Comments on Clotted Cognition: Discrimination is illegal

Oh, I agree. It just crossed my mind that the U.S....

2008-08-28T00:05:31.240-05:00

Oh, I agree. It just crossed my mind that the U.S. sometimes tries to help or otherwise get involved with people who don't even live in the U.S., which could add another piece to the picture. I wonder, do people who want to protect the U.S. from further immigration also tend to want it to be the world's policeman? I suspect they do, which seems a bit inconsistent of them. I could be wrong, of course.

Thanks, Mudge. It will come as no surprise that I ...

2008-08-27T22:33:51.988-05:00

Thanks, Mudge. It will come as no surprise that I wholeheartedly agree with you. In fact, I need to post an update.

Esha: I somehow missed this comment until now. Any...

2008-08-27T22:25:52.202-05:00

Esha: I somehow missed this comment until now. Anyway: I suppose it depends on how far you want to extend your sphere of action and how you want to understand the idea of borders or countries. If I were idealistic I would say that someone who sees our country and its covenants and wants to participate in them and abide by them should be allowed to do so; that choice is our most cherished action. I know it isn't that simple, but it seems to me that claiming your group is better than another and therefore private is, well, wrong. Of course, if we accept that society must do all it can to protect its citizens and that protection extends to the point of caring for its least fortunate citizens, then we must demonstrate harm versus benefit, too. There's no way our government can save the world, but there's no reason our people can't. Idealistically speaking, of course.

This country has, from 1607 on, thrived when it ac...

2008-08-27T20:47:58.589-05:00

This country has, from 1607 on, thrived when it accepted immigrants from anywhere in the world, and stumbled when, due to misguided protectionism and racism, it closed its borders. Immigrants, who gladly fill the jobs that "legals" won't, work harder, and longer, and thereby provide the organic engine of this country's growth and success. Thanks for your insights.

I suppose it's about resources. If someone's "here...

2008-08-17T01:34:55.417-05:00

I suppose it's about resources. If someone's "here" without having jumped through official hoops for approval, what is our collective responsibility for them? Then again, what is our collective responsibility for them if they're not "here"? Should America be benefactor, police, or just a neighbor who minds its own business?

I don't have answers for most of those questions myself....