Posted on 08/05/2005 1:04:32 PM PDT by Reaganwuzthebest
The president, in a wide-ranging talk, gives a hint at how he'll pitch reform measures
GRAPEVINE - President Bush told a crowd of state legislators Wednesday that he will push immigration reform as beneficial for U.S. employers as well as foreigners looking for work.
He also made an impassioned pitch for Americans to stay behind the war in Iraq.
"Immigration reform is going to be an interesting subject when we get back to Washington" in September, said Bush, who plans to spend this month at his Crawford ranch.
He argued that his proposal for a "guest worker" program is good for employers and illegal immigrants who want a mutually beneficial relationship.
"If you are a willing employer (and) you have somebody looking for work and you can't find an American, there ought to be a legal way for you to employ that person," he said. "We'd rather have people coming in with a card that said, 'I'm a legal worker,' than trying to sneak across the border."
The president has proposed a system under which immigrants would be granted worker temporary worker status, after which they would have to leave the United States. Critics have called it a thinly veiled amnesty program. Immigration reform plans have stalled in Congress so far this year, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist recently suggested a GOP push on the issue was more likely to happen next year.
Talking hours after the first reports that 14 U.S. Marines were killed in Iraq, Bush said, "The violence in recent days in Iraq is a grim reminder of the enemies we face. These terrorists and insurgents will use brutal tactics because they're trying to shake the will of the United States of America."
With polls showing that public support for continued military involvement in Iraq is eroding in the face of steady casualties, Bush relied on a familiar linkage of the war with the larger struggle against terrorism. He said Americans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan "lost their lives in a noble cause."
Speaking to 1,800 people at the American Legislative Exchange Council conference, Bush basked in recent legislative victories delivered by a GOP majority in Congress, including the Central American Free Trade Agreement and energy and highways legislation.
Bush said his priorities when Congress reconvenes after Labor Day will be immigration reform, making his tax cuts permanent, getting Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts confirmed and resurrecting his Social Security reform initiative.
Bush drew loud cheers by saying he strongly believed in private retirement accounts for workers under 55. "Now is the time to permanently fix Social Security," he said.
The event was held at a mammoth convention center where visiting legislators were introduced to Texas pride, including a large replica of the Alamo, a 10-foot-long space shuttle model and other state symbols.
I'm sorry and I know it will make some people mad, but I am loosing respect for our President when all this garbage comes out of his mouth....
"Homeland Security" is some double-speak, isn't it? It's for innocent Americans to have to remove their flip-flops at the airports and risk foot fungi, or else "choose" to be pawed in private.
That's the problem - the nuke that goes off - will only further restrict our freedoms, but we have gone so far down the liberal mental disorder path, no actual criminals will be found/punished.
Exactly, despite being a "guest" who is supposed to go home after the term is up, does anyone seriously believe that the government is going to kick someone out who has had a kid or kids here, bought or got a mortgage, and otherwise has cemented himself here?
The only plan I might favor would be if we required a natural born citizen to personally guaranty all finances for the guest, put up a surety bond of at least 100K the way trustees and executors must for estates and guardians, etc.
See post 73 for 'the plan.'
Unfortunetly, the issue debt (pay it later) and spenders aren't much better. Either way, spending outside the means (whether by taxing now or taxing plus interest later) is a bad idea.
Don't be sorry, I went through the 6 stages of depression over this myself, especially since I campaigned and volunteered for the guy!
1. Denial
2. Shock
3. Anger
4. Sadness
5. Bitterness
6. Reality.
And a workforce of mamacitas has to sleep with the boss.
ping
They're already here, even the government admits terrorists have most likely crossed the open border. It's just a matter of time now...
Whatever it is, its like importing slaves who these businesses know will not causes massa any troubles.
Seriously, who not hire an illegal if it means no HR issues, no Labor Department, no worker's comp, etc etc?
GWB, I am resigned to admit, it totally clueless or contemptuous, or probably both, about this issue.
Yep, I did the exact same thing: good stages you posted. It helps to hear that another person feels the same. This was the first (and now LAST) time I voted for a mainstream candidate. I was so suckered. The money, the time, the phone calls I spent on this person who is giving away our country. Six years of millions of illegals entering. I mean, we all expect lack of security from libs, but from the Repubs? BAH.
Makes it feel good to go to sleep at night.
Well, you aren't the Lone Ranger.
I like the British system where all candidates get the exact same amount of government paid air time, period. They can't buy anymore. Personally I'd set a max and let them pay for it, but the limit would be low. They want to reach the people? Get on a bus/train/plain and go meet the people. This alone would greatly reduce the bribery levels.
Well, I need to stock up on rice and beans. I would say guns too but once martial law is declared on us, dunno about that.
I love the picture with the people grabbing their crotch and giving the finger. I wish that one were sent to the WH in a fed ex package.
BS.
To be polite...
How are you going to send them home in a few years when you can't send them home now? Especially after they have brought over their extended family, have kids born in this country, and have kids in the US school system.
The same tired arguments against sending them home now will happen "in a few years."
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