Bush circles the wagons as approval ratings slip

The Washington Times ^ | June 3, 2006 | Joseph Curl

[namvet66]

With just five months to go before the midterm elections, President Bush, whose once-faithful base has abandoned him in droves, is turning to the same conservative hot-button issues that won him re-election in 2004 -- homosexual "marriage" and judicial nominees. The president, now fully aware that his plummeting approval ratings could cost the Republicans control of one or both congressional chambers in November, will use his radio address today and a speech Monday to push a constitutional amendment banning same-sex "marriage," just as the Senate prepares to vote on the issue. The crux of his argument is simple: A majority of Americans support the idea that marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman, and activist judges across the country are thwarting the will of the people.

[Coop]

I am very curious if anyone has thought of the Border/Immigration Problem from that angle?

Yes, the Administration has certainly thought of it from that angle, as well as from a voting demographic and national security angle. There aren't any easy answers. Although some keyboard critics do think it's a snap.

[OKIEDOC]

How about just circling the border before rewarding law breakers with more rights than a common citizen has at their disposal.

[Marine_Uncle]

" I know this isn't a military question, but I wouldn't mind the best brains considering these questions. Thank you. :)"
In my case perhaps you error. I am not the brightest bulb around. Hehheh. Good points.
I often poise the following scenario regarding the border problem. I wonder how many solid conservatives own farms in the states in question and have for many years hired illegals to work the farms. Someone has to break their backs in the hot sun to pick those lettuce before they bolt, and other quickly persishable goods. How do they feel as solid conservative gents and ladies on this issue.
Are they willing to say participate in approved programs that may be put in place, where National ID cards are requiered by a new system? Will they be willing to comply if it turns out many of their current crop of workers are found out to be illegals verse those on green cards and perhaps other vehicles on a state level that have allowed illegals to show up for work and get a pass?
This whole thing is just one big mess that the Democrates, Republicans and probably many Libertarians, etc., have simply turned their heads on for some twenty five years plus.
I will say this much, having recently becoming employeed by a Home Depot Store in the wonderfull commie city of Philly, I have seen more contractors flooding into the store each day that don't appear to speak english very well, many of super obnoxious, and some are downright nasty to our Sales Associates and Cachiers. They are rude, make a super mess in the ailes for lumber, concrete (heavy stuff), and never return carts to the store entrance areas. In short they act like the own the place.
I deviate from what you ask. But all those years of neglegience now appear to be coming to a head. The issues IMHO are not just with some poor illegal coming in to pick grapes at harvest time, but how many are roaming around, forming drug gangs, and doing business here.
How does one diffrentiate between a poor migrant farmer type and say a Colombian gang leader coming over the boarder, making his contact, driving off into the luxuary of say LA and then setting up shop.
So many angles we can propose to a rather complicated state of affairs. Obviosly I did not go into the Islamofacist issue that has to be included in the equation.
In short, my friend. I don't have the answers.

[Plutarch]

It is President GWB that is leading...by staying consistent to where his position on immigration has been all along.

Really? Here is the 2004 White House announcement of the Temporary Worker Program. Show me where 12 million illegals are given permanent legal status and Green Cards. For that is what is in the Senate Bill, which is what Bush would eagerly sign.

Since winning re-election with conservative votes in 2004, Bush has been bent on providing 12 million illegals with a "comprehensive solution", i.e. amnesty. Bush has betrayed us.

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 7, 2004

President Bush Proposes New Temporary Worker Program
Remarks by the President on Immigration Policy
The East Room

President's Remarks view listen

     Fact Sheet
     

2:45 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming, thanks for the warm welcome, thanks for joining me as I make this important announcement -- an announcement that I believe will make America a more compassionate and more humane and stronger country.

I appreciate members of my Cabinet who have joined me today, starting with our Secretary of State, Colin Powell. (Applause.) I'm honored that our Attorney General, John Ashcroft, has joined us. (Applause.) Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans. (Applause.) Secretary Tom Ridge, of the Department of Homeland Security. (Applause.) El Embajador of Mexico, Tony Garza. (Applause.) I thank all the other members of my administration who have joined us today.

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.

I appreciate the members of citizen groups who have joined us today. Chairman of the Hispanic Alliance for Progress, Manny Lujan. Gil Moreno, the President and CEO of the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans. Roberto De Posada, the President of the Latino Coalition. And Hector Flores, the President of LULAC.

Thank you all for joining us. (Applause.)

Many of you here today are Americans by choice, and you have followed in the path of millions. And over the generations we have received energetic, ambitious, optimistic people from every part of the world. By tradition and conviction, our country is a welcoming society. America is a stronger and better nation because of the hard work and the faith and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants.

