it, we get to decide who we want living in OUR COUNTRY and who we want to invite to become citizens.

So ship ‘em back? Lol, do you know how retarded that sounds?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

New here?

I personally don’t have any problem with a guest worker program.

I have a lot of problems with a path to citizenship. People all over the world want to come here and they do it legally.

The issue is #1 – security. We MUST know who is coming in, where they are, and what they are doing.

The issue 2ndly – the millions of immigrants and their families are straining beyond imagination, our hospitals, all healthcare, our legal system, our schools. It will eventually collapse our way of life, as we know it. We can’t possibly take care of everyone who wants to be in our country.

I work in hospital administration. ERs are closing everywhere. Next time you go to an ER and you really need it and IT IS CLOSED – thank an illegal immigrant.

stenwin77 on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

We will cross this bridge when we come to it. I would rather fight McCain on this than Obama.

Missy on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

hey as long as the borderis secured I’m all for getting people a path to citizenship, and McCain has come around, he knows Border first

spacekicker on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

This simply destroys my Palin high. Thanks.

darwin on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Then you’re weak.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship?

It unfairly rewards those who came here illegally ahead of those who are trying to come here legally.

What is wrong with a guest-worker program?

Nothing per say, except for the fact that it will undoubtedly keep some Americans out of work. Some industries are predominantly illegal immigrant, but not all of the common ones (construction, factory work, etc.)

What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

If I had my way, personally, yes. But that would probably be way too expensive and the PR would look terrible. So to get illegal immigration under control you have to do 3 things.

1) Stop the current influx via fence, more border patrol agents, etc. First and foremost you stop the inflow before you even consider doing anything else (guest worker, citizenship, etc.)
2) Remove as many currently in the country as possible. First start with the criminals (i.e. those who have been convicted and/or arrested for crimes). Then work your way down to those who have been ordered deported, etc.
3) Continue and strengthen workplace enforcement. This will not only allow the government to deport those they catch using fake SS#’s, etc., but eventually it will start to encourage those that are here to leave on their own.

You have to do the above actions for at least 5 years probably more like 10 to get the problem to a manageable level. Then, AND ONLY THEN, can we start discussing guest workers, path to citizenship, amnesty, etc…

truthmattersfa on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

I’m all for enforcing the laws. I’m just saying you can’t ship back 12 million illegals. It’s not possible.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM

Thats why I said make living here illegally so unbearable they go back themselves. Sound like a good idea?

Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM

Maybe shipping ‘em out is impossible, but there can be more raids on companies and factories using illegal immigrants like the one in Mississippi a couple of weeks ago. If they can’t work here, THEY WON’T COME HERE!

m064404 on September 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence,

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship?

Absolutely nothing. That’s why we already have a path to citizenship. It’s to legally enter the country and follow the rules, eventually applying for legal citizenship.

What is wrong with a guest-worker program?

Nothing. We already have a guest-worker program made up of legal immigrants who entered the country legally on work visas.

What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

No need for that. Simply enforce the laws that are already on the books and eliminate the free education, healthcare, and other handouts currently being given to illegal aliens, and they’ll all go home on their own. It’s really not that hard.

Gregor on September 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

The real issue is that this was tried and failed in the 1980s. Yes, under Reagan. There was ENFORCEMENT AND BORDER CONTROL in those bills too. But the only thing that happened was blanket amnesty.

So we need to get border control FIRST. Because if you start with amnesty, border enforcement goes out the window. History proves that.

When we have control over the borders then take the next step.

When we know who is here. When we know that this is it, there are not more illegals coming. We will better know what the impact any other legislation, including guest workers, etc. will have and we can make decisions with more probability that they will be in the best interests of the country.

petunia on September 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM

Attrition through enforcement? Sounds great. How does that work?

The way it is right now in the states that have passed laws on it. It IS working as we speak. Which is good for the states that do it, the ones that don’t can have the economic headaches.

Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM

But what about those who are patiently waiting in line, doing it legally. I prefer to reward lawful behavior over unlawful. I do not believe in “cutsies.”

Neither do I. My whole issue is what to do with the people already here? Sure, you can get some of them, and make them go to the back of the line, but all 12 million? Not a chance.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

This simply destroys my Palin high. Thanks.

darwin on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

No doubt. Even turning up “Barracuda” didn’t help.

brtex on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

At least there’s the “secure borders” part in there.

