I live in a state with a large number of suspected illegal immigrants. I say, “large number of suspected illegal immigrants” because actually knowing the number is impossible since most who are illegal don’t volunteer information.
I am married to an economist. He can wax on about how the economy depends on immigration to do the jobs that the “upwardly mobile” American population won’t do.
I have an acquaintence who will go on and on about the “illegals” coming here and clogging our schools and emergency rooms.
To both I scream. Really?
I think some of those in the American population are coming to the end of “upward mobility” This recession has been devastating to many, but to those who have lost the $50,000 a year manufacturing job – are you planning on working in the fields across America this summer harvasting food? Are you planning on standing on a street corner willing to work for any amount of money to feed your family?
I don’t think so.
Recently, I spent several years going to emergency rooms – a combination of sickness and boys playing contact sports. The ER was always crowded and there were always those without insurance – but they often had cash. They would pay the out of control “rack rate” for care – often because their child was sick or they were hurt on that job they got on the street corner.
Don’t get me started on “over taxing our stressed educational system.” Our educational system is based on an agricultural society that no longer exists. That needs to change radically as does the compensation of teachers.
Americans are suffering from the same old weird fears we have always suffered from. My great grandfather was recruited from Ireland to come to the land of promise only to be greeted by help wanted signs that said, ” No Negroes or Irish need apply”.
Fear in America is an odd thing. We never know who is to blame, but they are everywhere.