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.

During one great period of immigration -- between 1891 and 1920 -- our nation received some 18 million men, women and children from other nations. The hard work of these immigrants helped make our economy the largest in the world. The children of immigrants put on the uniform and helped to liberate the lands of their ancestors. 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.

The contributions of immigrants to America continue. About 14 percent of our nation's civilian workforce is foreign-born. Most begin their working lives in America by taking hard jobs and clocking long hours in important industries. Many immigrants also start businesses, taking the familiar path from hired labor to ownership.

As a Texan, I have known many immigrant families, mainly from Mexico, and I have seen what they add to our country. 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. We've all seen those values in action, through the service and sacrifice of more than 35,000 foreign-born men and women currently on active duty in the United States military. One of them is Master Gunnery Sergeant Guadalupe Denogean, an immigrant from Mexico who has served in the Marine Corps for 25 years and counting. Last year, I was honored and proud to witness Sergeant Denogean take the oath of citizenship in a hospital where he was recovering from wounds he received in Iraq. I'm honored to be his Commander-in-Chief, I'm proud to call him a fellow American. (Applause.)

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. Instead, we see many employers turning to the illegal labor market. We see millions of hard-working men and women condemned to fear and insecurity in a massive, undocumented economy. Illegal entry across our borders makes more difficult the urgent task of securing the homeland. The system is not working. Our nation needs an immigration system that serves the American economy, and reflects the American Dream.

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. 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.

Their search for a better life is one of the most basic desires of human beings. 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.

The situation I described is wrong. It is not the American 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. (Applause.) We must make our immigration laws more rational, and more humane. And I believe we can do so without jeopardizing the livelihoods of American citizens.

Our reforms should be guided by a few basic principles. First, America must control its borders. 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.

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. 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. We have deployed new gamma and x-ray systems to scan cargo and containers and shipments at ports of entry to America. 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. We're working closely with the Canadian and Mexican governments to increase border security. America is acting on a basic belief: our borders should be open to legal travel and honest trade; our borders should be shut and barred tight to criminals, to drug traders, to drug traffickers and to criminals, and to terrorists.

Second, 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.

Third, we should not give unfair rewards to illegal immigrants in the citizenship process or disadvantage those who came here lawfully, or hope to do so.

Fourth, 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.

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. (Applause.)

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. 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.

All who participate in the temporary worker program must have a job, or, if not living in the United States, a job offer. The legal status granted by this program will last three years and will be renewable -- but it will have an end. 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.

Under my proposal, employers have key responsibilities. Employers who extend job offers must first make every reasonable effort to find an American worker for the job at hand. Our government will develop a quick and simple system for employers to search for American workers. Employers must not hire undocumented aliens or temporary workers whose legal status has expired. 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. There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties for anyone, for any employer violating these laws.

Undocumented workers now here will be required to pay a one-time fee to register for the temporary worker program. Those who seek to join the program from abroad, and have complied with our immigration laws, will not have to pay any fee. 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. (Applause.)

This program expects temporary workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired. And there should be financial incentives for them to do so. I will work with foreign governments on a plan to give temporary workers credit, when they enter their own nation's retirement system, for the time they have worked in America. 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. 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.

Some temporary workers will make the decision to pursue American citizenship. Those who make this choice will be allowed to apply in the normal way. They will not be given unfair advantage over people who have followed legal procedures from the start. I oppose amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship. Granting amnesty encourages the violation of our laws, and perpetuates illegal immigration. America is a welcoming country, but citizenship must not be the automatic reward for violating the laws of America. (Applause.)

The citizenship line, however, is too long, and our current limits on legal immigration are too low. My administration will work with the Congress to increase the annual number of green cards that can lead to citizenship. Those willing to take the difficult path of citizenship -- the path of work, and patience, and assimilation -- should be welcome in America, like generations of immigrants before them. (Applause.)

In the process of immigration reform, we must also set high expectations for what new citizens should know. An understanding of what it means to be an American is not a formality in the naturalization process, it is essential to full participation in our democracy. My administration will examine the standard of knowledge in the current citizenship test. We must ensure that new citizens know not only the facts of our history, but the ideals that have shaped our history. Every citizen of America has an obligation to learn the values that make us one nation: liberty and civic responsibility, equality under God, and tolerance for others.

This new temporary worker program will bring more than economic benefits to America. Our homeland will be more secure when we can better account for those who enter our country, instead of the current situation in which millions of people are unknown, unknown to the law. 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. (Applause.)

This new system will be more compassionate. 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. Temporary workers will be able to establish their identities by obtaining the legal documents we all take for granted. And they will be able to talk openly to authorities, to report crimes when they are harmed, without the fear of being deported. (Applause.)

