Immigration reform is such a complex undertaking that I would not try to propose – or counter-propose – a plan. Something has to be done because we have apparently created an economy that depends on undocumented workers but I leave it to the professionals to sort through the various issues and come up with a plan. Or rather I was leaving it to the professionals, until this latest bi-partisan attempt stumbled out of the starting gate. The opposition to the bill has been easy to marshal, relying on worries about terrorism, stolen jobs and depleted services, not to mention the unspoken discomfort with cultural and language differences. Although the techniques used to spread fear and fan prejudice (the Internet, talk radio) are new, pandering to class and status concerns is an age-old trick. It pits the rich folks with their gardeners and nannies and the corporate suits with their hunger for cheap labor against working-class Americans who fear their parking places on the road to prosperity are temporary.
Pride and Prejudice, Part 2
June 11, 2007 by 1 Woman
Posted in In The News, Politics | 2 Comments
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About Nikki
Nikki Stern is a writer whose essays have appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek and USA Today. She's the author of Because I Say So Read more about Nikki SternNikki’s News
Nikki's new book, Because I Say So: The Dangerous Appeal of Moral Authority is now available at Amazon (book and Kindle) and at the book's website nikkistern.com
Nikki also publishes"Does This Make Sense", a website for people who think things through and have fun doing it!
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I read all your pieces and am utterly amazed at your astuteness,
smarts and sensitivity.
I just finished reading David Brooks today in the N.Y.Times re:immigration.
I loved your bottom line.
David says It’s between” open, individualistic cosmopolitans and rooted nationalists.”
It all seems fear based to me. So what else is new! I find it very sad . No room at the table for everyone… Am I writing a “blog”? my first ……. With admiration at what you are doing… (When will [this] be your book?) Love, Jane
The age-old pesky U.S.-Mexico border problem has taxed the resources of both countries, led to long lists of injustices, and appears to be heading only for worse troubles in the future. Guess what? The border problem can never be solved. Why? Because the border IS the problem! It’s time for a paradigm change.
Never fear, a satisfying, comprehensive solution is within reach: the Megamerge Dissolution Solution. Simply dissolve the border along with the failed Mexican government, and megamerge the two countries under U.S. law, with mass free 2-way migration eventually equalizing the development and opportunities permanently, with justice and without racism, and without threatening U.S. sovereignty or basic principles.
Click the url and read about the new paradigm for U.S.-Mexico relations.