"Right or wrong even Lincoln and Faubus limited their decision to their area of governance, they did not try to impose their will on the rest of the world."

Posted By Raymond, El Paso TX

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Ray – how is Bush imposing HIS will on the rest of the world?

Going after the Taliban/Bin Laden in Afghanistan? Everyone thinks THAT was the right decision.

Removing Saddam Hussein? A significant MAJORITY of Congress (including Democrats) approved Bush's request to use military force.

Please tell me how President Bush (alone) is imposing his will on the rest of the world?

Spitzer just blew his chances to ever become President.
Imagine a president who after facing UNBELIEVABLE levels of disapproval and complaint, reverses a decision!

And an extra special note for Hillary,,,,Next time you are hit with a question that pits your loyalty to lobbyists and power brokers against what is right and what the voters want, REPRESENT THE VOTERS and put your political ambitions on the back burner. At least that way you'll be the losing candidate with integrity and a smidgeon of self respect.

Kalvin Tupelo, Miss ~ Right or wrong even Lincoln and Faubus limited their decision to their area of governance, they did not try to impose their will on the rest of the world.

You are also making a huge assumption that Bush is "RIGHT", which he was going to Afghanistan and everyone was behind him. However, he couldn't even finish the job there.

By the way, if you don't understand the Constitution you won't understand why we need a Congress and why WE THE PEOPLE, yes including you, not only have the right, but the responsibility, to voice our opinion to OUR government.

wonder if this entire Spitzer scheme was an attempt to get the illegal immigrants to begin coming out of the shadows. If it was a roundabout way to begin to slowly give legitimacy to undocumented workers. To usurp the federal depts, who are supposed to be doing something such as this, to be getting illegals to declare themselves.

Nah– it was just to get them on the voting rolls.

Mark in Shreveport , my sentiments exactly ;

When you have begun your "new life" in a country that has already allowed you to BREAK A FEDERAL LAW, then what's the big deal with breaking a few other "smaller" laws . If you get away with one infraction, you most likely will try to get away with whatever will help you survive/improve your situation.

Im not accusing all illegal immigrants of anything specific , but it's human nature to return to the behavior that has gotten you results.

DAVE – NY

You wrote, "Documenting the illegal immigrants already here is a *good* idea, not matter how you slice it. Good for security, and good for our economy, and also *ethically* a good idea.

Spitzer has a lot of integrity and he has the courage to stand up for what is in our best interests whether or not its popular. Just look at the things he did (and the enemies he made) while DA. "

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Know what would be a GREAT idea? Inforce the Immigration Laws ALREADY on the books!

Just imagine….. no illegals driving around, no taxpayer-funded emergency medical services for illegals, no politicians playing political football suggesting amnesty…

I guess we all have a dream! Too bad more politicians don't have the courage to do what is RIGHT.

Tim in Seattle, the President isn't on the wrong side of SCHIP, he just doesn't think that providing government assistance to ADULTS at 300% above the poverty line is what SCHIP is supposed to be about. Nor does the public overwhelmingly want us out of Iraq, they do want us to do a better job there (and the Dems withholding funding of our soldiers, who ARE AT WAR, for political reasons demonstrates their aversion to victory), and Global warming is far from being proved to be mancaused (why did they call Greenland, Greenland?)and the Anarctic Ice Shelf is Growing, not melting, and why exempt countries like India, China, etc. from the same standards that the US would have imposed on it. The new world order? Bush and Fox are also partners in crime by encouraging illegal immigrants to enter our country. Fox even envisioned a currency called the Amero. We don't have real choices, we have the same party with different extremes, both ignoring the will of the American people in favor of their own gain in power and fortune. They disgust me, and quislings on both sides are bountiful.Washington State was the entry point of the potential bomber of LAX as you recall. Only an alert customs agent detected the explosives. We should demand enforcement of current laws, nothing less…and fire those who try to sneak in the Dream laws in the middle of the night, just like their pay raises. Enough is enough.

He got the call from Bill and Hillary to knock it off. It was a horrible idea and an obvious way to pander for illegal votes, but the public saw through it immediately, as did 72% of New Yorkers…

So, we now have Sen. Obama unqualifiedly supporting the New York Governor's plan to give illegal immigrants drivers' licenses–a plan even the Governor of New York has now rejected. And Hillary Clinton's debate response–that she supported the Governor's efforts to address the failure of the feds to deal with immigration, but not the plan to give illegal immigrants drivers' licenses–looks prescient. It's the difference between experience and thoughtfulness, on the one hand, and simplistic responses to complex problems, on the other.

So, Sen. Obama–on the all important electability issue: how can you beat any republican if you support drivers' licenses for illegals? Answer: you can't.

