Attrition thru enforcement is the solution. No amnesty of any sort.
Correct. It's also "humane", and "playing by the rules". This is a point that needs to be turned back onto those who want to excuse and exempt both law enforcement and employers from following the rules(aka "the Law").
kabar, your post #613 was an excellent, succinct and accurate summation of the sophistry of politicians using vague language to camouflage the reality of their intentions.
I would add, regarding Palin, that although I have defended her in some of these threads against what I consider to be hysterical and factually dishonest accusations and attacks, this issue of illegal immigration will be the one with the greatest likelihood of destroying her political viability.
Once she is forced to specifically define her terms, as you did, I do believe she will demonstrate she is much closer to McCain's and the Republican establishment position than you or I, and a great many of our FRiends here can tolerate. She is walking a semantic tightrope right now, just as most other politicians naturally want to do, but that cannot be allowed to persist until the nomination, of "whoever", is a fait accompli.
One other observation about Palin. I believe her likely misguided position derives in large part from two factors. The first is simple ignorance of the issue(and I mean that in the non-judgmental sense of lacking knowledge). Alaska is just about as far removed geographically and culturally from the multiple crises that are manifesting themselves in those areas of the country that are being practically overrun by illegals, and the levels of crime, disease, etc. that are rampant.
The second factor is, I believe, cultural and philosophical. Alaska is our last frontier state. It was built by people who were willing to uproot themselves and tackle the challenges of building new lives for themselves and their families. There is an understandable, natural tendency for someone like Palin to buy into the meme, touted by McCain and others, that the illegals just want to do the same for their families as well.
As you, Charles, and many others of us know, however, the matter is far more complicated than that. I believe Palin is not fully up to speed on the "facts on the ground" for this issue, and she really does need to educate herself. And, I hope Palin and/or her people read Free Republic and will consider these things.
For myself, I will continue to support and defend Palin from the sort of hysterical, vulgar and dishonest attacks she has received on these threads, but after this last obligation to McCain is satisfied she must clarify and specifically define her terms on this issue, and take specific policy positions. Waiting or stalling until the 2012 primarys is not acceptable.