Wednesday, May 17: This post is closed. If you want to discuss illegal immigration (a misnomer if I ever heard one!), click over to the latest post.
Update II (5/16 @ 7:07 p.m.): Mexico threatens lawsuits over Guard. Nice.
Sailer: “The future of the GOP lies not with the Hispanic vote but with overlooked middle-class Americans.”
Update (5/16 @ 7:30 a.m.): Polipundit, the anonymous host of the popular group blog of the same name, has issued a new editorial policy to bloggers Lorie Byrd, DJ Drummond, Jayson, and Alexander K. McClure.
Based on the policy (which he briefly explains), Lorie has decided to leave the group blog. From her personal blog:
I received a lengthy email from Polipundit tonight alerting us to an editorial policy change that included the following: “From now on, every blogger at PoliPundit.com will either agree with me completely on the immigration issue, or not blog at PoliPundit.com.”
Apparently Lorie doesn’t agree completely with Polipundit’s position. The illegal immigration issue is potent, and it’s driving a wedge between Republicans and conservative in the blogosphere. Polipundit has every right to make the rules on his blog, so he can’t be faulted for that. I support his decision. (I considered guest bloggers at LBC, and I would have selected conservative Christians whose worldview matched my own.) Yesterday I linked to his El Presidente post and highly recommended it. I share his outrage, and it’s good to know that at least one conservative blogger feels as angry as I do about illegal immigration.
It is a slap in the face that George Bush is pushing his will on the American people. That’s not a president; that’s a dictator, and I hope true conservatives in Congress fight him to the death, figuratively speaking.
Lorie was one of the bloggers who disagreed with my impeachment post, but I still like her. She’s given me generous linkage on the high traffic blog through the years. Lorie’s leaving Polipundit on principle, and I respect her for it.
If Bush continues to push amnesty, expect more posts calling for his impeachment. I don’t march in lockstep with any political party. I may lose readers. Groups of bloggers may even de-link me from their rolls. It’s happened before, yet I’m still here, ranked high and drawing over 4,000 visitors a day. Do what you think is right. That’s all each of us is trying to do.
***
I’ve written about illegal immigration a lot in the past 2.5 years, so I encourage you to check out the Immigration category (keep scrolling). I discuss and link to a number of disturbing facts and stats, including undocumented (paperless!) illegal aliens working as airplane mechanics (!), once-eradicated diseases making a comeback (when you sneak over the border, you get to skip the medical exam), the toll on the already over-burdened welfare system, etc. I didn’t suddenly jump on a bandwagon.
Visit Truth Laid Bear’s live-blogging page for bloggers’ reactions to Bush’s amnesty-for-illegal-aliens speech.
Steve Sailer: “If this speech reassures conservatives, we definitely are the Stupid Party…” He also discusses citizenship and residency, two different things.
Mychal Massie: “America cannot afford to applaud the president for a promise to strengthen our borders, without a specifically defined way to repatriate the illegal aliens residing within our borders — no matter how long they have been here.”
From one of MSNBC’s blogs: “And so we find conservative blogger LaShawn Barber, always reliable for defying expectations…”
May it always be so.
National Review Online: “In his Oval Office address, the president squandered what was probably his last chance to reconnect with conservatives on immigration. They will undoubtedly note that the president has waited six years to start talking about enforcement, and will accordingly ask why he can’t postpone his amnesty long enough to give enforcement a try? A speech that had reiterated his support for amnesty in theory, but conceded that enforcement had to come first, would likely have won significant public approval and helped shape events in Congress.”
Lawrence Auster: “To say that the granting to illegal aliens of temporary legal status leading to permanent legal status is not an amnesty is one of the biggest lies in American political history, and our president and his supporters such as Sen. McCain have made a career out of promulgating this lie.”
Debbie Schlussel: “Bush doesn’t care about the borders, or he wouldn’t have waited until 5.5 years into his presidency to do something about it…But he does care about elections. And those are just 6 months away. Timing is everything.”
As I wrote before, it’s taxation without meaningful representation.
Rich Lowry: “Having the National Guard sharpen pencils and fetch coffee for the Border Patrol can’t fix our broken immigration system. It is no substitute for a fence, nor for real interior enforcement that punishes employers for hiring illegal labor…That a president from the country’s law-and-order party has been so blase about both when it comes to immigration presents an obvious opening to the opposition. Shrewder Democrats are picking up on it…Bush’s heart just isn’t in enforcement. Perhaps it’s a tribute to his sincerity that he is so bad at faking it.”
I like this theory.
