McCain knew that immigrants outwork Americans

Given that we're raising another generation of children with a poor work ethic, and who often think they're entitled to a free ride through life, I propose we change the name of the holiday to what it really signifies: "Parental Failure Day."

When have you ever heard a politician say that? It doesn't take guts to tell a roomful of voters that Mexico is invading the United States. What takes guts is telling people they stink at parenting.

When I hear Americans try to justify why they're not taking this job or that one, it always boils down to money. Some jobs are just not worth our time, it seems.

A lot of people insist that employers overlook U.S. workers so they can hire foreign laborers -- either low skilled or high skilled -- because supposedly they're cheaper.

Rubbish. Talk to a human resources manager, and they'll set you straight. Not only do immigrant and foreign workers have the same cost-of-living expenses as U.S.-born workers often cost the employer more money at the beginning because of the price of visas.

How many journalists go out and talk to employers to get their side of the story? I do. I hear from employers all the time -- at speeches, in my inbox and at worksites.

What I hear does not speak well for American workers.

Employers tell me that American workers fail drug tests, show up to work late, rush out at quitting time, pretend to be sick when they want to ditch, refuse to do certain jobs, and generally act like they're doing the employer a favor just by clocking in.

One small business owner told me that when she hired American workers, the first thing they asked about was salary and time off. With immigrants, all they wanted to know was how much work they could get. Who do you think she preferred to hire?

As for the critics who used to hound McCain, the senator got the last laugh.

By 2007, Jon Kyl, his fellow Arizona senator, had joined the fight for immigration reform. And before long, both of them were having their Senate offices in Phoenix picketed.

I saw a video of one memorable encounter. Clearly stung by McCain's challenge to put up or shut up, one group showed up at his office holding heads of lettuce. "See, we can pick lettuce too," said one of the protesters.

They were handsome heads of lettuce, too. In fact, they looked so pristine, I assumed they came from a produce aisle instead of a field.

I bet that spectacle made McCain grin. And, in his honor, it should make the rest of us think.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com. His daily podcast, "Navarrette Nation," is available through every podcast app.