03/27/06 - 01:34:43 pm
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PoliticsI am a very interested in these recent protests. Late last week, in Phoenix, where I was travelling through, and in Los Angeles, many people spoke out against the criminalization of illegal immigrants. I am very interested in the momentum from about a third of the Roman Catholic Dioceses and their push.
I get excited to see the poor, the marginalized, the hated of this country, receiving support. I am amazed to see such a turn-out on behalf of these folk. I am also conflicted, because illegal immigration is still illegal, and though it is not all black and white (they are all criminals from Mexico escaping from their crimes or they are all oppressed people who the world has completely forgotten - thus demonizing or angelizing these people), I do not know where to stand.
I do think that helping people is important, and the sacrificial help of family, friends and Christians is impressive. I do think however that each of these folk need to take responsibility for their actions and own up to the punishment. In fact, I think owning up to the punishment speaks a great deal for the cause of assisting illegal immigrants.
Redemption is possible and adding more people to our criminal justice system, especially people who worked hard and stayed out of trouble need not be villanized. But I do believe the government needs to enforce the laws that it has in place currently. I support the protests because people are embracing their democratic rights to effect the laws of the country.
To make this a partisan issue is immoral, and I condemn such a use by Republicans or Democrats.
I heard a complaint by some folk in Phoenix about how bad the traffic was and how it pissed them off. I do say, FINALLY!!!, you noticed. Get over your bad day in traffic and understand the issues surrounding these people and the citizens that this upcoming law effects or assists.
Where do I stand on illegal immigration, frankly, it is illegal. Where do I stand on supporters of illegal immigrants-advocacy and compassion-good stuff. Where do I stand on partisanship over immigration; despicable. What do I do about it; I have no fricking clue.
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