EckerNet.Com

While part of me is happy to see my pet issue of immigration getting so much national attention, an even bigger part of me is extremely perplexed by the political elites apparent cluelessness on this issue. Despite overwhelming public response to the comprehensive immigration reform, they continue to try to pass piecemeal portions of it. Despite polls indicated that unprotected borders is, if not the top, one of the top issues amongst independent voters this year, Democratic (and some Republican) candidates continue to embrace an open-borders viewpoint.

Immigration continues to attract passionate response from both sides of the issue, although repeated battles continue to indicate that the public supports border enforcement and no amnesty for illegals. Politicians on the other hand refuse to accept this. Norm Coleman is a perfect example.

All signs are that Senator Dianne Feinstein (D -CA) and Senator Larry “Wide Stance” Craig (R - ID) will introduce AgJobs as an amendment to the Farm Bill this week. And from a letter I received from Senator Coleman’s office this weekend, it is clear that Senator Coleman will support such an amendment….in clear defiance to the wishes of his constituents. When Senator Coleman is facing a re-election race in which he is in a virtual deadheat, why he feels he has political capital to burn is beyond me.

What is clear is that Washington has ceased to pay attention to public opinion until beaten senseless (more than usual) with it. And it is time to do it again.

Senator Coleman - 202-224-5641
Senator Klobuchar - 202-224-3244

While some might allow themselves to be convinced by the smooth talking and a charming smile, as they say the devil is in the details….and one of the most critical details is how they vote. Let’s make sure that our Senators know how we would like them to vote. While they may eventually vote against us, and try to spin why, they can then be held accountable. They need to know why and that you are watching.

Let your Senator(s) know that you want them to vote against the AgJobs amendment to the Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. Let them now that this amendment would grant amnesty to 1.5 illegal aliens. All they have to do is prove they’ve broken the law for two years. Usually that gets one punishment under the law, but according to the “logic” of the Washington elite, that makes you worthy of special treatment and amnesty.

Chances are some might try to spin you all sort of half-truths and outright lies. You might want to point them to a recent study by Professor Philip Martin, that finds little need for any sort of AgJobs bill.

In an environment, where open borders is not only bad politics but also bad policy, we need to let our politicians know that if they wish to remain politicians, they need to start paying attention. The people have spoken, the politicians only need to listen.

[Cross-posted at True North]

UPDATE : Your calls worked!!  NumbersUSA is reporting that Senator Feinstein has decided NOT to offer AgJobs up as an amendment.  The political climate was too tough with the defeat of the DREAM Act and it was clear she did not support to pass the amendment.  The defeat of the DREAM Act continues to pay dividends.

However, according to NumbersUSA, in exchange for not bring AgJobs up as an amendment, she’ll be allowed to bring it up as a standalone bill yet this session.  Which is amazing in itself.  For a Congress that is famous for having gotten nothing done, not even their constitutional duties, they have time to waste on further attempts at amnesty.

Let’s home that Republicans can use these repeated attempts at amnesty against Democrats in 2008.  Especially since this issue falls very solidly on the side of border enforcement.  For those conservatives who have taken up that approach, this is a early Christmas gift.  For those that haven’t (like Coleman), it’s sure to be a source of pain in the future.