Friday, March 31, 2006

Concern for Americans and Compassion for Immigrants...

...are not mutually exclusive. So, Lou Dobbs speaks for working Americans now? According to him:

"One of the things that frustrates many of us who care about our country and the truth is the rampant barrage of misinformation, disseminated by such vociferous special interests, whether they are ethnocentric social activists, labor unions, the Catholic Church or Corporate America. The truth is advocates of amnesty, guest-worker programs and open borders are unconcerned about the 280 million American citizens, the men and women of this country who work for a living and their families."

First off, social activists, labor unions, and the Catholic Church may be special interests, but they are, in order, pro humanity, pro American worker, and pro life (not meaning anti-abortion here, but in support of all life in all places). If they can be described as vociferous then it only because they have been consistently ignored, trampled on, and discounted by those in power. Even mentioning them in the same sentence with corporate America is indicative of the complete absense of a clue. Corporate America is getting its way more now than at any time since the great trusts and monopolies were brought down, in fact they are being built back up.

More importantly wishing/asking/hoping for kindness and mercy towards those who come here seaking a better life is not demonstrating a lack of concern for "280 million American citizens." It is extending concern to those who need it more. At the same time, something that a majority of Americans want is not the same as something that is best for them. Most people would choose to eat chocolate and ice cream over spinach and brussels sprouts. Now there is an obesity epidemic. Immigration is very complex and most people are only motivated by a few noisy talking point individuals (like ol' Lou). The decision that they would make would not be informed because our news organizations no longer seek to inform. They want to yell over the others screamers, they want to entertain. People getting along and caring for others doesn't sell like controversy and violence. Open borders may not be the answer, but neither is crimanalizing those who hope for better for themselves and thier children.

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