Reprint - A brief word on "Sanctuary Cities"

Since it it come up again at the GOP debate, I thought I'd take a moment on "sanctuary cities," a city where illegal immigrants access city services without fear of being deported.

Once again, this attack on "sanctuary cities" is an example of (Republican) moral absolutism working against the common good. I understand the appeal of the argument, but, if you actually look past the simplicity of it, the implications are huge.

If you block illegals access to police, for example, crime shoots through the roof. Not only is the illegal community now an open target, but also, any other cooperation from the community dries up. Looking for witnesses or information? Not a chance. Violent, repeat criminals can hide in illegal neighborhoods without fear.

How would you like it if your neighbor didn't call the fire department for an hour while he tried to get his family and belongings out? Or maybe you'd like to lie flopping on the ground with a heart attack while someone worries about calling 9-11?

Or maybe you'd prefer that the illegal tending a child in your daughter's class or handling your food doesn't go to the emergency room with TB, Meningitis, or whatever?

(Oh, and let's not let them in the schools either. Large numbers of teen boys with no education and no prospects roaming the streets is a great idea.)

It's a very easy political ploy to criticize "sanctuary cities" to win GOP primary votes, but in reality, the policy of it is a very different thing.