http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2006/ ... nion01.txt

The United States has two choices in the illegal immigration issue: Do something, even if it is not the perfect long-term solution, or do nothing at all, which will eventually lead to anarchy.

Illegal immigration, especially through the porous Mexican/United States border, is not just about the economy or the law; it is about a country still trembling from the impact of the 9/11 attacks.

In President George W. Bush's talk to the nation on illegal immigration Monday night, he pushed two agendas, both of which should have appeased at least a few people in both political parties.

The first proposal was to send 6,000 National Guard troops to the border to do work that will free up Border Patrol officers to guard the border. This deployment will last for about one year so the Border Patrol can build from within its own ranks to take over again.

The second proposal was a path for citizenship for the 11 million to 12 million illegals already in the country.

On the face of these suggestions, they appear to answer at least part of the question of what to do about illegal immigration. If troops can free up time for the Border Patrol to better patrol the border, then, logically, that should help slow the illegal immigrant flow.

Some conservatives feel the only solution for illegals already here is to ship them home and let their country deal with the repercussions. Without further conversation - much less thought - logic should tell them that it is not only almost impossible logistically, it is also the one move that will force us into a huge disagreement with Mexico.

The problem is that the thieves aren't checking out the security system and practicing their picklocking skills.

They are already in the house.

It doesn't matter if a person feels sympathy for the plight of illegals - which is easy to do - or feels illegals have just as much right to these freedoms as do U.S. citizens, the way they came is against the law; therefore, they are breaking the law. In this country, there are consequences for breaking laws.

If all of the laws don't apply to everyone, then what good are any laws?

Here is an idea for this nation's security, and as simplistic as it seems, it is also the only solution that will work.

If your house is overrun by thieves, lock the door, then deal with the thieves already inside.

If we build a wall along the Mexican border, many people's feelings are going to be hurt. The issue, however, is not about people's feelings. It is about the welfare and well-being of a nation that is being overrun by aliens who do not have our best interests in mind.