Mark Steyn scolds Perry on illegal immigration: 'Cheap racism demagoguery'

Daily Caller ^ | September 23, 2011 | Jeff Poor

[Rufus2007]

As the rest of the 2012 Republican presidential field ganged up on Texas Gov. Rick Perry during Thursday night’s GOP debate, illegal immigration was the evening’s hottest-button issue — particularly the granting of in-state tuition rates to children of illegal immigrants in Texas. Now Perry’s defense seems to have struck nerve with National Review columnist Mark Steyn.

Filling in for Rush Limbaugh on his radio program Friday, Steyn, the author of “After America: Get Ready for Armageddon,” took issue with Perry’s response to those attacks.

Rick Perry “has basically adopted the Democratic line now on the whole illegal immigration issue,” Steyn said. “He says that you know, if you want to demonize him for providing education to the children of illegal immigrants at in-state tuition rates, then you don’t have any heart. That’s a Democrat talking point.

...more (w/audio)...

[HiJinx]

Ping!

[zerosix]

While everyone is harping on the economy, I wonder when or if any candidates or anyone at all, will mention the effects of: illegal alien benefits out of the taxpayer's pocket (not heartless there, Ricky); the millions of jobs illegals AND legal aliens now have that Americans should have (oh, and by the way, might some of those tax dollars going to the unemployed also be going to illegal aliens, seeing as how they had no trouble getting jobs in the first place.)

I'm not certain of the numbers but as there are millions of illegal aliens in this country, if we citizens didn't have to pay for their educations, medical and other social benefits plus had the jobs that they are now enjoying, would the economic facts not be a bit brighter?

[MegaSilver]

This could be a problem for Perry. Not only does he sound like Bush on immigration, he sort of acts like him as well.

Why is it that the good people of Texas keep producing such insipid Presidential candidates who whine about America not being "kind and gentle," "compassionate" or "heartfelt" enough?

[tarheelswamprat]

As a well-know lady writer said some years ago, we may ignore reality, but we cannot escape the _consequences_ of ignoring reality…

And since this thread is ostensibly about Mark Steyn's analysis and comments, I'll throw in this quote from his book America Alone: "Demography is destiny"...

Oh BTW Castigar, enjoy these threads, but don't lose your head... /g

[calex59]

Kinda dreaming there aren't you Rita? I have read all the posts and have only seen one addressed to you that was a little off color and by no means worthy of action by the moderator. I did see a bunch of people who don't agree with you and your position on illegals and Perry. However, that doesn't make them evil or wrong.

BTW, didn't you say good bye a few comments back. I guess you decided to lurk and see if anyone else on the thread didn't like Perry.

[Shery]

Palin can hold her own. She’s had her flubs on screen and learned. I pray she runs, and am waiting for her to announce. If she decides against, then Cain is my candidate. I was thinking of Perry, but the immigration thing sucks. Cain will need to gain some insight into foreign policy and its workings, but he is solid and ready to go. Newt turned me off in 1995, but then I gave him a chance until he supported Dede Scozzafava. That was it forever. He showed he is a finger-to-the-wind guy. I want someone who is a solid conservative, not someone who thinks that Democrat-lite is okay for the Republican party. I like Santorum, but he has not seemed seriously wanting this. If he is, he needs to start doing something.

Palin is our best bet. I think she is ready to take on Obama. I think the country is ready for her, as well.

[Lazlo in PA]

My first choice is Santorum. I am a PA guy and am used to his combative nature and principled approach. I hoped for Perry as well and saw his past performance as an indicator of future success. Didn’t happen.

Debates are tough and jumping in late is giving you no favors. I don’t care either way right now if Palin gets in now or not. I just think that the concept that she will roll in to front runner out of the box is misguided. This is going to be a really tough election for everyone and every little bit of advantage that can be gotten should be.