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DEL.ICIO.USChambliss faces tough choice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), a single vote could be career terminal.
On this day, he’s a shoo-in for re-election next year. If he votes for passage of an immigration bill that’s likely to resurface, he’s instantly vulnerable.
Chambliss knows the stakes. “I’ve never seen anything strike the emotions of people like this,” he said. “But you can’t make decisions by putting a finger to the wind. Richard Russell went through some difficult issues. Sam Nunn did, too. And [Paul] Coverdell.”
Russell, whose oversized monument towers over the grounds of the state Capitol, certainly faced decisions that put him at odds with some voters. Civil rights or his 1936 defense of the New Deal in defeating a first-term challenge from Gov. Eugene Talmadge are two examples. Nunn’s 1978 vote on the Panama Canal treaty, coming just before his first re-election campaign, was risky, though not to the extent it appeared when the Senate voted in the spring. Coverdell had the 1999 impeachment vote but never got seriously crosswise with his base.
“The status quo is not acceptable and I don’t see this as an option,” Chambliss said, citing what he believes to be a narrow opening to get secure borders and a workable temporary workers program. “If we don’t get it done now, I don’t see that we get it done” for the remainder of the Bush presidency. After that, it could be worse, he said, with Democrats possibly controlling the White House and Congress.
It’s iffy whether the Senate is capable of producing a bill. “If we can pass a bill to secure the borders without doing something stupid, it has a chance,” Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said in a separate interview Thursday. “It’s complicated, and I completely respect the concerns people have and I completely understand the complexity” of the issue. “This is not a two-plus-two proposition. It’s algebra.”
The problem, he and Chambliss well understand, is this, as voiced by Isakson: “There’s a credibility gap with both the Congress and the White House. For 21 years the government didn’t do anything to secure the borders. They promised it, but the [1986 amnesty] bill didn’t require it.”
Ultimately it does come down to trust. Phrases dropped into the mix, like John McCain’s from Tuesday night’s CNN debate that “we’re not going to erect barriers and fences” don’t help.
An analysis by former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese in The Wall Street Journal noted that while the bill requires the secretary of Homeland Security to demonstrate “operational control of 100 percent of the international land border between the United States and Mexico” before other provisions that are being called amnesty kick in, “the bill contains no definition … and carries no definable, measurable performance standard,” he wrote. Provisions for fencing, beefing up the border patrol and for detention bed spaces “fail to go beyond what Congress has already accomplished in existing statutes,” he said.
Like most Americans, I am conflicted. Border security is the first priority. Developing an employer verification system that requires immigrants, but not U.S. citizens, to produce biometric identification cards is a must, too. Establishing a route to citizenship that doesn’t favor illegals over those who respected our rule of law is essential, and arguably a part of this bill. But the probationary Z-visa effectively establishes a right for most of the 12 million to be here, thereby pushing them to the head of the line.
Troubling, too, is the temporary worker class. Everybody here legally who respects our laws and shares the country’s ideals should have the citizenship option — and not as a 20-year process, either. People who pick my peas can sit at my table as equals. And if they share my allegiance to this country, I welcome them as next-door neighbors.
This is an emotional issue. The GOP’s conservative base wants border security without amnesty. If they’re not convinced this bill is that, they’ll be a surly lot still when the 2008 election rolls around.
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Comments
By DebbieDoRight
June 11, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
I’m surprised!! Just dog gone SURPRISED that a man as “open minded” and “fair and balanced” as Wooten, who’s always concerned about “poor innocents falsely accused of rape” (like the Duke Boys), and who devoted two* WHOLE COLUMNS to the Duke Boy’s “persecution”, has failed to mention GENERALOW WILSON one time in all his “columns”!! Could it be that Mr. Wooten is “class blind”? I mean Genarlow comes from a working class family, (unlike the uber rich dukies), and a single parent home. hmmmm I bet Mr. Wooten doesn’t even CARE what happens to the poor in this country’s justice system does he? He only cares about rich republicans like Scooter Libby.
Poor, poor Mr. Wooten; your rich entitlement syndrome is showing. If there’s any justice in the world, when your old dried up self has to go to a nursing home, (soon hopefully), there’ll be a barely over minimum wage, overworked, frustrated, mad as hell LPN who’ll leave you in your sh#tty diapers for hours on end. That’ll be your poetic justice — since you love to sh#t on the poor so much, you can wallow in it in your declining years.
By RCH
June 11, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Debbie I agree the Wilson case deserves a second look: however at the time of the crime the the sentencing is correct. The BIG difference between the Wilson case and the Duke players is that they were innocent, or did you forget that.
