Immigration, Amnesty, and a lawful society

I'm sure we've all seen the disgusting demonstrations put on by adolescents in the southwestern regions of our country.  I'm currently vacationing in Las Vegas, so I'm possibly a little close to the "action," and I'm certainly in an area that has a higher population of immigrants than I'm used to at home.

Why do I call the demonstrations "disgusting?"  I hope it isn't because of any latent racism.  In fact, I usually enjoy talking to and working with immigrants, particularly of the Mexican variety, although I've also had some very interesting conversations with the Somalians that we see at home.  The Mexicans that I have exposure to are typically friendly, industrious, and hard-working.  I hope that doesn't come off as a "some of my best friends are Mexicans" arrogance - I truly have a tremendous amount of respect for them.  That said, I cannot support the rewarding of any kind of amnesty for illegal immigrants.  I would, however, support a more streamlined immigration process to enable those that choose to pursue their fortunes in our country to do so without enduring a ludicrous amount of governmental red tape.

I call the demonstrations disgusting because they go beyond that.  The demonstrations I have seen are not about immigration; rather they are focussed on the idea of Mexican ownership of this country, and they are blatantly anti-American.  It confuses me, frankly, to see such an anti-American sentiment from those that desire to strongly to be here.  My gut reaction is the opposite of one which would allow me to support their cause.  When I see American flags flown in a subservient position to the Mexican flag by these demonstrators, my first thought is "if you don't like it, swim you ass back across the river."  Surely that is not the way to advance their cause with the typical American.

My problem with an amnesty program, no matter what semantic lipstick the gov't tries to dress that hog with, is that it makes a mockery of our laws, just as the pardoning of those that fled to Canada to avoid the draft in the 60's and early 70's did.

If illegal immigrants can openly break the law and be rewarded for it with an amnesty program, I'm left wondering what kind of sucker could ever give a damn about the law.  Why, for example, should I pay the exhorbitant taxes I do?  Why should I ever bother to even glance at a speed limit sign?  Why shouldn't I have a still in my back yard?  Why in the world would I worry about breakinig the law by growing pot in my basement?  Where do you draw the line?

A society based on equal enforcement of the law for all cannot survive when it becomes apparent that the law only applies to those that choose to follow it.  Nor can it survive when the laws are only selectively applied.  While I can welcome immigrants and support an easier way for them to legally enter the country, I cannot get behind rewarding illegal immigration with a free pass.  Such a policy would be a brick in the road to anarchy.

Comments

[rob]

As a mexican-america whos family came to the US somewhat, err, not-legally.. I probably don't have much room to talk.. but...
I'm somewhat perplexed by the uproar over Immigration reform. I heard some left-centered person say the other night that the new laws would make felons out of 12 million people.. Uhhhm, excuse me? Aren't they already law breakers? I mean, isn't that what "Illegal Alien" means?
btw.. my family jumped the river about 4 generations ago, for the record. (think Pancho Villa)

[Phoenix]

Nice job, Hogarth.

I'm wishy-washy about this issue. Once there is an emotional component to an issue, it takes on prisms of light that deflect you from the real issue. You make good points here. I have to say, though, I can't agree that the majority of Mexicans here want to take over America. I think the just want to become part of it. I don't see the anarchy part. The demonstrations were made up of mostly young people, and for sure, they tend to 'look' more anarchist than if their mothers and fathers and grandparents were out there in protest. The protests were calm and there was no trashing of Main Street. No little tiny cars were turned over.

Still, your premise is right-on. Stick with the law. And stop the flow.

[Hogarth]

The anarchy doesn't come from the protests and who participates in them, it comes from the inevitable erosion of citizens respect for the law when they see it not only openly flaunted, but see illegal behavior rewarded. Selective enforcement confuses the populace and leads to a continual erosion of the cohesiveness of our society. There may not be riots now, but headed down that path.

[Steel Turman]

Does anyone know what a million people look like? THAT is a city the size of Salt Lake City moving here every year. Now you stop and think about that. I'll wait. In the last 20 years there have been 20 times that run across our border. And those are the ones we think we know about. You might want to double that number. Assimilation? How in THE hell can we even hope to do THAT? Close the border. Demand documentation. Deport without litigation. Otherwise ... learn to speak Spanish. Soon.

[Rob]

Saw an interesting story on the marches. Someone told the leaders that everyone carrying around Mexican flags wasn't really helping their cause. If you notice now, American flags are everywhere. Nice that the leaders can take advice..

[Steel]

Is Obi Wan ALIVE? Does anyone know for sure? Please send me an email if you know.

[Daveg]

I had an email from him a week or two ago. I'll check in with him tonight if I get a chance.

[Steel Turman]

To anyone concerned whether Obi Wan is alive. He is. I heard his voice in the background when I called him and spoke to his daughter. Today. He said he'd call back this afternoon. Today.

[Steel]

He didn't call back. But I know he is alive. I hope that is of some consolation to YOU, his readers.