Like the United States, Great Britain is also in the midst of a contentious debate on illegal immigration. Yesterday's front page of the leftwing Independent featured a piece  titled 'Amnesty on illegal immigrants is worth ｣6bn to UK,' a blatant call to grant immediate amnesty to all of the Britain's illegal immigrants.

Citing a study by a left—leaning think tank, it gives several reasons why this would be a wise thing to do. The one that I found the most interesting (and least compelling) was the appeal to the 'success of immigration amnesties in the US and Spain.'

Normally this would be a reason for rejoicing, since at long last European leftists have discovered one American policy that they approve of. The only problem is that this policy is an utter failure, something which is amply testified to by the estimated eleven million of illegal immigrants currently in the US. It is too bad that the United States can't in good conscience accept this accolade from the ultra—sophisticated European elites.

In addition to being completely at variance with the truth, the claim offers a striking glimpse into leftists' frame of mind: Their enthusiasm for failed and failing policies. Its natural complementary is, of course, a dislike of everything that is good and working.

Vasko Kohlmayer   4 1 06