When John McCain was peering into the lights looking for "that little jerk" Lindsey Graham, his friend and ally was still on the way back from Washington.
It seems the White House had asked him to stick around to help at a critical moment in negotiations on an immigration deal. He had hoped to arrive in time to watch the debate, but by the time he got to Columbia, everything was over.
But he was pumped, knowing that the deal was finally done. He went on and on about it, keeping at least one supporter up into the wee hours, way past his bedtime, as he later complained.
McCain had referred during the intense negotiations during the debate, brushing off a suggestion that he was dodging the hot potato, noting that he had been involved in the talks as late as last Friday. He wasn’t in at the end, although his sidekick was.
I asked that same tired, worn-out old associate at lunch today when something would be announced. The news was out by the time we got back to our respective offices:
Bush Hails Deal
on Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON (AP) — Key senators in both parties and the White House announced agreement Thursday on an immigration overhaul that would grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and fortify the border. The plan would create a temporary worker program to bring new arrivals to the U.S and a separate program to cover agricultural workers. Skills and education-level would for the first time be weighted over family connections in deciding whether future immigrants should get permanent legal status. New high-tech employment verification measures also would be instituted to ensure that workers are here legally.
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Boy Brad, when you’re not whining about the Confederate flag your blog posts could substitute for sleeping pills. The overwhelming responses remind me of crickets chirping at night.
Read the details of this immigration bill and try and convince me that no other entity besides the federal government could come up with such a convoluted piece of legislation.
This is what happens when you mix bureacrats with politicians and try to reach a compromise. Here’s the gory details that are a model of red tape, pandering, and stupidity:
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“The key breakthrough came when negotiators struck a bargain on a so-called “point system” that prioritizes immigrants’ education and skill level over family connections in deciding how to award green cards.
The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a “Z visa” and — after paying fees and a $5,000 fine — ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first.
They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.
A new temporary guest worker program would also have to wait until those so-called “triggers” had been activated.
Those workers would have to return home after work stints of two years, with little opportunity to gain permanent legal status or ever become U.S. citizens. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.”
I’m sure these illegals making $5/hour as migrant workers will happily pull out their check book and write a check for $5k. Some may have to cash in some stocks. Others may take out a 2nd mortgage or sell off their second car.
Here’s Rudy’s spokesman’s doublespeak answer on the Immigration Bill… Why can’t he just say whether he’s for it or against it?
“”Rudy’s top priority and main objective is to ensure our borders are secure and to stop potential terrorists and criminals from coming in. The recent Fort Dix plot is a stark reminder that the threat of terrorism has made immigration an important matter of national security. We need to know who is coming in and who is going out of this country if we are going to deal with those who are here illegally.”
Rudy’s phony tough guy act regarding immigration boils down to “we need id cards”. Nothing else. The more I hear him, the less worried I get about him actually winning ANY primary.
Romney, on the other hand, came out 100% against the bill… no equivocation or doubletalk. Is that too hard to do?
But he was pumped, knowing that the deal was finally done. He went on and on about it, keeping at least one supporter up into the wee hours, way past his bedtime, as he later complained.
What’s the supporter’s name?
Finally Brad found an accurate term to describe Graham. “Little jerk” is just perfect! If this abomination of a bill isn’t enough to guarantee a strong challenge for him next year, I don’t know what will. For me it’s absolutely ABG (Anybody But Graham) from now on. In addition, McCain just kissed any presidential nomination chances goodbye.
Doug says: “This is EXACTLY why the Congress has an approval rating below 30% and will serve as the final nail in the coffin for the Republican Party for 2008.”
Isn’t this the new Democrat Congress we’re talking about? Any Rep voting for this should indeed suffer severe consequences at election time but the main blame surely belongs to the Dems.
Randy says: “I’m sure these illegals making $5/hour as migrant workers will happily pull out their check book and write a check for $5k. Some may have to cash in some stocks. Others may take out a 2nd mortgage or sell off their second car.”
Yeah, life is full of tough choices, isn’t it? Or are you suggesting that they should receive total amnesty for their lawbreaking?
I have a friend who’s been here for almost 6 years on a series of work visas and has spent well over $10,000 in an attempt to get a permanent resident visa (green card). He might have been much better off if he had simply overstayed his first visa – by now he would be eligible for the proposed amnesty, and he could have saved himself that $10,000. Instead illegal invaders will be rewarded for jumping in line ahead of him.
Go, ROMNEY!
Thanks, kc. I had meant to link to the name, but got interrupted and forgot.
Here’s the poor old guy. He and I had lunch today with a guy from the McCain campaign. I’m going to post something on that.
… but not tonight. Something’s wrong with my browser at home. Takes forever to type anything…
Snake-in-the-grass Lindsey Graham… everytime I see this idiot in front of a television camera or worse, hear that nasal, twangy little supercilious voice, I get angry all over again about his treachery on the Supreme Court issue. His evil-doing on the illegal alien issue is just his latest betrayal of his country. I think he runs for re-election next year. I will cast a vote for ANYONE but him. If there is any other republican candidate, that person has my vote. If not, the democrat challenger gets it. If Graham runs unopposed, I simply won’t vote. I detest this man, and hope to see him sent packing at the earliest opportunity. When that happens, my only regret will be that he was in the senate long enough to collect that cushy retirement these crooks have voted for themselves. Ed