Immigration, Education, and Delegate Jim Scott

By: Hugo Estrada
Published On: 12/29/2007 9:41:26 PM

My wife couldn't believe that Jim Scott is a Democrat after reading this loaded question from his Issues '08 survey. It is the second one under the heading, Immigration:

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I am concerned by this question in so many ways, starting by its xenophobic and racist undertones. However, what I want to discuss are two issues that I find troubling.

First, why should he poll us on denying American citizens access to affordable education? The question clearly states why this is wrong: it is asking us if we wish to deny in-state tuition to American citizens who presumably meet the in-state tuition requirements.

And considering that most college-age students are adults, the status of their parents should not be an issue at all.

What is next, denying adult citizens the right of vote if their parents are felons?

Second, what is the problem with Jim Scott's character? After reading through the survey a few times, I thought that maybe this isn't his idea, but it reflects a coming bill in the assembly, and he wants to hear from constituents.

But, does Jim Scott really need a poll to make up his mind on a self-evidently unfair issue like this?

Shouldn't its outright discriminatory and potentially unconstitutional nature be enough for him to decide that this is a bad idea? I mean, where is the moral leadership that politicians love to talk about?

You can see the question in its context below. Click on it to see a bigger image.

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Comments



Scott Survey (Lee Diamond - 12/30/2007 5:31:47 PM)
He hasn't even faced Republican opposition in years.  This illustrates the evil of gerrymandering and a highly UNdemocratic feature of our representative democracy.  Opposition keep people honest.  Districts are too often drawn to benefit the politicians rather than us, the people who are supposedly being represented by the too-often self-serving politicians.  I should add, however, that there are a lot of good public servants.   Also, Scott is popular among traditional Democrats.

I guess he's kind of a liberal, but he's tired.



What an asshole (Sui Juris - 12/30/2007 5:52:51 PM)
And really, I'd love to see him propose a bill to deprive some Virginia citizens of their rights.

Primary time.