by Frank James
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) kept up his line of attack today against fellow Republicans who oppose the immigration compromise before the Senate, especially his fellow presidential candidates like Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney who have criticized the legislation though he didn't mention them by name.
In a speech before the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, clearly an immigration-friendly audience, McCain said he hoped some of his rivals didn't have crass political motives in opposing the bill. Of course by saying this, he wanted to raise the possibility in voters' minds that this was exactly what his opponents had in mind.
Thus McCain could take the high ground as the rock-ribbed patriot concerned about his country and willing to stand on principle even if it's unpopular while raising the prospect that his opponents were tawdry politicians unfit to hold the nation's highest offiice.
It is a hard problem, and I understand that. But the choice is between doing something, imperfect but effective and achievable, and doing nothing. I would hope that any candidate for President would not suggest doing nothing. And I would hope they wouldn't play politics for their own interests if the cost of their ambition was to make this problem even harder to solve. To want the office so badly that you would intentionally make our country's problems worse might prove you can read a poll or take a cheap shot, but it hardly demonstrates presidential leadership.
We can expect to hear a similar message from McCain tomorrow night at the Republican debate in New Hampshire to be carried on CNN.
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Comments
McCain is as likely as the rest of them to make our country's problems worse just to get into office.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 4, 2007 1:58 PM
Reason why we have open borders and the fight for amnesty:
READ:Treason Abounds
http://www.webcommentary.com/asp/ShowAuthor.asp?id=petersond
Posted by: Debrar | June 4, 2007 2:27 PM
How many years did McCain wear the uniform of the United States? And how many years did he spend as a POW in North Vietnam because he chose to defend those things the uniform represents?
The Senate amnesty bill (S.1348) is a cruel hoax against the American people because it is deliberately written so that its enforcement measures will never be implemented. It also means another 200,000 foreign workers brought in each year to compete with the 23 million low-skilled workers that are rightfully theirs.
Instead of pushing this legislation that is a stake aimed at the heart of our national sovereignty, McCain should back the American Legion's May 10 resolution condemning any form of amnesty and supporting the strategy of Attrition Through Enforcement and Self-Deportation that we know works.
Dave Gorak
Executive director
Midwest Coalition to Reduce Immigration
LaValle, WI
Posted by: Dave Gorak | June 4, 2007 2:51 PM
2 points,
Who is going to deport the temporary worker out when their time has expired and they can't find them?
They don't do it now.
Who is going to deport the temporary worker out when the temporary has a "Baby" born on US soil?
That needs to be addressed, just in case this bill goes through.
Does the Congress & the White House believe we're that stupid!
Posted by: PG | June 4, 2007 4:19 PM
Why pass any law that is so complicated it will never be enforced just so you pass something. Stupid.
Just enforce our current laws and stop encouraging more illegal immigrants.
They will go back on their own if they cannot find work because their employers are fined.
Posted by: Rudym | June 4, 2007 5:04 PM
Only the liberals at The Swamp would believe that McCain is a serious contender for the Republican nomination. He is polling at about 15% and he has recently been pushed into third place behind Rudy and Mitt. His support for the Amnesty Bill is just another nail in the coffin for his candidacy.
Posted by: S. Sherman | June 4, 2007 5:47 PM
Benign neglect has been suggested as an option to the suggested immigtstion bill. Over time, and not too long a time, the legal immigrant population in about ten states will be a big enough minority to swing elections. When that point is reached, a bill will be written that will be total amnesty.
Posted by: c. perry | June 4, 2007 6:17 PM
C Perry,
"Benign neglect has been suggested as an option to the suggested immigtstion bill. "
I am sick and tired of liberals claiming that the only alternatives to this bill are either mass deportations or doing nothing.
The alternative to this bill is securing the border. In fact, this bill does propose to secure the border, at least to a certain extent. Unfortunately, it also allows the people who have broken into this country to legally stay here, encouraging future lawbreaking. If Congress would take that part out of it, I would support it.
Posted by: S. Sherman | June 4, 2007 7:31 PM
S. Sherman,
Que?
Posted by: Republican Employer | June 4, 2007 8:19 PM
Why would anyone believe that we will secure the border? Why would anyone believe we will find those that overstay visas or guest workers that stay after two years. At least a third of the illegals will not sign up for z status. Who is going to check employers that hire illegals. We do not have the capacity to implement this law. We do not have the will or the way to enforce it. Benign neglect is going to happen by default.
Posted by: c. perry | June 4, 2007 10:38 PM
The alternative to this bill is securing the border.
Posted by: S. Sherman | June 4, 2007 7:31 PM
Posted by: Bill H. | June 5, 2007 10:15 AM
Any American taxpaying citizen that doe's not agree with stoping all immigration until we rid our selves of these illegal immigrants and those that want to do American's harm...is nothing but a damn fool and should be cast with the traitors to the American people in Wash. DC.
Posted by: Harry | June 5, 2007 11:35 PM
Wake up America you are being sold out on a daily basis.
OPen Ellis Island again and set quoatas
Posted by: Harry | June 5, 2007 11:38 PM
Forget taking shots at each other here.
The Senate just voted down an amendment that would deny felons, a pass to citizenship.
People, Washington is giving the Republic away to illegal criminals.
This is the voting link from the Senate. You need to start checking out what has been rejected and passed.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_110_1.htm
Posted by: PG | June 6, 2007 1:09 PM