I have been reading about and listening to the debate over illegal immigration for decades, and am of the opinion that we have been asking the wrong questions. Questions like "Why don't they learn english?", "Why do they come here if they don't want to lay by the rules?" .....

In the the 80's I  had opportunity to work construction in southern California. On nearly every job site were men of questionable citizenship. In their broke english I learned a great deal their individual stories and how much they missed their families. They risked life and limb, jail time, endured separation from family, ever looming arrest and deportation, all for the sake of earning enough to survive and send money back home to support those they haven't seen in months or years.

I do not excuse or condone their actions, but I understand what they are sacrificing. They have done what the early settlers to this country did to make a new start.

If we look back to those early immigrants, would they have risked all that if the country they were leaving were prosperous and just? If a family could be supported by the labors of its members, with some left over? If the government sought an level playing field for all without favoritism.

Working with these people I found out that they live many families in one house so that they can send more money home. They allow themselves to be caught and deported to get home to see family. They do do jobs that many Americans are too puffed up to do. How many of our children are taught the benefits of a hard days work?

With this understanding I began asking a different question. I would ask something to the effect of "If they could find work, in their home countries, to support themselves and their families, would they have risked all they did to come to the US?"

Every one I asked said they would rather be back home.

To me, this says that the problem is not with the individual but with the country they are coming from.

To allow the US government to postpone the problem for out children to figure out disgusts me. Any time the politicaians slack off in their responsibilities makes me want to seek a more just place to live and take my skills with me.

It may be time for a clean slate. Through the bums out and put in an across the board term limit. Put an end to lobbyist who are little more than hired guns to kill what is best for the country. Jail time for shirking their responsibilities.

Sorry for the rant.

Do your self a favor and seek out someone from Latin America in your area and ask them, "If they could have found work, in their home countries, to support themselves and their families, would they have risked all they did to come to the US?"

Please Do It.

Bill

PS. New Hong Kong is a possible solution