Bush Pressing Hard on Immigration Bill (Barf Alert)

NY Times ^ | June 1, 2007 | AP

[nj26]

President Bush challenged lawmakers on Friday to pass an immigration bill that would legalize millions of unlawful immigrants despite the harsh criticism they're hearing from voters and interest groups on both sides of the issue.

It was Bush's second personal plea in a week for support on the initiative -- one of his top domestic priorities -- part of a multi-front effort by his administration to bolster lawmakers in both parties as the Senate resumes a searing debate on immigration.

''No matter how difficult it may seem for some politically, I strongly believe it's in this nation's interest for people here in Washington to show courage and resolve and pass a comprehensive immigration reform,'' Bush told a group of activists, lobbyists and analysts who have pushed for an overhaul.

Lawmakers, at home during a weeklong recess, are hearing from conservatives who decry the measure as overly lenient and from liberals who are clamoring for its passage even as they complain it is filled with problems.

Bush acknowledged those gripes, but he added, ''The question people have to answer is, are we going to sacrifice the good for the sake of the perfect?''

The president also took on those -- mostly in his own party -- who brand the bill as amnesty for lawbreakers.

''This bill isn't amnesty,'' Bush said. ''For those who call it amnesty, they're just trying to, in my judgment, frighten people about the bill. This bill is one that says we recognize that you're here illegally and there's a consequence for it.''

[nj26]

Still afraid to call his amnesty bill by its rightful name...

[television is just wrong]

amnesty is when they go home without being charged as criminals. This is just a damn handout, AGAIN.

When Ted Kennedy agrees with you something is VERY WRONG.

[muawiyah]

It’s not good public policy to encourage lawbreaking.

[sionnsar]

Bush acknowledged those gripes, but he added, ''The question people have to answer is, are we going to sacrifice the good for the sake of the perfect?''

How about we sacrifice it for something better?

[tflabo]

[sionnsar]

This bill is one that says we recognize that you're here illegally and there's a consequence for it.

Now pull the other leg, Mr. Bush.

[operation clinton cleanup]

It was Bush's second personal plea in a week for support on the initiative -- one of his top domestic priorities

Just like Social Security reform was a couple of years ago?

[unixfox]

''This bill isn't amnesty,'' Bush said."

If it walks like a duck...it sh!ts like a duck.

[A CA Guy]

I am mad at our President regarding this issue.
He is border line retarded on this issue IMO.

He will bury the Republicans in the House and Senate.

[rockinqsranch]

“’’This bill isn’t amnesty,’’ Bush said. ‘’For those who call it amnesty, they’re just trying to, in my judgment, frighten people about the bill.”

I just responded to a friend about this article in an email prior to coming to FR.

I said the irony is that it is Bush whom is frightening as nobody seems to know where the “H” he is coming from. He is supposed to be the President of the United States, not Mexico. FWIW.

[P-40]

that would legalize millions of unlawful immigrants

So they are 'unlawful immigrants' now? What happened to 'undocumented workers?'

[Duke Nukum]

Now he’s showing that Eastern liberal contempt for America.

What a bill of goods.

[harpo11]

''No matter how difficult it may seem for some politically, I strongly believe it's in this nation's interest for people here in Washington to show courage and resolve and pass a comprehensive immigration reform,'' Bush told a group of activists, lobbyists and analysts who have pushed for an overhaul.

Just who made George W. Bush king? This is not courage. This is not for the nation's interest. This is cowardice. This is for special interest's interest. And, just who made Washington the house of lords?

[BurtSB]

Have you ever seen such a positive article by the sworn enemy of the repub party.
And to think Jorge is a Harvard graduate and does not see this ?
Jorge and his Texas gang have alot at stake in this sell off the USA and the Repub party. !

[South40]

This picture says it all.

P

[kingu]

''This bill isn't amnesty,'' Bush said. ''For those who call it amnesty, they're just trying to, in my judgment, frighten people about the bill. This bill is one that says we recognize that you're here illegally and there's a consequence for it.''

So, without this bill, they wouldn't be here illegally? And this makes them go home? Or does it waive away the illegality of their actions and make it permissible for them to stay? Because if it does, it's amnesty. There is no rational repercussions for their illegal actions.

So, Mr. President, stop trying to put lipstick on a pig.

[umgud]

I don’t want the 12-20 million illegals already here. At the stroke of a pen, these folks will have instant legal status (amnesty) and will be able to bring in their spouses, kids and parents sooner rather than later. This could give us 10’s of millions more people in the short term and this doesn’t count new offspring thereafter. Call me racist, but I don’t want to inundate this country with this many millions of 3rd word immigrants.

[richardtavor]

I never thought we would be railing the President for his beliefs and his resolve, but he is flat wrong. If he has lost us on Free Republic, he no longer has any support. I pray that he comes to is senses soon.

[South40]

''This bill isn't amnesty,'' Bush said."

[fatima]

I really don’t understand this because this is the first thing he talked about after we lost the election and he said this with a smile and something he was looking forward too.So how is it good for us ?I know a lot of people who are not happy with this.This is my 2nd try at posting.