Protests, hyperbole over AZ bill unjustified

Seeing the hullabaloo surrounding Arizona’s immigration law, SB1070, I read the bill in order to decide for myself if the protests and hyperbole is justified. My conclusion is, no, both are unjustified knee-jerk reactions… unless you’re an illegal, or you hire illegals.

SB1070 is easily understandable. It is clear, concise and unambiguous. I see nothing racist or discriminatory, unless nabbing lawbreakers fits the definition(s). As I read SB1070, the only way an officer on the street can check a person’s legal status is if he/she is detained for violation of an existing law, i.e. running a stop sign. SB1070, all 16 pages, seems to be eminently fair. Civil rights safeguards are many.

I wonder why people that break our immigration laws think they are immune from any consequences? I break the law, and get caught, I pay the price. But if I’m an illegal I’m treated special? Frankly, I don’t get it, and I don’t like it.

I would just about guarantee that the people running around the streets of Arizona with signs indicating the Nazi storm troopers are coming have not read the bill. I wonder if the bigger issue isn’t fear of losing taxpayer-funded entitlements?

God bless America, and God bless our troops.

STEVE BRIXEN

Sandpoint