We are a nation in great peril. Our military, our means of defending ourselves, is falling apart. We are stuck with a war with no end in sight. And Republicans have already beaten us: they've changed the subject. And we've been so blind that we've actually helped them do it. Since I've started working on the Hill, I can tell you that only 10 or so constituents have called Senator Webb's office asking about Iraq. Those constituents calling about immigration? In the thousands.
I'm positive that Kennedy and Reid don't realize it, but they have allowed the GOP to change the subject (once again). By forcing the nation on immigration with this horrible bill (yes, I don't like it, an I think without the Webb Amendment it's damn near dangerous), one that poll after poll shows is very unpopular in America, especially in Southern states like Virginia.
There was a post here earlier about why Warner and Webb's approval ratings have dropped. The answer is quite simple: Congress, and the Democrats in particular, have betrayed the nation. We have failed to end the war that our people oppose so strongly while forcing on them legislation they don't want. We need to do what we were put in Congress to do: end the war. We can focus on health care and social security if possible. But Immigration? It may just be the one single subject that could lose what little trust we have left with the American People.
That being said... why is your poll a poll about Immigration?
You can't break a frame if you reinforce it. I'm afraid this is a sin you repeat chronically. Stop thinking of an Elephant! You only undermine your own argument, side, party, movement, issues and values.
As for my "sin", I make it my job to think like an Elephant. Somebody has to. We need to be aware of their argument, and prepared to fight it as necessary.
Now, on a final note, Grey, reading my blog will clearly point out that my "issues and values" are in many ways different from many in the Democratic blogosphere, so good luck trying to move me there, buddy. I try not to undermine my party, but I am above slamming when I think they have failed, and I am not above saying that a Democrat is a moron. In this case, I think Kennedy and Reid's insistance on immigration reform of this sort, with Bush's aid, of course, is suicidal. THEY'RE undermining the party's best interest, not me.
If we give Kennedy and Reid the benefit of the doubt, one would say that they want to bring this issue now and kill it in 2007. But should we give them so much credit?