It's happening again. On the weekend before we celebrate the country's 235th birthday, there is more civil unrest, this time in Georgia. Once again, there's a new immigration law and people are up in arms over said law. I suppose, after reading the portions that are being heavily debated, I can honestly say I don't understand. Please, seriously, will someone explain this to me? The people that stormed the Georgia Capitol today say the new law, "creates an unwelcome environment for people of color and those in search of a better life." Also, there are provisions of the law that are being challenged - 1) authorizing police to check immigration status of suspects without proper identification, 2) allowing them to detain illegal immigrants, and 3) penalizing people who knowingly and willingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants while committing another crime. It is also a felony to use false information or documentation when applying for a job. Period. Again, I ask - what am I missing?
One of the best parts of this protest and the people inciting it was the black pastor that told the crowd, "We're going to send a message to the powers that be...that when the people get united, there is no government that can stop them. Don't let them turn you around." Wait...say what? Excuse me, dear reverend, but this is still the United States. While we may not always agree with the government, the way we go about changing it is not by inciting riots and violence. It's not who we are. We are the country that gets brilliant people (so we hope) together to argue and debate these very issues. We do it in a civil manner and treat each other with respect, even when disagreeing with the opposing views. Who do you think you are? Let me say, for those in the peanut gallery - We are not debating immigration. We are debating ILLEGAL immigration. Why should the police NOT be allowed to check people's identification? If a cop stops me, he asks me for my license and registration. If someone IS an illegal immigrant, why (as it IS against the law and has been for some time) should they NOT be allowed to detain them? Hey, as documented Americans, we have to use the proper information when applying for jobs. Will you people PLEASE get over this? Illegal means illegal. It's "against the law." We all have to abide by it and so should you. You want to have a better life here? Get your citizenship! It's that easy! Now, in the name of all that is holy can we PLEASE stop arguing about what 'illegal' means. If you do not like the laws, by the way, there is a simple solution - GO HOME! No one is holding a gun to your head saying, "You're staying, get used to it." If this is so horrible, move back to your homeland. I promise, we will not be offended. We will not stop you. We will not....what? It is? That bad? THAT'S why you're here? Oh, NOW I get it. Then zip it and abide by the law. Thanks - we appreciate it. Don't make me come down there....
Anyway, it's time for the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach. For all you 'Non-rednecks', it's NASCAR. We like it because they go fast and only have to turn left. A lot. Pretty cars, too. Seriously, I'm hoping everyone has a great 4th.....and we'll discuss THAT little tidbit tomorrow. Now, go grill those burgers and steaks...and have fun.
Until next time.....
The eight years of President George W. Bush’s administration saw a marked increase in illegal immigration and a drop in immigration enforcement throughout much of his tenure. For example, the number of illegal aliens arrested in workplace cases fell from nearly 3,000 in 1999 to 445 in 2003, with the number of criminal cases against employers during this period falling from 182 to four. Not surprisingly, by 2005, there were an estimated 10-20 million illegal aliens living in the United States. Even at the end of 2007 after the Bush administration’s enforcement crackdown had been underway; only 92 criminal arrests of employers had taken place, in an economy that, according to the Washington Post, includes 6 million businesses that employ more than 7 million illegal foreign workers.
ReplyDeleteDespite the failure of past amnesties and the fact that these increase illegal immigration, Bush repeatedly pushed mass legalization (amnesty) schemes for illegal immigrants using the well-worn line that they “are doing jobs Americans will not” or “are not” doing. One scheme was the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act 2007 which was defeated by widespread popular opposition.
Hope Obama can solve this mess. Just more Bush -Republican crap that Obama has to take care of.
I'm sure there will be something done soon or at least by 2016 when Obama leaves office.