CNN

Well, at least, for once, he said something that most Americans agree with, that no matter how proponents of the immigration bill want to describe it, it is nothing more than amnesty.

Many Americans are also working 12-14 hour days these days to make ends meet – especially if you're in computers or IT, where the constant fear of losing your job to outsourcing or H1 immigrants always looms. Pretty soon, we'll be a third world country, too.

"But what is fundamentally wrong with this simplistic question that Lou Dobbs and others have presented is that it ignores the root causes of this massive immigration influx. Has anyone asked what the typical working conditions in Latin America are? "

The question, my friend, is do we CARE what the typical working conditions in Latin America are – or should we care? Especially if it means a decreased standard of living for those of us who were born here and have the right to be here – we're called citizens. And most of us would say we should come FIRST.

Just because other countries have huge poverties and unemployment doesn't mean we need to bring those problems here and decrease our standard of living, too. Whenour own people don't have health care, we shouldn't be giving it away free to the rest of the world.

Do you think the US should be more responsible to help the rest of the world – or to help its own people?

I think an amnesty law should be passed. I think the 245-I law should be brought back. They come here for a better life and work their butts off at jobs that no one else wants to do and dont get paid jack! There are families here that would be torn apart if they are not aloud to stay here including mine! Get past the "prejudice" as i see it and pass a law to help them and all the families out there that want to stay together. They are not hurting anyone by being here so get over it!!!!!!!They are not the ones coming over here and blowing up buildings in new york! So what is the problem????

An incovienient truth about immigration

Why do we so desperately want to punish undocumented workers and their children?
Presidents and Governors have the pardon power to remedy vast injustices and travesties. We offer criminals deals all the time. Prosecutors have traditionally offered leniency to some defendants in order to get them to testify against other defendants. Leniency can be immunity from prosecution or reduced charges and recommendations for reduced sentences. Offering leniency is a long-standing and important aspect of the legal system. Law enforcement would be paralyzed without it.
Clemency, leniency, pardoning is not a departure from our justice system. A pardon is not a private act of grace. It is a part of the Constitutional scheme. When granted it is the determination of the ultimate authority that the public welfare will be better served by inflicting less than what the judgment fixed.
For four years now, a new view of undocumented workers has been forming in the hearts and minds of Americans thanks to Lou Dobbs. This emerging picture is that illegal immigrants have brought gangs, drugs, graffiti and murders to cities, draining police and fire resources and taking services away from legal residents.
Lou Dobbs, Mayor Lou Barletta and Rep. Tom Tancredo believe that undocumented workers and their children deserve no legal rights. They entered the country illegally therefore they have no human rights and deserve no amnesty, leniency, or pardoning.
Many basically echo what Dobbs, Barletta and Tancredo have said when they ask ‘what part of illegal don’t you understand’. A simple question, but when the dust of anti-immigration hysteria settles, this simplistic question will prove to offer less enlightenment than hoped.

Hardly anyone would argue that America has the right to protect its borders. But what is fundamentally wrong with this simplistic question that Lou Dobbs and others have presented is that it ignores the root causes of this massive immigration influx. Has anyone asked what the typical working conditions in Latin America are? All Latin American countries offer long work days 12-14 hours or more and wages that don't even support the cost of basic living.

But I wonder what Lou Dobbs or Rep. Tom Tancredo would do if they were poor and hungry? Would they immigrate to Canada? What would the average American do if faced with those challenges?

When it comes to immigration reform simplistic thinking will not do. Hate will not help. We need a vision that will stand the test of time.

The story of our evolving country, which grows in magnificence every day, gives us an indispensable foundation for addressing such divisive issue.

America has enjoyed no greater triumph than the discovery that justice must be accompanied by a sense of compassion. In America we don’t cut the hands of those who steal or stone women for having an abortion. America has found a truth that unites many. We care for others in ways that exceed our ancestors.

What is wrong with the question ‘what part of illegal don’t you understand’ is that it’s incompatible with democracy, prosperity, and civilization in general. It is a destructive and prejudicial question that is founded on deception and has no place in the modern world.

American Sweatshops = illegal immigration

An assembly-line of 15 workers has to make 15 t-shirts every 3 minutes, producing 3,400 shirts each day for US$7 per worker – a paltry 3 cents per shirt.
Sweatshops can be found around the globe. Crowded t-shirt sweatshops are filled with dust, lint and noisy machinery. Some of the worst t-shirt factories are concentrated in poor Central American countries like Honduras and El Salvador where the average annual wage is less than US$2,500.
Central American sweatshops are subcontracted by large apparel manufacturers like Gildan Activewear (Honduras) and Fruit of the Loom (El Salvador).

