Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Victor Davis Hanson: Illegal immigration is a moral issue
Jewish World Review ^ | 1-20-05 | Victor Davis Hanson

Posted on 01/20/2005 5:48:45 AM PST by SJackson

As President Bush's guest worker proposals slog through Congress, new reports suggest that there may be not 8 million, but almost 20 million illegal aliens in the United States, a population larger than most entire states. $400 billion in taxes — almost the current annual budget deficit — are not collected due to a growing underground cash economy.

Mexico brazenly issued a survival guide for its intrepid citizens on how to cross illegally into the United States. A 2,000 mile border is porous at a time when stealthy terrorists count on such laxity to enter the United States.

The hallowed assimilationist formula has too few overt defenders these days — even though measured, legal immigration, English emersion, multiracialism instead of multiculturalism, and integration have ensured that past legal immigrants from Mexico are among America's finest citizens.

The laissez-faire right still lectures on open borders as if it were a matter of robust lawful immigration — emphasizing global competitiveness that accrues from cheap labor. The minimum wage, not illegality, supposedly is its only problem: if only the self-correcting market could be set free to adjudicate wages, $2 an hour might not tempt any more from rural Mexico.

The therapeutic left will not even talk of "illegal immigration" — taboo nomenclature that supposedly denotes racism. "Undocumented workers" is the politically correct terminology, even though not all aliens are working or simply misplaced their certification.

(Excerpt) Read more at jewishworldreview.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Government
KEYWORDS: aliens; bordersecurity; bushamnesty; immigrantlist; immigration; vdh; victordavishanson
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 next last
To: SJackson

bump^


21 posted on 01/20/2005 9:57:00 AM PST by FBD ("A nation without borders is not a nation." -- Ronald Reagan)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: B4Ranch; Happy2BMe

>"...even though measured, legal immigration, English emersion, multiracialism instead of multiculturalism, and integration have ensured that past legal immigrants from Mexico are among America's finest citizens."<

-...and there it is in a nutshell. The difference between illegals who sneak in, and immigrants who do things legally, and come here to assimilate.


22 posted on 01/20/2005 10:04:23 AM PST by FBD ("A nation without borders is not a nation." -- Ronald Reagan)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

This is getting to be a problem in Idaho. One of the County Commisssioners in Canyon County (SW Idaho) proposed and caused to be passed the following:

Robert Vasquez, Commissioner
District One, Canyon County
1-208-454-7507

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2005
Commissioner Robert Vasquez 989-4260


The Board of Canyon County Commissioners is today preparing an Emergency Declaration regarding an imminent invasion of illegal aliens, based on the recent printing and dispersal of the "Guia Para El Migrante Mexicano." The Government of Mexico has prepared and distributed the "Guide For The Mexican Migrant" to facilitate the illegal entry of Mexicans into the United States, and ultimately, Idaho.

Commissioner Robert Vasquez, bringing the matter to the attention of the Board of Canyon County Commissioners said "Senator Larry Craig is today holding an event at Albertson College to promote his Ag Jobs Bill. It will result in an increase of illegal aliens seeking to be in place, in Idaho, when the amnesty passes. Larry Craig is not thinking about the consequences his support of the AgJobs Bill will bring down on the good people of Canyon County."

Commissioner Vasquez continued "I am asking the Board to vote in declaration of an emergency that carries with it the dangers of illegal aliens crossing into the United States of America without medical inspections, bringing any number of contagious diseases, illegal drugs, or other criminal intent."

"Further, criminal elements have proven to take Ag Jobs in an effort to establish themselves in the community, and Larry Craig’s presentation today only serves to legitimize such duplicitous acts by illegal aliens."

"As County Commissioners, we are obliged to ask for protection by the federal government through mutual defense, and when our own Senators are conspiring through legislation with the enemy, we must declare an emergency to invoke sorely needed federal aid in dealing with these foreign elements coming into our communities" Vasquez stated.

"By declaring an emergency, we can begin to prepare for any budget contingencies that will be needed to address any widespread circumstance that may develop, and engage Southwest District Health in the planning for such medical situations that may arise" Vasquez continued.

