Posted on 05/31/2007 8:45:09 PM PDT by Omega Man II
McClatchy exclusive: Bush accuses conservative critics of fear-mongering on immigration
By Ron Hutcheson - McClatchy Newspapers
Firing back at conservative critics, President Bush defended his plan to overhaul immigration laws Tuesday and accused its opponents of "trying to rile up peoples emotions" with misinformation.
In an exclusive interview with McClatchy Newspapers, Bush expressed his determination to fight for changes that would let millions of illegal immigrants gain legal status. He cast the debate as a struggle over Americas soul and its reputation as a welcoming nation.
"Im deeply concerned about America losing its soul. Immigration has been the lifeblood of a lot of our countrys history," the president said during an interview on Air Force One. "I am worried that a backlash to newcomers would cause our country to lose its great capacity to assimilate newcomers."
Bush underscored his commitment to the proposed overhaul despite harsh criticism from some conservatives as he traveled to Georgia for a speech that blasted the legislations critics.
"Im sure youve heard some of the talk out there about people defining the bill. Its clear they hadnt read the bill. Theyre speculating about what the bill says, and theyre trying to rile up peoples emotions," he told an audience at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, near Brunswick. "If you want to kill the bill, if you dont want to do whats right for America, you can pick one little aspect out of it, you can use it to frighten people. Or you can show leadership and solve this problem once and for all."
Bush acknowledged that the proposed overhaul faces a difficult time in Congress, where its under attack from both ends of the political spectrum.
Conservative critics contend that it amounts to an amnesty program because illegal immigrants would be allowed to stay in the country after paying $1,000 fines. Some liberals complain that plans for a new temporary worker program are overly restrictive and would create a permanent underclass of foreign workers.
Some of the most vociferous criticism has come from conservative talk-show hosts who usually back the president. Commentator Rush Limbaugh has told his listeners that the legislation would doom the Republican Party and the nation.
The bill seeks to strike a balance between tougher border enforcement and a more welcoming policy toward the estimated 12 million immigrants who already are in the country illegally.
Bush hopes to push it through Congress with help from a bipartisan group of lawmakers that includes Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., a liberal stalwart, and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., a staunch conservative. The president said he had no hesitations about working with Kennedy despite their sharp differences over Iraq and other issues.
"The reason why is, he can get the job done," Bush said aboard Air Force One.
Sitting in his spacious office on the presidential aircraft, Bush traced his commitment to immigration to his time in Texas.
"When you grow up in Texas like I did, you recognize the decency and humanity of Hispanics. And the truth of the matter is, a lot of this immigration debate is driven as a result of Latinos being in our country," he said. "I have seen firsthand the beautiful stories of people being able to take advantage of opportunity and make solid contributions to our society."
He said Americans had nothing to fear from large-scale immigration from Latin America.
"There is an element of our society that is worried about two Americas," he said. "Our ability to welcome newcomers and the systems capacity to assimilate them has been one of the great powerful traditions of America. It works, and it will work this time. People shouldnt fear our capacity to uphold our motto: E Pluribus Unum."
The Latin phrase means "Out of many, one."
Addressing one of the most sensitive issues in the measure, Bush expressed hope that the changes would reduce the need for a fence along the border with Mexico.
The bill requires the completion of at least 370 miles of fencing, along with other security measures, before any temporary worker program can go into effect, but doesnt specify how much of the border ultimately will be fenced. Congress approved legislation last year calling for 700 miles of fence.
The proposed fence has drawn protests in Texas, where officials fear it will hinder commerce and cause environmental problems.
"The fence sends a clear signal that were serious about enforcing the border," Bush said. "A lot of these ranchers down there are saying, `Wait a minute. Bad idea. I presume were not going to build a fence on places where people dont want it."
I don’t think there was any back room deal...I think it is a little thing called “legacy”..... Pres. Bush has my vote of NO CONFIDENCE!!!!!!!
WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! TILL YOU RUN OUT OF INK IN YOUR PEN!
Bombard the Democrats as well, especially the ones that ran on an anti illegal immigration plank and the ones in marginal districts who could be vulnerable. keep pounding on them. This is a bipartisan issue not a Conservative or Liberal issue BUT AN AMERICAN issue.
Sounds like he’s talking about the vast right wing conspiracy.
Why do I feel like I’m beating my head against the wall, while my fearless leader sits and parrots the same tired BS.
Sir, we don’t care if they’re from South of the Border, we care whether they are here legally. We care if they are criminals. We care if they are physically ill!!!
As our fearless leader sits in his spacious AF1 office, fingers in ears, singsonging “lalalalalala” :(
Prediction: President Bush is a pretty stubborn person. He won’t quit fighting for this no matter what.
We gotta kill it in the Senate, hopefully. If not there then in the House. IMHO, the “blue slip” has wings.
Bush has been unfairly attacked by the Democrats who don't really want to fight the terrorists, so I hesitate to criticize him. But Bush is wrong on immigration. He is just encouraging more illegal immigration.
Na, just helping stop another Miers decision.
Things that make you go “Hmmmmmm.....”
For the most part we don’t support you, a**hole Bush!!! This man is doing more damage to the conservative movement than any politician ever has. His stance on open borders is deplorable.
Fine heavily employers who hire illegal aliens on the first offense. Second offense is jail time. Cut all social services off for illegals. Anchor babies are no longer given citizenship. Employ these three tactics and the illegals will go home.
Until then vote THIRD PARTY!!!!!
That said, we do have to remove incentives for illegal immigration
“Why do I feel like Im beating my head against the wall, while my fearless leader sits and parrots the same tired BS.”
You are! Vote THIRD PARTY.
“(I know theres about 15,000 empty apartments in Camden,NJ, that ought to take care of a mil or so)”
ROTFLMAO!!
Maybe some know now but attack Bush to make the Bushbots hold on all the harder..
Pretty smart if so..
Amnesty has been a goal of his since 2004, at least.
I accuse Bush of betraying this nation’s sovereignty to Mexico.
Bush is obtuse......or just plain evil. I report, you decide : )
Just the 2nd time? He’s been betraying us openly since 2004, at least. Earlier, really. He wasn’t as blatant about it.
Vote THIRD PARTY
If you are beating your head against the wall now, vote third party; let the RATS get in and they will beat your head into the wall. (Dear Mr. President, Up Your Bucket Sir!)
That's a lie, right? My understanding is that immediately upon enactment of the bill, illegal aliens could apply for "Temporary Z Visas", and basically have the ability to renew them forever, (thus making the "triggers" part of the bill a complete hoax).
Additionally, these "Temporary Z Visas" would require a "background check" to be done within a 24 hour maximum time frame, but that's not logistically feasible, meaning virtually EVERY illegal alien would get one. Additionally, I believe these "Temporary Z Visas" do not require payment of any fine, do they?
Do I have all this right?
Bush and this author Ron Hutcheson are liars, right?
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.