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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: sandintoes who wrote (762537)	5/29/2007 2:16:02 PM
From: pompsander	Respond to of 769670

Bush attacks immigration deal opponents By BEN FELLER, Associated Press Writer GLYNCO, Ga. - President Bush attacked opponents of an immigration deal Tuesday, suggesting they "don't want to do what's right for America." "The fundamental question is, will elected officials have the courage necessary to put a comprehensive immigration plan in place," Bush said against a backdrop of a huge American flag. He described his proposal — which has been agreed to by a bipartisan group of senators — as one that "makes it more likely we can enforce our border — and at the same time uphold the great immigrant tradition of the United States of America." Bush spoke at the nation's largest training center for law enforcement. He chose the get-tough setting as conservative critics blast a Senate proposal as being soft on people who break the law. Hoping to blunt that message, Bush emphasized that any new options for immigrants and foreign workers would not start until tougher security is in place. The presidential stop came during a congressional recess, with senators back home and facing pressure from the left and right on the immigration plan. Bush's aim is to build momentum for the legislation, perhaps his best chance for a signature victory in his second term. The Senate expects to resume debate on it next week. "A lot of Americans are skeptical about immigration reform, primarily because they don't think the government can fix the problems," Bush said. "And my answer to the skeptics is: give us a chance to fix the problems in a comprehensive way that enforces our border and treats people with decency and respect. Give us a chance to fix this problem. Don't try to kill this bill before it gets moving," Bush told students and instructors at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Bush repeatedly cast the matter as one of political courage. "Those determined to find fault with this bill will always be able to look at a narrow slice of it and find something they don't like," the president said. "If you want to kill the bill, if you don't want to do what's right for America, you can pick one little aspect out of it. "You can use it to frighten people," Bush said. "Or you can show leadership and solve this problem once and for all." The bill would give temporary legal status to millions of unlawful immigrants, provided they came forward, paid a fine and underwent criminal background checks. To apply for a green card, they would have to pay another fine, learn English, return to their home country and wait in line. The plan also would create a guest worker program. It would allow foreign laborers to come to the U.S. for temporary stints, yet with no guarantee they can eventually gain citizenship. Both the new visa plan and the temporary worker program are contingent on other steps coming first. Those include fencing and barriers along the Mexico border, the hiring of more Border Patrol agents and the completion of an identification system to verify employees' legal status. The legislation would also reshape future immigration decisions. A new point system would prioritize skills and education over family in deciding who can immigrate. Georgia's senators both played leading roles in producing Bush's deal with the Senate. Yet they have also said they may not support the final bill, depending upon how it is amended. Bush chastised those who say the proposal offers amnesty to illegal immigrants. He called it empty political rhetoric.

To: sandintoes who wrote (762537)	5/29/2007 4:15:46 PM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769670

Who is going to get nominated? (And... do 'ya think that someone will roll up enough delegates before the convention to win outright --- or will there be no win on the first ballot?)

To: sandintoes who wrote (762537)	5/31/2007 12:08:33 PM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769670

Bush promises to fight for changes proposed in bill By RON HUTCHESON McClatchy Newspapers Posted on Wed, May. 30, 2007 star-telegram.com President Bush on Tuesday expressed his determination to fight for changes that would let millions of illegal immigrants gain legal status. He cast the debate as a struggle over America's soul and its reputation as a welcoming nation. "I'm deeply concerned about America losing its soul. Immigration has been the lifeblood of a lot of our country's history," the president said during an exclusive interview with McClatchy Newspapers on Air Force One. "I am worried that a backlash to newcomers would cause our country to lose its great capacity to assimilate newcomers." Bush underscored his commitment to the proposed overhaul -- despite harsh criticism from some conservatives -- as he traveled to Georgia for a speech that blasted the legislation's critics. "I'm sure you've heard some of the talk out there about people defining the bill. It's clear they hadn't read the bill. They're speculating about what the bill says, and they're trying to rile up people's emotions," he told an audience at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, near Brunswick. "If you want to kill the bill, if you don't want to do what's right for America, you can pick one little aspect out of it, you can use it to frighten people. Or you can show leadership and solve this problem once and for all." Conservative critics contend the proposal amounts to an amnesty program because illegal immigrants would be allowed to stay in the country after paying $1,000 fines. Some liberals complain that plans for a new temporary worker program are overly restrictive and would create a permanent underclass of foreign workers. Sitting in his spacious office on the presidential aircraft, Bush traced his commitment to immigration to his time in Texas. "When you grow up in Texas like I did, you recognize the decency and humanity of Hispanics. And the truth of the matter is, a lot of this immigration debate is driven as a result of Latinos being in our country," he said. "I have seen firsthand the beautiful stories of people being able to take advantage of opportunity and make solid contributions to our society." He said Americans have nothing to fear from large-scale immigration from Latin America. "There is an element of our society that is worried about two Americas," he said. "Our ability to welcome newcomers and the system's capacity to assimilate them has been one of the great powerful traditions of America. It works, and it will work this time." Bush expressed hope that the changes would reduce the need for a fence along the border with Mexico. The proposed fence has drawn protests in Texas, where officials fear it will hinder commerce and cause environmental problems. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, www.fletc.gov