Posted By Dazed and Confused in DC : November 14, 2007 4:38 pm

I MAY NOT AGREE WITH OBAMA STANCE ON SPITZER'S PROPOSAL FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO HAVE A SPECIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, BUT AT LEAST HE WAS COURAGEOUS AND HONEST ENOUGH TO STATE HIS OPINION AND STICK TO IT. YOU ARE WRONG ABOUT HILLARY'S RESPONSE. AT THE PHILADELPHIA DEBATE ON OCT. 30 HILLARY GAVE A MUDDLED AND CONVOLUTED ANSWER AND LIED ABOUT SUPPORTING SPITZER' PROPOSAL. THEN 4 DAYS AFTER THE DEBATE SHE CLAIMED THAT SHE SUPPORTED SPITZER'S PROPOSAL. NOW SHE STATING SHE AGREES WITH SPITZER IN NOT GIVING NY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS LICENSES. HILLARY IS AMAZING! SHE HOLDS HER FINGER IN THE POLITICAL WIND TO GAUGE HER CONVICTIONS AND STANCES?! SHE IS DEFINITELY NOT READY TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE US. SOUNDS LIKE SHE NEEDS TO WORK ON THE ISSUES IN NEW YORK FIRST FOR ANOTHER 8 YEARS.

Obama in '08!

What a moronic idea it is to give licences, rights or benefits to these ILLEGAL CRIMINALS! These people don't have the honor or moral beliefs to become Americans; they just want to sneak in, set up their tribal communities and abuse the hospitality of the Ameican people. If they can't come here through the proper channels, then they don't belong!

The illegal driver's license idea was a really stupid idea, no wonder the Gov. put it on the scrap heap of dumb ideas so fast.
Here's another one – Maybe the next bright idea should be to issue concealed weapons permits to terrorists so we can track 'em! Wadda think Gov.?

Terry, El Paso ~ How dare you use common sense, logistics and reality to support your comments!!!

Tim , Seattle ~ To answer your question, because Rush and Rupert says so!!!

WOW! this make's Newyork the state look like idot's first there senator is doing all this fake stuff anf no there govn. is being just flat out stupid hmmmmmmmmmm…………. This has to say something about the state of Newyork!! Maybe we shouldn't ask Newyork what they think anymore. Look at they have created 2 political monster ready to destory America at anytime.

The employers have gotten off for now. I think we know what areas of our state they're located in after all this. The public outrage will force huge penalties on them and put them under more pressure than ever. How about a fine equal to their usage of public health facilities for their illegal employees?

Tim – Seattle writes,

"Hmmm…..so if a politician has the guts to float an unpopular proposal, hears that the public is against it and then concedes to that reality, then I call that listening to the will of the people."

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I can see how after 8 years of Poll-watching under the Clinton administration you feel a President that actually COMMITS to a decision because he firmly believes it is the RIGHT thing even if unpopular is somehow horrible.

Thank god you weren't alive to assail President Lincoln when his popularity was tanking because of the Civil War.

And you would have APPLAUDED Arkansas Govenor Orval Faubus who (by public support) refused to comply with Brown V Board and allow black students attend white high schools??

Sometimes, Tim. Doing the RIGHT thing involves understanding the fundamental issues and having the belief and resolve to see it through. Why the hell do we even NEED Congress if every decision is made from poll watching?

Spitzer and Hillary simply float ideas until they find a popular one – and then hold on tight!

Worthless.

So, we now have Sen. Obama unqualifiedly supporting the New York Governor's plan to give illegal immigrants drivers' licenses–a plan even the Governor of New York has now rejected. And Hillary Clinton's debate response–that she supported the Governor's efforts to address the failure of the feds to deal with immigration, but not the plan to give illegal immigrants drivers' licenses–looks prescient. It's the difference between experience and thoughtfulness, on the one hand, and simplistic responses to complex problems, on the other.

So, Sen. Obama–on the all important electability issue: how can you beat any republican if you support drivers' licenses for illegals? Answer: you can't.

I'm certainly glad to see Spitzer pull this one out! I participated in the Albany protest and for a while, it didn't look like Spitzer was listening, nor did he care. It's about time he came to his senses. If you want to make change, one has to go about it legally – not by ignoring the laws already in place and making your own as you see fit.

This is all Bush's fault! It makes no sense that a governor would propose such a monumentally stupid idea. It's even crazier that a senator who wants to be presiden would support that same stupid idea. None of this makes sense, which is why I blame Bush. I also blame Cheney and Rove!

Why would an ILLEGAL immigrant bother to get an ID? He already has no respect for our laws.

Why would an ILLEGAL immigrant who did take the driver's test and failed stop driving? He already has no respect for our laws?

They don't need a license here, insurance or anything else in CA.

