Backers of Immigration Bill More Optimistic:Resistance Fading, Lawmakers Say [in their dreams]

Washington Post ^ | 6/4/07 | Jonathan Weisman

[unspun]

What specifics do opponents of this bill refuse?

What alternatives do opponents of this bill insist upon?

(It’s time to deal in specifics, because the reform must be made.)

[gubamyster]

ping

[Harrius Magnus]

“Is it worth calling a Senator who does not represent my state?”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1844535/posts

I just wrote and called to McConnell — I’m in SC and so I know my Senators are locked too (DeMint and Pandsey). My question to you: Who’s going to listen to you lament, when you know you didn’t do anything?

[cricket]

More Optimistic:Resistance Fading. . .

. . .Great to hear this. . .no longer a case that they need to 'win over' or convince their constituency; no. . .just 'wear them down'. . .they'll come around; or as 'good as'. . .

[stephenjohnbanker]

Yes!!

[freespirited]

Here is the best summary of the bill’s flaws:

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Immigration/wm1468.cfm

Try a search on cacique’s name for contact info.

[freespirited]

What specifics do opponents of this bill refuse?

People here have been posting their specific objections for a couple of weeks. If you have time, read some of the immigration threads. If not, the following article gives a very good overview of the major problems:

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Immigration/wm1468.cfm

In terms of alternatives, the three most important things in my mind are:

1. insist that any legislation of this type go through the normal committee process, including the holding of hearings

2. disaggregate the bill sections. The bill is actually a half dozen or so bills strung together. This makes it unlikely that each subsection will get the attention it needs. Each part should be separated out and considered as an individual piece of legislation as originally intended.

3. start with a bill to secure the borders, secure the borders, secure the borders. When that is accomplished it will be time to deal with the other issues.

[Quix]

Thanks.

Much appreciated.

[backhoe]

I haven't checked to see if it is posted yet- I just got this in the email:

Grassfire.org Alliance
Bush-Kennedy Amnesty Bill Update
To: Cxxx Rxxx

Cole,

Senators are returning to Congress today and are announcing to the
media that the amnesty bill is "gaining momentum."  They are
implying that most people they spoke with in their states during
the break support amnesty!

This from the Washington Post this morning:

"Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who led negotiations on the bill for
his party, said the flood of angry calls and protests that
greeted the deal two weeks ago has since receded every day."

Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ): "The last few days have really turned
things around."

Because they are getting less calls and faxes than the first
days following the bill's announcement, they are saying
this is a sign of support! This is political trickery at
its worst. We know their offices have been flooded with
outraged citizens. Grassfire team members delivered petitions
personally to in-state offices of 94 of 100 senators.

With the Senate back in session today debating the amnesty
bill, we must take action immediately to counteract this
lie that citizens support amnesty!

+ + + Two Urgent Action Items For Today

#1 -- Schedule Faxes

We need faxes to go out today and tomorrow. I want those Senate
fax machines buzzing every moment between now and the final
vote (expected by Friday).

     Go here to
    schedule your faxes:

http://www.grassfire.org/19042/offer.asp?rid=13530260

If you would prefer to send the faxes yourself, we have
provided all the information you need (including fax numbers)
at this special FaxFire site. Whatever method you choose,
it is vital that you do something to help with the 'No Amnesty'
issue. Thank you!

To access the fax list of targets and learn more, click here:

http://www.grassfire.org/19042/offer.asp?rid=13530260


#2 -- Call your Senators and these key senators:

I'm asking you to call your two Senators right now and say
you oppose the amnesty bill. Here are the numbers:

Sen. Chambliss  	(202) 224-3521
Sen. Isakson  	(202) 224-3643

Key Senators:
Kyl (Bill Architect, AZ): 202-224-4521
McConnell (KY--Minority Leader): 202-224-2541
Lott (MS--Republican Whip): 202-224-6253
Brownback (KS): 202-224-6521
Isakson (GA): 202-224-3643
Webb (VA): 202-224-4024
Burr (NC): 202-224-3154

Finally...

Grassfire will be making a major announcement this afternoon
on a bold campaign we're launching to stop amnesty. Be watching
your email for this update as well.

And thanks for the action you are taking!


Steve Elliott, President
Grassfire.org