I thought this was one of Bush's better speeches, though I don't really like the idea of using the National Guard on the border - our national guard members are often firefighters, police officers, or other leaders in the community. To call even more of them away on a permanant basis can only weaken our economy and, depending on their regular job, our security.
I do like how he is actually trying to find middle ground and be a realists on this issue - its a nice change from his normal tone. However, I think you analysis is correct; this plan leaves neither side completely satisfied, though perhaps he is hoping to woo some of the moderate voters back to the Republican Party before the mid-term elections. Still, I'm not sure this is the issue people are most concerned about right now.
I really don't see a coheasive middle on this issue. My parents, who are moderate Republicans by any measure, want a strong stance on the border. I think what we have right now is the "Third Way," somewhere between real enforcement and an open border.
Commenting by HaloScan
