Maybe they would have better results marching in their home countries...

UPDATE: Read this post first then the rest of my post.

I have tried to be tolerant of the current circumstances going on around the country regarding illegal immigrants and their "right" to be here in America. I happen to live in a town with a very large Hispanic population and to date, I have never had a problem with my brown neighbors. I don't know how much of my town's population is illegal, certainly some percentage does not have the right to be in America.

I have tried not to side with the Minutemen groups that have made so many headlines though I am a believer in strong borders. I believe that immigrants that assimilate into America, learn the language and go to work are desirable assets to our country. I believe our country has a long, honorable history of accepting immigrants. I do know what "illegal" means and I believe that if you are illegal you do not have any "right" to services or privileges or employment any more than any other person committing a crime.

I believe that if you believe that this behavior is acceptable, then you need to return to where that green, white and red flag is properly flown over a capitol and demonstrate in the streets until you get that government to support you in the way you want treated. If you can't get the employment, education, medical care and civil rights protection you want in your own country, then work to change it in your country, not my country!

That said, I have a question. If some major corporation were to take the initiative, and I am thinking a hotel or service industry leader, and announce that they were voluntarily raising their minimum wage to $10/ hour, and that they would only hire documented, legal employees, but at a customer premium in the fees, how much premium would you pay? If Ramada or Hyatt made this announcement, that all their employees were legal and earning $10 or more per hour but the cost of a room would increase by $10, or $15 per night, would you personally reward this hotel chain by giving them your business? Or would you go next door to the next hotel paying $5.50 to undocumented workers? How much of a premium would you pay? Would you pay your lawn service an extra $20 per week to have droopy-pantsed white guys mowing and edging your yard instead of illegal brown guys? Would you willingly buy the bag of lettuce or carrots that cost an extra dollar because they were certified picked by legal workers? Many folks do pay extra for certified organic veggies, would the same thing work for documented workers?

That's my question for the week. Feedback is always gratefully considered.