Progress in Iraq, Bad for Democrats?

This weekend there was seemingly a paradigm shift in a small part of the Democrat Party. It started with the discussion on the Chris Matthew's show suggesting that maybe we shouldn't leave Iraq.

Matthews: Mike Duffy, you wrote a big piece for Time magazine last week highlighting three dangers Bush is pushing about if we withdraw: sectarian violence; safe haven for al Qaeda, and; a proxy war in Iraq fueled by its neighbors.
Duffy responded: The Administration estimates that we have a thousand Iraqis dying a month at the current rate. That could explode, maybe ten times as many, if the U.S. leaves.

So, we shouldn't leave because of the expected mass execution of Iraqis. However, Barack Obama said

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot use its military to solve humanitarian problems and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there.

I guess the panel didn't agree with Obama. I was a bit shocked when I read what Obama said. I had wondered in the Democrat Party was really so heartless that it would actually withdrawal the troops in light of the humanitarian disaster that would follow.
The other event was the op-ed in the New York Times which said that we might just win the war in Iraq. The authors say that the surge was starting to work.

Today, morale is high. The soldiers and marines told us they feel that they now have a superb commander in Gen. David Petraeus; they are confident in his strategy, they see real results, and they feel now they have the numbers needed to make a real difference.

This is old news. It has been reported but not in the MSM. So, the good news in Iraq is bad news for the Democrats. They've already declared that we've lost the war and that the surge was a failure. Harry Reid had said that he was going to keep bringing up the resolution to get the troops out of Iraq. It's going to be really difficult to keep doing that when the MSM is now reporting that the surge is working. While the news of positive progress in Iraq is going to be problematic for the Democrat Leadership, the more moderate Democrats may be releasing a sigh of relief. They see the disaster in Iraq that would occur if they are force to fall in behind the Democrat Leadership. This gives them cover for voting against any further resolutions for a troop retreat.

A Non-Scientist Gets It

Ahhhh! It's refreshing to see an editorial question global warming and Al Gore's part in it.

My opinion of Al Gore, as you may have guessed by this time, would rank in the polls as “ below zero. ” Frankly, he is a fat, pompous gadfly (I had another term, but knew the editor would not like it ) who has found a peg to hang his career on — not withstanding the fact that he does not know what he is talking about, and has surrounded himself with people who also do not know what he is talking about.

Mr Terry may not be a scientist but he has sense enough to do a little looking and come to a conclusion that

If we were to follow Al Gore’s recommendations, we would literally have to stop mining and using coal, get rid of automobiles, and, in short, stop doing nearly anything you can think of except breathe. Stop the foolishness. I heard a truly imminent scientist the other day say that Gore’s predictions were both " foolish and dangerous. " The danger was in the fact that many people will believe his predictions.

I'm really glad that I'm seeing more people question the validity of global warming. In my whole life-time there have been a number of these "ecological disasters". Starting at the age of 9 when I went to "environmental camp", then there were the gas shortages, then global cooling, and then the disappearing ozone layer. There is always news of some new disaster looming, but they never occur.

I reject out of hand the cataclysmic predictions made by Gore and other pseudo-scientists, while admitting that there are some reputable scientists on his side. I just happen to believe they are wrong, as scientists often are.

Amen and Hallelujah!

They've Seen the Lights

Thank God!

After trying multicolored lights last year as the Fayetteville Square’s holiday decorations, officials with the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department have reverted back to the traditional all-white light display.

Those multi-colored lights looked just terrible. I'm sure they had a lot of complaints about them.

Jeff Coles, maintenance superintendent for Parks and Recreation, said the colored lights did receive rave reviews, mostly from out-oftowners, but that ultimately he and his staff believed the white lights were a better scheme.

I don't know where they that got those reviews but the one I saw in CitiScapes suggested they never do it again.

From NWA Times

Todays Dow Drop, Disaster or Opportunity

Most people see the Dow dropping as a minor disaster, but I look at it differently.

NEW YORK (AP) - Wall Street suffered one of its worst losses of 2007 Thursday, leading a global stock market plunge as investors succumbed to months of worry about the mortgage and corporate lending markets. The Dow Jones industrials closed down more than 310 points after earlier skidding nearly 450.

