Bob Herbert: Spies Like You and Me

[babylonsister]

Spies Like You and Me
By Bob Herbert
The New York Times

Saturday 08 December 2007


Let the witch hunt begin. Are you now or have you ever been an illegal immigrant?

Are any of your friends illegal? Relatives?

The last place you'd expect to encounter a chilling moment is at a presidential debate sponsored by National Public Radio. But on Tuesday, there was the NPR moderator, Steve Inskeep, asking the Democratic candidates whether American citizens have an obligation to turn in people they suspect are illegal immigrants.

It was not just a question asked in passing. Mr. Inskeep pressed the issue. He asked Senator Chris Dodd, for example, about the hypothetical situation of a "citizen" interviewing for a nanny.

"You interview a number of applicants," Mr. Inskeep said. "They all seem very nice. They seem like they would take care of the kids. But it would appear that their documents may not be in order. What would you want an American to do?"

Their documents may not be in order.

Mr. Inskeep didn't make clear what should trigger the suspicions of such oh-so-solidly American parents, causing them to scrutinize an applicant's papers with a thoroughness worthy of Sherlock Holmes. Might it be a skin tone darker than Paris Hilton's? Or maybe an accent, like that of my Aunt Lottie, who came here from Barbados?

You wouldn't have wanted to face my family if you were some rat who tried to turn in my Aunt Lottie.

I have no idea how Mr. Inskeep feels about this issue. He was just asking questions. But the last thing in the world that the United States needs is a signal from presidential wannabes that it's a good idea to turn ordinary American citizens into immigrant-hunting busybodies.

more...

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/120807C.shtml

[Briar]

1. Doesn't the US already have

vigilantes (sometimes armed) patrolling the borders? I'm with Mr Hertbert all the way - but I fear a great many Americans wouldn't mind earning patriot points (perhaps they could get a ticket for the lotto too) for turning in illegal immigrants.

[Joe Bacon]

2. I expect this from NPR

I lost what little respect I had left for NPR when they led the charge for Clinton's impeachment. Since then, NPR has totally tilted to the GOP. As far as I'm concerned, NPR=Nothing but Propaganda for Republicans!