Lou Dobbs has a message

President Bush has certainly been getting a lot of advice this week. First it was Ahmadinejad, then of all places the Powerline Blog, now CNN's Lou Dobbs. The latter is strange, since CNN usually disguises such messages in what they refer to as newscasts.

But apparently the immigration issue is starting to stick in Lou's craw (not sure I like that mental image, but what the hey). I can grip--it's maddening to watch elected representatives from both parties pretend to earn their cushy retirement packages by pretending to do something while we know they're out enjoying a three martini and hooker lunch with the nearest defense contractor.

Dobbs skillfully hits all the anti-illegal alien talking points, then slyly utters:

How dumb do you all think we are? Again, that's only a rhetorical question.

Now, as hard as it is to believe CNN has a right-leaning commentator, and as easy as it is to believe this is a ratings stunt to keep up with Fox News, it's equally amazing to find myself applauding. Dobbs promises this new 'truth hurts' attitude will continue:

Over the next few days on my broadcast, I'm going to make a suggestion that I hope may help the leadership of both the Republican and Democratic parties begin to take some notice of our laws and our expectations that those laws be enforced. And also take at least some notice of the fact that Republicans and Democrats also represent American citizens, not just corporate America and special interests.

Enforcing the laws, what a novel idea. Republican strategists, are you taking note?

AND THE "CRACKDOWN" BEGINS 5/11/06

Ask and ye shall receive. Drudge is reporting that ICE busted a construction contractor in Kentucky, evidently teeming with illegal workers:

The investigation, which is continuing, ties Fischer Homes directly to the subcontractor who hired and employed the undocumented immigrants, according to court documents. Indeed, court papers say, the subcontractor, Robert Pratt, also provided housing for the immigrants, most of whom are from Mexico or Guatemala.

Almost sounds like slave quarters on the plantation. Maybe more like indentured servitude.

Let's pretend there was a guest worker program and these folks were here legally under the same conditions. Would they be paid the same? If so, the unions will have the same beef as before, they just won't be able to use a patriotic argument (securing the borders) to help their cause. That's why Bush wants a guest worker program--the wages stay low, we can track the workers at the border, and they don't become registered democrats.