It's a stock sale! I hate it when the stocks rise so steeply. It means that any stock that I would buy would cost me more. I live for the times when the stock goes down. Some people live for shoe sales, I live for stock sales.

Construction on Wedington Drive

I am so ticked off at the Arkansas Highway Department. They are going to do road construction at NIGHT! This is a residential neighborhood! What twit would build roads at night when families are trying to sleep? I didn't get any sleep at all last night. They had dump trucks coming in all the time, the generators were right by my house and noise they made rattle windows and dishes.
I call the Highway department, and they told my Jeff Stroud was in charge. I asked that he call me but I don't think he is. The people I spoke with didn't really seem to care. Their attitude was "we don't care" and "screw you".
I need to figure out how to get some sleep while they're working. Somehow I've got to drown out the noise. I have ear plugs, but they didn't work. I'd sure welcome any suggestions.
There might be a positive side to all the construction. If I get mad and irritated about it, I'll be energized to do what I need to move out of here.

Our Opinion

I finally got the camera that I've been wanting. It took me awhile to save the money, but it sure is sweet to hold it in my hand. It is so much better than my Kodak EasyShare. It's a lot more complicated. I have to actually read the manual. I've been using the cats as my test subjects. As you can see Tigger and Eli are not at all impressed.

Maybe the other cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats will be impressed.

John Doe Amendment

I really couldn't believe that the Democrats killed the John Doe amendment. It defies all logical sense. People need to report suspicious behavior, but they don't have to fight law suits just because they do. It seems as if the Democrats are doing everything possible to endanger us. People won't report something suspicious if they have to face the costs of lawsuits. Well, the Democrats must be getting a earful about this. From Audrey Hudson

"Democrats have been backed into a corner by public outrage over their efforts, so we are seeing these Democrats publicly say they support it in principle, but behind the scenes they are working to kill it," said one Republican leadership aide close to the conference process.
Some Republican aides are attributing the mounting pressure to support the provision to press reports and the blogosphere, where bloggers turned bloggyists are posting phone numbers of Democrat congressional leaders and urging readers to call in with their support.

O yeah! Power to the People! It's time once again to save the American people from the Democrat Party.
Tip MM.com

Unlikely Partners

Now, why would Wal-Mart and the Rev Al Sharpton come together for a love-fest?

Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton and Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott became unlikely allies Tuesday in their call to revive immigration legislation as they spoke before the largest U.S. Hispanic civil rights organization. "Congress needs to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill now," said Scott, who heads the world's largest retailer.

Why of course! Wal-Mart needs to cut it labor costs even further and what better way than a part-time "guest worker".

Wedington Drive, Links and Woodstock Development

Well, both the Links and the Woodstock developments went through the Planning Commission. Woodstock is to go before the City Council, but will undoubtedly sail through. I did say something to the Commission about it. I'm particularly concerned that a 4 story commercial building is being put up right next to my house. In fact, just looking out my window now, I would be seeing a 4 story building. I know that it doesn't matter to the city how many neighbors don't want this development in the middle of their neighborhoods. People have complained about this kind of development before and the city still approves them.
Anyway, I've decided that it's time for me to move. There is just way too much development near me and I especially don't like the idea of people looking down into my house. I also don't want to deal with the traffic and noise of shops and stores. If I had wanted to live in a city, I would have stayed in L.A. I never planned on moving. I really like my house. I'm going through the emotional roller coaster people have when they lose some one or something. Anyway, it might take a year or so to swing it financially. By that time all the construction around here should be complete and it'll be easier to sell the house.

My Margarita!

We have got to stop this Madness! This is going way to far! This global warming swindle is starting to hurt where it really counts.

Tequila is key to a great margarita, but many farmers in Mexico are now ditching the blue agave plant used to make the liquor to cash in on corn and the demand for alternative fuel — and some say that could lead to the great tequila shortage.

Time to hit Macadoodles and stock up! Curse you Al Gore!

Alcohol in NW Arkansas

At last! Sam's Club has finally gotten it's liquor permit. Yeah, yeah, people complained because they think Sams is going to undercut the local liquor stores. They may lose some customers, but they were really sticking it to people because they had no where else to go. Now they do and liquor prices may become more reasonable.
Benton County on the other hand is dealing with a different liquor problem. It's battling bootlegging. Can you image that? People selling beer out of their homes. Why are people doing that? You just have to go few miles north to Missouri to get your liquor.

