Egregious thread creep though it was and still is, the subject has been raised. Jan and I were talking and we admit pdq was right--she did marry down. But of course so do all Englishwomen who marry Americans--right, Kendall? But it's happening a lot, it seems--there are 2 other couples of that description right on our street. We have decided it must be the weather--though I wouldn't think DC summers are a big enticement. Still, mad dogs and Jan do go out in the midday sun--I think she just likes the sun. But she does have a lot of (really good) suggestions for improving life here in the howling wilderness--starting with a real pub. (End of unforgivable thread creep).



Back to topic: It's clear that the analogy of neighbors who don't take care of their place, then come and trash yours is completely off base. Au contraire, these neighbors have skills the neighborhood really needs. We'd be utter fools to try to get them out of the neighborhood.

The problem with limiting the discussion to the jackboot approach of "Homeland Security" is that everybody on all sides of the issue will say stormtrooper techniques are unacceptable. That does not address the core issue--which is illegal immigration itself.

As I and many others have said more than once, nobody is in favor of illegal immigration--not even the illegal immigrants. They would much rather be legal. So it seems obvious that what we have to do is increase the means of legal immigration.

We also do have to deal with the illegals now here. Again, it seems blazingly clear that the only ethical--and sensible--way to do it is to set them--all--on a path to citizenship. As I said earlier--not on a silver platter--but also not an absurdly burdensome list. No "touchback" for one. English competence, yes. Back of the line behind all legal immigrants, yes. Fines as part of the process, no. Etc. It should be possible to work out a reasonable procedure.

The lifeboat allegory doesn't fit. The idea that illegal immigration will make the US "a 3rd world slum" would be laughable--if it wasn't that some people actually seem ready to vote on that basis. It's interesting that absolutely no evidence has been yet introduced in this thread--of over 100--to back up the "3rd world slum" suggestion.

It would seem time for people who believe this sort of thing to come up with some evidence.