W-w-wait a minute with your temporary work plan, Mr. President!

AmeriConservative ^ | 8 January 2004 | Dennis Durband

[Spiff]

W-W-WAIT A MINUTE WITH YOUR TEMPORARY WORKER PLAN, MR. PRESIDENT!

By Dennis Durband

Disgusting. Unacceptable. Pathetic. Pandering.

 

That pretty well sums up how most conservatives feel about President Bush's latest sellout -- a Temporary Worker Program for border lawbreakers.

 

This is not the time for conservatives to feel as if we're backed into a corner and have no alternatives come November. The worst thing we can do is to say we'll vote for Bush anyway because we have no good alternatives.

 

This is the perfect opportunity for conservatives to make our voices heard. What's our message?

 

The guest worker program is unacceptable. Our vote is up for grabs. We cannot support a president who, despite doing well on tax cuts, wiping out terrorists and supporting the sanctity of life, has failed miserably on education, the border invasion and campaign finance reform. We have alternative candidates to consider. That will shake itself out in time. For now, let's do an in-depth examination of the president's Jan. 7th speech. I'll run some of his quotes in italics below and then follow with my reactions:

 

The Temporary Worker Program

I appreciate the members of Congress who have taken time to come: Senator Larry Craig, Congressman Chris Cannon, and Congressman Jeff Flake. I'm honored you all have joined us, thank you for coming. Every generation of immigrants has reaffirmed the wisdom of remaining open to the talents and dreams of the world. And every generation of
immigrants has reaffirmed our ability to assimilate newcomers -- which is one of the defining strengths of our country.
 

DD: Yes, Mr. President, you said it yourself: "immigrants." Since when it is our role as presidents and residents to assimilate lawbreaking border invaders who repeatedly thumb their noses at our laws and eat up our resources?
 

During one great period of immigration -- between 1891 and 1920 -- our nation received some 18 million men, women and children from other nations.
 

DD: And, Mr. President, you might be interested in knowing that those immigrants came here under the authority of American law. They were legal immigrants. Today's gatecrashers are not legal immigrants. We have not "received" them; they have come here on their own accord with no invitation or legal standing.
 

One of the primary reasons America became a great power in the 20th century is because we welcomed the talent and the character and the patriotism of immigrant families.
 

DD: Mr. President, I seriously question the patriotism of many of these Reconquestas and La Raza's.
 

The contributions of immigrants to America continue. About 14 percent of our nation's civilian workforce is foreign-born.
 

DD: Mr. President, we citizens demand the prosecution of any and all human resource and administrative representatives of companies who knowingly hire illegals. We demand and expect full cooperation with the Department of Labor on this.
 

Many immigrants also start businesses, taking the familiar path from hired labor to ownership.
 

DD: And many illegal border crashers close down businesses like hospitals.
 

As a Texan, I have known many immigrant families, mainly from Mexico, and I -
 

DD: Mr. President, we must insist that you discontinue the disingenuous blurring of the distinction between legal immigrants and illegal border invaders. Do you take us for idiots, sir?
 

They bring to America the values of faith in God, love of family, hard work and self reliance -- the values that made us a great nation to begin with.
 

DD: But the people we're concerned about today, sir, are those who disobey our law, our Constitution, our sovereignty and our border.
 

As a nation that values immigration, and depends on immigration, we should have immigration laws that work and make us proud. Yet today we do not.
 

DD: Thanks to the federal government's refusal to act, sir.
 

Illegal entry across our borders makes more difficult the urgent task of securing the homeland.
 

DD: Huh? Remember the TV commercial when the Aflack duck got totally frustrated trying to make sense of what Yogi Berra was saying? Well, the same nonsense applies here.
 

The system is not working.
 

DD: Is there an echo in here, Mr. President? We have been complaining about this for years. We have offered solid, no-nonsense solutions to the problem and you did not listen.
 

Reform must begin by confronting a basic fact of life and economics: some of the jobs being generated in America's growing economy are jobs American citizens are not filling.
 

DD: Many Americans do not have to do these jobs because illegals are already doing them. And most Americans go the legal route in pursuit of work. They respond to job ads in the newspaper, or they go down to Job Service or a business place and fill out applications for jobs. Americans don't stand on corners waiting for a guy in a pickup truck to pull over, pick them up and whisk them away to a job.
 

