President Obama: Amnesty for ‘illegal immigrants’

After the convincing win by the Ukip’s Mark Reckless in the Rochester by-election last night, certain sections of English society slips further into both despising migrants and blaming them for society’s ills. Shell-shocked political leaders seem to be falling over themselves in an attempt to keep up with Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s anti-migrant rhetoric.

In sharp contrast the American President Barack Obama has shown supreme leadership, by facing down a rabid right wing ‘Tea Party’ agenda by announcing a partial amnesty for 5 million ‘illegal immigrants’. In a impassioned speech the President urged Americans to show compassion for those who work hard but have no rights and basic benefits.

Are we a nation that tolerates the hypocrisy of a system where workers who pick our fruit and make our beds never have a chance to get right with the law?”

he asked.

Are we a nation that accepts the cruelty of ripping children from their parents’ arms?”

Obama also argued that it was both morally right and financially good for a nation to have people legally working and paying taxes.

The Republican Party are furious with the President’s actions and have threatened to make life very difficult for Obama now they control both the Senate and Congress.

Many neutral observers, however, will see this move by Obama has one of his boldest during his six year Presidency. This move is not only bold but also demonstrates leadership of the highest quality.

When was the last time you heard of political leader ask their people to show compassion and decency for those less fortunate than themselves?

Here in the UK too many of our politicians revel in their hatred for everything foreign despite the benefits their hypocrisy affords them, including: builders, getting their cars washed, home help, lovers and partners.

Let’s hope that Obama’s leadership inspires other politicians particularly here in the UK to drop the politics of hate and have a little more compassion. Truth is it’s not only good for the soul of nation, as Obama as indicated; it’s also good for the nation's bank balance.

Simon Woolley