An incredible statement

Jose Melendez, a 27 year-old in Chicago, made a a truly incredible statement yesterday. It's hard to say whether it was more ominous for President Bush, or for Hispanic Americans.

He is not, of course, the gentleman to the left.

That is the Attorney General of the United States, Alberto Gonzales - the first Hispanic attorney general in American history, appointed by a president who has appointed more Hispanics to higher positions than any in history; who has endangered his standing with his own party in order to support an extremely liberal "guest worker" policy for Mexican immigrants; who has brought down upon his head the condemnation of his own allies by opposing calls for the forcible deportation of illegal immigrants; who has chosen to go against the tide of public opinion and fight for an easy road to citizenship for any of who will demonstrate the first qualification for it by respecting our laws, and temporarily going home with a guarantee of preferential treatment for absolutely legal re-admission to this country.

Of that President, George W. Bush, Melendez said, "Hopefully this community will have a long memory so in 20 years there won't be another Bush trying to get our votes."

Could it be that Melendez is that badly informed? Is he the victim of lies told him by leaders of his community in thrall to the Democratic organization? Have radical leaders of his own community deceived him? His opinion of Mr. Bush contrasts dramatically with that held by Hispanic Americans in Texas, for example, and elsewhere. How did Melendez come to such a bizarre attitude toward a president who has been a greater friend to his people than any other in history?

I don't know. But his incredible statement will doubtless be cited to Mr. Bush, and to Republicans throughout the land inclined to be the least bit sensitive to the concerns which brought Melendez to the streets yesterday, as evidence that supporting the aspirations of the Hispanic community is a losing proposition, because no matter what you do, they won't give you credit for it.

I hope Melendez is not typical of his people. But his statement is still disturbing even if he is not, because it underscores the point that support for their legitimate interests and aspirations is no longer enough for some Mexican-Americans.

They also want their people granted immunity from the rule of law. And that is the only issue at controversy here.

HT: Drudge