I’m not sure that I have ever seen Ruben address some essential framework issues, but it would be nice if we could get some of those established before we begin to debate on the more subtle nuances.
1)We need to come to a conclusion whether or not we agree that sneaking into someone else’s country, adopting an assumed identity, and living a lifetime beneath the system’s checks and balances…is an unhealthy breeding ground for trouble in both directions.
If Ruben is not willing to concede on these points, there does not appear to be any structural foundation to proceed further.
12-15 million people sneaking into the country and living a sub rosa existence, is no longer merely a breeding ground for trouble…it is a Petri dish of unhealthy consequences. In both directions.
2. Let us assume that Ruben agrees, at least for the moment until he bravely returns to tell us otherwise…and why.
Then, we are left with four choices.
a)address the unhealthy consequences first and deal with exceptions and future border trespassers after we have implemented corrective measures to the existing 12-15 million folks who have snuck in and have hidden themselves within the society.
b)address the future border sneaking problem first, making it unpleasant and undesirable to attempt to become a member of our society by way of trespass, breaking and entering, identity theft and thereby not rewarding what amounts to a home invasion.
c)address both issues simultaneously with a carrot and a stick that rewards good behavior and honorable actions and punishes unwanted behavior and dishonorable actions.
d)Do nothing, but continue to talk about it quite a bit.
Alibi and excuse-makers wish to attach the phrases “tough talk” and “racism” to taking ANY adverse action against people who sneak into our society. Then, they wish to complain that there isn’t an “amnesty” for the 12-15 million people who are living an entire existence in circumvention of our laws designed to protect and preserve the nation.
I’m all for giving people a second chance. I’m all for diversity. I am absolutely in favor of not unfairly taking advantage of people. We simply first have to stop romanticizing the problem and quit making alibis and excuses for the behaviors that led to the problem in the first place. If we can’t deal with it honestly…we can’t address it honestly.
And we surely can’t deal with “enforcement” as a second wave…or afterthought. That suggestion would apparently give amnesty to anyone who is here…and THEN we try to close the door? That would INVITE a rush into the country….with claims of “being here already” by another 10 million…and we will have doubled the problem. Thanks, but no thanks.
Perhaps when there is no more romance attached to sneaking in here, when it is no longer a badge of honor among the communitiy members, when the alibis and excuses end…then perhaps we can begin to address the issue with real solutions
