3. College Access for All

4. Energy Independence – Lower Gas Prices

5. Affordable Health Care – Life-Saving Science

6. Retirement Security and Dignity

The GOP may also feel that immigration may be a little too hot to handle immediately because of the fallout they received in the last election. President Bush’s immigration policy proposals which included a guest worker program became quite divisive. There are two camps who oppose guest worker programs: 1.) those who want enforcement first and followed by guest worker programs and 2.) those who want enforcement only, like Tom Tancredo.

Rhetoric like “we will lose our national character" may have caused members like Henry Bonilla (TX) to loose their seats. Further, J. D. Hayworth (AZ) drew a line in the sand with his book: Whatever It Takes: Illegal Immigration, Border Security and the War on Terror. As a result of this immigration stand, connections to Abramoff, and a myriad of other issues, Hayworth lost his seat in Congress. Overall, the GOP dropped about 15 points in Hispanic support during the midterm elections.

Perhaps the biggest sign that we are ignoring the gorilla is the case of the two U.S. border patrol agents who have been sentenced to decade-long prison terms for apprehending an illegal alien at our border. These agents shot and wounded an escaping illegal alien, drug smuggler in the rear end.

The drug smuggler, who was given immunity for testifying against the agents, is now suing the U.S. for $5 million. He claims that he was permanently injured. Since the incident 18 months ago, the smuggler has been arrested for bringing an even larger amount of drugs into the U.S. in an unrelated case.

In conclusion, let me reiterate that immigration reform is the second most significant issue on our political plate. I call upon conservatives to begin to develop a clear approach to the problem. I personally plan to help mobilize the evangelical Christian movement, including the black church, to take an anti-amnesty stand while vigorously protecting our borders.

In future articles, I will talk more about the moral, social, and biblical reasons for my position. In the meantime, I have just signed a petition calling for the President to pardon these two border agents. Further, I am asking you to join with me by contacting your lawmakers and calling the White House -202-456-1111.