-----Original Message-----

From: Dan Stein [mailto: 'Dan Stein']
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 2:41 PM
To: Linda Chavez
Subject: Re: my column

Well, as you know Linda, I've always had a great deal of respect for you, and I admire you in a many, many ways. I was wrong to re-raise that issue with you. But I do believe that the immigration laws of this country are as important as any other law, and just because an individual can claim economic betterment by breaking them doesn't give a person the right to enter illegally.  This seems to be a huge dividing line in this debate. Many elites don't think "immigration law" is "real law," kind of like speeding. There are real class divisions growing in America, and the current debate is highlighting them. I am concerned about the future stability of this society of the social and economic trends continue. Some level of income disparity is to be expected -- its the price we pay for freedom. But the disparity is growing at an alarming rate, and I see immigration as fitting into this in many ways.

What I can't figure out is this: why do people like yourself insist on claiming there's "room for a reasonable, intelligent dialogue on this issue if only....the bigots, racists, xenophobes and eugenists out there would go away... you know, those people who just don't agree with me. And if they'd just agree with me, I wouldn't have to name call and label them...."  How can your side claim to seek a civil discourse when you all do so much name calling? There are people on all sides of all issues with base, rank and unsavory motives.I believe I try to check them in this movement, and work hard to ensure that FAIR does not project those. But the frustration level over the wilfull failure of corporate America to be part of any immigration control solution for 20 years is building -- for good reason.  There must be some sense of civc responsibility and interest in the future of the country. People do get frustrated. You seem to reserve your wrath -- and that's why I wrote the original email -- for those organizations play a key role in this debate. I don't think your comments about FAIR, CIS or NumbersUSA were civil, fair or legitimate. If you eliminate these three groups, then I think you have eliminated several very constructive voices -- regardless of your (wrong-headed) ideas about JHT.

One more thing: you seem to have this view that because one principal at FAIR or a group have a particular view on family planning or population policy, that the entire organization shares it. Or that because one individual has made a remark you don't care for that this is the policy of the organization. FAIR -- as you know -- is a widely diverse group with a large membership and many funders. I assume you want CEO to be viewed as more than your own personal point of view. Why not extend FAIR the same courtesy? I've been at this for over 25 years now, and I like to think that my labors have produced an organization far bigger than any one individual.  Thanks for listening -- and here's to hoping all sides in this debate can show each other a little more respect.

Dan

----- Original Message -----

From: Linda Chavez
To: 'Dan Stein'
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 12:57 PM
Subject: RE: my column

Dan,

I’ve clearly touched a raw nerve here.  But the views in my column have nothing to do with me.  What could I possible have to be bitter about?  I took an illegal alien into my home, helped her find a job, occasionally helped her out with spending money, helped her enroll in English classes and get psychological counseling, and when she felt safe to go home again, paid for her ticket back to Guatemala.  She later returned, married an American, and brought her daughters to live here.  If I had not helped her, she might have ended up on the street or worse.  I don’t for a minute regret what I did, and I would not do anything differently today. 

My mistake—and it was a serious one—was not to tell the Bush people what I had done before they nominated me.  I have publicly acknowledged that, numerous times, including in my memoir, and I’ve apologized for embarrassing the president by my failure to fully disclose my relationship.  As you know, I’ve taken numerous people into my home over the years, Vietnamese refugees, Puerto Rican kids whose schooling I pay for, a young woman who was the oldest of 10 kids and needed a place to live so she could save for college, out-of-work friends and acquaintances, and relatives.  With the exception of Marta all were legal residents of the US or citizens.  I’ve also sponsored two immigrants—neither of whom ever worked for me—a Salvadoran boy (for whom I got a private bill passed back in the day when that was possible) and an Ethiopian woman, whom I never even met.  My employees are either American citizens or hold valid green cards—and I have all their I-9s on file.

I’ve led a charmed life and have received far more than I ever could have expected in fame and fortune. I am one of the happiest people I know—sounds funny but it’s true.  I am blessed with three wonderful kids, a loving husband of 40 years, and 8 (horrors from FAIR’s perspective) grandchildren and I expect more (my youngest isn’t yet married).  I am also a passionately patriotic American. 

