Posted on 03/25/2006 11:03:30 PM PST by Icelander
In elections one earns political capital. Once spent, cest tout. Consumed capital cannot be replenished by a cauterized constituency, and today the Republican base boils.
I recently spoke to someone who volunteered for Bushs 2004 campaign. I asked whether he would work for the GOP in 2008, and he bemoaned no. I asked why, and he replied, Its a sad day when Democrats like Dianne Feinstein are tougher on immigration than Republicans like Sam Brownback.
The avalanche of support that has followed Republicans since 1994 we now see slowly evaporating over the issue of a guest-worker program. Impassioned Republicans four years ago now stand out of steam, feeling betrayed by a party leadership that would support a bill so at odds with conservative principles.
This guest-worker proposal, after all, rewards illegal behavior. Instead of requiring illegal immigrants to return to Mexico (or wherever) to apply for a permit, it grants legal status on the spot, thus acting as a magnet for continued illegal immigration. And, as Rep. John Hostettler (R.-Ind.) recently said, any guest-worker plan puts the interest of foreign, illegal workers above those of our own American citizens.
Newt Gingrich summed up the matter most succinctly on the OReilly Factor (March 15, 2006). He has observed a growing divide between Washington GOP elites and the average voting Republican. Somehow, GOP elites have come to believe that a guest-worker program is necessary (although it is not). Your average GOP voter, however, while praising boosts to border security, deeply dislikes any guest-worker giveaway.
Why GOP leadership supports such a lemon remains unseen. In 1986 Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act. It granted green cards to three million illegal immigrants, consequently attracting yet another five million to cross the border to replace their decriminalized comrades. Furthermore, a recent poll taken in Mexico found that at least 46 percent of the population (50 million Mexicans) would cross the border if given the chance. Any guest-worker initiative advertises this avenue.
It is in future forecasts, however, that Republicans really blunder. Illegal immigrants, voting for socialist candidates in Mexico or South America, will become Democrats once gaining full citizenship. Superficial surveys taken in a couple cities show that 9 out of 10 illegal immigrants support Democrats over Republicans. This guest-worker program, on a silver platter, will hand over California, Florida, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico to Democrats.
Is the GOP abating its base and fallowing its future in one fell swoop?
"El Estupidissimo!"
LOL!
No, Fred said that by the time Hillary serves 8 years people would be over "Bush Fatigue" and Jeb could "step into the position".
Maybe George P is set to come after Chelsea.
"This guest-worker proposal, after all, rewards illegal behavior. Instead of requiring illegal immigrants to return to Mexico (or wherever) to apply for a permit, it grants legal status on the spot, thus acting as a magnet for continued illegal immigration. And, as Rep. John Hostettler (R.-Ind.) recently said, any guest-worker plan puts the interest of foreign, illegal workers above those of our own American citizens. "
Enforce the law or lose my support! I don't mean more committees or lip service. I want action, NOW!
Any politician that is dragging his heals and not voting to enforce the laws of our land should be run out of Washington on a rail!
And of course not a word about the Frist bill which puts Border Security first which the Democrats have vowed to fillibuster. But then that would require the DNC mouthpieces in the Freeper Whine all the Time Choir to actually attack the Democrats for once on something so they just ignore THAT fact.
"Look at McCain and Guiliani and Frist. Would you call them true conservatives? "
I don't call McCain a republican!
Bwahaha.
:)
I have finally figured out that it's not George W. Bush but rather G.W. really stands for "Guest Worker" Bush.
DING! DING! DING!
"This issue won't hurt the GOP in the least as long as there is a bill that comes out of committee onto the floor."
I wouldn't be so sure of that. I think congress is banking on this and will be in for a rude awakening if they haven't taken positive action towards eliminating illegals before the elections.
Tancredo/Rice in 2008
From a pro-choice libertarian, TANCREDO!!!!!!!!
I am a two issue voter (in this order):
1. FENCE!!!!!!!
2. Cut the spending!
truth bump
ping
I can tell you Brownback has sold out to the globalists on this issue. He said, "I simply cannot send back the widows and orphens." Translation, "I am for open borders."
"Most Americans can live with a guest worker program (may not like it though) as long as they see the border being shut down, a tracking system for guest workers and employers being held accountable for hiring undocumented illegals."
Let us know when that latter part happens. It was supposed to have happened when Reagan passed his one-time-only-never-again amnesty. Guess you think you'll sucker us again, huh?
"We are in the minority of the Republican Party and that means, like any minority group, must be willing to give more than 50% of a compromise."
Uh, NO. The majority of the American people, and the Republican party, want immigration curtailed or frozen, and the border to be more than an imaginary line in the sand.
That is where I am going, they seem to be the only party now that 'thinks' like the old GOP did.
I am nearly 60 yrs. old, a life long Republican. I did not fall for the Perot BS of the 90's but I feel now I have no choice but to change.
I have told the fund raisers not to call me again, I am thru with the Republican party.
The way I see it, they started their downhill slide in 88 when Bush 1 was elected and I was too stupid to recognize it. My father back then told me what kind of politician Bush 1 was, seems as though he was rather wise.
"And of course not a word about the Frist bill which puts Border Security first which the Democrats have vowed to fillibuster. But then that would require the DNC mouthpieces in the Freeper Whine all the Time Choir to actually attack the Democrats for once on something so they just ignore THAT fact."
Who's ignoring it? Frist promised to pull the bill you so fervently promote (and almost certainly don't personally support) if Specter's panel finishes work on a broader immigration bill by March 27. If past track records are anything to go by, Specter will almost certainly deliver, and Frist will almost certainly not. It's not 'ignoring' the Frist bill to consider it DOA.
But you knew that. So, having had your latest rallying lie debunked, I guess we'll have to wait for your new talking points to come out from the RNC and CFR before you can post a response.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.