Thursday, April 13, 2006

Well how about that?

I am always surprised to find I am in the majority. If AJ is right it seems that most Americans see the immigration issue much the same as I do:

Immigration is looking to be a winner for Bush, but a possible loser for Reps as long as foaming-at-the-mouth types like Michael Savage are considered ‘conservative’. The reason is those who think illegal immigration is a crime on the par of robbery or assault (as opposed to not having a valid license) are a minority repulsive to most Americans, as shown in this LA Times poll (which spins all the news as bad for Bush no matter what logic dictates):

The survey found that while Republican lawmakers are split over the idea of adding a guest worker program, a majority of the general public agree with President Bush, who backs such a program. Fifty-four percent of the public supports it, compared to 21% who do not.

That is more than 2 to 1 against Savage and for Bush’s proposal. As details are added, there is respect for our immigrant neighbors, not anger and spite:

Most popular with the public, and most controversial among lawmakers, was a proposal to allow undocumented workers who have been living and working in the U.S. for a number of years and who do not have criminal records to apply for legal status, after fulfilling certain requirements. Two-thirds overall supported the idea while fewer than one in five were opposed. Allowing immigrants who are living and working in the U.S. to start down the path to legal citizenship received broad bipartisan support – 59% of Democrats, 71% of Independents, and 67% of Republicans back the idea.

Read it all.

I realize that to some people the difference between the undocumented Mexican roofer and the serial killer is academic at best but I have never understood exactly what it is they want done about it? Do they want immigration reform or the Trail of Tears?

4 comments:

ex-democrat said...

don't you think you've beaten this straw man to death by now, terrye? you made it clear many posts ago that the republican world is divided into two types of people: those who are resigned to legalizing those who were shrewd enough not to follow the rules and wait their turn like millions of other potential immigrants did, and those who want to drink their blood.
There's more at stake here than pragmatism - even if a pragmatic solution is inevitable.

samrocha said...

Hi, I enjoyed your article on immigration, I think this is a very important dialogue to have and that Bloggers are making the climate very democratic. Feel free to look at some of my posts on the issue at my blog www.debaterelatepontificate.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

exdemocrat:

If you don't agree with me just say so but do not tell me what to post.

BTW, when I look at the blogs and real clear politics it is immigration immigration immigration. I am not the one who started the debate.

But then again that is a break from Dubai Dubai Dubai which had a great deal of the right leaning blogosphere in a tither for weeks.

I am sorry I annoy you and that you find me so tedious and redudant. I will try to come up with something more entertaining in the future.

Unknown said...

confused:

Excellent point. If they are all criminals why hasn't law enforcement already arrested and deported them all as far as that is concerned, why do we need some dramatic mass deportation?