I find the argument that the problem with immigrants is illegal immigration pretty uncompelling. First of all, it's almost (not always) made by people who don't want to let those people (or equivalent numbers of their more law abiding compatriots) in legally, and react against any proposal to do so with exactly the vehemence that they complain about the illegal entry of illegal immigrants. Thank you, Mz. "Can someone explain this in terms that don't devolve into "But the Mexicans are brown". The author is smart, and usually sensible. Why does this turn her into a raving bigot? (Yes, I consider those who project racism onto others to be bigots. Ditto for those who project mental disorders.) I'm very much against letting thieves get away with breaking the law. I'm also against giving them the goods. These aren't contradictions. To respond directly to the accusation, I am against illegal immigration because they are breaking into my house. The breaking of laws which shows an almost total disregard for the country they are entering is a major reason I am greatly against illegal immigration, beyond the law-abiding instincts I may have. I wouldn't mind having the same number of folks coming in, if they could be integrated into the existing society and if they would be useful to the country. I don't think that those two items will be fulfilled. Earlier waves of immigrants gave us something we needed-- bodies. They also didn't predominantly come from a country that is right next door, and that has a historic claim to some areas. (Valid or no, there is a historic claim.) They are not related issues, although it may seem like they should be-- one I object to because those involved prove they have no interest in following the rules of the land they are invading. The second I am not for because I do not see the benefit to the country. I really, honestly don't know why the author has abandoned her usual thoughtful style to throw this junk out. (I honestly don't agree with her even 1/4th of the time, but she's good enough that I enjoy reading anyways. It's sad that a topic that it would be enjoyable to read in her usual style instead brinks out this junk.)
Here They Come a-Caroling...
1 hour ago
3 comments:
Well, we're in the same position nowadays of needing bodies. On the other hand, giving people carte blanche to ignore the law is, long term, one of the worse possible things we can do to our society. We also do not want to allow Latin American culture to become the primary cultural influence on America, honestly.
That isn't meant to be a racist remark, just an objective one. Speaking as a Latin American myself, I think I can say that. Latin culture is too emotional, too pride-focused and corrupt, IMO, to then lead to a well functioning and sustainable country and government. Look at the countries in Latin America. Not exactly the picture of success. On the other hand, America and Britain and other western countries, with our much more secular, rational, and even at times emotionally repressed and coldly logical cultures have managed to do quite well when it comes to getting a functioning society running that has, compared to the rest of the world, very little civil strife.
There's no denying that the *legal* immigration system is just as broken as the system in place to stop illegal immigration. We *do* need the bodies. We must also enforce the law. The solution would be to make a way for people from other countries who want to immigrate do so more easily. (I'm not talking about amnesty for those already here, I'm talking about speeding up the years-long lines for people who have been waiting overseas for a chance to come here, working legally in the system, and still haven't gotten to.)
But I don't see anybody on capital hill or on the news talking about streamlining legal immigration these days. Only about enforcing the border or giving amnesty to illegals, the former of which is only a partial and incomplete solution, and the latter which will be detrimental to the country in the long run.
-Dirigibletrance
I'd argue that we don't need bodies, given that over half of all teens don't have jobs this summer year, and that there are several guest-worker models already in place.
Amen on the culture issue, although I hadn't considered it. Next guy who acts like I'm a freak because I know how to change the oil in my car may end up wearing it, y'know?
I like how Mr. Derbyshire on National Review deals with it-- the current system IS broken, and he's got a lot of been-there-and-seen-it info.
I would, however, like to enforce the law before we start trying to fix the outer rims. If we don't, we'll end up like the last immigration thing-- which we're still doing paperwork on, 20 years later.
Good post...I agree
Post a Comment