Dean pays a visit to Oakland, CA, labor union offices today...

[madfloridian]

and then he is off to San Jose for the AAPI conference.

http://cbs5.com/localwire/localfsnews/bcn/2006/03/31/n/HeadlineNews/DEAN-VISIT/resources_bcn_html

HOWARD DEAN VISITS OAKLAND LABOR OFFICES
03/31/06 11:35 PST
OAKLAND (BCN)

"Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean said in Oakland today than an immigration reform bill in the U.S. Senate is "sensible'' but a House bill is "a disgrace.''

Speaking to labor, community and interfaith leaders at Alameda County Central Labor Council offices, Dean said the House immigration bill, under which being in the U.S. illegally would become a felony, is "unreasonable and unenforceable.''

A Senate proposal would allow some illegal immigrants to apply for citizenship.

Senate and House leaders are trying to work on a compromise bill, but Dean said Democrats should be prepared to reject "any bill that's bad for America.''

Dean, a former presidential candidate, said, "We do need tough border security'' but added, "We shouldn't demonize people who are or will become Americans someday.''

[PVK]

1. He's so on top of this issue and really understands how to frame it.

I hope we hear the rest of the Dems echoing these statements.

[blondeatlast]

4. I respectfully disagree on his knowing how to frame it.

By speaking only of the two different pending bills, he has let the opposition frame the debate. Bad move on the Dems part.

The Dems need one frame, and one frame only--fine, sanction, even imprison the employers.

We don't need to alienate a large portion of our base with this issue--that's what the opposition is doing.

Just the single aspect of the issue is all we need--GO AFTER THE EMPLOERS. But that risks losing donations, so it won't be considered.

[PVK]

5. Baloney. Read more of his position here.

http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/03/dean_comprehens.php

"Criminalizing families and the work of clergy is not the way forward. A comprehensive and compassionate approach must protect all U.S. workers and their wages, prevent exploitation of immigrant workers, and offer immigrants who have earned it the opportunities and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship."

[blondeatlast]

8. I have no disagreement there. But we must stop playing defense NOW.

It may already be too late.

The RW has managed to take the upper hand in the debate with these two bills.

You can see the rancor in a microcosm right here at DU--we can't agree on much else--but we seem to all agree on sticking it to employers who exploit these workers (and believe me, they do exploit them--I live in AZ and see examples every day).

[PVK]

9. From another post below....

"However, at a speech in an Oakland union hall, the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate sought to tie Bush to a much tougher House bill that would tighten borders and make it a crime to be in the United States illegally or to offer aid to illegal immigrants. Bush does not back the House bill."

[BR_Parkway]

2. So how about enforcing the laws against employers - that would

take care of alot.

[blondeatlast]

3. Howard, Howard, Howard--you are letting the RW frame the debate.

We can't lose if we argue putting the heat on the employer; it's virtually the only thing about immigration that the Left can agree on.

Wait--I see the problem... To do so would make big corp whore donations stop coming to the Democrats.

Actually, that's fine by me--let's take the unions' donations and DELIVER for them. Just once, dammit, just ONCE.

[PVK]

6. Again, read his statement.

http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/03/dean_comprehens.php

"Criminalizing families and the work of clergy is not the way forward. A comprehensive and compassionate approach must protect all U.S. workers and their wages, prevent exploitation of immigrant workers, and offer immigrants who have earned it the opportunities and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship."

Also, see this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2200709&mesg_id=2200709

"Dean and Bush agree on the legislation at the heart of the debate. Both support a Senate bill that would expand guest-worker programs for an estimated 400,000 immigrants each year.

However, at a speech in an Oakland union hall, the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate sought to tie Bush to a much tougher House bill that would tighten borders and make it a crime to be in the United States illegally or to offer aid to illegal immigrants Bush does not back the House bill."

[madfloridian]

7. Good grief.

Does anyone in the Democratic party meet anyone's expectations on anything at anytime?

He is trying to keep them from criminalizing good Samaritans. The rest will come.

Things like this drive me back to the middle.

[blondeatlast]

10. Okay, Dean is playing some offense; from a different post on the

same subject:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2200709

Regarding scapegoating--he's absolutely right about that. I'll give credit where credit is due. Here he deserves it.