Unpacking Ideas

The DREAM Act has always been a matter of “doing the right thing.” It addresses the plight of children who were carried here illegally by their parents. They broke no law willfully. They just came with their family. They have grown up us children of America. DREAM would provide them with the chance to earn a pathway to status by being good students and soldiers and preparing themselves to excel and to form part of the backbone of our nation.

Immigration reform is a perfect example. It is no surprise that a bit of misinformation about immigrants and immigration reform is promoted. The invitation to welcome strangers has threatened us for centuries, so, misinformation about immigrants and immigration reform efforts is to be expected.

We can dream. The DREAM Act isn’t comprehensive immigration reform, but its a good first step. It’s a reasonable and compassionate first step. The DREAM Act would give an opportunity to undocumented immigrant students who have been living in the U.S. since they were young, a chance to contribute back to our country.

I am proud of Utah. At least, I am proud of the folks there who wrote the Utah Compact calling for a more compassionate response to our need for immigration reform.

If this sounds heartless and inhumane, I would ask how the practical effects of this proposed policy differ from the current enforcement of immigration laws. The basic difference is that by ending our systematic hypocrisy we could reduce government expenditures which continue to increase without appreciable improvement. This is just another way of getting back to Constitutional principles. Pass the tea bags.

Sometimes our anger is righteous. Sometimes not. When our anger is not rooted in a righteous response to injustice, where does it come from?

Apparently, there is no legal reason to prevent the construction of the mosque. Local authorities have approved the plan to build the mosque. In addition, there is substantial constitutional support to encourage the building of the mosque. Religious freedom is a big deal.

“Let them come legally?” Did you know that no one can come to the U.S. legally today unless their family is already here? Did you know that only 10,000 unskilled workers–from ALL countries combined–are legally admitted to America per year, and the waiting list stretches to infinity? Did you know that none of these restrictions were in place when most Europeans immigrated to the U.S?