Another Take On Last Night's Speech

This just in from contributor Jim Kutthoff...

My Impressions Of President Bush’s Speech Tonight

Jim Kotthoff

After listening to the speech I am left with a few opinions I want to share. Overall not a very impressive speech, long on bullet points but short of substance. As I expected he briefly touched on border security and enforcement with of course mention of guest workers and “path” to citizenship as the major points. I will dissect part of the speech and touch on what I feel are the important issues.

The issue of immigration stirs intense emotions and in recent weeks, Americans have seen those emotions on display. On the streets of major cities, crowds have rallied in support of those in our country illegally.

Key point here is demonstrations in defense of those who knowingly violated our laws but demand the rights and privileges of citizenship.

At our southern border, others have organized to stop illegal immigrants from coming in.

These are the groups referred to by this White House as vigilantes.

Across the country, Americans are trying to reconcile these contrasting images.

The majority of Americans have no problem reconciling these contrasting images, it is only the government who has a problem in this area. Most Americans have a clear idea what the demonstrations were all about, and understand the goals of the Minuteman and other such groups.

Tonight, I will make it clear where I stand, and where I want to lead our country on this vital issue.

The American people are very clear where you stand on these issues. You have made it clear for a long time that you side with big business and pro illegal immigrants groups over the will of the people.

We must begin by recognizing the problems with our immigration system..

GASP!!! You are just figuring this fact out…after only 5+ years in office.

Once here, illegal immigrants live in the shadows of our society. Many use forged documents to get jobs,

Okay so they are not criminals. They enter this country illegally or over stay their Visas, this is crime one. They use forged documents to get jobs, identity theft is crime two. Even discounting the first crime as not major lets talk about the second. Does this hurt anybody in a real and personal way? Well I would say yes it hurts the person whose identity has been stolen. According to a report a majority of the forged documents are tied to the social security number of a child. So while it has no real effect at present what about when the child gets older? We won’t discuss the driving with false documents or other crimes committed by illegal aliens. Just these two are serious enough.

Illegal immigration puts pressure on public schools and hospitals, strains state and local budgets, and brings crime to our communities.

And these burdens are shifted to the taxpayers and not to the illegal aliens. Someone explain the logic to me.

These are real problems, yet we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard, support their families, practice their faith, and lead responsible lives

All well and good, now explain how these facts justify criminal behavior?

They are a part of American life but they are beyond the reach and protection of American law.

By their own choice. They are not kidnapped nor forced here against their will.

We are a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws.

Nice story but will you back it up?

We are also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways.

We are a nation of immigrants but legal immigrants and assimilated immigrants.

I will not punish you with the rest of this speech. Needless to say I felt it was lacking in real substance. But I will say this to our elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. Secure the borders and enforce the laws before you talk about guest worker programs or “paths to legalization. Prove to the American people that we can trust your words on these important issues before you try any other parts of this “comprehensive immigration reform” program.

I do want to touch on one more statement I found hypocritical at the least.

America needs to conduct this debate on immigration in a reasoned and respectful tone.

I find this offensive coming from a President who has referred to illegal immigration opponents as xenophobes, nativist and the like. If he really was interested in a reasoned and respectful debate he would not use such inflammatory rhetoric himself.

Technorati Tags: President Bush's speech, illegal immigration, James Kuthoff