El Pipe (Insert Phallic Symbol Comment Here) I just finished reading an article about immigration (in Contexts) by Robert J. Sampson, a Harvard sociologist. It is amazing how strongly we, as a nation, resist knowing any of the facts in this area.

The more I learn about immigration, the more incomprehensible the standard conservative–and occasionally liberal–talking points become. Immigrants are criminals. Immigration is bad for the U.S. Immigration breaks down “family values.” Fred Thompson vocalized the most paranoid claims at the Prescott Bush Awards Dinner (in 2007, I think): “Twelve million illegal immigrants later, we are now living in a nation that is beset by people who are suicidal maniacs and want to kill countless innocent men, women, and children around the world.” Continue reading →