“O’ Really…Really?”
By
Russ Jackson
Arizona, Going Rogue?
I was not sure if I was going to tackle this issue due to the very delicate nature of the debate. In fact, I would say that the intensity of this issue is as great if not greater than the health care reform debate recently held.
So, going forward, I will try to handle it with caution. First, let me set something up real quick. I do not begrudge people trying to make a better life for themselves or their family. It is my belief that the majority of illegal immigrants in the country are here with this exact purpose in mind: to find decent paying jobs so they can support their families back home. These folks come here from less fortunate countries and take on tons of manual labor jobs and are paid well below the minimum wage to do so. What is really sad is that well below minimum wage in America is still vastly superior to whatever wages they can receive in their home countries. It has to be, otherwise why risk being arrested time and time again by crossing over the boarder illegally. I am stating that I do not agree with them doing so, I am stating that I can sympathize with the situation. More on this later…
On July 27th, the 9th circuit court of appeals struck down parts, but not all of the Arizona immigration law. Those backing reform, and general amnesty for illegal immigrants feel this is a victory. Now, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV (although that would be great since it would mean I was employed!). However here are just my gut feelings on this whole fiasco (and it is a fiasco).
First, obviously there is an illegal immigrant issue within the United States. Even the ones that are here just to pursue better employment are still a drain on the public resources without putting much back (no taxes, majority of dollars earned sent back to their home country). Then there are the illegal folks who are here for nefarious reasons. The drug runners, the kidnappers, the Mexican Mafia and all those folks who seek to profit by inflicting misery on others. Obviously these are two different problems that need two different solutions. The second problem (the nefarious ilk) poses a danger to the actual citizens of the United States in the form of physical harm. While the first problem poses economic and resource allocation issues. Knowing that multitasking is a very difficult job for our Federal Government, shouldn’t we choose one to focus on first? Which of these problems is more important? I know my vote lies with the nefarious crime ridden drug running types. Your mileage may vary, but I am guessing the citizens of Arizona were focused on the drug running and gang violence when they formulated the new law.
Where does the responsibility lie for controlling the border of our nation? I think the obvious answer is the Federal Government. The Feds claim they are doing the job of border patrol. Arizona says they are not (hence the new legislation). So, there is a disconnect here since both can not be right. Both may perceive they are right, but they can not both be correct. Just from learning a few things while in the professional world, my guess is that the ones that are closer to the problem have a better feel for what is real, and what is perceived. Also, it is obvious from multiple polls conducted over the last several weeks that the majority of the citizens in Arizona support the new law. Now, I don’t know if the new law would actually make any difference in the number of deportations, or number of crimes stopped and/or prevented. Chances are, we may never know. I will say this though, regardless if the law is ever enacted or is struck down in the Supreme Court, my guess is that the real agenda for Arizona was achieved. To bring light to the actual problems occurring on the border states and force some action, any kind of action, from the Federal Government. So, mission accomplished for Jan Brewer.
Now, I have two questions for consideration. The first is an easier question to answer (but government officials want to make it complicated), and the second question is a little more complex.
Question #1: Can border security be achieved without complete immigration reform? The simple answer is…maybe? OK, this question is not as easy as one might think. But let us consider this first as far as placing importance on securing the boarder. Having a tight border is not just related to illegal immigrants crossing the boarder looking for work. In fact, that concern should be at the bottom of the list. The top reason to secure the boarder has nothing to do with working immigrants, or racial profiling, or getting mad that “them there Mexicans are stealin’ our jobs!” That was done in my best southern hick accent, just so you know…
The number one reason for securing the boarder is (drum roll please!) preventing terrorists and other foreign operatives from entering the country and really doing some damage. So, to this citizen, the whole argument from the left falls so short (oh we are racial profiling!) from the actual dangers that it is not even funny. Now that the real problem is on the table (porous border that can allow terrorists and other foreign operatives in) I think it is easy to answer Question #1 now. Yes, the border can be better secured, and really should be (not just the southern one) for National Security reasons regardless of immigration reform.
Question #2 (and this may make some folks uneasy, but I am really curious)
Where are all the legal immigrants and why are they not screaming the loudest about illegal immigrants? I mean, theses are the people who put in the hard work, dedication, and patience on earning the right legally to work here in the United States. They did things the legal way. They pay taxes, contribute to this great society of ours in the US and both the US and they are better for it. So I do not understand why they would not be the first people to stand up and say “No” to amnesty? Please do not take this the wrong way, I just know that if I worked my butt off for something, and then saw the same thing just given away freely, I would be a bit perturbed. I am sure part of it has to do with family ties and other things…but I would be very interested to see someone who has done things the legal way answer this question.
I do not doubt that there are problems in our immigration system. It probably is too long, too cumbersome, and difficult to achieve. We may need to increase the actual numbers of legal immigrants we let in each year. I am sure there is reform that is needed. There is also a need to deal with the 12 million some odd illegal (working legal jobs) immigrants as well. I will have to tackle those issues at another time though, as my fingers are growing weary tonight J.
Take care all, and thanks for reading! As always, comments are welcome!
