Patriotic Immigration

Cousin Don has an interesting post concerning Pat Buchanan's speculation of a Republican implosion over illegal immigration.

Certainly, we have to do something to garner some control over who comes into the country. But I can say from personal observation that we couldn't get a masonry building constructed or a tomato picked in these parts if it wasn't for Mexican workers, be they legal or illegal. Thanks to the welfare state, we have made it just as productive for our poor people to relax as to work, so like it or not, we have an unskilled labor shortage. What to do?

Not surprisingly, Newt Gingrich has an answer:

Establish patriotic education for our children and patriotic immigration for new Americans. To achieve this, we will renew our commitment to education about American citizenship based on American history and an understanding of the Founding Fathers and the core values of American civilization. We will insist that both our children and immigrants learn the key values and key facts of American history as the foundation of their growth as citizens.

No Dual Citizens.

Make English The Primary Language.

We must make learning profitable for the young by offering direct rewards for poor children who buckle down, do their homework, and learn.

Newt has a new book out which some are speculating is a stepping stone to a 2008 Presidential run. For his part, Newt says he wishes the country would take a break from Presidential campaigns and talk about substance. He believes it is just laziness on the part of the media that is generating this hype, explaining that is much easier for reporters to discuss personal ambition than to foster a debate of ideas.

Still, a Hillary vs. Newt campaign would be something to behold.