Reply #86: This is what I know: I lived in the Los Angeles area for only

[EFerrari]

about two years. I saw the unions there making common cause with undocumented workers. I saw everything improve -- slowly, but improve. Because WORKERS were on the same page.

I think this whole underground of people who are exploited and who have no recourse to law enforcement is a horrible situation. I had to help a lady who couldn't report a sexual assault for fear of deportation. It was the most awful thing you could imagine. So, no! I'm not "pro illegal immigration".

But, because I am a progressive, I don't believe that people should be punished for trying to survive in any way they can. Not punished for their poverty, or their hunger, or for their hope of a better life.

There is a distinction between legal and illegal immigration. And it has more to do with how hungry you are than how moral you'd like to be, imho.

My mom's whole family came here, legally, from El Salvador. The family was riven for years as everyone got their own papers in order. And 7 of 10 of them vote Dem. :)

I think the problem is, working people are being set against each other as usual, while the people who create wealth from this situation get a pass.

And, that's too bad. I believe we can be better and smarter than that.