If the current U.S. system of illegal immigration was not beneficial to our economy, it would have been revised long before now. If tightening the borders and issuing work visas to sufficient numbers of immigrants helped the bottom line of U.S. businesses as much as an endless supply of cheap labor without rights, then the borders would already be tightened and the visas issued.
By extension, if the agricultural economy in Nebraska didn’t benefit from illegal immigration, surely such an anti-illegal-immigration politician as Governor Dave Heineman would have taken steps to push the country to fix the system by addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.
On Tuesday Don Stenberg was in Alliance addressing the local Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs at a Mexican restaurant. After Stenberg laid out his plans to deal with illegal immigration (which is Romney's "self-deportation" plan), someone in the room cracked a joke about how they wouldn't have their waiters if there was a crackdown on employers. Stenberg found it hilarious. It'd hardly be possible for him to wear a wider grin. And thanks to American Bridge 21st Century, the rest of Nebraska can have a look at the treasurer's distasteful sense of humor.
We were a nation that was founded upon Christian values where we prided ourselves on welcoming immigrants, the poor and down trodden who wanted nothing more but to make a better life for our families. Extreme Arizona SB1070-style legislation in Nebraska will indeed betray what made the United States of America a great nation, and it will contribute to more economic woes. In fact, the nature of the SB 1070 bill has already cost the State of Arizona a minimum of $140 million.
Update: DADT passes final vote in the Senate with help of Senator Nelson. The bill is headed to President Obama for signature into law. Senator Johanns voted no. Rep. Terry, Smith and Fortenberry also voted against the repeal of DADT.
Action: Send Senator Nelson "thank you" notes on Twitter or Facebook. Send "shame on you" notes to Johanns, Terry, Smith and Fortenberry. Some Members of Congress turned active comments/posting off on their Facebook, so you have to reply to a post in order to be heard on their Facebook page. You can also leave message on their DC voicemail by calling the switchboard and asking to speak to your Senator or Representative 202-224-3121 they will patch you right through.
As our frequent readers know, on most Wednesdays we like to call out politicians or activists who are not being Bold. Well we’re not calling out any wimps this Wednesday. Instead, we’re going to start acknowledging political movers and shakers in our state who are exemplify Bold leadership. It’s caused us to create a new “award” called the “Bold Badge.”
