If we are a nation of Laws and I believe most here on DU want that then

[Toots]

why would the Democratic party not back Hackett on his idea of deporting illegal immigrants? It isn't as if we don't support immigration or hispanics or any nationality but we support Law. If we don't support the law then we are no better than the Republicans. We must support the Law and I am sure that we will not lose the support of the hispanic community. I feel that is what our so called Democratic Leaders are so afraid of. They are so afraid of losing a constituency that they sit there spinning on their thumbs. Hackett is a Leader. He is willing to get out in front on the issues and take a strong stance. We need to support any and all who do that and tell all those quisling Democrats their days are numbered. The most important issue we have is Law and Order. That is defending our nation. What good is this nation if it isn't about Law and Order? If illegal immigration seems like a hard nut it is because we have been neglectful about immigration issues and enforcement. We need to help them get their green cards and help them get set up in gainful employment. If we do that they will be in strong support of enforcement of immigration laws. If we act like Republicans then we will be as despised by the poor every bit as much. Law and Order should be our standard and it goes hand in hand with defense. Republicans want it to be every man for themselves. New gun laws springing up all across the land stating you can kill someone if you feel threatened by them. What kind of Law and Order is that. It is the Absence of Law and Order and that should be our main issue. If not then we don't deserve to lead or win anything.

[ulysses]

1. it's been made a rabid rightwing issue

centered on xenophobia and not a little racism. (note: I'm not calling you, Hackett or any other particular Dem xenophobic or racist.) It's also bound up in a lot of other issues (globalization, the shit we do in Central America, etc).

Besides, if we want Law and Order issues, we have plenty with Enron, illegal wiretapping by this administration, and others. Going after poor illegal immigrants seems very much like pandering.

[Toots]

2. If abiding by the Law is pandering then Democrats are in for disapointment

Law is not something you pick and choose whether you obey or not. Republicans feel that way but we should not...If we don't like a law we work to change it not disobey it.

[ulysses]

4. not what I said.

Abiding by the law isn't pandering. Painting a target on illegal immigrants (why? Is it jobs? Then target outsourcers. Is it the drain on public services? Target Wal-Mart.) during an election year seems very much like it, as I say.

[ret5hd]

3. when people start bitchin' about illegal employers rather than...

illegal immigrants...

and start demanding that those illegal employers are fined into bankruptcy and thrown in prison...

and start deriding illegal employers for destroying "our" economy...

and start "looking down on" anybody that has an illegal employer as a neighbor...

well, then, and only then, will i decide that i really have anything to discuss with those that are all up-in-arms about the "illegal" problem. cause until then, i think that the only people talkin' about it are bigots.

The workers are one of US...The employers are one of THEM, exploiting the POWERLESS for personal gain, and yet all we bitch about is the guy trying to keep his family from starving. Disgusting!

edit:typo