It's a Matter of Trust
The fissures in conservative thought about the immigration bill are exemplified by two columns today by prominent writers: Bob Novak and George Will.
In general, I admire Novak. However, on this topic he seems to take the tack of those who believe that all those who oppose this immigration "compromise" are doing so because of bigoted nativism. My concerns about the bill rest largely on the national security concerns articulated so well by Hugh Hewitt and others.
For my own part, I welcome all immigrants who come to this country in search of the American dream and who wish to become Americans -- whatever their color or background. Even so, those who are expressing cultural concerns could, in fairness, point out that back in 1911 (Novak quotes those who expressed similar cultural concerns at that time), new immigrations were encouraged to assimilate and embrace American traditions and values. That isn't the case today -- as many have attempted to analogize America to a "salad bowl" rather than a "melting pot."
In my view, George Will has the better of the argument when he points out that
Americans are skeptical about the legislation, but not because they have suddenly succumbed to nativism. Rather, the public has slowly come to the conclusion that the government cannot be trusted to mean what it says about immigration.
In general, I admire Novak. However, on this topic he seems to take the tack of those who believe that all those who oppose this immigration "compromise" are doing so because of bigoted nativism. My concerns about the bill rest largely on the national security concerns articulated so well by Hugh Hewitt and others.
For my own part, I welcome all immigrants who come to this country in search of the American dream and who wish to become Americans -- whatever their color or background. Even so, those who are expressing cultural concerns could, in fairness, point out that back in 1911 (Novak quotes those who expressed similar cultural concerns at that time), new immigrations were encouraged to assimilate and embrace American traditions and values. That isn't the case today -- as many have attempted to analogize America to a "salad bowl" rather than a "melting pot."
In my view, George Will has the better of the argument when he points out that
Americans are skeptical about the legislation, but not because they have suddenly succumbed to nativism. Rather, the public has slowly come to the conclusion that the government cannot be trusted to mean what it says about immigration.
posted by LadybugUSA at 4:16 PM
2 Comments:
I am with you and Hugh Hewitt. This needs to be a matter of national security first, everything else second. But, in regards to Mr. Novak, he lumps all of those like us opposed to this bad bill as nativists, a al Pat Buchannan. I think Mr. Buchannan is treading on the line and may need to loosen his white hood just a bit. He is making those of us who want a sane, workable and fair immigration policy look bad. We must distance ourselves from people like him and address this issue the way we are, not about a "Brown Tide." I like immigrants because they bring their uniqness to America and make us a better nation. But no nation would have such a non-policy on illegal immigration as we do. Its time for the politicians to tear this 9/10 bill up and get to work on a 9/11 imigration bill
Since 9/11, the security issues are paramount.
Buchannan certainly come across as anti-semitic, Nativist, and isolationist.
But it's not Nativism to be concerned about your culture and National Identity being diluted or overwhelmed by either too many immigrants too fast or non-assimilating immigrants. Both concerns are at play here, and we need to correct the changes made that discourage assimilation. That won't be an easy or quick fight to win, those who created this situation will strive to keep it. But it's a fight we badly need to win.
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