The best way, in the long run, to reduce the pressures that create illegal immigration in the first place is to expand economic opportunity among the countries in our neighborhood. 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. Real growth and real hope in the nations of our hemisphere will lessen the flow of new immigrants to America when more citizens of other countries are able to achieve their dreams at their own home. (Applause.)

Yet our country has always benefited from the dreams that others have brought here. By working hard for a better life, immigrants contribute to the life of our nation. 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. 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.

May God bless you all. (Applause.)

END 3:07 P.M. EST

---

Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040107-3.html

[isthisnickcool]

That you have chosen to make this 40 year in the making problem your cross to hang on now is your business....and that you choose to make intellectually dishonest charges against President GWB is shameful.

The cross analogy is odd. Why do you keep bringing that up? This issue is not going to touch me by the way. But it will touch my children and their children and that's what I'm concerned about. I'm saying as I have for many years that we should not allow millions and millions of Mexicans to enter the US illegally. I'm being honest about the fact that we have millions of people in this country that should not be here and that the president supports legislation that would allow 10's of millions more in. Some estimates are that we could see as many as 200 million more in the coming years. In the past "W" never ever said that he supported allowing such huge numbers of "immigrants" in to this country. He never indicated as he did in his speech this past week that as a leader he could not keep our borders secure:

The fact that people are willing to take those risks puts enormous pressure on our border, so much pressure that walls and patrols aren't going to stop it. In other words, you've got people saying, "I'll do anything to come and work, just give me a chance." And we can put up -- you know, we can have a lot of patrols and a lot of walls, and it's not going to stop that flow; it will put a dent in it. But if the job is to secure this border, it seems like to me that we got to stop the number of people who are trying to sneak across in the first place. And the best way to do that is to make a temporary worker program a part of immigration reform -- a program would create a legal path for foreign workers to enter this country in an orderly way for a limited period of time.

I'm obviously not alone in my concerns about this mattter. In fact, I have numerous friends that are second and third generation from Mexico whos views on illegal immigration make mine look tame.

As a conservative I believe that it's not in the best interest of my family for the state of Texas or this part of the US to become an extension of Mexico. I've seen first hand what this has done to our schools, our hospitals, our prisons, our cities and the quality of life we have come to expect. We have an emergency and it needs to be addressed.

[SevenMinusOne]

The temporary worker program is separate from those currently here illegally (who have come here via a terribly flawed past/current temporary workers program and or just illegally crossed the border).

So you are comparing apples and oranges here - GWB wants to fix the terribly flawed current temporary workers program....and also address those currently here illegal. They are two separate items that are within the same overall problem.

GWB stance on fixing the temporary workers program along with his feelings on those currently here illegally are the same now as they were in 2000.

[SevenMinusOne]

I'm saying as I have for many years that we should not allow millions and millions of Mexicans to enter the US illegally. I'm being honest about the fact that we have millions of people in this country that should not be here and that the president supports legislation that would allow 10's of millions more in.

A sizable portion of those who are currently here illegally came here "legally" under the terribly flawed temporary worker program - GWB is saying this program must be addressed - He is correct (and this has been his stance since 2000).

Regarding those here illegally now GWB has never changed his opinion on what should be done with them since 2000. That is the reality. That you are mad now about his position is not him turning his back on you....it is you simply being mad about how he believes the situation should be remedy (that is completely different then your intellectually dishonest attack that he has turned his back on you and the GOP base).

As a conservative I believe that it's not in the best interest of my family for the state of Texas or this part of the US to become an extension of Mexico.

Nor does GWB - He is simply stating the reality that a terribly flawed temporary worker program has allowed millions to become illegal aliens within our borders - That system must stop -

While at the same time that is a whole separate issue from what to do with those 12 million illegals who are currently here (and have come here over the past 20 years).

[txrangerette]

Someone please explain how Bush is responsible for the Senate Bill in all of its particulars.

???

Those proposals came from Senators. Some passed and some didn't, in the form of amendments. In addition to the underlying Bill called McCain-Kennedy.

The House Bill being enforcement only (I'm for enforcement; in fact, a wall), and Bush wanting the key issues addressed in any Bill he signs, he had little choice but to hope some kind of Bill would made it out of both sides of the Capitol and that somehow a Conference could succeed.

[napscoordinator]

The Marriage Protection Ammendment issue is the number one priority for me. ALL other issues are derivative. For any unbelievers out there, healthy famlies raise healthy conservatives, which then grow up to give a damn about taxes, border security, and terrorism. Call your Senators and give 'em hell!

Wow. That is sad. You obviously don't care about killing babies which is way ahead of gay marriage. I hope that you change your flawed priorities.

