Compromise. Give and take.
That’s been almost unknown in recent years in America’s government. The impotent Democrats have postured and threatened with filibusters, while the Republicans have stomped hard from the position of power.
Yet amazingly, the immigration debate in the Senate appears to be working the way our government is supposed to: with dialogue – that intelligent, fair, and respectful, but lately ignored – means to a moderate end. From WaPo:
Under the agreement, the Senate would allow undocumented workers a path to lawful employment and citizenship if they could prove — through work stubs, utility bills or other documents — that they have been in the country for five years. To attain citizenship, those immigrants would have to pay a $2,000 penalty, back taxes, learn English, undergo a criminal background check and remain working for 11 years.
Those who have been here a shorter time would have to return to one of 16 designated ports of entry, such as El Paso, Tex., and apply for a new form of temporary work visa for low-skilled and unskilled workers. An additional provision would disqualify illegal immigrants who have been in the country less than two years.
The Senate compromise appears to meet in the middle on the hot buttons, and while some of the rigid die-hards are snorting and stomping, to Polimom it signifies that finally – at long last – we may be moving toward a workable government again.
Is the solution perfect for everybody? No. Will there be changes and challenges? Yes. But it’s a workable start that people can come together on, rather than rave against.
Interestingly, working toward the middle on compromise is more likely to help the GOP in November than hurt it, and while that thought runs contrary to statements from hard-right bloggers like John Hawkins (ever-reliable on things like this), and also contrary to some on the left like The Left Coaster, it’s the first major moderation move I’ve seen from the Republicans in a looooong time. I think the wings of both parties are underestimating America’s need for the middle.
The recent indications that George Bush has lost power and support from within his own party (aka the Lame Duck) may give voice to reason by forcing the hard-liners to unbend. Time will tell, of course, but the loony far-left already left the moderate America room, years ago. Let’s hope the door doesn’t hit the whacked-out right in the rear as they follow.
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Update: Dafydd at Big Lizard is another (still rare) voice in the wilderness that isn’t shrieking in hysteria.
Update II: Polimom is often guilty of optimism, and given the latest from the Senate debate, it looks like my rose-colored-glasses are slipping down my nose a bit. Joe Gandelman at The Moderate Voice has more, and he included this question:
And therein is the problem: is 21st century politics so polarized on issues that a compromise on major issues is almost impossible?
Polimom sincerely hopes not. The world cannot afford an American government that cannot function.
This entry is likely to bump to the top of the chronological heap soon…