Update: Today Robb Pearson, featured in the videos below, joined the conversation and answered a host of questions and comments from Anti posters. Thanks Robb for your insights into anti-illegal immigrant psychology.
For those not familiar with Robb Pearson’s story, you should watch the Part 1 before Part 2. In Part 1 Robb tells us how a hunger for attention prompted his transition from popular blogger to infamous anti-illegal immigrant activist. His honesty here sheds some light on the psychology of Greg Letiecq, whom he briefly references in this part of the interview.
But Part 2 contains a surprising revelation about the anti-illegal immigration mindset. If you think you understand the mindset now, you will understand it differently after watching this.
I am one of many Prince William County residents who have lamented that the immigration issue seems to have compromised the morals of some good people. County Chairman Corey Stewart is the prime example, someone who I had invited into my home for a fundraiser, someone I voted for in 2006 (not 2007), liked as a person, and still like as a person. When the immigration issue got a hold of him, Corey defended the tactics of Greg Letiecq, he even went so far as to attack Chief Deane. He could forgive the most outrageously racist comments. He even uttered one of his own (Robb also references this).
How could this happen?
Here’s my take on what Robb is saying in Part 2: In order to politicize and rally around the anti-illegal immigration issue, you are going to run into and unfortunately collaborate with people who are anti-immigrant and/or racist. This is not fun, and not easy to do. But it’s as necessary as it is inevitable. So, you suck it up, and, in order to insulate your guilty conscience from the moral issues that naturally come up when you are rallying around racism, you learn to deny that racism is at all possible in any way when advocated on this issue. This forces you to defend just about ANYTHING said on behalf of your cause. The more racist it sounds, the more ferociously you have to defend it. And anyone who points out this weakness in your argument is your enemy for life. Sound familiar?
I used to think that politicians did this to avoid exposing themselves to criticism that could be politically damaging. But now I understand that the impetus is actually a lot more intimate. See, if you admit that even one person on your “side” of the issue is a racist, you have done much more than open yourself up to damaging criticism, you have opened yourself up to introspection and self-critique, which is a lot more dangerous, particularly when your very identity is tied up in taking a “side” on this issue.
I think this may explain why Supervisor Stirrup appointed Rob Duecaster to our Human Services committee. And, it explains why Chairman Stewart, Greg Letiecq, and so many HSM members supported the idea. It was a way of demonstrating to themselves that nothing can be racist if it is said on behalf of the HSM and the Immigration Resolution. It was a way of affirming their self-imposed blindness. In this way, the Duecaster appointment was really not about Prince William County government. It was a private matter between John Stirrup and himself. And, it was a private matter for many of our neighbors seeking to avoid introspection and self-critique, working in concert to convince, not us, but themselves, that anything goes and everything is allowable.
This is brilliant. Truly brilliant. This blog entry should be seen nationally. And it should be translated to Spanish. I think there is a real potential for national healing on this issue if enough people see this blog entry.
My hats off to Mr. Pearson. My God, the courage he must have to go so far down the anti-immigrant/anti-Hispanic path … so far in fact that he had fused his identity with this issue … and then to reflect and reevaluate, to look deep inside himself, and be as honest as he is, not only with himself but with the world. I am truly stunned.
Elena, your writing is nearly as brilliant. I have from the very start defended Corey Stewart from charges of racism. When people choose sides they can get wrapped up in winning, and become blind to their own faults and their own mistakes … let alone the mistakes of political allies … when still somewhere inside that decent human being, that good-hearted person is screaming to be freed from his prison of adversarial attacks and political grandstanding.
I knew this, and I didn’t know this. But I understand what has happened to Corey better now than I did before. I suppose that’s the shame of the political process and the two party system.
Re. Stirrup, I think you’re being too kind to him, but hey, it’s a new year, let’s turn the page. After reading this I could even have compassion for Letiecq.
Elena,
I think what you say is true only for that minority of people who have a lot of conscious, ingrained aversion to bigotry. They are in denial and have various methods to maintain their denial.