[mafree]

..President Bush, whose once-faithful base has abandoned him in droves, is turning to the same conservative hot-button issues that won him re-election in 2004 -- homosexual "marriage" and judicial nominees...

Mr. President I suggest you turn to the southern border and get it secure. Don't leave out the northern border either!

[SLB]

Bush needs to shut the borders! Start some of the tariffs that have been shoved aside. Take out the line item veto pen and use the blasted thing! In other words our president needs to start acting like a man and not pussy footing around.

[Plutarch]

Someone please explain how Bush is responsible for the Senate Bill in all of its particulars.

(1) Bush (since 2004) has been beating the drums for "comprehensive reform", which means amnesty. The Senate Bill provides the amnesty he asked for.

(2) Bush has not uttered a discouraging word about the Senate Bill. Did he in his speech to his Chamber of Commerce masters on Thursday? He has found the energy to criticize the House Bill, however, for being insufficiently "comprehensive".

(3) The Republican RINO's who delivered this monstrosity were not without White House guidance.

(4) Bush would sign the Senate Bill in a heartbeat, with a grand ceremony, even if not a word in its 606 pages were changed. Do you deny that?

(5) Isn't there something about a buck stopping somewhere, especially if would have a President's signature on it?

So, it has been explained. Are you satisfied?

[right-wingin_It]

Wow. That is sad. You obviously don't care about killing babies which is way ahead of gay marriage. I hope that you change your flawed priorities.

Generally speaking, the breakdown of marriage is most certainly fueling abortion! Now, as for knowing whether I care about killing babies or not, you don't have a clue.

I marched in DC this year at the March for Life, and here is my after action report posted FR...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1563772/posts

I the name of Christ I forgive you, FRiend:) Please call your senator on this issue!

[KTM rider]

{QUOTE}"All you people are posting like you won't vote foe President Bush in '08. That's the point, he don't give a rats,...A%% what you or nyone else thinks about polls or their numbers..take a big pole and stick it qwhere the sun don't shine....HeeHaw....Jake,[/QUOTE]

This post does not even deserve an answer, but here is my undeserved answer anyway

if Bush could run in 08, I would vote for him.....if for no other reason than he is not pole driven

I'd rather be dead than red (democrat)

[napscoordinator]

I the name of Christ I forgive you, FRiend:) Please call your senator on this issue!



Thank you. But I think you may have taken my post as a personal attach against you and that was not the case. I was generalizing about gay marriage to abortion. Both are very bad, but I just put abortion above it and really it is a numbers issue. I would not expect gay marriage to trump in numbers to abortions. However, we are on the same side and I am so thrilled to know that you attended a march in D.C. I did as well about three years worth. I find them very emotional and gets me very energized for the fight to make them illegal. Have a great day. Another thing, I have to make my post much more articulate.

[Plutarch]

GWB stance on fixing the temporary workers program along with his feelings on those currently here illegally are the same now as they were in 2000.

I have shown above that in both the Tempe debate, and in the White House Temporary Worker's Program announcement, that Bush nowhere proposes providing permanent legal residence (amnesty) to 12 million illegals. Now he supports the Senate Bill, which does exactly that.

I have provided two primary sources to support my claim that Bush has changed his position since 2004, and thus has betrayed us. If you wish to differ, please provide a link to Bush, pre-2004 election, proposing the granting of permanent legal status to essentially all the illegals in the country. Your just saying Bush has been consistent doesn't cut it.

[texastoo]

Most people voted for the swift boat vets.
Without them Bush probably would have lost.

[Miss Marple]

Someone posted a discussion about the labor problem the other day, but he was shouted down. The people who are pressing for no guest worker program, deportation, and a huge wall do not believe that it will affect our economy negatively. They believe there will be a cost saving from not having to pay for teachers in the southwestern states, welfare, and emergency room services.

I don't think this savings will get passed on to the taxpayer, myself. Past history has shown me that the teachers' unions will fight to keep those jobs, and that the welfare and emergency room savings won't get passed on to the average citizen either. That money will simply be transferred to another budget item, and we will be left with a diminished labor force who will demand higher wages (good for those workers) and thus higher prices (not good for any of us).

I am not an economist, but these things seem pretty obvious to me. Since the President has to consider ALL ramifications rather than just pleasing the slogan-ranters, I would imagine that is the reason he has favored a fairly liberal guest worker program.

Of course, this is not what a lot of people believe. Instead, they believe his decision is because he is being blackmailed by Vicente Fox or has sentimental memories of Hispanic workers from his childhood. It's much easier to make fun of him that way, you see.

[cowdog77]

"I'm tired of being taxed to support these folks. Send them back to their own countries."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pretty well sums it up.