Socialist Leader Calls President Bush A Centerist On Immigration

Harold Meyerson one of the leaders of America's largest socialist organization calls President Bush a "centerist" on immigration:

George W. Bush took to the airwaves Monday night to occupy terrain he had previously shunned: the center.

The President claimed what he termed "a rational middle ground" between two supercharged social movements, between the nativist and business wings of his own party, between House Republicans from safe right-wing districts and Senate Republicans understandably nervous about the growing number of Latino voters in their states. The result, rhetorically, was a speech in which assertion was followed by counter-assertion, or at least by a counter-perspective. "Illegal immigration," Bush began, "strains state and local budgets and brings crime to our communities . . . .yet we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard . . . and lead responsible lives.

"We're a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws," he said. "We're also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition."

Even card carrying members of America's largest socialist outfit can write opinion pieces for the Washington Post.