————————————————————————————————————————-
7:46 p.m.: I’ve changed my mind about live-blogging the speech. I covered it in January. Here’s the text of the speech. People standing in line to immigrate legally will hear a big fat, “Screw you!” so I urge them not to listen.
You may “live-comment” the speech, if so inclined. I think I’ll read a book instead. Goodnight.
—————————————————————————————————————————
As if it will make any difference in the scheme of things, I’ll be live-blogging President George Bush’s speech tonight, but the thread is open for commenting now.
Bush knows a majority of Americans oppose amnesty for illegal aliens and dislike him for pushing it, so he’s going prime-time to offer the people a few crumbs words of encouragement.
Bush’s boy Vicente Fox, all frantic about our country’s alleged plan (and right) to guard its own borders, called Bush, who assured him the border beef up is only temporary and will not be a “militarization.” What a thoughtful man, our president
I predict that his speechwriters will insult our intelligence and present unsustainable and bad argumentation supporting amnesty for border jumpers, including the straw man “We are a nation of immigrants!” and the claim that deporting millions of illegal criminals is impractical. He’ll toss us a half-chewed border enforcement bone to throw us off the trail.
I’m not that hungry. Are you?
- I agree with this blogger.
- Counseling Kevin writes about “restorative assimilation.”
- Steve Sailer on “marketing major post-modernism.”
- Michelle Malkin on Bush’s charade. Ha! Loving the Hot Air, Michelle.
- If Republicans hate my “King George” references, they must really hate Polipundit’s “El Presidente” label. The post is a must-read. An excerpt:
Tens of thousands of legal hi-tech guest workers who’ve been working here for several years are not allowed to join the line for citizenship, at the front or back. The 6 billion “decent human beings†around the world, who have never violated US or other laws, are not allowed to join the line, at the front or back.
The privilege of joining the line for US citizenship will be reserved for those who can prove that they’ve been committing immigration fraud, work fraud, forgery, and perjury for at least five years. Yet, this is supposedly not an “amnesty†for them.
The whole amnesty idea is shameful, and Bush should bear the consequences for even talking about it. Yet bloggers jumped all over me for a hypothetical article of impeachment! I’m constantly (and pleasantly) reminded these days why I never registered for the Republican party. And never will.
- Outside the Beltway asks why the “ridiculous step” of troops on the border?
- Right Wing News (also live-blogging) hopes it’s not a gimmick.
- Marc Cooper blogs of blood and mops.
- Kudos to Scott Ott for making me laugh during these frustrating times. For some reason I love reminding readers that he’s a Christian.
- Tim Graham blasts the left-leaning Washington Post on its coverage of the patriotic Minuteman Project.
- NZ Bear is tracking bloggers doing live coverage of tonight’s speech. Add your link.
- Uh-oh. Talk of sedition goes on at Ace in the Hole.
(AFP photo)
President Bush “Mi Casa Es Su Casa”
The President, fresh from tough talk about the border last week, plans to address the nation tonight, using the bully pulpit to tell illegals that they have nothing to worry about; they’re not goin’ no where.
“We must reject amnesty, but recogni…
Trackback by Super Fun Power Hour — 05.15.06 @ 8:31 am
I will listen to the President tonight and hope that he does the “right thing” but quite honestly, I doubt he will.
I am totaly clueless in understanding what this President is doing.
Comment by joaquin — 05.15.06 @ 8:48 am
FOLLOW-UP IV (05/15/06): La Shawn Barber writes: Bush’s boy Vicente Fox, all frantic about our country’s alleged plan (and right) to guard its own borders, called Bush, who assured him the border beef up is only temporary and will not be a “militarization.†What a thoughtful man, our president.
Pingback by A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT — 05.15.06 @ 8:51 am
El Presidente Jorge Bush is up to his old tricks again.. The whole bait and switch.
I am completely against amnesty, as are many other people I have spoken with. Bush’s response to this will be to maximize the “guest-worker program” (a cover for amnesty) and exploit it to get what he really wants and not what the Citizens of the USA are asking for.
As a republican voter who cast a ballot for Bush (I just can’t stand Kerry) I am completely crushed at his leadership as of late. After Sept.11th the borders should have been sealed with new walls and hi-tech cameras. It is ridiculous that our country, my country is playing host to Fox and his criminal posse.
I am tired off all the BS, political mumbo jumbo, and lies… They must think we are stupid, mindless beings who aren’t capable of sensing corruption and manipulation. As free-thinking citizens we have the right to voice our opinions and should take our country back from these illegal criminals who think we owe them something.
I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!
