New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency on August 12th claiming the state of New Mexico is BEING INVADED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS! Clearly a grandstanding move to bring the liberal democrat into the forefront of the immigration issue. Three days later Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano joined Bill and declared a State of Emergency because Arizona is BEING INVADED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS!
Wow! All this coming from the Governor that has blocked, vetoed and fought virtually every piece of immigration legislation to come down the pike.
Janet and Bill have learned from Hillary that Immigation may be the Golden Ticket in the incoming elections. The GOP is lost in a sea of uncertainty, political impotence, and pandering pontification. Other than J.D. Hayworth Arizona is stuck with the Republican version of the three stooges, Kyl, McCain, and Kolbe three emasculated professional politicians that are far too afraid to address the most important issue in Arizona politics since statehood.
Where are our GOP representatives on this issue? Hell if I know! They are suspiciously silent on this issue except for a few photo ops and a milquetoast response now and then. They give the outward appearance of protecting big business and industry like the stereotypical Republicans that they are.
What they fail to realize is the democrats are wisely latching on the one issue that can bring them validation. You see if they embrace immigration reform and talk tough they will trump the Republicans and make them play catch up. Catch up...............The party in power has to play catch up because they refuse to lead with force and vision. Forty years to get here and we do not have clue on how to stay here.
GWB has alienated many conservatives over his confused and illogical stance on securing the border. If he wants to know why his numbers are falling it is most likely because of immigration issues. Most Americans cannot understand why we spend billions on the WOT but won't enforce the very laws that will protect us the most.
There may be hope here.......
Anyone who knows Arizona's political past knows the name Goldwater. Synonymous with the last gasp of real conservative thought in this state, a new day may be here. Like a Phoenix rising from Phoenix, the name Goldwater is back. Don Goldwater, nephew of Barry and candidate for Governor. Plain speaking and not afraid to address the immigration issue, he may have what it takes to get our current Gov. out of office.
We are losing control of our state and we need leadership who will enforce the will of the people. The Republican's failure to command the high ground on this simple issue is astounding. It very well may be the turning point of GOP control and its future.
Hopefully this Goldwater, like the last one will shame his counterparts into action.
Janet's Dubious Achievements Here
Posted by BillyBudd at August 17, 2005 06:56 PM | TrackBackThe trick is that illegal immigration is also cheap labor. Its wrong. And its sad. The only people that want them, use them, and then toss them back. Its also exceedingly difficult to become a naturalized citizen if you arrived illegally. The farm/vineyard where I used to work had 4 illegal guys (out of over 60 workers) who had worked there for over 20 years. The owner of the place had been working with lawyers and immigration and more lawyers, trying to get these guys legal. While I was there, one of them got his citizenship.
Someplace there should be a happy medium - a different worker program (the brasero program was horrible)where they pay for health insurance before coming in and have to leave for so many months a year, or something.
In the meantime, big employers need cheap labor and as long as they have influence government will look the other way.
Note I didn't name any political parties there. Both are just as guilty, neither will follow through. I'm willing to bet.
Posted by: JulieB at August 18, 2005 12:00 AMJulie you are absolutely correct this problem is not limited party. The illegal immigration problem has exploded way beyond a cheap labor force, with virtually no enforcement the wave of humanity is here to live. They will take any and all jobs and are replacing higher wages and US citizens. The employers must be held accountable first. I am all for LEGAL immigration. This madness must end, our hospitals are all closing and our social services are bankrupt. The schools are falling behind to help students who do not speak english and crime is rising dramatically.
Posted by: Billy Budd at August 18, 2005 07:52 AMThe blame crosses party lines. It's time to throw out the unresponsive politicians and replace them with those who will defend our country, its laws and the Constitution.
Posted by: BobG at August 18, 2005 08:28 AMBob,
You are correct and I would cross party lines to elect any and all candidates that make this a sincere focus of their campaign. The aliens are not interested in becoming American citizens or assimilating into our culture. They want to move the Mexican border north and they have the numbers to do it.
If Democrats not only get down on illegal aliens but start talking Border Security, they just might have the Republicans by the balls.
One more reason that I don't like any political party. They're all sleezy b-------!
Posted by: WitNit at August 18, 2005 10:10 AMTo some degree it is grandstanding. But, at this point, I will take what I can get.
Posted by: gindy at August 18, 2005 05:43 PMGindy, you also are correct, I have no problem with all politicians trying to outdo each other in this arena. We need all the help we can get, contrived or not.
Posted by: Billy Budd at August 18, 2005 05:53 PMTo be fair, AZ GOP Reps John Shadegg and Jeff Flake should be counted with JD among the good guys. Both are quietly marching to the beat of free market, limited government ideals.
Regarding immigration and the gubernatorial race: As important as the issue is, I think it's important that the GOP avoid making this a single issue election. Education, taxation, property rights -- all of these are also important Arizona issues, and all have bearing on the illegal immigration problem.
Jack agreed on all points, I know of Jeff Flake but not Shadegg. I do not want this to become a single issue election as that is myopic and dangerous. The absence of serious immigration control and solutions from the GOP leaves us wide open to criticism and an Achilles'heel in the future. Most of us are beside ourselves with frustration at the destruction of property, lives, and American culture along the border. The Good Guys need to get a bigger drum and start banging it loudly before it is too late. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: Billy Budd at August 19, 2005 03:49 PMJack, I blogrolled you as well
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