Len Munsil Speaks out on Immigration

It goes with out saying that Len Munsil is widely respected in Republican circles; one of the reasons he has earned that respect is that he tends to provide thoughtful analysis on controversial issues.  You may not agree with Len, but even his opponents will agree that he's not a shrill voice reaching down to the lowest common denominator.  In his latest blog post, Len takes the immigration issue head on--and takes on some of his fellow Republicans as well.  It's an important post and worth reading.  Here's a piece.   

I have always supported a hard line against illegal immigration, and I opposed Congressional efforts over the past two years to enact comprehensive reform. I believe border security is a national security priority. I supported employer sanctions and voted against efforts to weaken Arizona's current law.

But the people I agree with on the issue were wrong in their treatment of conservative Republicans who favored comprehensive reform. Republican Party officials have every right to call up elected officials and (1) scream bloody murder, and (2) let them know privately that they are getting angry calls and letters from the Party faithful. In fact, they have an obligation to do so. But party officials hurt their own cause when they launch public campaigns challenging elected officials of their own party.

For elected party officials to publicly accuse Jeff Flake, John Shadegg and Jon Kyl of being traitorous RINO's is not only foolish, but nonsensical. These men and others have taken bullets for the conservative cause for decades, and have earned the respect of all conservatives.

Comments

[TS]

At a time when the Republican party desperately needs to expand its appeal to remain relevant, the far right continues to attack the moderate and even not-so-moderate members of its own party.

And so the Republican party keeps getting a little bit smaller every day ...

[Joe G.]

Always wary of the "expand its appeal" plea, for that usually is a loaded measure.

What Republicans need is to be Republicans. That means -- in addition to following the Republican platform -- following Reagan's 11th commandment in word AND action. Yes, we should refrain from attacking each other...but we should also support Republicans, and place the needs of the party over our own sacred cow.

[Alfredo Martinez]

Should there be no penalty for Republicans who violate conservative principles?

Politicians aren't above criticism, and when Republican Party violates conservative principles, it needs to excoriated.

The reason why the Republican Party is in the dismal shape it's in now is because they blindly followed George W. Bush over a cliff, all in the name of unity.

[Stewie]

Is Munsil on drugs?

RINO is a pretty lame taunt compared to pulling up a 30 year old divorce filing (for a divorce petition that never went through) or calling a sitting legislator a Nazi sympathizer and sending it to all the homes in his district to unseat him in a primary.

Yes, let's have some civility. By all means. From ALL parties. But both sides have to sing the Barney song or it doesn't work.

[Poison]

As I remember it, the 2006 campaign consisted mainly of Kyl and Pederson accusing each other of supporting amnesty. After a hard fought victory, Kyl immediately turned around and not only supported amnesty, but attempted to win over as many other senate Republicans as he could. He also voted against several reasonable amendments that would have made the bill more acceptable.

We were treated to nothing but incoherent explanations from Kyl, while being called bigots by Lindsay Graham. McCain, meanwhile, was dropping F-bombs in the senate against his "fellow" Republicans for opposing amnesty.

While we appreciate the solid leadership Kyl provided in the past, we had every right to be upset.

Who attacked Shadegg?

[Cynthia]

I wrote a a letter to the editor today that focused somewhat on this but on the fact that Brewer's lobbyist handlers are talking about massive cuts to the AG, GITEM and Sheriff JOE. This is ( pardon my french ), complete bullshit. We HAVE A CHANCE to secure the border and NOW!!!!

Why are we even discussing these cuts!

The only way Republicans win in 2010 is to shut down that border now and Governor Brewer can do it!!!

You practically invite the invaders back by cutting GITEM, SHERIFF JOE and the AG. The AG, only because of his war on the wire transfer traitors, like Money Gram and Western Union. If there was one group of traitors I would like to parade in front of the public like we did to Enron, it would be those 2. Talk about the selling out of America!!!

[Commander in Chief]

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

Mr. Patterson's erroneous post blaming President Obama for "flubbing" the oath of office has vanished from blogosphere. It was here last night. It's gone today.

In real journalism, when you blow it and get your facts wrong, you acknowledge it and correct your mistake. For instance, Mr. Patterson might say this: my post last night blamed President Obama for flubbing the oath of office. I even posted a video segment of it. I now realize that it was Chief Justice John Robert's mistake in reversing the order of the words, and that President Obama paused to allow him the Chief Justice to correct himself. I apologize for the error.

Mr. Patterson obviously won't say these words. He's never wrong even when he's wrong. So George Bush. So W. So wrong. In fake journalism, you just erase your mistake and hope no one noticed.