No license, no problem!
No insurance, no problem!
No registration, no problem!
No ID, no problem!

It have not stopped them one bit from being on the road.

Kalvin from MS writes:

"Spitzer, like Hillary, is simply a political animal. He created a "name" for himself by targeting large financial institutions (mutual fund companies)…."

If Spitzer and Hillary are political animals, then according to your theory all other republican candidates are like "social workers" who are contesting this election as a service to their fellow americans. Its all ballony! Everyone including Bush, Cheney, Guliani, and Obama, Edwards, one and all play politics. Without that one can't survive. Those who are weak and don't play the games, phase out (swift boated) like Kerry. By agreeing Spitzer, Hillary was not going to be benefitted anyway as illegals can't vote and it was a huge gamble for her weigh hispanic votes vs White votes. Not all the times your positions are accurate and not a single candidate is perfect. Those who follow Bush can't succeed anyway. For the rest, let the people decide who will be best for the country, and go on!

Poor governor. You must have had fire from the Clintons. But the funny question is, what is Clinton going to say now that the plan is removed?

what an idea?

Politicians like Spitzer and Hillary are the PROBLEM. Anything to get votes and only after the polls say it's a bad move do they change positions.

Really…
Hmmm…..so if a politician has the guts to float an unpopular proposal, hears that the public is against it and then concedes to that reality, then I call that listening to the will of the people.
Funny, you are against the idea, but when the sponsor of the idea sees that the people dont want it and backs off that is a bad thing? You got what you wanted. The majority view, in the end, prevailed. So what is the problem?

AT least Spitzer is listening to the will of the people (be it by polls or press or bloggers or constituents calling in)

Unlike our president, who is on the wrong side of the people's will (and overwhelmingly so) on issues from SCHIP to Water Projects to the War in Iraq to Energy Policy to Global Warming being junk science .
You stand behind him and say he is doing the right thing, yet the will of the people says otherwise. How pray tell, do you square that incongruence?

Is there any doubt that Hillary still thinks giving driver licenses to illegals is "a good idea"??
Posted By therealist : November 14, 2007 1:38 pm

Wait, you're complaining that in 1 year, the 110th Congress can't fix this problem. Which party that you idolize controlled Congress since the mid 90s and didn't do anything to deal with it? Why couldn't they get around to fixing the problem during that huge timespan? It sure wasn't because Bush was going to veto any bills in his first 6 years.

You're right, nothing's happened on this issue with the 110th, but how about some perspective instead of just your partisan attacks that blindly ignore the faults of your party. I love how they've screwed up so much and now complain that it's not being fixed fast enough.

I served this man food a year ago

If our government would enforce our immigration and labor laws we wouldn't have these problems. We are paying taxes to have our laws enforced, not ignored.

You are a moron for even trying this.

Giving driver's licenses to people without social security numbers and birth certificats?
What's next, having all road and traffic signs in multiple languages?

Why would an ILLEGAL immigrant bother to get an ID? He already has no respect for our laws.

Why would an ILLEGAL immigrant who did take the driver's test and failed stop driving? He already has no respect for our laws?

How about when the cops pull over an illegal immigrant, they immediately call the INS and turn the ILLEGAL over to the proper authorities?

Spitzer is less popular than Bush. Does that make him the worst governor ever?

Spitzer, like Hillary, is simply a political animal. He created a "name" for himself by targeting large financial institutions (mutual fund companies) – threatening and suing them over potential investor "fees".

As Govenor – he proposed drivers licenses for illegals??

And now that it received national attention he's backing away from it??

Politicians like Spitzer and Hillary are the PROBLEM. Anything to get votes and only after the polls say it's a bad move do they change positions.

Anyone but Hillary!!!

Documenting the illegal immigrants already here is a *good* idea, not matter how you slice it. Good for security, and good for our economy, and also *ethically* a good idea.

Spitzer has a lot of integrity and he has the courage to stand up for what is in our best interests whether or not its popular. Just look at the things he did (and the enemies he made) while DA.

In the end, he is a reasonable person so he accepted the will of the people. But it is still a bad idea to have a bunch of people driving construction vehicles – and whatever else they are driving – without licenses or any kind of oversight!

If he really wanted to keep the streets safe and secure, they would be able to deport these illegal immigrants (undocumented workers, for the PC people) everytime one is pulled over. I know, I know, what about racial profiling. getting pulled over for DWB (driving while black) is 100% wrong, cops who practice that should be FIRED. Im not so concerned about DWI(driving while illegal) if they get pulled over bye,bye.

If Hillary thinks the withdrawal of this plan gets her off the hook from the trouble she ran into during the last debate, she's sadly mistaken. The debate proved that she waffles when the heat's on and there's a tough decision to be made. Even though the Spitzer plan is done, so is she when it comes to being a presidential contender.

biggest sleazebag since cuomo. citizens 1, spitzer 0

He had no choice but to pull this back, he heard whispers he was going to get "Fostered" or was going to get a "Mr Willey".

