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People and Politics by Patrick Roberts

John McCain turns his back on immigration reform

Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 at 09:42 PM

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Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has finally turned his back on immigration reform. He told a press conference on Monday that his only priority now was to have federal troops try and seal the border.

It should come as no real surprise, as he faces a tough challenge in September in the Republican primary, but nonetheless there is something very sad about his utter capitulation.

No one spoke out more forcefully about what had to be done to stop the trafficking of illegals and especially the deaths of so many as they attempted to cross over from Mexico.

In an interview with our sister publication Irish America Magazine, McCain spoke movingly of finding bodies of babies, children and young adults, who were abandoned as they tried to cross over from Mexico desperately seeking a new life.

Sure, McCain wanted to put border security as a top priority but he gave equal weight to creating an equitable system that allowed an orderly way for people to emigrate and not depend on the horrific smuggling that was taking place on his doorstep.

Now he has thrown out all the positive steps he wanted to take with Senator Edward Kennedy and addressed only the enforcement issue.

"The lesson is clear: First we have to secure the border," McCain said in a press conference. "If you want to enact some other reforms, how can that be effective when you have a porous border?

He knows better than anyone that sealing the border is just one step that must happen if real and workable immigration reform has to happen.

But he will not say that anymore. Ever since he lost the race for the White House McCain has seemed a bitter and lonely man.

Now he is throwing away the one great attribute he once had -- the ability to work across party lines, to come up with real solutions not empty slogans, and create a better America for everyone.

It is a great tragedy at a time when America needs a bipartisan politician who can work across the aisle. Instead they are getting empty slogans.

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Monsoonman | Apr 23, 2010, 06:37 PM EDT

Thank you for the gentle correction Phoenixnurse...btw: We are proud of Arizona & her Governor for standing up to the pc pressure being put upon it by obama and his thugs.

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phoenixnurse | Apr 22, 2010, 09:51 PM EDT

McCain does not have a place in Sedona, it's Cottonwood! For the record...JD Hayworth was absolutely correct and has been consistant with his immigration message. The Border Patrol in Arizona confirmed that with their endorsement 3 days ago! Things are very bad in Arizona and with the MURDER of an innocent Rancher things are getting even changing the way everyday people feel about immigration, they want action.

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Monsoonman | Apr 22, 2010, 01:57 PM EDT

Hayworth has used the issue of illegal aliens as a cudgel against McCain....What a graphic, kind of reminds me of William Wallace using a cudgel against the english.

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Monsoonman | Apr 22, 2010, 11:32 AM EDT

John McCain has been in long enough as have most of his colleagues. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results each time. The country has not done better during his terms in office, time for a change. Let him retire to his haven in Sedona.

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phoenixnurse | Apr 22, 2010, 10:00 AM EDT

And You all thought John McCain was your Man! He threw all of you under the bus, just for your votes! Remember...he only cares about John! We've all know that for 20 years in Arizona and finally he's being challenged! He only needs Arizona votes to stay on Life Support! Not Yours! He's only Irish when he needs your votes and he's a Scottsman and makes that very clear!

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luckysusan | Apr 21, 2010, 11:33 AM EDT

Sad, very sad.

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Verum68 | Apr 21, 2010, 04:38 AM EDT

It is sad. This John McCain surely will not win aProfiles in Courage award.

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911victim | Apr 20, 2010, 01:04 PM EDT

It's about time. How many more law abiding Americans have to be the victims of crime by unscreened illegals before we decide to send these lawbreakers back to their HOME countries?

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BajaRat | Apr 20, 2010, 11:26 AM EDT

McLame is just doing this in an attempt to beat JD Hayworth. McLame is an insufferable RINO who practically worships illegal alien parasites. The execrable POS will be pushing to reward the criminal hordes if he's lucky enough to be re-elected. Don't be fooled... McLame needs to be put out to pasture.

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McNamara31 | Apr 20, 2010, 10:52 AM EDT

His time is long past as he compromises himself and his positions in an attempt to be electable.

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jmacroibin | Apr 20, 2010, 10:14 AM EDT

It would be best to create a better America for Americians. "Everyone" can create a better place for themselves somewhere else.

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DavidNichols | Apr 19, 2010, 10:45 PM EDT

I do agree it is sad that Mr. Mccain does seem to have abandoned championing "Right/Good', and does seem to be both Lonely and Bitter. I definitly prefered him more years ago. On the up side I am happy to see the two Arizona Johns, with their arms unfolded, not holding their breath, and tying to do something besides say "NO".

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