By Si Se Puede
June 11, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
I say now just wait until we have a greater Democratic majority in the House and Senate and a Dem in the White House and then get the bill that conservatives will hate. A reduction in H1B visas that take jobs Americans do want, instant legality for all that are presently here, and where family ties continue to get preference over all others. I think it would be poetic justice for the cons to get that as opposed to the sensible bill that they fought so vehemently. Teach the redneck stupidos to be careful what they ask for. Make it a very unpleasant learning experience for them.
By RCH
June 11, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Si Se Puede How sensibilis a bill that allows child molesters, gang members , and individuals with ties to terrorist to become citizens. Lets secure the border first and deport this criminal element then worry about the rest.
By Ed
June 11, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Si Se Puede, you are going to be very disappointed when you learn the Democratic party is also lukewarm to the bill. Polls show 50-80 percent oppose the bill. Are you going to call all of these people racist, too?
By Tom
June 11, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Saxby Chambliss. Ain’t he the president’s water boy? Another “We had to destroy America to save America” neocon SOB - Yes, I said SOB. White trash a**hole.
By No Amnesty
June 11, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Every time I hear illegals immigrants referred to as ‘law abiding’ it makes me want to scream. Yes, they are ‘law abiding’ except that whole federal immigration law and identity theft thing. If they are here illegally they are law breakers period! If this bill passes I will demand a refund of taxes paid and anything short of a felony(oh, wait! those don’t count either!) for the past 20 years to be cleared off of my record (all those traffic tickets, late fees to the state etc)and a refund of anything over $2000 that was paid in. After all, I paid my fine! I’m just trying to better my life! The audacity of these people to come here against our laws, use our social services and then have the nerve to DEMAND anything from us is infuriating! The problem with the bill is that it offers those here illegally the option of staying here. The politicians fail to see one very important thing, These people don’t want to be citizens! They do not want to be responsible for their own healthcare! They do not wish to assimilate into our country, they want to turn this country into the 3rd world they left! That has been stated by a large number of them on many occasions, the media just doesn’t want to report that. How about a little more representation of the people!
By InlandEmpire
June 11, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
1) Enforce existing laws consistently FIRST then and only then consider next steps.
2) Can I get the same deal as the illegals: pay a 4500 fine then NOT PAY my income taxes for the previous FIVE years?
3) I am supposed to believe that the same government which took three months to get me my passport can somehow background check twenty million people in twenty four hours (yes- FegGov has only 24 hours to deny then illegal immigrant automatically gets probationary legal status WITH welfare eligibility).
By BurningAtlanta
June 11, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Saxby is known to be in the pockets of the Ags Lobby. Neither he nor Isakson came out as total traitors to this nation, such as Senators Kyl and Kennedy, but they’ve earned a certain contempt of the people by sitting at the table where the Articles of Surrender were drawn. A few FACTS that will never see the dark of ink on an AJC page: The highly touted results of the NY Times/CBS poll saying that most Americans favored a earned legalization program for illegals? Ahhh, gee, somehow they failed to mention another result from that same poll, 69% wanted illegals prosecuted and deported. And there’s the results from the Rasmussen poll which, again, clearly showed that Americans do not favor another amnesty and, instead, want our laws enforced. My favorite Ted Kennedy quote from the “One Time” amnesty of 1986 “”This amnesty will give citizenship to only 1.1 to 1.3 million illegal aliens. We will secure the borders henceforth. We will never again bring forward another amnesty bill like this.”” Same pig, different dress, 21 years later. Secure the borders. Enforce the laws. What’s radical, racist or extremist about that? Thank you, Mr. Wooten, for having the backbone to allow people to comment on your columns. Gee, why don’t Tucker, King and Bookman do the same?
By Chris
June 11, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
A message to Atlanta from an Angeleno:
This is what the Atlanta PD’s most wanted list might look like in 10-20 years if the Kennedy-Bush bill passes.
By robistiredofthis
June 11, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
BTW- All land claimed to be thiers is NATIVE AMERICAN, not LATINO=SPANISH. 25 persons are murdered PER DAY by illegals http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53103. A lot more than the “official” terrorists in IRAQ are killing or have killed and they don’t even use IED’s (yet). Protect the american citizens El Bushe! How providing all legal citizens with the same perks as criminals: to break laws, ignore federal taxes, not have to present legal ID to a cop on the street, and not allow him to do anything if you are only commiting “misdemeanors”? Oh yeah, that’s anarchy and only acceptable for those who cannot “comprehend” a moral system of government. Once the dregs of south and central america embed themselves into the bloodstream of america(with the help of big business, DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN politicians, and lawyers), the lawlessness of thier society will follow them here and prevail. Say good-bye to your children’s future wrapped in a taco shell.