Rodriguez, a Tyson Foods Inc. employee, told officers through a translator that he supplements his income by selling the beer for $ 1 a can, nearly doubling his profit from the cases he said he purchased from Macadoodles liquor store across the state line in Missouri.

It may be a good reason for Benton County to go "wet". If they have liquor stores at least they can monitor who's buying liquor. Of course, teens are always going to try to buy liquor any way they can.

Pfc. Adam Watkins, Benefit Concert

(Adam with Phil, Susan and Elizabeth also on Graduation Day)
There is going to be a benefit concert for Pfc. Adam Watkins, Saturday Aug. 4th, 3 to 9 PM at the Rodeo Community Center Bldg. (Parsons Rodeo Grounds off Emma Street in Springdale) Individual armbands will be available at the door for $10. Concessions will also be available. This is being organized by friends of the Watkins family in the poultry industry and at the University of Arkansas. From the NWA Times

Pfc. Adam Watkins, 21, was seriously injured May 21 when the Army Stryker vehicle he was driving ran over an IED (improvised explosive device ).
Adam received second- and third-degree burns to his arms, back, head and buttocks as well as some second-degree burns to his face. He also sustained a compound fracture of both tibia bones in his lower leg and broken bones in one foot.

Adam's recovery is going to be a long one. Everything we can do to help him and his family is something we owe them. Adam has made a huge sacrifice to make sure that we are living free and safe. Please come to the concert and show Adam and his family how much we care. The family has a web page for Adam. One of the best features is the "Recovery Status" which gives nearly daily updates on Adam. You can even drop him a note. NW Arkansas, come out strong for a hometown boy!

Update: The U of A's Department of Poultry Science information and downloadable flyer for the concert.

Catnip Pusher

Yes! I am still the cat drug pusher in the neighborhood. That patch of catnip really brings the neighborhood cats around for a visit. This guy is really inhaling the stuff.


Oops! He noticed me! Oh, wait, I think he's too high to really care that I'm close. I wonder how long he's been laying there sniffing that stuff.

More cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

NWA Times Editorial, Getting it Wrong

I had to read this editorial twice because I could believe what I was reading. How could a newspaper editor get it so wrong?

There has been talk recently of converting a south Fayetteville locale — where environmental contamination remains a major worry of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality — into yet another city park.

He's talking about the former R&P Electroplating Inc place in south Fayetteville off Armstrong Road. Hugh Earnest sent a letter to the Fayetteville Parks and Recreational Advisory Board informing them that he was working with a development company that could possibly give some of the land to the Parks. In particular he mentioned the "possible construction of a trail head as well as improved access to the West Fork of the White River." This is all very preliminary and no plans were submitted. Who knows, things may not work out for the company. Hugh was kind enough to keep the Advisory Board informed. The Advisory Board took no action whatsoever on that property.
There was no need for the editor to go ballistic and complain about too much green space and not enough commercial development. I'd really like to know where this "talk" has been coming from. As far I know it hasn't been coming from the City of Fayetteville.

Cruelty to Animals

It's when people do this, you really wish the penalty for torturing animals was stiffer.

Seattle, Table Scrap Police

I kid you not. This is real.

The city of Seattle said the recycling of food waste will become mandatory for residents by April 2009.

Can you image the police showing up at your door and arresting you because you don't recycle your food. Do people really like living like that? Having the government tell you what to do in every minutia of your life?

The Eyes, The Eyes

This is sooooo funny!
The story from Boing Boing is here, but the photoshopped versions are here. Hint, scroll down.

Fayetteville, Woodstock Community, Neighborhood Meeting

Well, I went to the meeting for the residents concerned about the Woodstock Community development. Hank Broyles had the whole team there to answer any questions. Boy,were there a lot of questions! Everyone got to really look at the development and address their own particular concerns. I was impressed that the development team was patient with everyone's questions.
I'm not really happy about living across a commercial development. Particularly one in which the buildings are going to be 4 stories high. The first floors are going to be businesses and the remaining floors condos. That means people will be able to look down into my backyard. Ugh!
Even though I'm not happy with this development something worse could have been put in, a strip mall, gas station, or a Lindsey apartment complex. We'll see what happens. Once it's built and I don't like it, I can move. Maybe this development will increase the value of my home enough for me to be able to afford the house I'd really like to live in.

