Republicans and Illegal Immigration: Waiting for the Next Fort Sumter

        How many at that Chicago convention knew that in a few years the nation would be torn apart by the War Between the States and in a few more years Lincoln would be assassinated? Who knew then that many of the social problems born out of that war would still be alive today?  It is interesting to remember, too, that in Lincoln's time, the War of 1812 was about as far from him as the Vietnam War is far from us, today.

        Although there was talk of secession at the 1860 Chicago convention, few there ever thought the question of slavery would lead to the battle of Fort Sumter in 1861, less than a year later.  In some ways the inability of those 19th Century politicians to see or even control the events that lead up to the War Between the States is analogous to the inability of our current politicians to see and understand the growing tension that illegal immigration causes in our society.

        In our current election year, illegal immigration--especially illegal immigration from Mexico--is the one issue that neither Democrats nor Republicans want to face.  In my opinion, illegal immigration is to our time what secession and civil war was to Lincoln's time.  It is the violence looming on the horizon to which politicians turn their back and wish would go away.  Instead of warning us about the damage that illegal immigration has done to the nation's social fabric, the campaign for president has been so far about the Vietnam War and the Swiftboat controversy.  It is as if the Lincoln/Douglas debates were about the War of 1812 instead of slavery.

        There are many reasons why politicians in both parties do not want to face the problem of illegal immigration.  One reason is that it is a problem which involves an unpopular solution.  We need to detect, detain, and deport millions.  Who is willing to do that, at the moment?  In 1860, few wanted to face the consequence of the abolitionist movement and secession, either.  Instead, because of their blindness, there was civil war, social upheaval, and millions killed.  So, today's politicians are likewise reluctant to speak about the growing tension in our society that threatens another war with Mexico.

        Just as it was difficult for some politicians in 1860 to sense the depth and concern of the abolitionists, so today, it is as difficult for some politicians to sense the concern and anger of those who demand something be done about illegal immigration.  Right now, in Arizona, a primary fight in the Republican Party is developing between a candidate who is following the White House line of ''heads in the sand'' on the illegal immigration issue, and other Republican challengers who want change.  According to the Arizona Daily Star, Rep. Marian McClure of Tucson is running for reelection, but is avoiding the illegal immigration issue.  She seems to have the support of so-called moderate Republicans and the White House.  Nevertheless, her opponents have different priorities.  ''Douglas Sposito, of Sonoita, wants to...clamp down on businesses that hire illegal entrants.  David Gowan, of Sierra Vista, said...he wants the National Guard placed on the border to cut out illegal border crossings.''

        Ironically, as these politicians debate, thousands of illegals continue to stream undetected across the U. S./Mexico border each week into Arizona.  Even in Illinois, the state where Lincoln is buried, the tide of illegals from Mexico is rising.  In April, State Representative William Delgado (D) remarked, ''We are pioneers.  We might as well be in covered wagons because 10 years from now, this state is brown.''  (VDare.com)