Yet these jobs represent a tremendous opportunity for workers from abroad who want to work and fulfill their duties as a husband or a wife, a son or a daughter.
 

DD: And a tremendous responsibility for our government and our border patrol to enforce the law.
 

Many undocumented workers have walked mile after mile, through the heat of the day and the cold of the night. Some have risked their lives in dangerous desert border crossings, or entrusted their lives to the brutal rings of heartless human smugglers. Workers who seek
only to earn a living end up in the shadows of American life -- fearful, often abused and exploited. When they are victimized by crime, they are afraid to call the police, or seek recourse in the legal system. They are cut off from their families far away, fearing if they leave our country to visit relatives back home, they might never be able to return to their jobs.
 

DD: Yes, Mr. President, lawbreaking is often associated with stress, anxiety and violence.
 

The situation I described is wrong. It is not the American way

DD: We're glad you finally see things our way.
 

Out of common sense and fairness, our laws should allow willing workers to enter our country and fill jobs that Americans have are not filling.
 

DD: Out of common sense and fairness to the American people, our laws should be enforced and our sovereignty protected.
 

We must make our immigration laws more rational, and more humane.
 

DD: No, sir. We must merely enforce our laws or remove these laws from the books if they are worth less than the paper they are printed on.
 

America must control its borders.
 

DD: We've been trying to tell you that, sir. Congressman Tom Tancredo has been trying to tell you that, sir. And your pit bull, Karl Rove, is trying to find someone who will run against Cong. Tancredo this year. We were not born yesterday, sir.
 

Following the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, this duty of the federal government has become even more urgent. And we're fulfilling that duty.
 

DD: You have done a very poor job of convincing us of that, sir.
 

For the first time in our history, we have consolidated all border agencies under one roof to make sure they share information and the work is more effective. We're matching all visa applicants against an expanded screening list to identify terrorists and criminals and
immigration violators.
 

DD: Are you doing this at the cactus patch illegal alien trail located 58 miles from the nearest town down in the desert, sir?
 

This month, we have begun using advanced technology to better record and track aliens who enter our country -- and to make sure they leave as scheduled.
 

DD: Mr. President, we are more concerned that they don't enter the U.S. in the first place. By the way, who schedules their departures, and how do we know they have any plans at all to leave "as scheduled"?
 

We have significantly expanded the Border Patrol -- with more than a thousand new agents on the borders, and 40 percent greater funding over the last two years.
 

DD: But, sir, why are there still illegal aliens on the street corners looking for work here?
 

We're working closely with the Canadian and Mexican governments to increase border security.
 

DD: That's fine. Now try working more with the American people, and try listening to us for a change.
 

Our borders should be shut and barred tight to criminals, to drug traders, to drug traffickers and to criminals, and to terrorists.
 

DD: We agree on this, Mr. President. But the government has not calmed our doubts through its inability and unwillingness to accomplish this. That's why we have citizens' patrols on the border today.
 

New immigration laws should serve the economic needs of our country. If an American employer is offering a job that American citizens are not willing to take, we ought to welcome into our country a person who will fill that job.
 

DD: I could not disagree with you more, sir.
 

We should not give unfair rewards to illegal immigrants in the citizenship process.
 

DD: We are more concerned about the unfair rewards going to illegal immigrants who have no interest in our citizenship process.
 

New laws should provide incentives for temporary, foreign workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired.
 

DD: We plan to hold you to this commitment, sir. We'll let you know how well you did on Nov. 2nd.
 

Today, I ask the Congress to join me in passing new immigration laws that reflect these principles, that meet America's economic needs, and live up to our highest ideals.
 

DD: Today, I ask Congress to reject the president's plan and to take actions to seriously protect the borders in a way that protects Americans and America's sovereignty.
 

I propose a new temporary worker program that will match willing foreign workers with willing American employers, when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs.
 

DD: It's the "temporary" part that worries me. Let's start advertising these jobs and fill them with Americans, rather than utilizing the Ford pickup human resources process.
 

This program will offer legal status, as temporary workers, to the millions of undocumented men and women now employed in the United States, and to those in foreign countries who seek to participate in the program and have been offered employment here. This new system should be clear and efficient, so employers are able to find workers
quickly and simply.
 

DD: Who's running for president for the Constitution Party?
 

All who participate in the temporary worker program must have a job, or, if not living in the United States, a job offer.
 