By robistiredofthis
June 11, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
BTW- All land claimed to be thiers is NATIVE AMERICAN, not LATINO=SPANISH. 25 persons are murdered PER DAY by illegals http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53103. A lot more than the “official” terrorists in IRAQ are killing or have killed and they don’t even use IED’s (yet). Protect the american citizens El Bushe! How providing all legal citizens with the same perks as criminals: to break laws, ignore federal taxes, not have to present legal ID to a cop on the street, and not allow him to do anything if you are only commiting “misdemeanors”? Oh yeah, that’s anarchy and only acceptable for those who cannot “comprehend” a moral system of government. Once the dregs of south and central america embed themselves into the bloodstream of america(with the help of big business, DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN politicians, and lawyers), the lawlessness of thier society will follow them here and prevail. Say good-bye to your children’s future wrapped in a taco shell.
By robistiredofthis
June 11, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
BTW- All land claimed to be thiers is NATIVE AMERICAN, not LATINO=SPANISH. 25 persons are murdered PER DAY by illegals http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53103. A lot more than the “official” terrorists in IRAQ are killing or have killed and they don’t even use IED’s (yet). Protect the american citizens El Bushe! How providing all legal citizens with the same perks as criminals: to break laws, ignore federal taxes, not have to present legal ID to a cop on the street, and not allow him to do anything if you are only commiting “misdemeanors”? Oh yeah, that’s anarchy and only acceptable for those who cannot “comprehend” a moral system of government. Once the dregs of south and central america embed themselves into the bloodstream of america(with the help of big business, DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN politicians, and lawyers), the lawlessness of thier society will follow them here and prevail. Say good-bye to your children’s future wrapped in a taco shell.
By randy
June 11, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
The wages of Americans will go down taxes will go up if this bill passes.. The Goverment is a joke.. They do not listen to the Citizens,Only big Corperations. call your Senators………………… White House is 202-224-3121 .I am a carpenter my wages are already down and work is scarce.
By InlandEmpire
June 11, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
1) amount of fine should be $5000
2) annotated bill at: http://truthlaidbear.com/immigrationbill0518.php?page=1
Read it and weep…or fax your Congressional delegation as well as national/state GOP organizations.
IE
By Daves
June 11, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
The American Southwest was explored and colonized by SPAIN. California was explored and colonized by SPAIN in 1542. Spain gave California to Mexico. Approximately two years later, Alta California VOLUNTARILY ceded from Mexican semi-rule and joined the United States. Since California became part of America, Mexico’s had about multi bloody REVOLUTIONS. Mexico was not recognized as a legitimate country/nation until the early 1900’s. Texas VOLUNTARILY seceded from Mexico by winning its own independence in 1836. Subsequent to winning its own independence, Texas joined the United States along with Territories of New Mexico and Arizona approximately 1845-1847. (used as staging grounds for foraying renegade outlaws) were sparsely populated badlands that were eventually absorbed into the United States. Border settled by war, treaty, and payment. Mexico never actually controlled the American Southwest, as it was too far north. No more than 2000 so-called Mexicans ever lived in the American Southwest. Those so-called Mexicans (Spanish colonizers and Catholic priests) were not forced to leave or give up their Ranches and missions upon becoming Americans. And the Native American Indians of the Southwest do not remember ever having been Mexican citizens or a mythical Azetlyanians [sic]. Mexico was explored, colonized, and named by SPAIN. I.e., the countries of Mexico and the United States were both similarly formed by European exploration and colonization. The only nation that might have a claim to the American Southwest is SPAIN. “Spain would have title” Not Conquestas, No Azatlyn, Not the country South of the border where 99 percent of its people live in abject poverty, while the 1 % live like Sultans.
