[edited: 5-3-06; 12:43]

I am an American. And lots of people from poor countries throughout the world would like to be Americans someday, too.

During most of the pre-20 Century world, people could move freely between countries the world over – the only hurdle was the price of a steamer ticket. Those who could afford to travel to America, or wherever else they desired, were free to do so. And we’re all better off for it. The 19th century saw some of the greatest economic growth in the history of the known world – this is not disputable. And it did not cause irreparable harm to our national infrastructure, indeed, the contrary is true. For alot of reasons, though, becoming an American is not that easy anymore.

I’m decidedly pro-immigration. If you have a problem with “immigrants draining our welfare system,” I’ve previously argued for removing the welfare system, or a large part of it:

“But they’ll abuse our welfare-state!” the liberals will cry — The prudent solution is to stop espousing political ideology that fosters the nanny-state – this will concurrently reduce the incentive for immigration and … government spending

Two birds with one stone. But onwards…

Leave it to David Friedman to ask the question throwing a new light on the situation:

In the America I live in, despite political rhetoric to the contrary, most people believe in obeying laws selectively–ignoring the ones they think are foolish or wicked except when the risk of getting caught makes it more prudent to obey.

When I told the story to my wife, she offered another question to put to the host. It is 1855, the fugitive slave law is the law of the land. Do you help with the underground railway or do you do “the right thing” and turn in any escaped slaves who come your way?

Just another angle to consider…