Phil Florian wrote:
The immigrant issue in America is a mixed blessing for this country. Like every generation in America, there are those that have been here a while and those that are new, eyes blinking in the glare of what America has to offer. It is currently the Mexicans but seriously, how many generations can you go back before your forerunners were "aliens" to these shores? One generation? Two? A dozen?
I'm perplexed. This country was not built on illegal immigrants. But time after time it's called the immigrant issue - as if it can't be done legally. I agree, there is too much government and the process could be streamlined if the representatives would focus on first upholding current law, then coming up with alternatives to make becoming a legal easier. As the thread states, what part of illegal don't you understand?
I have to agree that waving "costs" in people's face is a bit disingenuous. The "war on terror" in Iraq isn't what is protecting these shores. I have no doubt Homeland Security is stopping one plan after another but I sure bet they are wishing they had some of that Iraqi dough to throw around.
The cost thing was unfortunately brought up and is now becoming the new mantra (as it always does) because taking care of ourselves with domestic spending is arguably more pleasant than fighting enemy insurgents on their turf. There are human costs which are also part of the mix. 3000 involuntary lives in the WTC, 4000 voluntary US soldiers and tens of thousands throughout the conflict areas. If we pack up, without Iraqi people ready to defend themselves, that number could turn into millions.
Oddly, you are neatly separating out the war on terrorism away from homeland security protection. I think most world governments understand that they are totally connected. So I disagree that capturing Al Qaida operatives and information in the theater of battle is disconnected from protecting us. I truly don't think people like yourself understand how big this is. The world changed on 9/11 - and yet short term memory rules the day - as if we ignore it, it will go away. I really do encourage you to read the 9/11 commission report. Lot's of historical context and the finger pointing well distributed.
But the "cost" of $20 billion is a bit hard to swallow, since so many businesses would love to keep it on the hush how much they...and in the end, us...are saving by hiring illegals to do the work others don't want. And probably for wages others don't want. I am not saying I endorse this but I think Costs have more to consider than simply one output.
I agree the priorities are messed up. The real problem is making it easy for these folks to work legally. Period. As for work nobody wants, I wish the penal system would get creative and instead of harboring serious criminals in giant training facilities for weightlifting, drugs, gangs and sodomy, get them out in the fields doing work (not simple dope smokers and crack head types, but rapists and assaulters). Where there is no agriculture, have them sift through landfills separating recyclables from organics. Oh well, different subject.
The system has problems, to be sure, but the sweat of the immigrant brow...legal or otherwise...is what this country has continued to be built upon, for good or ill.
Legal is the only thing that counts. There are plenty of illegal things built/bought/consumed in this country. The "immigrant brow" indeed sounds so noble, but how about the gangs and serious career criminals here from all over South America? It is an insult to all the people who went through the process to become citizens legally.
Simply looking to shoo them away or, as our more hot-blooded citizens wish, shoo-t them away won't stop the flow. Fix the system. And yes, get us out of Iraq. That money could pay for health care for millions of uninsured, could help schools, could pay for actual homeland security, fix bridges, etc. Instead, it is doing much of that...over there. Priorities. C'mon, even most Republicans are admitting to this.
Hmm, I did not actually picture it so easily. But now that you mention it, the funding for Iraq could be converted into cash - say hundred dollar bills, and just like the Joker in Batman, Hillary could distribute it to the masses from parade floats. She's already got the look pretty well covered with the phony smile.
Nobody is trying to shoo away people who want to be in our country legally accept for our overly bureaucratic government processes. Yes fix the system, but don't ignore and not bother enforcing the law that already exists. If we want a ton more money in the federal coffers, go to a fair tax that taxes all goods and services. Force the underground economy from drugs and other non-taxed areas to kick in. It would pay for plenty of things... including evil clown floats if necessary.
.
)
