July 14, 2006
by Robert T. Melaccio Sr.

Americans are constantly hearing that we consider ourselves a nation of law. I think most would agree with the opinion that we also take pride in being a generous and  forgiving nation. To all of that most find no fault.  In the opinions being expressed today my opinion is that  many average Americans find fault in the perceived inequality, or I should say -selective application of law. As one considers all aspects of what took place in the Senate last week people need to actually look at what that action means to average working people now and in the future. This is an attempt to sort out the many questions raised by their action because many feel they are profound to the well being of the nation.

Our Senators, as elected representatives of our Republic, and as mentioned we understand, voted for the citizenship of a number of illegal persons who committed a felony, [not a misdemeanor as being propagated ] in their coming to this country under covert circumstances and in the act of using false I.D.. Yes, the act of crossing is not a felony, but as I last recall it is a felony to forge or use false documents to gain employment and use someone's Social Security number. In fact many think it may be in violation of current law regarding terrorism? I will leave that to the legal experts and take no position on it.  However, these Senators have found the compassion to have passed a bill granting what many perceive as "amnesty" and other significant benefits for their breaking of existing law. Yes, they say it is amnesty when they achieve what they intended with only minor penalties imposed. Rhetorically- why would one not feel this way and not see their logic?

Well let me ask you if we should have cause to be angered? Frankly, many are disturbed when an illegal can get a free education at a very prestigious university no less or substantial help and then has the gall to tell us we need him and he should be made a citizen. Many feel this is a slap in the face to every American who is trying to survive and can't get a dime for their families because they make $25,000 a year. Many ask rhetorically, how do those who financed, employed and aided these illegal people justify their obvious allowing of the breaking of the law? Many  ask this because how could these illegal persons buy a home, rent an apartment, buy a car unless they used false I.D.? They can't understand how this an example of honesty in people? Many also ask why in many instances they feel the same people are they first in line for benefits and social services and even jobs by the government and church and get them? They ask; is this equality? Many ask if this is not selective application of the law then what is? That penalty our government speaks to is a perceived lark to all of them who obey the law.

On top of that at the very last minute many ask why the Senate passed a provision that we must consult Mexico before we do anything along our border! I'll say that again in their behalf - our border- because that seems to have slipped by many! Many can only hope these illegal people don't have your Social Security number- I presume you'd be really sore about that? These Senators also state that 75% of us Americans want this. Many persons want strict enforcement of the border law and to keep illegal people out but that does not say they favor amnesty. Well if your one of the 75% the country is already gone and the eventual open border route is already a fore gone conclusion. In fact just the other day July 07, 2006 it was noted in the media that there has been a large increase from persons from other countries then Mexicans trying to slip over the border in recent weeks.

It is the opinion of many this mass infusion will lead to we average working Americans getting used to even lower pay, no benefits and the elimination of other government programs. Only the wealthy will be exempt and they don't need them. In the opinion of many, if you think not then you are doomed to reap what will be sown if you are part of the average and lower income class here in America and do nothing. This infusion is believed to actually improve the position of  business and the wealthy. Rhetorically, many can't believe that those who approve of this action can't understand the ramifications- or do they? Rhetorically, have we become a nation of illiterates and or non caring people who only seek wealth and leisure? Your say you certainly do understand but you sincerely want to let these good people stay. After-all we need them and they are hard workers.

However, when this article was written it was not in a spirit of vindictiveness, although some will say it is and some will say I'm a racist or anything else they can think of but frankly like me many just have a different opinion and perspective. Many don't even have time for these detractors because of the importance of this issue. This was written to provide a different perspective and an alternative for consideration so that a person can make an honest and open decision as to what you expect our country to be,  how you would like it governed and what you expect our elected representatives to do. What is asked is if you will consider that if you really say that you realize all of what transpired in that Senate vote- which basically said as I and many understand it -is that we should ignore the breaking of current law and the deliberate ignoring of a crime, that you are in effect implying by your acceptance that each situation is different and requires a different approach and compassion be applied. Then the only answer you give is that all law is subject to interpretation by the person breaking that law and making the law- and that no law has validity whatsoever- depending on circumstance and can be changed or ignored as necessary. Sorry, that is exactly what you are saying and there is nothing else you can offer as an argument.

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So the only interpretation in your taking that position is that you agree that we should review why we have any law at all and in effect consider all pending cases now before the judicial system. Otherwise we may be discriminating against people unjustly, without compassion and because of their circumstances. You say it is different in this situation and many ask how? A law broken usually has an offsetting penalty commensurate with the crime, not a reward. A felony is usually a severe crime. The penalty is not at the expense of law abiding people, who have followed the law, but at the expense of those who committed the crime. many thought that up until today? It has nothing to do with religion, God, Compassion, empathy - so says the Judge when they pass judgment on you- [I like you BUT- guilty as charged!]

