Boycott is a Step Too Far

Today, millions of immigrants are skipping work, boycotting stores and taking to the streets to demonstrate their importance to our economy and demand fuller rights.

Good idea? Not in my mind. I generally take issue with such tactics. Only in the gravest of circumstances do I think it is proper to disrupt businesses and cities. And I do not think there is anywhere near a grave circumstance bearing down on immigrants, illegal or otherwise. In fact, the President of the United States himself is quite supportive of immigrants and it’s unlikely he would sign any bill that dramatically hurts the illegal immigrants working in this country.

Today’s actions are an overreaction, an unnecessary display that could be interpreted as an ungrateful response to our nation’s years of tolerance. For those of us who seek a tempered, humane solution to the problem of illegal immigration, it is disheartening to watch such counter-productive demonstrations. Marches are more than acceptable. Boycotts and work stoppages? That crosses the line.