By Daves
June 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
The American Southwest was explored and colonized by SPAIN. California was explored and colonized by SPAIN in 1542. Spain gave California to Mexico. Approximately two years later, Alta California VOLUNTARILY ceded from Mexican semi-rule and joined the United States. Since California became part of America, Mexico’s had about multi bloody REVOLUTIONS. Mexico was not recognized as a legitimate country/nation until the early 1900’s. Texas VOLUNTARILY seceded from Mexico by winning its own independence in 1836. Subsequent to winning its own independence, Texas joined the United States along with Territories of New Mexico and Arizona approximately 1845-1847. (used as staging grounds for foraying renegade outlaws) were sparsely populated badlands that were eventually absorbed into the United States. Border settled by war, treaty, and payment. Mexico never actually controlled the American Southwest, as it was too far north. No more than 2000 so-called Mexicans ever lived in the American Southwest. Those so-called Mexicans (Spanish colonizers and Catholic priests) were not forced to leave or give up their Ranches and missions upon becoming Americans. And the Native American Indians of the Southwest do not remember ever having been Mexican citizens or a mythical Azetlyanians [sic]. Mexico was explored, colonized, and named by SPAIN. I.e., the countries of Mexico and the United States were both similarly formed by European exploration and colonization. The only nation that might have a claim to the American Southwest is SPAIN. “Spain would have title” Not Conquestas, No Azatlyn, Not the country South of the border where 99 percent of its people live in abject poverty, while the 1 % live like Sultans.
By Daves
June 11, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Please be aware that this is not about the mammoth influx of cheap foriegn workers and their families. This is connected to the (NAU) North American Union and His Royal Highness Bush and his Royal retinue. Find out the truth and judge for yourself: Not the suppressed news of the corporate monopolies. JudicialWatch numbersusa americanpatrol
By Daves
June 11, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Please be aware that this is not about the mammoth influx of cheap foriegn workers and their families. This is connected to the (NAU) North American Union and His Royal Highness Bush and his Royal retinue. Find out the truth and judge for yourself: Not the suppressed news of the corporate monopolies. JudicialWatch numbersusa americanpatrol
By Daves
June 11, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Please be aware that this is not about the mammoth influx of cheap foriegn workers and their families. This is connected to the (NAU) North American Union and His Royal Highness Bush and his Royal retinue. Find out the truth and judge for yourself: Not the suppressed news of the corporate monopolies. JudicialWatch numbersusa americanpatrol
By Daves
June 11, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
This is not just about the terrible S-1348 Immmigration Reform bill, its also about the North american Union? Find out the truth, not the suppressed news from the major corporate news media? judicialwatch numbersusa stopspp idexer libertypost americanpatrol
By Bren
June 11, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Any politician who votes “Yes” on this bill, make sure that they pay next election. These people were “hired” as representatives of “we the people”——LEGAL US citizens in this country——NOT illegal invaders from another country.
Be sure to change your voting status to “Independent” so that we are able to make sure to put the right people into office next election.
Jorge Boosh, Reid, McCain, etc. are still pushing this bill. I BEG YOU——please join www.numbersusa.com so that you are able to send FREE faxes once you are registered!!!! Please keep calling your elected officials demanding them to enforce our current laws—-which do not include rewarding illegals.
Please also call Senators Sessions, Cornyn, DeMint, Webb, Inhofe (and all other senators who voted “No” on this bill)—-begging them not to change their positions.
We are fighting to save our country. Think of what type of country we will be leaving our children/grandchildren if this bill passes!!!!
By Bobby
June 11, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
I agree with Bren. There is no need for amnesty for border criminals, tax criminals, welfare criminals, document fraud criminals, identitiy theft criminals, and many,many, rapists, murderers, and childmolesters. The truth is, if Americans gave a rats a—they would be looking to prosecute most of the Senate and Congress for and the President for derilection of duty in guarding the gates of this nation especially after 9/11 and after the provisions of the first amnesty in 1986. What kind of leaders haven’t the slightest concern for the citizenry by not finding out who exactly enters this nation? How many of your friends and family are asleep on this issue?
By Larry Brown
June 11, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
The truth is we already have plenty of laws on the books to crack down on illegal immigration but the “open borders” Bush administration will not enforce those laws. Congress passing more laws is a waste of time if our President refuses to enforce existing labor, tax, and immigration laws to go after illegal immigration. Forty percent of the entire illegal alien population in the United States arrived here since George W. Bush became President in January, 2001. What a rotten legacy.
By Bobby
June 11, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
We have millions of Si Se Pueda’s in Southern California and they all think this way. “you americanos will be sorry”. Too bad soooo many Americans are clueless.
By Mike
June 11, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
A MUST READ!!!
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0706/p09s01-coop.html
By Mike
June 11, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
A MUST READ!!!
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0706/p09s01-coop.html
By Mike
June 11, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
Randy you’re lucky. We no longer list that as a profession in Texas. All construction has been taken over by Mexicans. Most are not low pay jobs $20 per hour (crane operator, earth moving equipment, trucks, tractors) coming to a neighborhood near you. Under this Bush-McKennedy Scanamnesty compromise it also allows sanctuary to exist for the next wave of Illegal aliens.
