June 12, 2007 | By Nathaniel Ward

Remembering communism’s victims

Memorials across Washington, D.C. celebrate the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States. Now a new monument in the nation’s capital serves as a permanent reminder of the horrors that arise when these freedoms are lost.

This morning, President George W. Bush joined Heritage scholar Lee Edwards to dedicate the new Victims of Communism Memorial, located just blocks from the Capitol.

President Bush used his remarks today—exactly 20 years after President Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gobachev to “tear down this wall”—to highlight the importance of remembering those killed in the name of Karl Marx’s murderous ideology. And he took the opportunity to thank Lee Edwards for his contributions to making the memorial possible.

“Building this memorial took more than a decade of effort,” the President said, “and its presence in our capital is a testament to the passion and determination of two distinguished Americans: Lev Dobriansky...and Dr. Lee Edwards. They faced setbacks and challenges along the way, yet they never gave up, because in their hearts, they heard the voices of the fallen crying out: ‘Remember us.’”

—DeEtte Chatterton

Click here to read more about Edwards’ 18-year quest to memorialize the communism’s victims.

What’s next on immigration?

Late last Thursday, the Senate opted not to vote on the flawed bipartisan immigration proposal. After this decision to extend debate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) formally withdrew the legislation, at least for the time being.

With the Senate bill gone (for now), it’s time for real, conservative immigration reform, argue Heritage experts James Carafano and Matthew Spalding.

Here’s what Congress should do, they write:

1. Enforce the laws. “There already exist on the books numerous laws that, if enforced in a targeted manner, would discourage illegal immigration and the employment of illegal labor, as well as send the signal that such activities will no longer be overlooked.”
2. Gain back control of the southern border. “Many of the border security provisions of the Senate proposal are already being implemented as requirements of previously enacted legislation.”
3. Emphasize legal immigration. “The process by which individuals enter the country legally must be fair, orderly, and efficient--welcoming those who abide by immigration laws and denying entry and advantages to those who violate the law.”
4. Create flexible legal opportunities to work in the United States. Revisions to immigration law, including “a balanced and well-constructed temporary worker program” would “diminish the incentives for illegal immigration by providing an additional option for legal entry.”

They go on to outline eight specific reforms Congress can undertake, including ensuring the enforcement of existing laws, working with Latin American governments for reform abroad and modernizing the immigration service.

Heritage’s immigration impact

Since the misguided Senate immigration proposal was introduced at the end of May, Heritage Foundation experts worked hard to ensure Congress and the American people understood the consequences of such legislation.

Click here for a rundown of Heritage’s work and impact over the past few weeks.

How fathers matter

A new compilation of family research by Heritage’s FamilyFacts.org demonstrates once again the importance of traditional families—and in particular the importance of fathers.

For example, they found that adolescents are less likely to smoke marijuana if their fathers are involved in their lives. In addition, active fatherhood is correlated with reduced delinquency among boys and lower depression among girls. Read all the latest findings at FamilyFacts.org.

How Iraq affects U.S. ties to Britain

The United States and Britain “share a fundamental national interest in remaining in Iraq” and an early withdrawal from the region would have “catastrophic implications for the future,” according to Heritage foreign policy expert Nile Gardiner. These consequences include a dangerous increase in Iranian power and a likely civil war between Sunni and Shi’a groups.

—DeEtte Chatterton

Click here for more on Iraq and the future of the Special Relationship.

In other news

• President Bush visited with Senators today and urged them to reconsider the flawed immigration bill nixed just last week.
• The 2008 budget plan being considered by the House of Representatives calls for an increase in federal spending of more than nine percent over 2007, Congressional Quarterly reports (no link available). President Bush has correctly vowed to veto any spending bills over his request—meaning that eight bills could see the veto pen in the coming weeks—and conservatives in Congress are working to ensure they can sustain his vetoes.
• A federal appeals court held yesterday that legal American residents cannot be held as enemy combatants without charges.
• Denver’s new proposal to combat global warming through government intrusion into the economy and the lives of its citizens is rightly stirring up a bit of controversy.
• French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s mandate for reform was reinforced Sunday when his conservative-leaning party had a strong showing in parliamentary elections. A second round of elections will be held this Sunday, and the extreme Left is scrambling to minimize the damage.
• Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) yesterday rejected a call by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) for a military strike against Iran, saying a U.S. attack would destabilize the Middle East.
• Senators came seven votes short of allowing a vote of no confidence in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales yesterday.
• Two New York City billionaires are among those who received generous federal farm subsidies in recent years, The New York Sun reports. Congress should really cut back on this sort of welfare for the rich and reconsider its entire farm subsidy program.
• On Sunday, President George W. Bush received a hero’s welcome as he visited the formerly communist country of Albania. He encouraged Albania to continue to make the reforms necessary to become a NATO member.

Coming up at Heritage

To attend the following Heritage Foundation events, RSVP at Heritage’s events website. Or you can watch these events live online at Heritage.org.  All times are Eastern.

• On Thursday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m., author Phil Kent speaks about wealthy, liberal tax-exempt foundations that undermine free enterprise and national sovereignty.
• On Thursday, June 14 at noon, scholar Ronald J. Pestritto speaks about the origins of big government in America.
• On Tuesday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m., Heritage’s Sally McNamara hosts a panel discussion on how Europe and the West should tackle Islamic extremism.

Nathaniel Ward is the Editor of MyHeritage.org—a website for members and supporters of The Heritage Foundation. DeEtte Chatterton contributed to this report.

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