Bush makes pledge to "the people of Mexico."

The following is a portion of President Bush's comments during the welcoming ceremony upon his arrival in Mexico. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/03/20070313-1.html

"The United States respects rule of law. But in the debate on migration, I remind my fellow citizens that family values do not stop at the Rio Grande River, that there are decent, hardworking honorable citizens of Mexico who want to make a living for their families. And so, Mr. President, my pledge to you and your government -- but, more importantly, the people of Mexico -- is I will work as hard as I possibly can to pass comprehensive immigration reform."

There are several points that require comment (as far as I know there has been no response by Conservatives):

1. "The United States respects the rule of law. But ..." Apparently, the rule of law is okay so long as it doesn't get in the way of doing something illegal, e.g. entering the United States illegally, or failing to enforce existing immigration "laws." Why does the president even mention "the rule of law" unless he is acknowledging that US Immigration laws are being violated by people from Mexico.

2. "in the debate on migration..." There is no "debate on migration," there is only failure by the "people" of Mexico to respect the sovreign borders of its neighbor and the unwillingness of the government of the United States to protect and defend its borders against illegal crossing and to deal with those who cross illegally.

3. "I remind my fellow citizens..." This is both irrelevant and insulting. The president is in a foreign country lecturing us on the virtues of people who violate our laws by illegally crossing our borders. I'm sure that pedophiles have many endearing qualities. THAT'S NOT THE POINT, Mr. President.

4. "my pledge to ... the people of Mexico." The President of The United States is not responsible for or to the people of Mexico. He is not responsible for their welfare, their prosperity, or enabling them to fulfill their dreams of living in the United States. He is responsible to his oath of office to "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States," this means enforcing its laws.

There are no ifs, ands or "buts" about it, Mr. President.