MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy

The obligatory immigration post

• Posted by Beth on April 7th, 2006 filed in General, Politics    

As I’ve done before, I’m going to go against the tidal wave of opinion on the right side of the blogosphere (and honestly, it’s mostly bloggers I have a beef with on this issue, as usual). And as I’ve done before, I’m going to refer you to Dick Morris on immigration. Why Morris? Because he knows the issues on both sides of the border..

In its debate over how to change the U.S. immigration system, Washington neglected the impact in Mexico - which faces a crossroads election this summer.

And Mexico’s choice could not be more important to the United States.

On July 2, the Mexican people will decide whether to elect ultra-leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (known as AMLO) as their next president.

Rumors have abounded for months that Lopez Obrador’s campaign is getting major funding from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. And last month Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz)., a moderate Republican, told several Mexican legislators that he had intelligence reports detailing revealing support from Hugo Chavez to AMLO’s Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

Chavez is a firm ally of Cuba’s Fidel Castro. Lopez Obrador could be the final piece in their grand plan to bring the United States to its knees before the newly resurgent Latin left.

See, this stuff is being completely ignored by a whole lot of the people talking about immigration, and it’s crucial, in my opinion. Frankly, I’m tired of the Bush-bashing about his relationship with Vicente Fox. Say what you want about Vicente Fox, but he’s damn sure not allied with Castro and Chavez, and I don’t think he wishes harm for Americans, he’s looking out for the interests of his people. Frankly, I get the feeling that people forget there are more things in play with this whole issue than just a bunch of America-haters waving Mexican flags in America.

Between them, Venezuela and Mexico export about 4 million barrels of oil each day to the United States, more than one-third of our oil imports. With both countries in the hands of leftist leaders, the opportunity to hold the U.S. hostage will be extraordinary.

Think we have security problems now, with Vicente Fox leading Mexico? Just wait until we have a 2,000-mile border with a chum of Chavez and Castro.

And I guarantee it won’t be just Mexican workers running across the border, either.

Morris has another article about “how the GOP can survive the immigration debate,” but I’d say it’s more how America can survive it, regardless of party affiliation. In a nutshell,

Yes to the fence, yes to guest workers and no to greater criminalization are the keys to giving the Republican Party access to Latino votes in the future while coping with an issue that roils tens of millions of Americans.

Read why he says so (and I agree completely) here, and see if you don’t agree.

On the other side of the equation, there’s the “compromise” bill. There’s language in it that refers to a fence, but it’s a far cry from it being a mandatory prerequisite (as it would be in a proposed amendment). I’m waiting for more details, but there sure as hell had better be something about real security issues when this is complete.

I’ll second what Ed Morrissey says here:

Let me be very clear on this point. I have no real problems with a program that identifies existing migrant workers and puts them on a citizenship track, assuming they pay their back taxes and a fine for breaking the law, once the border is secured. But security has to come first. It’s the primary reason for government to exist!

One final note: Democrats are determined to see nothing done on the issue. They’ve already said they’d kill any amendments to the compromise bill. They simply aren’t interested in doing anything except dragging Bush and the congressional Republicans down to their level–it’s solely about political maneuvering to them. Rather than bashing the Republicans like the moonbats do, how about questioning the Democratic Party’s tactics? It is they who will end up killing any immigration reform. Do what you have to do with the Republicans–write a letter or call their offices–but quit giving the crapweasel* Democrats a pass. They’re the Party of No, and they are the reason why this compromise bill even exists.

OK, that wasn’t the final note. I thought I was finished with this, but then I find this: Senate GOP to filibuster alien bill. Good. I just hope they end up with something like “Yes to the fence, yes to guest workers and no to greater criminalization.”

Tags: immigration, Senate, Mexican politics, illegal immigration