Posted on 04/05/2006 8:19:02 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
For more than a week, I’ve been trying to write about the great immigration debate. Each time, however, I would get bogged down with the many intricacies involved in this very convoluted issue.
Securing the borders would seem to be an obvious goal of any immigration discussion, but not in this debate.
As marchers began demanding “rights” for illegals in cities across the nation, the debate quickly turned ugly. Many found themselves afraid to criticize for fear of being falsely labeled racist.
While a broad spectrum of solutions has been bandied about, it appears that we are a nation without leadership on this issue. Some traditionally conservative business interests claim the American economy will fail without the cheap labor from the Mexican workers.
More radical elements demand open borders for all with total amnesty and the same rights for immigrants as U.S. citizens.
Some compare the situation with the Canadian border to that of Mexico. However, Canada does not suffer the same dysfunctional economy as does Mexico. Thus, Canadians do not have the same financial incentive to come here in droves as do the Mexicans.
Some claim that illegal immigrants do work that Americans will not do. Perhaps we should examine why that is. Could it be because Americans are better off collecting unemployment, food stamps, and Medicaid? Once the immigrants become Americanized, will they not adopt this new American philosophy and choose not to do the hard labor?
Another question is, would Americans do the jobs if the pay were better? But, we’re right back to cheap labor and bigger profits. But, cheap labor also means cheaper prices in the stores and consumers love that. It’s a catch 22.
Some protestors carry the Mexican flag rather than an American flag. Would they be able to go back to their home country and march in demand of these same rights? Rights to make a decent living, for instance, and for health care? For all the things they have in America? It would seem that they would first want to improve their homeland before making demands in the country where they are guests.
Radicals — and there are many — would call such a suggestion racist, as if we are picking on people because of the color of their skin. Can they not accept that, as Americans, it is in their best interest to want to preserve this country that allows them to pursue the American dream in the first place?
Immigrants have fled a country that had economic woes — a country that simply would not allow them to get ahead. Would they wish to remake America into the likeness of the country they left behind?
I am puzzled, for instance, with some in the Catholic Church and other churches that demand more rights for those here illegally. Rather than expecting Americans to compensate for poor management in some economically disadvantaged countries, wouldn’t it be more productive for these churches to use their considerable clout to demand basic human rights in the immigrants’ homeland? This would give their own citizens a means of economic sustenance instead of forcing them to flee their homelands in desperation.
The effects of immigration from Mexico are many and complex. And, lessons could be learned if people would just keep an open mind, but all common sense seems to have been lost. The lines between legal and illegal have completely gone out of the debate and border security hangs in the balance. Common sense is lacking as we react to this emotionally charged issue.
Meanwhile, radicals with an axe to grind and politicians who see an opportunity, take full advantage of the situation. There seems to be no reasoned, neutral analysis of the situation.
It’s America’s loss.
Oh you mean waving the mexican flag by the bunch of illegal invader protestors wasn't RACIST?? Hmmmmm can you say double standard?
The idea is for the children (born here) of the illegals to go to school here, become radicalized on the hateful swill offered by nativist leaders and Mexican Radio and march in the streets cursing white America as the occupier.
These are the potential Democrat voters not the illegals themselves. I is doubtful that the actual illegals have the intelligence or desire to become citizens.
One of the problems facing this nation is the will to fight. To fight for what is RIGHT FOR AMERICA. I am sick and tired of apologists and excuse-makers, of wimpy, pandering politicians only concerned with short-term votes and personal empowerment.
This country needs strong, conservative leadership. And we are in real trouble presetly due to a complete lack of it.
"We are a nation without leadership on this issue."Well stated and sooo true.Maybe a handfull of people in DC are sincerely willing to confront the problem of illegal immigration.The rest(majority)are concerned more with political correctness,pandering to constituents,and of course re-election.At some point action will have to be taken.I feel were on the verge of losing our identity as a society.
In other words a tough law on paper,without enforcement?
"Or even no law at all..."Or something so watered down it's basically meaningless.We're being sold out by polititians who(imo)could care less about the future of our culture.
Stupidity?Perhaps,but i have to assume that no one(even a polititian)is that ignorant:)Anyone with even a marginal intellect(and informed)can see were headed toward a cultural/social catastrophy.I can see short sightedness as a critical factor,ie worrying about re-election or a polititian figuring that he(or she)will be out of office when the proverbial s#it hits the fan.Say we have 10 to 20 million illegals in the country now.What will the number be in 5 years?40 million?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.