But I think the majority of the rest of the people out there just don’t care if something is or isn’t an act of bigotry. They care about getting rid of people they’ve identified in their own minds as bad people. They’re not shy about calling these people immoral as long as they can do it in a way that allows them to plausibly deny their bigotry. Immigration law is an excellent tool to be a bigot and get away with it.
I think Stirrup falls into this second category, except that he is even more extreme than most. His nomination of Duecaster, betrays a depth of extremism that is frightening. I expect that Stirrup shares Duecaster’s sentiments that mass violence against immigrants should never be taken off the table and may one day become an option that needs to be exercised.
I don’t think the appointment of Duecaster was any kind of a private matter for Stirrup. This was not a matter where his heart was in conflict with itself. It’s simple. He’s an asshole.
Wow! To admit one’s mistakes and change one’s life is the ultimate test of a person’s character… and Pearson passes the test! This guy should go on the O’Reilly Factor and Olbermann”s Countdown (although I’m thinking that illegal immigration is no longer of news value as a subject).
I hold elected officials particularly accountable when they use an ill-conceived and immoral cause to advance their personal political careers. I’m guessing some of our Supervisors are personally agnostic on this issue; however, it served (note past tense) their purposes. Those types of politicians are particularly dangerous to a Democracy as they pander to the mob and its baser instincts. Fortunately, we may use their time as Supervisors to evaluate their instincts and extinguish further ambitions (preventing further damage to our Community, our State, and our Nation).
Good reporting 9500 Liberty! I’ve added Robb Pearson’s blog to my list.
I would agree Rob Pearson is a man of great character and integrity. I was awed when I first saw this video.
WHWN nailed it on this one and so therefore all I can say is DITTO!!!!!!
This needs to be seen by as many people as possible. Hopefully, for some, watching Robb on this video will be like looking in the mirror(part 1), especially from 2007 and ’08.
I also see this video as a possible olive branch. I know from experience that good people can get caught up in the “fight” when “Fighting Illegal Immigration,” is your campaign strategy. But I also agree that elected officials ought to know better.
Happy New Year everyone. And great job on getting the front page yesterday.
I am very interested to hear what Chris P. has to say about this.
Being a student of the Gospel of Greg, not a follower, mind you, but a once-upon-a-time avid reader, I predict the Liar in Chief will have a severe reaction to this. He might not make his feelings public, just to save himself further humiliation, but Robb and Elena have basically exposed him, opened him up like a can opener and showed his empty prepubescent smallness for the world to see. Ouch.
Robb, you are a hero for your honesty. Elena, bravo on the play-by-play analysis! My only quibble is that the whole thing applies to Greg Letiecq, not just the first half.
My gosh, can you imagine a public debate between Robb and Greg?!?! Or how about a light saber duel! I’d watch that on pay per view.
I don’t really know if healing could come from this video because Robb Pearson, as well-spoken as he is, was not a participant in what happened to Prince William County, and therefor cannot apologize for it. There is only one person who could heal the wounds by apologizing and restore our reputation as a welcoming community by recanting, and that is Corey Stewart.
But as for Stirrup, I’m just disgusted beyond belief and would not care if he apologized, nor would I believe him. I really don’t know if it is true that “any of us” could get wrapped up in racism for political gain. I know many people who could not, and would not, no matter what the perceived rewards might be.
Stirrup has never tried to distance himself from Letiecq or Help Save Manassas as Stewart has. He signed his name to a hate group’s resolution in the quietness of an dank and dark room because he really feels hatred toward immigrants and people of color. It’s an awful thing to say. It hurts to say it, but I believe it.
Stewart has really offended me at times, but it’s hard not to see that he is just a big kid who is dying for attention and approval, and some how lost his ability to determine right from wrong when it comes to racial scapegoating and the relationship between cause and effect when it comes to county policy. These are HORRIBLE attributes for a leader of any kind, let alone the leader of one of the largest counties in the nation. But, it doesn’t mean he is a racist. At least he didn’t start out as one.
