Posted on 11/30/2007 4:43:55 AM PST by VU4G10
Groups that support a crackdown on illegal aliens haven't settled on their champion in the race for the White House, but there's little doubt which Republican scares them most — former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
"He was an absolute disaster on immigration as governor," said Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
“Unfortunately, instead of being angry at the federal government for totally failing us in this, they sometimes get angry at the people themselves,” he said.”
Enforce the existing laws, Gov.!
Huckabee promotes 'open door' policy at LULAC convention
Thursday, Jun 30, 2005
By Wesley Brown
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - In a impassioned speech before hundreds of influential Hispanic civil rights leaders from across the nation, Gov. Mike Huckabee told a captive audience Wednesday that America is great because it has always opened it doors up to people seeking a better way of life.
"I would hope that no matter who we are, or where we are from, that America should always be a place that opens its arms, opens it heart, opens its spirit to people who come because they want the best for their families ...," Huckabee said as the largely Hispanic audience gave him a standing ovation.
Huckabee was the keynote speaker, along with Tyson Foods Inc. Chairman and CEO John Tyson, at a noon luncheon of the League of United Latin American Citizens, which is holding its 76th annual convention in Little Rock.
About 10,000 political, community and business leaders, along with exhibitors and speakers are in Little Rock attending the convention at the Statehouse Convention Center. The convention started Monday and runs through Saturday.
Although he never actually talked about the U.S. or Arkansas immigration policy, Huckabee made it very clear where he stood on the issue. In his opening remarks, he said the nation will need to address the concerns of the Hispanic community because of its growing influence and population base.
He told the LULAC delegates that their presence in the state's capital city was very important because Arkansas has one of the fastest growing Hispanic populations in the nation. "Your gathering is so very significant for our state," Huckabee said. "We are delighted to have you."
Despite several light moments, Huckabee did not stray away from several controversial issues that made him a target of criticism during the recently ended 85th General Assembly. He said Arkansas needs to make the transition from a traditional Southern state to one that recognizes and cherishes diversity "in culture, in language and in population."
"This is an issue that is going to require extraordinary efforts on both sides of the border, particularly those coming from Mexico," Huckabee said of verifying the status of illegal aliens. "But I am confident that our government will recognize that we should accommodate people who wish to provide the best opportunities for their families (and) employers so that we can make sure our economy has the necessary work force."
During the legislation session, Huckabee criticized an immigration bill by Republican senators Jim Holt of Springdale and Denny Altes of Fort Smith as un-Christian, un-American, irresponsible and anti-life. Senate Bill 206, which died in the Senate, would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote and also force state agencies to report suspected cases of people living in the country illegally. Holt, R-Springdale, replied later to Huckabee's comments that Christian charity does not include turning a blind eye to lawbreaking.
Preach it, brother.
I am delighted Mr. Beck is so impressed with platforms, I’m not. Beck (NumbersUSA) also said about Rudy, “but they are impressed with his tough border-security position.”
I think we allow candidates and the media to define the debate, and we too often allow them to equate carefully crafted position papers and platforms with credibility and consistent conservatism on issues. Seldom do platforms and position papers translate into future actions. I want a history. I want a candidate who has “done” something, who has been a consistent advocate, regarding the issues that are important to us. I think Conservative Americans deserve at least that much and I don’t feel it it is too much to ask. If you haven’t been with us in the past; I am not going to assume nor believe you will, just because it is now, politically expedient to do so.
Well said!
Fred always did have a good record on border and illegals issues.
At the time He was on this earth, He truly was too smart to mess with politics. Therefore, it's not something for which I would take the Reverend Governor Huckleberry to task (especially since there are better things for which to fault him, like his pro-illegal aliens policies).
The Man from Tyson!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.