As an individual who maintains residences and does business in both Phoenix and Malibu, I felt compelled to respond to the article on Santa Monica College boycotting Arizona. I have personally worked in the public sector in the city, as well as been involved in politics on both areas. What seems to be missing from these debates is the fact that a federal law has been in existence for many years allowing law enforcement officials to do exactly what SB 1070 is now allowing Arizona state officials to do. The rationale for this measure was due in large part to the federal government’s lack of efforts to enforce their own statute. That said, the facts of the issue are largely economic, and have little to do with racial issues. Both Arizona and California lose millions in tax revenues each year from people in this country illegally, thereby employed illegally and subsequently not contributing to the system which supports us all. It is not an issue of race, color or ethnicity, as there are people of all backgrounds in this country illegally.
It just so happens that the neighboring country to our south is of one ethnicity by and large. That said, building a fence, patrolling the borders, or any other measure will not resolve the issue that will still remain. Federal laws need to be enforced regardless of whose toes they may step on. I find it deplorable that our federal government, rather than take steps to either revise or perhaps, I dare say, enforce the existing law, is suing the State of Arizona for doing just that. This is a state ravaged by many issues which is only trying to correct a system that has been failing for decades.
As for SMC and/or the City of Malibu boycotting Arizona, I dare say the State is not sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to see if this will occur. Perhaps California should focus on its own issues, like why it is necessary for sheriffs to go door to door collecting dog license fees as the State is so destitute. The moral of the story, let’s try and keep our eye on the ball, folks.
John P. Heffernan III