President Obama spoke on Wednesday night at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Dinner. He discussed immigration reform in the form of the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act would help undocumented students who came to the US before age 16 become legal residents after five years by completing higher education or military service. A version of the DREAM Act was first introduced in 2001 and generally has had bipartisan support.
Until now.Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said that he will attach the DREAM Act to the Defense Authorization Bill which includes the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy to be considered at some point next week in the Senate. But of course, the addition of the act has created dissent in the form of the Republican Party. In the spirit of the Party of No, the eleven Republicans that voted for this reform four years ago now, of course, hate it. President Obama getting tougher by the day called out the flip floppers during his speech on Wednesday night.
“The Senate is going to have a chance to do the right thing over the next few weeks when Senator Reid brings the DREAM Act to the floor. Keep in mind, in the past, this was a bill that was supported by a majority of Democrats and Republicans. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t receive that same kind of bipartisan support today.”
Notably outspoken about their newfound disgust with the DREAM Act were Senator John McCain(R-AZ) and Senator Lindsey Graham(R-SC). They vowed to oppose the Defense Authorization Bill if the DREAM Act is attached. But that doesn’t hold too much weight. They already said that would not support the Defense Authorization Bill because it contains the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
The Senators were exceptionally angry about both of these additions to the Defense Authorization Bill. Perhaps because it puts them in a difficult position. Both senators are known for being very pro-defense. It would be a tough sell for them to vote no to defense spending, but apparently they are willing to do so. Senator Graham stating, “This is an all-time low for me being in the Senate, and that’s saying something. The one area that has been kept off limits from partisan politics has been the defense of our nation.” Senator McCain, also upset, feels that the DREAM Act is not related to national security and should not be attached to the defense bill. But Democrats returned fire by stating that it is directly related when the military has to turn away people that want to defend our country.
The DREAM Act is so mild, such a non issue yet Republicans are still against it. To allow undocumented young adults to serve in the military, especially with our growing need for recruits is obviously very beneficial to our country. How can we turn away anyone willing to serve their country? I would not die for my country and I feel no shame in saying this.
But, those that are willing to, they should be considered citizens. Without hesitation.
And for these pro-military types, pro-defense, to suddenly become choosy on who can fight for our country is ridiculous and hypocritical. I am sure when you are in combat, you don’t really care if the person fighting alongside you is a documented citizen or not. I don’t think it really matters. To fight for your country is more of a test of citizenship than taking a written exam about our history ever could be. I don’t know why the Republicans are fighting this one other than they just like to fight. Good luck.
When ever clever businessmen need loyal employees they recruit those that are sleeping under the bridge. Once a person experiences the chill and hunger that comes with sleeping without shelter, they will never bite the hand that feeds them. Hitler recruited his SS from the gutters of Berlin, they never forgot his kindness and were loyal until the end. No person is too proud to be a bootlicker,when horrible circumstances present themselves.