Clearing a Room

I don't know, Bill, if I should believe your story. If it's true then there a few places that I like to clear out. How about Wal-Mart? Won't have to worry about lines. Of course, the cashier might bug out too.

Fayetteville, Woodstock Community

I went to the Subdivision Committee meeting on Thursday to get a look at the Woodstock development which is going up next to me. I was really surprised at the number of neighboring residents that were not happy in the fact that a big commercial development was going up in the middle of a single family residential neighborhood. I, myself, am not happy about living next to a commercial development. However, I realize that there is not much that can be done to stop it. I am going to make sure that we don't have problems that occur on Dickson street. I am going to make it plain that I have no desire to see what's happening between the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse and the Dickson Street Neighborhood Association occurs on Wedington. There's a meeting Monday night with the residents and developer. We'll see what reassurances they can give us.

Raise Your Hands or Get Swept

Way to go girl! I wonder if the anti-gun proponents will start thinking of banning brooms?

Give These People a Geography Lesson

From ABC News
These guys aren't the brightest bunch of people. I am referring to an environmental group called the Center for Biological Diversity.

The group has petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect 12 penguin species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

There is a really big problem. The penguin doesn't exist in the U.S. except for zoos. The penguin being a native to the South Pole, is just a wee bit beyond the U.S.' jurisdiction. Oh Lord, these people just keep losing all sense of sanity.

Tip Newsbusters

Healthy At Last

Earlier this week I collected a urine sample (practice, practice) from Bows. The vet said that her infection is gone as is the crystals. Finally! Bows is definitely feeling better. She is running around the house like a kitten. She is also jumping up on places where she isn't suppose to be. Bad Girl!
More cats behaving or misbehaving at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

Synthetic Snot

This is nothing to sneeze at.

Via Instapundit

Another Milestone

My doctor informed me this week that I no longer have to see her every 3 months. I have now graduated to the every 6 month checkup. I have now been cancer free for 2 years. As much as I like my doctor, those 3 month check-ups are a bit of a drag. She did ask me to get a bone scan to make sure I haven't had any bone loss. Heck, from the feel of the arthritis in my neck and shoulders I feel like there's no danger in that.

The Surge and Congress

Congress is preparing for another debate on Iraq. Many members have the false impression that the new strategy has already failed. Others don't care whether or not the strategy succeeds or fails. They just like the idea of America being defeated. This isn't an accurate reflection of what's really occurring over in Iraq. Michael Yon's latest dispatch says that Al Qaeda is failing and on the run in Iraq.

Before the tape was running, I asked Abu Ali why he and the 1920s turned against al Qaeda in Buhriz. Speaking through LT David Wallach, a native Arabic speaker, Abu Ali said that "al Qaeda is an abomination of Islam: cutting off heads, stealing people’s money, kidnapping . . . every type of torture they have done."

Things are starting to change in Iraq. Not as fast as we would like but change is happening. Why should we desert the Iraqi people when they are finally getting the upper hand on al Qaeda? Sen. John Cornyn said today, the critical element missing in the debate is a serious review of the potential consequences resulting from a retreat by the U.S.

"In advocating a policy of retreat, they are seeking to abandon the central front in the war on terror and allow Iraq to become a safe haven for Al-Qaeda," ..."Those advocating retreat will not, or cannot, answer critical questions on the consequences of a precipitous withdrawal. For example, if we leave Iraq before the Iraqis can defend themselves, will this strengthen or weaken Al-Qaeda and other foreign jihadists in Iraq, and across the region? Will Al-Qaeda and other terrorists then follow us here to the United States? How will we address Iran’s continued support of Iraqi insurgents and terrorists now that we have definitive evidence of their involvement? Will Sunni majority nations outside of Iraq stand by and let Shiites massacre Sunnis in Iraq, or will this turn into a regional war? What is the scope of the humanitarian and refugee crisis that will ensue when the U.S. suddenly withdraws from Iraq? And perhaps the most important question that must be answered by those advocating withdrawal is -- what is your plan for the ‘Way Ahead’ in Iraq and the Region?"

These are really good questions. I sure would like to know how our 2 Senators would answer these questions since they seem intent on the failure of the U.S.

