Vote Wisely

All 140 members of the the Virginia legislature are up for election this year. The results of that election will determine the character and tone of Virginia governance for the next four years. Will it be harsh and demanding, socially conservative? Will it be moderate, compassionate, and socially liberal? Will government intrude in private lives to decree the social order or will government stay away from moral and religious dogma? The two views were expressed recently in the Washington Post by current opposing factions of the majority party in the State government.

"I'm a moderate Eisenhower-type Republican, and I don't believe in all this interfering in people's personal lives," said Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. (R-Winchester), chairman of the education and health committee. "I'm very, very moderate on the immigration issue."

House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) countered, saying that Republicans

"are just trying to punish people for breaking the law."

Conservatives advocate punishment, incarceration for criminals, enforcement of a harsh, disciplined, social justice. This side complains that the opposition is intolerant to opposing viewpoints.

Liberals advocate compromise, rehabilitation, and a compassionate enforcement of social justice that reflects the multi-cultural society in Virginia.

An example from the Post article of this ideological divide can be seen in action this week where:

"the Senate killed bills that would have cut off funding for charities that help illegal immigrants and punished employers who hire illegal immigrants."

In order to force illegals, charities, and employers to obey the law, Conservatives would take away their health care, access to education, and access to social services that otherwise deserving and needy persons would receive. Liberals will say this is harsh and disciplined, that it's just plain mean-spirited to pick on the children, the working mothers and fathers who are working against very long odds to make a life for themselves. Conservatives counter by saying they are here illegally, so they have no rights and are taking resources away from law abiding citizens. In effect, if you're not a member you can't use the facilities.

Here's another example of the divide:

"Senators also rejected legislation that would have made it a state crime for undocumented citizens to live in or travel through Virginia."

Conservatives tell us that Virginia must take the lead in illegal immigrant reform, since the Federal government is dropping the ball. No information has come out yet saying exactly how this will be enforced. Liberals will say that "driving while black" will seem compassionate in comparison. Conservatives will say that enforcing the law is exactly what our State Troopers should be doing.

And finally:

"Last month, the House approved a bill denying in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants. The Senate approved a separate version of the bill that makes exceptions for those in the process of becoming citizens. The House voted Friday to reject the Senate bill, meaning that a conference committee will be needed to sort out the differences."

Conservatives will target the families and children of illegal immigrants in an attempt to make their life so hard that they will want to return to their native land. Liberals will offer support and assistance to illegal aliens while reforms in the immigration policy are formulated. Conservatives feel that what's ours is ours not yours. Liberals feel that what's ours is ours, but you can get some too. Closed, Open. Harsh, Compassionate. Hard-line, Compromise. To be able to choose or to have choices taken away.

The vote this fall is ironic. To vote one way will take away choices. To vote another will preserve choices.

We all get to choose. Vote wisely.