I am sorry...I only responded to the insult I felt that you assumed I was dumb enough to think that putting this in his Budget meant it was going to happen.
As far as the rest is concerned...it happened, get over it. I never said Bush was perfect...and that I agree with all that was done.
I think his biggest mistake...was going to Washington after getting elected and thinking that he had to PROVE something...and he tried TOO hard and swayed too far left.
His immigration reform plans...I don't have a clue why he is being so stubborn on the "guest worker program" aside from being realistic in some regards...and also practical in knowing that REAL reform would never happen anyway because of the hugh voting bloc that the Hispanic population has become...
I don't know...and I am disappointed...I HATE his stance on immigration and border control.
But, it doesn't make him a moron, or a failure.
"I don't have a clue why he is being so stubborn on the 'guest worker program' . . ."
I'm a Texan, and I'm very concerned about illegal immigration, too, but I also think I know what's happening.
1) The whole issue is very complicated. It's been tough maintaining a good economy after the Clinton recession and 911. As much as we'd like to deny it, the underground workforce is has a big effect on the overall economy. Messing with it will create problems. Doesn't mean I agree, but I do understand.
2) Bigger issue: population. Bush, despite the aw-shucks facade, is a sophisticated and visionary thinker. The guy sees the big picture, whether it be the entitlement dilemma, Islamic terrorism, or other threats. And he doesn't back down.
Us white folks whose families have been here since the 1600s are not producing enough babies to maintain our population and keep this country viable. Neither are black families who are part of the educated middle class. We yearn for prosperity, and, let's face it: kids are a drain on the pocketbook.
From the economy, to revenue, to innovation, to the armies that defend us, we have to have people. Without immigration, we will die, like "Old Europe" is doing now.
Better Mexicans than Arabs.
If, as a Texan, you know Mexican families like I do, you know that they are mostly hard-working, church-going, good folks with big families. Very family-oriented, so much so that their kids tend to drop out of school at 16 to help make ends meet.
They pay taxes. They pay into Social Security. They make great soldiers. Look at the casualty lists from Iraq. Even those illegals who are overburdening our schools and welfare systems want to be legitimized and allowed to pay into the system.
The violent Mexican gangs are very much an exception. They do not represent the average and ubiquitous Mexican immigrant.
I know what I've just said is not popular, but I believe it to be the truth. The US needs a stable and committed population to survive, financially and militarily. The dilemma is how to sift through those trying to enter and legitimize the good guys.
That's what the Guest Worker program is all about.
My opinion. Take it for what it's worth.