I really really REALLY hope McCain means it.

Hawkins1701 on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

I just threw up a little. Doesn’t McCain see where his bounce is coming from? This will not do anything to further that momentum

Hunt035 on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

I’m all for enforcing the laws. I’m just saying you can’t ship back 12 million illegals. It’s not possible.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM

If you had been around here long enough you’d know that the majority of posters here don’t advocate “shipping back 12 million illegals.” Attrition through enforcment means most of them will ship themselves back.

thirteen28 on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

Look, we all know McCain sucked on this and many other issues. He is just a vehicle to get a real conservative (ie, Palin) into the Presidency. That’s why he’s sticking close to her like a tick. Without her, he would be sinking like a rock..

Without Palin, he could have had no chance of winning this election with Pawlenty or Romney. Not a single hope in hell – don’t you think that the Dems had a tankerful of dirt to pour on those two candidates? Palin put them off their game, as we can see now….

And how much money would be flowing into the coffers with a McCain/Pawlenyu ticket? About zip..

TexasJew on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

I found this interesting:

When the 2000 census revealed dramatic growth in Chicago’s Hispanic and Asian populations alongside a decline in the number of African Americans, the Illinois black caucus was alarmed at the prospect that the number of blacks in the Illinois General Assembly might decline. At that point, Obama stepped to the forefront of the effort to preserve as many black seats as possible. The Defender quotes Obama as saying that, “while everyone agrees that the Hispanic population has grown, they cannot expand by taking African-American seats.” As in the casino dispute, Obama stressed black unity, pushing a plan that would modestly increase the white, Hispanic, and Asian population in what would continue to be the same number of safe black districts. As Obama put it: “An incumbent African-American legislator with a 90 percent district may feel good about his reelection chances, but we as a community would probably be better off if we had two African-American legislators with 60 percent each.”

Hmmmmm.

DrSteve on September 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM

Why do they need a path to American citizenship? You do understand that they ALREADY ARE citizens of countries, just not the US. They don’t need anyone giving them extra citizenships. That’s just plain stupid.

On top of it, we get to decide who we want living in OUR COUNTRY and who we want to invite to become citizens.

So ship ‘em back? Lol, do you know how retarded that sounds?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Did you read my post? Where was there any talk of shipping people anywhere? And then you talk about how ‘retarded’ something sounds that I didn’t say? ROFLMAO.

progressoverpeace on September 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM

“How does that work?”

um, like it has for the last year — you bust 100 at, say, a meat-packing plant and suddenly another 400 in and around town decide they don’t want to be around for the next raid and all of the sudden the help wanted sign goes up in the window and — whatdoya know — LOCAL CITIZENS start applying[!]

Buckaroo on September 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM

Yep, on this issue and McCain’s drinking of the global warming Kool-Aid, and even on Healthcare (read that, socialized medicine) we are going to have to get Mac’s mind right.

Right now the McCain camp is basking in success BECAUSE he listened to his base and picked Palin, we will have to show him that things go well when you listen to the base. And things don’t go well when you don’t. But we will have to save that lesson for later.

Maxx on September 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM

The issue is #1 – security. We MUST know who is coming in, where they are, and what they are doing.

McCain wants a fence.

The issue 2ndly – the millions of immigrants and their families are straining beyond imagination, our hospitals, all healthcare, our legal system, our schools. It will eventually collapse our way of life, as we know it. We can’t possibly take care of everyone who wants to be in our country.

So how do you round them all up and kick them out?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM

Between these types of ads and the public embracement of Latino rap stars such as Daddy Yankee, McCain is seriously moving to court the Mexicano vote.

Or as McCain says, Yankee is one of his ’special friends’…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK69Lm_1SrQ

bayam on September 12, 2008 at 1:36 PM

Buckaroo,

“Well, there you go again, John”.

This is exactly what it’s like when your spouse, who has previously been caught sleeping around on you and whom you have forgiven, comes home late smelling of cologne or perfume that isn’t in your bathroom. The suspicion and feelings of betrayal come back even stronger because of the Charlie Brown Syndrome (that’s where CB always believes this is the time when Lucy won’t pull the ball back). You feel like a fool right after you’re made to be a fool.

