by Joshua Pantalleresco

Created on: April 23, 2009

I think this issue is the biggest joke in the country. I'm surprised so many people have bought the punchline - especially since we're the ones that caused the problem to begin with.

Confused? I hope so. I should explain a small bit of my background. You see, I lived in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Across the river you see Detroit, Michigan, USA. Ever since I was a little boy I've travelled back and forth across the border. I love the Ambassador Bridge, and see it as a positive link between both countries. It shows that friendship can exist, and that borders are nothing more than imaginary lines. I know Canadians that have worked in the United States, and vice versa. It's normal there. There are no beefs about someone taking someone else's job. It's the dumbest thing to say.

For the most part, both countries get along. Sure, Americans tend to sneak into Windsor because the drinking age is two years less than it is in their home country. Then again, Canadians tend to go into the casino in downtown Detroit. There's a certain quid pro quo and a lot of the biases both countries have for each other evaporate. Everyone realizes that they are working for the same thing. There is no blaming anyone for any problems that do exist.

So why doesn't this state of harmony exist with the United States and Mexico? You think it would. We are neighbors after all. That said, I guess it's one of those situations where neighbors just don't naturally get along. There is some history for that case. Personally, I tend to believe it's nothing more than a distraction.

First and foremost, the idea that the border can't be monitored down there is ridicules. Canada and the US have a much larger, much more impossible border to defend. How many times do you hear about illegal immigrants from Canada? Not that often. I'm not saying it doesn't happen; rather I'm saying that if the idea is so absurd when the opportunity is so much greater up there, why are we taking it so seriously down in the southwest? How is anybody getting by unless someone is allowing it?

I live in Arizona now. I know people who have dealt with illegal immigrants over here. They don't steal people's benefits. Nor do they have any interest in contacting any authorities. Why would they want to file welfare or social security, or be counted with a census? Most people that do come here come here with the desire to feed their families or themselves. Call me naive, call me liberal, but I can't blame anyone for feeling that way. If I was

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