Even though I'm solidly pro-immigration, I do want to raise a few issues which trouble me and which have largely escaped due scrutiny. First, I find the argument that American-born children of undocumented workers should guarantee against enforcement of immigration laws to the undocumented family unconvincing. It's totally unfair to prospective immigrants whom have to wait in line and are denied equal protection because they have to wait they can legally enter the country to conceive and deliver an American child. I am not arguing against the right of an American-born child to return to the United States once he or she is no longer a minor, but the idea that we would tolerate an unfair back door approach to citizenship is unfair in concept. I would be willing to consider a path to legal residency for parents of an American-born child after the child returns to the US at or after the age of 18, but a path to citizenship should include consistently applied merit-based factors (e.g., education, English language fluency, professional/technical skills, etc.)
Second, I think that much of the opposition to the Arizona immigration law is based not on the specifics of the immigration bill itself, but against enforcement of existing US immigration laws, period. I have the highest respect for undocumented workers whom are doing difficult work in terms of migrant farm harvests, gardening, maid service, etc. I want to see legalization of otherwise lawful temporary worker status (i.e., not involved in drug smuggling or other organized criminal activity). But there has to be an orderly flow mechanism. Mexico and other Latin American countries should not be allowed in effect to shift the burden of dysfunctional economic policies to America. I reject the concept of sanctuary cities and believe in cutting off any and all federal dollars to cities (e.g., San Francisco) which do not fully cooperate with immigration control policies.
Third, I've made it clear that I believe the Arizona immigration law is unconstitutional because there is a clear federal mandate for border protection. But it's not even immediately clear, other than some recent anecdotal events (e.g., the tragic murder of a rancher by an illegal immigrant), the compelling rationale behind the new law. Anecdotal events should not be the basis for new immigration policy. The facts are, according to various federal statistics: (1) illegal entry has gone down by more than half over the past decade; (2) various major crime categories (e.g., violence; property) in the state have trended down over the past 5 years, even though population has increased; and (3) the frequency of crime by unauthorized immigrants is lower than for the general population. Moreover, it's not really clear what, if any, significant effect will result from the new policy. For example, notorious Sheriff Joe Arpaio has already been tough against illegal immigrants, but he can't really estimate how many new illegals will be caught because of the new mandates under the Arizona law. If you can't reliably estimate how many additional illegals would be detained based on "reasonable suspicion", why are you passing this law?
European Crisis Extends
The world's stock markets are reeling from the spreading European contagion with several countries facing deficit/national debt difficulties: Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, etc. Ironically, the American dollar gains strength at the expense of the euro. Greece experienced a national strike day (including violence) as it is now in the process of adopting tough austerity measures, particularly affecting Greece's disproportionately large public sector, e.g., pension eligibility shifts from 53 to 67; an annual two-month bonus is eliminated; the VAT is increased from 21 to 23%; salaries are cut; and sin taxes are increased. Attention Governor Schwarzenegger (R-CA): Do you think that California can learn anything from the Greek experience? Attention President Obama: Do you think that the United States can learn anything from the Greek experience?
Political Cartoon
Dan Wright notes that the WH public relations effort is finding it hard to sidestep how the BP Deepwater Horizon spill has been ineffectually managed and communicated. Fox News today raised some troubling issues about potential corruption in the Interior Department, where BP and/or other companies were allegedly given deferential treatment in terms of established rules and regulations and the issue of BP contributions to Democratic lawmakers.
Quote of the Day
Principle -- particularly moral principle -- can never be a weathervane, spinning around this way and that with the shifting winds of expediency. Moral principle is a compass forever fixed and forever true.
Edward R. Lyman
Musical Interlude: More "Angel" Songs
Aerosmith, "Angel" (greatest Aerosmith song EVER!) all-time favorite
Merrilee Rush, "Angel of the Morning"
ABBA, "Angel Eyes"
Charlie Pride, "Kiss an Angel Good Morning"