I could give Corey Stewart the same understanding that Robb earns in this video, IF AND ONLY IF, he came out and said something similar to what Robb has said. It would mean so much to this community to hear the Chairman say,
“The Immigration Resolution was a bad call, I accept responsibility, it seemed like a good election issue, I didn’t know it would blow up like this, I wasn’t the only Republican who thought we could win the White House on this issue, I see now that winning elections isn’t worth sacrificing my good name and the good name of this Prince William County, I apologize, I promise to do a better job of leading this county.”
NotGL,
I’ve watched the first video, and plan to watch the second a little later. I don’t think my comments would be all that interesting. I see why you think they might be. However, I don’t think my thoughts would be well received. I don’t think I’ve ever posted regarding Mr. Pearson in the past. I don’t discount his point of view. I do see things differently than him. More later.
It was very, very interesting to hear how the HSM-like group from New Jersey was vehemently opposed to Robb making anti-racism part of his platform.
Yes, it implies awareness, doesn’t it.
When white people stand up and applaud, white officials join them in support.
When non-whites stand up and applaud, those same white officials have them arrested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lWMp6KrCfU&feature=related
They are aware, always were aware, and didn’t pretend not to be aware. The whole illusion was that there was some way to separate prejudice out of the issue and make it purely a legalistic and legislative issue. They made careful statements. I saw a video of Jackson Miller who I think orchestrated the whole thing begging Help Save Manassas to find some non-white members to make it look good.
And I’m sorry, this is no olive branch because the HSM’ers will be offended by Pearson saying it all boils down to intolerance. It helps us understand them but they will not understand the people in the middle or anyone in the rest of normal society.
It isn’t just about race, I do not think. It is also very much about class and associated behavior.
Moon-howler,
Actually, I think it’s about ego, attention, and opportunism. Racists may jump on the wagon once it’s underway; however, I think sometimes (not always) the person driving the wagon ended up in the seat by accident (and can’t stop it). As I believe Robb states, he became a celebrity by accident and enjoyed his new found status and fame. Once established, it’s hard to walk away from the attention (it sounds a bit like a deal with the Devil). Politicians and opportunists are quick to exploit what Lennon called “useful idiots” (apologies to Robb) for their own purposes. Unfortunately, we have a lot of “useful idiots” (people who don’t really understand what they are doing or why) in Prince William County… and plenty of people to exploit them.
That’s a great point Opinion. I wouldn’t want to call Robb an idiot. I wouldn’t say that of Greg Letiecq who is obviously very smart. But you can understand how a guy with a blog might be flattered if a politician suddenly said, Hey you can help me win this election. Especially someone who has always idolized politicians like Greg seems to do.
ShellyB,
I use the term “useful idiot” figuratively, not literally. It was used by the Soviets to refer to foreigners (including Americans) who supported Communism and joined the Communist Party while not really understanding what was going on inside the Soviet Union (the “Vatican” of Communism). These “useful idiots” served the Communists purposes well. I’m guessing Robb understands the difference and realizes his past role in the immigration debate. Most important, he was humble to admit a mistakes… the sign of a truly great man.
Thanks, O, and agreed about Robb.
BTW, I have heard unconfirmed reports of a few instances where Corey Stewart took certain HSM members aside and said this or that was racist and they should be more careful.
Good for Corey Stewart. I hope that is true. He is just one of those guys I would rather like than dislike but….he has given me no reason to like him. Please see if you can get confirmation on that NGL.
Whether it’s true or not, my point is that Elena’s analysis is off base with regard to Corey Stewart and Del. Miller. They are not in denial. They are not useful idiots. They are cynical calculating politicians who pander to racist voters and take ADVANTAGE of useful idiots like Letiecq, while at the same time creating an artificial separation to make it look good for half-interested voters not really informed on the issues.
Robb Pearson said he wanted to speak against racism at his rally as a matter of conscience. But he must have also known that open racism is a political black eye. He was trying to do the smart thing politically. This doesn’t take away from his doing the right thing, or trying to. But with Stewart and Miller, they are a lot more calculating and opportunistic with this.
The election strategy is to win 100 percent of racist voters, and get 30 percent of the uninterested voters who would vote against a politician who panders to racists if they knew. In PWC that can work as long as voter turn out is low: witness 2007. If turn out is high, it’s lights out, and the hate pandering politician loses: witness 2008.