Spitzer isn't as dumb as we thought.

His "good idea", but self preservation trumps all.

Sorry, the real reason you gave up is because it was a stupid idea that backfired! If the federal government failed this issue, you probably need to talk to your two senators

Spitzer and Schwarzenegger both complain that the states are struggling with issues that the federal government is ignoring. The presence of 20 million illegal aliens in our country was caused by fifty years of ignoring the problem, preferring instead to enjoy the benefits of cheap labor.

Everyone has to get it through their heads that there is no way to deport these people! How would we do it? How long would it take? At sixty per box car it would take 333,000+ box cars to transport them to the border. Why do we imagine that Mexico would accept them? They don't have to, and it would be politically advantageous for the Mexican government to refuse them entry. What would we do about their children, who are American citizens? What about the spouses who are American citizens? How would we handle the protests/riots by their relatives and friends that would occur all over the country? What civil rights would we have to give up so that Immigration officers could kick down any door in which an illegal alien might be living or working?

The huge hooraw over the drivers' license plan only guarantees that more uninsured drivers will be driving on our roads.

These people are not going to disappear. We have to deal with them in some way, whether we like it or not. They are here.

As far as immigration is concerned, I favor an immediate end to all immigration, legal and illegal. There are enough people living in the US now; we don't need more.

Spitzer withdrew his proposal because the Hillary Campaign got to him. Why should Spitzer care about the failure of the federal government illegal immigration policy when he was originally concerned with the "improving the safety and security of the people of NY state"? Governor Spitzer has given up because Hillary convinced him that his action is hurting her campaign. Now Hillary can go into the next Democratic debate and claim she was right to waffle on the illegal immigrats NY licenses issue.

By giving Illegals voting rights,they hope to over come the Reps. ownership of the fixed Diebold voting machines.Spitzer is owned by Big Insurance companies and was just trying to pay his debt.

Spitzer is a fool who used illegal immigration as a political platform. He didn't listen to the over 70% of his state who opposed this idea. The idea of giving an American privilege to people who have broken the law is just atrocious. The idea that giving illegal immigrants drivers licenses would make our cities safer is an even crazier idea.

So, because the feds had "failed" to "deal with immigration policy," Spitzer's "solution" was to give illegals a document that is accepted on face-value as a government-issued ID.

Besides, what has the federal government "failed" to do? Give carte blanche to everyone who manages to sneak across our borders, while making those who want to come here legally jump through their bureacratic hoops?

Spitzer, haven't you heard that we are engaged in a war against Terrorism? You are either an idiot, a traitor, or too darned naive to govern.

Spitzer is giving up only because of Hillary' congressional failure at giving illegals immunity. When is this pitiful 110th Congress going to improve the safety and security of the American people by enforcing our current immigration laws?

Is there any doubt that Hillary still thinks giving driver licenses to illegals is "a good idea"??

Well, it's a moot point now, but does anyone know whether or not the "illegal drivers' license program" included verifying that these recipients also purchased the mandatory car insurance ?

Gotcha, Gov'nor! Did your Senator back off this politically suicidal idea or was it yours?

Next stop…no fault insurance for New York. So we won't license them…and everybody has to pay–in the form of greater insurance premiums. Classic example of cutting of the nose to spite the face for New Yorkers. Gov. Spitzer, I am not a resident but understand your attempt to address accountability/responsibility for vehicle operation/accidents in your state–great attempt. Too bad your constituent's don't have the vision/trust to believe you can solve one problem without creating another–if everyone works together. It's so much easier to just yell at government to stop illegal immigration–without addressing the problem of legal/illegal immigrants driving everyday on our nations roadways.

I don't think letting people who obviously have no respect for our laws have carte blanch to receive other benefits and privileges was a good idea to begin with.

wow, looks like it didn't work so well for hillary,right Spitzer? The timing of this was during the philly debate, now the denounciation is during Nevada debate. Lets see if we can come up with another formula to suit Hillary. It is all planted! They are all fake people….

"One influential member of New York's congressional delegation missing from the briefing was Sen. Hillary Clinton, considered the front-runner in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. A spokesman from her office said she couldn't attend the news conference because of a scheduling conflict."

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Spitzer's move has Clinton finger prints all over it. Eliminate the issue and the fervor over her support/non-support for Spitzer's plan is neutralized.

wow, looks like it didn't work so well for hillary,right Spitzer? The timing of this was during the philly debate, now the denounciation is during Nevada debate. Lets see if we can come up with another formula to suit Hillary. It is all planted!