Immigration: Not Just A Wall, A Way

Some quarters are saying that immigration is the third rail of the race in 2008. For proof, look no further than the price Clinton has played for her waffling on the issue of drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants.

Mike's stand on the issue has been the closest to mine. Yes, we need a wall to put a stop to the wholesale and daily violations of our national sovereignty and safety. The sooner the better. But we also need a way, a way for folks to become naturalized citizens that is not as complicated as the current system. We also need a way to keep track of these new citizens so we can ensure that they and their families take maximum advantage of their opportunity to live in the greatest country in the world and don't abuse that opportunity. Finally, we need a way to punish those who would disregard our reformed immigration policies, be they illegal immigrants or the employers who create the demand for their services. (Note to Romney supporters: luckily for Mitt these laws would not be retroactive for employers).

Let's go from "Tax and Spend" to "Tax and End"

Mike's opponents are hitting him hard on his supposed liberal taxing habits while he was Governor of Arkansas. Mike has done an excellent job fending off these attacks by pointing to his record of cutting taxes and achieving results for his home state, but I have a feeling this will be like a hydra, lop one head off and watch two take its place.

What is a catchphrase he can attach to what he is already saying so folks can better remember his rebuttal on this issue? How about a transition from the Tax and Spend mentality that has consumed both parties over the past several terms to a Tax and End mentality. Taxes are a necessary evil, but wasteful spending is not. Put an end to wasteful spending, put an end to the unintelligible tax code, and put an end to the IRS.

Can you do better? Post in the comments section below.

Huckabeehive is the only Huckabee blog that ...

We live in the era of the elevator pitch: if you can't explain a concept in the time in takes to get from the tenth floor to the lobby then you have not sufficiently honed your message. I don't think any candidate understands this more than Mike Huckabee, who by virtue of his careers in both ministry and television/radio realizes that you must be able to reduce the very complex into the very concise if you expect your audience to remember what it is you said.

The Huckabeehive is a place where other Huckabee supporters (i.e., HuckaBees) can trade and refine ideas in hopes that Team Huckabee will read our musings and use them as food for thought in helping Mike as he prepares for speeches and debates. I envision a swarm of loyal worker bees just like me working to take the political pollen in our respective communities back to this online hive where it can be transformed into the sweet honey of viable public policy.

This blog is different from any other Huckabee blog I have seen because it is not a place to wax on why you like Mike. There are plenty of reasons to like the man, and plenty of blog spots devoted to that activity.

Instead, this is a place to debate the various policy issues that will factor in the GOP Primary and come up with ideas on how to sell Mike's position as succinctly and memorably as possible. This is not to say we are dumbing down Mike's message; to the contrary. A lot of thought must go into making sure the given catchword or catchphrase faithfully encapsulates what it is we think Mike would say.

Mike has already used countless rhetorical and literary devices in his writings and speeches to the everlasting shame of the other candidates who simply cannot compete with him. They are bringing a knife to a gunfight every time they step on the stage with Mike. He seems to be almost toying with them at times, and I am hoping that we can do just our part to make the disparity all the more obvious to folks who may never take the time to compare these candidates point by point and only have their debate or speech performances to go by.

So let's get buzzing ...