"Therefore, under Idaho Code 46-1011, we are preparing a request to the Governor of Idaho declaring Canyon County a Disaster Area, and thus enable this Board of County commissioners to prepare a defense for our American citizens trapped behind the lines of this unarmed Mexican invasion of the United States of America" Commissioner Vasquez concluded.

_______________________________________________
Robert Vasquez, Commissioner District One, Canyon County 1-208-454-7507 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 18, 2005 The Canyon County Board of Commissioners today issued a Declaration of Local Disaster.Commissioner Robert Vasquez, cited the recent publication, “Guida Para El Migrante Mexicano”, for his belief that the United States is experiencing an invasion of illegal aliens. Further stating that the 20% increase over five years of illegal aliens making applications for county welfare was an indication of the growth of that segment of the Idaho population.“This document published and distributed by the Mexican government, can only be seen as an encouragement for further Mexican nationals to cross into America” Vasquez said. “If there were any hesitation on the part of Mexicans to cross illegally into the United States, the “Guide For The Mexican Migrant” shows them how to safely invade U.S territory, blend into the population, and avoid detection. That constitutes an invasion force in the millions, or at least 1,500,000, which is how many booklets Mexico printed,” Commissioner Vasquez stated.

“Commissioner David Ferdinand and I did not take this action lightly, and it is in the best interest of the county to prepare before a contingency occurs, rather than simply react as governments have been doing for years. Also, we encourage other counties in Idaho to review their circumstance, and if applicable, issue a declaration of their own.” Commissioner Vasquez said. “Lastly, this action is intended to serve notice to the Governor, Senators Craig and Crapo, and Congressmen Otter and Simpson that Idaho has as great a problem with immigration, illegal aliens, crime and dangerous illness as the rest of America, and we county commissioners expect them to provide solutions to this issue. And if they refuse to face the facts, then let them provide the funding that Idaho counties will need to address these issues”, Commissioner Vasquez commented.

#########

January 18, 2005

The Honorable Governor Dirk Kempthorne
Statehouse, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0034 Re: Canyon County Board of Commissioners Supplemental Letter for Canyon County Declaration of Disaster submitted to Governor Dirk Kempthorne
Dear Governor Kempthorne,

The Canyon County Board of Commissioners at 8:45 AM, January 18, 2005, by unanimous vote, did pass the attached Resolution Number 05-008 declaring that a disaster emergency exists in Canyon County, Idaho.

It is with great concern that the Canyon County Board of Commissioners writes to inform you that the issue of illegal aliens continues to be a concern in Canyon County, particularly the financial burden to county government and the impact on our citizens due to the presence of that population in Canyon County and in Idaho.

From January 2002 to October 2004, the Canyon County Detention Center completed 8,100 bookings. Of those, 1376, or 17%, claimed non-US citizenship. Of the 1376, 181 were held for US Marshals, 241 were arrested for traffic violations, 954 were arrested on charges that included traffic violations, and 151 were arrested for felony violations. Of the same 1376 arrested, 385 were placed on a “247” hold indicating that, depending on the nature of their crime, they may or may not be deported, and 35 were placed on a “203” hold indicating they would be deported.

We also remind you of a number of high profile cases which attracted attention during the last two years, i.e., the Angie Leon murder in which the estranged husband convicted of murdering his wife was a Mexican national; the terrible freeway crash that killed two members of the Marti family which was caused by an intoxicated Mexican National driving the wrong way; and just recently, the arrest of the drug trafficking ring in which at least 4 of the 16 people arrested were illegal aliens.

During the last two years our Canyon County Detention Center staff was exposed at least twice to illegal aliens who tested positive for tuberculosis. This required precautionary testing for our staff, which was an unnecessarily incurred expense for the taxpayers of Canyon County. In August, 2004, Canyon County once again learned an illegal alien being held in the Detention Center had tested positive for tuberculosis, only this time it was an active and infectious case. Canyon County incurred expense for that individual not only for his time in the Detention Center, but also through funds expended by the Southwest District Health Department, which made a quarantine declaration, moved that individual into a motel, provided home health nurses, food stamps in the form of an electronic card, and medical treatments.

As you know, Idaho counties must provide shelter, food, and medical care for prisoners in our Detention Center, regardless of citizenship. The County must also provide payment for county residents who have proven they are medically indigent, regardless of citizenship. Since 1999, the Canyon County Indigency Program and the State CAT program have paid out in excess of $1.5 million for medical expenses of illegal aliens that resided in our county. Providing required care for illegal aliens places an additional burden on the property tax payers of Canyon County and the burden increases each year.

