Interesting quote attributed to Jeff Johnson, research director of the Washington State Labor Council, referring to those citizens of the United States of America who oppose illegal immigration as “nativists.”
I always thought of myself as a patriotic (in the good sense, not the affected patriotism of those lapel pin wearing, flag flying, God is on our side type) American who believed in the rule of law being applied to all areas of citizenship. This naturally includes abhorrence of illegal anything — immigration included. I continue to be amazed at the extremists (left and right) who label those who disagree with tenets their fringe belief systems with names intended to imply the labelese as lacking in some basic quality (i.e. intelligence, compassion, patriotism, moral values, etc.).
Can’t we simply frame the issue as — some citizens objecting to the granting of rights (other than human rights) to non-citizens who have illegally entered our country?
Greg Filzen
Everett > Give us your news tips. > Send us a letter to the editor. > More Herald contact information.Talk to us