From the Right

/

Politics

In a Huff Over Immigration

Ruben Navarrett Jr. on

SAN DIEGO -- Conservatives need to chill out and stop getting worked up over silly things.

And there is nothing sillier than their claim that California Gov. Jerry Brown is throwing open the doors to illegal immigrants -- all because of an off-the-cuff comment the Democrat made that sounded a little too welcoming.

On immigration, many conservatives are always on edge and think that anyone who disagrees with them supports open borders. If they cannot find a liberal saying something scandalous, they'll take some innocent remark and make a scandal out of it. This is problematic in a debate where liberals are often not so liberal. Some who support blue-collar workers insist that wages would be higher if not for illegal immigrants.

The dustup started when Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto visited California last week and put in a pitch for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States.

No word on whether Mexico will soon be reforming its own immigration policies, which attempt to keep out folks from Central America.

Speaking to a gathering of hundreds of dignitaries in Los Angeles, Pena Nieto pleaded for "justice for those who contribute so much to the development of the American society."

 

About that, he's correct. The contributions of illegal immigrants extend to the economies of states such as California, which produces nearly half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables, taking in more than $45 billion a year. By the admission of farmers themselves, the industry is almost totally dependent on illegal immigrant labor.

Like to consume milk or cheese, or eat fruits and vegetables? Go to California and hug an illegal immigrant.

Yet it was Brown who made the comment that really put conservatives off their meds. He simply said how nice it was "to be assembled here with the governors, the secretaries, and so many good people. Some citizens, maybe many not. But you're all welcome in California today."

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly accused Brown of "undermining American immigration law" and creating "a sanctuary state in California."

...continued

swipe to next page

Copyright 2014 Washington Post Writers Group

 

 

Comics

John Deering Bob Gorrell David Fitzsimmons Christopher Weyant Jeff Koterba Dick Wright