Bird’s-Eye: One sure thing about the future and global warming is that there will be millions of immigrants whose homes have disappeared under water, or whose farms lack water. We look at two approaches to a debate: a call for a more rational debate in England, where calling a concerned woman a “bigot” helped Labour lose the election; and the hysteria in Arizona where politicians go a lot further to win elections.
* Yes, We Need An Honest Immigration Debate. But This Tough Talk Isn’t It Gary Younge The Guardian
This country has long needed a thoroughgoing conversation about immigration that could raise the debate among the general public. The fact that we have yet to have one is not because the left is unprepared or unwilling to engage, but because the right has proved itself incapable of contributing anything to that discussion that is intelligent, honest or informed.
Let’s start with the clear acknowledgement that immigration in this period does pose serious problems. First of all, much of it is not voluntary but forced by extreme poverty, natural disasters and wars. It would be a better world if people did not have to move to eat. Environmental policies – particularly on climate change – arms control and a responsible foreign policy without unnecessary wars are all integral to immigration policy since they would all assist in allowing many people to stay where they would rather be: at home.
* Arizona Governor Defies Barack Obama With Tough New Anti-Immigration Laws The Guardian
The governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, defied Barack Obama yesterday to sign into law the toughest anti-immigration legislation in the US. Her decision is almost certain to be challenged on constitutional grounds and has already started what looks like being a protracted and passionate battle. At a White House ceremony only hours earlier, Obama described the plan as misguided and ordered administration officials to investigate whether it was constitutional and whether it threatened basic civil rights. Against a background of chants from protesters opposed to the law, Brewer defended her approval of legislation, passed by the state’s lawmakers last week, that allows police to stop and question anyone they have “reasonable suspicion” is an illegal immigrant.
* Republican Candidates in Arizona Support Micro-Chipping Illegal Immigrants (via J-Walk)
[Candidate]. Leonard Boswell opposed amnesty for illegal aliens and called for tougher enforcement of border security. “I think we should catch ’em, we should document ’em, make sure we know where they are and where they are going,” said Pat Bertroche, an Urbandale physician. “I actually support micro-chipping them. I can micro-chip my dog so I can find it. Why can’t I micro-chip an illegal?
“That’s not a popular thing to say, but it’s a lot cheaper than building a fence they can tunnel under,” Bertroche said.
