Sioux City Journal

Tone down immigration debate

Posted: Friday, June 22, 2007

SIOUX CITY -- In the current debate over immigration we are told that we are a nation of laws and that the purported "millions" who are in the United States illegally should be removed because they are in violation of our laws. The fact is that most of the social and political advances, made throughout our nation's history, have involved a violation of some law.

Our Founding Fathers certainly were not hesitant to violate the king's laws that were in effect at the time when they declared our nation's independence from the English throne. I am sure that there was a law that prohibited throwing bales of tea into the bay.

Many slaves found their freedom by risking their lives when they violated the laws by running away from their owners. Many church and individuals provided the escaped slaves with food, lodging and safe travel in violation of the law.

The civil rights movement would never have gotten off the ground if Rosa Parks had not decided to ignore the law and take a seat in the front of the bus. All those of color who decided to be served at the lunch counter at Woolworths broke the law but moved the civil rights movement ahead. We have all seen the films of marchers being beaten by the police and jailed because they ignored the order to disburse or proceed no further.

This debate should be toned down and conducted in a civil manner. Our nation has faced other major issues. Sometimes the wrong decision was made but in the end we remain a strong, united country that preserves the principle of our Founding Fathers (freedom and justice for all). We cannot allow those who want to create divisive hostility to succeed. -- Richard Sturgeon

Story Comments

Larry j wrote on Jun 29, 2007 6:19 AM:

" made in America wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:01 PM: " larryj, what are you talking about? Unions don't extort money.... ________________________ They sure do. What do you think a strike is? Nothing but Extortion!! Strikers block entrances and coerce other unions into supporting their strike by refusing to cross their picket lines. This is noting but coercion, and extortion. And don't forget the Bombings, shootings, mesterious fires, and other force the unions use to prevent the business from operating while the union is on strike. "

Keith P wrote on Jun 27, 2007 2:14 PM:

" If this bill before the Senate is so good, why have those who crafted the measure in secrecy attempted to thwart any amendments to the bill? Now, this bastard child is back, with a limited number of amendments possible. No committees, no input. Just heavy-handed politics ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLE. It is time to kill this once-and-for-all and DEMAND that our elected officials ENFORCE the laws of the United States of America. We should also DEMAND that entering this country illegally become a CRIMINAL OFFENSE! It currently is not. We were promised enforcement in 1986 when 3 million were granted amnesty. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. CALL YOUR SENATOR. TELL THEM TO VOTE NO! Grassley voted NO, Thune voted NO, thank them for their votes. Harkin, Hagle and Nelson voted YES. Let them know you are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore! "

made in America wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:01 PM:

" larryj, what are you talking about? Unions don't extort money, you get what you pay for, A MIDDLE CLASS! Everyone can thank Unions for what they have. It is the residual effect that labor agreements have that fuels the economy. Without them we are left to the mercy of big business. "

Larry j wrote on Jun 26, 2007 5:45 AM:

" Harry s. you are a nut. Perhaps if Unions would quit extorting money they do not deserve, then perhaps Companies would quit outsourcing!!! "

harrys wrote on Jun 25, 2007 10:19 PM:

" To all of you who beat the "illegal immigrant drum" I would suggest this. You would be a little more credible if you also complained about all of the U.S. companies that use "legal outsourcing" in places like India and Pakistan to lower domestic wages here. Pretty tidy and we even offer subsidies to some of these companies. Next time you get an out of country solicitation or service call think about it! harrys "