ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BATTLE GOES LOCAL
Just about anyone you talk to agrees that the federal government is not dealing adequately with the huge illegal immigration problem facing our country. The proportions of the problem and its impact are profound. Probably one of the most challenging aspects of the immigration problem with which t
o deal is the fact that millions upon millions of undocumented aliens are living within America now, and it is dealing with that part of the illegal immigration dilemma that is the most controversial of all issues surrounding this debate. Second to that would be border control issues.
I was intrigued to read that a local city councilman from Santa Clarita (home of Magic Mountain, in northern Los Angeles County) has proposed that local governments get more proactive in discouraging illegal immigration by making it harder for undocumented aliens to get work. Some of his proposals include dumping city vendors that hire undocumented workers, and also amping up enforcement of loitering laws to target this community.
The councilman is Cameron Smyth, who also happens to be the odds-on favorite (lack of opposition helps with my analysis) to walk into the State Assembly this November, replacing Dr. Keith Richman who is termed out. I approached Smyth who penned a short piece that is featured on the main page this morning.
CAMPAIGN PUBLIC FINANCING FOLLY
Once again, the idea of using tax dollars to finance political campaigns is rearing its head in Sacramento. I will be writing a lot more on this subject as it gains prominence in the news — but there is an important principle at stake here. The idea that the funding of political speech in America would be supported with tax dollars, instead of by individual citizens. No one should be taxed and then have their money used to support candidates with whom they disagree. If we want to look to innovative ways to encourage reform in political giving, how about a tax-deduction for the first $100 of political giving that any Californian makes to any candidate for national, state or local office? It is by increasing citizen participation in the political-giving process that you will see the desired effect of broad involvement in the finances of campaigns. Public financing is a flawed idea. More on this to come.
I have to run this morning, but look for more on the FR weblog throughout the day!
Jon
PS: Keep your tips and comments coming! Write to me here, or anonymously here.
Care to read comments, or make your own about today’s Daily Commentary?
Just click here to go to the FR Weblog, where this Commentary has its own blog post, and where you can read and make comments.