President Bush, here's your legacy....Protect the rule of law

Of all the votes on amendments to the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007" (S. 1348), this one deserves special mention.  Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) introduced S.Amdt. 1311:

To require the enforcement of existing border security and immigration laws and Congressional approval before amnesty can be granted.

Co-sponsors of the bill were Senators:  Jim DeMint (R-SC), James M. Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), David Vitter (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Michael B. Enzi (R-WY).  The United States Senate voted against this bill 42-54.  Fifty four U.S. Senators voted against enforcing existing law.  Michelle Malkin posted the vote, underlining Republicans who voted against it.

Eleven Democrats voted for it.

The reason we have such a monumental problem today is because the existing laws have not been enforced.  Many of us on the right have been arguing for just that and have been attacked as bigots, loud mouths, racists and more.  Forgetting for a moment all the little devils in the details, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 would not be enforced either.  No Way, No How.

The current bill is on life-support.  Unfortunately it's probably not dead yet.  As Michelle points out (her links):

This is neither the beginning nor the end of the immigration debate. The White House is still trying to push shamnesty through. I predicted a while ago that after the massive amnesty package failed, Congress would break off chunks of the bill and try and pass it piecemeal. I expect that to happen here, as it has repeatedly in the past.

This bill needs to be trashed, for good, and replaced with Senator Coburn's amendment.

Our Nation is built upon the rule of law and guided by our founding promise of freedom, equality, and justice for all.  Law Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Constitution and the laws that protect our rights and liberties and to recognize our responsibility as citizens to uphold the values of a free and just society.

Generations of Americans have served the cause of justice and shaped our legal institutions to ensure that the blessings of liberty extend to every citizen.  The men and women of America's legal community have worked to defend the Constitution, protect the innocent, and secure the rights of their fellow citizens. Their efforts have helped make our Nation a shining example of justice.

America's faith in the rule of law has endured through the centuries. Today, we strive to prepare our next generation of leaders to carry on America's tradition of freedom and democracy.  The theme of this year's Law Day, "Liberty Under Law:  Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy," highlights the importance of teaching our young people about the vital role they can play in our democratic society.  We all have a duty to help our youth become responsible citizens by promoting the virtues that sustain our democracy and fostering a deeper understanding and respect for our Constitution and laws. These young men and women will shape the future of our country, and their spirit and character will help promote justice, equality, and opportunity throughout our country.

The strength of our legal system requires the ongoing commitment of every citizen.  As we observe Law Day, we celebrate our Nation's legal heritage and honor those who work to advance the cause of justice.

Well said, Mr. President.

Comments

[Don]

I'm confused by "The United States Senate voted against this bill 42-54. Fifty four U.S. Senators voted

against enforcing existing law." Does that refer just to S.Amdt. 1311 or to the "Comprehensive

Immigration Reform Act of 2007" (S. 1348)? I could understand voting against the entire bill even if this

amendment were included in it because there were so many bad things included in the bill.

[mad_cow]

The 42-54 vote was against the amendment to enforce existing law (S.Amdt.1311). The entire bill never got to a vote because the Cloture vote failed to pass (vote there was 45-50)

It will be back but maybe we can kill it again. Check out Scott Allan's plan
(Posted on June 8.)

[Don]

Thanks for straightening out what's left of my mind. At least Sessions and Shelby voted the right way.

[mad_cow]

Ha! Nothing wrong with your mind, my writing skills (or lack therof) confuse me sometimes...Sessions and Shelby have both been superb on the immigration issue. Jeff Sessions has been front and center from day one (including the disastrous bill proposed last year). He has certainly made a name for himself nationally on this issue.

I've emailed them both thanking them for their votes. It's got to be tough going against the President when he's from your own party, but neither one has backed down.