By: Dale Weckbacher
Arizona Senate bill 1020 has created quite a national stir making Arizona a center of political attention in our country. On the one hand, we hear that this law will mean that authorities in Arizona will stop people on the streets asking them to show their papers. This scenario sounds like something out of a spy movie in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. On the other hand, some claim that the bill does not promote racial profiling and actually prohibits it. They claim that the purpose of the bill is only to enforce federal immigration legislation that is already on the books. So, which side is correct on this issue?
In order to determine that, we must determine if anyone has actually read the bill. In testimony before congress on Thursday May 13, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder admitted that he has not read the bill even though he is contemplating legal action against it. When questioned about his constitutional concerns over legislation he has not read, he admitted that his opinion was based on newspaper accounts, television, and talking to people who are on the review panel. In other words, he is basing his statement on hearsay evidence; something a highly educated attorney such as himself should know is not credible evidence (Fox news, 2010). In addition, President Obama has not read the legislation either but feels free to lampoon it at the White House Correspondents Dinner (O'Hannigan, 2010).
Gabriela Salcedo, who has actually taken the time to read the 16-page legislation, made a passionate debate in favor of the legislation at a recent Tucson City Council meeting (O’Hannigan, 2010). It appears that those who have actually taken a few minutes to read the bill, without any political agenda, interested in the security of themselves and their families have a completely different opinion than those with a political agenda who have not. However, why should that surprise any of us?
Ever since the current crew took over we have had a stimulus package and health care legislation passed by The Congress and signed by The President without being read either. It seems that the mode of operation for this bunch is to pass or comment on legislation based on some political agenda or hearsay evidence rather then taking the time to read the actual legislation.
My recommendation to the voters in the next election is quite simple. Ask them if they can read and if they will read any and all legislation presented to them for a vote or a signature. If the cannot answer yes to both questions, do not vote for them. What we need are literate legislators that will take the time to read what they vote on instead of just rubber-stamping it because of its political expediency. This legislation is not about race but the safety and security of the people of Arizona.
References:
Fox News (2010, May 14). Holder admits to not reading Arizona's immigration law
dispite cirticizing it.. Retrieved May 16, 2010,
http://www.foxnews.com/polotics/2010/05/13/holder-admits-reading-arizonas immigration-law-despite-slamming/
O'Hannigan, P. (2010, May 14). The governor, the president, and the race card. The
American Spectator, 6:08 AM, . Retrieved May 16, 2010,
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/05/14/the-governor-the -president-and
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