"The language, and who wins the framing of the language, likely will win the debate" on immigration legislation.

-- Frank Sharry, National Immigration Forum

Be that as it may, illegal aliens don't seem especially popular in Philadelphia. Not only does the Inquirer use the word "illegal" to refer to them ("undocumented" is simply not an accurate descriptor), but a poll by local CBS affiliate KYW reveals a high level of opposition to Bush's amnesty plan.

Here are the poll results:

The President wants to give 'guest worker' status to many current illegal aliens.

Good idea
 
24%

Bad Idea
 
66%

Not Sure
 
10%

Is this a debate over language? While I don't like it when semantics get in the way of debate, it seems here that there is a genuine debate over whether the word "illegal" means "illegal."

If it does not, then in logic that would mean that illegal isn't illegal, and the plain meaning of language is lost.

Maybe that means Mr. Sharry is right.

(A sobering thought in itself . . .)