...the Democratic party is not smart enough, or committed enough to its base, to figure out how to wedge it right back in the Republicans' faces.

It's unethical business owners and agribusiness who hire illegals to work for them so they can increase their margins. So let's crack down on that side of it. Let's crack down on those who hire immigrants, put the burden on them to prove that the people they hire are here working legally; let's make sure the jobs are available to citizens as well as non-citizens; and let's make sure that everyone is paid legal minimum wage.

And before you get all bent out of shape re: immigrant bashing, that is not my goal here. My goal is merely to point out that if you see a wedge issue coming, you've got to sharpen and drive your own wedge.

This cannot be framed as an issue where the lowest paid workers are getting shafted by even lower paid, more desperate workers -- that frame wins for Republicans, who pit worker against worker. Rather, frame it as honest, above board, responsible business people being shafted by cutthroat, underhanded operators who exploit vulnerable workers and undercut businesses that operate by the rules; in the process the honest business people are being driven out of business and wages for everyone are driven down.

Okay I'm not a political strategist -- maybe there is a better take on this. But somehow I just know that there could be a frame that works to our advantage here. Unfortunately the DLC is so beholden to the corporations that they will generally toe the line and refuse to step on the toes of corporate interests. Fortunately, there is a huge largely untapped alternative funding source, as shown by Moveon.org and Howard Dean and the DNC: the Internet and its ability to reach individuals who will put their money where their mouth is.

We need to harness it and we need to frame these issues NOW.