More on illegal immigration ...

So, Thursday Gov. Schwarzenegger praised the “Minuteman Campaign,” a group of volunteers who enforce federal laws regarding border control. And here’s the statement released by the leader of a Mexican American group: The governor's comments are "shameful" and "nothing short of base racism … I think we're seeing the real Arnold Schwarzenegger. The mask has now fallen," said Nativo V. Lopez, state national president of the Mexican American Political Assn. "Those of immigrant stock should have no illusions about what his real sentiments and feelings are toward them."

The ironic part is that Schwarzenegger IS an immigrant. But the difference between him and the people Mr. Lopez represents is that Schwarzenegger came here legally. And to allege that legal immigrants won’t understand Schwarzenegger’s sentiments is to insinuate that they’re ignorant and can’t understand the issues.

I had hoped there wouldn’t be any more outrageous comment in this article so I could just roll my eyes and dismiss it. But then it got worse …

The article states that nonprofit groups, such as Humane Borders and No More Deaths, provide water for [illegal] immigrants crossing the border. Federal wildlife officials have provided water stations in the desert for animals but have been criticized for not providing enough for people.

Schwarzenegger says: "What we're doing basically is, by not really securing the borders, we're saying: 'Look, here are the various water stations. Here are the places where you can cross the borders. Here is where we're going to help you.' The whole system is set up to really invite people to come in here illegally, and that has to stop."

But Enrique Morones, president of the Border Angels, an immigrant rights group, says: "I assure you, nobody is coming here for the water, and the stations we have set up by various organizations is a humanitarian effort.”

WHAT THE …?!!

I’ve never heard anything so contradictory in all my life. Why on earth would water stations be purposefully placed in the middle of the desert if it’s certain no one is going to drink from them? And doesn’t the fact that Morones admits it’s a “humanitarian effort” clearly suggest that humans are going to benefit (i.e., drink) from these water stations?

The only consoling factor of this piece is that my friend Mike Spence of the CRA was quoted at the end. And Mike’s a really good guy.

Okay … The End (for now).