Bush accuses conservative critics of fear-mongering on immigration

[sabra]

Source: McClatchy

Firing back at conservative critics, President Bush defended his plan to overhaul immigration laws Tuesday and accused its opponents of "trying to rile up people’s emotions" with misinformation.

In an exclusive interview with McClatchy Newspapers, Bush expressed his determination to fight for changes that would let millions of illegal immigrants gain legal status. He cast the debate as a struggle over America’s soul and its reputation as a welcoming nation.

"I’m deeply concerned about America losing its soul. Immigration has been the lifeblood of a lot of our country’s history," the president said during an interview on Air Force One. "I am worried that a backlash to newcomers would cause our country to lose its great capacity to assimilate newcomers."

Bush underscored his commitment to the proposed overhaul — despite harsh criticism from some conservatives — as he traveled to Georgia for a speech that blasted the legislation’s critics.

Read more: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/425/story/54046.html

[efhmc]

1. What a hoot.

The man who robbed us of free elections, invaded another country based on lies, took away habeas corpus, gave us torture of prisoners and pulls out 9-11 at ever turn talks about "trying to rile up people’s emotions" with misinformation and worries that "I’m deeply concerned about America losing its soul.

[High Plains]

2. Uh-oh, I find myself agreeing with Bush. How scary.

But what are my choices? Bush-Kennedy-McCain and the comprehensive Senate bill or Tom Tancredo and Nativist Nation? What's a progressive to do?

[DerBeppo]

4. none of the above.

since when does it have to be either or?

this bill is a joke. just because it's a joke doesn't validate the opposition as correct.

[DemGa]

3. I'll be glad when he goes back to clearing brush on his fake ranch

permanently.

[Supersedeas]

5. He created a fear-mongering monster -- good Rovian students

[Proud Liberal Dem]

6. Mixed Feelings

I have mixed feelings about this legislation. I don't believe that there is any realistic way that we can round up ALL immigrants already here illegally and send them all back nor do I believe that there is anything we can put in place that will successfully and totally stop illegal immigration from occurring BUT I agree that we have to find some way to get illegal immigrants "into the light" so that we have a better idea of who exactly is in our country not only as a matter of national security but also to ensure the safety and security of our streets and communities. My biggest concern is that the legislation has the potential to create a permanent underclass of "guest workers" whom don't have basic labor and civil rights protections and, given what we know about Bush and what he stands for, I'm doubtful that the legislation he supports is likely to be very strong on labor and civil rights protections for these workers and I defintely don't want people to be put at risk of being victimized by exploitative businesses here in the US the way that some guest workers are treated in places like Saipan/Marianas Islands.