Starkimus
7/28/2010
By
Russ Jackson
Arizona, Going Rogue?
I was not sure if I was going to tackle this issue due to the very delicate nature of the debate. In fact, I would say that the intensity of this issue is as great if not greater than the health care reform debate recently held.
So, going forward, I will try to handle it with caution. First, let me set something up real quick. I do not begrudge people trying to make a better life for themselves or their family. It is my belief that the majority of illegal immigrants in the country are here with this exact purpose in mind: to find decent paying jobs so they can support their families back home. These folks come here from less fortunate countries and take on tons of manual labor jobs and are paid well below the minimum wage to do so. What is really sad is that well below minimum wage in America is still vastly superior to whatever wages they can receive in their home countries. It has to be, otherwise why risk being arrested time and time again by crossing over the boarder illegally. I am stating that I do not agree with them doing so, I am stating that I can sympathize with the situation. More on this later…
On July 27th, the 9th circuit court of appeals struck down parts, but not all of the Arizona immigration law. Those backing reform, and general amnesty for illegal immigrants feel this is a victory. Now, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV (although that would be great since it would mean I was employed!). However here are just my gut feelings on this whole fiasco (and it is a fiasco).
First, obviously there is an illegal immigrant issue within the United States. Even the ones that are here just to pursue better employment are still a drain on the public resources without putting much back (no taxes, majority of dollars earned sent back to their home country). Then there are the illegal folks who are here for nefarious reasons. The drug runners, the kidnappers, the Mexican Mafia and all those folks who seek to profit by inflicting misery on others. Obviously these are two different problems that need two different solutions. The second problem (the nefarious ilk) poses a danger to the actual citizens of the United States in the form of physical harm. While the first problem poses economic and resource allocation issues. Knowing that multitasking is a very difficult job for our Federal Government, shouldn’t we choose one to focus on first? Which of these problems is more important? I know my vote lies with the nefarious crime ridden drug running types. Your mileage may vary, but I am guessing the citizens of Arizona were focused on the drug running and gang violence when they formulated the new law.
Where does the responsibility lie for controlling the border of our nation? I think the obvious answer is the Federal Government. The Feds claim they are doing the job of border patrol. Arizona says they are not (hence the new legislation). So, there is a disconnect here since both can not be right. Both may perceive they are right, but they can not both be correct. Just from learning a few things while in the professional world, my guess is that the ones that are closer to the problem have a better feel for what is real, and what is perceived. Also, it is obvious from multiple polls conducted over the last several weeks that the majority of the citizens in Arizona support the new law. Now, I don’t know if the new law would actually make any difference in the number of deportations, or number of crimes stopped and/or prevented. Chances are, we may never know. I will say this though, regardless if the law is ever enacted or is struck down in the Supreme Court, my guess is that the real agenda for Arizona was achieved. To bring light to the actual problems occurring on the border states and force some action, any kind of action, from the Federal Government. So, mission accomplished for Jan Brewer.
Now, I have two questions for consideration. The first is an easier question to answer (but government officials want to make it complicated), and the second question is a little more complex.
Question #1: Can border security be achieved without complete immigration reform? The simple answer is…maybe? OK, this question is not as easy as one might think. But let us consider this first as far as placing importance on securing the boarder. Having a tight border is not just related to illegal immigrants crossing the boarder looking for work. In fact, that concern should be at the bottom of the list. The top reason to secure the boarder has nothing to do with working immigrants, or racial profiling, or getting mad that “them there Mexicans are stealin’ our jobs!” That was done in my best southern hick accent, just so you know…
The number one reason for securing the boarder is (drum roll please!) preventing terrorists and other foreign operatives from entering the country and really doing some damage. So, to this citizen, the whole argument from the left falls so short (oh we are racial profiling!) from the actual dangers that it is not even funny. Now that the real problem is on the table (porous border that can allow terrorists and other foreign operatives in) I think it is easy to answer Question #1 now. Yes, the border can be better secured, and really should be (not just the southern one) for National Security reasons regardless of immigration reform.
Question #2 (and this may make some folks uneasy, but I am really curious)
Where are all the legal immigrants and why are they not screaming the loudest about illegal immigrants? I mean, theses are the people who put in the hard work, dedication, and patience on earning the right legally to work here in the United States. They did things the legal way. They pay taxes, contribute to this great society of ours in the US and both the US and they are better for it. So I do not understand why they would not be the first people to stand up and say “No” to amnesty? Please do not take this the wrong way, I just know that if I worked my butt off for something, and then saw the same thing just given away freely, I would be a bit perturbed. I am sure part of it has to do with family ties and other things…but I would be very interested to see someone who has done things the legal way answer this question.
I do not doubt that there are problems in our immigration system. It probably is too long, too cumbersome, and difficult to achieve. We may need to increase the actual numbers of legal immigrants we let in each year. I am sure there is reform that is needed. There is also a need to deal with the 12 million some odd illegal (working legal jobs) immigrants as well. I will have to tackle those issues at another time though, as my fingers are growing weary tonight J.
Take care all, and thanks for reading! As always, comments are welcome!
Starkimus
7/28/2010
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