Immigration Problem or Racism?

Ok, so the current immigration debate in our country (USA) has nothnig to do with "Fitness Motivation." That's true. But I felt that I had something to say, so here goes.

I find it interesting that our radio and television talk show moderators have taken the Illegal Immigrant problem and broadened it to an Immigration problem. I am in favor of Immigration. I am opposed to Illegal Immigration. We all know what the difference is, right? Immigrants enter the country through open and legal means. They are registered and are here on a visa (a permit of sorts) which is time limited and states the purpose for which they are here. Illegal Immigrants sneak into the country on planes, boats or across rivers or on highways. The Illegals are not registered and stay for any period of time that they want and often work manual labor jobs for reduced salaries. This hurts American workers and drains the healthcare and social service system. Any problem so far?

One of the problems that I see is that the only Illegals we hear complaints about are people of color, usually Mexicans, Haitians, Cubans... you get the picture. I don't hear complaints about the European Illegals. Oh yes, there are some. What about the Irish kids in Sea Isle City, Atlantic City and Wildwood, NJ every summer. Are they all legal? They weren't in the '80's when I knew some of them. Maybe times have changed. Are all of the cute Swedish young women babysitting children legal? I'm just wondering. Do you see the difference yet? Do you see that the ones people complain about aren't white? Isn't that racism?

On a radio talk show tonight on 1210 AM, The Big Talker in Philadelphia, the host stated his concern that by the year 2020, the country will be predominately people of color from black and latino heritage. And the problem is? He complained that more salsa is sold in the USA today than ketchup. And the problem is? Would we be complaining if we ate more Danish than Twinkies? I don't think anyone would care. Why the fear over anything that is not white? I think it's racism. Any chance I'm on to something?

I guess the Native Americans were comfortable with the white immigrants from Europe hundreds of years ago, right? It must have comforted them that the white immigrants ate the buffalo just like the natives did. So at least the "salsa dilema" wasn't dirtying the water. How'd that buffalo thing all work out anyway? Not so good?

As for Immiration overall. Most of us wouldn't be here if not for immigration. I think most people are hypocritical on the subject. Once again, I am FOR Legal Immigration and OPPOSED to Illegal Immigration. I'm also opposed to disliking people because of the color of their skin or because their culture is different from mine and I just don't take the time to understand it.

So here might be some of the possible solutions:

• Differentiate between Legal and Illegal immigrants.
• Penalize those here illegally and any future illegals. Deport them and have an agreement with their countries government that their country jail them. We shouldn't pay to keep them warm and fed in our prison.
• Make the rules for immigration to this country clear and available. I think they already are clear and available.
• Create diversity education and have it present in schools as well as in locations available to adults.
• Educate the media about racism and discrimination.
• Remind Americans that America was founded on priciples of acceptance of difference, hence the "metling pot" concept. America will change. It always has. Get over it. Embrace it and have some salsa.
  
  Let me know what you think. Oh, and to the people that have already let me know (however covertly) that they don't like the way I write, thanks for the feedback. I haven't stopped yet.
  
  John B. Hudome, DCH
  "Workout and eat as if your life depended on it."