Ed Rutledge for Lieutenant Governor

By Lex and Ed

The Rights of Arizona by Lex Green

No matter what you think of Arizona's recent actions concerning its illegal immigration policy, there is something important to recognize. Arizona's law is within the jurisdiction of the state, and it is making a difference.

These things are much more important than the correctness or impact of the law itself. The state has power and it can wield that power to solve its own problems. Even President Obama, who criticizes the law as misguided, recognizes that the federal response to its own laws is inadequate. By not dealing with enforcement or modification of federal law, the gaping loophole left for the state is best handled locally.

An important aspect of the whole issue in Arizona is that state law is being applied effectively. Just as important, the federal government has no legal response. The only response from Washington is a lot of huffing and puffing. There is no substantive action being taken in Washington and this is a lesson to all states. When action is taken in defense of state citizens, the state is simply exercising its rights as described in the 10th Amendment.

On a side note, let it be said that immigration is not in the national jurisdiction as set by the Constitution of the United States. In fact, the Constitution puts naturalization as a national function, but handling immigration is, in fact, a separate issue. As such, Arizona did not breach the Constitutional separation of powers between Washington and the states when it set its current policy.

Congress has shown repeatedly that it is incapable of solving the real problems that face our states. Yet they attempt to undermine state powers at every turn in their effort to flex their political muscle. In fact, this is the source of so many of our problems at all levels. Congress' fiscal recklessness has been applied to every corner of the economy and states have caved in to their own detriment.

It is past time that the states stand up and be counted. It is possible that the powers inherent in the states, as detailed in the 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights, may be our only hope to solve our problems. Congress and the President have certainly shown that they don't have the answers.

Controversy in Arizona by Ed Rutledge

Although one has to respect Arizona for taking a stand with their 10th amendment powers, their recent bill unfortunately does little to resolve the underlying issues which have engendered this sensitive situation. The American Spirit is exemplified by personal freedom and individual responsibility. Our current immigration policies, however, consistently undermine these defining qualities. If we want to discourage those who want to abuse our generosity and cause our country harm, while encouraging those who are eager to become peaceful, productive, and proud Americans, then we need to return to free market principles. So, what does this mean?

First, the States must reassert their 10th Amendment powers, eliminating the federally mandated goodie bags which get handed out nearly indiscriminately. States need to understand that minimum wage laws have created a gap between what the market suggests a job is worth paying and what employers are allowed to pay employees – reducing the minimum wage or eliminating it altogether would allow employers to lawfully hire more American workers, reducing the number of jobs available to foreigners. Ending our second failed experiment with Prohibition would significantly reduce or eliminate gang activity and subsequent violence along our borders.

At the same time, there is no sense in throwing out the baby with the bathwater by banishing those who have been living here peacefully and productively, yet outside of the law. These are the very immigrants that we, as Americans, should want to attract. Since we are a nation ruled by law, giving currently undocumented aliens a free ride would be a distinct disservice to those who have played by the rules. We need to create a process through which those who have been here peacefully and productively can come into the system, bring themselves current on prior obligations incurred as undocumented residents, and begin carrying their own weight as members of our society.

For the time being, though, we continue to live with the effects of a welfare system forced upon the States by the Federal government coupled with, for all intents and purposes, open borders. This is a combination which is destined to overwhelm Local and State governments and cause widespread resentment among those who are forced to pay the bills. Arizona's recent law was simply that State's attempt to treat the symptoms of governmentally created problems. It is time for us to stop treating the symptoms, however, and to start focusing on a cure.

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