Monday Meanderings

Much is being written and said about illegal immigration, in light of the mass demonstrations around the country. I understand why they are demonstrating, I would want to live here too and not the corrupt fesspool of Mexico, etc., more on that coming. I have worked with all sorts of people and lived around them and have had few problems with Mexicans, though they can be a bit loud when festive. I reserve the right to be loud when festive as well.
I am of the build a fence and control border security first and separate from a program to deal with those already here and serving viable positions in the workforce, a workforce we need. I would like to see them brought out of the shadows once our borders are secure. I don't think we need draconian felonization laws except for repeat offenders of existing law. We should increase fines on employers and make it easier for them to identify illegals with a verifiable, counterfiet proof social security card or National ID with a PIN so perspective employers can access DMV and police records. The technology is there , use it. It should be required for work or enrollment in any program that receives federal funding.
A worker program should be employer sponsored, much like our old brassero program. There are two root causes for illegal immigration, the employers who hire them, to a lesser degree and the politico/socio/economic circumstances that they are fleeing to a greater degree. How do we approach this in terms of finding an answer? Free trade is a great start, open up the economies and the people feel less oppressed with a little cash in their pockets. Mexico is a perfect example of failed socialist/Marxist ideals laid barren at our southern doorstep and Canada represents a failing socialist order at the northern, both countries rich in resources and unable to harness them. We need to show them how we make it work not become more like them or the failing socialist EU.
The Mexican immigrant for the most part has part of what makes America the Land of the Free, they know the value of that freedom and what hard work can accomplish for them here. It is up to us to give them the rest, our language, our laws, our culture and it is up to them to become part of this great stew. I know I will eat lunch at the mom and pop taqueria before I will McDonalds.
I know I would far rather deal with Catholic Mexicans than Muslim Arabs, yes, I am religio/ethnocentric, not racist so leave that accusation at the door.