We believe that Canyon County taxpayers cannot--and should not--be required to continue bearing the burden of incarceration and health care costs of illegal aliens in Canyon County.

We also believe that our Federal Government has failed miserably in enforcing immigration laws and protecting our borders from what some call an “unarmed invasion”. When our own government’s inability or unwillingness to enforce immigration laws continues to impact our citizens, it becomes necessary to ask for help. We view the current situation to be an “unfunded mandate” imposed on local governments by our Federal Government.

We recall your exemplary service to the People of Idaho during your tenure as one of Idaho’s U.S. Senators, and it is with great appreciation that your stand regarding unfunded mandates is remembered. You stood strong against opposition from your fellow Senators and Members of Congress and ultimately prevailed, thus serving your constituents well in Idaho and the United States by creating relief from the yoke of unfunded mandates.

We ask that once again you serve your constituents in Idaho’s 44 counties by seeking the assistance of your former Congressional colleagues to provide relief for Idaho’s citizens and taxpayers. Please request Congress first, to require immediate enforcement of standing immigration laws and border control, and second, to provide financial aid to local governments impacted by the unfunded mandate placed upon them to care for illegal aliens.

We appreciate your concern for the citizens of Idaho and believe that, as Governor, you have the influence and ability to help resolve this undesirable situation. We thank you for your consideration of our request.

Should you desire, we would be pleased to meet with you at your convenience to discuss our situation further.

Sincerely,

CANYON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Matt Beebe, Chairman

Commissioner Robert Vasquez

Commissioner David J. Ferdinand, II

Attachment

##########################

Resolution No. 05-008

The Canyon County Board of Commissioners considered and adopted the following Resolution which shall be effective on the 18th day of January, 2005.

Upon the motion of Commissioner Vasquez and the second by Commissioner
Ferdinand , the Board resolves as follows:

WHEREAS; Idaho Code 31-801 grants general powers and duties, subject to the restrictions of law, to the boards of county commissioners in their respective counties; and

WHEREAS; Idaho code 31-828 , Confers upon the Canyon County Board of Commissioners the authority to do and perform all other acts and things required by law not in this title enumerated, or which may be necessary to the full discharge of the duties of chief executive authority of the County government, and

WHEREAS; Idaho Code 46-1011, Authorizes the declaration of a Local Disaster by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners within their respective political subdivisions, and

WHEREAS; Idaho Code 46-1002 (3) provides, in part, that a “disaster” includes the imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from, but not limited to explosion, riot, or hostile military or paramilitary action, and

WHEREAS; Canyon County has endured an increase of criminal activity through hostile acts of illegal aliens presently in Canyon County, which acts resulted in the discharge of firearms in the commission of violent acts upon American Citizens in Canyon County, bringing about the deaths of said citizens, and

WHEREAS, Canyon County in conjunction with the Idaho Southwest Heath District Health Department, have witnessed the infection of, or exposure to infection of Tuberculosis by and from the presence of illegal aliens detained by the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, which exposure lead to the direct endangerment of Canyon County Sheriff’s Department Deputies, Detention Center, and Medical Staff, and

WHEREAS; One illegal alien detained by the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office was required to be released into Quarantine status, which Quarantine was declared by Idaho Southwest District Health Department, and

WHEREAS; Said Quarantine incurred expenses were, in part, provided for through Canyon County Taxpayer funds, and

WHEREAS; Federal law prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds on behalf of, or in the provision for any services to illegal aliens, which prohibition creates a non-funded mandate upon the counties in seeking to comply with conflicting state and federal law, and

WHEREAS; unfunded mandates, an estimated population of 34,000 illegal aliens in Idaho resulting in a 20% increase over the past five years of county welfare applications from illegal aliens, and proposed federal legislation drafted to grant amnesty to illegal aliens in the form of Agricultural Jobs, and

WHEREAS; The Board of County Commissioners has a duty to defend and protect the citizens of Canyon County from the threat of crime, foreign borne disease, sedition, invasion from armed or unarmed illegal aliens and other threats of natural and manmade disaster,


NOW THEREFORE; good cause having been shown, the Chairman of the Canyon County Board of County Commissioners hereby orders and declares that a disaster emergency in the form of imminent threat of invasion by armed or unarmed illegal aliens exists in Canyon County and the Board of County Commissioners hereby consents to said declaration and orders and ratifies the same. The Board further orders that this declaration of imminent threat of invasion by armed or unarmed illegal aliens disaster shall remain in effect until such time as the federal and state governments regain control of Idaho’s immigration population, both legal and illegal, or until otherwise terminated by the Board, whichever may occur first.


