I am sorely disappointed in the president's lack of a firm stand on this illegal alien issue. For someone so interested in limiting unnecessary collateral damage during war, he is ignoring the collateral damage going on inside our national borders by the unintended consequences of this issue; the draining of our hard earned tax dollars.

We have to speak louder, because Washington isn't hearing the real concern of the population. As I read the poles, National Security - the war is issue one, and National Security - the border is issue two. We cannot reward a blatant disregard for our laws by legitimizing the lawlessness through programs. We must back up and enforce our existing laws, period.

I generally support Mr. Bush but I feel he is really dropping the ball on illegal immigration. Unfortunately, I do not see him changing in this area anytime soon.

Step 1: Close the borders (with fences).
Step 2: Purge America of illegals.
Step 3: If we need more legal immigrants, open the border to them. Give preference to foreigners who are not illegal immigrants.

What the heck is so complicated? Who would be made unhappy by this plan? Someone make a list, so I can add it to a 'people I don't respect' list or something :)

Will this plan take time? Yup, get to work! As I've said before, they have until November 2006 to get it started, or I'm staying home on election day. I'm not voting Democrat, but I can't in good conscience vote Republican either if they can't put a simple black and white plan into action.

To Kevin.

I can't tell you to vote but you may want to look at the whole picture before you decide not to. Illegal immagragion is a huge problem but there are a lot of policies out there that can go either way. Every vote counts. If you vote, the others in the race need two votes to trump your one, if you don't, they only need one.

I certainly hope to vote. All that is required to get me back into the Republican camp is one single bill. A vote by the House and Senate on an identical bill to begin building a fence down there. 11 months is plenty of time to vote on a bill. They've had 5 years to get it going, and so far nothing. If they can't pull it off by November, then there is really no point to support them. To me, they are just acting like Democrats but spelled with a capital 'R'.

If the government suddenly became controlled by the Democrats, I can't see too many changes. My taxes would go up, and the left would suddenly see the virtue of helping out Iraqis and understanding why we need to stay the course. That's about it.

Perhaps if the Republicans lose some votes, they will get scared and actually do what their base wants them to do?

Try to look at a bigger picture. If the Democrats gain and the Republicans lose there could be a shift to the left. Taxes going up would be a small step, Dean would try to ram home his raising the minimum wage which could devastate the economy, small business would become a thing of the past. Hillary would be set up to be a Major threat in the next presidential election, not just a serious one, The war on terror would become a joke because of the pressure of the left and the Democrats have no real agenda for 1. the war, 2. the border, 3. Social security (I still believe the TSP plan would be benificial)and I am sure CY and Old Soldier could name a lot more than I can. Look at the whole thing and choose the best, abstaining (like the weak in congress) never works in my opinion.

Kevin, you may be right in that it may take some electoral losses to bring the GOP back around to core values (smaller federal government, state’s rights, fiscal discipline, conservative judicial appointments and the like.) However, like Retired Navy, I do not trust the Democrats with my paramount issue – National Security. I do not trust liberals to faithfully and relentlessly prosecute the global war against terrorists. They might see Iraq to a half ass conclusion, but I believe they would withdraw forces rather than continue to press the attack globally against the radical Islamic terrorists. So, I will go to the pole and continue my philosophy of voting for the candidate that most closely aligns with my political ideology. I will also continue my campaign of writing my senators and representative as well as the President and express my dissatisfaction with the lack of responsible action pertaining to the illegal immigration issue.

Shhh! *whispers* You're gonna blow it! To be honest, there is only a very small chance that I won't vote, and if I vote, there is no chance I will vote against the Republican ticket. But they need to know that we are not happy. It worked so well with Miers that I really think the same tactic should be applied to the borders and spending. As a Reagan Republican, those are the only two unfinished policies I'm concerned with.

They've had almost 5 years to get these things done. It's time to scare them into action. At the very least, if they haven't gotten around to fixing these 2 huge problems, I will vote for the non-incumbent Republican in the primaries. I won't have to look at where he stands on issues, because I will already have determined where the incumbent stands.

I agree that it would serve no purpose to let the Democrats come to power again to further damage our nation. But can you agree that the Republicans in charge at this point are only doing marginally better? Something has to be done to spur them into action. B*tching about not voting is the best idea I have. If you have a better plan, please tell me, because all I want is results.

Glad to hear the vote is still on. Old Soldier contacts his reps, you can contact yours and tell them what you just told us, you are not happy and if you don't do something you will vote the incumbant out and put in a ringer. I also hate to type this and will deny deny deny that I ever did (no matter if it's glued and pasted somewhere else again) but the Democrats do well on that issue, that is they voice thier opinions LOUDLY. Something moderates and moderate conservatives rarely do. Speak up and speak out, let your voice be heard and known but don't give up or in. I did 20 years in the Navy and voted very few times because of one reason or another, then it hit me, why am I putting my life on the line for others if I don't do it myself. Make the best choice with the representation out there and cast your ballot.

Kevin, I do believe you are onto something there...