Replies

First and foremost the border must be closed, and only after that should we negotiate the other issues, such as what to do about the 11 million-or-so illegal immigrants living here...."

It is foolish not to address all issues now - There is no need to wait and do them separately to where nothing gets done on the whole in the long run -

The notion you are taking (to only look at the border now) is the same idiotic notions that DEMs make on taxes..."We can't talk about tax cuts until we solve the deficit issue"....When the reality is both go hand in hand. Cutting taxes will create growth (rising tide lifts all boats), from this growth one can deal with deficits....

The reality is there are issues with the border, the temporary workers permits and the 12 million illegals that are currently here that all need to be addressed now. These issues go hand in hand with border security. Lastly many seem under the false impression that the vast majority of illegals simply "sneak" across the border in the dead of night.....this is a portion of them without question...but a large portion also come here legally! through workers permits and then never leave!

Securing the border does nothing regarding this large segment of illegals. Nor does securing the border alone do anything with regard to those currently here illegally.

Those illegals, we must address them at the same time as we are addressing the border. Those that have criminal records (outside of simply being illegal) should be acted on and removed. Those who are illegal and have no additional criminal record should start the process of either becoming a supporting citizen of this nation, with policies that demand or influence assimilation, or they should leave! Plain and simple.

This is what the President is suggesting.

"....as we are addressing the border...."

With all due respect, he is not. The border will not be secured.

Dare I print my comments of this morning and get accused of 'spamming' or get in a tit-for-tat with deranged Bushbots?

The border should be sealed first. Period. A 'Wall' or other physical barrier is necessary first, then we discuss everything else.

we are addressing the border

"Helllllloooooo border!"

Yeah I don't buy this separate the two issues stuff either. Guess what I don't think the Dems will either. Why? Well, unless most of these Tancredo Conservatives and True believers have some dramatic conversion experience they will not deal with the second issue in good faith. Really who do they think they are fooling. They are not fooling me so I am sure they don't have a chance in heck of fooling the Dems into buying into that idea. I mean look at the debate. This is what I am hearing.

Deport them all no if ands or buts. They are criminals, invaders, etc etc. However

There is a new line. It goes something like this. What Deportations, we never said any such thing. What we want is have legislation that prevents Illegal aliens from getting employment and social services. Through attrition they will leave. I call this the Starve them back to Mexico policy. In reality I do not know whats more horrid. Remember folks we are dealing with people some here many years with American Spouses and more importantly American Children. At the end of the day, I see the following alternatives

Deport or starve them out no matter what the particular circumstances of the individual or family.

or From the President

"America needs to conduct this debate on immigration in a reasoned and respectful tone. Feelings run deep on this issue and as we work it out, all of us need to keep some things in mind. We cannot build a unified country by inciting people to anger, or playing on anyone’s fears, or exploiting the issue of immigration for political gain. We must always remember that real lives will be affected by our debates and decisions, and that every human being has dignity and value no matter what their citizenship papers say."
Well, I have made my choice.

Well, I know where I stand. A message to the "base" , Whatever and whoever you are. This is the third time this year many conservatives and republicans have had to put up with your temper tantrums and threats this year. You did it over Miers, you did it over the Port deal, and now your doing it on this issue. Quite frankly, I am getting tired of threats of how you are going to stay home on every issue if you don't get your way. I frankly think you are not the "base" but some wild extremist that just like to revel in emotion, anger, and generally be first rate crisis queens.