Initial Reaction to President's Speech

My initial reaction to President Bush's speech? I liked it.

The core of his argument is that you have to tackle this issue in a comprehensive manner...that you can not do it piecemeal.

The speech was not incredibly bold, but when you're seeking the middle ground, sometimes compromise itself is bold enough.

As the executive, he laid out his framework for what type of legislation he would sign. He has attempted to meet the demands of House Republicans who want stronger border enforcement, while also paving a path to deal with the millions of illegal immigrants already here.

I agree with the President that deportation of all illegals is not an option. If the penalties for their law breaking are significant enough, and as long as their path to citizenship puts them behind all those who are attempting to come here legally, then his plan seems to be a reasonable stance.

If he merely wanted to appease his base, he would have taken a harder line. But his goal clearly is to help craft a comprehensive compromise that can and will pass.

My initial reaction? Good speech.

I would imagine it will not be welcomed by the Minutemen or many of the more radical elements within the pro-illegal movement.
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