“The Spitfire Patriot”
Comment by Spitfire — 05.15.06 @ 8:57 am
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
Here we go again. President Bush is continuing the homeland security dog-and-pony charade in his quest to deliver a massive “guest worker”/amnesty plan to the open-borders lobby. A few weeks ago, Bush’s Department of Homeland Security put on a bogus…
Trackback by Michelle Malkin — 05.15.06 @ 9:07 am
I would think that little or nothing will be done before the election; both sides will benefit from accusing the other of inaction; and this is one of those issues which will “energize” (read : “anger”) the base of both sides enough to make them come out and vote; so both sides will stoke the fires as much as possible.
A few simple things–like ending the anchor baby provision, and issuing guest worker cards to entrants (which would end coyotes and smuggling and let us identify exactly who is coming into the country) would seem to be no-brainers.
Then, unless you want to organize a mass round-up of ten million plus Hispanics (and one million Chinese), you’re going to have to accept the fact that they are here to stay, and get on with the business of integrating them into our society (which means putting their kids in schools and making Americans out of them).
Screaming “send them all back” at a high decible level just isn’t going to be feasible in this world, sorry.
Comment by Seahawk — 05.15.06 @ 9:17 am
Bush To Talk About Immigration As He Gets Caught In Political Pincer (UPDATED)
Tonight all the major TV networks will carry live a speech by President George Bush on immigration…a speech that will be highly significant and could put Bush in a political pincer.
Why? Because he’ll be proposing getting the National G…
Trackback by The Moderate Voice — 05.15.06 @ 9:21 am
Bush to preempt ‘24′ with retread speech
Newsflash! Someone at Powerline almost, kinda sorta takes a position opposed to President Bush! (Hint: it’s not Hinderaker, who would instantly burst into flames if he even tried…)
Trackback by ReidBlog — 05.15.06 @ 9:45 am
Troops at the Border Will Be Temporary
The Washington Post is confirming what I blogged about a couple days ago - that troops at the border would be a temporary fix.
Trackback by The Dragon and the Phoenix — 05.15.06 @ 9:47 am
LaShawn Barber seems to think this speech will be insulting to those that want to see the law enforced. She is probably right. Read her entire post why here…
Pingback by Swap Blog — 05.15.06 @ 9:51 am
What’s the Deal with Fox, Does he have pictures of GB with animals??
Disgusting!
Comment by mike — 05.15.06 @ 9:52 am
Seahawk,
a mass round up is not needed. All that would be required to re locate 80% of those from south of the border is to simply remove the incentives that bring and keep them here. Really enforce employer sanctions, do not allow those with no legal right to social services access…simple economics..no pesos no desire to stay. But you are right about little being done before the 06 mid term elections. Not because it benefits both parties but because it benefits the democrats. Their base is more likely to suuport an open border policy then the republican base. And since the perception is that the Republicans control both houses and the White House who will suffer more by alienating their base?
LeShawn,
I agree that I am not expecting much from Bush the second. He has never shown any understanding of what the people really want on this issue.
Comment by Jim — 05.15.06 @ 10:23 am
In Holy Trinity Church vs. U.S. 1892 the Supreme Court ruled that a law had been misapplied in the case of a church paying the transportation costs of an English Minister to come from England to be their pastor.
What was the law in question intended to do? It was intended to keep business from importing what was essentially slave labor into the U.S. and thus depressing wages. The only thing that’s changed in over a 100 years is that business no longer has to pay the freight.
Our border patrol is inadequate to the task of securing the borders and could use some help from the National Guard while being built up for the task. Seahawk is right in that those who are here are here to stay. I could live with that if only I thought it might end there. Let’s see, amnesty in the 70’s for 3 million and now we have somewhere between 10 and 20 million in the same boat. If you’re not going to fix the leak in the boat, don’t talk to me about what to do with the water that’s already been taken on. It’s the water that’s still coming in that will sink the boat.
Comment by Mike O — 05.15.06 @ 10:42 am
Jim,
“remove the incentives that bring and keep them here.”
Well, believe it or not, it’s not just money (the paycheck). It’s also the chance to get ahead. The technical schools here are jammed with Hispanics (they used to be mainly Anglo). That kind of advanced education isn’t available for these people in Mexico.
A cheap house here in a broken-down neighborhood is still a marvel to them, because you turn on a tap inside and get water (instead of going to a well or a communal tap down the street); there are flush toilets, there is a kitchen with appliances, you can acquire a car, your kids can go to a school with computers, and if they work at it they can dream of becoming doctors or lawyers. (Impossible for a poor Indian from Guatemala if he stays at home.)
