My thanks to Matthew Cardinale, Publisher of Atlanta Progressive News and to his Staff Writer Betty Clermont for her excellent summary of our meeting on May 4. [Reprinted here with permission.]

A bit of simple research contradicts the so-called data given by the self-described physician in the crowd. Research actually shows that Hispanic women are having only 27 percent of the births in Gwinnett County, a vast difference from 67 percent quoted by our guest. 

Unfortunately, Republicans are still trying to use immigration as a wedge issue to divide Democrats. The remark from one of our guests insisting on using the term "illegal" shows the Republicans have made some progress in this regard. 

"REPUBLICANS ARE SCAPEGOATING HISPANICS FOR THE SAKE OF WINNING ELECTIONS" said Howard Dean in New Orleans recently. But it looks like their plan is backfiring on them. They seem to be creating a wedge in their own party instead.

Yes, many Democrats do disagree on this issue. But we also recognize there are many more issues on which we all agree that really bind us together. As one vocal guest said when asked if we should deport all 12 million undocumented aliens as a solution to the problem, "Of course not." As angry as he was, he realized that we progressives care about all people and see that this is a complex problem that can't be solved with sound-bites.

One final thought on the use of the word "illegal." When an immigrant comes across the border illegally, or overstays a visa, he/she is committing an illegal act. However, once here, he/she is not illegal, nor is he/she continuing to commit illegal acts. These undocumented immigrants are not criminals.  They are not felons.  They are not "illegals."  In fact, they have done nothing more than any one of us would have done in a similar desperate situation.  Because, "There, but for the grace of G_d, go I."

Our President lies to Congress, violates the Constitution, tortures, spies on Americans without warrant, and conducts all sorts of other egregious illegal activities. Yet we don't call the President an "Illegal." Yet, he has committed many more serious illegal acts than simply crossing a border to provide food and sustenance for his family.

So if we want to call an undocumented alien an "Illegal," the President of the United States must be the ultimate "Illegal."

Contact Sander Bellman

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