kf spans the cultural universe.

So here's a deal for Fund and his confederates: What if Congress passes a House-style enforcement bill, but adds to it a sizable bracero (guest worker) program--but that program is limited to foreign workers who haven't broken the law by entering the country illegally. In other words, "new" braceros only. No legalization of existing illegals, either directly (as in Bush-style "comprehensive" reform) or through the Pence Scam (which would let illegals jump the queue by arranging with their current U.S. employers for "earmarked" guest worker slots).**

How about it? If you really want to relieve the "pressure" on the border by "by providing a legal path for workers that recognizes the demands of our economy," you'll take this "new" bracero deal. If you just want to help U.S. employers find extra labor, without rewarding illegal immigration, you'll take the deal.

But if what you really want to do is try to appeal to Latino voters by providing a path to legality for those who've already snuck in illegally, you won't take the deal.

Why do I think I know what Fund's answer will be?

**--: Maybe it would be impossible to prevent a program limited to "new" braceros from being used by existing illegals who returned to their home countries to sign up and reenter. That won't be such a bad thing as long as they have to compete on an even basis with those who never entered the U.S. illegally--that is, as long as their current employers are prevented from in effect plucking them out of the queue, Pence-style. That should be possible--e.g. by preventing employers from requesting specific individuals and turning the decision on which workers to admit over to a third party. ...   2:40 A.M.  link

Like many of my conservative friends, I don't agree with the sentiments expressed in "Bush Was Right"--but strictly qua song, isn't it a lot better than, say, Neil Young's shambling "Looking for a Leader"? [Via Lucianne] 1:35 A.M.

Friday, July 28, 2006

So if you say "there is something narcissistic about homosexuality" that makes you a "deranged bigot"? The range of Sullivan-approved discourse gets smaller and smaller! Freud wouldn't have a prayer. ...  2:55 P.M.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

I'm not paranoid enough: This isn't quite a syllogism. More like a conspirogism:

1) The Republicans will only swallow hard and nominate John McCain if they are really scared of losing in 2008.

2) If the Republicans do very badly in the 2006 midterms they will be really scared of losing in 2008.

3) A big reason they might do very badly in the midterms is that President Bush's misguided "comprehensive" immigration semi-amnesty has demoralized conservative voters.

4) One of the main people pushing Bush to pursue a misguided immigration semi-amnesty is John McCain.