Who voted for this freakin moron...a bunch of freakin morons? I can say that I was against the war from day 1 AND I didn't vote for Bush.

IMPEACH CHENEY!!!!!!! FIRE ABU GONZALES!!!!

The best amnesty ever would be to give illegal aliens a certain amount of time, say 3 months, to leave the country, and be fingerprinted while doing so... no punishment at all. They can then apply for admission like everyone else. For those whe refuse to leave, fingerprint them when sending them back home with the caveat that they will NEVER be allowed back into this country for the rest of their lives.

What do you mean "Mistakenly"?

I came here as a refugee from the former USSR, waiting for the status for 3 years. Then after we arrived, my parents and I waited 1 year to get a green card, 5 years to become citizens. We took a citizenship test! We passed it! We cried from happiness when we did. We paid our dues. We came here legally, there are so many of us that couldn't get in. I think it's outrageous and I consider myself a liberal. This can't be right. And I did not vote for this moron of a man, I have no idea how some of the more intelligent people I know did.

I HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE IMMIGRATION PROBLEM.TRAIN ILLEGALS TO BE SENT TO IRAQ TO FIGHT THE WAR ON TERROR.MAKE THEM DO 3 YEARS AND IF THEY SURVIVE THEY CAN BE REWARDED WITH A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP.PANCHO VILLA WOULD BE PROUD.

I heard a man that called cspan the other morning describing this amnesty bill as date rape.We keep saying no but the politicians keep sticking it to us anyway. It is so sad that the wishes of the AMERICAN PEOPLE matter less to the politicians than the illegals do. A long time ago in Boston they had a tea party.

The democrats have let all of us that had hopr for change down. Both parties pander to big buisness. Screw the middle class right? We need to vote independant. Just need a good candidate.

Yes I feel that I have a very sharp knive in my back too...

Thanks, yet again for selling America out to your big money corporate golf course pals aka your "base".

Et tu, Brute? The Republicans are now saying. The Democrats were trying to tell you all along, maybe now you'll listen.

TOOO Phunny!!! Bush missed his calling, he should be on stage as a mediocre comedian!

What's that saying? "Better to say nothing and keep them wondering than to open your mouth and remove all doubt of possible intelligence." errr maybe not exact quote but the interpretation is right on in this case! Too Phunny!!!

How about we simply enforce what's already on the books. Have been down this amnesty road before – it didn't work then – it won't work now. Our border is a joke our illegal crossers laugh at us and just keep on coming.

Shame on anybody critizing what Bush says, he stays true to his track record. Let's just pray there aren't any more bills that require his approval before he leaves office. God Bless this United States of America.

We as American citizens are expected to obey the laws of this nation, why is the President and the Congress of the United States willing to even think about allowing those people into this country who have already exhibited a willingness to violate our laws, by crossing the borders illegally and not going through legal process?

Why don't we enforce the laws that we already have on the books, especially those that pertain to those employers who hire people illegally. Take away the illegal jobs, and we may stand a chance in securing our borders.

But what the heck? This President has nothing to lose. He can't run for President again. But we as citizens can remember those politicians who will be up for re-election that back this worthless piece of legislation.

So illegal immigrants, for a huge price will be able to eventually buy American citizenship. And be full fledged Americans.

But Americans won't do the jobs illegals do. Business and the White House have said this at least a million times. They've said our economy can't function without illegals.

Here come the new illegals.

Well said, Ed.

What an idiot!!!!

You people that whine about Bush and then have the audacity to admit to voting for him twice have no symapathy from me. You are just as stupid as him for it to take eight long years to realize that this dude is a charlatan, a life long silver spoon loser who's greatest acheivement in life was buying the Texas Rangers with Daddy's billionaire business partners. Do a little research next time before you vote. By the way, Clinton was one of our better presidents not worst.

