There are some politicians who would rather have this issue go away, but the problem of illegal immigration in Illinois and other states will be a huge factor in the November election. When George W. Bush tried to pass comprehensive immigration reform during his last term as President, the American people stood up en masse. In fact, it was the first time in my memory since the civil rights movement of the 1960s that a vast majority of Americans came together in an appeal for justice.
The recent law passed in Arizona (Senate Bill 1070) has created a virtual whirlwind of support regarding the enforcement of existing federal laws concerning those who have entered the United States illegally. Polling indicates 70% of Arizona residents support the enforcement of federal law and, according to reports, as many as 18 states are considering similar bills.
But, unfortunately, I live in Illinois and though the state is deeply in debt to the tune of $13 billion--in part because of the costs of services provided to those who are in the country illegally--Illinois lawmakers have decided to criticize Arizona legislators over their passage of SB1070.
In fact, contrary to polling, which indicates 60% of Americans favor the common sense approach to the issue in Arizona, some Illinois lawmakers are going against the wishes of the public. State Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago) sponsored a resolution (HJR 119) which was passed by the House on a voice vote which condemns the Arizona law. Soon, the Illinois State Senate will vote on the same resolution which will bring the issue to the forefront in Illinois politics.
Now let me say this; My Father immigrated legally to the U.S. from Poland. My wife's parents were both born in Ireland and came here legally as well. However, if anywhere from 12 to 20 million people entered the U.S. illegally from Poland or Ireland, I would be outraged. I wonder how the mainstream media would approach my position on the issue. They couldn't call me a racist. They couldn't say I was ethno-centric. Their politically correct argument against me would not hold water.
But there is a fear in Illinois by some politicians, including conservatives, that taking a strong stand concerning the enforcement of federal law regarding illegal immigration would be their death knell politically.
However, I have learned some members in the Illinois Tea Party may force their hand before the midterm elections and they would be ethically and morally right to do so. But, again, I live in Illinois. The Democratic political machine is in favor of immigration reform which would essentially provide amnesty to those who are in the state illegally. Of course, this runs against the flow of a tidal wave of public opinion regarding the failure by the federal government to enforce immigration laws and the same sentiment is present in Illinois as well.
When George W. Bush tried to pass comprehensive immigration reform, which, in essence, would have meant amnesty for illegal immigrants, our economy was sound. Today, the unemployment rate is at 10%. This number does not include those whose unemployment benefits have run out or those who have taken part-time jobs or stopped looking for work entirely. The true number of those unemployed is closer to 17% and some economists predict it will go higher. Indeed many experts believe the millions of jobs lost over the last 18 months are gone forever.
Americans are tired of government waste, high taxes and, most important, they're sick of being ignored by those they elected to office to represent them. Well, it used to be called representative government. But many of us are beginning to wonder if American Lincoln's vision of a nation "of the people, by the people and for the people" is a long forgotten notion of the past.
The question is: Will responsible candidates from either political party be willing to take on this issue in the Land of Lincoln? Doing so will take courage because the left will demonize them. The dominant media will call them racists and worse.
I'm hoping those in the Illinois Tea Party will make this an issue which will determine not only the fiscal health of Illinois, but the security of our country as well.
Daniel T. Zanoza of Lincoln, IL, formerly of Chicago, was born into life November 27, 1953, and born into eternity January 6, 2011.
He is survived by his wife, Julie, of Lincoln, IL.
Dan was a pro-life/pro-family activist, as well as chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee in Springfield, IL. He was also a journalist and freelance writer.