So a part of this is about the American dream, which is still alive, and the hope that everyone has to make something better for their children.
(translation : after they’ve seen the USA, they ain’t going back. . .)
Comment by Seahawk — 05.15.06 @ 10:43 am
Cero, nada hope for tonight. After Karl Rove said recently that immigrant-friendly policies would help the GOP, so they want to reach out to the fast growing Latino vote. What Mr Rove has not said is that he was referencing to “ilegal immigrants-friendly policies” and not to legal immigrants. I know that. I’m a legal immigrant and Mr Rove does’not speaks for me.
Comment by ed eklo — 05.15.06 @ 10:53 am
I love watching Conservatives implode!
Keep it up, La Shawn!
My pleasure! - Admin
Comment by Jesse — 05.15.06 @ 10:57 am
The President is set to give a speech on illegal immigration tonight, and La Shawn Barber will be liveblogging it, so keep an eye on this link during the speech.
Pingback by Ninth State — 05.15.06 @ 11:08 am
And now I hear the latest Senate bill allows illegals to send for their extended families, as well as increasing the amount of uneducated immigrants from Mexico and decreasing the amount of educated immigrants. Unbelievable! I say throw the whole damn bunch of senators and congressmen who support this travesty out of office!
Comment by dianne — 05.15.06 @ 11:19 am
A first: Bush Address Comes pre-Fisked
…rather than rant on about what this person who purportedly is our “leader” will say this evening, I’ll just serve as a guide to the thoughts of others who are, in effect, pre-Fisking this laughable attempt to con America…
Trackback by Unabashedly Unhyphenated — 05.15.06 @ 12:11 pm
Round-up at Polipundit Right Wing News Cavalier X La Shawn will be liveblogging. Scrappleface spoofs. Bizzy Blog on more things Bush won’t talk about tonight. Scott Johnson on the flabbergastingly idiotic Hagel-Martinez bill. Andrew McCarthy dispenses with the mass deportation canard. John Derbyshire on the Bush speech: “milk-and-water leaky-bandaid stuff.” Ankle Biting Pundits: Throwing a bone…
Pingback by FullosseousFlap — 05.15.06 @ 12:17 pm
They have cute operational names for these types of things. This is Operation Poll Number Rescue.
It is a shame that the National Guard (the very organization he technically deserted from) once again has to come to Bush’s rescue.
On the plus side, maybe they can thin out the javillina for awhile. Those wild pigs are good eatin.
Comment by John Gillnitz — 05.15.06 @ 12:17 pm
>>And now I hear the latest Senate bill allows illegals to send for their extended families, as well as increasing the amount of uneducated immigrants from Mexico and decreasing the amount of educated immigrants. Unbelievable! I say throw the whole damn bunch of senators and congressmen who support this travesty out of office!>>
You know, I understand your feelings, and as far as the law (and the Senators) is concerned, I agree with you. However, I don’t see a real solution here except for securing the border to minimize the inflow, plus a national ID card. As far as any that are already here, I’d say first deport any who run afoul of the law. Don’t even try them - just ship them out. Enforce employment laws. Make getting work difficult if not impossible unless you’re legal. With a national(as unforgeable as possible) ID card, no benefits without proof of identity. That really hurts me with regard to schools - I’d really hate denying any child education - but if we’re serious, that’s what we need to do. No free medical care (although if we can bill Mexico and get paid, I’d back off of this one - maybe the same with schooling). If anyone still stays, they _really_ want to be here…chances are they’d make good citizens eventually. Oh yeah… and also ship all illegals presently in jail down to Mexico to be kept in jail there. Even if we have to pay for it - it’s got to be cheaper there than here!
On the other hand, if the whole family is here, they aren’t sending money to Mexico. I don’t like the guest worker idea - there may be benefits, but if we need the laborers, then we’re better off adjusting our immigration limits up to where we need them to be. It’s dumb to not let people in if we need them. The whole immigration bureau and the immigration laws need to be looked at and revised.
Comment by suek — 05.15.06 @ 12:28 pm
Conservatives debate Bush impeachment over immigration
A very spirited and provocative debate took place among right-wing bloggers over the past week. The question under consideration: Should George W. Bush be impeached for his failure to stop the “Mexican invasion” and protect our nation’s borders?
Trackback by Unclaimed Territory — 05.15.06 @ 12:38 pm
Will a teaspoon of fake “enforcement” help the amnesty go down? I don’t think so!!
