Posted by
Katie Favazza on Thursday, June 28, 2007 4:41:54 PM
While many Democrat leaders saw this bill as a divisive issue in the Senate, Madeline’s Dad read comments from both sides of the blogosphere, and he begs to differ:
Here is the only issue I can recall in recent memory that both Left and Right (I'm talking "Man in the street", not the folks in Washington) have agreed on, and agreed heartily. A quick read of comments from "everyday folks" over at Huffington Post and Michelle Malkin say essentially the same thing: Secure the borders, and enforce the current laws on the books.
Will the Hill listen to the people?
It's interesting to note that the "bigwigs" in both Parties are taking massive flak for supporting this horrible legislation. Lindsey Graham had his approval ratings around 65% before he supported this bill. Now he is hovering near 30%. Think he might have something to worry about come November? Ted Kennedy is taking a beating over at Huffington Post for his support. Some commentors are calling for his retirement, and looking for a candidate to run against him. Trent Lott shows once again why he is ill qualified to lead the Republican Party. I think the Democrats who supported this "Yea" vote will have some trouble defending that stance come election time. This issue seems pretty clear to most Americans.
Radio host Rick Amato related the immigration mess to the movie Kill Bill:
They met in the middle of the night, behind closed doors and thought they could sneak 'a fast one' by the American people. But you would have none of it. To the credit of the listeners of talk radio, you have forced a very powerful group of Washington elite to back down and re-visit kill bill volumes 2, 3 and 4.
We all knew the liberal arm of the Democratic Party shared common values with Hollywood. But who among us knew that President Bush did too?
Border security first. Immigration policy reform second.
Ryan, one of Townhall’s editorial interns, calls this a touchdown for the conservative movement—in so many words.
Why do so many conservatives think today’s results spell victory for the movement? NC Outrage reminds readers that “the bill can’t be bought to the floor again until the next session of Congress, Jan. 2009.”
ShiningCity has the list of who voted “yes” on today’s cloture vote, if you’re curious.
Ken, of The Playful Walrus, asks, “Now what?” To answer that question, he has posted his recommendations for the government’s priorities and the American people’s responsibilities:
Here is what needs to happen now, as far as the government:
1. Control our physical borders using agents, barriers, and technology.
2. Track visitors to our country. Make sure they do not overstay their welcome.
3. Workplace enforcement. Hold employers accountable.
4. Deport illegal aliens caught committing other crimes.
5. Speed up legal immigration for those who want to integrate into and contribute to American society, not live off of our foolishly socialistic systems.
What can the people do?
1. Keep pressure on your elected officials.
2. Do not hire illegal aliens. If you don't want to pay for legal labor for various odd jobs, do it yourself (it will be good exercise), or hire some neighborhood youths.
3. Pressure businesses. Let them know that if they hire illegal aliens, you will no longer be their customer or invest in them.
4. If you are a union member, pressure your union leadership. Illegal aliens cost you money.
5. Seek to improve the situation in Mexico through private charity that directly helps the needy in Mexico. Avoid letting corrupt Mexican government officials get their hands on the resources. Many churches send teams to Mexico to provide for the needy.
6. Try to move our systems and programs towards privatization and free enterprise, and away from socialism. The fewer handouts we offer, the less incentive for the unskilled poor to sneak into our country.
Dad, of Revie’s Ramblings, is one of many bloggers to post that today’s vote does not mean that immigration is a dead issue.
We will still have to deal with a mass influx of people crossing our borders at will. Until the government gets serious about enforcement, we will have that problem. Congress has to signal a need for seriousness on this issue. Right now, they are fiddling while Rome burns. As they fiddle, the public is getting more fed up all of the time. There will come a time where politicians will have to pay a price for their lax opinion of border security. My hope is that will occur in 2008.
If border security is still a big issue in 2008, it bodes well for a Republican to be elected at all levels.
Blandly Urbane also reiterates that this is not the last Americans can expect to hear about immigration:
What the American people can not rest easy upon is the new rise from both sides of the aisle, although mostly from the Left of political renewed interest in seeing the “doctrine” put back into play.
From reactions and statements by the Senators involved it truly appeared to gall them that the American people were really getting into their craw. We can expect to hear more of the same clap trap rhetoric that we heard during the “rush to pass” that which they hadn’t felt a rush to pass up until recently.