The current comprehensive immigration bill before Congress is doomed to failure, as much due to perception as reality. Most Americans, who cannot articulate why, know this is just plain wrong. This is their gut reaction and they are correct. What Americans perceive is a beltway culture that puts politicians’ goals (money, re-election, power) before the people’s concerns. They see a piece of legislative junk worthy of the junkyard dogs hired to protect it. (Kennedy and McCain) Even President Bush said last week, “There are lots of reasons to oppose this bill.” No kidding. Gallup says only 26% of Americans support it. Does the nation lack political enlightenment? The elites tell us so.

   People are cynical about why this “career-saving” piece of legislation is being proposed now. Answer? 2008 looms over the horizon as the most important election in a generation. What to do? For Democrats, getting Iraq out of the way is crucial. They do not want to inherit “Bush’s War.” For Republicans, immigration threatens to send their 2008 hopes over the cliff, unless they get rid of it as a political issue. Thus “comprehensive reform” becomes urgent. For whom? With a president who supports it and a Democrat-controlled Congress, our leaders are licking their chops over this immigration exit strategy. “It’s now or never,” they tell us. The not so cryptic message from Washington is: it’s all about us. But certain perceptions remain. Washington is not listening. Washington has lost any trust over its handling of illegal immigration. Washington fails to understand the word “illegal.” Washington did the same thing in 1986 but didn’t enforce it. These perceptions will likely prove fatal. Facts engage political junkies. Perceptions sweep over the public like a wave.

   Did you see the story this week about the young Alabama boy who shot a thousand-pound wild hog in the forests of East Alabama? It took a number of shots from a pistol to bring it to the ground. There is no truth to the rumor that the pig was wearing lipstick, but what a metaphor for “comprehensive immigration reform.” Ordinary Americans are in the process of bringing down this dressed-up fat-boy with a crash that will be heard throughout America. They will keep firing until they succeed and they have got lots of ammo in the barn. Talk radio, bloggers and the internet are just taking the covers off the jeeps and heading out for game.

   Americans have lost any degree of trust in the leaders over this issue. They don’t believe the promised sanctions will be enforced. They don’t believe illegals will show up to request citizenship , pay penalties, file papers, learn English or do any of the other things demanded of them. Here is the message they are sending: Fool me once, (1986 and since), shame on me; fool me twice (current legislation), shame on you. In effect, the American people are saying, “So you are serious about illegal immigration? Fine. Close the borders. Secure the country. Find out who is here and why. Let us choose who we want to come here legally. Then and only then will we consider doing something about the status of illegals.

   Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff was dispatched by the Bush administration last week to say such brilliant things as “deporting 12 million illegals is unrealistic.” Maybe so. But does that mean we should wave a magic wand and turn them into “provisional” citizens? Many of the Mexican flag wavers don’t want to be citizens anyway. Their mantra is, “I’m not an American. I just work here.” In contrast, most of the people who oppose this bill are saying, “OK. Forget wholesale immediate deportation. We admit it is unrealistic. But let’s create a culture that discourages and opposes illegality. Deport the worst. Put pressure on employers. Identify American workers. Dry up the new supply of illegals. Then and only then, we can talk down the road, say 3-5 years from now.” This is where the people are right now and they probably, in the words of Margaret Thatcher, “are not for turning.” Comprehensive immigration reform is an idea whose time never was. President Bush’s famous gut instincts are betraying him this time.

   The comprehensive immigration train left the station last week when Senator John Kyl of Arizona jumped on board. A strong illegal immigration opponent, Kyl appeared to give the legislation some hope by his provisional support. But even he may ultimately turn against it, as may other lefty groups who think it is too hard on illegals and are already questioning major elements of the bill. Even Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fl) is keeping his powder dry, issuing a somewhat skeptical statement last week. “Right now it’s still very uncertain what the final measure will look like,” Nelson said. “As the debate continues on immigration reform, I’m going to insist the bill strengthens our borders and rejects blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants already in our country.” The irony of it all is this: the very bill that many of them believe will save their necks for 2008 may ultimately lead to the political version of the guillotine.

   Both perception and reality may ultimately cure the Potomac fever of these immigration reformers and save them from their delirium. But sometimes the perception you are out of touch with the truth can be the greatest enemy of all. It’s destiny can be political suicide.

John Pendleton