Calm Down and Think Clearly : A hot issue like immigration needs people of goodwill and open minds

Calm and rational arguments, not inflammatory rhetoric, are needed in complex, emotionally charged issues such as immigration. It may be difficult to keep an even keel, but people should avoid the extremes in the debate and focus on the substance.

Recently, the Orange County Grand Jury caused an unnecessary stir in calling for a halt in all immigration into this country for three years. It used dubious figures in attempting to put a price tag on illegal immigration. The report has drawn national attention and, deservedly, has been assailed in Southern California.

Unfortunately, the backlash against the report now seems to be moving out of line as critics of the grand jury indulge in some overheated rhetoric of their own.

The Santa Ana and California chapters of the League of United Latin American Citizens, a civil rights organization, this week accused the grand jury report of inflaming racial tensions and increasing the possibility of civil unrest. LULAC also claims to see “tremendous potential” for riots in Orange County similar to those that occurred in Los Angeles last year.

Although there is no denying the region’s tensions, LULAC’s view is alarmist and is not supported by the evidence.

The group is right to point out the problems faced by minority groups like Latinos, who account for nearly 40% of the population in Los Angeles County and 25% in Orange County. From the hiring hall to the police station, Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans have complaints that must be addressed. And LULAC is also right to call for more representative grand juries. In both Los Angeles and Orange counties, the panels are disproportionately elderly and Anglo.

No voice should be stilled for fear of sparking discussion. What’s needed is more light and less heat. Exaggerating serves no good purpose.

Ideas must be aired, foolish though they seem to some. Many people may agree with the grand jury, especially in tough economic times, but it’s competition in the marketplace of ideas that helps puncture myths.

Let’s aim for more reason and less volume.