The recently defeated Senate immigration bill, S.1639 has been administered a well-deserved execution. I realize that many in the media and some elected officials believe this death to be the work of a few misguided, right wing die-hards. But the truth is: i) the American people overwhelmingly disliked this bill (and for good cause), ii) independent of any saving-grace features - - this bill was birthed in a back room and the American people had zero confidence in our government to deliver on the enforcement aspects, having seen no evidence in that regard since 1986.

Some say we had to "swallow the whole package, in order to achieve a political consensus”. This is just a political excuse for failing to do what is right and honest. And this turns the concept of a government of, by and for the people on its head. Elected officials should not arrogantly assume that the people really don’t "understand". Particularly when the public outcry was so vehement. Rather, our elected officials need to accept the people’s verdict: earn the public trust first by enforcing our existing laws, remove the current chaos of a totally dysfunctional immigration system, and support the safety of current citizens before institutionalizing benefits to illegal aliens.

Today, a vacuum exists in this legislative arena. Our elected officials need to hunker down, do the people’s bidding and earn the public’s trust. Enforce the current law. Add new legislation to toughen significantly the penalties for breaking the law. Regain control of the total immigration process through improved identity and tracking procedures. In short, make this government competent in this arena. Let the law operate for 2-3 years and prove itself. Then, and only then, should legislation regarding a Guest Worker program and any associated entitlements allocation, be instituted.

There should be no excuses for failure to act. If the current set of elected officials cannot summon the will and integrity to make America the law-abiding Nation it once was, then the people must fire them and hire better public servants. Fortunately, in America, the elected officials cannot (at least not yet) fire the American people.