Compassion For Border Jumpers

I'm truly touched by this display of concern:

The government of Mexico is raising eyebrows with a new comic book offering advice on how to cross the border into the U.S. illegally.

Called "The Guide for the Mexican Migrant," the 32-page book published by Mexico's Foreign Ministry uses simple language to offer information on safety, legal rights and living unobtrusively in America.

"This guide is intended to give you some practical advice that could be of use if you have made the difficult decision to seek new work opportunities outside your country," the book says, according to the Arizona Republic.

Illustrations depict illegals wading into a river, trying to evade U.S. Border Patrol and crouching near a hole in a border fence. Immigrants are also shown hiking through the desert with rock formations similar to those in Arizona and being caught by an American agent.

Among the tips offered:

"Try to walk during times when the heat is not as intense";

"Salt water helps you retain your body's liquids. Although you'll feel thirstier, if you drink water with salt the risk of dehydration is much lower";

"Thick clothing increases your weight when wet, and this makes it difficult to swim or float."

It also says if migrants get lost, they should follow train tracks or power lines. It warns of walking for days to reach towns or roads in the desert.

If caught by Border Patrol, the book says, "Don't throw stones or objects at the officer or patrol vehicles because this is considered a provocation. Raise your hands slowly so they see you are unarmed."

It also recommends not running away from agents in pursuit.

"It's better to be detained a few hours and repatriated to Mexico than to get lost in the desert," the guide states.

The book includes a disclaimer stating it doesn't promote crossing the border illegally, but it doesn't give information about legal steps to seek a U.S. visa.

Let me be clear: I consider this a direct attack on the United States by Mexico. Already, illegal immigration has had dire effects on our economy; this promises to grow worse, over time. The Mexican government sees no need for reform, or increased freedom for its citizens. Rather, it encourages its poor, its downtrodden, its criminal elements to close up shop and head north. Kinda like Pontius Pilate washing his hands of the whole sordid business, as if doing so cleanses all guilt and culpability. I don't think so, Julio.

The Mexican government encourages its people to evade the Border Patrol, and what about that "don't throw stones or objects" statement? Are they serious? Of course that's a provocation. For anyone in doubt, walk up to the nearest cop and lob a rock at him. See what happens. Oh, and if you're still alive, afterward, report your results. I'll post 'em on my blog for all to see. By the way, notice that the author never says that hurling missles at security agents is wrong--only that it's a "provocation."

As far as I'm concerned, this is the Mexicans spitting at us, drawing a line in the sand, and daring us to step over it. It's not even subtle contempt. It's blatant, in-your-face disdain and subversion of our laws.

Mexico, you are not a friend of the United States. Nor have you been, for a long time--if ever.