[First, if you are coming late to this discussion, please go back and read my initial post in this thread where I specificy what parts of the debate cross over the line into racism.]
Let's talk about the idea that people working here illegally, and their supporters, consitute an "invasion".
William Calhoun wrote:
This is an invasion of America, and there is no other way to see it. Mexico, like most other third-world nations, despises the West. But they know they cannot defeat it in conventional battle, but only invade under the auspices of "reverse colonialism." The West contains most of the world's resources, and the third-world hordes regularly invade the West to rape and ravish it of its riches. And it is not just Mexico that invades, but all of South America, Africa, Asia, China and India are coming too.
It is only with more earnest measures that we can stop this illegal invasion. For starters, we must demand serious border security. We need fencing along the entire US-Mexico border, with razor-wire reinforcements. We need land mines placed all along the US-Mexico border. We need agents to open fire at anyone approaching the US border. And we need more auxiliary units of volunteer militias to guard the border, and then to help round up and deport all the illegals currently in the US.
It will be harsh, but necessary. Many Mexicans in the US military will probably side with Mexico...
The word "invasion" defames the vast majority immigrants who are crossing ilegally to find work, or to be with their families, or to find a better future. It is defamation because it is a strong accusation of hostility toward the United States leveled at people, many of whom want nothing more than to become citizens.
Not everyone who uses the word "invasion" goes as far as this writer, but the implicit meaning of the word is clear.
And the use of the word "invasion" is almost always used to include US citizens-- the implication being that Hispanic American, even non-Hispanic immigrant advocates, are really anti-American traitors.
These themes are common and have even been used on A2K. They go far beyond the discussion about compassion and strict enforcment of the law. They are defamatory, and they promote hatred.
The "invasion theme" used by a significant number of people certainly matches the criteria to be considered racist. How many people on A2K who want strict enforcement will reject it.
Are you going to pick the oranges that rot on the trees when there's so much as talk about a potential raid? I think not.
