It appears that the House GOP critters are telling President Bush something we have seen as of late in the starboard side of the blogosphere: namely, it is hard to appear to support his other policies when he is doing everything he can to blow off our concerns and policy stances, along with demeaning us
(Washington Times) Conservative leaders among House Republicans say that President Bush’s upcoming showdown with them on immigration could threaten support for the Iraq war as well as for the president’s other top policy goals.
"The White House should keep in mind that if they have a direct confrontation with House Republicans on [immigration], it could affect the vote on the Iraq appropriation in September," said Rep. Peter T. King, New York Republican. "It will not affect me. I intend to stand by the president. But I do think it is something they should keep in mind for other Republicans who are borderline."
Mr. King last week introduced legisla Mr. King last week introduced legislation that would focus on border security while eliminating many of the guest-worker and path-to-citizenship provisions in the Senate proposal, which he called an "amnesty bill."
Rep. Adam H. Putnam, Florida Republican, warned that a lackluster immigration bill could do "irreparable harm" to House Republican support for the president.
I have seen bloggers throughout the ‘sphere doing their best to support policies like the Iraq War, but it is more in terms of supporting the troops and the mission, rather then Bush. Some have gone to amazing lengths to avoid associating Bush with their posts, tying their posts up like a pretzel.
Many have barely touched on Bush, other then his immigration policies. Some have even gotten blogapathy, or just ignored politics, for the most part.
We know what the "right thing to do" is, as I am sure those House GOP folks do. How do you get pumped up to support the right things, when your leader is pushing the wrong thing?
There is no doubt that immigration reform is necessary. But this should not include amnesty for absconders, murderers, rapists, gang members, and others who are criminals. Nor should it include amnesty for most illegal aliens. Yes, there are some grey areas, and some room for allowing some illegals to stay. But nothing should start until the federal government follows through and secures the borders. They haven’t even shown good faith in getting that done.
There are important issues to be solved with immigration and temporary workers that should not be ignored, such as
(Raleigh N&O) The Senate bill would expand the federal H-2A program that funnels foreign workers into U.S. fields each growing season. It would cut bureaucratic red tape for farmers.
It also would slash wages for Martinez, Riano and thousands of other legal farm workers. Some farmers and their advocates say the bill wouldn’t cut wages far enough.
The bill would bring a 16 percent wage cut for workers in North Carolina, rolling back wages from the current guaranteed $9.02 an hour to 2003 levels of $7.57 an hour.
It also could boost longtime workers’ chances of earning permanent status and green cards.
People who want to do it the right way, who do not want to break the laws, and would like a chance at permanent status. Nothing wrong with that. Except one little thing: these migrant workers tend to send a ton of money back home. Money earned here, but not spent here. Not the greatest thing for our economy. But, it is better knowing who they are, having some measure of control, and getting the work done.
If the government really wanted to slow illegal immigration down, they would start with those who employ them. Make the penalties for employing illegals so punative that companies will think long and hard before hiring them. Free enterprise is a cornerston of Conservatism, but not at the expense of breaking the law.
President Bush may think he is doing the right thing, and, as he has said, he would rather be right then popular. But, it is up to him to prove that it is the right thing if he wants support.
Meanwhile, Senators are hearing from the grass roots, ie, the American People. The pressure is on. However, some just do not get it
"We know what they’re against. What are they for?" asked Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts.
Clear the Scotch out of your ears, Senator. We are for securing the borders. We are for keeping illegals who harm Americans out of the country. Get that done, and the rest can fall in place.
And, if the Feds do not want to do anything, then the States can invoke the 10th Amendment, and do it themselves.
