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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.

I'm getting tired of the name calling instead of rational debate. The fact is this is one of several major issues that are driving a wedge into the GOP base. Like it or not you are going to have to deal with it. To ignore it (or get tired of addressing the issues) will not cause it to go away. The margin of error for the GOP in any national election is not very large and to do anything to drive away a substantial number of voters (remember it's like 80% of the public not just "conservatives" that believe we should tightly control our borders) is political suicide. And to assume there is not a substantial base of voters at risk here ignores all the current data. Calling those folks names is a less than brilliant strategy to win them over to your point of view as well.

As far as addressing the two issues at once, great.
Issue 1, border security. YES
Issue 2. Guest Worker, Amnesty for illegal aliens. NO
There addressed all in one fell swoop.

"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"

I happen to be a conservative who believes in pushing the conservative agenda through the Republican Party. I have NEVER voted third party, or stayed home for an election.

All the "true" conservatives with whom I am acquainted believe in disagreeing with Republican leadership when they believe they are wrong, and supporting them when they are right. I was not as concerned about the Port Deal, but thank God we disagreed with the President regarding Miers and thank God we are willing to speak out against the current (and past) handling of illegals.

I object to sincere and genuine disagreement being characterized as a temper tantrum.