Election 2016 is already underway and we haven’t even passed 2014. Here is what I mean. In an article by Daniel Strauss, The Hill, Paul Ryan is back competing with Marco Rubio for attention on the subject of immigration reform. I will address the immigration reform topic, but first address the distraction that two Republicans still see themselves as potential candidates for higher office down the road.
As my analysis demonstrated in past articles neither Ryan nor Rubio have sufficient resumes and qualifications for higher office beyond where they are. In the instance of Ryan, his qualifications as representative from Wisconsin remain dubious and below the qualifications needed for being a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His remaining in Washington DC does nothing to enhance his resume other than being a lifer politician.
Second, Marco Rubio has better qualifications because he is a lawyer. Still, his accomplishments outside government are nonexistent and his experience inside government is underdeveloped. So, his work on immigration reform could enhance his credentials as a representative, however, what is missing from his resume will not be filled out by marking time in Washington DC.
It is up to the American public to decide, however, I am continuing my advocacy for raising the bar on credentials and qualification for public office.
The immediate focus on immigration should be threefold:
- Resolve uncertainty about 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country with a fast track for evaluating them and processing them for citizenship. Get them on board and part of the nation of workers. Get their families (children) in the queue for the best education that the nation can provide.
- Refine and make actionable existing immigration laws such the nation can act with efficiency and certainty in process legal applications. If America let 12 million immigrants into the nation legally, that should raise the bar on criteria and qualifications for new entrants.
- Develop a national policy for population abilities with regard to skills, knowledge, proficiency and experience needed to make America strongly competitive in the global workforce. That means, don’t accept immigration from persons who are not highly educated and trained. We don’t have the need or capacity for anyone but the best.
The story here is about the maneuvering of politicians about the issue and not about the substance of what is needed.
"Rep. Paul Ryan maneuvers for position ahead of immigration-reform fight
By Daniel Strauss - 01/17/13 05:00 AM ET
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is jockeying for position on immigration reform.Ryan, the 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee and budget guru of the GOP, has kept a low profile since the November elections.
But Ryan has quietly been discussing comprehensive immigration reform with Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), one of the most outspoken proponents of changing the nation’s immigration laws. The Wisconsin Republican has also huddled with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a potential 2016 White House rival who is seen as the GOP’s leading voice on the issue.
Ryan this week endorsed Rubio’s plan — a clear sign that he is not planning to be on the sidelines during the 2013 debate.
University of Oregon political science Professor Daniel Tichenor stated, “It’s a safe bet that Rubio will be at center stage on immigration reform in coming months, and Ryan does not want to be outflanked or to surrender the spotlight so easily.”
Aides close to Ryan and Gutierrez say the Budget Committee chairman intends to continue to be involved in immigration reform talks as Congress moves closer to passing a comprehensive bill.
Ryan’s participation in the early negotiations began in December when, while at the gym, he recommended to Gutierrez that the Illinois congressman reach out to Rep. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho), according to Gutierrez and congressional aides.
Labrador is a Tea Party favorite who is pushing his party to embrace immigration reform.
Rubio held a wide-ranging discussion with Ryan last month on the likely major bills of the 113th Congress. That conversation, according to a Ryan aide, included immigration.
“They both had a frank conversation as peers and decided the time was now to work and move,” the aide said."
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