When did we stop viewing American citizenship as something special, something sacred?

When did we stop caring about our country's sovereignty and safety?

Then again, maybe we didn't - but Washington sure did.

Last night, the President unveiled his plan to secure the borders - sort of. I was hoping for a clear message - "we will protect our country, we will close the avenues for illegal immigrants." But it was not to be. The grand plan was more half measures, more appeasement for Mexico, more talk.

Why are we so reluctant to take real action?

Part of it is the usual politics. One of the things I've always liked about our President was his commitment to do what he believes is right - the "damn-the-pundits-full-speed-ahead" style he's had. It was absent last night.

Things didn't start off so bad - …

Good evening. I have asked for a few minutes of your time to discuss a matter of national importance — the reform of America's immigration system.

The issue of immigration stirs intense emotions - and in recent weeks, Americans have seen those emotions on display. On the streets of major cities, crowds have rallied in support of those in our country illegally. At our southern border, others have organized to stop illegal immigrants from coming in. Across the country, Americans are trying to reconcile these contrasting images. And in Washington, the debate over immigration reform has reached a time of decision. Tonight, I will make it clear where I stand, and where I want to lead our country on this vital issue.

OK - so this says he knows we've got to do something, right? He's going to give a clear direction, right? Right? Wrong.

We must begin by recognizing the problems with our immigration system. For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. As a result, many who want to work in our economy have been able to sneak across our border - and millions have stayed.

Once here, illegal immigrants live in the shadows of our society. Many use forged documents to get jobs, and that makes it difficult for employers to verify that the workers they hire are legal. Illegal immigration puts pressure on public schools and hospitals ... strains state and local budgets ... and brings crime to our communities. These are real problems, yet we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard, support their families, practice their faith, and lead responsible lives. They are a part of American life - but they are beyond the reach and protection of American law.

We are a Nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We are also a Nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals - America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly, and fair. So I support comprehensive immigration reform that will accomplish five clear objectives.

Uh-oh. Red Alert! Red Alert! Let's not forget that many who sneak in have NO intention of being a part of the system. Work in our economy, yes. But be a real part of this country, no way. 80% of the drugs coming into some states are brought in by illegal aliens.

And 'living in the shadows'? Hmmm....so all those protesters lived in the shadows, eh? Yes, many use forged documents. So fix that. Create an electronic database, where ALL legal immigrants are registered. Create an ID, similar to a pistol permit, where all your information is on file and can be confirmed with no more time than it takes to log in and see if you've got email. We already have the ASVI system - just flippin' get it done.

And, by the way, the ALL illegal immigrants are criminals. That's what that "illegal" part means. Whether or not they are ‘decent’ people, they are here illegally. There is no grey area there. There is no obscurity there. They DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE if they have entered this country illegally. Yes, we are a nation of laws. So let’s enforce them. Illegal immigration is just that - illegal. 'Beyond the reach and protection of American laws'? How, exactly? Well, then again, 'beyond the reach,' maybe. But only because we can't get off our butts and just deal with them.

Beyond 'protection,' not so much.

They benefit from welfare, in some cases assisted housing, medical care, and the Miranda warning. They have the same rights in court. The same right to free assembly, clearly. In many cases, they can get drivers' licenses. And clearly, they can work.

First, the United States must secure its borders. This is a basic responsibility of a sovereign Nation. It is also an urgent requirement of our national security. Our objective is straightforward: The border should be open to trade and lawful immigration — and shut to illegal immigrants, as well as criminals, drug dealers, and terrorists.

I was the governor of a state that has a twelve-hundred mile border with Mexico. So I know how difficult it is to enforce the border, and how important it is. Since I became President, we have increased funding for border security by 66 percent, and expanded the Border Patrol from about 9,000 to 12,000 agents. The men and women of our Border Patrol are doing a fine job in difficult circumstances - and over the past five years, we have apprehended and sent home about six million people entering America illegally.

Despite this progress, we do not yet have full control of the border, and I am determined to change that. Tonight I am calling on Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border. By the end of 2008, we will increase the number of Border Patrol officers by an additional 6,000. When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the size of the Border Patrol during my Presidency.

At the same time, we are launching the most technologically advanced border security initiative in American history. We will construct high-tech fences in urban corridors, and build new patrol roads and barriers in rural areas. We will employ motion sensors - infrared cameras - and unmanned aerial vehicles to prevent illegal crossings. America has the best technology in the world - and we will ensure that the Border Patrol has the technology they need to do their job and secure our border.

Six million down, eleven million to go. The Border Patrol has, in the past, estimated they need about 10,000 more officers to even make a dent. Yes, they are doing a fine job in difficult circumstances. And we owe them the full resources and commitment in order to allow them to get the job done. Yes, we will have more than doubled the man-power. But we still will not have enough. So we're aspiring to be less inadequate. That's like aspiring to reduce your cancer - not cure it.

Hi-tech fences? How about a big, honkin' 40 foot high, electrified, concrete fence with a moat. Not very hi-tech, but it works for me. Despite the nice sound of hi-tech fences, note the gaps. Fences in urban corridors, motion sensors, cameras - but not enough Border Patrol agents to be effective. So 30 minutes after the camera picks up something on the border, the agents will arrive to find - what? Illegal immigrants hanging around waiting for them?

Training thousands of new Border Patrol agents and bringing the most advanced technology to the border will take time. Yet the need to secure our border is urgent. So I am announcing several immediate steps to strengthen border enforce