A proposed resolution that calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws in Columbus County is better left where it was at the last county commissioners’ meeting – on the table.
The issue, which is being pushed by Commissioner James Prevatte, is low on the list of priorities of the federal government, so why should it be a priority for Columbus County?
Earlier in the year, Congress failed to pass a sensible immigration bill that would have given amnesty to illegal immigrants in the country now, but tightened restrictions in the future. So while Columbus County’s proposal may seemingly address what some consider to be a problem, we have much bigger issues on which to spend our time and energy than getting tangled up with a threatened lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU has said it’s itching to file suit against a county that adopts a resolution such as the one being considered here.
And the ACLU raises some valid points, such as the lack of due process for those suspected of being illegal aliens, and penalties for people who employ them.
But for practical purposes, does the county need to be involved in yet another costly lawsuit it would probably lose? For example, the Hazelton, Pa., town board adopted a similar resolution and spent $2.1 million defending a lawsuit it eventually lost.
We’re better off letting the federal government wage this fight to the extent that Congress allows it because we have bigger fish to fry in Columbus County.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
I totally agree with the ACLU for standing up and giving a voice that someone hears.I say that because I know first hand where the people they are defending are coming from.I know what it is like to be discriminated against because of your heritage.I am of cherokee indian decent and my people were kicked out and off their own lands because of who they were.The so called pure-bred white man{if there are any of those left},decided that they could just take whatever they wanted without thinking about the wellbeing of the people that were already here.They did not stop to think that maybe we could all live together in harmony and benefit from learning what each race could bring towards a better life.All they thought about was themselves and nothing has changed.Hundreds of years have passed and the white man still thinks he is better than any other race and can dictate to the other races.If the good lord{remember him,God the AlmightyHeavenly father of us all},had to have wanted all the races to live apart, he would have put us all on different planets.But I guess what the lord wants doesn`t matter either these days.Maybe some people think him not white and fear that maybe he is of one of the other races.But to me,the Lord thy God is of all races.After all,we are created in his image.Just let people live and learn to the best they can.Don`t be a hater,be a player and enjoy life to its fullest and learn to love one another a little.You never know,the person you help today may be your salvation tomorrow!