More than a year of debating, meetings, summits, news releases, and media bashing came down to yesterday. While hailed by some as symbolic only and a slim victory, I was proud to be one of many who helped move the Repeal HB116 effort along and believe this victory is an absolute step in the right direction (no pun intended).
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
Today’s Deseret News reporting would have you believe HB116 has a broad band of statewide supporters. It doesn’t (just check out the comments). While the Salt Lake Chamber and alleged conservative think-tanks such as Sutherland Institute might have the war chests to pay for “leading” polls and disseminate persuasive propaganda, the truth is most Utahns don’t feel good about HB116 because of the injustices forced on those impacted by this flawed piece of legislation.
Racist, right-wingers, extreme fringe, and wing-nuts have all been part of the harsh cajoling directed at those who support the repeal of HB116. Derogatory and hard to take on most days of the week. But, how does someone who truly cares about improving the situation support legislation that ignores tens of thousands of children who have been victimized and live ruined by illegal immigrant ID theft, turns a blind eye to the fact that US residents and citizens who commit ID theft serve time in a federal penitentiary, offers a $2,500 as “get out jail” free payment, supports chain migration of illegals, and most importantly ignorantly disregards past history and the abysmal failure of amnesty which to date hasn’t resolved the problem — for U.S. / citizens and not illegal immigrants alike? They don’t.
Supporters of the HB116 amnesty law have said: you don’t care, you’re not compassionate, and more egregiously continue to extol the idea that illegal immigrants “have no choice.” They absolutely do, and this is where I believe, no matter party lines, pro-amnesty supporters have gone wrong. Everyone has a choice. We are forced to make choices every day. Not all choices are the best. But then again, we are human and not perfect. Making choices, righting wrongs and finding peace with decisions are all a part of being human.
The United States of America was founded on the U.S. Constitution, the mother of planning documents that has allowed this exceptional country to exist and thrive, as well as open its arms to millions of legal immigrants who have chosen to enter into America legally to seek a better life. While legislation and enforcement of those laws may be flawed based on administration de jour policy, they can be changed and improved by the people and have been for more than 250 years.
My grandparents made choices, survived genocide and the legal immigration process to come and assimilate in the United States and make better lives for their own children, my father and mother. They had and still embody courage, honor and integrity.
Yesterday’s victory is being slammed by opponents as insignificant only because they know it’s not. It sends a significant message both in Utah and nationwide. The Resolution to Repeal HB116 win yesterday was a victory for integrity, for honor and for those determined to make the right choice and legally immigrate to America.
While lucky enough to have been born a U.S. citizen to a wonderful dad and mom, I am proud to say this same group of legal immigrants included my great grandfathers, grandfathers and all of the incredibly strong women who have stood by them over the years.
Happy Father’s Day!
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