CYW-Cover Your Weaselness

Here's most of the text from an e-mail which I received from my Senator-I had exercised my citizenship rights and called and e-mailed his office to tell of my displeasure as to his voting 'the wrong way' on the immigration bill. I believe that if citizens hadn't raised such a clamor of outrage about the bill, it would have become law, as former Republican President Bush was ready to sign away our sovereignty. And also, if we hadn't voiced our opposition so strongly, I never would have gotten this letter-see if you can find the weasel in the words:

"Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding immigration reform. I believe the current immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. I look forward to voting for a bill which will provide for real border security, will eliminate the lure of continued job opportunities for illegal immigrants, and will provide a program that would have helped identify illegal immigrants in this country with their continued presence conditioned on learning English, paying taxes and being employed.

I could not, however, support the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348) in its current form. S. 1348 was never considered by a Senate Committee and was brought directly to the floor before most of us had a chance to fully review it. Senate leadership blocked many amendments, including my own, that would have improved the bill. The repercussions of this bill are too great, and I could not in good conscience support moving forward with legislation that is incomplete and unfinished. For this reason, I voted against a procedural motion on June 7, 2007 that would have pushed the bill forward without further debate.

I believe that improving our border enforcement capabilities must be central to any immigration reform legislation. Our unprotected borders are unacceptable and represent a crisis which must be dealt with decisively and without delay. I am pleased that S. 1348 would require hiring more Border Patrol officers, constructing vehicle barriers and fences on the Southern border, monitoring the entire border electronically and ending the catch-and-release system that leads to many illegal aliens remaining in the United States, and that such improvements would have to be enacted before any permanent benefits would be given to the current illegal population and before any new guest worker program would start. This bill would also increase the penalties for many immigration violations.

I strongly oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants. Any legalized status for people already here must not be a blank check that will encourage more people to enter this country illegally. In order to be here, I believe that immigrants must undergo background checks, demonstrate proof of employment, possess English proficiency and an understanding of civics, and pay a monetary penalty if they entered illegally. S. 1348 would do much of this, but I would have preferred more stringent policies in some of these areas. I would have supported more rigorous background checks than currently in the bill and stricter workplace enforcement if given the opportunity to amend the bill. I am pleased that under S. 1348 illegal immigrants would not be eligible for Social Security benefits accrued using a false number.

You may also be interested to know that I introduced amendments that would have ended the policy of sanctuary cities. Sanctuary cities are cities where local law enforcement is barred from so much as asking the people they come into contact with about their immigration status. As a consequence, these cities are able to evade their legal responsibilities to share such information with federal authorities. This is a gag order, and it essentially means the rule of law does not apply in these cities. My amendments would lift that gag order and allow law enforcement officers in these cities to inquire about an individual's immigration status and share their findings with the Department of Homeland Security.

While immigration reform must reflect the American values of fairness and opportunity, it must also show respect for the rule of the law. It is my hope that proper debate on a border security and comprehensive immigration reform can be held in the Senate, and the result will be legislation that provides for a safer, more secure and prosperous America .

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate hearing from you and I value your advice."

I bet. A light once-over as to the weasel bits:
"I believe the current immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed."
No-the system is not broken-it is ignored. If we prosecuted with the laws already in place, our immigration system would work. If we protected our borders the way liberals protect Abortion, no illegal interloper would stand a chance.
"I could not, however, support the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348) in its current form." Liar. He voted with Ted Kennedy on June 26 to support that bill. He voted against it on June 28 after hearing from some of his constituents. When I called his office, no answer-waited, transfered to another office-no answer-waited-transfered to voicemail but couldn't leave a message as the box was full.
"I voted against a procedural motion on June 7, 2007 that would have pushed the bill forward without further debate." So did everyone else-but reminding me of his correct vote earlier doesn't negate his wrong vote on the 26th. Note which vote slipped his mind while writing this 'form-hope-you're-not-angry letter'.
"While immigration reform must reflect the American values of fairness and opportunity, it must also show respect for the rule of the law."
Likewise, the Senate should show respect for the rule of law; instead of legislating changes, demand that the laws on the books be obeyed. Fund the Border Patrol, build the already approved and funded barrier, and stop impeding our work of National Security.
Years ago, I heard this saying:
"One man alone can do anything. You know what would really impress me? To hear that a committee accomplished something. That would blow my mind."