It’s true that Bush has violated his Constitutional oath to protect and defend the nation and its laws. But as far as I am aware this isn’t an impeachable offense.
Comment by PrestoPundit — 05.15.06 @ 12:43 pm
Will President Bush stand tall or fall hard?
It’s a big day for President Bush, he’s going to give his not-amnesty amnesty speech. Michelle Malkin has a great vent of the day on her preview of Bush's immigration speech.
David Orland lists the points the speech is going to co…
Trackback by StuntShack.com — 05.15.06 @ 12:45 pm
Illegal immigration: Catching it from all sides
La Shawn Barber will be liveblogging the president’s immigration speech “as if [the speech] will make any difference in the scheme of things.†From Gun Toting Liberal: one of the conundrums of the illegal immigration debate is that a certain,…
Trackback by Pajamas Media — 05.15.06 @ 1:08 pm
Just a quick note to La Shawn, I hope you got the email I sent you regarding seditious statements being made, and allowed to stand for several hours, on the Minuteman National Blog…
Details Here:
The Minuteman National Blog
Comment by TexasFred — 05.15.06 @ 1:31 pm
Immigration Nation: News and Views
This item will be updated throughout the day. Check back. Halperin et. al. @ The Note offer “10 ½ clean big non-secrets about immigration as a political issue.” Washington Post:The We Are America Alliance of Hispanic interest groups looks for…
Trackback by Pajamas Media — 05.15.06 @ 1:35 pm
HAGEL-MARTINEZ BILL WILL TRIPLE IMMIGRATION
It doubles legal immigration from 1 mil to 2 mil people per year. Skilled worker visas cut in half from 60% to 30%. Unskilled worker visas tripled. Adds 325,000 guest workers per year.
Trackback by THE GALVIN OPINION — 05.15.06 @ 2:18 pm
I stumbled across this today. Commentary on a speech made by former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm at an immigration over-population conference in Washington D.C.
I wrote my elected representatives. I shared the letter with a friend of mine, and she asked if I would mind guest posting it at her blog. A modified copy also got sent to the White House “comments” email address. I think I also need to write RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman, who seems to think illegal immigration is no big deal. My friend heard some interview he had done, but I unfortunately missed it….
Comment by Miss Ladybug — 05.15.06 @ 2:41 pm
I don’t have any confidence in our sell-out of a president. I only wish the election was sooner than November. I fear that the country will be irreversibly damaged by the time the voters have a chance to weigh in.
Our dim-bulb president should take a look at what’s happening in Georgia. Because of our tightened immigration laws, illegals are starting to avoid public gathering places and are talking about moving to other states. Some are also talking about moving back to their countries of origin. And — shocker — the GOP is stronger than ever heading into this year’s election. If our president had any capacity for learning, he could benefit by taking a look at what’s happening in Georgia.
Comment by rightonpeachtree — 05.15.06 @ 3:19 pm
Secure the Border
Mr President,
SECURE the BORDER.
Keep the criminals out.
Make the workers obtain a visa.
Trackback by Marvin's Word — 05.15.06 @ 5:00 pm
The Numbers Game
China has become the factory of the world. 1.2 billion Chinese ensure a seemingly limitless source for cheap, but mostly unskilled labor, even at the current one-child-only policy. It seems the US wants to hedge its bet by competing with China and Indi…
Trackback by All Things Beautiful — 05.15.06 @ 6:09 pm
Jorge, are you drinking again?
Didn’t your mama tell you that little worm’s bad news? Some links and comments in anticipation of El Presidente’s much ballyhooed speech tonight:It’s Alive! Bush Betrayal Tries To Climb Out Of CoffinBy Steve Sailer After letting Ted Kennedy and John
Trackback by Small Town Veteran — 05.15.06 @ 6:11 pm
Live Blogging President Bush’s 5/15 Speech
I’m George W Bush, and I did not approve this post!
I have a feeling that Bush’s speech tonight is going to be a lot of, blah blah blah…
Trackback by Passionate America — 05.15.06 @ 6:14 pm
This won’t do
The White House speech writers should be deported. This is not — repeat, NOT — the speech Americans wanted to hear ….
Trackback by Donkey Cons — 05.15.06 @ 6:51 pm
Why do I get the feeling we will be hearing something similar to the voice of the teacher on the old Charlie Brown and peanuts cartoons?
He’s started….
wa, wa, wa wa wa…Bush said living in the shadows (I saw them on tv smiling, down’ seem like shadows George)…decent people, practice their faith, lead decent lives…beyond reach…wa, wa, wa wa wa …
nation of immigrants…
Bye, bye George…you lost me
Comment by Renee — 05.15.06 @ 8:03 pm
I’m thinking LaShawn is right here. If I watch this speech, I may end up screeching uncontrollably, scaring the cats and destroying the telly with a large blunt object.
