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Home Front: Politix

Congress Approves Fence, but Passes New Bill Assuring it Wont be Built

2006-10-06

No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts.

GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.

But shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and "tactical infrastructure" to support the Department of Homeland Security's preferred option of a "virtual fence."

Posted by:mcsegeek1

#31 think of it like a horse race for your future. Betting on an unlikely longshot just cause he's the prettiest horse in the race usually won't pay you dividends.

Posted by: anon 2006-10-06 23:59

#30 Vote for someone whose ideas you support
or vote for someone whose ideas you don't support

Jules, I'm not sure if I don't get your point or if you don't get mine.

Are you planning on voting for a candidate who you support who can win? Then go for it.

I've done it. I suppose every voter does it at least once in their life. I protest voted against George Bush I. I lived with Clinton for 8 years. My vote was worse than useless.

Posted by: anon 2006-10-06 23:48

#29 Jules it would be suicide to vote for the Dems now.

That doesn't mean we can't make our dissatisfaction felt and pressure for change.

If there were a core of old Democrats like Sam Nunn, Scoop Jackson, Mendel Rivers, Bennett, Rayburn, Eastland, Russell, Stennis, etc. then we would be safe to vote Democrat again.

Posted by: RD 2006-10-06 23:38

#28 Vote for someone whose ideas you support
or
vote for someone whose ideas you don't support

Who is more likely being manipulated?

Posted by: Jules 2006-10-06 23:03

#27 Ahhh, the protest vote thingy only works if it doesn't matter which loser wins. I did it once - realized it was stupid and now just choose the lesser of two evils. The time to get angry and show some action is in the primary. Doing it now just means you are being manipulated not to vote for the best worst choice.

Posted by: anon 2006-10-06 22:59

#26 Screw the Dems and Pubs-begin voting third and fourth party candidates. The only wasted votes are those you place for people who don't fight for what's best for this country. Encourage friends and family to stop supporting ethicless politicians on both sides. Enough already-we need to act to bring a new political dynamic. American disgust needs to go beyond complaining.

Posted by: Jules 2006-10-06 22:50

#25 We are going to have to hold our nose and vote to make the statement that even though the GOP disgusts us, the Dems disgust us even more. If it's border control you want, then the Dems aren't going to give it to you, they will just use that money to put up welcome signs and water stations.

But then we need to target these GOP losers for the next race and make sure they get defeated in the primary.

Posted by: anon 2006-10-06 21:50

#24 Choose:

Option D: 3 (or more) steps backward for each step forward.

Option R: 3 (or more) steps forward for each step backward.

Option L: No steps. Dig hole. Hide.

Option X: Let everbody else decide, I'm really really pissed.

Tough one.

Posted by: .com 2006-10-06 19:51

#23 In much the same way as, say, cutting off one's nose to teach one's face a SERIOUS lesson.

You have another proposal? Let's hear it! The GOP is counting on the base to hold their nose and vote Repub, even though the bastards deserve to be thrown out. They'll never get the message if isn't delivered. The Nation could weather two years of the Dems in the House, and then maybe they would wake up.

Posted by: NoBeards 2006-10-06 19:37

#22 SPOT ON, eLarson!

Posted by: mcsegeek1 2006-10-06 17:54

#21 RD, that's absolutely hilarious! LOL!

Posted by: mac 2006-10-06 17:31

#20 I didn't say it wouldn't be painful

In much the same way as, say, cutting off one's nose to teach one's face a SERIOUS lesson.

Posted by: eLarson 2006-10-06 17:07

#19 More Congress snail mailing from me today. to date NO MONEY I've only sent Bush Pesos to the entire Senate, more house members left to go. Plus others.
Front

Back

Posted by: RD 2006-10-06 14:19

#18 Maybe the smart thing to do here is send Chertoff letters explaining that we citizens don't appreciate Bush appeasing Fox. First, Mexico has it's own problems which they will not address, and we citizens are the same people mentioned in the Preamble. Chertoff, do it right and do it post haste for us; for the people.
WE have given Mexico a major leg up with NAFTA, we don't need to breast feed them as well.

Posted by: wxjames 2006-10-06 13:41

#17 the only sensible thing that I could see to this woul be using "virtual fence" as a part of a "honeypot" strategy, but again, thats lot's to assume considering the blatant stupidity I see out of washington on a daily basis.

Posted by: newc 2006-10-06 13:23

#16 Heck, theoretically speaking, maybe we need another revolution. Not all, but many (imho) in gov't have lost their respect for our sovereignty and our posterity. They mince & parse words and deeds like back woods lawyers, hiding behind loop holes, exploiting technicalities and catering to whoever will pay the most to get them re-elected. I do not call these people patriots, patriots do what's right by the country no matter the personal cost. Our current slew of politicos know not the meaning of sacred honor, they have become whores of the worst echelon.

Oh, and before I forget - Fuck Mexico.

Posted by: Broadhead6 2006-10-06 12:10

#15 So you want the House to go to the Dems? I fai to see the logic.

I didn't say it wouldn't be painful. I think it is exactly what the Nation and the GOP needs to: Wake! The! Fuck! Up! The Dems would go about their evil desires and finally --if they did enough harm-- the somnambulent masses might just open thier eyes. Then, the next go around could be the death nell for the Dems.

