I agree with most of the "blue" posts I read on DailyKos. But my views on illegal immigration puts some "red" into my political mix. I do not support the May 1 boycott.
Here's my reasoning:
As a nation we have the right and obligation to secure our borders and to determine who is able to come into our country looking for citizenship. I guess that's nationalistic, but we are a nation and seems logical we should control our destiny in that regard.
I believe employers whether corporate, small business, or individuals have taken advantage of the illegals looking for a better life. In paying low wages these employers have depressed the earnings for all on the low end of the economy. Hiring illegals also comes with a cost in social, medical, and educational services that falls predominantly on local and state governments.
It's not that illegals do the work Americans don't want to do, it's illegals are willing to do work at near slave wages with no benefits under less than optimal conditions. If wages and working conditions were fair, plenty of Americans would work.
If illegals were not here, we might have to pay more, but then more of our citizens would have jobs and our taxes to fund the needs caused by illegal immigration would not be as high. I'd pay more lettuce.
I don't think there is such a thing as citizen rights for non-citizens. There's a concern for human beings in need of aid. There's a respect for hardworking people. There's room in our nation for more citizens who follow the laws and are willing to become part of our society. But no one is above the law. (I believe this applies to our President too.) When laws are flaunted and ignored, the country leans toward chaos. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have adequately addressed the immigration issue for at least 25 years.
Change the laws. Admit more immigrants. But first secure the borders. Take control of the decision as to who will be admitted. FINE THE HECK OUT OF THOSE WHO HIRE ILLEGALS. Develop some compassion but meld it with a respect for the law.
Now to Monday's boycott. As I said, non-citizens do not have citizen's rights. Their boycott is an insult to those who do earn citizenship legally.