Post #71

Subject: Fwd: “Let's say I break into your house.”

Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration.

Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.

Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests. Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave.

But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house) .

According to the protesters: You are Required to let me stay in your house. You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan. You are Required to Educate my kids. You are Required to Provide other benefits to me and to my family. My husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, (except for that breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there.

It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself.

I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for . . . Well, you know, I did break into your house.

And what a deal it is for me!!!

I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of showing cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior. Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE!!! so you can communicate with me.

Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!

* * *

OK, I included the above from my e-box as it made me really think about immigration.

Let’s continue the “house” metaphor. I break into your house and find 20 other people who broke into your house and live there. “But Mr. John Smith,” you say, ‘arrived at Ellis Island from England in 1902, and he’s been a good citizen ever since.” And you want me to play by the rules, right?

Well, Mr. John Smith is really John Blacksmith – and really old, by the way :p – and Jack the Ripper. When immigrants used to arrive in this country, there were no rules – immigrants gave whatever name they wanted and didn’t worry about background checks And how many stories have you heard Italian grandmothers who refuse to learn English? It’s a Hollywood staple.

But, yes, times have changed. Because of the threat of terrorism, I’d like to see every immigrant documented but none who contributing members of society deported. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses….”

Still a problem? Don’t cry to me when some Native-Americans want to evict you! :p