Immigration seems to be on people's minds more than Bush's involvement in the leak, though that may be more a matter of the speed of the editorial cycle than anything else.
On immigration, it is clear from letters that no matter how nuanced the talking heads might be, the real issue is racism and fear, not law or economics. When letters address home invasion robberies and terrorism, and talk only about Mexicans (as if they were the only immigrants to this country), you get a pretty good picture of what it's really all about.
Letters are starting to flow about Bush, and so far, the legalistic 'it's not a leak if the President does it' has not resonated, for it is not in the letters. Come back next week to see if it sticks.
One thing is pretty clear, Americans are souring on Bush and his war in Iraq. At this rate, he is either going to have to get out of Iraq or start another war with Iran to save the midterm elections. Which do you think is most likely?
New in today's Daily Pulse- cartoons from my cartoon blog- Hypnocrites. I hope you like them.
America has already voted on illegal immigration. Americans vote every time they grocery shop at the Super Wal*Mart, or look for the cheapest dry-wall company, or pay the maid in cash, or myriad other things we do as we decide the dollar we save is worth what it costs. If we really cared about "illegal immigration" the most successful stores would be the ones that advertise "By, From, and For Americans," rather than the ones that advertise "Every Day Low Prices." Which business model do you think would raise more capital for a start-up?
The Arizona Republic
Actually, Mexico has one of the highest standards of living for a developing nation, with an average per capita income of $10,000/annum. If a guest worker program were to be put in place we would not be seeing Mexicans, but Indonesians, Malaysians, and Palestinians. Mexicans compete only by virtue of proximity. Once the employers start hiring "guest workers" and bringing them in, those workers will be the cheapest available. The result? Ultimately, Mexico's standard of living will go DOWN, rather than up, harming rather than helping its economy and ours.
Take march to Mexico streets
If the organizers and participants in Monday's marches in the United States would put the same effort into marches across Mexico, demanding better living conditions, then both countries would be better off. ...
- Ralph Reaser, El Mirage
The Arizona Republic
To equate illegal immigration to terrorism is mere stupidity. To assume that immigration = home invasion and other crime is far worse, for it is indicative of simple racism. Most immigrants, including the illegal ones, are here to better there lives, not to take from ours. If there is any theft at all, it is by us, as we take their cheap labor, their taxes, and their Social Security contributions, and give very little back, particularly if we take away the possibility that they will ever be welcomed here.
Illegal entrants are terrorists
The Mexican citizens who are marching are correct: A sleeping giant has been awakened, but it is the voting power of the citizens of the United States. ...
Much has been said about the things illegal immigration brings to us. These mostly concern crime rates, particularly identity theft and home invasion.
Anyone who enters the country illegally is a terrorist.
- Joe Bishop, Glendale
George W. Bush has actually proposed a "solution" to the immigration "problem" (by the way, has anybody enunciated exactly why it is a problem?). His solution will certainly reduce the number of Mexicans in the country. Why? Not because making coming here illegal AGAIN will suddenly change anything, but because they will not be able to compete with the Middle Easterners, Asians, and Africans willing to work for even less than them.
Frederick News-Post
Yes, there are millions of people here illegally. But why is that a problem? Seriously. I keep hearing about the "problem," but nobody will tell me what it is with anything other than a circular 'illegal immigrants are a problem because they're here illegally.'
What part of `illegal' don't they understand?
OK, Let me get this straight. Thousands of people are demonstrating for illegal immigrants and their "rights" here in this country. I am at a loss as to why they think they deserve anything. ...
It is a privilege to be a U.S. citizen, not a right that is to be given away freely or to be taken for granted illegally. Due to the lack of response from the government to truly protect our borders, a serious problem now exists with millions of people being in the country illegally. ...
The Herald Mail
The guest worker program is actually far worse than even the most rabid Republicans fear, for it will, for the first time, invite millions of the poorest most disaffected Muslims, those most receptive to Islamicism, into this country.
Last straw for this Republican
Upon renewing my driver's license today, one question on the form asked for my "party affiliation." Normally, I have no problem checking "Republican."
However, recent events within the Republican party have caused me to seriously reconsider my choice. ...
The Republican party - specifically the Senate - has abandoned the mainstream Republicans such as myself. This guest worker/amnesty program is the last straw.
I cannot and will not support the Republican party with my money or my vote.
Steve Dandy
Cascade
Anybody paying attention knew a long time ago that Cheney was behind the Libby leak. Now I might have to re-draw this cartoon to show Bush behind Cheney.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Bush and Cheney's hard core supporters will never see the light, because they are cultists, not reasoned people. Bush will probably never drop below 30% disapproval merely because that many people will ALWAYS approve of whatever he does, even if they DISAPPROVED of it the day before, when Bush said he didn't do it.
