AS tired as this debate is, I will state again:
I do not think open borders and amnesty is a fair description of any Republican positions. It is hyperbole. I would love to a see a careful reaction to Huckabee’s positions on immigration as they are stated on his web site.
It may not be ideal but if borders are a federal issue, then Huckabee’s practices as a governor may not be particularly relevant.
The hyperbolic view of anti-illegal immigration advocates is returning the party to its 1990s positions which did not do that well.
I do think increased border stricture is completely warranted, but we better find a reasonable sense of this [not mass deportations] or we will lose the election.
That's where I disagree. We have open borders. R's were in complete control of the government for 4-6 years. NOTHING happened to improve the open borders in that time. The administration squashes all news about incursions of mexican military and police into the US. It refers to citizens concerned about the open borders as "vigilantes." Of course, noone in our party will admit to being in favor of open borders. But look at their actions (or inaction) and the results. A substantial part of our party is perfectly happy with the status quo on the border and will quietly work to make sure it continues. The shameful voice vote on the defunding of the border fence within the last month is a great example of that.
That a substantial portion of our party supports amnesty is brain-dead.
As to Huckabee's website, I'm skeptical of recent converts. What they say for us rubes when they are running and $3.50 will get you a triple vente latte at Starbucks. What I have heard of his record as governor on this issue is very disturbing.
I'm a hardcore social conservative. I'm an Evangelical Christian. And I think Huckabee is by far the most articulate of the Republican candidates. I was really predisposed to like him. But he's not a conservative and I don't believe recent conversions.
Show me evidence (not websites) that he will cut the growth of federal spending. That he will try to eliminate agencies and employees of the federal government. Show me that he will fight to keep taxes low, to close the border, and not get carried away with all the global warming hysteria. Show me he will spend political capital on these issues. So far, the evidence seems to me to be all to the contrary.
I don't care for Guiliani either. But at least he's honest that he's pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage. I wouldn't believe a death-bed conversion from him either.
McCain explicitly stated that "amnesty" was an important part of his bill. Guiliani sued the federal government to maintain NYC as a sanctuary for illegal aliens when it was made illegal to have sanctuary cities. Listen to Huckabee's speech to LULAC to understand his immigration position. As with any issue, it's hard to tell exactly where Romney stands a any at any particular time.
Thompson and Hunter have strong records opposing illegal immigration. Hunter has the best record of actually doing something, building the fence.
Amnesty is EXACTLY what McCain proposed. A $5K fine - for those who could pay it - and filing paperwork is indeed amnesty. And all the folks other than Hunter endorsed it until it became apparent that the country hated the idea.
I’m getting pretty tired of the moderates on this issue claiming that those of us who want strict adherence to our immigration laws use the “d” word to delegitimize our stronger stance on this topic. DEPORTATION......
DEPORTATION is not a necessity and is not one of the tools most of us even think of when talking about enforcing our laws. It would be nice, but not practical.
However, it looks like many are already planning to SELF-deport just by some of the busts by ICE and local law enforcement agencies around the country. Imagine that?!! Our local paper had a very long article in December about Mexicans, in particular, deciding it may not be a good thing to leave their country since the job markets here are already saturated with others from their country and instead look for jobs right where they are.
And it seems you have forgotten that it was Tom Tancredo in the debates that FORCED everyone else to take a stance. Even Hillary got blasted for her waffling on the issue. This is my number one issue in this election. If you are all tired of this subject then vote for McCain or Huckabee.