XX Motion Carried Unanimously
______Motion Carried/Split Vote Below
______Motion Defeated/Split Vote Below

Signed by:

Commissioner Robert Vasquez
Commissioner David Ferdinand, II


Chairman Matt Beebe did not vote on the resolution.


Attest: G. NOEL HALES, CLERK
Monica Reeves, Deputy Clerk
Date: January 18, 2005 RESOLUTION #05-008


23 posted on 01/20/2005 10:09:38 AM PST by tomswiftjr (Remember Pearl Harbor)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: B4Ranch; Missouri; farmfriend; kellynla; gubamyster; JackelopeBreeder; NewRomeTacitus
And is it equitable that laws must be sacred for most, but not for some?

In arguing politics with our left-wing "bretheren," we find this is the crux of the matter. The law is now obsolete to them. Law means control. Law means authority. Law signals oppression. In their minds, it is better to have no law than to have laws that could limit their self-indulgence, or the self-indulgence of others.

Economist Hernando de Soto argues that Latin America suffers from a lack of rule of law, an essential element of democracy. Nevermind south America: the United States is losing its respect for law. Once, we were a nation of men. How are we now better than any sordid Banana Republic? If our laws do not apply uniformly, and if our laws are seen as an inconvenience, our decline is sure to follow.

A trip to Los Angeles is enough to prove that our decline is here, now, today. It's not "beginning," it's been happening for 30 years. We are in free fall.

24 posted on 01/20/2005 10:14:32 AM PST by risk
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: B4Ranch; Missouri; farmfriend; kellynla; gubamyster; JackelopeBreeder; NewRomeTacitus

I mean once we were a nation of laws, not men. Now we are a nation of self-indulgent scofflaws.


25 posted on 01/20/2005 10:16:44 AM PST by risk
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: SJackson; risk

BTTT


26 posted on 01/20/2005 10:24:16 AM PST by kellynla (U.S.M.C. 1st Battalion,5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Div. Viet Nam 69&70 Semper Fi)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: B4Ranch

<< Don't remain seated until this ride comes to a full and complete stop! We're going the wrong way! >>

God bless you, B4, you're an American Man!

Blessings -- Brian


27 posted on 01/20/2005 10:35:20 AM PST by Brian Allen (I fly and can therefore be envious of no man -- Per Adua Ad Astra!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: SJackson
Hmmmm... Is President Bush Americas greatest security weakness.?.
"I'm a Unite'er not a divide'er", he says, what in hell is Bush trying to Unite anyway.?. All I personally from Bush is talk to the hand.. 20 million or more illegal Mexicans are NOT good citizens(to hell with the taxes) with Americas interests at heart.. probably the same foreign mindset is in the LEGAL Mexicans hearts in this country too.. Wonder how many illegal AND legal Mexicans are in this country.?.
28 posted on 01/20/2005 10:54:30 AM PST by hosepipe (This propaganda has been ok'ed me to included some fully orbed hyperbole....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: FrankWild

I ditto your recommendation of "Mexifornia." He illustrates how difficult this issue is, and how simple demogoguery on both sides serves no useful purpose. But I found that the value of his book was that he makes a strong case for basing immigration policy upon assimilation, and grounding incoming immigrants in the values that made this nation what it is (essentially). Multiculturalism is not what makes this nation strong. Ultimately, it will make this nation like the Balkans. Multiracialism, based upon commonly agreed-to cultural values, strengthens this nation. I fault Bush for not making a stronger case for welcoming people from other nations, while stressing the importance of making them "Americans" once they get here.


29 posted on 01/20/2005 11:02:23 AM PST by My2Cents
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: SJackson; JohnHuang2; keri; international american; Kay Soze; jpsb; hershey; TomInNJ; dagnabbit; ...
'LAISSEZ-FAIR' POLITICS WILL KILL US BEFORE THE JIHAD DOES - ping.

