A Mending Wall

When Yin Meets Yang

The woman who signed the controversial Arizona immigration law and its highest profile critic met on June 3rd to discuss the bill and other issues surrounding it. After emerging from the talks, President Obama stated that the divide between them, though still apparent was decreasing. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R-AZ) called the meeting cordial and said that although some aspects were resolved, there were still many other issues before them. However, she did announce that Obama had promised to allocate 1,200 more border patrol troops as well a $500 million dollar increase in border and immigration control funding, with the promise that a majority of these resources would be coming to Arizona.

The Presidential Perch

President Barack Obama has said that while he understands the anger and frustration of the people of Arizona that gave birth to this bill, he still reaffirms his position that it is not the correct step. He cites possible problems with racial profiling and other motives that would put Hispanic-Americans at risk. He calls the bill unfair and basically says it erodes cultural acceptance of minorities. However, his other complaint (which I find to hold less clout) is that by supporting this bill, he would be supporting 50 different bills in 50 different states on the issue of immigration.

It must be nice to be able to look down upon the rest of the country from that presidential pedestal try to play King because this is exactly what Obama is doing here. Now, I know I am a federalist so I take offense to this being called a problem basically at face value, but lets dig a little deeper. Barack Obama, as do I, supports gay rights in the states that have made gay marriage legal. He endorses this, which means, he endorses 50 different bills in 50 different states that all focus on a single issue. (Hypocritical much?)

In reality I think its a power grab for the national government to claim to have issue with a state bill in this sense because to do so would literally mean that the federal government would have to be against every state law that wasn't an exact replication of federal policy. This would basically destroy federalism and completely change the structure of American democracy as we know it. So I'm just gonna call the BS factor on this one. Mr. President, in this case your impeccable rhetoric failed you, maybe you should try and be more realistic and actually read the constitution? Just saying.

A More Realistic Stance

Governor Jan Brewer announced that she is encouraged by the increased dialogue with Washington. Saying that: "I am encouraged there is going to be much better dialogue between the federal government and the state of Arizona. I hope that that's not wishful thinking; I hope that's positive thinking." And why shouldn't she be. Regardless of whether one personally supports the bill or not, the bill has undoubted accomplished at least one thing. I has brought illegal immigration from the forefront of the people, to the forefront of the government., Finally the government seems to be doing its job. Since the passing of the bill, the federal government has talked more about securing its borders and has promised more resources to that cause than it has in previous years. No matter what in that case, it was a positive step. Even through anger and controversy, real things can be accomplished, case and point.

On the account of a possible Obama Administration legal battle over the Arizona law, Brewer unabashedly said, bring it on. In an interview with John King, Governor Brewer said, in reference to the administration: "We'll meet you in court. I have a pretty good record of winning in court." If one doesn't like Jan Brewer one must, especially after this comment, respect her. The lady not only said she'd take on the feds in court, but she threw down the gauntlet for her state. Now that's courage and loyalty, attributes more of our politicians need to have. Go Jan Brewer, the people of Arizona are lucky to have such a dedicated civil servant a yourself.

Later,
Cody

p.s. I would just like to point out how the opponents of the bill completely ignore the amendments passed to fix the bill. What's up with that? They act like it doesn't even exist. Weird. Maybe yet again of politicians trying to find non-issues to further their own ambitions? Interesting question, if I may say so myself.

(Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images)