Amnesty and my membership in the Republican party

[alphabassettgrrl]

I hate politics though it can be fun to debate.

[mousepod]

Hey Leo,

I hear ya. Many years ago, when I was still in my 20s, I decided that the Democratic Party was not representing me. I didn't call anyone to tell them to go to hell, I just changed my party affiliation to Libertarian.

Here's the rub: I rarely vote Libertarian for the big offices. There always seems to be too much at stake. And, since the Lib party tends to have fewer potential candidates, the Primaries are pretty much a no-go for me.

If you're really thinking of ditching the Republicans, keep that in mind. In recent history, the primary elections have been more contentious and exciting than the general elections. Making a point today might have an uncomfortable secondary effect on your ability to shape policy as a party member.

I don't love that you're a Republican, but I know that you're "one of the good ones".

Good luck with your decision.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Kudos to all for honesty regarding the major parties. We are not two kinds of people - we are many-faceted.

I dumped the Republicans after the Contract with America failed. Never could quit sign onto the other side either. I still hate both parties with a passion and will probably once again stick to my Libertarian stance in the coming election. I've never voted for a Democrat.

The two party system is garbage.

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I dumped the Republicans after the Contract with America failed. Never could quit sign onto the other side either. . . . I've never voted for a Democrat.

Well, this is an insight. I am curious, though. The Contract with America was ballyhooed in 1994. How did a 17-year-old Jewish girl come to say, "Yeah, that Newt Gingrich. He speaks for me."

[innerSpaceman]

Perhaps this is not the place ... ok, maybe it is.

A question for the Cap'n Jacks and scaeagles of the world:

1) What is it about the immigration situation you'd like to see done?

2) Despite what you'd like to see done, what do you think realistically can be done?

3) Despite what you think can and should be done, in a nation of millions of people, is immigration an issue where you are willing to compromise with the millions of other opinions that should count no more or less than yours?

[Capt Jack]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

1) What is it about the immigration situation you'd like to see done?

2) Despite what you'd like to see done, what do you think realistically can be done?

3) Despite what you think can and should be done, in a nation of millions of people, is immigration an issue where you are willing to compromise with the millions of other opinions that should count no more or less than yours?

1) use the rules and law already in place to stop one of the primary reasons for the illegal immigration in the first place. illegal alien entries know well in advance of their arrival that american corporations and companies will hire them regardless of the laws in place to prevent it. they even know which companies to apply to and even in some cases, who to talk to. since these corporations use illegally resident workers to enhance their workforces for lower than standard wages, they make profits that they then in turn use as 'incentives' for political figures and those charged with enforcing such laws to turning a blind eye when it comes to enforcement.
stop that, you stem at least some of the flow.

2) yes. there have already been cases where the feds fall on a company rampantly undercutting standard wage rules and using illegally resident workforces to bolster company profits. these companies, despite their cries of 'we cant live without them' have survived and thrived. perhaps not as well as before while raking in massive profits, but nor do they have to line the pockets of those restraining the enforcement of resident labor laws already in place.

3) if its fair and even handed, has no back door adjendas and still works to solve the problem rather than mask it....sure.

[Morrigoon]

Yay! More libertarians!

Come to the dark side.... we have martinis

[Alex]

I don't really have a problem with amnesty. With 12 million already here I don't see a truly practical alternative.

But before an amnesty can be implemented we need to have effectively closed the door behind them. Otherwise in 10 years we'll just be arguing about whether to grant amnesty to the 12 million new people who have shown up illegally.

So I'd support an enforcement first approach.

Of course, that is within the existing framework of severely limited caps on immigration. Which I don't support.

[Alex]

And it should be noted that for those considering movement to the Libertarian party over this particular issue that the official party stance is the removal of barriers to movement across borders.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

And it should be noted that for those considering movement to the Libertarian party over this particular issue that the official party stance is the removal of barriers to movement across borders.

Yeah....that does suck, and it will prevent me from joining (among other things....like really odd candidates).