Posted: 09/08/07 12:56, Edited: 09/08/07 12:58
by Dave Mindeman
I couldn't help but notice that State Senator Dick Day was in Rochester a few days ago speaking "for the voters" about their most important issue. The Rochester Post Bulletin quotes him this way:
Day said illegal immigration is one of the most commonly and passionately voiced concerns that he hears from voters,
Really?
Southeast Minnesota just went through a disastrous flood. They are trying to figure out how to recover. Crops are ruined... businesses are wiped out.... and their roads and bridges are damaged and in need of repair.... and they are still waiting on the Minnesota Governor to act.
But, Dick sums up their main frustration as this:
"I understand how frustrated southern Minnesotans are with illegal immigration," said Day. "They are sick of footing the bill for 12 million law-breakers, and they have lost faith in elected officials who are looking the other way."
Please, Dick, adjust your hearing aid. It seems to be getting a carrier wave from Arizona and California.
I am sure there are some First District constituents that are very concerned about immigration.... probably a lot on both sides of the "fence", so to speak. But Day's rant about illegal immigration sounds more like a politician hiding behind an issue he wants to promote rather than one the voters are up in arms about.
Senator Day can't run on the real issues that pertain to the First District. He has been part of a state GOP that has been so obsessed with tax policy that they have tied the government's hands regarding infrastructure, education, and health care. When the state Republicans were in charge, Minnesota fell behind in every categoy.... and even on taxes, they merely shifted the burden to local property owners.
Oh, to be sure, Senator Day has a plan for illegal immigration..... Build a fence, more ID cards, and punish sanctuary cities. I think Dick had better adjust his hearing aid some more because all of these things have been debated and discussed ad nauseum. How about something new, Dick?
And besides, if you want to stand by this statement:
"There is absolutely no reason VISA and Mastercard should do a better job than the U.S. government at keeping track of people."
I hope your willing to explain that analogy to those constituents who have been victims of identity theft. I'm not sure they will be so quick to agree.
