|
Posted on 03/30/2006 1:55:22 PM PST by LouAvul
CANCUN, Mexico - President Bush and the leaders of Canada and Mexico worked to iron out disagreements over trade and border security Thursday and to keep a North American edge against competition from rising powers like China.
The three leaders, dressed casually in open-collared shirts, strolled together among the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza before sitting down for more intense one-on-one meetings at a beachfront resort hotel. Mexican President Vicente Fox planned a lavish dinner for his guests.
"This is a good start to a very important series of discussions," Bush said, standing with his counterparts in front of a large pyramid at the center of Chichen Itza. "We've got vital relations that matter to the future of our people."
But Fox suggested one item at the top of his agenda is really out of their hands. The U.S. Senate is debating changes to U.S. immigration laws that could affect an estimated 6 million Mexicans living illegally in the United States. Bush is pushing for a guest worker program that would allow foreigners to stay temporarily in low-paying jobs, which Fox says is a good first step toward some form of legal status for all illegal Mexicans.
"The matter is in the Congress of the United States and that is where the decision will be made," Fox said. "It is no longer between President Bush and President Fox."
After spending the morning sightseeing, Bush had a few hours before the formal meetings began and used part of the time to work up a sweat in his hotel's gym.
There was tight security alongside the fun-loving atmosphere among college students who have flocked to Cancun for spring break. Gunboats patrolled the turquoise waters off Bush's spa resort, and fencing kept out all but hotel guests. "I'd like to make sure you work more than you play," Bush joked to reporters.
The immigration debate is receiving a lot of attention at the summit, where the official focus is a year-old pact designed to make borders more secure without hampering business and traffic. Signed a year ago near Bush's Texas ranch, the Security and Prosperity Partnership aims to better protect the three countries from outside attack and ensure their global competitiveness with China and other trade powerhouses.
Bush told CTV earlier this week that he worries people in all three countries could have a "protectionist tendency" that would make it harder for them to reap the benefits of mutual collaboration. "Frankly, it will make it a lot harder for future Americans and Canadians and Mexicans to compete with the Chinese, for example," he said.
Even though China has a rapidly growing economy, Canada and Mexico remain the top two trading partners of the United States. All three leaders are under pressure to resolve problems related to the enormous flow of goods and people between their countries. The economic concerns have replaced the diplomatic differences that defined the relationship in Bush's first term.
Both Canada and Mexico refused to support the war against Iraq, and that disagreement strained historically close ties.
This week's summit marked a new phase in Bush's ever-changing relationship with the nations — it was his first official visit with conservative Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper since Harper took office two months ago after promising to improve U.S. relations. And it reflected the closing stages of his relationship with Fox, who will leave office this year after building a personal bond with the American president that extends back to Bush's time as governor of Texas. A more liberal candidate is leading in the campaign to replace Fox.
Topping Harper's agenda is a long stalemate over U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports. Bush said in a pre-trip interview that resolving the dispute will require "very quiet consultations."
Harper also wanted to address Washington's intention to require passports or other forms of secure identification to enter the United States by 2008. Business groups fear the proposal will severely impede tourism and commerce between the world's largest trading bloc, which conducts some $1.5 billion in business daily.
|
I guess that explains The President's border-control phobia!
Bush/Fox buttbuddies, blah, blah, blah.
At least not this week...he'll probably claim Italy as his property real soon too.
SOLD!
----
Yeah, our U.S. soverignty, our system of laws, our citizenship, our security, our borders, our taxpayer dollars, our demographics....
All while completely ignoring the WILL OF THE MAJORITY of U.S. citizens. Impressive legacy.
Sorry. You're right. I was honestly thinking of the guy in the tv show "Wiseguy" played by Ken Wahl(?) as I was typing.
His name was Vincente.
My peons are so estupido, they won't figure it out for years."
http://www.cfr.org/publication/8173/north_american_community_approach_to_security.html
Their goal is to melt Canada, the USA and Mexico into one nation, with one common exterior border.
You don't really see a problem with "illegal immigration," if your goal is the blending of three nations into one. In fact, it's very beneficial to the plan, if millions of Mexicans invade America. The goal is accomplished in stealth, without firing a shot.
Isn't a "Guest" someone who has been "Invited"?
In my house he is.
>
I see a Washington DC ready to get their hands into the pockets of all the millions of illegal workers.
Once Illegals realize they will be have pay hefty taxes, maybe the US won't look so appeasing.
The illegal aliens and the criminals who hire them and the criminals who harbor them are getting out in the street making their desires known. It is way past time those of us who support the rule of law and secure borders did the same.
Join Veterans for Secure Borders, The Minuteman Project, Latino Americans for Immigration Reform, Mothers Against Illegal Aliens, and other groups protesting amnesty for these criminals, and demanding the government protect our borders.
http://www.areckoning.com/
FReepers should be at this rally in strength. Saturday, May 6, in Crawford, TX.
Same with the America's borders Mr. President!
Next time you are in the middle or back of some line, simply step out and cut in front of the others to the front of the line.
After a second or two, turn around and say "Hey! I'm already here aren't I?"
Just playing spelling cop this PM....
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.