By Bobby
June 11, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
Also, to Si Se Pueda, you can take the Redneck baloney and stick it way up your……….
By AWinthrop
June 11, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
Some Senators, Open-Borders and Amnesty advocates want to increase the U.S. population by more than 100 million people within 10 years by misleading Americans with their “comprehensive” immigration reform. Our vile conspiratorial senators had to sneak behind close doors to plot treason with Open-Border and Amnesty Organizations and Business interests. They mean to slowly decimate our country. The Congressional Budget office reported to the senators, that ONLY 25% of criminal invasion would be stopped with this bill. That by issuing Z-cards, an infinite number will converge on America and in their wake they will literally destroy her environment. (that’s the entire southern border) The Heritage Foundation reported to the Senate that it would cost American tax payers a Trillion plus, yes that’s with a T. That America would be bankrupt before that happen, therefore becoming a 3rd World Country.
BILL S. 1348 IS NOT DEAD.. Americans asked for Secured Borders and Enforcement. So Bush/Kennedy/Kyl/Chambliss/Isakson decided to hold AMERICA’S SECURITY HOSTAGE unless we agree to give them Amnesty. They haven’t and have no intention of securing our borders and enforcing our laws. They have sold out to the Foreign Nationalists that marched on America’s streets demanding AMNESTY and immigration reform. That is who this fraudulent and treasonous bill was written for. Senators that support this bill, which supports this constant crime wave from Mexico, are ENEMIES OF THIS NATION. They are criminally negligent in their duty to uphold the Laws already on the books and have transgressed on their oath of office.. The opponents of this fraud are NOT Anti-immigrant, Anti-American, bigots, nor are we racists. We are the American majority that demands our voices and wishes be heard. We elected them to watch over our welfare, not for disingenuous blather, Saxby Chambliss states, ” But you can’t make decisions by putting a finger to the wind” (translation: I don’t care or listen to my constituents, because I know what’s best for my ignorant voters) or “Some of us have to lead, even if it’s not in our best interest”. Stop insulting our intelligence, you have been bought or sold rancid meat. WAKE UP AMERICA before these deceitful men sell out our country to special interests groups. You have been Betrayed. Write your senator now and make him understand, that he will NEVER BE FORGIVEN FOR BETRAYING THIS NATION. Call your senator: 800-862-5530 or check with Alipac to see who the traitors are. (I’m not being over dramatic. We truly are loosing our beloved America)
By GA Minuteman
June 12, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Want to send another clear NO AMNESTY MESSAGE to our Senators and President? Show up at the GA Capitol Saturday, June 16 at 1:00 PM. We need you to attend and bring friends and family. Spread the word.
“No Amnesty – March for America”
NO AMNESTY! SECURE OUR BORDERS! ENFORCE AMERICAN LAWS!
LARGEST STATE-WIDE IMMIGRATION RALLY …RAIN OR SHINE!
WHAT: No Amnesty – March for America
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2007 – 1pm - 6pm, RAIN OR SHINE
WHERE: Steps of the Georgia State Capitol – Washington Street side
Atlanta, GA – Patriots from across Georgia will gather for the March for America event at the Georgia State Capitol on Saturday, June 16, 2007. They will be joined by top state-wide advocates for border enforcement including Todd Walker, Director for the Georgia Chapter of MCDC, State Senator John Douglas, Bill Greene, 10th District Congressional Candidate, Sherry “Eeevil Conservative” from Control Congress Radio with a special message from WGKA radio talk show host, Fox News contributor and Grassfire.org partner Mike Gallagher, Billy Inman, father of deceased Dustin Inman and advocate for the Dustin Inman Society and many others. This will be the Atlanta arm of a nationwide series of rallies going on simultaneously with 14 other states and a Washington, D.C.-based rally to send the message to our President and Congress that we demand our borders be secured, our existing immigration laws enforce and NO Amnesty. This will be the largest anti-amnesty rally organized yet to put pressure on Congress to say no to amnesty and yes to border enforcement. Media is welcome.
For more information please contact Joel Foster, media relations for the event at 404-995-7329 or joel@920wgka.com or Todd Walker, Georgia State Director of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps at 706-224-2646 or GAMinuteman@charter.net. For details on the national March for America go to: http://www.lframerica.com/march2.html
Bring signs (NO Amnesty, Secure our Borders, Enforce our existing laws, etc.) and plenty of American flags!