I’ll probably watch a movie, hang out with my hubby and catch the bloggers reax tomorrow morning.
My blood pressure is already too high, and I don’t need to be yelling cusswords at the TV (as I did at my computer screen last week at work!)
My blog-posts say it all: http://www.redheadedsinger.blogspot.com - If I hear one more person say “doing the jobs Americans won’t do,” I’m going to vomit.
Comment by Lyric Mezzo — 05.15.06 @ 8:05 pm
Meh-heeeko is our neighbor and friend and they will help with illegal immigrants…
me thinks George is on meth!
Comment by Renee — 05.15.06 @ 8:08 pm
Ok, I have to turn this off…
I am getting ill..he just said temporary worker program (amnesty) because folks will do anything for a better life (cough cough covetousness)….
wa, wa,wa wa….wa, wa, wa, wa ,wa
UGH!!
Comment by Renee — 05.15.06 @ 8:11 pm
LaShawn Barber had planned to live blog Bush’s speech until Michelle Malkin posted this preview. Hmmm.
Pingback by Alabama Watch — 05.15.06 @ 8:13 pm
My Reaction To The President’s Speech
I have to say, I’m not happy at all with the President’s speech. He touched on a couple of issues that I agree with him on, but overall he’s out of touch with what Americans want.
The one part of the speech that stood out as being a good idea wa…
Trackback by Iowa Voice — 05.15.06 @ 8:46 pm
President Bush:
I am writing to express my shock and outrage at your proposed immigration policy and that embodied in the bill recently approved by the U.S. Senate. As a life long Republican voter and a man of deep patriotic instincts, I consider your policy to be a dangerous betrayal of our country and its citizens. Assertions to the contrary notwithstanding, the solution to the problem of illegal immigration is as simple as it is obvious. First, prevent further dilution of legitimate citizenship by denying birthright citizenship to all but the children of current U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. Second, erect an unbroken, impenetrable physical barrier along the Mexican border from Brownsville, TX to Imperial Beach, CA. Third, remove the illegals from our midst. This can be accomplished quickly and economically through a combination of steep fines and lengthy prison sentences for those who employ illegals, and civil forfeiture for the illegals, themselves. The illegals can also be sentenced to terms at hard labor prior to eventual deportation, their labor being mobilized to erect the border barricade. Make no mistake; the preservation of my rights of citizenship is the absolute most important political issue to me, bar none. That being the case, I unwaveringly refuse to support any political party or any candidate for office who refuses to advance the sensible program I have outlined above.
Respectfully,
SteveDinMD
Comment by SteveDinMD — 05.15.06 @ 8:55 pm
Ok another vent…
Everyone talks about Bush pandering to Meh-heeko because there are elections coming up and the folks may vote in a “real left leaner” like Chavez or something…ok…..
SOOOO!!!!!! If the Vincente Fox “friendly” “gubment” was taking care of the people, this wouldn’t be a problem. Since he is not taking care of the people (for the life of me I don’t see why our tax dollars are still going to aid that corrupt gubmnet), what in the world makes us think pandering to them is going to help (again, who cares but since we are wussies now I guess someone has to worry about it).
There seems to be only one thing to fix this (since we don’t like enforcing laws and we haven’t liked that for quite some time):
Make Mexico the 51st state and then us greedy Americans can move in, build it up, kick Fox and his crew out and that will be that (maybe they can go to france or somehwere). Think of the new tourist area and retirement communities
The Mexican military seems to do a wonderful job of protecting their southern border (better than we do here in the US…so that won’t be such a problem anymore.
Comment by Renee — 05.15.06 @ 9:02 pm
La Shawn Barber’s Corner (21 links) “I’ve changed my mind about live-blogging the speech, but you may “live-comment,” if so inclined. I think I’ll read a book instead.
Pingback by FullosseousFlap — 05.15.06 @ 10:19 pm
I don’t know why Bush and the Republicans are pushing amnesty. They will get smeared as racists by Democrats and the MSM no matter what they do. Worse still, illegal immigration will continue unimpeded under this plan. Why did Bush and the Republicans bother to get out of bed today?
Does anyone now doubt that Republicans will lose control of Congress after the elections this year? Does anyone doubt that Bush and Cheney will afterwards be illegally impeached and removed from office by the Stalinist wing of the Democratic Party? And does anyone doubt that a future President Pelosi will turn the US into a doormat for al Qaeda?
