[Ben Ficklin]

The defining issue is not that social benefits might be denied, it is turning them all into felons. Including the Irish barmaid.

It goes beyond that. The far right has successfully run a well organized campaign to turn public opinion against the illegal Mexicans. They have relied on dehumanizing the mexicans by calling them all criminals and using phrases like "turd world cesspool"

This has rubbed of on legal mexicans and native born as well as immigrants from other nations who have joined the protests.

Today's hispanic high school kids in Florida, if they become politically active, will have a significant effect, in 2012, on which presidential candidate carries that state and the nation. Not the mention Florida's congressional delegation.

[FBD]

>"The defining issue is not that social benefits might be denied, it is turning them all into felons..."<

-I don't support making illegal entry into the U.S. a felony, provided the illegal entrant isn't also engaged in a criminal enterprise such as human smuggling, drug smuggling, etc.

I do view identity theft, using forged documents, other peoples social security numbers, etc for ID as a felony.
It is not a victimless crime.

>"The far right has successfully run a well organized campaign to turn public opinion against the illegal Mexicans."<

-The protesters for illegals did that to themselves, by waving Mexican flags, screaming epitaphs, etc.


>"This has rubbed of on legal mexicans and native born as well as immigrants from other nations who have joined the protests. "<

-Well, the protesters have rubbed many folks the wrong way, also.


>"Today's hispanic high school kids in Florida..."<

-I'd rather not look at people as a voting block. I don't vote based on my ethnicity; most thinking people don't.