Wrong wrong wrong.
You remember how staunchly opposed to Gov.Bush the Buchanan supporters here were? That was due almost totally to the single issue of illegal immigration, and their fear that a president Bush’s “guest worker” program would come to include amnesty! They predicted it. I agreed with them. We all knew the “base” was against this. We also knew that the Gov.Bush had a very soft spot in his heart for Hispanics and particular, Mexicans... I recall Jeb’s wife mentioned myriad times as an example, as well as the reliable insertion of some Spanish phrases into speeches, and his strong friendship with the Mexican president. Anybody who didn’t realize that Bush would continue to press for this didn’t study his very, very reliable and consistent record. He doesn’t govern by polls: of the general electorate OR “the base” - he never has. We were counting on the Congress - I mentioned that SPECIFICALLY when I wrote that I had decided to support him DESPITE his stance about his desired immigration reforms. I think that was my ONLY reservation.
He has very reliably carried out nearly all his other campaign promises. Why would anybody continue to think that he would abandon this one? I only hope we can defeat this program that I consider too incomprehensible both in terms of the specific bill, and its effects, despite the way we weakened our chances when people decided to “punish the GOP”. However, our meager hope must lie with the Congress, not by petitioning the President on this issue. And, FRiend, I do join, without real hope, your prayer that Pres.Bush change his mind. I also hope that after this bill, President Bush renews his hope for the only other campaign promise and problem I recall that he pushed for and failed the first time: Social Security reform.
As do I, AFPhys. And it's congress' job to pass or reject legislation, so that should be a fail-safe measure in this topsy-turvy adventure.
But I am curious. Let's assume for a moment that you knew for sure Bush was going to make the amnesty bill a do or die effort and would keep it on the front burner until it was passed. In retrospect, would you have voted for him?
Do you think there is a possibility or likelihood he will push it through with an E.O. if Congress trash-canned it?