Sith Lords, Democrats and the LDS Church

According to a Deseret News article this past week, leaders of the LDS Church met with Utah State Legislative leaders. Among the topics was immigration. LDS Church leaders explained that “the element of humanity" should be re-introduced to the state's immigration debates.

There are a number of bills to be introduced that would deprive employment, deny driving privileges, and take away in state tuition for those Hispanic students who have graduated from Utah high schools. Punishment would be served up for anyone giving a hitchhiking Latino a ride. Several Darth legislators are seeking to follow and adapt Oklahoma laws that would make it a crime to harbor or transport undocumented immigrants.

It was interesting how the talks were reported by both Republican and Democrat attendees. First the Republican observation, I quote: “House Majority Leader Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara, a member of the LDS Church himself, said immigration issues did not take up much time in the Republicans' meeting with church leaders. "But they did say we all need to approach this subject with compassion." On the other hand, House Minority Whip David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, said the Democrats' meeting with church officials brought up several issues, but the immigration discussion was the most touching for him personally. "I interpreted what was said as this: 'Take a step back, be calm, and above all remember that we are dealing with human beings here,"' Rep. Litvack, who is non LDS, but Jewish, has himself called for cooler heads in dealing with the often emotional issue of illegal immigration according to the article.

May the force be with the cooler and more compassionate of the lot. And just a warning, as this significant minority becomes marginalized in our society by legislative fiat I believe uncomfortable social consequences may occur making life more difficult for all of us here in this state. Take away hope for a better life in the form of jobs, opportunity and education and you will certainly give rise to anti social behavior, crime and violence. That is not the primary reason for our legislature to follow the direction of the Brethren on this one. It is just the right thing to do because it is right.