The recent fervor in Northern Virginia among politicians, the media and the blogosphere on the issue of immigration policy has been characterized by passionate xenophobia masked as legitimate concern on the right, and a conspicuous lack of a coordinated response by the left. As a result, discussion of the issue has centered entirely on whatever sensationalism and hyperbole the right can dream up in the absence of a rational counterbalance. Luckily, Arlington County Manager Ron Carlee has brought reason back to the debate in a big way, and in just two pages. Writing in response to claims that Arlington is a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants, Carlee says:
"Much has been reported lately of an 'immigration problem' in parts of Northern Virginia. There is no such 'problem' in Arlington County. During a period of rapidly increasing diversity, we have experienced the following:
- The lowest crime rate in our history.
- The most rapid increase in property values in our history - now stabilized.
- Some of the best schools in the nation.
- Some of the highest incomes in the nation.
- Full employment resulting in labor shortages.
- Extensive private commercial investment.
- Expansion of retail and leisure activities.
- Lowest tax rate among major jurisdictions in Northern Virginia."
Arlington County, one of the safest and most prosperous localities in the entire country is doing better than ever, despite the "illegal alien menace" that the right has been so diligent in warning us about. Rather than succumbing to the manipulative rhetoric from the far right on this issue, Carlee has directed the government he manages to focus on actual issues. He closes his memo saying:
"Much of what is being said about immigration is political rhetoric during a hotly contested campaign season. As a professional manager I am prohibited from getting involved with the politics of this issue. By any objective standard, however, there is no factual foundation for using Arlington and its policies to make a case against immigrants, regardless of their residency status. To the contrary, our policies clearly demonstrate how tolerance can make a community better."
Progressives have gotten off to a late start on this issue, but armed with common sense it is not too late to stop those who would use the politics of fear and hate to distract voters from the failures of the Republican party. But we need to start now.
Hopefully posts like this will stop them in their tracks this time.
Nearby is a location where workers used to wait on the street corner to be picked up for day work. Now they have an indoor shelter nearby where they can wait for work. A sign on the street says "Need Workers?" with an arrow pointing to the pick up location.
Near this area along George Mason Drive are low rent apartments interspersed with parks and picnic areas.
And some nearby low cost housing is being renovated.
Anybody wonder why Arlington has a low crime rate and no immigration problem?
I'm so sick of these stupid wedge issues that draw away from the real concerns of the citizens. I will never understand why the "leaders" don't lead and do what is right.
I fear more from our poor health care system, inflation, falling housing prices, and income inequality than I'd ever even think about immigration, gay marriage, flag burning, prayer in school, etc.
Why are the Dem.s so terrible in pushing our issues on our terms?
Personally, I have WTOP and the WaPost phone numbers by my phone, and every time I find them doing that, and not giving the Democratic point of view, I call and lambaste them. More should do the same.