The March 2006 cover story of Fortune magazine, entitled "Secrets of
Greatness," presents profiles of several individuals whom the editors deemed
worthy of that description. First on the list is Senator John McCain of
Arizona, pictured with hand over heart, looking statesmanlike and warm. In
truth, he is neither. So why is he such a media darling?

Recent Gallup polling data showed that a majority of Americans steadfastly
refuse to embrace Hillary Clinton, despite her virtually unquestioned status
as the presumptive 2008 Democrat presidential nominee. Therefore, to bolster
her electoral prospects, her minions must resort to "Plan B," which is to
ensure that her Republican opponent is sufficiently distasteful to the
conservative party base that they simply vote "none of the above." Enter
John McCain.

In other polling data (This is how the country is being run these days.)
McCain ranks first among Republican contenders. Hardly the result of any
nationwide enchantment with his political agenda, McCain⊃s "popularity"
arises from the constant, and often glowing, media attention he regularly
receives.

With so much at stake, it is crucial to know just who John McCain is, and
what he is about. In this regard, his track record, seemingly random and
disjointed at first glance, proves highly illuminating.

Starting with his latest escapade, known as the McCain/Kennedy immigration
"reform" bill, he not only displays consummate pragmatism, but also
personifies the general political bankruptcy so rampant throughout
Washington. Moreover, his self-serving motivation is reflective of the
current Federal Government and its inability (and if the truth be known, its
frequent unwillingness) to effectively confront dire problems facing this
nation.

McCain/Kennedy has two purposes, neither of which is to strengthen the
borders or enhance the security of the United States. Instead, it first is
intended to garner the gratitude of invading hordes of illegal aliens, thus
guaranteeing their loyalty and servitude to Washington in perpetuity.
Secondly, it is structured in such a manner as to hopefully allow supporting
Senators from both parties to camouflage this latest abdication of their
Constitutional duty under the auspices of "reform."

John McCain, Ted Kennedy, and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the bill⊃s
loudest advocates, are busily traversing the TV roundtable and morning news
program circuit in an aggressive effort to make their case ⊃airtight.⊃ Yet
even a cursory analysis of their words reveals their bill as a dangerous
step in entirely the wrong direction.

Consider their monotonously repeated mantra that this bill is "not amnesty."
In justification, they explain that illegals will ostensibly be required to
pay a thousand dollar fine. Yet even a single visit to the emergency room
can cost much more than that. So in truth, the "fine" represents the
shallowest example of symbolism.

Secondly, they insist that the illegals presently in the country will be
sent to the "back of the line" in their efforts to attain citizenship. But
what does this really mean? Clearly, the illegals would have no less freedom
to move about and conduct their lives than they presently possess. Tell that
to the poor refugee languishing at the "front" of the line in some
third-world country, waiting for entry into the United States.

Nor would their status as "non-citizens" prevent them from participation in
the political process. The massive demonstrations of last weekend, and the
intimidating effect they clearly had on the Senate, inarguably prove as
much.

Like campaign finance "reform" legislation, which McCain ramrodded through
the Congress in perhaps his most famous crusade, immigration "reform" does
not address any aspect of the current crisis in a manner that would
alleviate the concerns of average citizens who see their country being
stolen from them. Rather, it gives Washington insiders an opportunity to
appear engaged and responsive, while guaranteeing that absolutely nothing of
substance is accomplished.

As time goes on, fewer and fewer of Washington⊃s "ruling class" are truly
interested in effectively addressing the issues of the day, especially if
doing so might focus the lights of public scrutiny on them. Instead, this
elected aristocracy endeavors first and foremost to preserve and maintain
its current status, while running from the difficult decisions necessary to
"secure the blessings of liberty" to this generation and its posterity.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, truly courageous Americans are expected to
sacrifice their lives, if necessary, for the sake of the country. But inside
the Beltway, even the most cowardly retreat, if it can be properly spun for
the network news, will suffice.

Washington D.C. is hardly a land of "milk and honey." Thus, it stands to
reason that in such an environment, it is not always "cream" that rises to
the top.