Sunday, August 8, 2010
Doug Wright
If Doug Wright continues to be a voice of reason on the immigration issue I just might have to become a fan. I have my radio alarm set to KSL because it is one thing that will propel me out of bed faster than anything else. I usually can't stand to listen to it, but I've actually had a few late mornings because I've wanted to tune in to the discussion. It boggles my mind how some people can be so intolerant of others. I understand a need for immigration reform, but it also must be done in a compassionate and tolerant way. Just because we were blessed to born into this country does not make us better than anyone else -- undocumented or not. So here's to Doug Wright for having the courage to speak up, and from the comments made on his show, basically offend a good majority of his base. His opinions on the Movie Show however, still give me the shivers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Mmm- I don't belive in immegration reform because I think Americans born in the country are better than everyone else. My friends from Italy go through so much crap to come here documented. I don't think it's right that some people think they are above that and are simply entitled to take the things my friends have to work hard for to aqcuire legally.
ReplyDeleteFor me it isn't a matter of entitlement, it is a matter of integrity... and national security... and health... it isn't a coincidence that southern Texas is battling whooping cough again, and infants have died of diseases that USED to be considered eradicated.
"Compassion" is a subjective term.
The statue invites the tired and poor, not the entitled and dishonest. There are good reasons for immigration laws. Enforcing those laws, like any other laws, isn't heartless- it's just part of the reason we have something to offer these people in the first place.
I don't think you will get an argument from me about why it is important that individuals come into this country legally. My problem is with the hate and racism that have emerged because of this debate. The Arizona law and several of the proposed ones in Utah are based only on skin color and ethnicity. It's legalized racism. If you look Latino then you are at risk of being considered undocumented and therefore must carry "documentation" at all times? Racism -- simple as that. Sure, there are problems, and thus the need for immigration reform. We had a excellent chance of passing sweeping legislation last year, however, it was blocked by those who believed only in the justice aspect of the law. However in order to be just you must have mercy and vice versa. Many of these hardworking individuals deserve mercy. Not all undocumented workers are drug dealers and criminals. They all didn't run across the border with a coyote either. Some came here as children with their parents, some came here legally on a work or education permit and their Visa expired. When I was on my mission I lived in Russia illegally for two months, and then in Latvia my documents expired also. I wasn't there to do harm or disrupt the local economy. The worry that I have is when people scream that undocumented individuals need to be deported. What happens to their family. Many have children who are American citizens because they were born here -- a right guaranteed by the Constitution regardless of their parent's legality. What do you do? Deport the parents and leave the children? Deport the entire family? Well, then you are deporting American citizens, and as a citizen I don't want that precedent set. Many have been living and working in our country for decades. If they came here as children, married, and established a life, where do you deport them too? That seems barbaric and far beneath something that this great country stands for. Should there be punishments? Yes. Should there be pathways to citizenship? Absolutely. Should there be tolerance? Certainly. So again -- here's to Doug Wright, for speaking up, and I guess I'm ready to speak up also. For an additional perspective on the issue read the front page editorial in the Deseret News. (I'd make a link but I don't know how to do it in the comments.) It was written by Mark H. Willis, President and CEO of Deseret Media Companies, which owns the Deseret News and KSL. It's titled Immigration is about us. I don't agree with some of it, mainly the part about the states leading the way for immigration reform -- I think that is a federal issue, but I think he makes some excellent points. (This may be a first, I'm singing the praises of Doug Wright and I'm linking to a D-News Editorial.)
ReplyDeleteI’ve really stayed out of the political debates about immigration reform because it’s seems to be a “no win” argument. Clearly, we don’t want to encourage illegal behavior, but….throw everyone out…or track folks down and throw them out…or make lists of alleged illegals and expose them. None of those seem like viable or reasonable options either.
ReplyDeleteAs a taxpayer, the cost of illegal immigration troubles me. Our states take on the healthcare burdens; most states REQUIRE healthcare emergency services to ALL people (and this is the right thing to do!)
Immigration policy should be federalized; in my opinion, it is not a state issue. What is interesting is that many times, states think something is their issue…it gets challenged in court…then becomes a federal issue. Don’t believe me? Can you say Brown v. Board of Education? Can you say Roe v. Wade? This is also what will happen with gay marriage and immigration, IMHO. These both (marriage and immigration) are currently state issues and will become federal issues as they work their way through the court system over the next several years. It may be the tail wagging the dog, but it is time this dog is wakened from a deep sleep.
I love my country, and I am a sappy patriot.
My great-grandfather came through Ellis Island just about 100 years ago. My grandmother (who just died LAST year) is a first generation American. Think about it; that makes me a THIRD generation American!!! Unbelievable!!! I’m so proud of my Italian ancestry, and I’m so grateful that Antonio Leonetti jumped on a ship and came to the United States of America to make a life for himself and his family. Literally, generations have benefited from that. Every single person in our country is from immigrant ancestry (with the exception of Native Americans)…EVERY SINGLE person. We are a country founded on the greatest migration in world history.
I worked with a many in Springfield, Illinois years ago whose father was an immigration officer; his name was Bondardelli (another great Italian!) He decided if Enrico Fermi could enter the US. Fermi entered as a scientist and became the one who discovered how to split the atom. I freaking love my country for a 300 million reasons like that.
Clearly, we can’t have open immigration policies forever. Our infrastructure just cannot sustain that model. The debate regarding those trying to legitimately receive status in our country is a valid one. I’ve know people non-US citizens who marry US citizens and have to wait upwards of 10 years for status. That seems a bit ridiculous to me.
Is there a border problem? Yes. I think it is more of a border problem than an immigration problem. What is the solution? I don’t know. I really don’t. I do believe that children should not be punished for their parents choices. These children have a right to education and healthcare. Is it rewarding bad parental choices by allowing families to stay once they are established…even if they are found to be illegal? How is that right? It goes against everything we stand for….or at least everything I stand for. What if we just start giving free passes? Won’t that encourage more bad behavior? I don’t know.
There have to be some answers….so way whereby people can LEGITIMATELY immigrate. There also have to be some constraints so that it doesn’t even further burden our infrastructure. Perhaps we could require legitimate sponsors….family who can support other family members. Perhaps we can put a limit on welfare benefits; if a person can’t make a good go of it after a determined period of time…they need to return? I’m just throwing stuff out there. I really don’t know.
I do know that it’s a very, very complex and emotional issue. I’m hopeful that the hate and discrimination will wane and that our humanity will take precedent in this discussion.
Thanks for sharing, Melissa. I’ll be checking out Doug Wright’s thoughts!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSerious typo. Had to be removed. What I meant to type was....From one third generation American to another -- well said, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteMatt and I haven't solved this problem, either. But I really feel for the kids brought into the country illegally when they were young by their parents and now have no options b/c they aren't documented. There was a story about it on the news one night. Sad, Sad. It also showed me that it's not as cut and dry as some might think. Those kids didn't have a choice and now they have no options. I wish I knew how to fix it for them.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to say that I would enter a foreign country legally if I had the intention of living there, but I also don't experience the daily poverty and desperation that some illegal immigrants must feel for themselves and their families before deciding to come here. It might be different if I were in their shoes.
It's tough all around.