(What's a measly $400 BILLION in lost tax revenue, anyway? - We got the money.)

=================================================

The laissez-faire right still lectures on open borders as if it were a matter of robust lawful immigration — emphasizing global competitiveness that accrues from cheap labor.

As President Bush's guest worker proposals slog through Congress, new reports suggest that there may be not 8 million, but almost 20 million illegal aliens in the United States, a population larger than most entire states.

$400 billion in taxes — almost the current annual budget deficit — are not collected due to a growing underground cash economy.

=================================================

Main Entry: lais·sez-faire
Pronunciation: "le-"sA-'far, "lA-, -"zA-, -'fer
Function: noun
Etymology: French laissez faire, imperative of laisser faire to let (people) do (as they choose)
1 : a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights
2 : a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference especially with individual freedom of choice and action
- laissez-faire adjective

30 posted on 01/20/2005 11:14:23 AM PST by Happy2BMe ("Islam fears democracy worse than anything If the imams can't control it - they will kill it.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: djreece

marking


31 posted on 01/20/2005 12:03:42 PM PST by djreece
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

It is a security issue period


32 posted on 01/20/2005 12:48:06 PM PST by joesnuffy (Moderate Islam Is For Dilettantes)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: All
We deported Illegals before and can do again we just need to ignore the whiny liberals. Another Opertation Wetback would be useful.
33 posted on 01/20/2005 12:58:41 PM PST by M 91 u2 K
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: mindspy; mysto; holyscroller; ozarkgirl; Outland; Rick Deckard; ZeitgeistSurfer; Klickitat; ...

Victor Davis Hanson!


34 posted on 01/20/2005 1:50:01 PM PST by JustAnotherSavage (Government spends what government receives plus as much as it can get away with-Milton Friedman)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: tomswiftjr

Thanks for posting about Valesquez, I've been listening to him on the radio!


35 posted on 01/20/2005 1:53:26 PM PST by JustAnotherSavage (Government spends what government receives plus as much as it can get away with-Milton Friedman)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: tomswiftjr

LOL! Now I understand why I couldn't find him on the net, I was spelling his name completely wrong.


36 posted on 01/20/2005 1:54:47 PM PST by JustAnotherSavage (Government spends what government receives plus as much as it can get away with-Milton Friedman)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Spok; dirtboy; Jay777; fastattacksailor; Jasper; Uncle Vlad; banjo joe; Darkwolf377; hushpad; ...

Must read!


Let me know if you want off this illegal immigration ping list.


37 posted on 01/20/2005 1:58:26 PM PST by JustAnotherSavage (Government spends what government receives plus as much as it can get away with-Milton Friedman)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: SJackson
I have issued this challenge before and I'll issue it again:

If illegal immigration is the high moral ground, let the President and his top lieutenants come out and lecture the American people we should change the immigration laws and allow completely open borders. Bush acts as if it is the moral right of border jumpers to come to American because they are poor and have a better chance here than in their home countries.

Of course a majority of the world's population would qualify for free entry into the U.S. by a test of poverty and limited opportunity.

Mr. President, have the balls to tell your fellow citizens you don't want to control the borders because you believe all poor people have a right to come to America.

See how far that gets you, Mr. President.

What I can't understand is why the President is adamant about opportunity for the citizens of Iraq but silent when it comes to the government corruption of our southern neighbor contributing to the desperate plight of millions of Mexicans and their inability to have real economic opportunity.

38 posted on 01/20/2005 2:08:56 PM PST by NoControllingLegalAuthority
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Allen

>>you're an American Man!<<

To the consternation of many FReepers. LOL


39 posted on 01/20/2005 2:14:22 PM PST by B4Ranch (Don't remain seated until this ride comes to a full and complete stop! We're going the wrong way!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: SJackson
"Undocumented workers" is the politically correct terminology

President Bush uses this terminology which counts as a blatant lie in my book. He knows what he's talking about, even if he's not very honest in expressing it.

40 posted on 01/20/2005 2:17:24 PM PST by k2blader (It is neither compassionate nor conservative to support the expansion of socialism.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 next last

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.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson