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Open Letter to John McCain: Does Rule of Law Still Mean Anything in America?
May 10, 2008
Senator John McCain
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.
Dear Senator McCain:
As one who was born in America to parents here legally, I am extremely proud to be a citizen of the greatest nation in the world. For all her warts and shortcomings, America is still the most spectacular success story in recorded human history.
Because of my vested interest in America, it is my opinion that preserving the unique culture, language, and tradition of this marvelous land for future generations should be a top priority for any elected official, regardless of political party.
My purpose in writing is to express my deep concern that you, Senator McCain, have has lost sight of the fact that America is great because we operate under the rule of law.
We Americans are no less competitive, disagreeable, or combative than are people in other societies--but we adjudicate our differences within the framework of law.
Unfortunately, it now appears as though our government--including President Bush, Congress, the Department of Justice et al.--have decided not to enforce all laws.
Namely, it is common knowledge that as many as 38 million illegal aliens are in America. These invaders, mostly from Mexico, cost American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars each year for public services to which illegal aliens are not entitled.
My question, Senator McCain: Why do you, an avowed conservative, refuse to demand that America's immigration laws be enforced?
Why do align yourself with people such as Senator Ted Kennedy in proposing amnesty for millions of people who have thumbed their noses at our borders and laws?
Why do you not demand that illegal aliens be rounded up and returned en masse to country of origin?
How can any government official who has taken a sworn oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution refuse to enforce all laws?
After the events of September 11, 2001, it is truly astounding and maddening that America's borders remain unsecured.
Six years after the most deadly attack on American soil and our government is still unable to control who enters and who leaves this country?
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 was enacted to impede the flow of illegal aliens into America. This law imposed severe sanctions against employers guilty of hiring illegal aliens, and provided for the deportation of those here unlawfully.
How can the United States government blithely ignore IRCA?
How can you, Senator McCain, ignore the fact that because IRCA has not been enforced, another 38 million illegal aliens have invaded America?
How can any candidate who professes to care about America ignore the fact that because amnesty was granted to four million illegals in 1986, another 38 million have invaded America since then?
Is it not perfectly clear that amnesty rewards illegal behavior and encourages millions of others to come to America illegally?
Like most Americans, Senator McCain, I work hard for far too little money. I pay taxes, stop for little old ladies at crosswalks, and obey the law. Even when most inconvenient to do so.
Perhaps I am the fool for withdrawing money with my ATM card instead of a gun; stopping at red lights that take forever to turn green, and paying for food when shoplifting would be quicker and cheaper.
Most illegal aliens do not pay income taxes. Perhaps I am again the fool for filing a timely and honest IRS 1040 every April, a ritual that I have followed for decades and which has cost me tens of thousands of dollars?
Senator McCain, the question is profound: Does the rule of law matter at all in America? If not, why not?
Even more profound: Why in the world should any American citizen vote for a candidate who refuses to demand that the rule of law be enforced?
John W. Lillpop
San Jose, Ca
Senator John McCain
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.
Dear Senator McCain:
As one who was born in America to parents here legally, I am extremely proud to be a citizen of the greatest nation in the world. For all her warts and shortcomings, America is still the most spectacular success story in recorded human history.
Because of my vested interest in America, it is my opinion that preserving the unique culture, language, and tradition of this marvelous land for future generations should be a top priority for any elected official, regardless of political party.
My purpose in writing is to express my deep concern that you, Senator McCain, have has lost sight of the fact that America is great because we operate under the rule of law.
We Americans are no less competitive, disagreeable, or combative than are people in other societies--but we adjudicate our differences within the framework of law.
Unfortunately, it now appears as though our government--including President Bush, Congress, the Department of Justice et al.--have decided not to enforce all laws.
Namely, it is common knowledge that as many as 38 million illegal aliens are in America. These invaders, mostly from Mexico, cost American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars each year for public services to which illegal aliens are not entitled.
My question, Senator McCain: Why do you, an avowed conservative, refuse to demand that America's immigration laws be enforced?
Why do align yourself with people such as Senator Ted Kennedy in proposing amnesty for millions of people who have thumbed their noses at our borders and laws?
Why do you not demand that illegal aliens be rounded up and returned en masse to country of origin?
How can any government official who has taken a sworn oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution refuse to enforce all laws?
After the events of September 11, 2001, it is truly astounding and maddening that America's borders remain unsecured.
Six years after the most deadly attack on American soil and our government is still unable to control who enters and who leaves this country?
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 was enacted to impede the flow of illegal aliens into America. This law imposed severe sanctions against employers guilty of hiring illegal aliens, and provided for the deportation of those here unlawfully.
How can the United States government blithely ignore IRCA?
How can you, Senator McCain, ignore the fact that because IRCA has not been enforced, another 38 million illegal aliens have invaded America?
How can any candidate who professes to care about America ignore the fact that because amnesty was granted to four million illegals in 1986, another 38 million have invaded America since then?
Is it not perfectly clear that amnesty rewards illegal behavior and encourages millions of others to come to America illegally?
Like most Americans, Senator McCain, I work hard for far too little money. I pay taxes, stop for little old ladies at crosswalks, and obey the law. Even when most inconvenient to do so.
Perhaps I am the fool for withdrawing money with my ATM card instead of a gun; stopping at red lights that take forever to turn green, and paying for food when shoplifting would be quicker and cheaper.
Most illegal aliens do not pay income taxes. Perhaps I am again the fool for filing a timely and honest IRS 1040 every April, a ritual that I have followed for decades and which has cost me tens of thousands of dollars?
Senator McCain, the question is profound: Does the rule of law matter at all in America? If not, why not?
Even more profound: Why in the world should any American citizen vote for a candidate who refuses to demand that the rule of law be enforced?
John W. Lillpop
San Jose, Ca