I don’t like illegal immigration anymore than the next person.  But I also understand that our economy needs workers and we’ve not given a legal way for Mexicans and other low-skilled workers to come here.  The tragedy of the 1986 law was that it did not greatly increase the number of LPRs available to satisfy the market. I believe that we could work out a reasonable compromise on immigration if it weren’t for the screamers and bigots—and I don’t put you in that category. But I do think FAIR plays to the pit and is happy to let the bigots control the debate so long as you win.  I disagree with your views primarily on economic grounds. I’ve written extensively on this as you know, but my columns and articles that use economic analysis and social indicators to prove that immigrants are a net plus to the United States—and that Hispanic immigrants are assimilating as rapidly as any group before them—fall on deaf ears in the Lou Dobbs’ crowd.

As for John Tanton—he’s been enormously influential.  But I also think he’s very odd and I find his views repugnant.  I think he would have been quite at home with the eugenicists of an earlier era, most of whom were well-educated, even distinguished, scientists.  I’ve personally heard him expound on the virtues of euthanasia.  He is anti-Catholic and his views on Hispanics were quite evident in his Wittan memo, which as you recall is why I quit US English.  He’s not a venal man—and perhaps I give him too little credit for making immigration policy a matter of public debate—but, on balance, I think he’s been a force for ignorance and prejudice, wittingly or not.  And Camp of the Saints, which I reviewed when it came out in the mid-70s, is a racist jeremiad dressed up as fiction.  I can’t imagine why he would pay to have it reprinted unless he shares its xenophobic worldview.

Linda

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Stein [mailto: 'Dan Stein']
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2007 2:57 PM
To: Linda Chavez
Subject: Re: my column

Either you're still bitter over the DoL scandal, Linda, or your hopelessly out of touch with the nature of grassroots political debate. I suppose you think all the email and mail I get -- or the rhetoric of people allied with Enrique Morones -- is so tolerant? You yourself have been chased off University campuses. I think John Tanton has been a remarkable figure in American politics, and I'm sorry you've sold out to those who would destroy the national community -- for what? Pure self interest. Show me where John Tanton has ever sought to use his political engergies for presonal financial gain -- to seek an appointment or pitch consulting services?  Labelling FAIR as you do shows you've just decided to stoop to low levels -- for no good reason as far as I can see -- other than to satisfy your own desire for revenge.  Dan

----- Original Message -----

From: Linda Chavez
To: 'Dan Stein'
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 6:24 PM
Subject: my column

Hi Dan,

Funny you should mention Tamar; she’s been encouraging me to write this column for months.  I’ve never been known for my diplomacy—I’d rather call them as I see them and let the chips fall where they may.  As you can imagine, I’ve received lots of response—even some kind words from some members of Congress (all Republicans, by the way).  But most of the response has been the usual variety: “Take your Mestizo ass back to Mexico,” “Mexicans are pigs,”  “They can be referred to as: Human Locusts. What they are doing can be referred to as: The Invasion of the Benefit Snatchers. Anything else is sugar-coating the issue.” “Look at every latino barrio in the country and see how it looks like a prison with bars on the doors and windows of houses and businesses. Is this what we want our country to look like. Latino girls are baby factories. They fornicate like animals with no regard for the welfare of the child. Babies having babies while the boy goes out and screws someone else. Most latinos are liars. True again. Look at the corruption at all levels of the mexican government and it carries on to all the people.” "Quickly, the fact is that we're being invaded by an inferior culture. Every person of low quality we import plants a family-tree that bears low-quality fruit. The rotten fruit of that tree will rot our own fruit."

 There are 150 plus like this up on a respectable site: Townhall. I’m sure the responses at V-Dare and American Renaissance are worse.

But then, Dan, you know this.  Remember, I used to share office space back in 1987.  I’ve seen FAIR’s direct mail responses—I kept a whole box of them that had been discarded once. My skin still crawls when I think of the time I found John Tanton’s reprints of Camp of the Saints lining the shelves of the library.  You’ve gotten in bed with some pretty unsavory characters—you’re obviously comfortable with it; I’m not.  What I find endlessly amusing is the naivete of the conservatives who haven’t a clue as to Tanton’s and FAIR’s radical population-control, anti-natalist politics. 

Cheers,

Linda

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Stein [mailto: 'Dan Stein']
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 4:07 PM
To: Linda Chavez
Subject: Your recent column, Linda

Hi Linda,

I realize you (allegedly) disagree with FAIR, et. al., on immigration policy issues.

But someday you'll have to explain how your tone and approach advance the tenor of this debate. You could learn something from Tamar Jacoby, who at least tries to master thoughtful and reasoned arguments to advance her case.

Regards, Dan