Bush: Mexican Truckers Are Okay

The Democrats want the United States to play, perenially, on "defense."

Conservatives want the United States to play, perenially, on "offense."

The GOP, via President Bush in many unfortunate instances, appears to side with the Democrats and here is another example:

Mexican Truckers. Go here to read the text of the NAFTA agreement.

Is it any wonder that the Teamsters have taken umbrage over this glossed-over issue?

A lawsuit has been filed by the Teamsters against the Transportation Department's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration over a pilot plan to allow Mexican truck drivers – and trucks – access to U.S. highways.

As WND has reported, the government will have no access to whether those truckers have any criminal records, and the system is being set up to allow those trucks loaded with goods to cross the border in as little as 15 seconds.

The action was filed Monday in federal court in California, alleging the Bush administration's program failed to publish proper, advance notice of the pilot plan and failed to allow an opportunity for public comment before the program takes effect.

Let's Examine The Issue Further:

On February 23rd of this year, Mary Peters, Secretary of Transportation, announced that Mexican trucks will have full access to the US via a cross-border pilot program, starting later this month.

US trucks will be allowed to make deliveries into Mexico, whilst a "select group" of Mexican trucking companies will be allowed to make deliveries beyond the 20-to-25 mile commercial zones extant along our southwest border.

US inspectors will conduct in-person "safety audits" to make sure that "participating Mexican companies" comply with US safety regulations.

These regulations require that Mexican truck drivers hold a valid commercial driving license, carry proof that they are medically fit, comply with US hours-of-service rules, and be able to understand questions and directions in English.

Indications: "Some of these trucks may not have been completely and thoroughly inspected at the US-Mexico border due to current in-place procedures."

But Wait, There's More:

I wonder: has anyone considered that al Qaeda or other terrorists may attempt to portray themselves as humble Mexican truckers? But of course this is merely wild and specious conjecture; how dare we adjudge persons so? And why are Teamsters, the Golden Children of Democrats, objecting? And why are no Democrats objecting? Conflict? Hypocrisy? Why is the GOP collectively silent?

Also: considering the consistently-excellent record of Mexicans obeying American laws in general, might it be logical for us to extend this record of lawful compliance to those driving Mexican trucks as well?

Hey. Just some thoughts to consider.

Final thought based in BZ reality: President Bush, what in the hell are you thinking? I don't hear you screaming against it, so I conclude your tacit condonation of the plan.

BZ