Words matter. He’s even said he had learned his lesson about immigration and what the people want.

I have no problem with immigration reform, even when preceded by the word “comprehensive”. Reform consists of three elements:

1. Secure the border.
2. Kick out the squatters
3. Anyone who wants back in gets in line and takes a number.

It’s that basic.

BobMbx on September 12, 2008 at 1:36 PM

I am sure the American people can help McCain make the right choices when it comes to immigration reform. I believe he will listen to the people and work for the people. The point is that we need to secure our borders and funnel desirable immigrants into our country then weed out undesirables. If the fail to be good citizens, we put them in jail, then jerk their citizenship just before they are released then send them home.

mindhacker on September 12, 2008 at 1:36 PM

The immigrants come because Mexico sends them. If we deport them or make them self-deport back, we will all have about six months of fast emergency rooms, un-crowded housing, and schools that teach in English….

Then the Castro/Chavez candidates win the next Mexican election, Mexican law enforcement goes back to shaking down tourists and sitting on their hands when it comes to real crime, and the gang wars flare up even more in the absence of Mexican-American law enforcement cooperation.

I mean, Chavez is frakking up by the numbers, and the only thing missing from Fidel’s death is the announcement. Can’t we at least wait until the Venezuela route is no longer open to Mexico before we antagonize them?

Sekhmet on September 12, 2008 at 1:36 PM

Just want to point out…the political equivalent of this would be Barack Obama running ads pointing out his support for the energy bill (specifically the tax breaks/incentives for oil/gas companies).

truthmattersfa on September 12, 2008 at 1:36 PM

okay:

secure borders=Hell yeah
guest worker prorgram=I have no problem with
reform?=as someone who spent three years getting his wife back in the country from Venezuela legally, our current process needs to be updated.

path to citizenship=Nope.

This is a small argument we can have with him later. There’s a greater cause for us to get behind. Keeping Obama out of the White House.

I’d rather have a headache than a case of hemorrhoids any day of the week.

Pcoop on September 12, 2008 at 1:37 PM

Question: does anyone else on this thread live or work anywhere near a heavily populated illegal immigrant population?
I do. The idea of sending back those who came here illegally sounds great in theory. Put into practice, it is impossible. Perhaps you can send a small percentage back, but until the border is secure, they will just come back again. Until our border is secure, it is futile to think we can make a dent in this problem.

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:37 PM

maybe small is a poor choice of words..

Pcoop on September 12, 2008 at 1:37 PM

Neither do I. My whole issue is what to do with the people already here? Sure, you can get some of them, and make them go to the back of the line, but all 12 million? Not a chance.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM

It’s a fair point.

I favor the elimination of the jobs magnet, thus first encouraging them to self-deport.

The government’s official policy can be to deport on discovery, with the condition of federal discretion.

But the jobs are the key. Take those away, and they’ve no reason to stay.

Hawkins1701 on September 12, 2008 at 1:37 PM

I pretty new here, is that Nickj166 guy a troll? We keep saying that we want to make it difficult to be here illegally and they can go back themselves and he keeps repeating that how are we to ship back 12 million illegals.

Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

So how do you round them all up and kick them out?

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM

You’re either not paying attention, are a simple troll, or simply stupid. Your question has been answered at least ten times in this very thread, yet you keep repeating the same question.

Gregor on September 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

This is the issue that we will have to hold McCain’s feet to the fire. I’m thrilled that the Demos seem to be on our side.
“What did these illegal immigrants ever do to put so many people “on the side” of basic enforcement of longstanding American law?”
Great question AP. It might be the fact that the cost of illegal immigrants is so great that it cuts into the welfare system, health care and public schools, to such a degree that American citizens have become aware that a tax dollar can only go so far. Could it be that, since McAmnesty is a compaaaaasionate conservative, they must take the opposite tack and show their true (racist) colors?
What IS the black community’s stance on say, Mexicans getting preference over a brother? Are they not mortal enemies in gangland or am I just a naive conservative from S. Cal?

Christine on September 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

I also think there should be very harsh penalties for anyone caught using someone else’s social security number. I have no problem with immigrants, I do have a problem with identity theives and law breakers who have shown time and time again they have no respect for our country’s sovreignty (only our money).