DD: Whoa, whoa, whoa! How about unemployed Americans?
 

The legal status granted by this program will last three years and will be renewable -- but it will have an end.
 

DD: You have endeared skepticism with this promise, Mr. President.
 

Participants who do not remain employed, who do not follow the rules of the program, or who break the law will not be eligible for continued participation and will be required to return to their home.
 

DD: That sounds like a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. Why not just preserve the integrity of our borders now and not create the need for all this red tape? Who is going to police this?
 

Under my proposal, employers have key responsibilities.
 

DD: We've seen these responsibilities carried out in the Ford pickups.
 

Employers who extend job offers must first make every reasonable effort to find an American worker for the job at hand.
 

DD: They had better offer a fair wage to the Americans.
 

Employers must not hire undocumented aliens or temporary workers whose legal status has expired.
 

DD: Sir, they are not honoring the laws we have now. Why should we believe they will honor new laws?
 

They must report to the government the temporary workers they hire, and who leave their employ, so that we can keep track of people in the program, and better enforce immigration laws.
 

DD: Just like no one is doing now.
 

There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties for anyone, for any employer violating these laws.
 

DD: We could solve a lot of problems with an executive order to this effect right now.

 

This program expects temporary workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired.

 

DD: Expectin' ain't gettin'.

 

All participants will be issued a temporary worker card that will allow them to travel back and forth between their home and the United States without fear of being denied re-entry into our country.

 

DD: Illegals are passing in and out of the country now without cards. Think of the savings of not having to print laminated cards!

 

I also support making it easier for temporary workers to contribute a portion of their earnings to tax-preferred savings accounts, money they can collect as they return to their native countries.

 

DD: How about using this tax money to reimburse the U.S. hospitals and governmental units getting zapped by illegals now? It might prevent the closing of some of the hospitals in the Southwest.

 

After all, in many of those countries, a small nest egg is what is necessary to start their own business, or buy some land for their family.
 

DD: Yes, let's focus on helping citizens of other countries start nest eggs and purchase land while some of our own businesses are being forced to close their doors and put their employees on the unemployment line.

  

The citizenship line, however, is too long, and our current limits on legal immigration are too low.

 

DD: Too low? In whose view? Many people would take exception with your statement.

 

My administration will work with the Congress to increase the annual number of green cards that can lead to citizenship.

 

DD: How much will fake green cards sell for on the black market?

 

In the process of immigration reform, we must also set high expectations for what new citizens should know.

 

DD: Why don't we first start with the students in our own public schools, who seem to be lacking in that regard, thanks to teachers and administrators imposing the humanist religion on our children, while at the same refusing to teach them anything of value.

 

Law enforcement will face fewer problems with undocumented workers, and will be better able to focus on the true threats to our nation from criminals and terrorists. And when temporary workers can travel legally and freely, there will be more efficient management of our borders and more effective enforcement against those who pose a danger to our country.

 

DD: And certainly no one would think of creating fake documents to come to America for illegal, possibly terroristic, purposes either.

 

This new system will be more compassionate.

 

DD: Then why is your conservative base so angry?

 

Decent, hard-working people will now be protected by labor laws, with the right to change jobs, earn fair wages, and enjoy the same working conditions that the law requires for American workers.

 

DD: These hard-working people will also continue, with your help, to dissolve the border and help establish your union of the Americas.

 

In a few days I will go to Mexico for the Special Summit of the Americas, where we will discuss ways to advance free trade, and to fight corruption, and encourage the reforms that lead to prosperity.

 

DD: Please don't give away the company store there, too, Mr. President.

 

Real growth and real hope in the nations of our hemisphere will lessen the flow of new immigrants to America--

 

DD: To quote the late "Duke," John Wayne: like heck it will!

 

The temporary worker program I am proposing today represents the best tradition of our society, a society that honors the law, and welcomes the newcomer.

 

DD: This doesn't say much for our society, though in this case our society seems to honor law more so than the president does.

 

This plan will help return order and fairness to our immigration system, and in so doing we will honor our values, by showing our respect for those who work hard and share in the ideals of America.

 

DD: It will do nothing of the sort. Who are you kidding, Mr. President?

 

 

As a postscript, Colorado conservative Cong. Tom Tancredo is vowing that this program will not pass in Congress. Conservatives must pressure their federal representatives to oppose the Temporary Worker Program and assure its defeat.

