Has Bush given up on immigration?
Has Bush given up on immigration?
The Washington Post’s Dan Froomkin asks, “Where’s the full-court press? Where’s the barnstorming? Where are the famous White House theatrics?“:
Yesterday, Bush left the topic to spokesman Tony Fratto, who gamely insisted that immigration “is a very high priority for the president.” But Fratto couldn’t offer up any evidence to support the argument. Consider Bush’s public schedule for the coming week:
He has no public events today. Tomorrow, Bush delivers the commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy where, he told Reuters yesterday, he intends to make the momentous announcement that “al Qaeda is public enemy number one in Iraq and is public enemy number one for America.”
Thursday, Bush’s only public event will find him at a photo opportunity related to trade exports. The only glimpse you’ll see of him on Friday will be boarding Marine One for a flight to Camp David. And so on.
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Yes, the chymp is increasingly irrelevant.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:22 pmHe hasn’t given up on immigration, but maybe he has given up on amnesty for illegal alliens.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 pmPatrick in a flying saucer with aliens
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:38 pmBush wants to change nothing… As long as big business can continue to break laws by hiring the undocumented and continue to reap the profits by doing this, Bush and Co., big business are very happy. This problem started during the Reagan administration when a blind eye was begining to turn in enforcing the law regarding the undocumented.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:41 pmThe guest worker program would be the death of the American middle class, yet somehow the Democrats support that and even full-blown amnesty. Aren’t all of you for a strong middle class? That wouldn’t happen under these full-fledged amnesty proposals.
I’ll support targeted, limited visas for agricultural labor, that’s about it.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:45 pmComment by Patrickin1
What a troll.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:46 pmDon’t give up on immigration now, G. Dubious, they are looking for skilled brush cutters in Paraguay.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:49 pmAren’t all of you for a strong middle class? That wouldn’t happen under these full-fledged amnesty proposals.
I’ll support targeted, limited visas for agricultural labor, that’s about it.
Comment by CompTROLLER V-1 —
Quit talking in code. What you mean is a strong, WHITE middle class. Why else would you then say you only support agro visas? If a hispanic has the necessary skills, fills a niche, and pays american taxes (a working visa doesn’t exempt them from paying our taxes) like middle-class americans, why should the color of their skin matter?
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:53 pmThe Democrats like it because it creates a whole new class of dependents, i.e. voters for liberals.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:54 pmthey are looking for skilled brush cutters in Paraguay.
Comment by heyzeus — May 22, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
There’s a Brushhog waiting with his name emblazoned on it.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:56 pmHey big guys, don’t go out this Memorial Day weekend without the best trolling motor on the reservoir!
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:58 pmThat’s right! It’s here, the new CompTROLLER V-1
It’s computer operated, just plug in your GPS Fishfinder (sold seperately)’ throw your line out, kick back in the chaise lounge, crack a beer and you’ll be the envy of every other poor sack of couch potatoes on the water!
(V-1 stands for version 1, there’s no guarantee, implied or otherwise. Not available in some states. Batteries not included. Manufacturer not responsible for electrocution.)
If laws were enforced, as they used to be, heavy fines put on those that hired undocumented – we would not be having this problem. Until we get back to ‘rule of law’ this is all aimless chit chat.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:59 pmThe Democrats like it because it creates a whole new class of dependents, i.e. voters for liberals.
Comment by Patrick1
Which is why republicans should demand voting rights for convicted felons, as there are so many republicans in jail, it would help swell republican voter rolls.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:01 pmHere’s what he was doing.
George: LAURA…get me another scotch baby. The Nascars are coming on, and I had to miss it that last time when Limbaugh came over and we all got wasted on Vic’s and Gin.
Laura: Baby you need to get off your aZZ, and get me a new grillmaster from WalMarts.
George: But BABY…NAS…CarS.
Laura: If you don’t get down to WalMarts right now, you ain’t gettin no supper.
George: I’m the dE-CiDer, and I ain’t gonna go until I watch the NasCars.
Laura: (in her drunken rage she heads to the telephone) Hello, Karl. I need a new husband. This good fur-nutt’n husband of mine won’t get off his azz.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:10 pmComment by barfly
uhh… you’re putting words in my mouth, pal. But don’t worry, I am spitting them out. Racial politics is for the uneducated, by the way. You’re not any kind of hero here. The congress has the right to deny them visas or amnesty, should they choose. How would you like that?
Mexico has made it clear that have no problem sending people up to do our agricultural work. Why are you the dissenting vote?
America can choose its destiny, as every other country has the right to do so? Why do you seem intent on denying that?
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:11 pmIsn’t immigration one of those ‘wedge’ issues used to divide populations before election time for votes ? Isn’t it strange how abortion, gay rights, … become the main issues during election time as righties really have nothing else to talk about.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:12 pmAmerica can choose its destiny, as every other country has the right to do so? Why do you seem intent on denying that?
