Charles Shiflett Column May 29, 2005

I've Never Seen Anything Like It

It all my years of political involvement, I don't think I've ever seen an issue like this one. Polls show
that regardless of race, region, or political party, Americans overwhelmingly want their elected officials
to do something about this now. The intensity level is amazing.

Radio talk shows buzz everyday with callers infuriated at the lack of government action. Republicans
are upset with President Bush. Democrats are mad at Teddy Kennedy. Almost everyone is upset with
the liberal media elite for their attempts at spinning the issue.

The public blames local law enforcement agencies for not doing more. Local lawmen blame the federal
government. Federal employees say they want to do something, but higher ups won't let them. School
systems, municipalities, counties, and states are feeling severe strain on their budgets because of the
failure of the federal government to act.

I tell you this with absolute certainty… if you plan to run for office anytime soon you better jump on
this issue. It doesn't matter if you're liberal or conservative - Republican or Democrat - male or female -
black or white. Whether you're running for school board, governor, or congress… incumbents can be
defeated based solely upon this issue.

Forget tax cuts, abortion, gun owner rights, and Social Security reform as all these issues pale in
comparison. Heck, Hillary Clinton can be elected President if she'll get on the bandwagon.

OK, so what's gotten me and others so worked up? Two words: Illegal immigration!

Before some of you bleeding hearts out there start clamoring about how all Americans are
descendents of immigrants, let's set the record straight. Yes my ancestors immigrated to these
shores in the 1600's and 1700's, but like almost all of you reading this column… my ancestors were
LEGAL. That's the difference, so save your argument for someone who doesn't pay attention.

The next feel good argument of the left involves invoking feelings of sympathy for the impoverished
masses of Mexico and Central America. Nothing wrong with that, but we are a nation of 300 million in
a world of 6 billion. Sorry, but the U.S. isn't some huge Bounty paper towel… we can't absorb
everyone.

Finally the right, including President Bush, will weigh in by claiming that American businesses can't
find workers to perform certain tasks that immigrants will do. Sorry, but there are Americans willing to
do those jobs if the pay offered is reasonable.

An increasing number of elected officials are beginning to pay lip service to illegal immigration, but
action is sorely missing. There is tremendous pressure on politicians of each party to be team players
and neither party wants to close the border. After all, the Democrat and Republican parties each want
that growing Hispanic vote.

Here's another one of those dirty little secrets of politics… Congressman X goes to his party
leadership and says, “I'm catching heat back home on illegal immigration and need to take a strong
public stand.” His party leadership will say, “We think we have the votes to do what we need to do. Go
ahead and cover your tail at home, we've got it handled.”

Congressman X then comes home and hits the airwaves and town hall meetings promising to crack
down on illegal immigration knowing that nothing substantial will be passed. Congressman Phil
Gingrey along with U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss have all publicly stated their
desire to enforce immigration law, but that's not enough.

It's time for them to escalate this issue by going back to party leaders and White House staffers and
plainly telling them that President Bush's remaining agenda is dead unless immediate action to close
the borders is taken. No amnesty programs and no buddying up to Mexican President Vicente Fox.
Let's pat the Minute Men on the back and send help!

Our local property taxes are being spent to pay for the education of illegal children because school
systems cannot legally deny service to them. Jails lose money housing illegals because the feds drag
their feet on picking them up.

Medicaid and Medicare money is now spent reimbursing hospitals because illegals use emergency
rooms for routine doctor visits. Children born to illegals inside U.S. borders automatically become U.S.
citizens and can later use that status to gain legal immigration for parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Plus, I'm not sure of all the details, but a recent agreement with Mexico allows Mexican retirees to be
able to claim credit for Social Security taxes paid while working in the United States. That wipes out
the argument for allowing illegals because they help prop up the Social Security system.

Finally, regardless of your job… if you want a raise, then call your elected officials and demand action
on illegals now. It's all about supply and demand. The number of workers is being artificially inflated
by the influx of illegals, so wages for all of us stagnate or even fall.

No, I've never seen anything like this issue, and if our elected officials don't take the blinders off, a
large number of them will be sitting at home after the 2006 elections wondering what happened.