"Bush promises tougher border security" from the AP reports on President Bush's speech in which he said he wants $4.4 billion immediately for border enforcement as a good faith gesture that the administration is serious about border enforcement. The monies would be allegedly dedicated to border and workplace enforcement. This has been suggested as an amendment by Senators Lindsey Graham and Senator Jon Kyl to assuage the outcry from many citizens who are concerned about the path to citizenship portion of S1348 as well as some of the giveaway details of the bill. Of course, the monies are to come from alleged future fees from the other provisions of the bill.
Given how much money is thrown away on earmarks and how much is spent globally on massive bases abroad as well as on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, this seems like a pittance - and given how it may get spent there will be skepticism. On the other hand, if nothing is done, which has been the GOP stance, especially since September 11th when it seems almost unthinkable that such measures wouldn't have been immediately put in place. And all these politicians today who are uneasy - where were they for the past six years? Is it easier now that President Bush is unpopular now to speak up with the heat of citizens on their case - and they may not want or need his campaign help?
Will the money go through? If not, this will be used as a way of saying that the critics aren't serious enough - and if it does go through and gets spent on other things, it will again be wasted, even before the alleged collection of fees.
Michelle Malkin weighs in...
The way Bush throws money around it means nothing. As usual, it's somehow repaid in a future that will never happen and the taxpayers will have to cover it. He's a lying weasel on immigration.
Posted by: Larry | June 15, 2007 at 05:13 AM