Moonage Political Webdream

Sens. John McCain and Edward M. Kennedy are putting together an immigration bill that would subject illegal immigrants to fines, but allow them to remain in the United States and earn a chance to apply for permanent residency.

The measure is an alternative to President Bush’s guest worker proposal sought by employers but opposed by many conservatives.

This is nuts on a bunch of levels.  First of all, illegal immigrants already face fines.  Their employers face fines.  What’s the point of making that an issue?  Secondly, this is supposed to be an alternative to Bush’s immigration policy that never was.  How is it an alternative if both allow the illegal immigrant to remain in the US?  This is yet another bizarre stab at grandstanding by McCain.  I just don’t understand this one this time.  What is McCain trying to accomplish here?

One thing McCain has accomplished by signing on with Kennedy is probably totally ending any chance he has at being president.  Although McCain comes accross as being a guy who can garner support from both sides of the aisle, he has to win a primary to get to the big dance.  I just don’t see how he feels teaming up with Kennedy will ever help him achieve that goal.

I really have never figured McCain out.  I like that in most circumstances.  But, in this case, I don’t understand his motives for the legislation in the first place, and I sure don’t understand his logic in teaming up with Kennedy to get it done.  From a more practical viewpoint, I can understand the concern over the issue from someone in Arizona, I just don’t see it coming from Boston.  Bottom line, there is no logical reason for McCain to seek assistance from Ted Kennedy, and Kennedy most likely will hurt his chances of seeing it accomplished.  From Kennedy’s perspective, I don’t see immigration being a major concern for his constituancy, and I don’t see why he would seek assistance from the most liberal Republican he could find.  I see this legislation dieing in limbo and McCain and Kennedy opponents having fodder for future political clashes.

Bad move guys, real bad move.

Technorati Tags: National Politics

Tags: National Politics

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