PERSPECTIVE ON PROPOSITION 187 : Protect the Children From Politics : The proponents now admit that it won’t do more than ‘send a message.’ This is an insult to ethics and goodwill.

Carelessly written and poorly drafted laws have a way of building common ground among the most unlikely of allies. It should be instructive, therefore, to note the surprising array of individuals now sharing the editorial pages of newspapers and the podiums of news conferences in opposition to Proposition 187.

The growing list of opponents to this measure eludes any stereotype. It includes conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats and persons of every political ilk who understand the fallacy of the initiative.

The issues and problems that once motivated voters to support Proposition 187 sight unseen now blur as the devastating impact of the proposition comes into focus. Common sense and reasoned analysis are the most prized resources for concerned voters. Thoughtful analysis of the issue is what the vast majority of voters want in order to make choices that are informed, well-grounded and in the best interest of California.

It is in this light that all Californians should note that leading spokespersons for 187 have conceded that the initiative will not stop illegal immigration. For voters who search for the facts, it should be enlightening to hear from the proposition’s strongest supporters that 187 will not deliver on its earlier grandiose promises. Most provisions of Proposition 187 are now widely recognized to be unconstitutional, in violation of privacy and eligibility laws and completely impotent to change immigration laws.

Since the initiative cannot stand on its own, proponents have taken to manufacturing reasons to support 187 that have nothing to do with the content and provisions of the initiative. Voters are being asked to pass Proposition 187 to “send a message.” It is a message that includes tossing hundreds of thousands of kids out of school, that refuses to immunize children and that asks taxpayers to gamble $15 billion in federal funds that come to California each year.

No one disputes that there are serious issues regarding immigration that need to be addressed by the people of California in a responsible way. What is very clear, however, is that Proposition 187 is bad public policy; it fails the most fundamental test of lawmaking by creating more problems than it solves.

If the California economy were growing by 5% per year, if we were not still reeling from a painfully prolonged recession, Proposition 187 would not be on the ballot. But it is not surprising that with people losing jobs, factories shutting down, corporations leaving the state and the fabric of our communities being challenged every day, that we find people grasping for the quick and easy solutions that characterize Proposition 187.

Those who carefully study Proposition 187 and its impact are now realizing that it does not begin to solve the myriad problems we face. It will do nothing to strengthen California, do nothing to revitalize our economy or ease the burdens of ordinary working people.

There are numerous reasons--especially those grounded in basic moral and ethical principles of our religious heritage and tradition--why California’s Catholic bishops oppose Proposition 187. The most compelling for us is how the initiative will threaten children. Many have criticized the bishops for meddling in politics by taking an unambiguous position against the initiative. Children, however, are not political issues. They are human beings who need to be protected from bad laws like Proposition 187.

An unusual collection of allies is lining up to say no to Proposition 187 on behalf of children who have not chosen to be undocumented. Each and every voter in California, every woman and man of conscience and goodwill should turn back this failed attempt at public policy and reject Proposition 187.