I totally agree with JustinT. about Corey and Jackson Miller. Miller’s up for re-election this coming Nov. It will be interesting to see if he campaigns as a proud supporter of HSM and wears a Red Dot on his lapel at his campaign stops. I think he will try to overlook the events of the last two years or place the blame somewhere other than where it should be. He will problably talk about the need to “move foreward” and confront the “new” issues facing the Commonwealth in the coming years. I think he watched the results of the last two elections and is probably running a little scared right now.
It seems the men here agree re. Miller. His relationship to Letiecq and BVBL is tighter, deeper, and longer lasting than most people know. If and when this comes out, it will hurt him come November.
But come now, this is January, and the question on this thread is whether an ineffective leader (Corey Stewart) should also be condemned as a racist. I say no.
It is interesting to note that Robb Pearson is not accusing Corey Stewart of being a racist, nor is he accusing him of anything he himself has not admitted to. Both men have been caught up in a highly politicized issue, and said some things they regret. The difference is that Stewart has not recanted, and, sadly for Prince William County, he can still do a lot of damage to our collective future … damage that could last long after has resigned or been defeated.
NGL, yes, offering an apology is the most important thing that Stewart could do for this county before leaving office. But don’t hold your breath.
One of the most powerful moments, in Robbs sharing of his story, is in part 2 of the video. There is a moment, after having met the “enemy”, the “illegals”, that Robb has his ultimate epiphany. He sees these people, not as enemies, as invaders, but instead he sees them as his fellow human beings, all with unique stories. THAT is the moment of real change for him in my view. He could no longer simply slap a label on nameless faceless “illegals”, suddenly, they were his real fellow travelers on this very short journey called life.
It’s been 25 years since they deserted us, but darn it if I don’t still have loyalty to the Colts. What a game. But go Ravens.
Well said Elena, once again. It takes courage, though, to let go of an identity as the “Mr. Crackdown,” especially when there is a guy sitting on the Board now who as also an alpha dog. Nope, Corey Crackdown is just not ready.
He’s entitled to his opinion. It has nothing to do with mine. I still live here, he doesn’t.
Not to be too unkind, but this guy is very full of himself. Anyone who takes out a web domain in their own name typically is. His opinion plus 50 cents will get you a gumball.
In my opinion, Corey Stewart is the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party in Prince William County (and perhaps Virginia) in the last 100 years. To the masses, he will be the poster boy for Right Wing Conservative intolerance for a long time. To those who really understand the nuances of what is going on, he will be representative of an opportunistic breed of politician who will seize any issue to achieve his own end (I would actually admire him a bit more if I thought he actually believed in what he was doing). All Democrats should be grateful for his actions (and perhaps send him a nice card or a fruit basket in appreciation of his contribution to advancing the Democratic Party in Prince William County).
It’s ironic that the housing slump is helping change PWC demographics to reflect a more diverse, minority population. Suddenly, minorities are finding affordable housing in great quantities in PWC and taking advantage of this unique situation. I have seen several estimates showing that Caucasians will no longer be the majority in PWC. I assume the PWC Democratic Committee (and other politically active groups) is smart enough to start citizenship classes (for legal residents) and voter registration drives (for citizens) so our new county residents may vote in future elections. It is also obvious that the Federal Government plans to finally solve the immigration issue and give long time illegal residents a path to citizenship. More voters. I just hope the Democratic Party keeps the Obama machinery in place for a few more years (as getting out the vote was never their strong suit in the past).
I’m also assuming that many centrist Republicans will find the opportunistic nature of Stewart and Stirrup offensive and opt for change as a matter of principle. The folks in Stirrup’s District particularly might want to redeem their reputation a bit. (If I were on the PWC Democratic Committee, I would set up a program to identify affordable housing for minorities in Stirrup’s District to balance the demographics a bit.)
The color blue is looking better all the time in Prince William County.
I couldn’t agree with you more in this respect. Well said!
