I've heard a comment or two on the nightly news by women who illegally crossed the border, had a couple of kids on the public's dime and now whines about "breaking up the family".

Reminds me of the story of the kid who killed his parents and then asked the court for mercy because he was an orphan.

A heartfelt post, but I'm afraid I am generally less trustful of the good intentions of illegal immigrants. Obviously, some large fraction of them prefer to earn an honest living. Another large fraction will cheerfully place their kids in American schools while paying far less in taxes than their kids cost to educate. Need I discuss their method of health care? Their carrying American flags this time impresses me not a bit.

Actually, when you think about it, the working poor of natural born Americans have their children educated for much less than they pay in taxes. And I also note that the working poor of whatever origin also have their health care taken care of in the same way. This is not to make a case for being an illegal in America, but only to point out that the examples given are built into the system and available to all regardless of whether they are illegal aliens or natural born Americans.

It doesn't go to justifying the aliens, it just goes to the concept that better ideas require better arguments.

I am suggesting that while some illegal aliens probably have perfectly noble sentiments toward the US, others have trained themselves, with plenty of help from US-born "activists", to believe that the US owes them whatever they can take. Or can you convince me that they would see justice in our sending our poor to be schooled and medicated on the Mexican dime?

It is indeed built into the American system that illegal aliens are allowed these things, alongside the American poor. Unless I misunderstand you, you and I agree that the situation is untenable.

I was sort of surprised at the faction that boycotted American businesses to "have an impact".
Sounded like extortion to me. On a socialist/communist holiday to boot.
So...the wife and I spent a good chunk of our months pay on the 1st.
I don't think it will have the negative impact they think it will.
Whoever is running the P.R. behind the more militan factions isn't very bright.

Nuanced,
You are correct. We do agree.

That's really smart of them, to boycott American businesses. Given that
1) anyone without a legitimate Social Security Number can earn only an unimpressive salary, and
2) Wal-Mart already has the financial resources greater than most small countries, and
3) the little mexican corner stores already have their steady influx of family/customers,
I conclude that: The only thing that will probably happen is that Wal-Mart will shrug as it notices no difference in its sales numbers.

(I also find it hard to believe that they will actually hold to their vows of boycotting ammerican businesses when they realize that imported goods cost more because of tariffs and shiping costs.)