Mr Hobson has his assessment of the last democratic presidents way off, but is otherwise accurate. The group ruining the country are mainly repugs, until this give away on citizenship cam along. Ronnie started the nation's decline with his voodo economics and huge debts. W the first was a caretaker for Ronnie's chronies and did little to stem the tide. Clinton was clearly well above average in the ratings but I am ashamed that the dem's are for it, every one of them. We need 20 years of responisible moderate leadership and that's just to undo the damage that W the 2nd has done (actually Chaney did, while W poses). If this passes, I doubt the country has that long. Time to move the rest of my investments to Europe. The rich guys bailed long ago.

Ted Hobson said it best. Good post man!

That wasn't a mistake.
It is amnesty for criminals.

"Stupid is as Stupid does"

"The President is a traitor and so is his polictical party."

So what about all the Republicans who voted against the bill, and the Democrats who voted for it?

Why does every one keep saying immigration bill? Isn't it a bill about ILLEGAL ALIENS? A bill we do not need! We gave amnesty long ago and it didn't work. Look at our mess now! Things are worse than ever. Our leaders do not go by the law for them. Only American tax paying citizens go by the law and are punished if they don't! This is nothing more than amnesty not only for illegals but for big business. It is costing us middle class people billions for all their perks by living here illegally. I am not against immigrants but am against ILLEGAL immigrants. I am sick of this corrupt government ignoring Americans, and screwing up every thing they touch in every area for their own benefit. All we need to do is secure the border which should have been done right after 911 if there was such concern about terrorist and simply start enforcing the current law. (How many terroist have slipped in here and we have no idea where they are!)It will then start reversing it self. We need total change, no more lobbying. What ever happened to concern and caring for America and the future regardless if you are democrat or republican? Americans need to speak up and start rebelling on all issues when our congressmen won't listen to us or represent us. We vote them in to do a job and they are paid by us. It's like watching a person drown when you could have saved them but didn't, then saying I should.

This president (not my president) is the dumbest person to hold office and his vp is the most dishonest person what a pair. We should be afraid, very afraid. The worst part is they think we are stupid. Maybe we are, they got elected twice.....

I am truly amazed that someone had the guts to admit to voting for "him" TWICE!!!! I got an idea; all you that voted for His Majesty sign up for Iraq or to patrol our borders; there's 62 million of you who are all for him, 100%, seems we would have nothing to worry about if the Right had all of it's soldiers!!! I do love the observation that this is the first truthful "slip" out of his evil piehole!!!

Last time I checked this was the KENNEDY/McCain bill that Bush is trying to shove down out throats.

All of you liberals out there (who I agree with by the way) can someone say something negative about Kennedy?

He is after all also the moron that shoved that anchor baby fiasco through in the 60’s, the one where an ILLEGAL spits out a baby and that baby becomes a freakin’ citizen because it was born on our soil????????

This bill has Kennedy’s name on it, where is he speaking out in support of it? This phony, bleeding heart will surely be there when it is signed off on though. Can't miss a photo-op.

I am a conservative and I do find it healthy that many of us from both sides disagree with this trash bill, we are not acting as two parties, we are acting as AMERICANS.

None of this bill effects ANY of the people that are voting on it, NONE.

I dare someone hammer Kennedy.

hahaha–the world's #1 idiot simply failed at lying, that's what happened!! he's so dumb, he forgot to lie!! god bless all of us having to suffer under this asinine fool for 8 long years–it's like the entire nation has been in prison!! sad!

Finally, Mr. Bush told the truth for once. He called the bill what it is, AMNESTY! He has surpassed Clinton and even Carter as the worst president ever.

I am sorry to say I voted for him twice.

Mr. Bush, you are wothy if being IMPEACHED AND DEPORTED.

Mr. Bush, you are really showing your illegals colors now, aren't you?

Excuse me while I get this knife out of my back.

PlEASE POST:

Immigration Reform – NO AMNESTY!

Below is a link to each states Senators offices. Please call your, and as many other offices as you can and give them you view!!

http://www.theorator.com/senate.html

Call and inform the following offices of your opinion!

Senator Tim Johnson
605-341-3990 Rapid City, SD

Senator John Thune (I know he's against it but call regardless)
605-348-7551 Rapid City, SD

US Rep. Stephanie Herseth
605-394-5280 Rapid City, SD

http://hersethsandlin.house.gov
http://thune.senate.gov
http://johnson.senate.gov

I ashamed you voted for him twice, also, Glen.

NSPD-51 anybody??? He wants to be King Dictator. Look it up, look it up!!!

WAKE UP! NSPD-51 NSPD-51 NSPD-51

we're going to become a fascist state.