"Our success is not just about providing the people of Iraq a safe environment to develop and provide for their own self-governance – it is about our own protection. We must do what is right for America’s national security, the stability of the Middle East and our partners in the war on terror," Sen. Cornyn concluded.

Banning Sports Cars

The global warming crowd is going after the sports car. Those cars may shortly be outlawed in Europe because it's felt that Ferraris and Porsches produce too much carbon dioxide.

Chris Davies, a British member of the European Parliament, is proposing one of the most-extreme measures -- a prohibition on any car that goes faster than 162 kilometers (101 miles) an hour, a speed that everything from the humble Honda Civic on up can exceed. He ridiculed fast cars as "boys' toys."

Well, if they are going to use the measure of how fast a car can go, then they need to ban the Prius too.

I have a hunch that a ban on sports cars won't be enacted soon in Europe, largely because the Italians love their Lamborghinis, the British their Bentleys and the Germans their Porsches. But this won't be the last time that anti-consumption crusaders come disguised as guardians of the Earth.

I think there is going to be a limit to what Americans will put up with too. Can you imagine anyone around here being forced to give up their big trucks or Hummers?

The Redneck Games

I don't know how I missed this. I definitely need to see if I can attend next year.

Four by fours, swimmin' holes, gun racks, six packs and barbecued road kill - the stuff of redneck legend.

Fayetteville's "Global Warming" Kookfest

Our own Mayor Dan Coody is leading the leftist organization, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, in a local event designed to help cities reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While officials say that this also is to help cities save money while benefiting the environment, we know that this kind of bureaucracy usually ends up costing taxpayers money. So we have these activists and politicians riding an fad they hope will pay off for them while the whole "global warming" scare is continually debunked. While Al Gore was drawing attention to the planet's imminent doom a new find throws a huge monkey wrench into his alarmist warnings of climate-related devastation to the planet.

A painstaking analysis of surviving genetic fragments locked in the ice of southern Greenland shows that somewhere between 450,000 and 800,000 years ago, the world's largest island had a climate much like that of Northern New England, the researchers said. Butterflies fluttered over lush meadows interspersed with stands of pine, spruce, and alder.

Oh gee, the world had warmed up before without the benefit of human pollution and it survived. What a surprise! In fact, this little news item suggests we might start worrying about global cooling.

Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, has seen snow for the first time in 89 years, as a cold snap continues to grip several South American nations.

Well, I would really like to sit back and enjoy the silliness of the "global warming" twits, but we'd be paying up the wazoo in taxes if these idiots had their way.

Taking Care of the Culture of Corruption, China

I really think we should initiate this for our corrupt federal employees, government officials and legislators.

China executed the former head of its food and drug watchdog on Tuesday for approving untested medicine in exchange for cash, the strongest signal yet from Beijing that it is serious about tackling its product safety crisis.

Yeh, I know it's a bit harsh, but it sure would clean up the government real fast.

The Best of the "Dead Earth" Concerts

One of the most revealing moments was Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s rant at Giants Stadium.

These villainous [oil] companies that consistently put their private financial interest ahead of American interest and ahead of the interest of all of humanity. This is treason and we need to start treating them now as traitors.

Ahh, yes! Those bloody capitalists need to be punished. Put them in jail and behold we will stop the climate change. Hmmmm, I wonder how much jet fuel he used to get to this concert. I also wonder how much stock he owns in the oil companies.

The rant transcript and video here, if you have the intestinal fortitude.

Global Warming Terrorists, Attacking Fox News

Left wing activists attack Fox News for an alleged editorial stance skeptical of global warming concerns. So, now we have global warming terrorists threatening to destroy businesses which question global warming. Makes you wonder if they are going to be successful and who are they going to target next.

Tigger, Other Uses for a Laptop

Since you're not utilizing the laptop, I'll just use it for my pillow.

More cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

Holiday Swimming

I took Casey to Beaver Lake yesterday. I've discovered that he hasn't really swam before. He isn't really all that happy in the water. Strange, considering that he's a retriever. I thought he'd be comfortable in the water. Of course, he could have had a bad experience with it. I'll see if I can get him to enjoy the water.
More dogs at Friday Ark

A New Celebrity

Introducing a new international celebrity, The Islamic Rage Boy! He's really stepping out and promoting himself. Why, he already has his own merchandise. He will travel anywhere to protest those filthy, rotten infidels who dare to insult Muslims.

