NOW'S THE TIME TO GET SERIOUS, MR. PRESIDENT

Thankfully, this immigration reform bill was shot down. I don't know how long it will stay down. My crystal ball is not that good. This is an example of politics at its best ... or should I say at its worst?

It was instructive, indeed.

It was bad legislation; something the public (78%) did not want. Something written by and promoted by Ted Kennedy who has been wrong on the immigration issue for over 40 years.

A number of senators were vacillating back and forth, many waiting to see which amendments would be added to the bill. This is okay on the face of it, presuming you have a decent bill to start with. This was not the case here. You cannot take a bad bill and make it good by adding amendments. You cannot build a 28,000 square foot mansion (confer with John Edwards if you must) on a foundation made of sticks and make the house mansion better by increasing its 'living space' with more additions, or by building a second story upon the foundation comprised of sticks.

The people spoke loud and clear, yet the Senate was reluctant to listen, and President Bush was pushing hard.

The Democrats were holding most of the cards. They would have been overjoyed had this piece of crap bill passed. Nonetheless, they framed it as President Bush's bill and can use its failure as another example of "Bush's weak leadership and his inability to accomplish."

What he needs to do is listen to the people ... the 78%... and ENFORCE CURRENT LAW. Do what the 1986 Simpson-Mazzoli Act was intended to do.... put the screws to businesses violating federal law.... and then deliver on the promise HE MADE when he signed last years legislation. Quit dragging his feet and build the damn fence. Step up the addition of border guards and procure all the "nifty" electronic gadgetry they say we need. Stop the hemorrhaging.

Check out this comparison:
Fool Me Once Shame on You; Fool Me Twice Shame on Me.