Saturday, October 27, 2007
IMMIGRATION IS HOT ISSUE
There is little doubt that immigration is a hot button political issue this season, and it is likely to continue to be so during the 2008 elections.
A recent poll on the website of the Enid News-Eagle found that this was the principal issue of concern to some 35% of those completing the survey. This compares with roughly 20% for the Iraq War, and about 15% each for the economy and for health care as the single most important issue.
We are not sure of the relative importance of abortion and gay marriage, the perennial red herring distractive election issues pandering to the religious right wing constituency.
Several times previously, this writer has warned democrats to be politically cautious about the immigration issue. Repeatedly there have been signs that the democratic leadership in Congress does not understand the thinking of a large proportion of the public regarding illegal aliens. At times they appear to be as deaf as Mr. Bush.
In spite of all the ills brought on the nation by the republicans in power during the past seven years, the democrats could very well fall prey to a well-orchestrated and well-financed campaign casting them as weak on protecting America from an invasion of illegal immigrants. They could lose this election on that hot button issue, just as they have lost other elections based on the emotions surrounding abortion and gay rights.
HB 1806, the Oklahoma version of immigration control, was pushed by the republicans in the legislature, and then supported by most democrats after some of the more offensive and inhumane provisions were dropped. Although it is encountering negative reactions as it goes into effect, it would probably poll 70% support from Oklahoma citizens.
Republicans appear to be just a little too pleased with the attention this law brings to them and the state. They are fortunate that it was moderated somewhat from its original form. Yet the present law has some flaws which may rise up to bite its sponsors.
H.B. 1806 provides for criminal prosecution of “good Samaritans,” and this has never been acceptable to the average Oklahoman or American. Our Bible tells us to care for the stranger and sojourner in our midst. A number of churches follow biblical teachings to care for the needy and the oppressed. This law will make criminals of those giving shelter and sustenance to needy immigrants here illegally.
We doubt that part will be enforced. If so, it may well bring grief upon its sponsors, as well as its enforcers.
Americans demand control of their borders. They want also to see illegal aliens documented as temporaries, tracked, and sent home when their time expires. They think that some path toward citizenship is appropriate for only a limited number, and these must meet screening conditions including Americanization.
Rightly or wrongly, Americans are increasingly intolerant as they perceive their country awash with a mass of seemingly uncontrollable, lower class, foreign speaking, culturally different people challenging this nation’s schools, laws, medical facilities, social services, law enforcement, values, traditions, loyalties, and the flag with stars and stripes. This is the common view.
Yes, this will indeed continue to be a political issue, and both parties had better study, understand the problem, and propose acceptable solutions.
Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, AKA The Militant Moderate
A recent poll on the website of the Enid News-Eagle found that this was the principal issue of concern to some 35% of those completing the survey. This compares with roughly 20% for the Iraq War, and about 15% each for the economy and for health care as the single most important issue.
We are not sure of the relative importance of abortion and gay marriage, the perennial red herring distractive election issues pandering to the religious right wing constituency.
Several times previously, this writer has warned democrats to be politically cautious about the immigration issue. Repeatedly there have been signs that the democratic leadership in Congress does not understand the thinking of a large proportion of the public regarding illegal aliens. At times they appear to be as deaf as Mr. Bush.
In spite of all the ills brought on the nation by the republicans in power during the past seven years, the democrats could very well fall prey to a well-orchestrated and well-financed campaign casting them as weak on protecting America from an invasion of illegal immigrants. They could lose this election on that hot button issue, just as they have lost other elections based on the emotions surrounding abortion and gay rights.
HB 1806, the Oklahoma version of immigration control, was pushed by the republicans in the legislature, and then supported by most democrats after some of the more offensive and inhumane provisions were dropped. Although it is encountering negative reactions as it goes into effect, it would probably poll 70% support from Oklahoma citizens.
Republicans appear to be just a little too pleased with the attention this law brings to them and the state. They are fortunate that it was moderated somewhat from its original form. Yet the present law has some flaws which may rise up to bite its sponsors.
H.B. 1806 provides for criminal prosecution of “good Samaritans,” and this has never been acceptable to the average Oklahoman or American. Our Bible tells us to care for the stranger and sojourner in our midst. A number of churches follow biblical teachings to care for the needy and the oppressed. This law will make criminals of those giving shelter and sustenance to needy immigrants here illegally.
We doubt that part will be enforced. If so, it may well bring grief upon its sponsors, as well as its enforcers.
Americans demand control of their borders. They want also to see illegal aliens documented as temporaries, tracked, and sent home when their time expires. They think that some path toward citizenship is appropriate for only a limited number, and these must meet screening conditions including Americanization.
Rightly or wrongly, Americans are increasingly intolerant as they perceive their country awash with a mass of seemingly uncontrollable, lower class, foreign speaking, culturally different people challenging this nation’s schools, laws, medical facilities, social services, law enforcement, values, traditions, loyalties, and the flag with stars and stripes. This is the common view.
Yes, this will indeed continue to be a political issue, and both parties had better study, understand the problem, and propose acceptable solutions.
Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, AKA The Militant Moderate