Rick Bentley, 4. January 2009, 9:22
He’s entitled to his opinion. It has nothing to do with mine. I still live here, he doesn’t.
Opinion,
Very interesting post. Do you bleed blue? 😉
You bring up some very valid points. Trust me, there’s PLENTY of affordable housing in the eastern portion of the Gainesville District.
I would say that 2011 (the next PWC Election for Chairman at Large, I believe) would give the PWC Democratic Committee enough time to identify a Hispanic candidate for Chairman at Large and orchistrate a campaign to ensure his or her success. I know that there are at least a couple of very active Hispanic businessmen in the county who would be superb in this position (and a stay at home mom or two I would consider qualified for the position). Let me be clear: I’m talking about superb candidates for Chairman at Large who happen to be Hispanic. There may also be a District or two worth targeting for new Supervisors. Our BOCS needs a bit of, how shall I say this politely and politically correct, “local color” (otherwise referred to as diversity).
The timing would be perfect, the irony delicious, and the opportunity for PWC to move forward in a new direction… well… “priceless”.
Chris,
I’m an independant. I’m willing to bleed for the right candidate; however, my blood is red, white and blue.
Opinion,
I was being sarcastic.
I’m an Independent too, and bleed the red, white and blue just like you.
I didn’t find myself disagreeing with much if anything in your post @ 9:47.
I would NEVER join up with either party. I’ll dictate and make my own choice of candidate.
You know, Chris, we independents ought to get organized (Independents unite?)
Opinion, excellent analysis. Independent here also. Similar discussions like yours are going on as we speak. Perhaps you need to email admin?
Opinion, I think most people really are Independents, but just can’t admit it due to their affliation with either part.
Independents United sounds great! I’m open for discussions and exchanging of ideas.
Opinion, I think your analysis is sound. Chris, I also bleed red, white, and blue, but here is my analysis from a Republican perspective.
It is my hope that Corey Stewart will resign the Chairmanship to run for Congress against Gerry Connolly in 2010.
It’s not that I think Stewart would make a good Congressman. But he would do less damage … in particular to Prince William County … if he were cooped up with his fellow partisans in Washington.
If instead, Stewart weathers the storm as PWC Chairman, he will be increasingly blamed for the disastrous economic, social, and public safety impact of the Immigration Resolution. Crime statistics will likely bear out the foolery of abandoning community policing, and as other counties recover from the national recession, people will want to know why PWC is lagging behind.
Thus, if Stewart runs for reelection in 2011, he will cause, if not create, a media circus that will increase turn out and help the Democrats. And, his extremist rhetoric in defense of the Immigration Resolution will have a toxic impact on the Republican ticket throughout the county. He will cost us seats in the General Assembly, and he could well cost Prince William County some of our most effective and forward-thinking County Supervisors who have stood up to Stewart during his ignominious tenure as Chairman. Meanwhile, Stewart himself would likely suffer a humiliating defeat and, among the party bigwigs, be considered personally responsible for handing the BOCS chairmanship to a Democrat.
Here is why I suspect Corey Stewart might already be thinking of resigning here to go up against Connolly in 2010:
1) Corey Stewart is well aware Opinion’s salient points re. demographic shifts in coming years.
2) Obama.
3) Corey Stewart enjoys a fight, hates Connolly, and is much better at electioneering than he has proven at grasping the nuts and bolts of county policy. He has savored hard-fought electoral victories in 2006 and 2007, and will be hungry for the possible new glory and guaranteed new publicity that would come with a showdown against his hated rival for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
4) Corey Stewart has a bad taste in his mouth right now. The Immigration Crackdown did not propel him to the Governorship or Lieutenant Governorship as he had hoped, and here he is slogging through the county budget process while his colleagues implicitly remind him this mess was primarily his making.
If Corey Stewart were to resign and run against Connolly in 2010, he would save face for himself, and offer a tremendous boon to the reputation of this county, as well as the morale of our police department, our county employees, and most importantly our citizens.
