Dying in Detention

Recent studies have shown that the Government seems to care less and less about our border control everyday. The recent editorial Dying in Detention published found at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/opinion/11wed2.html?_r=1&oref=slogin describes how many illegal immigrants being kept in detention centers are dying based on the lack of attention. Even though citizens of the United States are refusing to pay tax revenue to these illegal immigrants they still deserve to be treated as equals, and it’s only fair that these detainees receive proper medical attention.

Although it might seem unfair to pay higher taxes for people that aren't qualified to live in our country, it’s the humane thing to do. If we intentionally deny giving these detainees proper attention, especially in the medical field, just because they aren't "American" isn't that considered a form of genocide? As well why should community jails holding hundreds of harmful civilians get the proper attention just because they are legal, only in the residence sense? It isn’t correct and doesn't abide by our freedom rights stating that everyone is equal. We shouldn't allow discrimination based on our actions to destroy members of a group by causing serious bodily or mental harm. It’s selfish and unjust.

If these illegal immigrants aren't treated properly by Americans, and more and more are dying based on lack of Americans living conditions, what kind of judgment are other countries going to make? These detention centers are creating harmful opinions of our country, especially at a crucial time when we could use more allies on our side. In order to gain allies we need to practice and demonstrate the human characteristic of respect. We all know in our hearts it’s wrong for government to put down these actions upon those that can't help their current situations, so who's going to tell government to stop?

Cities shouldn’t have to do Congress’ work- Austin American Statesman

<>In reference to “Cities shouldn’t have to do Congress’ work” (Austin American Statesman, Friday, June 6, 2008), I must state that I support the city council of Farmers Branch. I agree with the Statesman that towns like Farmers Branch should not have to do the federal government’s job concerning illegal immigration. But I support the city for taking action rather than being a quiet victim or just whining about how little Congress is doing to help them.
Farmers Branch is not alone on this issue. According to CNN.com, the following cities have also passed similar laws: Escondido, California; Hazelton, Pennsylvania; Riverside, New Jersey; and Pahrump, Nevada (“Dallas Suburb Bans Rentals by Illegal Immigrants”, CNN.com, 6/8/08). According to this article, “Most cities said they acted out of frustration with the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws more vigorously.” So it’s obviously a country wide, federal issue which needs federal action. While Washington plays politics and politicians give big speeches about building fences across the border, the federal government doesn’t even provide the means to enforce the existing immigration laws adequately and small cities are left to deal with the problems of illegal immigration. Again from CNN.com, ”The effect of the government – the feds – not enforcing the law is 100 percent local.” Escondido City Council member Marie Waldron said in November. “We have to deal with the overcrowding in our neighborhoods. We have to deal with the overcrowding in our schools and the diseases that our children are exposed to. Our police department has to fight the gangs.”
I believe that if the Government isn’t taking control over this immigration issue it’s the right of the Farmers Branch community to take action. Even though the government has shown great progress over the years of catching and decreasing the amount of terrorists and imposters coming into our country, I think the community will be wise in their decision because they’re the ones that have to live and deal with immigrants in everyday life. The politicians residing in Washington don’t know what its like to live first hand with illegal immigrants that have to opportunity to smuggle drugs, diseases and gangs into their community. Illegal immigration is affecting the border cities in various ways and I think each city/ state needs to deal with their issue their own way. The government shouldn’t even have a right to object to and overrule Farmers Branch actions, unless they were already full handedly involved, which they aren’t. If the Government refuses to do their job dealing with illegal immigrants protecting our border towns and putting order to our country then it’s only up to us, the citizens, to take matters into our own hands.

The Problen with the Corporate Tax - New York Times

With the public uproar over rising gas prices, one presidential candidate's idea to temporarily cut the gas tax is getting the most attention. Most economists dismiss this plan as an effective response to the current spike in gas prices. Another candidate, John McCain, has proposed a tax cut that is lost in the general public, but some economists are realizing its merit. McCain plans to reduce the corporate tax on businesses. While it seems that corporations pay a corporate tax, ultimately the individuals that buy goods and services from the company pay the corporate taxes. Money paid for corporate tax results in lower returns on capital, lower wages, and smaller investment in research and development. Cutting the corporate tax would initially give a boost to after tax profits and stock prices. Rising stocks lead to more capital investment which leads to greater productivity, resulting in higher wages for employees and lower prices for consumers. The $100 billion deficit in tax revenue caused by the tax cut will be recouped from other taxes. Higher wages mean employees pay more income taxes and higher stock prices mean investors pay more taxes also. McCain says budget cuts will make up the remainder of the difference. The full article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/business/01view.html and is worth the quick read.