Hallway lurkers roundup: trade and immigration
Wondering how the rank and file dems come down on some issues? Here's what folks hanging around the concourse at the Pepsi Center had to say while Joe Biden was speaking.
Delegate
What change, if any would you like to see in international trade policy under a new administration?
"I'd like to see our goods and services have access to other markets, such as China. Turnabout is fair play. If they have access to our markets we should have access to theirs."
Same question, immigration?
"We're a nation of laws. The laws have to be adhered to. On the other hand if there's an opportunity to change some of the laws we should look into that."
Honored Guest
Trade
"I'd like to see us expand our markets for our agriculture-based products, growing up in the South, in the Delta. We can't sell rice to Cuba, we're having a hard time selling rice to China. It does nothing but hurt the American farmer when we can't communicate and we can't negotiate with the rest of the world. The stance that Bush has had, that it's my way or the highway, has done nothing but hurt Americans, especially folks from our community that work very hard every day in the fields, growing crops to sell.
Immigration
"You know, America was made up of immigrants from all corners of the globe. If people want to come here and work hard and find the American dream, and they're willing to play by the rules, I'm all for them. And even if they came here illegally but they're working and paying taxes, raising families here, their children are being born here. And you know, Republicans talk about family values, do they really want to break up families because one member may be illegal? Let's help these people become part of America and live the dream, not disrupt them because we don't care for the color of their skin or the accent of their voice."
Honored Guest
Trade
"Yes, bring the jobs back to America, from overseas."
Immigration
"I think they need to tighten the border more, and give the people who's here an opportunity to do citizenship and give them an opportunity to stay."
Guest
Trade
"I think that Americans pay far too much money out of our country, and we are not getting the same in return, which does not make sense. I think we have to re-examine outsourcing, I think we have to re-examine our relationships and our sales with other countries, to get a more equitable relationship. International trade is extraordinarily important and everybody benefits from it. But we need a more equitable arrangement."
Immigration
"I think Americans have to realize that the only original Americans were the American Indians, and I think it's disgraceful not to welcome other people into our country. Certainly there needs to be some reform so we're fairer in welcoming people from all over the globe, not just from preferred countries. But I'd be distressed to live in a country that did not welcome immigrants."
Delegate
"I don't talk to libertarians."