Thursday, May 25, 2006

Mexican Standoff

Lots of discussion these days about immigration and compromise. Today my dog Greta & I performed our own version. Greta gets focused on chasing a tennis ball. We play this game every day. I throw the ball, she brings it back and drops it at my feet. A while ago I was sitting at the top of my stairs and Greta was standing at the bottom with the ball. She kept dropping the ball and barking at me to come down and throw it again. I kept imploring her to bring the ball up the stairs. We both wanted the game to continue but neither one would give in.

We don't want illegal immigration but we want and need cheap labor. Mexicans see economic opportunities here but many can't get here legally. So we sit on opposite sides barking at each other without compromise or resolution.

The game has been going on for years. I personally don't understand the big concern about illegal immigration. It happens, it will continue no matter what we do. Some of them will live underground, some of them will assimilate themselves into our culture. Virtually none of them will blow up chemical facilities, pilot planes into buildings, or commit any terrorist acts. It just isn't that big a deal.

So Greta, why won't you bring the ball up the stairs?