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 05.15.06 @ 10:59 pm
President Bush’s Address on Illegal Immigration: Reaction
As Americans all know, or should know, President Bush delivered a speech on the illegal immigration crisis on May 15, 2006, at 8:01 p.m, EST. The following is the full text of the speech, thanks to Instapundit, and my reaction to it.
Trackback by Ninth State — 05.15.06 @ 11:04 pm
Here We Are…These Are My Ideas
What is unique about the guest worker program and the “back of the line” sentence they will receive, is that the illegal immigrant can stay in the country, work, use government services just as he did the day before the bill passed.
Trackback by Church and State — 05.16.06 @ 12:23 am
As a Conservative who somehow finds himself politically to the right of the President(!), I’ve already started looking past him to find conservative leadership on this issue. Tancredo? I guess we have to start somewhere. HClinton tried to stand and talk tough about the borders months ago, sensing Bush’s weakness, but then she went pandering at the illegal’s rally. Expect some Republican with Presidential aspirations to grow a conscience about the borders and start talking tough in the next two years.
Comment by Doug — 05.16.06 @ 1:44 am
Well, Bush has hit rock bottom — and has started to drill and blast.
Maybe 29 percent approval moved him to speechify, unfortunately it was bad strategery to say the same exact things that have been really, really, REALLY pissing off his base.
How about insulting our intelligence by saying he’s against amnesty and in the same breath wanting to give citizenship to illegals?
It’s abundantly clear someone is using him for a hand-puppet and it’s prolly Big Business doing the real talking. No doubt they’d prefer to save big time by paying slave wages to illegals rather than having to pay Americans a wage that the market supports.
After the smoke clears and he gets impeached by a democrat-controlled house and convicted of some trumped-up charge in the democrat-controlled senate, maybe THEN he’ll have figgered he’misunderestimated how much he’s riled his core constituency.
Comment by Jurist — 05.16.06 @ 3:04 am
What’s all the broo-haha from folks saying guarding the border is not the job of the military? Ummm hello…are they not OUR military to PROTECT US from foreign invaders? Funny how we heard the opposite during the aftermath of Katrina… people crying for the military to come in and clean up (so that lazy New Orleanians can be bussed out to hotels and live large instead of taking care of their own and now complaining cause they can’t get back…. babysitting Americans is not the job of the military).
Sometimes you gotta wonder
Comment by Renee — 05.16.06 @ 8:05 am
~ Current Events - Illegal Immigration - President Bush's Speech
There were a multitude of political pundits critiquing President Bush's speech last night …
Trackback by Patricia Ann's Pollywog Creek Porch — 05.16.06 @ 8:15 am
LaShawn,
I have to say that I was dissappointed to hear your drag out the usual liberal rhetoric comparing Bush to a dictator.
He is the President of the United States, and as such he has the responsibility to represent the people of the United States, not just the Republicans. Just because you and many other conservative republicans disagree with his stance does not mean that other people don’t agree with it. Just because he is pushing a policy that you don’t like doesn’t make him a dictator and you know it. I expected better from you, I expected you to disagree with him, but “dictator?” Come on.
Comment by Matty The Dude — 05.16.06 @ 10:49 am
Face it, the illegals that are here are going to stay, and since they are, we have to do everything we can to help meld them into our society.
We can’t perfectly seal the borders (believe me, they will go first to Canada and come south if the southern border is closed); but permitting guest workers is one of the best ways to cut off illegal smuggling (and thereafter, whoever is smuggling is in it for something other than getting workers here)
So far, so good.
But understand that giving guest workers a biological ID card means giving EVERYONE in this country an ID card (since ALL Hispanics–even native-born ones, would have to show the card to prove they are here legally; no employer could take a chance hiring someone merely on their word that they are a citizen). And since (like the TSA) we can’t profile, EVERY person applying for a job would have to show his biological-ID.
And that card will evolve into much more.
One of the reasons for opposing Hillary’s health plan was because it would, in effect, have forced everyone to carry a health ID card, i.e., an identity card, which could then evolve into a national ID. Civil libertarians have fought those for decades; and the issue is more critical now that technology is more proficient.
ID cards are perfect for chasing criminals and terrorists–but also for monitoring a society. Beleive me, you don’t want the government keeping a “permanent record” of everything that you–as recorded by your biological ID–do in life (medicines, purchases, travel, books ordered,etc.etc.)
