The civics requirement is always interesting. I think we should look at holding new immigrants to the standard for civics that is in NCLB, or at least mandate that the immigrants only be held to the state (or Federal) high school requirements. Because when people talk about knowing certain things about the US, the push back (justifiably I think) is always that US HS students don't know jack about civics. But they can tell you all about the three finalists on American Idol.

I didn't hear all of Bush's speech on Monday, but caught pieces. I think he was saying things similar to what you are requesting.

Super. I've found my next signature.

You do know that all the "requirements" have exactly zero chance of being enforced, don't you?

Do you actually think people are going to show up for an English test and be deported if they fail? Do you think people are going to be deported if a fine is not paid? You think Homeland Security can administer 1% of this.

None of that will happen. We will, however, have a prosperous document forging industry to help people prove they have been breaking US laws long enough to qualify for a green card.

Having said all that, if we actually get border security, I would be willing to live with it. That won't happen either though. It is 1986 all over again, except with bigger numbers.

Fortunately, Congress, in their infinite wisdom, have apparently voted down measures to require that Border security measures be implemented at the same time as all the other immigration reforms.

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Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

 I don't care if they're "Metz-a-kins" or Upper Voltan Tranmogrified Yuppie Hipster Wannabees. I just want them to A.S.S.I.M.I.L.A.T.E (you know, like, maybe learn ENGLISH, for example).


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Many older immigrants don't learn the language , chinese ,Italian , building small communities to hide in . The larger family insulates the person from needing a second language .

The latino's use the group invasion method ,stores ,radio - TV stations , signs .I would agree they assimilate at a lower rate .

Worse than that is when they switch to spanish while talking to their coworker ,just after talking to you in perfect english . I understand about %70 , and may reply when needed.

My Mother loves to ask the DMV guy "I want my written test in German " in a loud voice . They say ahh ah we don't have them in German . Mom says hell you have them in everything else. [u][/u][b][/b]

Really? I heard they were discussing bills which required border security measures to happen before everything else.

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"I heard they were discussing bills which required border security measures to happen before everything else. "

Listening to the news this morning, it sounded like they voted against that course of action.

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Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

Yep, voted down by the Senate 55-40. 18 Republicans including my new Senator Martinez voting against the security measure.

I am so glad we have a Republican Congress to give us free Viagra for seniors, out of control spending, campaign finance reform and now a validated flood of immigrants.

Checking through the Contract with America now, and I am not finding those items. Hmm.

I am so glad we have a Republican Congress to give us free Viagra for seniors,

In a few years you may be grateful.

and now a validated flood of immigrants.

I don't understand this at all. I think Bush is on the right track with his proposals to strengthen the borders and am surprised he is not getting more support on some tough actions.

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You sir, are my new hero! - Trifan 11/13/2008

Casey, you are a wise man - blueraider_mike 11/13/2008

Casey, This is an astute observation. - Slowbern 11/17/2008

The thing you are missing is that no one who has been through the process believes any of the restrictions will happen. We were promised enforcement in 1986, and it never happens.

The National Guard deployment is a ruse designed strictly to get a bill passed. The increased border patrol is meaningless since we have been promising that for 20 years and it never happens. To the extent it does happen, they don't even keep those that they catch.

Apparently 90 plus percent of those 1000 odd illegal workers they busted to big headlines at the pallet company have been released.

The restrictions like speaking English and paying taxes and the like will never happen. There is no provision to administer those restrictions.

The only thing I would find real would be a serious fence, which, of course is the one thing that isn't happening.

If I could actually believe the words, I would support it too. That is what you are missing. We don't believe Bush and company on stopping the flow. Bought that BS once before.

If I could actually believe the words, I would support it too. That is what you are missing. We don't believe Bush and company on stopping the flow.

Typical anti-American remark from you ;)

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No sooner do I say that than the Senate votes to add 370 miles of triple fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers along the southern border. I don't know if that is enough, but it is not nothing.

Maybe I am falling into the old conservative trap of expecting and believing our representatives will double cross us at the first sign of conflict.

I would love to admit I am wrong. Stay tuned.

I would love to admit I am wrong. Stay tuned.

And I would love to hear you admit you are wrong, but unfortunately I agree with your view that nothing of any substance will result from the latest political pandering. I'd love to admit I'm wrong on this also.

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You sir, are my new hero! - Trifan 11/13/2008

Casey, you are a wise man - blueraider_mike 11/13/2008

Casey, This is an astute observation. - Slowbern 11/17/2008

The thing you are missing is that no one who has been through the process believes any of the restrictions will happen. We were promised enforcement in 1986, and it never happens.

Window-dressing.

Unfortunately, as your comments illustrate, window-dressing and double-speak has too often become the expectation.

Not sure what implications there are when we see it as our *duty* to spread our form of government "to the world".

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-- Every morning brings opportunity;
Each evening offers judgement. --