WHWN, do you think that most Republicans in that district would support Stewart over another Republican candidate? Afterall, he does bring the baggage of the immigration resolution and PWC’s fiscal problems along with him. I agree that it would be better for PWC if he pursues other goals, but would he have support within the party? Would the party be shooting itself in the foot by nominating someone as conservative and controversial as Stewart at a time when the area is turning bluer?
WHWN,
I think you missed a step. Corey Stewart has to first win the Republican Party nomination for Chairman at Large or a Congressional seat. I believe that the PWC RC will be forced to make some pragmatic choices to remain viable in the County.
The only thing certain in politics is that nothing is certain. We thought Hillary was a shoe-in at one time and that “black guy from Chicago” was a joke… woops?
whwn, well, those are certainly some interesting points you have there. I think Republicans will have a tough time for a while. Unless Obama bombs, the Democrats are going to have their day in the sun for a pretty long while.
I used to vote republican fairly frequently, about 20 years ago. Then the extremists got in. I would have a hard time pulling the lever now. I would think one of them had something nefarious up their sleeve. That doesn’t actually make me a democrat though. They act stupid also.
Opinion, I knew at the dem convention in 2004 that the black guy from chicago was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Just a 6th sense. I also didn’t think Hillary had a snow ball’s chance in hell. Little did I know it was from within the Dems. Go figure. The world has turned upside down.
Opinion, I’m right there with you, but if I had mentioned that contingency, I might have sounded as if I was advocating for a particular challenger from within the party and I am not. I do hope Stewart resigns and challenges Connolly (here I do think he would win the nomination, being that extremists will decide at the convention) because his exit would be less damaging to the party, and less damaging to the county by way of being sooner than later.
Moon-howler,
Agree with your comment about the 2004 convention. He reminded me of Kennedy; however, I wouldn’t have bet a dime on his chances (unless there were really great odds). Once I realized he had a shot, I donated to and voted for him (I generally don’t waste my time on causes I consider lost; however, I am occasionally wrong in my assessment).
WHWN,
You’re right. Conventions are driven by whomever shows up (and extremists usually show up.) Independents don’t get to play until the election (or do they?)
If anything will help the truth come out, this video will be it. Nothing packs a harder punch than a person who has gone through tremendous change and is brave enough to talk about it. Robb will end up being more famous now than he ever could have been supporting anti-immigrant lobbyists, racists and unsavory politicians. What we have here is a role model.
Having followed Stewart’s comments for some time now, I’ve decided that if you don’t stand up against organized racism and if you support racist groups, then you are as guilty as they are. It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself racist or not. You are an accessory to the crime–“aiding and abetting” as the anti-immigrant folks would say about us reformers. This is not to say anyone should be sent to the electric chair or that there isn’t time to change. Robb Person shows positive change is possible. But he also shows it’s not easy. Only the strong, honest and willing will attempt it.
I don’t think Stewart, Stirrup, Letiecq, Duecaster, Wood or a number of others would even consider sorting things out the way Robb has. And that’s why these people need to be out of our government. Not only are their prejudices toxic, their leadership is unsound.
Opinion, I thought we would be hearing more from the gentleman from Chicago, it just happened a lot faster than I thought it was. I think I thought perhaps America wasn’t ready. I am happy to note that apparently I was wrong.
I agree with Tuscadero, but I’d go a step further. People who don’t know any better are not as infuriating as Stewart. Duecaster, he could never be elected to anything because he wears his prejudice and hate on his sleeve, and he seems completely unaware of it. Then you’ve got Stirrup, who hid it very well until this issue came along and he came unglued on Ch. 23 several times. Now we know where he stands.
But Stewart is worse because he is exploiting people like Stirrup and Duecaster who don’t know any better. I just find that all the more repugnant. Not to mention all the other Help Save Manassas types who got dragged into a pitiful cycle of hate and indoctrination and hate anew. All for political purposes of a guy who thinks he’s above them. Sick.
I’m grateful to Robb Pearson that he allowed 9500Liberty the opportunity to interview him. He is charismatic. He’s able to articulate his transformation and it’s very insightful.
All these comments and nothing from Robb himself? What’s the deal here? Robb, where are you?