Anna on September 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012
PALIN in 2012

say it with me…..

SDarchitect on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM
As far as conservatives are concerned,
like Rodgers and Hammerstein said, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”

TexasJew on September 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

I lived through the Carter administration (as a teenager). I don’t want to go through that again. I don’t want socialism. But I do want to win this election – more than any other since Reagan-Carter.

connertown on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM

Ex-act-ly. And if it means going back to getdrunkandvoteformccain.com again, I can do that.

labwriter on September 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

Nuance ~ poison pills being what? All the garbage the Dems wanted added to the shamnesty bill? McCain is reframing and trying to stay away from the quicksand. Good luck, John.

Connie on September 12, 2008 at 1:39 PM

1) Stop the current influx via fence, more border patrol agents, etc. First and foremost you stop the inflow before you even consider doing anything else (guest worker, citizenship, etc.)
2) Remove as many currently in the country as possible. First start with the criminals (i.e. those who have been convicted and/or arrested for crimes). Then work your way down to those who have been ordered deported, etc.
3) Continue and strengthen workplace enforcement. This will not only allow the government to deport those they catch using fake SS#’s, etc., but eventually it will start to encourage those that are here to leave on their own.

So let’s do it.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:39 PM

But the jobs are the key. Take those away, and they’ve no reason to stay.

Hawkins1701 on September 12, 2008 at 1:37 PM

Exactly. Remove the incentives to stay and they will have to leave on their own.

Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 1:40 PM

The way it is right now in the states that have passed laws on it. It IS working as we speak. Which is good for the states that do it, the ones that don’t can have the economic headaches.

Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM

True, I remember some posts here about that. I work in South Dallas and it is akin to being in a Mexican village in Mexico. I just don’t see any attrition here whatsoever. There are Mexican buslines that are based here that I see every day on my commute. They all seem to be Northbound.

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:40 PM

2) Remove as many currently in the country as possible. First start with the criminals (i.e. those who have been convicted and/or arrested for crimes).

They are criminals by virtue of being here ILLEGALLY.

Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 1:41 PM

Attrition through enforcement? Sounds great. How does that work?

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 PM

It’s a multi-step program. First of all, stop (or at least significantly reduce) the number of illegals coming into the country by securing the border. Second, prioritize the deportation of illegals who have committed major crimes (drugs, robbery, fraud, gang violence, etc.). Finally, deny illegals access to jobs and benefits (free health care, free education, etc.) so it’s very difficult for them to be here. It’s not the fastest process, but it’s already proven effective on a local level.

amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 1:41 PM

McCain is McCain and I expect nothing else. Given that, I wote back in mid-July that if he’s going to Hispander, he should hammer that Obama actually killed the reform bill. If McCain’s base has to live with McCain’s position, the Dems should have to live with Obama’s.

Karl on September 12, 2008 at 1:42 PM

I’m so confused. I agree with everyone about building a fence, but what is wrong with some sort of path to citizenship? What is wrong with a guest-worker program? What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

They enacted almost the exact same “path to citizenship” back in 1986 (except they properly called it amnesty), with promises to secure the border and crack down on workplace enforcement. About 3 million got amnesty.

Now, 22 years later we have some 12 million illegals, an unsecured border, and poor enforcement. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Secure the border and enforce immigration law, then and only then should other immigration reforms be considered. Otherwise we’ll be having this same debate in another 20 years. In the meantime, enforcement crackdowns diminish the incentive for illegals to cross the border or stay here.

Hollowpoint on September 12, 2008 at 1:42 PM

Question: does anyone else on this thread live or work anywhere near a heavily populated illegal immigrant population?
I do. The idea of sending back those who came here illegally sounds great in theory. Put into practice, it is impossible. Perhaps you can send a small percentage back, but until the border is secure, they will just come back again. Until our border is secure, it is futile to think we can make a dent in this problem.

carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 1:37 PM

As I sit here at my home computer, I am about 200 yards from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and I can certainly second your comment.

TexasJew on September 12, 2008 at 1:42 PM

What are you gonna do? Round up 12 million people and haul ‘em out?

Not gonna happen.

nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 1:19 PM

How do you deport 12 million, you ask?

One at a time. Better get cracking!

HYTEAndy on September 12, 2008 at 1:42 PM

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