The new AZ law is flawed, but I do agree with the spirit of enforcing our laws. I contend it is the intellectualy honest position.
Are we not a nation of laws? Are we not obligated to follow the laws on the books? I am outraged when Wall Street breaks the law. I am sickened when politicians break the law particularly to send our nation to war.
It is with this same spirit that I support the "spirit" of the new Arizona border law. While I do not agree with every element of the law, I do believe that people who have broken the law should be punished. I do not understand the argument or reasoning behind enforcing some laws for some people and ignoring other laws for other people.
What logical reason can there be for turning our heads and ignoring the fact that those who cross our border without permission are anything other than criminals? Do we turn our heads because their skin is brown? Do we turn our heads because they are poor? Why should these conditions qualify someone for special treatment? Can you not then make the same case from someone who is white and wealthy? Are you not outraged when white, wealthy people break the law and get away with it? Why then are you not outraged when other breaks the law?
I have always operated under the assumption that we live in a nation of laws. The beauty in the system is that if you don’t like the law you can change it. You can elect lawmakers, you can petition the courts, there are multiple peaceful means to lawful ends.
The facts of the Arizona law are what they are. It is illegal to cross our border without permission. Until that law changes, I believe we should enforce it. I also believe that corporations who hire illegal workers should be punished, preferably with jail time. American companies should hire American workers.
I support the spirit of the Arizona law, the desire to enforce laws on the books. I think this is intellectually consistent and frankly a reasonable position. The laws are the laws. If the law changes (no borders, amnesty, periodic work permits) then I will support the enforcement of those laws. Until that day, if you are crossing our border illegally, you are in violation of American law and should be punished.