It's been a while since I did anything here, so I figured I'd touch on a subject important to my region, Immigration.
This has been a big deal recently across the nation. (Should really be in Houston too, yet CNN chose to follow activists in Milwaukee instead. Go figure.)
What I don't get is how this will ever actually acomplish anything? So 200,000 people march representing millions across the country. Of those 200,000 about 25,000 are in the country legally. Of those 25,000, maybe 10,000 are citizens and have the right to vote. They are also representing a demographic that is one of the least represented at the polls. Of those that have the right to vote, very few do. (I realize this is an important issue and will inspire more to vote, but still, not that many more.)
It has been reported that across the nation, after these marches, anti-immigration groups such as the minute men saw an increase in enrollment by tens of thousands. The people that populate these groups are all eligible to vote and come from demographics that are, if anything, over represented at the polls.
So, thousands of people march across the country and if anything strengthened the opposition. Politicians have come out and pandered to the crowds, promising them support. But, in November, those who's ideals are supported by the groups with the most voters wins. So, standing behind 1,000,000 illegal immigrants won't win you a seat if your opponent sides with 50 anti-immigration registered voters.
Don't get me wrong. I seriously feel that this country should have a guest worker program and should reform immigration. Most of the people that come here to work would not be opposed to paying taxes and being here legally if it were an easy thing to do. We could greatly increase government income tax revenue if we made it quick and easy to tax migrant salaries. The problem I have is that motivating a bunch of people who have no political power to march in the streets will probably not help their cause. More likely, it will hurt them.
Analogies to the montgomery bus boycott have been thrown around. This was orchestrated by a people who were being persecuted and harassed, but technically had a legal right to vote and change the system. It was hard for them but when thousands of them showed up at the polls and the oppressors were unable to keep the out for legal reasons, their voice was heard. If a hundred mexican immigrants show up at a polling station in Houston, they don't even get to hold a pencil, much less a ballot.
