> Anyways, the point of that tangent was to say that while I do have an opinion in this debate, I feel stupid talking about it without at least recognizing that I find the whole debate phoney in the first place.

That's a *really* interesting take on the subject, and one that hits home with me. I, too, am sort of perplexed by why immigration is such a hot button topic with such polarized viewpoints. Maybe it's because I live in New Hampshire, not a place where illegal immigrants come to and take jobs. In any case, it seems like an easy issue to compromise on and not one that's *that* hugely important to the national economy when all is said and done. I also have an opinion on the subject, and moreover I understand and sympathize with arguments from both sides. But it's not something I can get worked up about.

The one part of this I believe in pretty strongly is a common line of reasoning used to make conclusions about immigration laws. And that is a rebuttal to the "sense of entitlement" accusation of Americans protecting their own. I don't see "entitlement" as the motive; rather, that the function of a national government is first to care for its own and second to care for the world. It may sound callous, but it's not: if everybody cares for everybody else, nobody gets cared for. It's easier to think of it on a smaller scale, with families. The responsibility of family members is first to care for family -- children, elderly parents, crazy aunts, whoever -- and second for everybody else. If you don't believe that, you won't believe my government analogy, but that's where I'm coming from.

The thing is, as a member of a family, you *still* have a responsibility to care for others outside the family. Ditto with government. We have to care for our own first, but if we're in a position to help non-citizens, we have to do what we can without *overly* sacrificing our first responsibility.

This line of reasoning, as many other entirely different lines of reasoning, still leads me to a stance of moderation on the issue of immigration. Do what you can. We can take a few hits to do so. Just don't destroy our economy (and therefore the livelihood of citizens) in the process.

But I think you're right about how extremes are sold so that moderation may prevail. Moderate stances like mine don't sell to the people.