Immigration challenge: Flake-ing out?
By J. James Estrada (01/30/07)
Jeff Flake began his fourth term in Congress this month representing Arizona's 6th Congressional District, just as he's starting to gain a name for himself in Washington. He was named as the "gutsiest" member of Congress by congressional staff members last year. Flake also has his own "Flake hour" on the House floor, where he challenges members to defend their costly pet projects.
Is Flake considered “gutsy” by his own constituents? Not really. Not when he backs, along with Senator McCain, a comprehensive immigration reform package. That means that “secure the border first,” is not something he will advance or support. In fact, Flake’s name appears on an immigration bill along with Massachusetts’ ultra-liberal Ted Kennedy. House Republicans removed Flake from his Judiciary Committee position last week, mainly because of this immigration stance.
While the populace here in Arizona is living a daily battle to control illegal immigration and its effects on local crime, monetary costs and strain on educational resources, Flake is working hard to secure a more open relationship with Cuba. Here’s what he said in a press release last month: “It is time for the United States to enter a dialogue with Cuba. America has important interests in Cuba and strong disagreements with the Cuban government. At a time when Cuba is changing and the opportunities to advance our interests and values in Cuba are not known, we unanimously believe that the United States should respond positively to the proposal made by Raul Castro…”
Raul Castro is said to be more radical and leftist than his older brother, Fidel Castro, the ailing dictator of Cuba. Why would Flake take the word of someone like Raul Castro to heart? Before the Castro brothers placed Cuba in their iron communist fist nearly 50 years ago, it was Raul who made contact with the Soviet KGB to aid in their efforts to do so. When they did assume power, it was to the detriment of all Cuban citizens, who paid with both blood and money to satisfy the power hungry brothers appetite for control. Raul was responsible for overseeing the execution of soldiers loyal to the overthrown government. And here we are now, with Flake forgetting the lessons of the last century. Dictators are not to be trusted.
This does not bode well for Arizonans who are crying out for leadership on the Mexican-border issue. By securing the border first, we, as a nation, will be in a much better position to dictate who enters this country and how long they stay, and, most importantly, make sure they honor all of our laws while here. Why do politicians ignore this simple notion? Because it’s a simple notion. In their minds, the big issues are too complex for the general public to grapple with and solve. It’s left to them to do the right thing for the uneducated masses; even if those masses disagree.
As Flake continues calling for wide open borders, we may just end up calling him home.
J. James Estrada
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