Comment by Seahawk — 05.16.06 @ 11:27 am
For once, George comes up with a halfway-reasonable, centrist plan to combat a problem that truly needs a resolution, and you all are NOW ready to impeach. Ha ha.
Good luck getting Delay, Frist or some other corrupt, immoral rat into the White House. You’ll never be happy.
Comment by Pedro Farinas — 05.16.06 @ 11:28 am
He didn’t mention closing up that ole’ 14th Amendment “have a baby automatically become citizen” program did he?
Comment by Renee — 05.16.06 @ 12:05 pm
The High Country Conservative here Sigmund, Carl and Alfred >here, >here, and >here Basil’s Blog Here Gribbitt’s World here LaShawn Barber Here
Pingback by Swap Blog — 05.16.06 @ 12:19 pm
“It is a slap in the face that George Bush is pushing his will on the American people. That’s not a president; that’s a dictator,”
Hmm. I’m not a regular visitor, so I don’t know much about previous posts on that topic. Could someone pls provide some links on stories where LaShawn protested against Bush pushing his will on liberal american people?
Comment by Gray — 05.16.06 @ 1:17 pm
I normally don’t allow people to “tell me off” on my own blog, but I was actually going to approve this comment until I read the part about my faith. What you wrote was gratuitous and unacceptable. Readers like you, I don’t want or need. - Admin
Comment by Daniel Darling — 05.16.06 @ 1:44 pm
“It is a slap in the face that George Bush is pushing his will on the American people.”
Welcome to the club.
Comment by mark — 05.16.06 @ 4:07 pm
The illegal action plan of Bush is insulting especially because he doesn’t even pretend that America matters. He treats us like scum. He and his rich friends openly sneer at an entire nation, an entire system of laws, the rich history of our democracy. Sad inside my heart. I’m overwhelmed and speechless. Dark time for a proud nation.
Comment by Sharn Cedar — 05.16.06 @ 5:49 pm
He’s not pushing amnesty, he’s pushing for indentured servitude to employers and companies.
You right wingers are going to have to face it … The Cheney administration never cared for you, or your “ideals”. You were just a means to and end.
You were used and played for dupes.
Now get used to it.
Comment by Steven — 05.16.06 @ 6:13 pm
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/05/16/mexico.immigration.ap/index.html
Comment by Renee — 05.16.06 @ 6:54 pm
Hello Lashawn,
Correct me if I am wrong,but how does Europe treat Illegal immigrants? When I speak to fellow Africans there, they tell me that as an illegal you are as good as dirt coming into European countries illegally.
Would the Mexican Diplomat that made the statement that he is prepared to take the National Guard to court(http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/05/16/mexico.immigration.ap/index.html) have that kind of guts if our country showed some kind of nerve?
What do you say Lashawn?
Comment by Idiongo Udoh — 05.16.06 @ 7:48 pm
La Shawn, good postings. You sucked me into spending more time reading this and catching up on all your recent postings than I wanted to. Bad, bad girl, just when I have all this work to do
Anyway, I still stand by my thoughts as outlined a year or so ago in a couple of your earlier columns. However, back then I was wondering if Americans were willing to pay the price for building a wall all along the Southern Front.
Well, listening to Bush’s live speech at 4am, local time, I want to amend my points to include the option of “having our cake and eating it”.
What’s missing from our catch & release program is an in-between step called compensation. I propose that before caught illegals are deported, they spend 7 days on the border building our fence. There will be two 12-hr shifts so that we can build the fence around the clock.
Yes, a chain-gang. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, old or young. When we catch you, you’re going to spend 7 days busting rock, digging post holes etc. Room & board will consist of balogna sandwiches, water and a cot in the roving tent city.
And if we should have a surplus of laborers, they can start building a fence on the Northern Front as well.
Ciao.
Comment by Andy — 05.16.06 @ 10:22 pm
Oh, one more thing, when folks start talking about impeaching Reagan, just remember the balance of political power back then. Jim Wright, Tip O’neil, and yeah even Teddy “hic” Kennedy.
While POTUS tries to set forward a vision & roadmap, it is up to Congress to concur, mandate and fund it.
While RWR can be forgiven for not have foreseen the unintended consequences of that first amnesty. For Dubya to try again in hopes of a different outcome is sheer…. The adage, “fool me once… comes to mind.
Comment by Andy — 05.16.06 @ 10:32 pm
Too Little, Too Late…
Five and a half years. That’s what its taken George W. Bush to “get serious” about securing the borders. I didn’t watch the speech on Monday night. I didn’t really need to since I had a pretty good idea what…
Trackback by Conservative Blogger — 05.17.06 @ 8:02 am