Do You Speak English?

Illegal is defined as contrary to existing statues, regulations, etc., unauthorized, unlawful, illegitimate, illicit, unlicensed. I'm gonna bet a dollar that many people would know the meaning of this word even if they didn't posses a dictionary. But in 2007 it seems that many, especially so-called leaders, have forgotten its meaning. In this article, Lawrence Downes is somehow suggesting that if we just take the word out then we can have a sensible debate. Well Mr. Downes I don't agree with you. This is one of the many obtuse comments he makes, "Used as an irreducible modifier for a large and largely decent group of people, it is badly damaging. And as a code word for racial and ethnic hatred it is detestable.' Give me a break. There are several things wrong with this comment. First, by calling someone illegal because that's what they are, is not necessarily denying that they maybe "decent." Decent people do stupid things all the time. Second, to lower this discussion to race baiting is exactly what he is arguing against - stopping the conversation.

He goes on to state, "But at least 'undocumented' - and an even better word, 'unauthorized' - contain the possibility of reparation and atonement, and allow for a sensible reaction proportional to the offense." Ok, so lets just change the name and everything will be alright. Lets simply refer to folks who broke into our country as decent people and call it a day. And while we are at it lets just give them the keys to the front door so they don't tear down our back doors. If we are not going to use the word then we are not going to do what's necessary to fix this problem. And calling people who simply want servers, computer techs and anyone else answering the phone to speak English xenophobes is ridiculous name calling and that too doesn't help the discussion.