Desire to vent (Originally published on August 14, 2007)

Okay, I know it is a departure and I usually don't like to type out topics of conversation.

I used to write about completely abstract things and never put down the empirical, the real, the day-to-day. My life has changed since then. I have changed significantly since then.

Somewhere along the way I learned that all I can do is be. I learned to see the beauty in the world. I may not fix the world's problems but I will be the change I wish to see in the world. I will do what I can to lessen the pain of my brothers and sisters and I will do what I can to support the causes I believe in.

I am human and we get frustrated. My latest frustration stems from a see of discussion loosely grouped under the topic of immigration. As people shake their fists in the air and rattle sabers, pictures run through my head. The pictures were taken of third-class and steerage passengers on a little island off the coast of New Jersey. Not all of the photos are pleasant. The island was called the Island of Tears by some. Millions of people poured into this country from 1892 to 1924. They were men, women, and children that were hoping for a better life. Many of them would return to Europe to fight for their new country. Many would not be allowed in. Many would have their names changed indiscriminately. I would love to retell a personal story here but the Musick's were already here. They were from an earlier wave of immigration to reach our shores. A wave before photography.

The pictures are very different now. Men and women running across barren lend towards a fence while being chased by INS vehicles. A collection of rotted wood referred to as "a raft" slowly making its way across the Carribean. The words inscribed on a huge statue screaming "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free."

But we've done away with all that. Even marrying one of us doesn't guarantee you a right to live here. There are an estimated 30 million people living here illegally. Although I doubt this figure as it would represent 1/10 of our population, I'll allow it for the sake of argument. They pick our fruit, wash our dishes, clean our homes, and generally allow us to live the life we do.

I think people have tried the wrong tact in some cases when discussing this issue. I mean human decency can always be countered by lies and fear mongering. We are a capitalist country after all, so let us speak of this from a purely economical standpoint. Let's say there are 30 million people living here illegally. Then it would probably stand to reason that they are not paying income tax. Well, let me see we start by grandfathering people in. If you've lived here for 20 years, you are an American. Yes, this will be hard to verify. Oh well, more citizens, more taxpayers. Oh, that's right if you bring them on the payroll you have to pay them minimum wage. Minimum wage will actually be a pay increase in many cases even though it is abysmally low. Well, if you increase the wages of 40 million people guess what you end up with... 30 million consumers. Now, I know what you're thinking. If the wineries have to pay people minimum wage, what will happen. The answer: California wines will probably increase in price. Since wine is a luxury item and also taxed, the sale of more expensive wine will again increase the tax base.

But, you say, won't some growers go out of business? This is possible. The growers that are over stretched and rely on underpaid migrant labor for their picking may very well be adversely effected. But as it is illegal to hire labors that have entered the country illegally, I'm sure that very few growers are actually doing it. But what about the service industry? Won't they be hit? Again, are there people working illegally in kitchens? I am so surprised. I guess we would to pay them $5.85 an hour as well. Wait, if you start paying all the kitchen staff minimum wage won't the front of the house demand more money. I suppose so.

Waitresses and bartenders getting paid a legal wage plus tips! The outrage! I know, I dared to speak it. But I am not a communist. I am looking at this from a simple matter of capital. The ridiculousness of having people receive checks for null or for pennies leads not only to laughter among members of the industry but again to less tax revenue.

Basically, you can be evil and still support the opening of our borders and still let people live hand to mouth on the ridiculously low minimum wage. And you can do the most evil thing of all... hide your intentions. What will appear to the outside world as the only logical step will actually be brought about by greed. There are 30 million people that can be brought into the rat race of credit cards and debt counseling. It's an entire market to sell your products to. And the rich and powerful won't be negatively effected. I mean, do congressman actually drink California wines? They may have to start paying the servants, but you can't run for office and be connected with illegal labor.

Okay, I think I'm done now. I feel much better.