Now, I’m not saying that anyone in the White House is going to listen to anybody else in terms of the Executive Amnesty Plan of 2014. But, theoretically, if they were going to listen to somebody on this subject, you’d think it might be the folks who are tasked with enforcing many of the related laws on a day to day basis. And on the off chance that somebody might actually be listening, there’s a sizable group of sheriffs who would like a word with the President next month.

Sheriffs across the country are planning a massive gathering in Washington, D.C., to speak out against President Obama’s potential executive action on immigration. Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson of Bristol County Massachusetts sent a letter to organize a meeting of sheriffs in Washington, D.C., on December 10, two days before the existing government-funding bill expires, to meet with congressmen and encourage them to take action to secure the border. “Never before in our nation’s history has it been so important for the American sheriffs to stand united and speak with one voice to secure our nation’s borders,” Hodgson wrote. “Senator Jeff Sessions, Senator David Vitter and other members of Congress have agreed to join us at the Capitol to demand immediate action to secure our borders as the first step in achieving legitimate immigration reform in the future. Several sheriffs have agreed to work in a spirit of cooperation to assist in recruiting at least 200 sheriffs to travel to Washington, D.C. for this historic meeting and press conference with members of Congress.”

The smart money – assuming such exists – seems to be on Obama unholstering his pen and letting slip the dogs of amnesty by December 12. If so, this would be a rather embarrassing time for a huge group of law enforcement officials to show up and complain about his making their jobs harder. It’s similar to Obama’s decision to push for a hearing on Loretta Lynch before the end of the year. If it even happens, there will be Senators asking about amnesty and the enforcement question. It’s going to derail the entire conversation, and it’s a disaster that the President has invited to his own doorstep.

At this point, I’m not sure what Obama could do aside from approving that Keystone XL pipeline that wouldn’t have amnesty immediately decorating it. This should be the brief window of salad days for the President and the congressional leadership… that short period of opportunity when things can actually get done before everyone squares off for the next election battle. By playing with fire (as the Speaker said) on the amnesty issue, Barack Obama has set the entire wood pile ablaze before the hangovers from the victory party have worn off.

Enjoy your tour of the Capitol, Sheriffs. And give the President our best.