Gobbling Up Too Much Solar Energy

Can you believe how greedy we humans are? That God for scientists that show us how lousy human beings are.

An agriculture professor at the University of Melbourne, Snow Barlow, said the paper showed humans were taking up too much of an important natural resource. "Here we are, just one species on the earth, and we're grabbing a quarter of the renewable resources … we're probably being a bit greedy."

Well, we need to stop growing those crops. It doesn't matter if more people starve or those environmentalists are going to be able to drive those ethanol-base cars. I wonder how much solar energy is wasted on all those people sunning themselves at beaches? Damn it! We have got to stop being so greedy and stop using too much solar energy. Definitely need to get Al Gore on this right away!

Elton John, I AM!

Don't you just hate it when people don't realize how important you are?

Liveblogging, July 3, 1776

Who would've of believed that a blogger was present at the July 3, 1776 Continental Congress.

USA, Happy Birthday!

Oh, what the founding fathers did! Signing the Declaration Of Independence would have taken a great deal of courage. They were signing their death warrants. But I am so grateful that a small group of men overcame their fear and pushed for the freedom of the people of the United States. I wish that America today would discover that same courage. The Revolutionary War was fought for the independence of the people of the United States. The wars we fight today is to defend that freedom. If we don't continuously fight to keep that freedom we will lose it. We need to keep the courage and spirit of the Revolutionary War alive.

Clemency for Libby

Thank goodness that President Bush has finally acted for Scooter Libby.

But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby's sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.

I totally agree with President Bush. Libby's sentence was extremely harsh. Particularly in light of President Clinton lying to the Court and just getting his wrists slapped. Anyway, this is a great decision. Libby can still work on his appeal, and avoid going to prison.

My Evening Visitor

I had a visitor wash up to my doorstep, literal. A turtle who had taken shelter under the hostas got washed out by a big downpour this evening. Normally I would have let him be and let him walk off. However, this turtle had bunches of bandages taped to his back. Why did he have all this bandages on his shell? I took him inside and started to peel off the bandages. Oops! Now I know why he had them on. This turtle had met with a little accident that took a chunk of his shell. It didn't look like it hurt his body. I'm sure whoever put the bandages on thought they were doing a good thing, but they were all wet and dirty and the turtle could have gotten infected with bacteria or fungus. He's eating well so I don't think he's sick. I'll keep him around a few days to make sure he's OK, then I'll transport him somewhere away from populated areas.

The Sentence of Larry Norman

I hope the sentencing of Larry Norman is the beginning of the end for the two families. Such a tragedy; a simple, single mistake grieves not only the involved families but also the NW Arkansas community. Larry Norman is not a bad guy. He just made a terrible judgemental error that had far-reaching consequences.
Larry definitely needs our prayers. We all forgive him of his mistake, but now he needs to accept forgiveness from us and from God who also forgives him.
Larry joins a fair number of men who have made big mistakes. He must do as they have done. Face the greatest challenge of his life and turn what was terrible thing into something good.

All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something, beautiful, out of my life.

Immigration Bill, Next

Michael Barone has got it right. He acknowledges that those who supported the immigration bill need to rethink it. Why did the majority of the voting public reject it? Michael identifies the enemy.

..the enemy here is the us that have not enforced the law -- the executive and legislative branches, which have let the promise of the 1986 immigration law to become a dead letter and the voters who have not punished elected officials for doing so.

When we opposed the bill, it wasn't necessarily about giving instant amnesty to illegals, nor the guest worker provisions. It was the fact we didn't trust that any of the enforcement provisions provided in the bill; border security, employer sanctions, or tamper proof IDs, were going to be done. No administration has enforced current immigration laws in the past and the Bush administration isn't all that enthused about doing it now. We weren't about to let the 1986 immigration bill happen again.

There's not much hope that Congress will pass a big immigration bill this year or next. But the administration, by charging ahead on border security and setting the stage for a national identity card, can move the public toward accepting a comprehensive immigration bill in the years ahead.

I hope President Bush take Michael's suggestions. President Bush will not get his big immigration bill, but he can go a long ways in setting the ground work. If he just gets the border secure, he be remembered for seriously dealing with the illegal immigration problem, and also for taking the security of the U.S. seriously.