NotGregLeteicq:
I’m alive and well. I’ve simply been preoccupied with some other things over the past few days that have not allowed me to devote any time to dialogue on here. However, everything’s back to ordinary and I will be replying to a number of the comments made here recently. If not this evening, then definitely tomorrow.
ROBB
Robb, I hope you can comment on the forgiveness talk on this thread. Was that your intention? At least partly, to allow people to forgive each other? Do you think it’s necessary for public officials like Corey Stewart or John Stirrup to take similar steps to what you are doing/have done?
Robb,
Excellant commentary. I certainly agree with part one of your video, I do not agree entirely with part two of your video, in just the following points. I think you almost got it right, but overcompensated due to what I perceive as your own self-analysis guilt about rule of law applied to “common humanity”.
IMHO rule of law is and always will be a valid concept, and as you said absolutely must be applied within a context and understanding to simultaneously prevent racism. That is your most profound insight, and it was also mine. I refuse to talk about rule of law without also talking about preventing racism, and ALL of my comments contain such doctrinal criteria, to not judge people by race, gender, religion or ethnicity. but to judge them soley by their “legal” and “illegal” behavior.
As you indicate many people on both sides of the illegal immigration debate issue CANNOT do this. They almost all fall short of an understanding of the need for rule of law, AND the need to approach ALL humanitariam issues without regard for groups, gender, race, religion or ethnicity.
What you failed to include in your self analysis is that it is OK, even necessary to judge human behavior and “oneness” in humanity, by a “justice” and “injustice” cleaver of “legal” and “illegal” behavior, without regard to race, religion, gender or ethnicity.
Not all humans are equal in behavior, and not all are good, even though many people on the social activisim bandwagon believe that all people are the same, behave the same and deserve the same treatment, regardless of what laws they break, or who else the affect or harm by their illegal behavior. Those that are not able to judge entirely by the rule of law, and a by democratic concept of legal and illegal behavior (determined by law and enforced by judges), and those that break the law regardless of race, gender, religion and ethnicity need to be punished according to the judgement of judges and the laws of elected officials representing all of us in a democracy, and by those charged with protecting all of us (our freedoms) and our rights, in a democracy. How one group of humans behave cannot be judged in isolation of their impact on all others, and that is the “reality” of a distribution of “humanity”, humanness, acceptable behavior and un-acceptable effects created by the guilty (or actions of illegality) on the lives of innocents.
You have gone past this very improtant concept of why we have law, why it is just and why it must be applied regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity, even though MOST people cannot do this (as you focused on in your commentary). It is essential to demonstrate this principle flaw to all people on both side of the “illegal” immigrant debate or it will never get solved peacefully, and with proper justice for all people, not just some people who politically speak the loudest, and sympathize with lawbreakers the most, in the name of some arbitrary numerical equality of “common humanity”. There is really no such thing as common humanity (it is an abstract ideal, unmeasurable and unenforceable), because all humans are individuals, some with good behavior that follow social law and some with bad human behavior that break social/legal law regardless of how many innocent people are hurt by that illegal behavior.
Once you grasp this, I believe you wilol go back to your original instincts that rule of law is our most important concept of morality, but cannot be enforced without also debating and insuring that no individual is judged in this rule of law behavior based on race, religion, gender or ethnicity.
Behavior must be judged based on individual actions, and a standard of law protecting the entire humanity from those humans that hurt others, and must always be judges based on individual behaviors and not group affiliations, privileges or discriminatory politics and group actions against others.
My respect for your introspection went up as I found myself agreeing with your concepts almost 90% of the time. I think you just left some important humanity concepts out that protect ALL people from those that harm them.
The GAZA strip conflict is an exercise in this “rule of law” necessity as their are people who execute “illegal” and destructive behavior on “innocents” on both sides of the “ethnic” and “religious” divide between them. They lake all others who cannot see their own racism, cannot punish and judge based on individual behavior alone, and bring to prosecution only those individuals and those leaders who have broken law and harmed others, especially innocents. The GAZA strip is not a common humanity and never will be as long as decsions and “values” are made based on race, religion, gender and ethnicity, rather than applying “rule of law” to individuals harming others.