Comment by CompTROLLER V-1
And I’m putting words in your mouth? I merely pointed out that you were speaking in code – the code of racism.
Since you think immigrants are only good for stoop labor, read this, and educate yourself:
MOUNT VERNON, Va. — Reginald Cherubin, an eight-year Navy veteran with experience in Afghanistan, volunteered earlier this year for a special assignment in Iraq. Despite a lack of volunteers, he was rejected.
That is when the 30-year-old Haitian realized he needed to become a U.S. citizen.
Cherubin was among three American military members who became U.S. citizens Monday at a naturalization ceremony held at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
The U.S. military includes 40,000 members who are eligible to become citizens, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Between 6,000 and 7,500 service members become citizens every year, helped in part by special rules enacted since 2002 that expedite applications for those in the armed services.
“I think it speaks volumes to the patriotism of the immigrant community,†said USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez, himself an immigrant and Army veteran. “Immigrants come here to participate.â€
In the military, citizenship is more than just ceremonial. Non-citizens are barred from some opportunities, including the officer corps and certain security clearances.
Cherubin had only been in the United States a few months when he enlisted in September 1999. He wanted to earn money for college and expected to return to civilian life after four years. But he said the Navy has become “a second family, a second home.â€
His family in Haiti initially questioned his desire to enlist. “But they see a whole lot of changes in me now. I’m more disciplined. They support me now,†he said.
Army Sgt. Jeremy Tattrie, born in Canada but living in the United States since age 4, volunteered four years ago after watching Saddam Hussein’s statue topple in Baghdad shortly after the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
“It was just this epiphany, I guess, that I had to do something a little bit bigger with my life,†Tattrie, 24, said.
And Marine Gunnery Sgt. Brian Joseph, 38, a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said he figured that after a 16-year military career that included a tour in Iraq, it was time to become a citizen.
Joseph, who has lived in the U.S. since he was 8, said it never felt strange to be defending a country of which he was not a citizen.
“I’ve always felt like an American,†he said. “In a way, this is like a formality for me.â€
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:18 pm“Which is why republicans should demand voting rights for convicted felons, as there are so many republicans in jail, it would help swell republican voter rolls.”
WOW, is that a falsehood, or what? If voting were allowed in jails throughout this country, democrats would be a super-majority and violent criminals would be unleashed everywhere. You would see an expanded anti-law enforcement system come to light. Aren’t you for peace, by the way?
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:23 pmSometimes it looks like Bush has given up on the whole Prezident thing. He seems really depressed. His bubble is getting broken a little bit every day. And he looks like hell.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:26 pmComment by barfly
Note to Barfly: The topic wasn’t that of the U.S. Military. And yes, you are putting words in my mouth and veering off-subject.
“And I’m putting words in your mouth? I merely pointed out that you were speaking in code – the code of racism. ”
That’s probably always your response to anyones contention.
Reiteration to Barfly: Racial politics is for the uneducated. Allow that to sink in. America has its right to choose its own destiny, we don’t need or care to have Mexico to do it for us. We can regulate visiting labor as we choose. Make no mistake, other countries wouldn’t be so generous to these illegals, yet you complain. No wonder.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:29 pmThe GOP Father has the immigration legislation he wants. An offer you can’t accept.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:35 pmDidja catch his picture posing as Capt. Kirk on AF1. He heard Hillary was redoing her image through Bay. He was sitting straight in his little black body suit, at his desk and looking “intelligent” … even had reading glasses in his hand. There was no paper around him to “read”. His “crew” will beam down to work on the immigration deal with the “pact”. Get it? He never did any work anyway. Every move he makes is a distraction.
Now, to put him in the next costume. Let’s put him in front of a University class, this time. Preferably higher mathematics. Or, studying Einstein’s theory of “ooooops”! How about……..?…..
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:53 pmNote to Barfly: The topic wasn’t that of the U.S. Military. And yes, you are putting words in my mouth and veering off-subject.
The subject is broad, and as you were speaking in racial code words, I thought it proper to point that out. You say you only support immigrant stoop labor: “I’ll support targeted, limited visas for agricultural labor, that’s about it” but when I point that out, I’m the one engaging in racial politics? And “Make no mistake, other countries wouldn’t be so generous to these illegals, yet you complain. No wonder.” Is a huge strawman. I didn’t complain about anything, except your racist code-language. “Middle Class” americans should fear untrained immigrants? Why? Will they not pay taxes? Baloney. Will they be a threat to our sovereignty? Not according to the article I posted. If you’re so serious about the issue, let’s hear you call for RICO prosecutions for companies who use immigrants to gain an unfair economic advantage over other companies. I must have missed your denunciation of the enablers, so perhaps you could repost it.
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:19 pmSounds like the ‘ol prez has his plate full of pressing issues…
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:23 pmThat’s probably always your response to anyones contention.
