On Immigration

They have things backwards.

Our so-called "leaders" have suggested that a solution to the "problem" of immigration is to allow "guest workers" to come freely to our nation and work, but not to live here.

This proves, yet again, that those now ensconced in Washington have no idea what this country needs.

Why would we want people to come here, take our jobs, fill our streets during commute traffic, and create longer waits at our lunch spots and coffee shops rather than becoming contributing members of our communities?

Did those who were here when the Pilgrims arrived on our shores offer them work permits? No. They welcomed them into their homes. They invited them to dinner. They offered them their women. That is what neighbors do.

If it was a good idea then, it is good idea now.

All people should be welcome to come here and work, but only as long as they are also willing to move next door, join us for a meal, and date our children.

They must become members of our communities before they can work here.

And this should be not only a national policy, but it should be applied at state and local levels as well.

If it is a good idea there, it is a good idea here.

We should all work where we live. I am sure that there is not a single person among you who would not prefer a brief walk to work than the typical long drive. No more freeway congestion. No more pollution. No more sending our money to the oil barons and petrochemical corporations who care little for the quality of our lives (and who, incidentally, do not live in our neighborhoods).

I propose that people not be allowed to work more than one mile from where they live. There may be a brief time during which most people will need to find new jobs closer to their homes. But there should be plenty of jobs available once "foreign" workers are required to vacate those jobs.

There will be some disruption to our lives, but the long term benefits clearly outweigh the brief costs.

Think about it.