Yesterday, President Bush gave an interview to Fox News Channel's Brit Hume. Overall it was a decent interview. But, once again President Bush does not get what is one of the reasons why the Republican party lost seats and the White House in 2008.
Here is the exchange in question between President Bush and Mr. Hume:
HUME: Now, your political family, the Republican Party...
G.W. BUSH: Yes, sir.
HUME: ... what do you think is its likely fortunes going forward? How have you left it? What does it need to do?
G.W. BUSH: I think -- look, I mean, obviously, it got whipped in 2008, and there will be a new wave of leadership arriving on the scene.
I can remember the '64 elections, the Goldwater -- the Johnson landslide against Barry Goldwater, and you know, we were -- everybody said the party was wiped out. And then a whole new wave of Republicans ran, including George H.W. Bush, who got elected to the United States Congress from the 7th Congressional District.
Same thing will happen. But it's very important for our party not to narrow its focus, not to become so inward looking that we drive people away from a philosophy that is compassionate and decent.
And I would -- my call for our party is to be open-minded about different...
HUME: About what?
G.W. BUSH: Well, different people's opinions. We shouldn't have litmus tests as to whether or not you can be a Republican.
HUME: Right.
G.W. BUSH: And we should be open-minded about big issues like immigration reform, because if we're viewed as anti-somebody -- in other words, if the party is viewed as anti-immigrant -- then another fellow may say, "Well, if they're against the immigrant, they may be against me."
We've got to be a party for a better future...
UGH! No! No! No! We do not need to be "open-minded" about immigration "reform". What we the Republican party and those that value the rule of law must be for is enforcing the laws that we already have on the books.
What is bothersome about this exchange is that President Bush seems to go out of his way to use the term "anti-immigrant" rather than "anti illegal immigrant". Because that is what most who have opposed the "comprehensive immigration reform" bill-scam are against. Illegal immigrants.
I, for one, welcome those that want to come here, play by the rules and live the American dream. Also, I would increase the numbers of those that want to come here legally.
There is no question that there is a small minority of people that are racists and truly anti-immigrants that oppose any real, meaningful immigration reform. But they can and should be marginalized.
But, to imply as President Bush does, that any Republican opposed to the "comprehensive immigration reform" bill-scam that he and the GOP standard-bearer in 2008, Sen. John "F--- You" McCain supported is somehow racist, not open-minded or anti-immigrant is disingenuous.
Many people would let a number of illegal aliens stay in the United States, but in a staged by length of time they have been in the United States. The longer that one has been here, the better that they would want to become citizens.
Make no mistake, blanket amnesty is not the way to go.
And a little honesty on both sides would go a long way.
Democrats want a huge, new potential voting pool. Pro-amnesty Republicans want cheap labor.
Want Americans want is to see the rule of law upheld.
That means companies and business that knowingly hire illegal aliens be prosecuted, fined and if necessary, people go to jail.
It also means that illegals actually be deported when caught.
And if there is to be any amnesty, those that want to stay and become citizens have to go to the back of the line and those that have done it the right and legal way get to the front of the line.
If Republicans want to buy this argument about what did them in 2008, good luck.
The Republican party would be a party in the minority for a long time.
3 comments:
living in California, like you, we truly feel big effects of the illegal immigration; I'm all for people legitimately coming here and wanting to play by the rules; I don't care for those that choose not to play by the rules and my biggest gripe is if you are going to come to a new country, learn the language. My sister/family are living in the Netherlands for a couple of years due to her hubby's work; she doesn't get an interpreter if she needs to take care of business there; its almost a right here to expect an interpreter.....something wrong with that picture
betty
I used to believe that we needed to deport all of the illegals, however I've come to accept that the situation is much more complicated simply because our politicians have allowed it to become so.
For example, by having allowed illegals to open bank accounts, start businesses, buy homes, have children who are automatically granted citizenship, collect welfare, etc. we have, as a society, condoned and helped foster their existence here.
My plan to deal with illegals would be as follows:
1) Illegals here less than one year must go home (no exceptions).
2) Illegals here over one year must immediately report their presence to the immigration authorities and will be allowed to remain in the country pending a background check.
3) After a background check all illegals who have not committed any felonies will be allowed to stay in the country with a special designation which would allow them to work.
4) Illegals with criminal backgrounds (even those who have served their time) will be deported.
5) Illegals with no criminal backgrounds would be allowed to apply for citizenship after 10 years in the country and after paying any and all back taxes owed.
6) All illegals allowed to remain in the country would have to pay a $10,000 fine to help defray the costs of their residence here.
7) Illegals would not be able to collect any government subsidies or entitlements during their residence.
In addition to this I believe we should have a constitutional amendment that disallows citizenship to anyone born in this country whose parents are not legal residents or citizens.
I understand that the solution will probably be much more complex, but to think that we can deport 12 million people while still allowing them due process is a pipe dream. It would take several lifetimes to get all of these people through the court system.
you are right64 again!... i am becoming a bit disturb wtih far too many republicans (bush being another) accusing the party of being anti- minority group because we do not espouse to give aways!..
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