One of the basic tenets of a rational philosophy is that no opinion, no matter how incorrect, should be silenced. An open and rational debate allows the truth to shine through. Quite often, universities are anything but fonts of rational debates, especially on heated issues like immigration. Opposition to the controversial Chris Simcox, head of the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, led to calls across college campuses and drew hundreds to protest his Wednesday visit to Georgetown.
Students must acknowledge that all views, even those of Simcox, are open to debate at this university. However, students should also acknowledge that the principles behind these modern-day Minutemen represent the worst currents of American thought, and have a moral obligation to oppose them in protest. The Minutemen talk in grand terms of the need for security in uncertain times, and have become de facto spokespeople against the appeals for pro-immigrant legislation. But the core of their movement is a silent racism, a fear of people who look and talk differently. This is the same strain of thought that sought to block integration in the civil rights era, or Catholic immigration in the nineteenth century.
These Minutemen have hijacked a serious and important issue, that of illegal immigration, to fan the flames of anti-immigrant hysteria. Even supporters of the group, such as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, have expressed shock at the underlying racism of those who demand that the government “stop the invasion.”
There is no doubt that the undiminished force of illegal immigration is transforming many parts of the United States. Small towns thousands of miles from the border are feeling the effects of the Hispanic population boom, along with all the benefits and problems that accompany it. Services such as public schools and hospitals feel the strain, and the possibility of violent gangs, drugs and the specter of terrorism on American soil is a very real concern.
The history of the country was founded on resourceful and enterprising immigrants whose skills have contributed to the ingenuity and independent spirit of the U.S. Fears of economic ruin at the hands of “los ilegales” have not come to fruition.
Georgetown students at the protest said they opposed the Minutemen on human rights issues. Illegal immigrants suffer terrible conditions and risk exploitation and death. That alone warrants government action on the border crisis. The Senate bill that President Bush, who called the Minutemen ‘vigilantes’, supports is imperfect but a good start at a solution. The draconian bill in the House of Representatives, sponsored by those who benefit most from the anti-Hispanic panic, helps no one, except those who wish the government to enact their hysterical paranoia into law.
Compared to the chaotic protest at Columbia University, where students rushed the stage, Georgetown students showed restraint while at the same time making a strong show of their opposition to the speaker’s views. Simcox and his movement are seeking legitimacy in the public discourse by traveling to universities. They have a right to make their views known; students have the duty to tell them they’re wrong.