 

[Kay Soze]

Right

lol :)

[libertylass]

Even if this doesn't pass this year I'm not voting for Bush. I belive he will push and push for it if he's re-elected. He's lost all credibility with me.

[libertylass]

F.A.I.R.'s website has a brilliant explanation of why this plan will not work, which we already know:

http://www.fairus.org/ImmigrationIssueCenters/ImmigrationIssueCenters.cfm?ID=2250&c=15

....and here you can easily go in to send fax alerts to your congresspeople, senators, etc. It's an awesome tool!

http://capwiz.com/fair/issues/alert/?alertid=4633006&type=ML

[libertylass]

I do have to say this.....Clinton did more than Bush has done with respect to Illegal Immigration. He approved "Operation Gatekeeper" in the mid-90's at the California border. A 14 mile wall was built that worked! Illegals then moved into Arizona to cross. I can't stand that Bill or that Hillary, but Bush has done less than that for us, and I mean nothing to stop the flow into this country. Remember his INS buddy Zigler? What a loser....

[txdoda]

Excellent post !!

GWB's proposals are like a 'line in the sand'.

Obviously most citizens are against these proposals, 'no rewards for breaking our laws'.

Fox, the ILLEGALS, & their backers all say, 'these proposals are not enough & they want more'.

It's going to be *very interesting* to see WHICH side of the line Congress decides to step to.

[Arpege92]

"Why? Do you like the prospect of a President Dean or President Clark? Please remember Clinton's 8 years of pillage."

I'm not happy with Bush right now because he is basically ignoring those who put him in office in the first place. The issue of illegal aliens is too important of an issue to just allow Bush to do what he wants. I've had it with my community being turned into a small version of Mexico. I've had it with twenty family members living in one house. I've had it with those who come here illegally expecting everyone else around them to conform to there ways of life. I don't want to learn Spanish....I want them to learn English....just like my husbands family did when they came from Italy.

You don't reward illegal behavior with amnesty. Bush is wrong on this issue and I'm not going to support him when he is ignoring what legal American citizens are requesting. He was elected to speak for us....not for the illegal aliens.

I'm not voting in the 2004 election at all if this bill passes. Perhaps in that time period, Bush will wake up and realize that those who supported him in 2000 will not support him in 2004. Maybe he will change his mind....I hope he does.

[jimkress]

I'm not voting in the 2004 election at all if this bill passes.

I would suggest that no one will notice if you don't vote so the CINO Bush doesn't care. If you want to make a difference, support the US Constitution Party. In doing that your vote will be noticed and people will be forced to address your concerns.

[pgkdan]

I agree with your sentiments 100% and my opinion of Prersident Bush will never be the same. I worked for his primary campaign in Virginia and for his general election campaign. I stood out on the street every Saturday and Sunday with my signs supporting Bush while the recount debacle went on in FL. And I can say with certainty, never again. But I won't allow my anger at this "hispandering" to put me in the camp that will allow a Howard Dean or Weasley Clark get elected. I just can't let that happen.

Have you written your Congressman and Senators? I plan to put as much pressure on mine as I can. I already contacted all 3 offices by phone and e-mail and I'll have letters in the mail Monday. I've got a donor request from the local GOP on my kitchen table. They won't get a dime from me until I know where my Congressman stands on this issue and I'm letting them know that. The real fight against this bill will be in Congress, and I think we can kill it there.

Can you imagine a Howard Dean Presidency?

[Arpege92]

"Can you imagine a Howard Dean Presidency?"

I can and I don't like it at all. I guess I am more upset at the fact that Bush knows people like me are not going to vote for Dean no matter how mad I am at Bush. I'm angry that Fox is getting over on the Americans....he know's it, we know it and so does Bush.

People keep talking about how impossible it would be to round up illegal aliens and ship them back home....I disagree. I'd be more than willing to donate my truck, some money for gas to give these leaches a free one way ride to the border.

If people say that finding illegal aliens would be to hard of a job, I'd say they need to check out the Walmart in my community. Trust me, these illegal aliens stand out in a crowd....not because they look foreign, but because they can't speak a word of English. Go to the local hospital emergency room as well. They are there waiting to get treated by a doctor. The walls in the hospital are covered by signs written in English and Spanish.