I was doing something that I normally never do tonight--watching the nightly news in Portland [something that should possibly always demand a preface], when I happened upon a humdinger of a story.
The story had to do with a local ordinance that was being proposed in Willamina, Oregon. Even had an accompanying poll--I'm talking hard-charging journalism here.
The proposed ordinance would establish an 'illegal alien-free zone' within the Willamina city limits [granted that might only encompass an area roughly the size of a large Buick].
The proponent of the measure, in his infinite wisdom, would enforce the ordinance by allowing "any law enforcement officials, within the town's city limits, to stop anyone and ask for proof of citizenship."
Digest that for a moment.
Show me your papers! Vee have vays auf making you talk.
OK--Granted, the measure is obviously unconstitutional on Fourth Amendment grounds. However, I'm a little more stunned every day when I see a story that seems to further highlight the unbelievably authoritarian turn we have sadly taken. I guess I shouldn't be surprised by now, although I somehow always am.
Gee Manetti--book this guy on Lou Dobbs, quick!
Sadly, just when I thought my progressive heart was completely deflated, KATU News put up the following poll: "Do you support the idea of an 'illegal alien-free zone,' which would require people to show proof that they are legal citizens?"
Just when I was ready to see my fellow Portlanders--Portlandites?--Portlandians?--turn out in force to overwhelmingly vote "no," I saw the following results:
YES--74%
NO--26%
EGADS! I'm occasionally heartened by, what I view as, the progressive trajectory on which our politics is traveling. However, there are some issues on which we have a long, long way to go. Immigration reform is one of them.