Well, you may state you cannot just gather up millions and ship them home. That is also true. We have a terrible situation caused by a violation of ethics and leadership. However, many believe if you dry up the job market and cut the benefits they will go on their own. Many propose a radical solution. Let the government of Mexico pick up the Social Tag and let them also pick up the difference between what these people currently work for and our minimum wage without us giving it right back to Mexico in the form of foreign aide or some other offset. That would allow Americans to compete on par for these jobs in place of the slave wages currently being paid these foreign workers. We would all win with that approach.

Let me provide you with some first hand facts out of experience that I am sure you are well aware of. People have waited years to come here, work and earn their citizenship the legal way. Some of these people have family members who are waiting more than twenty years to come and unite with their family. They are still waiting. Why? Just come on over and your home free! Where is your compassion for them? You say no because they are not here yet. That's great answer for someone trying to obey the law. What you say is buzz off- tough break, that' she way the ball bounces and a host of other me, me, me statements. Let me ask you a question. Do you think we Americans get the benefits, social services, free grants and a host of other help that they get all for breaking the law? Many know first hand  how difficult it is to get a cent and when we apply we go through months of investigation and checks and balances and in the end we get rejected - a fact.

I ask how many Americans are without a good job or benefits or health care? How many jobs are outsourced? Do you call minimum wage a good job? Have you tried living on what some Americans are now trying to do? Oh, you say Americans don't want these jobs. Yes, your correct - at $5.00 and $6.00 and hour you wouldn't either. According to the newspaper June 04, 2006, to paraphrase the article- many illegal migrants left and never came back to the field jobs after they were made legal in the amnesty of 1986. Those jobs are so bad they even left! Then our politicians have the gall to make a statement Americans don't want these jobs. Many call it good business and it is good for bottom line profit. Have you ever seen where these people live? Look around they know where they live and under what conditions and you would not want to go near such places much less live in them. How about having these good business people live in one for a night? The fact is they got theirs, they simply don't care and simply put- they lack a concern.

Also, please don't give us the "Christian or religious pitch. If they were what they say they are these people would not be exploited. Sorry, in many an opinion, some are "Selective Christians" - what works for them in the Bible they use- what they don't like they ignore. Ever count the number of church denominations? If your religious why don't you press our business and government for living wages for all, benefits and equitable distribution of services. Isn't' that in the Word?

However, I certainly agree that if this becomes law it is the law of us all whether we voted for it directly or our duly elected representative did, we must respect it. I only ask- why didn't they respect current law? This is this not disrespect of those in power, it is a just simple question of fact.

The following concerns all of us. The Senates actions, in many an opinion are not an act of compassion, religion or anything moral as they would have us believe. In my opinion and the opinion of others it is an act of exploitation and with an desired objective in mind. As many in the media have stated, it is one that favors big business and their interests and the selection of one group over all others for a specific goal and ideology.

In the following  this is submitted for your  consideration to assist in formulation your opinion as to who you wish to vote for Nov 07 2006 and in 2008. That is the greatness of  America.

Consider these rhetorical questions-
1- have they- as sworn representatives, while maintaining office and under oath at anytime allowed the continued breaking of existing law, while aware of such and while doing nothing to enforce those laws or exact penalty?
2- If your answer is they did not execute their responsibility under the law then should we grant them amnesty as well?
3- Have they refused Assent to Laws, which are wholesome and necessary for the public good as written in the Constitution?
4- Have they, by their actions, stated that those who observe the law, wait and adhere to the rules of citizenship and law have not been discriminated against by their action or by their actions did they make their adherence to law and wait a mockery and subsequently a slap in their face?

Here is an excerpt from our Constitution- does anything here possibly apply?

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, [for who- illegal persons] insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, [ once again- whose welfare ?] and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, [ do you really think they have done this?] do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Now to me, being a non college graduate, this statement is quite simple and clear.

One must ask rhetorically, where is the justice for our citizens when a nation under the rule of law can set aside existing law for the benefit of anyone or group and how does that impact our posterity? I will leave that for those who support that to talk around and you to ponder. While certainly no one of good conscience can not have empathy for the circumstances of these exploited people, many are good people and certainly their circumstances and those fostered on us as well are an enormous sin. It is the complexity of the issue that this article speaks out. In my opinion it is a terrible our representatives and We The People have let this situation grow and fester at the expense of all average and poor citizens everywhere. In my opinion if you can find any pastor, priest, rabbi or other to tell you we are applying the law evenly for everyone they are either liars- based on the experienced reality of many,  have worldly objectives or are out of touch with reality or have their own agenda.

If you agree with what this article asks you to ponder then perhaps you might want to pass this along to someone else you love and feels the same way. If not, put it where the politicians will. But in either case -God Bless America!

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Robert T. Melaccio Sr. [send him email] is a freelance writer.

Copyright © 2006 Robert Melaccio