There is nothing dishonest about not covering illegals. If they are undocumented and have no tax id/SS there is no way to cover them. If they do have a valid tax id/SS then they are paying in. With about 2/3's currently paying in, it makes sense to get the other 1/3 paying in too. It's cheaper and more beneficial than sending them home. If you think you can get rid of them, spell it out for us and tell us what it is going to cost to round them up and ship them home.
The illegals argument only serves as a scapegoat. They are too small in numbers to account for the problems in the system. There are larger fish to fry.
You are aware of the law passed under Clinton regarding this very matter, yes?
If not, I suggest you look it up.
I also suggest you actually read the links provided in full - they will more than answer the question of numbers.
The illegals is a valid concern. Is it THE concern regarding health care reform? No, but certainly a component that should be dealt with honestly. At present, the president has been among the most dishonest in his commentary on the subject, and that does a terrible disservice to the discourse...
I read the links.
The illegals ARE NOT going anywhere. They might leave on their own but we DO NOT, WILL NOT and CAN NOT round up and deport 12 million people from the country to points all across the globe. We can't even seem to figure out what to do with a couple hundred detainees and you think we can get rid of 12 million people?
Tell us your solution. Stop finger pointing and scape goating and tell us what your solution is.
Are we making it easier for them to remain in this country - or more difficult?
Second, if healthcare is extended to illegals, which currently there is no enforcement protections from stopping that from happening, why wouldn't millions more come across the border?
I agree the current 12-15 million illegals is a confounding issue - but when the President of the United States promises that he will simply legalize them so they can gain access to health care, does that not simply encourage millions more to enter the country?
If the rule of law does not apply to immigration, why should we apply it to anything else?
Since when does capitulation signal sound policy?