Immigration Defies Simplistic Solutions
The biggest problem with the immigration issue today is that too many people want simplistic answers to what is an enormously complex, difficult and expensive problem. We hear, “close the borders,” “obey the law,” “deport them all.” If only it were that simple.
National Journal has produced an outstanding cover story by Brian Friel that explores the complexities of immigration reform. For example, the article looks at how easy or hard it would it be to deport 12 million illegal aliens.
The bottom line: It would be nearly impossible to do it expeditiously or without enormous cost. In a country where due process is a bedrock principle, it would require many billions of dollars, thousands more federal agents, and thousands more judges. Currently, about 200,000 illegal immigrants are deported each year, and the justice system is nearly overwhelmed. But with about 500,000 illegals arriving each year, we’re losing ground.
Not much will happen on immigration reform until political leaders and citizens acknowledge the difficulty of the problem and are realistic and patient about what can be done.
Blog Watch
WaPo's The Checkout looks at Utah's new arbitration clause law... Reach Upward says of immigration reform: "There are no sound-bite-simple solutions that will actually work that will also produce a lot of feel-good in time for Election Day this year. This is going to take some very hard work with sleeves rolled up" (see also here and here)... MangledCat discusses "what is wrong with the welfare mindset and its misplaced priorities"... Thoughts from Provo participated in last week's campaign lunch with Sen. Orrin Hatch, and passes along some of Hatch's thoughts on energy policy... SLCSpin says: "It's amazing to me that the Mayor's office is willing to reduce Salt Lake City's entire reputation down to a few trips and dubious awards by Mayor Rocky Anderson"... Got All These Buckets Coming Out Of My Ears says the Pentagon's planned detonation of 700 tons of explosives at the Nevada Test Site "should bring the people of southern Utah together like nothing else in our history. So come all ye rednecks, hippies, cowboys, Indians, illegal immigrants, trust funded wastrels, ostentatiously retired bureaucrats, second-home scum and navel gazing new agers; let us join together under the banner of righteous indignation at this heinously evil act. We do NOT want to ingest radioactive sludge into our bodies and environment just to slake the never ending thirst of the war gods in DC"... Blurbomat explains "why the world thinks Utah and its residents are nutty."
SUWA: Lands Proposal "Bad News"
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance says the Washington Co. growth bill drafted by Sen. Bob Bennett and Rep. Jim Matheson "is bad news for the Zion-Mojave proposed wilderness, and bad news for all Americans who care about protecting it." For more info, click here (see also here).
Utah Counties Fact Book
The 2006 edition of the Utah Counties Fact Book, "a yearly publication prepared by Utah Association of Counties staff that looks at various financial, demographic, public safety, and economic factors in assessing the standing of each of Utah's 29 counties," is now available in both electronic and hard copy versions. For more info, click here.
ULCT Land Legislation Summary
The Utah League of Cities and Towns has posted a PDF file of its summary of 2006 land use legislation "for city recorders, planning commissions & city councils." To read it, click here.
Washington Watch
Hatch Plugs Hybrid
Sen. Orrin hatch says a plug-in hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine, running on U.S.-made ethanol, is a potential "silver bullet" for the nation's energy problems (AutoWeek).
Open House in Leg. District 56
(Thanks to Royce VanTassel for reporting this event.)
Last Thursday, Chris Jones, Leg. District 56 chair, and Erin Madsen, Leg. District 56 vice chair, held a successful open house for county delegates in the district. Fourteen candidates in several races spent an hour and a half at the Ranches Charter School talking to 75 of the district’s 129 delegates, where they answered questions over wings, sushi, strawberries and soda.
Several candidates remarked about how pleased they were both with the format and the organization. "Nothing like good food to whet the appetite for a hearty discussion on politics,” said Kim Jackson, candidate for Utah County treasurer. “I would love to see more legislative districts organize the same kind of event." Gary Anderson, a candidate for Utah County commission, echoed those sentiments. "The event was well organized and well attended. I learned a lot from the delegates, and will incorporate many of the ideas into my approach to county government."
Candidates who attended: County Attorney, Jeff Buhman, Curtis L. Larson, Kay Bryson (i); County Clerk Auditor, Cary McConnell, Bryan E. Thompson; County Commission (A), Howard Stone. Jerry D. Grover (i), Gary J. Anderson; Commission (B), Bill Ellis, Steve White (i); County Treasurer, Robert C. Kirk, Kim Jackson; House District 56, Ken Sumsion, Dave Cox (i)
Tough Session for GrassRoots
The 2006 legislative session wasn’t a happy one for arch-conservatives. According to the Annual Legislative Report put together by GrassRoots, one of Utah’s most conservative organizations, the average House score on issues important to GrassRoots was only 39%; the Senate average score was 38%; and Gov. Jon Huntsman scored only 25%, even below past scores of moderate former Govs. Mike Leavitt and Olene Walker.
Rep. Mike Morley was the star of the House, according to GrassRoots, with an 81% score. Sens. Howard Stephenson and Mark Madsen tied for top honors in the Senate with scores of 75%.
The entire report can be found here.
“The recent legislative session was clearly a disappointment,” said Don Guymon, chair of GrassRoots. “The session had much promise with hopes of a large tax cut, increased choice in education, a good second amendment bill and immigration reform. The citizens of the state of Utah saw none of these good bills come to fruition.” GrassRoots also didn’t like the hate crimes bill that was passed. |
