Either enforce laws or get rid of them

An SUV carrying 21 illegal immigrants (we can no longer call them illegal aliens for some politically-correct reason) crashed on a desert highway in California Sunday killing four and injuring 17. Border police were following the vehicle but had halted their pursuit as per policy to avoid a speeding crash. Ignoring police lights and sirens as well as spike strips, the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed as the police vehicles slowed and kept their distance. It obviously did not matter.

In March, a pickup truck carrying 22 illegal immigrants crashed in California in an identical incident. Following both mishaps, Mexican officials and those in California criticized the Border police for their pursuit of the illegals.

There is a raging debate in this nation over the explosion of illegal immigrants flooding into America. California is ground zero for the debate. But the aspect that seems to be forgotten in this discussion is the single word "illegal." There is a fair and easy process whereby those wishing to move to America can indeed pursue that dream. But the discussion on these incidents focuses on the word "illegal."

If police do not attempt to stop illegal immigrants then why have immigration laws in the first place? I do not accept the argument that this great nation was indeed formed by immigrants. Well duh! The same could be said, I assume, for every nation under the sun. We all came from some place originally now didn't we.

If immigrants expect the free services provided by taxpayers and the freedoms associated with this country like none other, then in return we can and should expect that they follow the laws and become a part of the fabric of this great nation. If we are unable to follow the laws and detain those who enter this country illegally, then throw all of the laws off the books and let the games begin.

I fully recognize that the illegal immigrant population provides the manpower that does the often unpleasant work that others will not do. But that is no excuse to ignore the laws of this land and allow undocumented people from anywhere to enter this country for any and all reasons.

We either need to change the laws or follow those currently in effect. Tragedies like those in California are not the fault of law enforcement or an intolerant society. They are the fault of those who chose to disobey the laws of this country. And the consequences should fall on the shoulders of those who ignore the laws, not enforce them.