Today is the grand strike -- "a day without immigrants." Naturally, what they mean is "a day without ILLEGAL immigrants," because legal immigrants aren't a problem. They are, in fact, an undisputed asset, while I have grave doubts that the same can be said about the illegal ones, who are hoping to ride the legals' coattails into legitimacy. It makes me think of bank robbers simply calling themselves "undocumented withdrawers," and holding protests for "customer rights."
But I digress. The whole point I wish to raise here is just how wrong-headed this whole protest is.
A strike is, at its core, a show of strength. A show of resolve. A demand for what is perceived as justice and fairness.
One should only make such a power play when one has absolute, unshakable moral superiority. And that is utterly lacking in this case.
Oh, the attempt has been made, to paint the opponents of "immigration reform" (better translated into "we demand you reward us for breaking your laws, and change them so others can too") as racists, xenophobes, and other horrible things.
The problem is that a very strong, very compelling (and, in my mind, superior) argument can be made for the other side. We are far more interested in protecting a minority here, a group that is being abused, exploited, defamed, and trampled upon. These people are the ones who we feel are far more deserving of protection, of respect, and are compelled to stand up for them.
These people are the legal immigrants. The people who have followed the rules, filled out the forms, obeyed the laws, waited in line, and come to the United States by the established procedures. Yes, they can be cumbersome, but 1) the US has the least cumbersome policies for immigrants in the world; 2) takes in more people than any other nation; and 3) it ought NOT be easy to pick up and move from one nation to another. It is a tremendously significant action, and must not be taken lightly.
The illegal aliens' argument seems to boil down to "our home country, which we love dearly, sucks and we deserve to come to your country and make our lives better. We deserve it so much that we should be able to cut in line and come NOW, ahead of those stupid suckers who are actually following the rules. And if you don't like us just walking in here like we own the place, because some of our ancestors kinda did a long time ago until they couldn't keep it, you're a bunch of racists and hateful bigots and you ought to shut the hell up."
It's a lousy argument, and the only reason it has any credibility is the sheer numbers behind it. And the only reason it has those sheer numbers is that for years, enforcement of immigration law has been a joke.
Is it too late for a return to sanity, to the rule of law, to the quaint notion of respecting the laws of a nation where you wish to live? Sometimes I fear so. This one-day show of force gives me pause.
Lord, I hope not.
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Illegal Aliens
Comments (12)
I just got my shoes shined ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Hector Martiniez | May 1, 2006 11:13 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I just got my shoes shined at the Houston airport by a Spanish speaking person. Loads of Spanish speaking persons working today at the airport.
A day without illegal aliens is like a day......?
1. Posted by Hector Martiniez | May 1, 2006 11:13 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 11:13
2. Posted by chimangaconquistador | May 1, 2006 11:23 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
If this is supposed to be a day without Immigrants than why are the news media plastering their little get togethers all over the place with wall to wall coverage? when does the "Without" part come into play?
2. Posted by chimangaconquistador | May 1, 2006 11:23 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 11:23
3. Posted by Macker | May 1, 2006 11:33 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Two words to the Illegals and their supporters. The second word is "YOU."
3. Posted by Macker | May 1, 2006 11:33 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 11:33
4. Posted by chimangaconquistador | May 1, 2006 11:36 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I get it! hahaha
4. Posted by chimangaconquistador | May 1, 2006 11:36 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 11:36
5. Posted by The Random Yak | May 1, 2006 11:53 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
A point missed here by so many is that the legal immigrants, by and large, don't want any part of this day. They will be at work, and they will be doing exactly what they do every other work day of the year - contributing in a positive way to the country they want to be part of.
As far as the rule of law goes, I'm just glad to see someone else calling for it other than me. Hopefully the true message that comes out of this "protest" is the negative reaction it inspires in all those who love their country and choose to abide by its rules.
5. Posted by The Random Yak | May 1, 2006 11:53 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 11:53
6. Posted by Peter F. | May 1, 2006 12:03 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Welcome to Pinko de Mayo.
6. Posted by Peter F. | May 1, 2006 12:03 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 12:03
7. Posted by astigafa | May 1, 2006 12:10 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Two words to the Illegals and their supporters. The second word is "YOU."
You're welcome.
7. Posted by astigafa | May 1, 2006 12:10 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 12:10
8. Posted by Jon | May 1, 2006 12:11 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I am all for the legal immigrants and applaud their effort for a new life. But to have illegal aliens (they aren't considered immigrants yet) protest our rules and our way of life to get their way into a land that is so much more tolerant than theirs angers me to a degree that I wish everyone would get deported today. What if I, a white non-hispanic person went to Mexico and declared the same wants that they are protesting here? I would either be shot on sight or sent to jail with no hope for a trial, let alone parole. To protest the country and way of life that you are hoping to gain "legal" access to seems like biting the hand that feeds you. And if a pet of mine ever bit me after feeding them, I would have them sent to nearest shelter. Not a bad idea maybe to those on the streets today.
8. Posted by Jon | May 1, 2006 12:11 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 12:11
9. Posted by epador | May 1, 2006 12:11 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ban the Mayo!
http://www.yippee-ki-yay.us/index.php/yky/categories/C66/
9. Posted by epador | May 1, 2006 12:11 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 12:11
10. Posted by Peace Moonbeam | May 1, 2006 2:43 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Well put, as usual.
10. Posted by Peace Moonbeam | May 1, 2006 2:43 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 14:43
11. Posted by Robert | May 1, 2006 6:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Rule of law?
Maybe these rules and laws just don't jibe with the illegals' view of the Constitution.
11. Posted by Robert | May 1, 2006 6:52 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 18:52
12. Posted by wave_man | May 1, 2006 6:53 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Talked to my legal American Citizen friend from Paraguay this afternoon. He and the illegals that he works with are busy working down in Naples, FL. Too busy to stop, they've been working 7 days a week for a couple of months. He says that his cohorts look at the 'strike' as a joke.
Stopped by a store today frequented by Hispanics, they were busy, everyone with cheerful. No Hispanics, legal or no, in sight.
12. Posted by wave_man | May 1, 2006 6:53 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 1, 2006 18:53