I’ve been here for years. My posts are all over the place, and I contend with others a lot, but I never engage in racial code words, like”middle class americans” when it is clear by the rest of my post that I mean White middle class americans. That’s what you did, by saying you’d be fine with immigrant stoop labor, but not any labor that might threaten “middle class americans.” Condemn me all you want, but that’s what you’re doing.
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:25 pmSometimes it looks like Bush has given up on the whole Prezident thing. He seems really depressed. His bubble is getting broken a little bit every day. And he looks like hell.
Comment by mikeandjeffsmom
I never judge that con by his appearance, words or demeanor.. I believe the opposite of what he speaks, acts and appears….
Bush Anoints Himself as the Ensurer of Constitutional Government in Emergency
His actions speak loudly for me.
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:47 pmit’s not just immigration,
george bush has given up on being president.
he’s just keeping the chair in the oval office warm and counting the days until january, 2009.
so am i.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:19 pmThe guest worker program would be the death of the American middle class, yet somehow the Democrats support that and even full-blown amnesty. Aren’t all of you for a strong middle class?
Comment by CompTROLLER V-1
What middle class are you referring to? The middle class making minimum wage at fast food restaurants? or the middle class making $ by piece at a sewing factory? or the middle class mowing your lawn? or maybe the middle class building the house you live in? Please be specific. Or, maybe it is one of the other jobs you would not want to do but blame the immigrants for taking and keeping down minimum wage? Oh, wait a minute, Bush is against an increase in minimum wage as are all Republicans based upon the fact the minimum wage increase has to be attached to a war funding bill.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070521/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq
This administration is a joke and so is your simplistic, uninformed view of immigration and ‘the middle class’.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:36 pmComment by barfly
You admitted yourself, “The subject is broad,” so why do you think you can make a narrow accusation that “middle-class americans” statement is “racist”? What planet do you hail from? Any one who actually believes that “middle-class americans” is racist, is delusionally racist themselves. America can have ANY economic agenda it pleases.
You are not at liberty to tell me “what I am doing.” You are not entitled to your own facts. To think that it’s economically feasible to legalize an approximate 12 million illegal aliens is the thought of the uneducated. Your “no matter what you say, you are doing” statement doesn’t end the argument and it doesn’t declare your statements to be correct. It also doesn’t render my following or previous statements to be untrue. Get off your high horse.
Reiteration #3: Racial politics is for the uneducated. Stop using it and stop accusing other of using it. America can choose its own destiny and doesn’t need Mexico to do it. Mexican-Americans can have all of their own interests, so you have not a right in the world to bash on the interests of European-americans. Nobody is invading Mexico. And also, America doesn’t receive the credit it deserves. Other countries (including Mexico) do the “rounding-up” you denounce so much. You believe that it’s relevant, and you are simply wrong. By no means is that a “strawman” argument. You want to snip out any realities that don’t make you comfortable, but it doesn’t make me a “strawman.”
You can have your interpretations, but the majority of Americans disagree with you. It’s apparent that you want race wars, but accuse others of wanting the same scenario to ward attention off yourself. Whatever you’ve previously stated on this website is not worthy of attention, nor is it relevant. How could it be?
Again, how about NO opportunity at visas and citizenship, how about that?
People from Mexico are able to come here and send billions home to feed their families, and you think they shouldn’t be appreciative of that? Mexico itself suffers from abject poverty and offers little economic opportunity. Why don’t you denounce that? How about looking to improve that instead of bashing America? Quit acting as if illegal immigration doesn’t harm this great country. The detriments certainly outweigh the benefits.
Of course, companies that hire illegals are part of the conspiracy. There should be total enforcement against all employers. All minimum wage laws, for one, should be followed. It’ll be a good thing if we can prosecute these companies, so that the illegals can be sent home and be forced to make their own country more economically stable.
And “Comment by Hypocrisy,”
A minimum-wage agreement has been reached by both chambers of congress, to include tax-breaks to hire people with disabilities (the unemployment rate for them is a hugh problem in this country, and it goes unnoticed too often), people who got out of jail, and other disadvantaged individuals (not including illegal immigrants, thankfully). The President has said he will sign it. Congress can choose to send him a stand-alone bill, I think he would still sign it. Otherwise, a war bill with no timeline and reasonable benchmarks with the wage amendment attached would do the trick. I’ve seen no recent indication anywhere that the president wants to veto the minimum wage increase.
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:23 pmComment by CompTROLLER V-1
Oh, so your previous idiotic, bigoted remarks were caused by a brain fart?
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:43 pmAll those who are Blabbering , should fisrt stop to ask A FEW simple questions,
What IMMIGRATION :LAWS DO YOU KNOW? ARE YOU AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER?
2,What do you know about INTERNATIONAL TRADE & ECONOMICS? & What Degree do you have in Economics?
Those who are screaming are people that have no clue to whats happening in the real world.
Follies SCREAM, The WISE KNOW :)
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:17 pm#31
WTF? Nothing substantive in your comments.
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:22 pm