Of all the issues facing our beleaguered nation at this time, the issue of illegal immigration is the most important, because if we don't get this under control during the next presidential administration, the newly naturalized millions will ensure that Republicans never win another national election. It's all over but the crying, if we don't get it right this time.
Given the dire nature of this problem, it's incumbent upon every presidential candidate to speak as plainly to the issue as is humanly possible. We the people MUST know exactly where they stand, and exactly what they intend to do about the problem, if elected.
In that wise, Trump is unequivocal about what he intends to do. He doesn't parse words, or resort to lawyer-speak to answer questions about it. He says that he will build the fence, increase border patrols, enforce the laws on the books, take away the illegals' freebies, and deport those who are in the country illegally already. Those things are also in his published position paper.
They're the very things most Americans have been begging and pleading for, for over a decade.
Ted Cruz's plan looks great on paper, with the exception of the little noticed loophole of deporting "criminal" illegals. It bothers me that when queried about his stance in person, he resorts to the sort of slippery speech that we're all too familiar with from politicians, such as, we'll have a "conversation" about what to do with the tens of millions of illegals already in the country after the southern border is secured. There's just all kinds of room for reneging on his promises in such a statement.
It’s a matter of timeline. I mean, if Cruz was saying, “Securing the border is the most important task, and we will devote as much energy as is necessary to do that,” that’s one thing.
But this makes it sound like he’s not even going to try deportation until after the fight with Congress over securing is over. I wish I could get a straight answer, and I can’t.
Trump has given his own statements that make me uncertain, but at least he’s bellowing about his plan instead of trying to fly under the radar. If he doesn’t follow through, he’s going to lose a LOT of good will from his followers.
I find that kind of important. Because even if I assume the most cynical view of Trump and his statements, I have to ask, why would he want to be President? He’s not evil incarnate, sent from Hell to take down St. Cruz. What does he want?
Even if we assume a 100% self-centered reason for running for office, what could that reason be? It’s not money; he’s already rich, and the Presidental office is a step down, money-wise. Probably not fame; he’s got that too. Power, maybe? Well, poking your supporters in the eye with blatant promise-breaking isn’t going to endear you to them much; I doubt you’ll keep power after that unless you’re a Democrat with the media kissing your feet and ass 24/7. Legacy? Maybe. But again, betraying the trust of your supporters isn’t exactly the best way to be a positive memory. Look at W; he was riding high in 2004 and then he ditched his supporters to promote amnesty. Not the best legacy ever.
Besides, if he wanted the office for selfish purposes, he could probably have run as a Democrat and they’d be slobbering all over him. Instead he’s running as a conservative Republican, and even owning the fact that he’s contradicting things he said 10-ish years ago in order to do so.
That went on quite a bit of a tangent, but I guess I needed to tell SOMEONE why I believe that Trump will do what he says.
>> Of all the issues facing our beleaguered nation at this time, the issue of illegal immigration is the most important
It is an existential threat. Islamic terrorism not so much. Global weather not at all.