Can You Get What You Need?

If you have not yet read Tony Blankley's latest column, read it now.  An excerpt explaining the title of this post follows:

I've always found that avoiding insanity is useful in life -- which in American politics sometimes puts one in the minority. As a second proposition I would argue that when in negotiations, if he with whom you are negotiating is moving in your direction -- don't walk out of the room. As a final proposition: In politics, as in life, you can't always get what you want, but sometimes you can get what you need (with apologies to a detestable rock group who wrote those words, more or less.)

I have in mind the immigration issue and the response of some conservatives to President Bush's speech Monday night. As a proud and outspoken member of the movement that opposes illegal immigration and residence in America, I believe the time has come to decide whether anything useful to the cause can be accomplished this year, and whether we are likely to get more by waiting until after the November election. My answer to those questions are maybe and no.

Comments

[Gracie]

Thanks, Lorie. I agree with you. I'm vehemently opposed to illegal immigration, am for a wall (the sooner the better, as I'm a Texan) and don't want to see amnesty in any form. However, as you said, some compromise is in order. I feel that calling for conservatives to vote for a Democrat based on that man's stand on immigration, is just plain wrong and will hurt the cause of conservativism in both the long and short run. As for Bush, he inherited this decades old problem. Why aren't some of our own folks remembering that!

[tyryt]

gdg

[SCSoxFan]

Gracie:

Is it that easy to say no amnesty in any form? I believe that there are some (not most, or maybe even many) illegals who have truly assimilated and are Americans in everything but name only. They have been here for many years, own homes and businesses (although I will never ceased to be amazed how), raise their kids to love the U.S. (many are now in the Armed Forces) and are more deserving of the name American than many native-born citizens. I don't believe it would be right to force this type of person to leave and think an exception should be made for them. As for the others, while I have sympathy for their desires, I cannot agree to legalization in any form.

[Mark L]

Might be time for conservatives to re-read Kipling's Recessional. Especially the verse that goes:

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe--
Such boasting as the Gentiles use
Or lesser breeds without the law--
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget - lest we forget!

[Republicanpundit]

Refusing to vote for Republicans, or staying home is a zero sum game.

With Republicans, we may get 75% of what we want. With democrats, we not only ge 0% of what we want, but 100% of what we don't want.

Remember that when you go to the polls, or don't go.

[Gracie]

Yes, I am opposed to amnesty. I live in Texas and we know several LEGAL aliens (all with green cards)that have wonderful businesses. They have come here legally, started businesses on a shoestring, built that business, employ folks, pay taxes, educate their children. They have struggled to learn the language and assimilate. They want the American Dream and have done it legally. We frequent these businesses and have come to know these families. We applaud their efforts. So, I've personally seen it done correctly and I can't 'disrespect' these folks' efforts by supporting amnesty for those that didn't respect our laws.

[troglodyte]

The vote on the Sessions amendment today is enormously encouraging.
As a firm supporter of the president, I am at a loss to explain his perplexing blind spot on the subject of illegal immigration and border security. Surely he ought to recognize the depth of frustration among those who, basically, support immigration as a strength in our past and a promise for our future, but cannot understand open borders and the blind refusal to honor the rule of law.
We went down this path before - amnesty plus border control - from Ronald Reagan and a host of legislators of unquestioned principal and patriotism. And it was an unmitigated failure. What nonesense would lead anyone to believe it is a viable path to the future?
Starting with the House action and the Sessions amendment, we may begin to do the right thing. Once the border is secure, we can reasonably discuss "guest workers" and "paths to citizenship". But until the border is secure, any such proposals are simply incredible to anyone who has been here for the last twenty years.

[The Listkeeper]

Here's something to think about... The typical Mexican illegal isn't going to be able to afford the fines or fees necessary to go on the path to citizenship... They're either going to have to go back or go to jail. The illegals that WILL be availing themselves of this are the high tech workers who've let their visas expire or have otherwise wound up illegal.