Maybe I'm the idiot, but if someone comes to your house uninvited do you leave them there, or do you ask them to leave? They're not going anywhere and everyone in Washington has all the answers but no real solutions. It's sad to know that laws can be broken without any kind of recourse. So, if you can't beat them join them and open the flood gates!!!!!!!!!!

It's an "amnesty bill." Designed to forgive and forget, the millions that have come here illegally. At what price?

American taxpayers, pay out the nose for this program. My social security and medical costs will be reduced , in one sense and increased in another.

I am a citizen, born and raised. I'm a veteran. To give up anything, for the benefit of illegals, is preposterous!!

Do our "Leaders," have any concern, for the American Citizen?

It would appear, NOT!

Bush doesn't know the meaning of the word amnesty. No, really...he has no idea what it means. For further 'sadly comedic' material, search YouTube for 'Bush' and 'sovereign'. I can't wait until we're rid of this bozo.

Can you say "Freudian Slip". This exactly what his immigration policy is. This President is the most anti-American President to ever hold office. His free trade agreements and his immigration policies are extremely offensive and insulting towards the American workforce, the very people who pays his salary.

The President is a traitor and so is his polictical party.

the president didnt miss speak when he said amnesty. he is just too dumb to know how to hide his true feelings on the issue.

By pushing for passage of this immigration bill George "W" Bush has replaced Jimmy Carter as the worst President this country has ever had. I am ashamed to say I voted for this "IDIOT" twice!!!

Bush doesn't even know what he's talking about anymore. This is so sad. This simplton needs to understand that all we need to do is ENFORCE EXISTING LAW.

President BUSH may have "mistakenly call immigration bill amnesty." However, it is hard to keep the truth in and this was clearly a "Freudian slip, or parapraxis."

Slip of the tonuge?

He actually called it what it is AMNESTY, I am sure he did not mean to say it because then he cannot push it through and keep the slave labor here.

Lets say you go home and water is running out from under your sink you have bursted a pipe what is the first thing your going to do, "turn off the water" you do not grab a mop and start mopping first. The border is the pipe shut it off first then deal with the mess that has been created, you cannot deal with the mess before shuting off what is creating the mess first.

Come on ya'll my thoughts on forcing the aliens to fight in Iraq deserve to be posted here.....Put it back, please?

I am a legal non-immigrant in USA, waiting for 7 years for my Green card – immigration. how should I feel about this? the lawyer says it will be 6 more years for me to get only my green card – inspite of me having an MS and MBA from a university in USA. During that period, if I lose my job, I have to go home. Illegal residents, get citizenship with out any efforts. I am not against them, I need justice to get mine first.

If it looks like a duck....

Too bad politicans care more about potential hispanic votes than lawabiding AMERICAN CITIZENS.

Here's a thought: SECURE OUR BORDERS FIRST(maybe some National Guard or militia patrolling 24/7)
When they catch an illegal immigrant crossing the border, hand him a canteen, rifle and some ammo and ship his ass to Iraq.

If He wants to come to America then he must serve a tour in our military. Give him a soldier's pay while he's there and tax him on it. After his tour, he will be allowed to become a citizen since he defended this country, her people and ITS LAWS. He will also be registered to be taxed.

This will probably deter illegal immigration. It's not amnesty but it will help the aliens trying to make a better life for themselves in America. But, If they refuse to serve, ship them to Iraq anyway, without the canteen, rifle or ammo.

Problem Solved.

So while the current illegal immigrants are payin fines...we are going to let a whole new generation in to wait for the next amnesty bill...

How about we secure the borders and then deal with who is here after that. I know thats just crazy talk but most people with common sense would want to plug the leak first.

Bush did not misspeak; in fact, that may well be the only truthful statement he's made during his presidency.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE GET A DECENT
VIABLE BILL PASSED ON IMMIGRATION
LAW. THIS IS A TRAVESTY THAT NEEDS
TO BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Freudian slip of the tongue.

It is what it is...amnesty. This is ridiculous...how many illegals want to register, pay fines and pay taxes?

Leave the laws alone, spend more money securing the border...let some illegals
stay based on the industry. Prevent some industries such as construction or manufacturing from employing illegal labor.

This bill is simply to let the Bush big money constituents continue to exploit virtual slave labor at the expense of American jobs.

Dog eat dog...anything to make a buck or raise stock values. Disgusting pack of lies yet again.