Picking Peanuts; the beginning.

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Not so very long ago, but before many of you were around, or before most of you can remember, or before most of you even cared, a decision made by a simple peanut farmer would affect our lives in America for generations to come. It was then (circa 1975) that a very famous peanut farmer, after a hard days work, took it upon himself to give a Presidential Pardon to 12 million illegal aliens in America. And so it began.

Since then, it is merely a federal civil law violation to climb the fence into America. That means, unlike in Iran, Korea or China, you can't be sent to jail, but merely deported if caught. So more and more people from around the world flocked into America because there was no penalty, or even a means to stop it.

But nearly all illegal entries into America soon become Federal Criminal law violations. Most falsify federal documents like work visas (green cards), social security cards and pass ports, to land them employment and social benefits. And other federal crimes are committed as well, like smuggling, counterfeiting, narcotic trading, and terrorism. And when caught, that could subject them to a federal prison term. But until recently, few cared.

You know, all cops have the authority to enforce any law violation, whether state, federal, county, or municipal that occurs within their jurisdiction. That's why our 12-man municipal police department can make arrests for state crimes like drunk driving, and federal violations including bank robbery, counterfeiting, and drug smuggling.

But now, our federal government does not want our local authorities to make arrests for certain federal law violations involving illegal immigration. Yet they want local help to combat funny money manufacturing, drug smuggling, terrorism, bank robbery, and the counterfeiting of federal documents. And at the same time, the feds overlook sanctuary cities that host illegal federal activity.

So, what would happen if our local cops enforced all federal laws equally? Forget about immigration, look the other way the next time the bank gets robbed, or fail to cooperate in medicare fraud and terrorism investigations.

From my perspective the feds can not have it both ways. They can't just pick and choose.

The bank gets robbed; call the FBI. Someone makes a phony $100 bill; call the Secret Service. A male of mid-eastern decent, aged 18-35 is hiding briefacses at the airport; call Homeland Defense. Sounds crazy, but it wouldn't take long for the feds to realize their ignorance and politics.

Now, who would have ever imagined what a failing peanut farm would lead to?
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