Plame outing criminal
President Bush ordering Cheney to order his right-hand man, "Scooter" Libby to out CIA agent Valerie Plame because Plame's husband, Ambassador Joe Wilson, was making it difficult for Bush to go to war with Iraq at any and all costs is not the least bit unlike Mafia "Don" Michael Corleone ordering his lieutenant, Clemenza, to order one of his young hit men to whack Phillip Tattaglia and Moe Green because they were making things tough for the Corleone family. ...
Maybe their supporters will now start to realize just how dangerous and criminal Bush and Cheney really are and what lengths they'll go to achieve their greedy, self-serving and moronic goals.
Steve Smith
Temple City
The Daily Astorian
Treasonous acts
Presidents are not above the law. Bush has repeatedly broken the laws of this country, sidestepped the people's wishes, refused to listen to Congress and has committed what I consider treasonous acts against the American people.
I am a disabled veteran. I hate to think my sacrifice for this country was all for nothing because we have allowed a lawless traitor to take control of the country's highest office - a lying oil company puppet with delusions of Empire. ...
An enemy of the ecology, the American patriot and the world at large, he has run world opinion of America to an all-time low. He took us to war on lies. He let New Orleans languish through incompetence. He set himself up as beyond law and common decency with his "Torture Regulations."
When are "We The People" going to take a stand and put a stop to this?
Censure is but a first step. A necessary one if we are ever to take back our country from the traitorous regime in the White House now.
BRIAN BATES
Seaside
The Daily Astorian
Where are Democrats?
After witnessing a committee meeting to ostensibly hear arguments for and against censure, I was struck by the absence of congressmen who supported censure. The Republicans, to a man, denounced the effort as grandstanding or worse, while the lone Democrat was left to defend his position alone.
I ask, as I've asked myself for the past five years, "Where are the Democrats?" This is not a time for caution or timidity. The administration is in its worst position in years, and yet the Democratic leadership can't seem to muster any kind of consensus on how to take advantage of this opportunity.
George Bush has earned censure, or worse, and because the Democrats don't - or won't - act does nothing to diminish this truth. Dig down and find some courage. This battle is bigger than any of you, and might be the very thing that separates you from the rest of the herd.
JACK GUYOT
Astoria
Bush is big on continued "sacrifice," and "honoring the sacrifice" of those who have already died. Unfortunately, he and his ilk aren't sacrificing a damned thing. Their personal fortunes go up while the brave soldiers go down, six feet down, with very little justification remaining other than those who preceded them to the grave.
Shelbyville Daily Union
Perhaps now is the time look around, find somebody who fought in Vietnam, and ask them what they think of Iraq today. I'm guessing their opinions are not very favorable, as they see us repeating exactly the same mistakes all over again.
Enough is enough
I support American troops regardless of where, when or against whom they are fighting. They deserve our support, loyalty, gratitude and prayers.
I was drafted in 1966 during the largest buildup of American troops in Viet Nam. ...
I oppose the war in Iraq. I believe that George W. Bush began his presidency with the goal of toppling Saddam Hussein. One reason being to finish the job his father, George H. W. Bush, failed to do during the Gulf War by removing Saddam after putting down his invasion of Kuwait. Also, to avenge Saddam's plan to assassinate the elder Bush during the Clinton presidency. ...
In the latest round of "spinning" the war, Bush says that we need to make more "sacrifices." Thousands of American soldiers have been killed and wounded. What sacrifice is Bush making, except in his approval ratings? His daughters are safe and sound, thank God. Donald Rumsfeld and others say there is no civil war in Iraq, a country composed of "tribes" who hate each other as much as they hate the U.S. They have slaughtered each other for many years and will continue to do so long after we are gone. ...
In a democracy, to dissent is not unpatriotic. Like Viet Nam, I believe Iraq is a quagmire. It's time to remove our soldiers from harm's way. Enough is enough.
David Mochel
Shelbyville
Men making decisions for women-that is really what the abortion debate is all about. Sure, there are plenty of anti-abortion women, but they all know, in the back of their minds, that they might challenge it morally, but the situation just might be different for THEIR abortion. Men, on the other hand, seem enthusiastic about returning women to the status of chattel. How else can you interpret a law that places the reproductive rights of a rapist over those of his victim?
Pocono Record
Women should make reproductive decisions
Why are women in this country still under men's rule? I don't personally favor abortion unless it is necessary for a woman's health. Having said that, I believe whatever a woman decides is her choice and ultimately between her and her beliefs and maker.
Of course with over 90 percent of our government run by men, it is they who really make a woman's choice difficult. How dare they? They should be left out of the vote. It is just another way a man keeps control. ...
JOYCE KEIPER
East Stroudsburg
