Geez, the Charlotte Observer’s lead editorial on the Marxavi Angel Martiniez case makes Lorraine Ahearn’s column look downright wimpy:
Her case shows how anti-immigrant furor in North Carolina has crossed the line of decency and become a mean-spirited desire to root out anybody who cannot show they came here with permission.
Her story, too, shows why ginned-up rhetoric about “amnesty for criminals” is hollow, and why politicians who employ it to blow up sensible reforms are wrong….
……The facts are not certain, but it appears an overzealous sheriff – well-known for his efforts to deport illegal immigrants – may have obtained Ms. Martinez’ name from public health records when she sought pre-natal care, and tracked her down.
That crosses a line that should not be crossed. And for what?
…Providing a conditional path to legal status for someone people had no say in coming here and who have made something good and decent out of themselves is not “amnesty for criminals.” It’s sensible and humane.
What part of that do we not understand?
Note, too, the editorial mentions Sen. Elizabeth Dole as one of the politicians “who stir up public emotions with sentiments about amnesty for criminals.” This case is definitely keeping immigration on the front burner during the campaign, and it’s a perfect opener for Dole’s opponent, state Sen. Kay Hagan, to distinguish herself from Dole on the issue. But all we’re getting is the old ‘click the ruby red slippers and send Senator Nowhere home’ line.
Which is not to say the Hagan campaign can’t step it up a bit, while it’s really fresh on everyone’s mind
