I grant you that President Bush has a good excuse to become 'unhinged' -- given the crap he has to deal with day to day. Nonetheless, I believe he's always wanted to grant amnesty -- its just that his plans got somewhat derailed due to 9-11. It wouldn't have looked too good to declare 'open borders' at that point.
And to be honest, I probably wouldn't have cared all that much if he had granted amnesty in early 2000. I'd have moaned a bit, but gotten over it.
What sticks in my craw now, and what makes this proposed law unpalatable is that he's done nothing to enforce the law over these past 7 years.
Had he built a wall, or moved troops down to the border after 9-11, and had he gone aggressively after illegal immigrants, and had he smacked down the 'Cities of Refuge' (like cut off the Federal funding from places like San Francisco and Berkeley) I'd be OK with this new proposal.
But given that he's done nothing, other than to hold a few dog and pony shows from time to time -- I'm dead set against this proposal.
I'm sure the 'carrot' parts in the provision will stay, but the 'sticks' will be quickly forgotten or ignored.
“But given that he’s done nothing, other than to hold a few dog and pony shows from time to time — I’m dead set against this proposal.”
Like those thousands of troops that he swore would vigorously defend our borders? If I heard right, they were sent unarmed and ordered not to actually do anything. All theatre.
Point taken.