Something really drastic HAS to happen to yank the Repubs out of their dream world. I'm hoping Newt finds a way to run in '08. The Dems must be crushed, but only after the Repubs have a behind-the-woodshed, come-to-Jesus moment.

The last thing I want to see is another Civil War or open armed revolt in this country, but it looks to me as if it is unavoidable. It would be the end of the Nation, and leave us open to our enemies. The external enemies that is.

Posted by: NoBeards 2006-10-06 11:15

#14 "The left and their RINO allies are actively working to turn this country into a socialist 3rd world shit hole, I have been to some 3rd world socialist shit holes, and I have NO DESIRE to see my beloved Nation turned into one."

So you want the House to go to the Dems? I fai to see the logic. I'm sorry, but I think "Speaker Pelosi" and her cadre of America haters could do quite a bit of damage in two years, not the least of which is to obstruct any and all funding for the WoT. We cannot let that happen. "Teaching the Republicans a lesson" will have to wait for another day.

Posted by: mcsegeek1 2006-10-06 10:45

#13 Geek -
I'm not too particular. It doesn't HAVE to be a fence. A minefield, a moat, or especially a 'free fire zone' would do just fine.

Posted by: Glenmore 2006-10-06 10:38

#12 DV, I applaud you bro'. You had the cojonas to say what I've not wanted to think. Especially wrt the senate. Bunch of pampered dandies.

Posted by: Broadhead6 2006-10-06 10:34

#11
The GOP needs some time in the wilderness. I would like to see the House of Reps. go to the Dems this election with GOP control (such that it is) of the Senate remain. I doubt that the Dems can do TOO much damage in two years. And it just might serve as a wake up call for all the fence sitters and surviving Rebublicans.

Please, save the invective. Something drastic has to happen to wake these turd heads up or there will be open revolt eventually. Everywhere my eyes settle, I see illegal aliens. Everywhere! Not a day goes by that I do not have Mexicans knocking on my door wanting to know if they can perform some service, in spite of the fact I have a "No Soliciting" sign in English and Spanish.

Whole neighborhoods that were nice places when I was in my teens are now slums and "no go" areas. This invasion has caused me to develope a deep and powerful hatred towards Mexicans (from Mexico).

The left and their RINO allies are actively working to turn this country into a socialist 3rd world shit hole, I have been to some 3rd world socialist shit holes, and I have NO DESIRE to see my beloved Nation turned into one. The left must be made to pay for their treachery!

Posted by: NoBeards 2006-10-06 10:33

#10 Land mines and machine guns are cheaper.

Posted by: tu3031 2006-10-06 10:30

#9 Still smarting from yesterday, eh? We still love ya....

Posted by: mcsegeek1 2006-10-06 10:28

#8 This sounds like a GOP conspiracy to screw the American people.
:-}

Posted by: wxjames 2006-10-06 10:15

#7 "and that key players -- including the administration, local leaders and the Mexican government -- oppose a fence-only approach..."

Ohfercrisakes! MSNBC tips its cards once again. Nobody is proposing to simply erect a barrier and then calling it a day. Then again, Comprehensive Immigration Reform sounds much more dramatic then a Fence Only Approach, dont you think. And BTW, exactly who considers the fuckin Mexican Government a key player if, when, and how the US decides to build the fence anyway?

Posted by: DepotGuy 2006-10-06 10:04

#6 Both the Republicans and the Democrats are just begging to have an open revolt and overthrow on their hands, aren't they?

I'm just about sick of them both.

Posted by: DarthVader 2006-10-06 09:55

#5 The split between GOP leaders hungry for a sound-bite-friendly accomplishment targeting immigration and others who support a more comprehensive approach

There are no Dems looking for a sound bite? Or do all the Dims "want a more comprehensive approach"? Or is this one of their little secrets, until after they get elected?

Posted by: Bobby 2006-10-06 09:53

#4 keep the pressure on....

Posted by: Frank G 2006-10-06 09:40

#3 One other thing I should have snarked on:

"it also reflects political calculations by GOP strategists that voters do not mind the details"

We don't mind the details? Hey Congress: Watch how much we mind.

Posted by: mcsegeek1 2006-10-06 09:06

#2 Yep, I just read this on msn.com and was going to post it but am glad 'geek beat me to it.

This fence situation (or lack there of) disgusts me to no end. These F*cking cowards in congress -time to throw them all out and rebuild the parties. They could give a sh*t about our sovereignty or the posterity of this country. Virtual fence - my ass.

Take the money and run you bunch of amphibian fecal matter eating bottom dwellers. Democrats do not deserve to be elected and Republicans do not deserve to be re-elected. Bush has done extremely poor on this. I expected much better from the GOP. I'll go all the way to Iraq to help secure their border and my gov't & president can't even find the common sense or political will to secure our own f*cking border. F*ck congress.

Posted by: Broadhead6 2006-10-06 08:47

#1 The Mexicans know the US government better than we do: Mexican government predicts border fence probably won't be built

Posted by: ed 2006-10-06 08:24

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