I am not giving Bush a "pass" nor do I think he gets an "A" on this issue. However, am I incorrect in thinking that in order to hire enough border agents, or build a wall, President Bush has to have the approval of Congress? Unfortunately we have Senators who do not want to deal with this issue, or they want to deal with it in a way that will not solve the problem. Just look at the childish behaviour of the Dems last night when the President spoke about Social Security. They are proud of not doing anything to solve S.S. issues, and they are proud that they are fighting the Patriot Act and the security of our nation.
I want more from President Bush on this issue, but like I said, I do not fault him entirely for why we haven't solved the problem. This is such an enormous problem and anyone who tackles it needs all the help they can get.
I appreciate that you want to get the facts out there and advance the debate. I don't have all the answers because.....read my tagline. ;)
Social Security reform remains the third rail of American politics. PresReagan was the first POTUS to advance the idea of private SS accounts. He had top settle for the Greenspan Commission.
The Dems may have SS firmly as their issue, for now. But on immigration reform, Americans are demanding action, right now. Most Americans support the Patriot Act.
See this post #259 It may explain Bush's lack of action.