I hear you. Hardliners have that tendency. If ever there was an issue with such an obvious and abundant overlap of implications across an economic, political and social spectrum, this is it. I’d like to think that here, we have a chance for hardliners from both right and left to see it may not be so wrong to adopt “centrist” ideals from time to time. I am always perplexed at the notion of compromise being viewed as a gentlemenly recourse in everything from business to art with one exception - the political arena! In “politics” comprimise seems to be the cause of the death of careers more than a tool of progress.

As this policy debate unfolds, let’s hope calmer heads and intellect can find a way to rule the day over emotion.

-Gunny

I appreciate the feedback. While I agree there is an oppurtunity for bipartisanship to achieve something here I don’t think there is much possibility. Personally I find that distressing because to me it shows that a number of people whose opinion I would normally respect have become so fixated on one particular portion of a very large and important issue that hey are not willing to let any progress be made.

Personally I can think of at least three potential compromises on the “amnesty” issue that I think would be fair, but anytime I bring thme up with anyone from the hardline “no amnesty” crowd they won’t even discuss them. If that is indicitive of the state of the debate then very little progress can be made.

Nice post - a humorous and insightful read. Based on what you’ve layed out here; I am more or less of the same opinion as you regarding a plan to address immigration issues. If legalization / amnesty - whatever people want to label it, ultimately means that labor costs become to high to support competive industries in certain areas, well maybe that’s an industry that was due to fall by the way of natural selection in America. This potential trade off / evolution / de-evolution (again, depending on your perspective) is a reality of the “global economy” that developed countries are being forced to face in an age of global trade. This is a condition that “developed countries” will be forced to face in an age of global trade. It may seem a tough pill to swallow but, as arguably the most “developed country” on this world’s block, it may be a pill we have to take to set the right example. I venture to guess that all American’s would rather be viewed as the cool kid on the block who set a trend rather then the bully who wouldn’t let new people into a game of kickball. No matter the degree in variance in our proposed mean, I would like to believe as a nation we are searching for the same end.

As a “free trader”, I for one hope that this issue / crisis / embarrassment (again whatever someone wants to call it based on their perspective) may finally spur on some rational debate enroute to sound decisions for policy in the years to come. Most importantly - it is imperative to have everyone working in this country on the books, documented and sharing responsibilty for the sustenance of social programs that they currently or may one day depend upon.

This particular issue also provides an opportunity for true bi-partisanship to take the stage; as for once we’re looking at something where purely politically motivated choices will lead us to a lose / lose situation. There is a great deal at stake here; econonmically, polictically and socially, and I for one am optimistic about what we may come with if we can quiet the pundits who consistantly take the cheap shot at an easy laugh long enough to let policy makers govern in addition to, rather then solely, playcate idelogical movements.

Holding my breath….
-Gunny