By opposing public spending on behalf of illegal immigrants, Jerry Kilgore “appeared to engage” in the demonization of Hispanics. That’s the inexplicable logic of Richmond Times-Dispatch political writer Jeff Schapiro in his column in today’s paper.
Schapiro takes on Jerry Kilgore for criticizing a decision by the town of Herndon, in Fairfax County, to finance gathering spots for day laborers, many of whom are Spanish-speaking illegal immigrants from Central America. The laborers have been converging at a convenience store to scout for construction, landscaping and janitorial jobs, creating something of a public nuisance.
Although he quotes Kilgore’s “handlers” as saying that government services should be available only to people who reside legally in the country, Schapiro describes that argument as “a coded appeal to voters.” Kilgore is sending signals “rooted in ostracism rather than assimilation” that please conservative voters. “Kilgore’s unspoken message is nativist, spiced with resentment and fear: It is us against them.”
Perhaps that’s all true. I’m not privy to the inside thinking of the Kilgore campaign, so I can’t say for a fact that his handlers aren’t racists and bigots. But Schapiro offers absolutely no evidence other than his own authority that they are the Machiavellians he claims them to be. What I can say is this: Many people, like me, have a problem with illegal immigrants — not because we’re prejudiced against Central Americans but because they’re here illegally! You see, some people have this funny thing about obeying the law. Obeying the law is not just something Americans should do. It’s something that everyone should do.
There may be pragmatic reasons for Herndon’s proposal. (Will Vehrs discusses some of them here.) But to describe Kilgore’s position than anything other that what it is — that government should not provide services to illegals — is to engage in reverse race baiting.
Schapiro and others “appear” to characterize conservative Republicans as racists and bigots with the goal of turning law-abiding voters in the Hispanic community against them. Unlike Schapiro, I have concrete evidence to back up my assertion: Schapiro’s own words. Noting the divide between Kilgore Republicans and President Bush, who supports limited amnesty for illegals, Schapiro notes: “Perhaps Kaine and Warner can use this latest Republic fissure to mobilize the Hispanic vote for November.”
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