Question about McCain, immigration and politics
Posted 31 weeks 1 day ago byHere's a question inspired by the Washington Independent:
Does the success, so far, of John McCain mean that Republican voters aren't -- as a whole -- as angry about immigration as the rhetoric of their leaders would suggest?
This is a party that enthusiastically backed George W. Bush for president after all, and his stance isn't that different from McCain's, which is a good deal softer than what the conservatives with the loudest voices would like.
I'm not saying there aren't people who don't dislike illegal immigration. And we already know that the anti-immigration stance might be a long-term electoral loser for the GOP. But I wonder if it might not also be a short-term loser, as well.
Thoughts
RI Gov Issued Exec Order Veteran Supports
Submitted on April 23rd, 2008 by AnonymousAs a State employee in a large Human Service agency in RI and retired US Army soldier I have very strong concerns for the direction we are heading. Even though cuts in State government threaten my career, they are necessary. With that, so too is it necessary to explore other burdens on State government.
I have said time and time again, RI is the smallest state and therefore should be the example and leader not just for illegal immigration studies, but illegal / fraudulent public assistance and waiting periods to establish RI residency, not just US residency, to be eligible to receive State Public Assistance.
My theory is simple. If we make a modest family income of $85,000 per year with no children to support, we try to donate to church and other charities. Perhaps $3,000 to $4,000 per year or more, in good times. In hard times we reduce that charity to $1,000 to $2,000 per year. The same has to happen with the State of RI. We cannot afford to take care of everyone. We need a 12 to 18 month (min.) waiting period for anyone that is not a RI resident to receive any public benefit from the State. This deterrent, combined with other reduction of expenses should contribute greatly to reducing the budget deficit.
We should also give the companies that hire illegals a one-time amnesty which would include a workforce shift. By this I mean, you get caught as a company, the State would waive the penalties if that company replaced the illegal workforce with citizens that are on public assistance or unemployed. The company would be allowed under this State program to continue to pay the $5 per hour (if that was the rate it paid the illegal worker) and not be subject to possible future health care legislation for any worker hired under this program. Can you imagine the offset to our public assistance programs if these private companies were paying the $5 hour x 8 hours per day x 40 hours per week portion? Then multiply by the number of workers yielded (potentially) by the "shift".
The Executive Order is an emergency mechanism. The RI Assembly now needs to pass more detailed immigration legislation, which would include the Governor's Order and also target those areas that cost the State government the most money - first. The waiting period should be a first step. Remember - this would be for ANYONE, not just illegals.
Finally, when the word "illegal immigrant" is used, let's not forget the countless Yugoslav, Asian, African, and many other White / European and former Soviet block illegal immigrants. I never once saw the word "Hispanic" or "Latino" in the Executive Order or any other targeted format where the term "illegal immigrant" was used in potential lawmaking.
Good Luck Governor --
Ron Sanda - Sergeant First Class
US Army Reserve (Retired)
I live in a State with a lot
Submitted on February 2nd, 2008 by LionessI live in a State with a lot of immigrants from Mexico, legal and otherwise. I'm with McCain. It would be impossible to round them all up and send them back. If we can get control of the border, we should find some way to allow those who are already here to stay. They should be required to learn English, pay taxes, and whatever else we deem necessary to make them good neighbors. And we should do what Mexico does - any money they earn here has to STAY here and not be sent back to Mexico.
Really though... on the issue
Submitted on February 1st, 2008 by awathenIts not that republicans care about illegal immigration -- it's that politics in America today isn't *really* about issues. It's about cult of personality and celebrity.
McCain makes people feel good -- and he has the best chance of helping the Republicans win. That is enough to avoid ALL issues.
Unfortunately, I don't think that the Democratic agenda cares much about issues either. Of course, the politicians have issue-based agendas. Its just that the base is looking for a comfortable candidate -- not someone who believes in something.
Sad that I'm that jaded.
I'm still trying to unravel this:
Submitted on February 1st, 2008 by awathenI'm not saying there aren't people who don't dislike illegal immigration...
What does a quadruple negative do to a sentence???
You are saying that there are people who do like illegal immigration?
?!?
Immigration and McCain's appeal
Submitted on February 1st, 2008 by BenI don't think that Republican voters are fixated on immigration in the way you suggest, Joel. It's a big, big issue, sure. It might be bigger in this election if there were some pending legislation. If McCain wins and comprehensive immigration reform returns, then expect the GOP base to rally again. But right now, it's also about the war, the economy, taxes and spending, and who can beat the Democrat in the fall.